GB2494440A

GB2494440A - Fastener for a collapsible rodent cage

Info

Publication number: GB2494440A
Application number: GB1115588.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Lannie; Tony Wye
Original assignee: ARMITAGE PET PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: ARMITAGE PET PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-09-09
Filing date: 2011-09-09
Publication date: 2013-03-13
Also published as: GB201115588D0

Abstract

A discrete fastener (10), for fastening together adjacent first and second cage sides of a collapsible rodent cage that are interconnected via a further cage side, comprises a fastener body (12) which includes first and second fastener formations (14, 16). Each fastener formation (14, 16) in use selectively receives a portion of a respective first or second cage side and inhibits pivoting of the first and second cage sides relative to one another in at least one direction about an axis extending along an interface defined by adjacent opposed edges of the first and second cage sides.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO RODENT CAGES

This invention relates to a discrete fastener for fastening together adjacent first and second cage sides of a collapsible rodent cage that are interconnected via a further cage side, and a rodent cage assembly including such a discrete fastener.

A collapsible rodent cage is able to adopt a substantially flat configuration and an erect configuration. In the substantially flat configuration respective cage sides lie generally in the same plane which is convenient for storing and transporting the rodent cage. In the erect configuration the cage sides extend substantially perpendicular to one another to define an enclosed interior in which a rodent is able to reside.

In conventional arrangements each cage side is held in the erect configuration by engaging it with a cage base, which typically takes the form of an enclosed tray in which is rodent bedding and the like is located. Such an arrangement desirably maintains the rodent cage in its erect configuration to allow the rodent to reside in the cage while remaining captive therein.

However, one drawback of such a conventional arrangement is that on separation of the rodent cage from the cage base, such a may arise during cleaning of the rodent cage and/or the cage base, the rodent cage looses all rigidity and becomes unstable. This is inconvenient to users as it makes the rodent cage difficult to handle and can result it one or more various rodent apparatus items becoming detached from the rodent cage.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a discrete fastener, for fastening together adjacent first and second cage sides of a collapsible rodent cage that are interconnected via a further cage side, the discrete fastener comprising a fastener body including first and second fastener formations, each fastener formation in use selectively receiving a portion of a respective first or second cage side and inhibiting pivoting of the first and second cage sides relative to one another in at least one direction about an axis extending along an interface defined by adjacent opposed edges of the first and second cage sides.

The provision of a discrete fastener that is able to inhibit pivoting of the first and second cage sides relative to one another in at least one direction about an axis extending along an interface defined by adjacent opposed edges of the first and second cage sides helps to maintain the collapsible rodent cage in its erect configuration and so makes it easier to handle, e.g. during cleaning of a rodent cage, and reduces the likelihood of one or more rodent apparatus items becoming dislodged from one or both of the first and second cage sides.

Moreover, the selective manner in which the discrete fastener inhibits the said pivoting between adjacent first and second sides means that a user is still able, as desired, to separate the fastener from at least one of the first and second cage sides to permit arrangement of the rodent cage in its substantially flat configuration.

Preferably the first fastener formation includes a first receiving formation which in use receives a first elongate perimeter member of the first cage side, and a first abutment formation which in use cooperates with a first bar member of the first cage side to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body relative to the first cage side in at least one direction about an axis extending along the length of the first perimeter member.

Optionally the second fastener formation includes a second receiving formation which in use receives a second elongate perimeter member of the second cage side, and a second abutment formation which in use cooperates with a second bar member of the second cage side to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body relative to the second cage side in at least one direction about an axis extending along the length of the second perimeter member.

Such cooperation of a respective abutment formation with the corresponding bar member and the resulting inhibition of pivoting of the fastener body relative to the corresponding cage side prevents pivoting of adjacent cage sides relative to one another to a desired extent in order to maintain a required degree of rigidity within the rodent cage.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least one abutment formation inhibits pivoting of the fastener body relative to the corresponding cage side in first and second opposite directions about the corresponding perimeter member axis. Such a feature helps to ensure that adjacent cage sides are unable to pivot relative to another about the interface axis in any direction, and so helps to ensure the rodent cage maintains a maximum degree of rigidity.

Preferably the first abutment formation includes a first leg extending away from the first receiving formation, the first leg cooperating with the first bar member to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body in a first direction about the first perimeter member axis. Such an arrangement provides a desired degree of resistance to pivoting of the fastener body relative to the first cage side while being readily manufacturable.

In use the first leg may cooperate with a first bar member which extends substantially parallel to the first perimeter member. The inclusion of such a first leg permits the fastener of the invention to cooperate with a cage side which is configured in a particular manner, e.g. to facilitate the ready fastening of a particular rodent apparatus item to the cage side.

Optionally the first abutment formation further includes a second leg extending away from the first receiving formation, the second leg cooperating with the first bar member to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body in a second direction about the first perimeter member axis, the second direction being opposite the first direction about the first is perimeter member axis.

Such an arrangement inhibits pivoting of the fastener body relative to the first cage side in both directions about the first perimeter member axis and so helps to maintain a maximum degree of rigidity in the rodent cage.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the first receiving formation includes a first detent to releasably retain the first perimeter member when received in the first receiving formation. The inclusion of a first detent allows the first receiving formation to receive and retain the first perimeter member, as required to maintain the rodent cage in its erect configuration, while also permitting ready separation of the first perimeter member from the fastener to allow movement of the rodent cage into its substantially flat configuration.

Preferably the second abutment formation includes a third leg extending away from the second receiving formation, the third leg cooperating with the second bar member to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body in a first direction about the second perimeter member axis. Such an arrangement provides a desired degree of resistance to pivoting of the fastener body relative to the second cage side while being readily manufacturable Optionally the third leg includes an elbow portion to, in use, abut the second bar member. The inclusion of an elbow portion allows the third leg to accommodate changes in the topography of the second cage side while maintaining the desired resistance to pivoting.

In use the third leg may cooperate with a second bar member which extends s substantially perpendicular to the second perimeter member. The inclusion of such a third leg permits the fastener of the invention to cooperate with a cage side which is configured in another particular manner, e.g. to facilitate the ready fastening of a different particular rodent apparatus item to the cage side.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the second receiving formation includes a second detent to releasably retain the second perimeter member when received in the second receiving formation.

The inclusion of a second detent allows the second receiving formation to receive and is retain the second perimeter member, as required to maintain the rodent cage in its erect configuration, while also permitting ready separation of the second perimeter member from the fastener to allow movement of the rodent cage into its substantially flat configuration.

Preferably the first and second fastener formations extend substantially perpendicular to one another. Such an arrangement permits ready engagement of the fastener with each adjacent cage side while maintaining the perpendicular arrangement of one cage side relative to the other, i.e. the erect configuration of the rodent cage.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention the first and second fastener formations are spaced from one another by an intermediate portion of the fastener body.

The inclusion of such an intermediate portion of the fastener body helps to ensure that the respective edges of the adjacent cage sides are spaced from one another to a desired extent, e.g. not more than 10 mm, so as to ensure a rodent remains captive in the rodent cage while maintaining a uniform overall appearance to the rodent cage.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a rodent cage assembly comprising: a collapsible rodent cage including a plurality of cages sides each of which is coupled to a further cage side which in use defines a cage lid, each cage side being movable relative to the cage lid between a substantially flat configuration and an erect configuration in which the respective cage side extends substantially perpendicular to the cage lid; and a plurality of discrete fasteners, each fastener including a fastener body having first and second fastener formations, each fastener formation selectively receiving a portion of a respective cage side in a pair of adjacent cage sides and inhibiting pivoting of the adjacent cages sides relative to one another in at least a first direction about an axis extending along an interface defined by opposed edges of the adjacent cage sides, the plurality of discrete fasteners cooperating to selectively maintain the rodent cage in its erect configuration.

Preferably at least one cage side is pivotally coupled to the cage lid, the or each such cage side being foldable relative to the cage lid between the substantially flat configuration and the erect configuration.

is Optionally the rodent cage includes a first cage side which has a first perimeter member that lies adjacent to an adjacent cage side when the rodent cage is in its erect configuration, and which has a first bar member that extends substantially parallel to the first perimeter member.

The rodent cage may include a second cage side which has a second perimeter member that lies adjacent to an adjacent cage side when the rodent cage is in its erect configuration, and which has a second bar member that extends substantially perpendicular to the second perimeter member.

The rodent cage assembly shares the benefits associated with the corresponding features of the discrete fastener.

There now follows a brief description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1(a) shows a perspective view from a first side of a discrete fastener according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1(b) shows a perspective view from a second side of the fastener shown in Figure 1(a); Figure 2(a) shows a perspective view from a first side of the fastener shown in Figure 1 in use with a collapsible rodent cage; Figure 2(b) shows a perspective view from a second side of the arrangement shown in Figure 2(a); Figure 3(a) shows a rodent cage assembly according to an embodiment of the invention is a first substantially flat configuration; and Figure 3(b) shows the rodent cage assembly shown in Figure 3(a) in an second erect configuration.

A discrete fastener according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.

The discrete fastener 10 includes a fastener body 12 which has first and second fastener formations 14, 16. In the embodiment shown the fastener body 12 is formed, and in particular injection-moulded, from a plastics material. In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the fastener body 12 may be formed from a different type of material.

The first fastener formation 14 includes a first receiving formation 18 and a first abutment formation 20, while the second fastener formation 16 includes a second receiving formation 22 and a second abutment formation 24.

The first abutment formation 20 includes first and second legs 26, 28 which are spaced laterally from one another and which both extend from the first receiving formation 18.

The first receiving formation 18 includes a first detent 30.

The second abutment formation 24 includes a third leg which extends away from the second receiving formation 22, and which includes an elbow portion 34.

The second receiving formation 22 includes a second detent 36.

As shown in Figure 1. the first and second fastener formations 14, 16 extend substantially perpendicular to one another, and are spaced from one another by an intermediate portion 38 of the fastener body 12.

s Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show a rodent cage assembly 50 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The rodent cage assembly 50 includes a collapsible rodent cage 52 which has four cage sides 54, each of which is pivotally coupled with a further cage side that defines a cage lid 56. Each of the cage sides 54 and the cage sides 54 and cage lid 56 together, define apertures which have a width that is not greater than approximately 10mm in order to prevent a rodent held captive by the cage 52 escaping therefrom.

The cage sides 54 and the cage lid 56 have an open structure which is formed from a powder-coated metal skeleton. In other embodiments of the invention the cage sides and cage lid may be formed from a different material.

Other embodiments of the invention (not shown) may include greater than or fewer than four cage sides 54, and the cage sides 54 need not be pivotally coupled with the cage lid 56. For example, in other embodiments of the invention one or more cage sides 54 may be fastened to the cage lid 56 via one or more further discrete fasteners 10 as described above.

In the embodiment shown each cage side 54 is foldable relative to the cage lid 56 between a substantially flat configuration, as shown in Figure 3(a), and an erect configuration, as shown in Figure 3(b), in which each respective cage side 54 extends substantially perpendicular to the cage lid 56.

The rodent cage 52 includes two first cage sides 58, each of which has a pair of first elongate perimeter members 60 that lie adjacent to an adjacent cage side 54 when the rodent cage 52 is in its erect configuration. Each of the first cage sides 58 also includes a first bar member 62 which extends substantially parallel to and adjacent to the first perimeter member 60.

In addition the rodent cage 52 includes two second cage sides 64, each of which has a pair of second elongate perimeter members 66 that again lie adjacent to an adjacent cage side 54 when the rodent cage is in its erect configuration. Each of the second cage sides 64 also includes a plurality of second bar members 68. all of which extend substantially perpendicular to the second perimeter member 66.

In the embodiment shown the two first cage sides 58 lie opposite one another and are interposed by respective second cage sides 64. In other embodiments, however, the rodent cage 52 may include a different number and a different arrangement of first and second cage sides 58, 64.

In use each fastener formation 14, 16 receives a portion of a respective first or second cage side 68, 64 and inhibits pivoting of the first and second cage sides 58, 64 relative to one another in at least one direction about an axis extending along an interface defined S by adjacent edges 70(a), 70(b) of the first and second cage sides 58, 64, i.e. an interface axis A1. Inhibiting the relative pivoting of the cage sides 58, 64 in such a manner maintains the rodent cage 52 in its erect configuration.

More particularly the first receiving formation 18 receives the first elongate perimeter member 60 and the first detent 30 selectively retains the first perimeter member 60 in the first receiving formation 18. Meanwhile the first abutment formation 20 cooperates with the first bar member 62 to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body 12 relative to the first cage side 58 in first and second directions about an axis extending along the length of the first perimeter member 60, i.e. a first perimeter member axis A1.

In the embodiment shown the first abutment formation 20 provides the said inhibition of relative pivoting by having the first leg 26 cooperate with the first bar member 62 to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body 12 about the first perimeter member axis A1 in the first direction, and having the second leg 28 cooperate with the first bar member 62 to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body 12 about the first perimeter member axis Ap1 in the second direction.

The second receiving formation 22 receives the second elongate perimeter member 66 and the second detent 36 releasably retains the second perimeter member 66 in the second receiving formation 22. At the same time the second abutment formation 24 cooperates with the second bar member 68 to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body 12 relative to the second cage side 64 in a first direction about an axis extending along the length of the second perimeter member 66. i.e. a second perimeter member axis A2.

In the embodiment shown the second abutment formation 24 provides the said inhibition of relative pivoting by having the third leg 32 and associated elbow portion 34 abut the second bar member 68 to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body 12 about the second perimeter member axis A2 in the first direction.

Accordingly, the first fastener formation 14 receives and selectively retains the first cage side 58 and inhibits pivoting of the fastener body 12 relative to the first cage side 58 in first and second directions about the first perimeter member axis A1, while the second fastener formation 16 receives and selectively retains the second cage side 64 and inhibits pivoting of the fastener body 12 relative to the second cage side 64 in a single, first direction about the second perimeter member axis A2.

6 Such an arrangement effectively inhibits the movement of any one cage side 58, 64 relative to the case lid 56, and so inhibits movement of one cage side 58, 64 relative to the other cage side 64 to maintain the rodent cage 52 in its erect configuration.

Accordingly the rodent cage 52 is maintained in its erect configuration when sifting on a cage base and when removed from the cage base.

As desired, a user is able to selectively separate one or both of the fastener formations 14, 16 from the corresponding cage side 58, 64 when wishing to configure the rodent cage in the substantially flat configuration for storage and/or transportation purposes.

It follows that the discrete fastener 10 of the invention allows the provision of a collapsible rodent cage 52 which provides the storage and transportation benefits associated with a substantially flat cage configuration and the ease of removal for cleaning advantage associated with a permanently rigid erect cage.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A discrete fastener, for fastening together adjacent first and second cage sides of a collapsible rodent cage that are interconnected via a further cage side, the discrete fastener comprising a fastener body including first and second fastener formations, each fastener formation in use selectively receiving a portion of a respective first or second cage side and inhibiting pivoting of the first and second cage sides relative to one another in at least one direction about an axis extending along an interface defined by adjacent opposed edges of the first and second cage sides.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A discrete fastener according to Claim 1 wherein the first fastener formation includes a first receiving formation which in use receives a first elongate perimeter member of the first cage side, and a first abutment formation which in use cooperates with a first bar member of the first cage side to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body relative to the first cage side in at least one direction about an axis extending along the length of the first perimeter member.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A discrete fastener according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the second fastener formation includes a second receiving formation which in use receives a second elongate perimeter member of the second cage side, and a second abutment formation which in use cooperates with a second bar member of the second cage side to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body relative to the second cage side in at least one direction about an axis extending along the length of the second perimeter member.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A discrete fastener according to Claim 3 when dependent on Claim 2 wherein at least one abutment formation inhibits pivoting of the fastener body relative to the corresponding cage side in first and second opposite directions about the corresponding perimeter member axis.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A discrete fastener according to Claim 2 wherein the first abutment formation includes a first leg extending away from the first receiving formation, the first leg cooperating with the first bar member to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body in a first direction about the first perimeter member axis.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A discrete fastener according to Claim 5 wherein in use the first leg cooperates with a first bar member which extends substantially parallel to the first perimeter member.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A discrete fastener according to Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the first abutment formation further includes a second leg extending away from the first receiving formation, the second leg cooperating with the first bar member to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body in a second direction about the first perimeter member axis, the second direction being opposite the first direction about the first perimeter member axis.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A discrete fastener according to any of Claims 5 to 7 wherein the first receiving formation includes a first detent to releasably retain the first perimeter member when received in the first receiving formation.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A discrete fastener according to Claim 3 wherein the second abutment formation includes a third leg extending away from the second receiving formation, the third leg cooperating with the second bar member to inhibit pivoting of the fastener body in a first is direction about the second perimeter member axis.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A discrete fastener according to Claim 9 wherein the third leg includes an elbow portion to, in use, abut the second bar member.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A discrete fastener according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein in use the third leg cooperates with a second bar member which extends substantially perpendicular to the second perimeter member.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A discrete fastener according to any of Claims 5 to 11 wherein the second receiving formation includes a second detent to releasably retain the second perimeter member when received in the second receiving formation.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A discrete fastener according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second fastener formations extend substantially perpendicular to one another.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A discrete fastener according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second fastener formations are spaced from one another by an intermediate portion of the fastener body.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A rodent cage assembly comprising: a collapsible rodent cage including a plurality of cages sides each of which is coupled to a further cage side which in use defines a cage lid, each cage side being ( movable relative to the cage lid between a substantially flat configuration and an erect configuration in which the respective cage side extends substantially perpendicular to the cage lid; and a plurality of discrete fasteners, each fastener including a fastener body having first and second fastener formations, each fastener formation selectively receiving a portion of a respective cage side in a pair of adjacent cage sides and inhibiting pivoting of the adjacent cages sides relative to one another in at least a first direction about an axis extending along an interface defined by opposed edges of the adjacent cage sides, the plurality of discrete fasteners cooperating to selectively maintain the rodent cage in Ia its erect configuration.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A rodent cage assembly according to Claim 15 wherein at least one cage side is pivotally coupled to the cage lid, the or each such cage side being foldable relative to the cage lid between the substantially flat configuration and the erect configuration.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A rodent cage assembly according to Claim 15 of Claim 16 wherein the rodent cage includes a first cage side which has a first perimeter member that lies adjacent to an adjacent cage side when the rodent cage is in its erect configuration, and which has a first bar member that extends substantially parallel to the first perimeter member.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A rodent cage assembly according to any of Claims 15 to 17 wherein the rodent cage includes a second cage side which has a second perimeter member that lies adjacent to an adjacent cage side when the rodent cage is in its erect configuration, and which has a second bar member that extends substantially perpendicular to the second perimeter member.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A discrete fastener generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A rodent cage assembly generally as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>