Cage comprising a watertight seal and method for making such a seal

Abstract

The present invention relates to an animal cage comprising a rigid seal for a junction between two walls of said cage, and a method for manufacturing such a rigid seal. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cage comprising a watertight seal and method for making such a seal.

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal cage comprising a rigid sealing joint for a junction between two walls of said cage, as well as a method for manufacturing such a rigid sealing joint.

[0002] Cages, in particular animal hospitalization cages, typically have flexible seals, classically made of silicone, at the junctions of the walls of said cage, to prevent leaks of liquids outside of these cages.

[0003] Such joints nevertheless present significant disadvantages.

[0004] For example, over time, the soft material, typically silicone, shows signs of aging such as yellowing, particularly in contact with urine or other biological fluids.

[0005] In addition, being made of a soft and exposed material, the seal can be scraped and removed in pieces.

[0006] Polyester cages are available that are molded in one piece onto a mold: there is then no problem with sealing because it is a continuous surface, and the rounded shape can be formed from the outset on the mold. This is an expensive and not very adaptable solution (a new mold must be made for each change in dimensions).

[0007] Cages made of Krion (resin) exist, in which the walls are joined by gluing and a rounded edge is produced, but these are added and glued parts. This design achieves the expected function, but is very expensive.

[0008] Cages with glass walls are found, the assembly of which is held together by UV glue ensuring sealing, but without rounding.

[0009] Cages with expanded PVC walls (Komacel or Palight type...) are available, the assembly of which is held together by PVC glue, but without rounding.

[0010] Cages with Compact walls are available, which are mechanically assembled, but without rounded edges.

[0011] None of these proposals solves the problem of sealing the joints at a competitive price.

[0012] The invention aims to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and in particular to provide cages whose junctions between the walls are watertight at a competitive manufacturing price.

[0013] Thus, one of the goals is to offer cages in which the yellowing of the sealing joints is slowed down, or even non-existent.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide cages whose joints are which are hardly physically altered by the animal contained in the cage.

[0015] A first aspect according to the present invention therefore relates to an animal cage comprising - an enclosure delimited by at least two contiguous walls forming at least one angle, and - at least one sealing joint at said corner, characterized in that the sealing joint of said at least one corner is made of a so-called rigid plastic having a Young's modulus greater than or equal to 1 GPa, and in that the sealing joint comprises a curved surface.

[0016] A first advantage of the invention is that the seal is so rigid that the animal cannot easily damage it. Furthermore, the seal has low to zero porosity, meaning that the liquids to which it is exposed do not, or only minimally, alter its color. Moreover, these advantages are enhanced by the combination of the curved surface and the hardness of the seal material. Indeed, the curved surface improves the seal's cleanability by limiting the presence of areas where liquid could be retained or where the animals in the cage could grasp the seal. Thus, the cage can be easily cleaned and disinfected between uses.

[0017] The presented solution also has the advantage of being financially competitive (wide choice of plastics and solvents to optimize the cost / production ratio).

[0018] The angle formed by the two walls can be of any possible value. Preferably, the angle is between 45° and 135°, preferably between 60° and 120°, more preferably between 80° and 100°, and even more preferably between 85° and 95°, such as 90°.

[0019] Young's modulus is a constant that relates a tensile (or compressive) stress to the onset of deformation in a material. This modulus is also known as the (longitudinal) modulus of elasticity or tensile modulus and is widely described in the art. A material with a very high Young's modulus, such as steel or diamond, is said to be rigid.

[0020] A product having a Young's modulus of 1 GPa (GigaPascal) or greater is hard to the touch. In the context of the present invention, "hard to the touch" means a material with such rigidity that simple manual pressure (e.g., with a bare hand) does not alter the material's spatial properties. Preferably, the hardened seal has a Young's modulus between 1 GPa and 10 GPa, more preferably between 1.2 GPa and 5 GPa, more preferably between 1.5 GPa and 2 GPa, and even more preferably between 1.8 GPa and 1.9 GPa, such as 1.86 GPa.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the term “curved surface” means a outer part of a body exposed to its environment, presenting a curved appearance.

[0022] Preferably, the curved surface is continuous on the sealing joint between the two adjoining walls. By "continuous curved surface", it is understood in the context of the present invention that the surface is continuously curved between the two walls, that is to say that the sealing joint does not have any plateau or angle on the surface of the sealing joint that is not in direct contact with one of the walls.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the two walls forming an angle with each other can be held together by any applicable means (screw, glue, nail, etc.) and the sealing joint does not have a structural holding function.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the two walls forming an angle with each other can be held together by any applicable means (screw, glue, nail, etc.) and the sealing joint also has a structural holding function.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the two walls forming an angle with each other can be held together by the sealing joint which then has a structural holding function.

[0026] Preferably, the sealing gasket is made of a synthetic polymer such as a polymer selected from the list of Cl- to C3 alkyl poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes or styrenic polymers such as polystyrenes or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (also called "ABS").

[0027] By "C3 Cl alkyls", it is understood in the context of the present invention to mean alkyls selected from the list consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl and isopropyl.

[0028] More preferably, the sealing gasket is made of a styrene polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. This type of material has the characteristics of rigidity, hardness, porosity, solubility and ease of application that are useful in the context of the present invention.

[0029] Preferably, the curved surface (of the sealing gasket) is a concave surface. Indeed, a concave surface avoids the presence of areas where liquid can be retained.

[0030] The walls are made of any type of rigid material. Preferably, the walls are made of a rigid plastic polymer, for example, alkyl poly(meth)acrylates in C3 to C1, vinyl polymers such as PVC, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, or styrenic polymers such as polystyrene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. A wall made of a rigid plastic polymer (also called a hard plastic polymer) allows, in particular, for easier cleaning.

[0031] Preferably, the walls are made of PVC or polyethylene.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing gasket includes a colorant providing through-coloration.

[0033] For example, the color of the sealing gasket (and therefore the added dye) can be chosen to match that of the cage walls.

[0034] Preferably, the animal that the cage can contain is chosen from the list consisting of a domestic animal such as a dog, a cat, a mouse, a ferret, a rabbit, a hen and a rat, or a non-domestic animal, such as new pets (NAC).

[0035] Furthermore, an object of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sealing joint between at least two contiguous walls for a cage conforming to the above description, comprising the following successive steps: (i) application between said at least two contiguous walls of a joint precursor, said joint precursor comprising a solvent A and a plastic material B; and ii) hardening of said joint precursor by evaporation of said solvent A, characterized in that the joint precursor is applied in step i) so as to conform to the angle between said at least two contiguous walls so as to produce a joint having a curved surface.

[0036] Thus, the particular composition of the joint precursor comprising a solvent A and a plastic material B allows sufficient malleability of the joint precursor for its application in such a way as to form a curved surface.

[0037] In the context of the present invention, "solvent" means a liquid capable of dissolving and / or keeping the plastic material B solubilized. The nature and quantity of solvent A are to be adapted to the nature and quantity of each plastic material B. The nature of these solvents for each plastic material B is known in the art. Advantageously, solvent A is chosen to have a low boiling point to facilitate its evaporation during step ii) of the process according to the present invention.

[0038] The proportions of solvent A must be adjusted to increase or decrease the fluidity of the sealant precursor according to the desired effect and final result. This quantity of solvent A depends on its nature and that of the plastic material B. The nature and quantities of solvent A and plastic material B must be adapted to each applicable solvent A / plastic material B combination to obtain a sealant precursor with the desired fluidity / plasticity. For example, a large quantity of solvent A relative to plastic material B will result in a particularly fluid sealant precursor. Such a sealant precursor can be advantageous when high penetrating power is required (for example, to fill cavities and thus reduce porosity). The curved surface is then typically obtained by capillary action, and the resulting sealant is typically thin.In the case where the quantity of solvent A is low compared to the plastic material B, the seal precursor is present. It has a low fluidity. This is a sealant precursor, similar to a putty, whose plasticity and malleability allow for application, though spreading is necessary to achieve the desired effect. In all cases, the evaporation of solvent A will allow the sealant to harden.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the dry matter content (i.e. the set of compounds without the solvent(s)) is between 10% and 70% by mass, preferably between 20% and 60% by mass, more preferably between 30% and 50% by mass, even more preferably between 40% and 45% by mass such as 43% by mass.

[0040] In a particular embodiment, the quantity of solvent(s) can vary between 30% and 90% by mass, preferably between 40% and 80% by mass, more preferably between 50% and 70% by mass, even more preferably between 55% and 60% by mass such as 57% by mass.

[0041] Thus, after evaporation of solvent A, the seal exhibits the characteristics of a rigid plastic. The plastic material B thus regains its intrinsic rigidity.

[0042] Advantageously, solvent A of said seal precursor evaporates spontaneously at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature greater than or equal to 0°C, for example greater than or equal to 15°C.

[0043] In a particular embodiment, the solvent A of said seal precursor evaporates spontaneously at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature between 10°C and 50°C, preferably between 15°C and 40°C, more preferably between 20°C and 30°C, such as 25°C.

[0044] Preferably, the plastic material B is a synthetic polymer such as a polymer selected from the list of Cl to C3 alkyl poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes or styrenic polymers such as polystyrenes or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (also called "ABS").

[0045] More preferably, the plastic material B is a styrene polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

[0046] Preferably, the solvent A used is a C3-C7 ketone, such as acetone or butanone, a C3-C7 ether, such as diethyl ether, a C1-C5 alcohol, such as ethanol, or a mixture of these.

[0047] For the purposes of this invention, "C3 to C7" means a linear or branched ring or chain comprising 3 to 7 carbon atoms.

[0048] By "Cl to C5", it is understood in the context of the present invention to mean a ring or a linear or branched chain comprising from 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0049] Preferably, the plastic material B comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the solvent A comprises butanone.

[0050] Preferably, the residual rate of solvent A after the hardening step according to step ii) is less than 5% by mass relative to the mass of the hardened joint, preferably equal to 0% by mass relative to the mass of the hardened joint.

[0051] Preferably, step ii) of hardening, lasts between 1 minute and 48 hours for through hardening, preferably between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0052] Thus in one embodiment, the time to form an apparently rigid surface (“skin”) can take between 2 and 3 minutes and complete drying between 24h and 48h depending on the desired thickness.

[0053] In one embodiment, solvent A and plastic B are chosen so that the seal precursor has a density between 0.8 g / cm3 and 1.2 g / cm3, preferably a density of 0.87 g / cm3.

[0054] In one embodiment, the joint precursor comprises a colorant, for example, a white colorant. The percentage of colorant(s) is to be chosen according to the desired effect. Typically, the colorant content is less than 5% by mass of the joint precursor.

[0055] An object according to the present invention further relates to a cage comprising a watertight seal between two contiguous elements, said watertight seal being capable of being obtained according to the process described above, characterized in that the seal has a curved surface. Brief description of the drawings

[0056] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0057] [Fig-1] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of two walls of a cage for animal comprising a sealing joint according to the present invention

[0058] In [Fig.1] are shown two walls 1,2 connected to each other and a sealing joint 3 having a continuous concave curved surface.

[0059] .

[0060] Obviously, other applications of the invention can be envisaged without going out of the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Animal cage comprising - an enclosure delimited by at least two contiguous walls forming at least one angle, and - at least one sealing joint of said at least one angle, characterized in that the sealing joint of said at least one angle is made of a so-called rigid plastic having a Young's modulus greater than or equal to 1 GPa, and in that the sealing joint comprises a curved surface.

2. Cage according to claim 1 characterized in that the sealing gasket is made of a synthetic polymer such as a polymer selected from the list of Cl to C3 alkyl poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes or styrenic polymers such as polystyrenes or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

3. Cage according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the curved surface is a concave surface.

4. Cage according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the walls are made of a rigid plastic polymer, for example of Cl to C3 alkyl poly(meth)acrylates, vinyl polymers such as PVC, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes or styrenic polymers such as polystyrenes or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

5. Cage according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the animal which the cage can contain is chosen from the list consisting of a domestic animal such as a dog, a cat, a mouse, a ferret, a rabbit, a hen and a rat or a non-domestic animal, such as new pets.

6. A method for manufacturing a seal between at least two contiguous walls for a cage according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the following successive steps: i) application between said at least two contiguous walls of a seal precursor, said seal precursor comprising a solvent A and a plastic material B; and ii) hardening of said seal precursor by evaporation of said solvent A, characterized in that the seal precursor is applied in step i) in order to fit the angle between said at least two contiguous walls so as to create a joint presenting a curved surface.

7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that after evaporation of solvent A, the seal has the characteristics of a rigid plastic.

8. A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the solvent A of said seal precursor evaporates spontaneously at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature greater than or equal to 0°C, for example greater than or equal to 15°C.

9. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the plastic material B is a synthetic polymer such as a polymer selected from the list of Cl to C3 alkyl poly(meth)acrylates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes or styrenic polymers such as polystyrenes or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

10. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the solvent A used is a C3-C7 ketone, such as acetone or butanone, a C3-C7 ether, such as diethyl ether, a C1-C5 alcohol, such as ethanol, or a mixture thereof.

11. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the plastic material B comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the solvent A comprises butanone.

12. A process according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the residual percentage of solvent A after the curing step according to step ii) is less than 5% by mass relative to the mass of the cured joint, preferably equal to 0% by mass relative to the mass of the cured joint.

13. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that step ii) of hardening lasts between 1 minute and 48 hours for through hardening.

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