Large animal behavioristics observation cage
By designing a large animal observation cage with a stainless steel woven mesh structure and a transparent glass panel, the problems of ease of driving away and observation in existing technologies have been solved, enabling safe and convenient animal behavior research.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN ENJI BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing large animal observation cages are difficult to effectively drive animals away in large spaces in non-human primate behavior studies, and the smooth glass surface restricts animal movement, affecting the observation effect and ease of operation.
Design a large animal behavior observation cage with a stainless steel woven mesh structure, a transparent glass panel, detachable side partitions and a pull-out tray, adaptable to multi-angle cameras, and simplified operation process.
It enables the safe and convenient driving and restraint of animals in large spaces, enhances the flexibility of observation, simplifies operation, meets the needs of multi-angle video recording, and improves experimental efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224165409U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of animal behavior research technology, and in particular to a large animal behavior observation cage. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, large non-human primates are playing an increasingly crucial role in scientific research, especially in the field of behavioral science. For example, in establishing animal models of neurological disorders such as autism, it's necessary to observe the behavioral interactions and movement patterns between animals to determine their social characteristics. Similarly, in studying Parkinson's disease, recording and analyzing the gait and movement patterns of animals is essential to corroborate the research findings. Therefore, a suitable behavioral observation cage is needed to facilitate experimental observation and operation by researchers.
[0003] Many observation cages nowadays, designed to provide ample space for large non-human primates to move freely and express themselves naturally, often feature glass cages over two cubic meters in size, facilitating the simultaneous analysis of social interactions between two monkeys. Furthermore, to ensure unobstructed viewing, many sides of the cage are made of transparent glass. However, this design makes it difficult to herd the monkeys back into their original cages (especially the transfer cages), often requiring two to three people working together, sometimes even entering the cage itself, to capture and herd them back. Moreover, the excessive smooth glass surfaces prevent monkeys from climbing or displaying their behaviors, significantly limiting our ability to observe their habits. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a large animal behavior observation cage.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a large animal behavior observation cage, the cage being no less than 2 cubic meters in size, and entirely constructed of stainless steel woven mesh, forming a movable cage. The cage includes a frame and a stainless steel woven mesh fixed to the frame. The top and back of the movable cage are respectively configured as a top plate and a back plate, both made of transparent glass. The other sides of the movable cage are formed of stainless steel woven mesh. One side of the movable cage is configured as a side partition, and an animal entrance is provided on the opposite side. The animal entrance occupies no more than half of the side area of the movable cage. The animal entrance is closed by an openable door. A tray is installed at the bottom of the movable cage. A partition net is provided in the middle of the front of the movable cage, dividing the cage into two halves, which can be freely pulled open from the front. A push net is provided inside the movable cage near the animal entrance, and can be freely separated from or moved closer to the front of the movable cage via a push rod.
[0006] Preferably, the side partition and the movable cage are detachable and can be replaced with a transparent glass plate. If 3D perspective analysis of monkey behavior is required, i.e., when filming requires simultaneous video recording from three angles using three cameras, the side partition can be replaced with a transparent glass plate. The observation cage can be modified according to actual needs.
[0007] Preferably, the opening and closing door and the animal entrance are opened and closed by a push-pull mechanism, and the opening and closing door slides freely along the limiting rod to open and close the animal entrance, and is detachably fixed to the movable cage by a toothed structure, and the limiting rod is fixed to the movable cage.
[0008] Preferably, the tray is tilted downwards towards the front of the movable cage, and a trough is provided at the front of the tray, which is fixed to the movable cage, with the opening of the trough close to the front of the tray. The bottom of the observation cage also has a grid structure, with a pull-out tray for collecting monkey excrement and food scraps. Due to the tilted design, excrement and food scraps can slide freely into the trough for collection and can be discharged through the drain pipe, which is simple and convenient. When not in use, the tray can be directly rinsed with a high-pressure water gun. If there are substances on the tray that cannot be rinsed off, the tray can also be pulled out from the bottom of the observation cage for cleaning.
[0009] Preferably, a drain pipe is provided through the bottom of the trough.
[0010] Preferably, the push rod is embedded in the front of the movable cage and slidably connected to the front of the movable cage. The surface of the push rod is provided with a rotating connection point, through which the push rod is folded to the front of the movable cage. The push rod is foldable and does not occupy much space when not in use.
[0011] Preferably, the push rod surface is provided with a rack, and the push rod is detachably fixed to the front of the movable cage.
[0012] Preferably, locking switches are provided at the connections between the movable cage and the tray, the movable cage and the partition net, the movable cage and the push rod, or the movable cage and the opening / closing door. These locking switches allow for the detachable fixing of the tray, partition net, push rod, or opening / closing door. The tray, under normal conditions, is fixed to the frame of the observation cage via the locking switches to prevent leakage of excrement and food residue due to tray tilting. The tray can also be opened and removed. The partition net is fixed to the observation cage via the locking switches to prevent accidental opening and escape of the monkey after it has been driven to one side of the observation cage. The push rod is fixed via a rack and pinion mechanism and the locking switches, allowing the push net to be locked at any position within the observation cage. The opening / closing door is fixed via a toothed structure and the locking switches to prevent accidental opening.
[0013] Preferably, an adjustable support and rollers are provided at the bottom corners of the frame. The adjustable support can support the entire observation cage and adjust its height to ensure that the observation cage is level; the rollers facilitate the transportation of the observation cage.
[0014] Beneficial effects
[0015] 1. Traditional animal observation cages often make it difficult to herd monkeys back into their cages (especially the transfer cage, i.e., the device used to transport monkeys back to their enclosure) in such a large space. It often requires the combined efforts of 2-3 people, sometimes even requiring entry into the cage itself, to barely capture and herd the monkeys back. Furthermore, the excessive smooth glass surfaces prevent monkeys from climbing or displaying their behaviors, significantly limiting our ability to observe animal habits. Therefore, this invention uses a stainless steel mesh woven into the entire observation cage, ensuring overall stability. The back of the movable cage and... The top surface is designed as a transparent glass panel, maximizing glass coverage without interfering with camera recording, while also providing ample space for animals to move freely and perform natural movements such as climbing, jumping, and turning. This simplifies operation for researchers, allowing even a single researcher to operate independently while ensuring safety. It offers significant functionality and advantages. In practical use, when the observation cage is not in experimental mode, the push-rod pushes the netting against the front fence of the observation cage, and the central dividing netting is not inserted for separation. The entire activity cage... The structure is a long cube. During animal behavior observation experiments, researchers transport prepared animals (such as monkeys, which will be used as a representative animal in this text) to the animal entrance on the left side of the observation cage via a transfer cage. The transfer cage is then connected to the observation cage. The door is opened to allow the monkey to enter, and then the door is closed. Video recording begins from the top and back of the observation cage through the transparent glass panel, satisfying our usual filming needs: top-down and side views. After recording, researchers can first move the monkey to the side closest to the door. Push the partition net from the outside and lock it, confining the monkey to half of the observation cage. Then hang the transfer cage, open the door, and push the push net with a lever to confine the monkey to the side of the door within that space. Drive the monkey forward and outward through the door into the transfer cage, and then close the door of the transfer cage to complete the entire experiment. If 3D perspective analysis of monkey behavior is required, i.e., three cameras are needed to record video from three sides simultaneously, the side partition net can be replaced with a transparent glass plate. The observation cage can be modified according to actual needs.
[0016] 2. In this utility model, the bottom of the observation cage is also a grid structure, and the bottom is set as a pull-out tray, which is convenient to receive monkey excrement and food scraps. Due to the inclined design, excrement and food scraps can slide freely into the tray for collection and can be discharged through the drain pipe, which is simple and convenient. When the tray is not in use, it can be directly rinsed with a high-pressure water gun. If there are things on the tray that cannot be rinsed off, the tray can also be pulled out from the bottom of the observation cage for cleaning. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from another angle;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the bottom structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation method of the opening and closing door in this utility model;
[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation method of the partition net in this utility model.
[0023] Legend:
[0024] 1. Frame; 2. Top plate; 3. Back plate; 4. Side partition; 5. Animal entrance; 6. Opening door; 7. Toothed structure; 8. Limiting rod; 9. Locking switch; 10. Movable cage; 11. Tray; 12. Support component; 13. Roller; 14. Tank; 15. Drain pipe; 16. Divider net; 17. Push rod; 18. Rotary connection point; 19. Push net; 20. Toothed rack. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the technical means, creative features, and achieved objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model is further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in the implementation plan without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0026] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific implementation examples:
[0028] Reference Figure 1-6A large animal behavior observation cage, with a volume of not less than 2 cubic meters, is designed in actual production to be 200 cm * 140 cm * 100 cm (width * height * depth), which can meet the behavioral observation needs of most animals. Adjustable support members 12 and casters 13 are provided at the bottom corners of the frame 1. The adjustable support members 12 support the entire observation cage and can adjust the height to ensure the cage is level. The casters 13 facilitate the transport of the observation cage. The entire cage is made of stainless steel woven mesh, forming a movable cage 10. The cage includes a frame 1 and a stainless steel woven mesh fixed to the frame 1. The top and back of the movable cage 10 are respectively set as a top plate 2 and a back plate 3. Both are made of transparent glass. The other sides of the activity cage 10 are made of stainless steel woven mesh. One side of the activity cage 10 is set with a side partition 4, and an animal entrance 5 is opened on the opposite side. The animal entrance 5 occupies no more than half of the area of the side of the activity cage 10. The animal entrance 5 is closed by an opening and closing door 6. A tray 11 is installed at the bottom of the activity cage 10. A partition net 16 is set in the middle of the front of the activity cage 10. The partition net 16 divides the activity cage 10 into two halves and can be freely pulled out and opened from the front of the activity cage 10. The partition net 16 is fixed to the observation cage by a locking switch 9 to prevent the partition net 16 from being accidentally opened after the monkey is driven to the side of the observation cage, causing the monkey to escape.
[0029] A push net 19 is installed inside the activity cage 10 near the animal entrance 5. It can be freely separated from or brought closer to the front of the activity cage 10 via a push rod 17. The push rod 17 is embedded in the front of the activity cage 10 and slidably connected to it. A rotating connection point 18 is provided on the surface of the push rod 17, allowing it to fold onto the front of the activity cage 10. A rack 20 is provided on the surface of the push rod 17, which is detachably fixed to the front of the activity cage 10. The push rod 17 is foldable and does not occupy much space when not in use. Furthermore, the push rod 17 is fixed by the rack 20 and the locking switch 9, allowing the push net 19 to be locked at any position within the observation cage. The push rod 17, fixed by the rack 20 and the locking switch 9, allows the push net 19 to be locked. 9. Locking switches 9 are provided at any position inside the observation cage. Locking switches 9 are provided at the connection points of the movable cage 10 and the tray 11, the movable cage 10 and the partition net 16, the movable cage 10 and the push rod 17, or the movable cage 10 and the opening and closing door 6. The locking switches 9 are used to detachably fix the tray 11, the partition net 16, the push rod 17, or the opening and closing door 6. The opening and closing door 6 opens and closes with the animal entrance 5 by pushing and pulling. The opening and closing door 6 slides freely along the limiting rod 8 to open and close the animal entrance 5. It is detachably fixed to the movable cage 10 by the toothed structure 7. The limiting rod 8 is fixed to the movable cage 10. The opening and closing door 6 can be fixed by the toothed structure 7 and the locking switches 9 to prevent the opening and closing door 6 from being opened accidentally.
[0030] Traditional animal observation cages often make it difficult to herd monkeys back to their cages (especially transport cages) in large spaces, sometimes requiring the combined efforts of 2-3 people, and even necessitating entry into the cage itself to capture and herd the monkeys. Furthermore, the excessive smooth glass surfaces prevent monkeys from climbing or displaying their movements, significantly limiting our ability to observe animal behavior. Therefore, this invention uses a stainless steel mesh woven into a cage-like structure for overall stability. The back and top of the movable cage 10 are designed as transparent glass panels. This design maximizes the amount of glass without obstructing camera footage while providing ample space for animals to move freely and demonstrate natural movements such as climbing, jumping, and turning. It also simplifies operation for researchers, allowing even a single researcher to operate the cage safely. This design offers significant functionality and advantages. In non-experimental situations, the observation cage's push net 19 is activated by the push rod. Under the influence of 17, the cage is attached to the front fence of the observation cage. The middle partition net 16 of the observation cage is not inserted for separation. The entire activity cage 10 is a long cube structure. When conducting animal behavior observation experiments, the experimenters transport the prepared animals to the animal entrance 5 on the left side of the observation cage via a transfer cage, connect the transfer cage to the observation cage, then open the opening door 6 to let the monkey enter the observation cage, and then close the opening door 6. Video recording begins from the top and back transparent glass plates of the observation cage, which can meet our usual needs. The normal shooting requirements are: to shoot from above and from the side. After recording, the experimenter can first drive the monkey to the side near the opening and closing door 6, push the partition net 16 from the outside and lock it, confining the monkey in half of the space of the observation cage. Then hang the transfer cage, open the opening and closing door 6, and then push the push net 19 through the push rod 17 to confine the monkey to the side near the opening and closing door 6 in this space. Drive the monkey forward and outward, and enter the transfer cage through the opening and closing door 6. Then close the door of the transfer cage to complete the entire experimental process.
[0031] In another embodiment, the side partition 4 and the movable cage 10 are detachably installed and can be replaced with a transparent glass plate. If it is necessary to perform 3D perspective analysis on monkey behavior, that is, to record video from three sides simultaneously with three cameras, the side partition 4 can be replaced with a transparent glass plate. The observation cage can be modified according to actual needs.
[0032] In one embodiment, the tray 11 is tilted downwards towards the front of the movable cage 10. A trough 14 is provided directly in front of the tray 11 and is fixed to the movable cage 10. The opening of the trough 14 is close to the front end of the tray 11. A drain pipe 15 is provided through the bottom of the trough 14. The bottom of the observation cage is also a grid structure, and the bottom is set as a pull-out tray 11, which is convenient for receiving monkey excrement and food scraps. Due to the tilted design, excrement and food scraps can slide freely into the trough 14 for collection and can be discharged through the drain pipe 15, which is simple and convenient. The tray 11 can be directly rinsed with a high-pressure water gun when not in use. If there is something on the tray 11 that cannot be rinsed off, the tray 11 can also be pulled out from the bottom of the observation cage for cleaning. The tray 11 can be fixed to the frame 1 of the observation cage in the normal state by locking switch 9 to prevent the tray 11 from tilting and causing excrement and food scraps to leak. The tray 11 can also be opened and removed.
[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0034] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A large animal behavior observation cage, the cage having a volume of not less than 2 cubic meters, and being constructed entirely of stainless steel woven mesh, presenting as a movable cage (10), comprising a frame (1) and a stainless steel woven mesh fixed to the frame (1), characterized in that: The top and back of the activity cage (10) are respectively set as a top plate (2) and a back plate (3), both of which are made of transparent glass. The other sides of the activity cage (10) are formed by stainless steel woven mesh. One side of the activity cage (10) is set as a side partition net (4), and an animal entrance (5) is opened on the opposite side. The animal entrance (5) occupies no more than half of the area of the side of the activity cage (10). The animal entrance (5) is closed by an opening and closing door (6). The bottom of the activity cage (10) is equipped with a tray (11) that can be opened. A partition net (16) is set in the middle of the front of the activity cage (10). The partition net (16) divides the activity cage (10) into two halves and can be freely pulled out from the front of the activity cage (10). A push net (19) is set in the activity cage (10) near the animal entrance (5), and can be freely separated from or close to the front of the activity cage (10) by a push rod (17).
2. The observation cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side partition (4) and the movable cage (10) are detachably installed and can be replaced with a transparent glass plate.
3. The observation cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening and closing door (6) opens and closes with the animal entrance (5) by pushing and pulling, and the opening and closing door (6) slides freely along the limiting rod (8) to open and close the animal entrance (5), and is detachably fixed to the moving cage (10) through the toothed structure (7), and the limiting rod (8) is fixed to the moving cage (10).
4. The observation cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tray (11) is tilted downwards towards the front of the movable cage (10). A slot box (14) is provided in front of the tray (11), and the slot box (14) is fixed to the movable cage (10). The opening of the slot box (14) is close to the front end of the tray (11).
5. The observation cage according to claim 4, characterized in that: A drain pipe (15) is provided through the bottom of the trough (14).
6. The observation cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The push rod (17) is embedded in the front of the movable cage (10) and is slidably connected to the front of the movable cage (10). The surface of the push rod (17) is provided with a rotating connection point (18). Through the rotating connection point (18), the push rod (17) is folded to the front of the movable cage (10).
7. The observation cage according to claim 6, characterized in that: The push rod (17) is provided with a rack (20) on its surface, and is detachably fixed to the front of the movable cage (10) by means of the push rod (17).
8. The observation cage according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: Locking switches (9) are provided at the connection points of the movable cage (10) and the tray (11), the connection points of the movable cage (10) and the partition net (16), the connection points of the movable cage (10) and the push rod (17), and the connection points of the movable cage (10) and the opening and closing door (6). The locking switches (9) are used to detachably fix the tray (11), the partition net (16), the push rod (17), or the opening and closing door (6).
9. The observation cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: An adjustable support (12) and a roller (13) are provided at the bottom corner of the frame (1).