A mouse toy for use in a rodent cage

Abstract

A mouse toy used in a rodent cage, relates to the technical field of barrier environment experimental animals, comprising a pipe body, sleeves are arranged on both sides of the pipe body to meet the biting habit of mice, a portable dismounting mechanism is arranged between the pipe body and the sleeve for plug-in fixing of the pipe body and the sleeve, an escape channel is arranged in the pipe body for back-and-forth shuttling movement of the mouse, an access channel is arranged in the sleeve and communicates with the escape channel, the scheme not only improves the animal welfare of rodents in the daily feeding process, but also maximizes the reduction of investment, cost reduction and efficiency increase.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of barrier environment experimental animal technology, specifically a mouse toy used in rodent cages. Background Technology

[0002] In barrier-enclosed laboratory animal facilities, animal welfare during rodent rearing is a crucial concern worldwide. Animal welfare affects animal condition, which in turn influences experimental results. Ensuring adequate animal welfare for rodents during both production and experimental processes has become a key focus in rodent husbandry.

[0003] However, existing mouse toys that meet animal welfare requirements have the following shortcomings in practical applications: 1. Existing mouse toys are mainly categorized into two types: those for mice to chew on and those for mice to hide in. The primary function of chewing toys is to allow mice to grind their teeth, preventing overgrown teeth and improper bites that could affect their feeding. The primary function of hiding toys is to allow mice to play and hide, allowing them to express their natural instincts. 2. Currently, there are no existing mouse toys that combine both chewing and hiding functions, neither domestically nor internationally. 3. If only one type of toy is chosen, animal welfare cannot be fully realized; if both are chosen, it will inevitably occupy more effective rearing space in the cage and increase production costs, thus failing to meet current needs. Therefore, we propose a mouse toy for use in rodent cages. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a mouse toy for use in rodent cages, in order to solve the problem mentioned in the background art of how to improve animal welfare of rodents in daily feeding while minimizing input and reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a mouse toy for use in a rodent cage, comprising a tube body, with sleeves on both sides of the tube body to accommodate the mouse's chewing habits; a convenient disassembly mechanism between the tube body and the sleeves for inserting and fixing the tube body and the sleeves; an avoidance channel inside the tube body for the mouse to move back and forth; and an entry / exit channel inside the sleeves, which is connected to the avoidance channel.

[0006] Preferably, the tube body is made of stainless steel, and the tube body has a length of 15 centimeters and an inner diameter of 5 centimeters.

[0007] Preferably, the sleeve has a trumpet-shaped structure and is made of bite-resistant plastic material.

[0008] Preferably, the outer diameter of the sleeve is 8.5 cm and the inner diameter is 5 cm.

[0009] Preferably, the convenient disassembly mechanism includes an installation port and a sleeve. The installation port is integrally formed at both ends of the tube body, and the sleeve is integrally formed on the inner side of the sleeve, with the installation port and the sleeve being inserted into each other.

[0010] Preferably, the inner diameter of the sleeve is the same as that of the avoidance channel.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0012] 1. This utility model combines the dual functions of providing a place for mice to gnaw and hide. It satisfies the mice's need for teeth grinding, prevents their teeth from growing too long and affecting their feeding, and allows the mice to express their natural instinct to hide by crawling through hiding tunnels. This fully protects the welfare of rodents during the rearing process, helps maintain the animals' good condition, and thus reduces the adverse effects on experimental results.

[0013] 2. This utility model eliminates the need to place both chewing and hiding toys simultaneously. One device can achieve both functions, greatly reducing the space occupied in the cage and improving the utilization rate of the effective breeding space in the cage. At the same time, it reduces the production cost caused by using two toys. Furthermore, when the chewing devices at both ends are damaged, only the sleeves need to be replaced, without replacing the entire device, further saving on usage costs.

[0014] 3. The circular fan-shaped surfaces at both ends of this utility model support the stainless steel channel, creating additional space for mice to pass through, which increases the fun and richness of the toy and attracts mice to move around more; the stainless steel hiding channel can be used flexibly in the cage, and the overall design is practical and easy to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Pipe body; 2. Sleeve; 3. Inlet / outlet channel; 4. Avoidance channel; 5. Installation port; 6. Sheath. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0021] Please see Figure 1-4 An embodiment of this utility model provides a mouse toy for use in a rodent cage, comprising a tube 1, with sleeves 2 on both sides of the tube 1 to satisfy the mouse's chewing habits, a convenient disassembly mechanism between the tube 1 and the sleeves 2 for inserting and fixing the tube 1 and the sleeves 2, an avoidance channel 4 inside the tube 1 for the mouse to move back and forth, and an inlet / outlet channel 3 inside the sleeves 2, which is connected to the avoidance channel 4.

[0022] When mice have a chewing need, they will naturally gnaw on the sleeves 2 located on both sides of the tube 1 to satisfy their teeth-grinding instinct. When mice need to hide or move around, they will enter the hiding channel 4 inside the tube 1 through the inlet / outlet channel 3 inside the sleeve 2 and move back and forth within it. The convenient disassembly mechanism securely connects the tube 1 and sleeve 2 through the insertion and engagement of the mounting port 5 and the sleeve 6, while also facilitating disassembly and replacement of the sleeve 2 after it wears out. The chew-resistant plastic material of the sleeve 2 effectively satisfies the chewing needs of mice, extending the toy's lifespan; the hiding channel 4 provides a safe activity space for the mice, helping to alleviate their stress and ensuring animal welfare; the convenient disassembly mechanism makes the replacement of the sleeve 2 simple and quick, reducing usage costs and maintenance difficulty.

[0023] Furthermore, the tube 1 is made of stainless steel, with a length of 15 centimeters and an inner diameter of 5 centimeters. The stainless steel material provides the tube 1 with sufficient strength and corrosion resistance to withstand the activity and chewing of mice while maintaining structural stability. The 15-centimeter length and 5-centimeter inner diameter provide suitable space for the mice to move freely within the hiding tunnel 4. The stainless steel material ensures that the tube 1 is not easily damaged, extending the overall lifespan of the toy. The reasonable size design meets the physiological needs of mice, improving their comfort and convenience when using the toy.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The sleeve 2 has a funnel-shaped structure and is made of bite-resistant plastic. The funnel-shaped structure of the sleeve 2 forms a natural guiding effect, making it easy for mice to enter and exit the passage 3. The bite-resistant plastic material can resist the biting of mice and prevent the sleeve 2 from being damaged prematurely.

[0025] The trumpet-shaped structure reduces the difficulty for mice to enter the toy, improving the toy's usability; the chew-resistant plastic material reduces the frequency of replacing sleeve 2, saving costs.

[0026] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the sleeve 2 is 8.5 cm and the inner diameter is 5 cm. This size design allows the sleeve 2 to be securely fitted onto both ends of the tube body 1, while creating sufficient space for the mouse to move and enter and exit. The appropriate size ensures the stability of the connection between the sleeve 2 and the tube body 1, preventing the sleeve 2 from falling off during use. The larger outer diameter provides the mouse with a more spacious activity area, enhancing the practicality of the toy.

[0027] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The convenient disassembly mechanism includes an installation port 5 and a sleeve 6. The installation port 5 is integrally formed at both ends of the tube body 1, and the sleeve 6 is integrally formed on the inner side of the sleeve 2. The installation port 5 and the sleeve 6 are inserted into each other, forming a convenient disassembly mechanism. When the sleeve 2 needs to be replaced, simply pull the sleeve 6 out of the installation port 5. During installation, align the sleeve 6 with the installation port 5 and insert it to achieve a stable connection between the tube body 1 and the sleeve 2. This design makes the replacement of the sleeve 2 simple and quick, without the need for tools, reducing maintenance difficulty. At the same time, the stable connection ensures the safety and reliability of the toy during use.

[0028] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the sleeve 6 is the same as that of the escape channel 4, ensuring that the mouse is not obstructed when entering the escape channel 4 from the entrance / exit channel 3, making the transition between the channels smoother. This smooth transition improves the mouse's movement within the toy, reduces potential difficulties and stress during movement, and further enhances the user experience.

[0029] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A mouse toy for use in a rodent cage, comprising a tube (1), characterized in that: Both sides of the tube (1) are provided with sleeves (2) to meet the nibbling habits of mice. A convenient disassembly mechanism is provided between the tube (1) and the sleeve (2) for inserting and fixing the tube (1) and the sleeve (2). An avoidance channel (4) is provided inside the tube (1) for mice to move back and forth. An inlet and outlet channel (3) is provided inside the sleeve (2), and the inlet and outlet channel (3) is connected to the avoidance channel (4).

2. The mouse toy for use in a rodent cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tube (1) is made of stainless steel, and the length of the tube (1) is 15 centimeters and the inner diameter is 5 centimeters.

3. A mouse toy for use in a rodent cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve (2) has a trumpet-shaped structure and is made of bite-resistant plastic material.

4. A mouse toy for use in a rodent cage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the sleeve (2) is 8.5 cm and the inner diameter is 5 cm.

5. A mouse toy for use in a rodent cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The convenient disassembly mechanism includes an installation port (5) and a sleeve (6). The installation port (5) is integrally formed at both ends of the tube body (1), and the sleeve (6) is integrally formed on the inner side of the sleeve (2). The installation port (5) and the sleeve (6) are inserted into each other.

6. A mouse toy for use in a rodent cage according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the sleeve (6) is the same as that of the avoidance channel (4).

Images