Mosquito net cage for insectary rearing

Abstract

A cage for insectary rearing includes a bottom tray; a plurality of knobs attachable to a top surface of the tray; a frame comprising a plurality of stands, each stand removable insertable into a knob, and a top support for connecting the plurality of stands; and a removable cover that substantially envelops at least the frame.

Description

[0001] MOSQUITO NET CAGE FOR INSECTARY REARING

[0002] This PCT international patent application claims priority to Serial No. 63 / 674,331 filed on

[0003] 23 July 2024 in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a net cage for rearing insects such as mosquitoes. In particular, the cage may have a modular structure that facilitates cleaning, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and improves mosquito rearing.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Mosquito-borne diseases pose significant threats to public health worldwide, affecting millions annually. Effective mosquito control and research are paramount in mitigating these risks.

[0008] Traditional mosquito cages utilized in laboratory settings are marred by numerous shortcomings, including exorbitant costs, intricate assembly procedures, laborious cleaning requirements, and spatial constraints. For instance, studies have shown that traditional aluminum or plastic cages can incur substantial expenses over time due to frequent maintenance and replacement needs. Moreover, the complex assembly process of these cages often consumes valuable research time and resources, hindering scientific progress.

[0009] Traditional mosquito cages often form mold, bacterial, and fungal development.

[0010] Mosquito larvae live in warm stagnant water prior to emerging as flying adults. Stagnant water and the resulting mold, bacterial and fungal growth require cages to be regularly cleaned by laboratory staff. To thoroughly clean traditional insect cages, the cages must be completely disassembled and hand washed. There remains a need for durable insect cages that are easy to deploy, clean, and disassemble.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention provides in a first embodiment a cage for insectary rearing comprising a bottom tray; a plurality of knobs attachable to a top surface of the tray; a frame comprising a plurality of stands, each stand removably insertable into a knob, and a top support for connecting the plurality of stands; and a removable cover that substantially envelops at least the frame.

[0013] The invention provides in a second embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which the bottom tray comprises a plastic material. The bottom tray may comprise polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0014] The invention provides in a third embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which each knob comprises at least one inlet in which a stand is insertable and extends upwardly therefrom.

[0015] The invention provides in a fourth embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which an upper end of each stand is bent such that each stand curves away from the center of the bottom tray where it joins the top support.

[0016] The invention provides in a fifth embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which the top support is substantially rectangular with the comers being bent at an acute angle.

[0017] The invention provides in a sixth embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which the top support further comprises at least two lines or beams extending between opposing sides of the top support.

[0018] The invention provides in a seventh embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which the top support further comprises at least two internal cross beams extending between opposing sides of at least two lines or beams.

[0019] The invention provides in an eighth embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which the cover comprises at least one layer of a netting material or fabric. The cover may comprise two or more layers of nylon.

[0020] The invention provides in a ninth eighth embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for insectary rearing in which the cover further comprises of an openable and closeable sleeve.

[0021] The invention provides in a tenth embodiment further to any of the previous embodiments a cage for mosquito rearing comprising a plastic bottom tray; a metal frame comprising a plurality of stands, each stand removably connectable to the bottom tray, each stand curving upwards and away from the center of the bottom tray, and a top support connected to each stand and having and a set of cross-beams extending between opposing sides of the top support; and a removable fabric cover having an openable and closeable sleeve extending therefrom, wherein said cover, in use, substantially envelops the at least the frame.

[0022] The invention provides in a first method embodiment a method comprising providing the cage according to any of the previous embodiments and introducing mosquito pupae into the bottom tray at least partially filled with water.

[0023] The invention provides in a second method embodiment further to any of the previous method embodiments a method comprising emptying the water through the cover and feeding adult mosquitoes housed within the cage by placing a feed source on top of the covered cage. The feed source may comprise sugar.

[0024] The invention provides in a third method embodiment further to any of the previous method embodiments a method comprising feeding adult female mosquitoes housed within the cage by placing a blood source on top of the covered cage. The blood source may comprise an animal or a feeder containing blood.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an assembled net cage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of a bottom tray with knobs for a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a frame affixed into to the knobs in the bottom tray shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a front view of an assembled net cage showing a tied sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows the net cage secured to the bottom tray by an elastic band.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a front top perspective view with a feed source placed on top of the covered cage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows a rear bottom perspective view with the feed source placed on top of the covered cage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a feeder on top of the covered cage according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention is directed to a net cage for rearing insects such as mosquitoes. In particular, the cage may have a modular structure that facilitates cleaning, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and improves mosquito rearing. Although the net cage of the present invention is discussed below with respect to rearing mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes and Culex), it could also apply to other insects, such as flies (e.g., sand flies, house flies, and the like).

[0035] In this detailed description, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or “in embodiments” mean that the feature being referred to is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover, separate references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or “embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated, and except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention can include any variety of combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0036] As used herein “substantially”, “generally”, “about”, and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified (e.g., ±0.1 %, ±0.5%, ±1.0%, ±2%, ±5%, ±10%, ±20%). It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessing more of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and preferably, approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic.

[0037] According to the present invention, a net cage for mosquito rearing comprises 1 ) a bottom tray with a plurality of knobs; 2) a frame comprising a plurality of stands, each stand insertable into a respective knob; and a top support; and 3) a removable cover comprising netting or fabric material for substantially enveloping at least the frame. The net cage is lightweight and, in embodiments, may weigh about 95 to about 110 grams. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the net cage 1 according to the present invention comprises a bottom tray 5 having a flat section surrounded by a rim (e.g., FIG. 2). The tray 5 has a plurality of knobs 10 affixed or removably attachable to the flat section. Each knob 10 may have an inlet (e.g., central hole) 15 into which a stand is insertable. In an embodiment, the knobs 10 may be affixed into the tray by a fastener, such as a screw and nut. The bottom tray may be of any shape. In specific embodiments, the bottom tray 5 may have rectangular shape with a length of about 35 to about 45 cm and a width of about 25 to about 35 cm.

[0038] In embodiments, the bottom tray may be made of a waterproof plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The material is chosen for its durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to mold and bacterial growth. The knobs may be made of nylon plastic, ensuring a secure fit and maintaining structural integrity over repeated uses and cleaning cycles.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, frame 20 may be affixed to the bottom tray 5 by inserting each stand 25 into an inlet 15 of a respective knob 10. In embodiments, an upper end 30 of each stand 25 may have a curvature outward or away from a center of the bottom tray 5. In embodiments, the top end of each stand may be substantially horizontal to the ground, where it joins a top support 40. When assembled, the 20 frame has no sharp edges or corners for a cover or fabric to catch upon. In embodiments, each stand 25 may be about 30 to about 40 cm in length.

[0040] As noted, the frame 20 comprises a top support 40. The top support 40 may be of any appropriate shape, for example, in the shape of a square or rectangle. In embodiments, a rectangular shape may have two opposing longer sides about 35 to 45 cm in length and two shorter opposing sides about 30 to 35 cm in length. The corners of the top support may be curved or may be bent at an acute angle to prevent the net or fabric of the cover from tearing and to maintain integrity of the net cage over time. In embodiments, the angle may be approximately 90 degrees, but with a rounded edge to minimize wear and tear on the fabric. In embodiments, frame 20 including the stands 25 and / or top support 40 may be made from metal, for example, stainless steel or aluminum. These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the cage over time. In specific embodiments, plastic may not be used for these components as plastic may not provide the necessary tolerance and durability required for repeated use and cleaning in a laboratory setting.

[0041] In embodiments, the top support 40 comprises at least two lines or beams 45, for example, extending between the sides (e.g., longer sides) of the top frame, thereby defining at least three areas, e.g., areas 45A-C. In embodiments, these areas 45A-C may each have a width of about 10 to about 20 cm.

[0042] In addition, in specific embodiments, there may be at least two internal cross beams 50, each extending between the at least two lines or beams 45, thereby defining three subareas 50A-C. In embodiments, these sub-areas 50A-C may have a width of about 10 cm to about 15 cm. A center area 50B may support a feed source or feeder placed or mounted on the top of the covered cage, as discussed below. The sub-support structure defined by 45, 50 enhances stability and prevents sagging of the covered net cage, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable performance during mosquito-rearing experiments.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the frame is wrapped or substantially enveloped with a cover 60. The cover may comprise at least one layer, for example two layers, of a netting or fabric material. In embodiments, the cover may be constructed with partitions made of a single type of fabric (e.g., net fabric) having a mesh aperture of about 300 pm. This fabric is sewn together to form the cover, ensuring a uniform structure that facilitates airflow and prevents mosquito escape. In embodiments, the cover may be a white fabric material, which may be for lab-reared mosquito strains, or a black fabric material, which may be for wild-caught and / or nocturnal mosquito species (e.g., Anopheles). In embodiments, the cover may comprise nylon. The manner of stitching should ensure there are no holes in order to prevent any potential escape of insects.

[0044] In embodiments, the cover may comprise four panels when draped over and affixed to the frame (e.g., Back, Left, Right, Top). The cover or a panel thereof may have a sleeve 65 which provides an opening to facilitate access and operation inside the cage.

[0045] In embodiments, the sleeve 65 may have a length of about 35 to 40 cm and a diameter of about 15 cm. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the sleeve 65 may be twisted and / or tie closed or may be closed by other means (e.g., ties, zippers, bands, snap-fits, hook-and- loop fasteners, drawstring, and the like).

[0046] In use, the cover may be draped over the top support and secured to the bottom tray. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover may be secured underneath the bottom tray with a rubber or an elastic band 70. The elastic band tautens under the tray and pulls the cover against the top frame. The rubber or elastic band may be reinforced with an integral or sewn-in securing rope and manual pull mechanism to prevent accidental opening and to ensure greater mosquito control. As shown, in embodiments, the cover hangs from the top frame such that it does not touch the plurality of stands.

[0047] The net cage according to the present invention facilitates the introduction and placement of mass mosquito pupae. In embodiments, the net cage may have a capacity to accommodate more than 3000 pupae per bottom tray without overcrowding. Unlike known cages, which often require multiple containers to hold mass pupae, the net cage of the present invention allows for efficient pupal rearing in a single tray without other containers for pupae, larvae, or adult mosquitoes. In contrast, the use of multiple containers limits space and can lead to pupal mortality. Upon emergence into adults, water in the bottom tray of the present invention can simply be poured out (e.g., through the cover) without the need to remove any containers, thereby reducing the risk of escaping adults, which is common in other cages. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the net cage of the present invention offers convenient access for placing a feed source 75 (e.g., sugar or sugar-soaked cotton) on the top of the covered cage. In specific embodiments, the feed source may be placed on top of at least one of the covered sub-areas 50A-C (e.g., 50B). This configuration allows a mosquito proboscis to feed through the cover and eliminates the need for feeding containers inside the cage. Additionally, failure to regularly change the feed source can lead to fermentation and bacterial growth, which can be fatal for mosquitoes. However, with the net cage of the present invention, feed source can easily monitored and replaced, ensuring that mosquitoes have access to fresh feed and remain healthy.

[0048] The net cage according to the present invention may accommodate at least two techniques for allowing female mosquitoes to feed on blood: 1 ) direct animal feeding and 2) artificial membrane feeding. With direct animal feeding, an animal may be placed on top of the covered cage. As shown in FIG. 8, with artificial membrane feeding, a feeder 80 (e.g., glass feeder) is placed on top of the covered cage. In embodiments, the feeder may be placed on at least one of the covered sub-areas (e.g., 50B). Both methods are convenient using the net cage because the female mosquitoes' proboscis can easily penetrate the fabric netting. In embodiments, the feeding rate for female mosquitoes through using the net cage of the present invention may exceed 90%.

[0049] Known cages are often inseparable and not durable. Further, cleaning these cages requires manual scrubbing.

[0050] In contrast, the frame, bottom tray, and cover of the net cage of the present invention are easily separated for convenient cleaning, thereby inhibiting and / or preventing the accumulation of dirt, mold, fungi, and bacteria and ensuring research integrity and minimizing contamination risks. In embodiments, the bottom tray may be cleaned in a dishwasher or heated in an oven to ensure thorough sanitation. In embodiments, the cover may be washed in a laundry machine. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0051] The present invention is directed to a net cage for rearing insects such as mosquitoes. In particular, the cage may have a modular structure that facilitates cleaning, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and improves mosquito rearing.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described in terms of particular exemplary and alternative embodiments, it is not limited to those embodiments. Alternative embodiments, examples, and modifications which would still be encompassed by the invention may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the exemplary and alternative embodiments described above can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0054] Reference Numbers

[0055] 1 - Net Cage

[0056] 5 - Bottom Tray

[0057] 10 - Knobs

[0058] 15 - Knob Inlet

[0059] 20 - Frame

[0060] 25 - Stands

[0061] 30 - Curved Top End of Stand

[0062] 40 - Top Support

[0063] 45 - Lines or Beams

[0064] 45A-C - Areas

[0065] 50 - Cross-beams 50A-C - Sub-Areas

[0066] 60 - Cover

[0067] 65 - Sleeve

[0068] 70 - Elastic Band 75 - Feed Source

[0069] 80 - Feeder

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A cage for insectary rearing, comprising: a bottom tray; a plurality of knobs attachable to a top surface of the tray; a frame comprising a plurality of stands, each stand removably insertable into a knob, and a top support for connecting the plurality of stands; and a removable cover that substantially envelops at least the frame.

2. The cage of Claim 1 , wherein the bottom tray comprises a plastic material.

3. The cage of Claim 1 , wherein the bottom tray comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

4. The cage of Claim 1 , wherein each knob comprises at least one inlet in which a stand is insertable and extends upwardly therefrom.

5. The cage of Claim 1 , wherein an upper end of each stand is bent such that each stand curves away from the center of the bottom tray where it joins the top support.

6. The cage of Claim 1 , wherein the top support is substantially rectangular with the corners being bent at an acute angle.

7. The cage of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein the top support further comprises at least two lines or beams extending between opposing sides of the top support.

8. The cage of Claim 7, wherein the top support further comprises at least two internal cross beams extending between opposing sides of the at least two lines or beams.

9. The cage of any one of Claims 1 -6, wherein the cover comprises at least one layer of a net fabric.

10. The cage of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein the cover comprises at least one layer of nylon.11 . The cage of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein the cover further comprises of an openable and closeable sleeve.

12. The cage of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein the cover further comprises of an elastic band for securing the cover to the underside of the bottom tray.

13. The cage of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein the net cage does not house any feeding container or pupae container.

14. The cage of any one of Claims 1 -6, comprising: a) a plastic bottom tray; b) a metal frame comprising: a plurality of stands, each stand removably connectable to the bottom tray, each stand curving upwards and away from the center of the bottom tray, and a top support connected to each stand and having and a set of cross-beams extending between opposing sides of the top support; and c) a removable fabric cover having an openable and closeable sleeve extending therefrom, wherein said cover, in use, substantially envelops the at least the frame.

15. A method, comprising: providing the cage of any one of Claims 1-6; and introducing mosquito pupae into the bottom tray at least partially filled with water.

16. The method of Claim 15, further comprising: emptying the water through the cover; andfeeding adult mosquitoes housed within the cage by placing a feed source on top of the covered cage.

17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the feed source comprises sugar.

18. The method of Claim 16, further comprising feeding adult female mosquitoes housed within the cage by placing a blood source on top of the covered cage.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the blood source comprises an animal or a feeder containing blood.

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