Breeding mouse cage with noise reduction and shock absorption functions

Abstract

The breeding mouse cage comprises a cage box cover, a stainless steel net cover, a cage body and a bottom plate, the top and the bottom of the cage body are each of an open structure, the cage box cover and the stainless steel net cover detachably cover the top of the cage body, and the bottom plate is detachably connected to the bottom of the cage body; a ventilation window and a water bottle inlet are formed in the cage box cover; the stainless steel net cover is provided with a feed placing position; the outer side of the cage body is coated with a sound-proof felt sleeve; a cross-shaped partition plate is arranged in the cage body, the bottom of the partition plate is inserted into the corresponding inserting groove of the bottom plate, and the partition plate divides the interior of the cage body to form spaces which are communicated with one another. The mouse cage provided by the utility model can provide a closed delivery environment, provide heat preservation for cubs, absorb ultrasonic waves in the cage, reduce external vibration and noise interference, prevent stress of female mice and promote survival of the cubs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of rat cage technology, specifically to a noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding rat cage. Background Technology

[0002] Mice breeding is a crucial aspect of animal experiments, especially for genetically modified mice. However, human interference, such as noise or vibration, can cause neurological disorders in lactating mother mice, leading to panic and agitation, increasing the risk of stillbirth and cannibalism. Simultaneously, the pups have poor thermoregulation, and hypothermia can cause their death. To prevent mother mice from cannibalizing their pups due to stress during animal husbandry and breeding, the following measures are generally recommended: house one male and two females together; once pregnancy is confirmed, place the pregnant mouse in a separate cage, avoiding changing cages before and after delivery to prepare for the subsequent birthing and lactation. In animal facility management, control indoor noise levels to ensure they do not exceed 60 decibels to reduce stress and anxiety in the mother mice; secondly, minimize disturbance to the mother and pups during the week following birth, especially on the first day after the pups' birth, avoiding any behavior that might cause panic in the mother.

[0003] The sound level meter is used for volume measurement in animal enclosures. Commercially available sound level meters can measure frequencies from 20 Hz to 460 kHz. Mice have an auditory frequency range of 200 Hz to 90 kHz and are particularly sensitive to ultrasound. Studies have shown that frequencies close to 400 Hz can be uncomfortable for mice because they can interfere with their hearing and nervous system, affecting behavior and survival. However, due to the mismatch between the frequency range covered by sound level meters and the auditory range of mice, existing technologies struggle to effectively control noise in mouse enclosures and prevent mother mice from cannibalizing their young.

[0004] Human-caused noise primarily consists of the sounds of doors opening and closing, footsteps, and the noises from moving cages, changing water bottles, adding water or food, or changing bedding. Vibrations from opening and closing doors, pushing objects, and even moving other cages on the rack are also unavoidable. These sound waves propagate through the air, buildings, and cage racks. Therefore, reducing the impact of human-caused noise and vibration on pregnant or lactating female mice in their cages is crucial to minimizing stress for them.

[0005] The ultrasound waves emitted in the rat enclosure primarily originate from the rats themselves. Laboratory rats and mice emit ultrasound waves at different frequencies under different conditions, such as a 40 kHz cry when separated from their mothers, a 22 kHz cry when subjected to aversive stimuli, and a 50 kHz cry during non-aggressive interactions. Mice also produce ultrasound waves during non-aggressive interactions, especially during mating behavior. Ultrasound waves primarily propagate through solid, liquid, and air media. The propagation speed and attenuation characteristics of ultrasound waves differ in different media. Generally, ultrasound waves propagate fastest in solids, followed by liquids, and slowest in gases. Ultrasound waves experience significant attenuation when propagating through air, especially higher-frequency waves, where attenuation is more pronounced. Therefore, reducing or eliminating ultrasound waves transmitted through solid media is key to alleviating stress in laboratory rats.

[0006] The design of this utility model is mainly aimed at the artificial noise in animal rooms and the ultrasonic waves and vibrations transmitted through solid media. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage. It is an improved breeding cage device for mice based on the original mouse cage, which reduces the impact of noise and vibration on the mother mouse, reduces the need for cage changes, alleviates stress response in the mother mouse, improves animal welfare, and promotes the breeding of laboratory mice.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding rat cage includes a cage lid, a stainless steel mesh cover, a cage body, and a bottom plate. The top and bottom of the cage body are open structures. The cage lid and the stainless steel mesh cover are detachably fitted onto the top of the cage body, and the bottom plate is detachably connected to the bottom of the cage body. The cage lid has a ventilation window and a water bottle inlet. The stainless steel mesh cover has a feed storage area. The outside of the cage body is covered with a sound-insulating felt cover. The cage body has a cross-shaped partition inside, and the bottom of the partition is inserted into a corresponding slot in the bottom plate. The partition divides the internal space of the cage body into interconnected spaces.

[0010] Furthermore, the first and last ends of the soundproof felt cover are connected together by Velcro, snap fasteners, or zippers.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer ring of the water bottle inlet is provided with an inlet rubber gasket.

[0012] Furthermore, a silicone sealing strip is provided at the connection between the cage cover and the cage body, and a silicone sealing strip is also provided at the connection between the bottom plate and the cage body.

[0013] Furthermore, the surface layer of the partition is a polycarbonate layer, and the interior of the partition is filled with a porous foam layer.

[0014] Furthermore, support rubber pads are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the base plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the ventilation window is equipped with a filter.

[0016] Furthermore, the cage cover and bottom plate are detachably connected to the cage body via a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0017] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. This utility model effectively isolates low-frequency sound waves by wrapping the cage with a sound-insulating felt sleeve, and is particularly suitable for blocking impact sounds and other low-frequency noises. Sealing strips are also installed between the cage cover and the cage body, and between the cage body and the bottom plate to isolate external noise.

[0019] 2. This utility model uses a detachable bottom plate device, which allows for changing the bedding without changing the cage, preserving the scent of the mother mouse in the cage, and reducing stress on the mother mouse;

[0020] 3. This utility model uses a cross-shaped partition made of porous foam to create a cross-shaped hidden space inside the rat cage (for the mother rat to lean against), which facilitates the birth of the rat pups. At the same time, the porous foam can absorb the ultrasonic waves inside the cage, such as the ultrasonic waves generated when rats mate, to prevent the noise inside the cage from spreading outward.

[0021] 4. Rubber gaskets are provided at the four corners of the bottom plate and the water bottle inlet of this utility model to reduce ultrasonic waves and vibrations transmitted by the cage and other media.

[0022] In summary, the rat cage of this invention can provide a closed birthing environment, keep the pups warm, absorb ultrasonic waves inside the cage, reduce external vibrations and noise interference, prevent stress on the mother rat, and promote the survival of the pups. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of the cage cover of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the cage lid of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the stainless steel mesh cover of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cage body of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sound insulation felt cover of this utility model after it has been disassembled;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the partition of this utility model before and after assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0032] like Figure 1-8 As shown, this utility model discloses a noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding rat cage, comprising a cage body 1, a cage lid 2, a stainless steel mesh cover 14, and a bottom plate 3. The top and bottom of the cage body 1 are open structures. The cage lid 2 is engaged with a slot 15 on the cage body 1 via a buckle 12. The stainless steel mesh cover 14 is located between the cage body 1 and the cage lid 2, and has a feed placement area. The bottom plate 3 is detachably connected to the bottom of the cage body 1 via a buckle 13 and a corresponding slot 16 on the cage body 1.

[0033] The cage lid 2 has a ventilation window 4 (with an air filter) and a water bottle inlet 5; the outside of the cage body 1 is covered with a removable sound-absorbing felt cover 6; the cage body 1 has a cross-shaped partition 7 inside, the bottom of the partition 7 is inserted into the corresponding slot 31 of the bottom plate 3, and the partition 7 connects the spaces formed inside the cage body 1. The surface of the partition 7 is a polycarbonate layer, and the inside of the partition 7 is filled with a porous foam layer.

[0034] A silicone sealing strip 8 is provided at the connection between the cage cover 2 and the cage body 1, and a silicone sealing strip 9 is also provided at the connection between the bottom plate 3 and the cage body 1 to improve the overall sealing of the rat cage.

[0035] Vibration-damping rubber pads are shock-absorbing devices made of rubber materials. Currently, most are composite products of rubber and metal, available in various forms such as double-plate, cylindrical, and sheet types. They are used for vibration damping and sound insulation in various machinery, instruments, axles, and pipelines. Rubber can indeed absorb ultrasonic waves, and this absorption leads to the attenuation of ultrasonic waves within the rubber medium. Acrylic rubber, a type of rubber, is a medical-grade rubber that meets the sterilization requirements for rodent cages.

[0036] This invention reduces vibrations and ultrasonic waves transmitted from solid media such as rat cage frames by adding supporting rubber pads 10 (acrylate rubber pads) to the four corners of the bottom of the base plate 3.

[0037] This invention reduces the vibration caused by changing water bottles by adding an inlet rubber gasket 11 (acrylate rubber gasket) to the water bottle inlet 5, while absorbing ultrasonic waves and promoting the formation of a closed environment inside the cage.

[0038] Sound insulation felt is a high-density roll material with a certain degree of flexibility. This high density allows it to effectively isolate low-frequency sound waves, making it particularly suitable for blocking impact sounds and other low-frequency noises. Sound insulation felt is also wear-resistant, not easily deformed, environmentally friendly and odorless, moisture-proof, waterproof, and mildew-proof.

[0039] This invention absorbs human-caused noise and ultrasonic waves by covering the cage body 1 with a sound-absorbing felt cover 6. The sound-absorbing felt cover 6 is detachable, and its first and last ends are connected together by Velcro, snaps, or zippers. It is removed after the pups have been inside for a week to facilitate observation of the behavior of the mother and pups in the cage.

[0040] The internal partition 7 of the cage body 1 is lined with porous foam, which absorbs ultrasonic waves within the cage, especially those emitted during mouse mating, reducing noise diffusion and minimizing its impact on other mice in the same room. Simultaneously, animals use scent to gauge their familiarity with the environment, so the cage body 1 and partition 7 are not replaced when changing bedding, preserving the mother mouse's scent. This invention separates the cage body 1 and the bottom plate 3, allowing only the bottom plate 3 to be replaced when changing bedding. When changing bedding, the partition 7 is removed, and it is inserted during the installation of the bottom plate 3 before adding bedding.

[0041] The method of using this utility model is as follows:

[0042] 1. Assemble the cage body 1 and the bottom plate 3 of the mouse cage, and fasten the buckles of the bottom plate 3 into the corresponding slots of the cage body 1;

[0043] 2. Assemble the two partitions 7 into a cross shape and insert them into the corresponding slots 31 on the base plate 3;

[0044] 3. Place bedding material on the bottom plate 3 and put the female and male mice together in the same cage;

[0045] 4. Cover with stainless steel mesh cover 14, and add feed on stainless steel mesh cover 14;

[0046] 5. Close the cage cover 2 and fasten the buckle of the cage cover 2 into the corresponding slot on the cage body 1;

[0047] 6. Place the water bottle on top;

[0048] 7. On the second day after the rats are put together, remove the male rat and confirm the mating behavior by using a vaginal plug (generally, 10-12 hours after mating, a white, pea-sized vaginal plug can be seen at the vaginal opening to prevent semen backflow and increase the conception rate) or by performing a vaginal smear. After confirming the mating behavior, keep the female rat in a separate cage and observe the changes in the female rat's abdomen to determine the pregnancy and the number of days of pregnancy.

[0049] 8. Replenish the mother mouse's water supply by changing the water bottle or adding water to the original water bottle;

[0050] 9. Add feed to the mother mouse by opening ventilation window 4;

[0051] 10. When the rat cage needs cleaning, remove the soundproof felt cover 6 and clean and sterilize the top cover, cage body 1 and bottom plate 3 of the rat cage at high temperature.

[0052] 11. When it is necessary to clean the partition 7, remove the partition 7, wash it with water, and wipe the partition 7 with alcohol. After the cubs grow up, the partition 7 inside the cage can be removed.

[0053] The specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to this embodiment without departing from the principle and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding rat cage, comprising a cage lid, a stainless steel mesh cover, a cage body, and a bottom plate, characterized in that: The top and bottom of the cage are open structures. The cage lid and stainless steel mesh cover are detachably attached to the top of the cage, and the bottom plate is detachably connected to the bottom of the cage. The cage lid is provided with a ventilation window and a water bottle inlet. The stainless steel mesh cover is provided with a feed placement area. The outside of the cage is covered with a sound-insulating felt cover. The inside of the cage is provided with a cross-shaped partition, the bottom of which is inserted into a corresponding slot in the bottom plate. The partition divides the interior of the cage into interconnected spaces.

2. The noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and last ends of the soundproof felt cover are connected together by Velcro, snap fasteners, or zippers.

3. The noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water bottle is fitted with an inlet rubber gasket on the outer ring of the inlet.

4. The noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: A silicone sealing strip is provided at the connection between the cage lid and the cage body, and a silicone sealing strip is also provided at the connection between the bottom plate and the cage body.

5. The noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the partition is a polycarbonate layer, and the interior of the partition is filled with a porous foam layer.

6. The noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: Supporting rubber pads are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the base plate.

7. The noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ventilation window is equipped with a filter.

8. The noise-reducing and vibration-damping breeding cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cage cover and bottom plate are detachably connected to the cage body via a snap-fit ​​structure.

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