Closure system for a cage containing laboratory animals and methods thereof

#The present invention relates to an improved closure system for a cage containing laboratory animals.

#A way of isolating laboratory test animals from each other and from the personnel and, at the same time, of reducing operating costs is to enclose them, either alone or in small homogeneous groups, in containers, usually small cages. Inside the cages the most convenient microclimate for the life of the animals is realized. Great care is taken to provide the container inside with a change of air adequate for maintaining low levels of ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations, which substances are harmful to the animals good health.

#These cages are provided with means connecting the same with a pipe (or equivalent system) conveying air (generally filtered and decontaminated) at the desired pressure: the connecting system will maintain—at least for a short time—the container isolated and protected from the external environment, should the container be disconnected from the pipe and moved for any reason.

#The invention will become clear from the following detailed description, given by way of a mere exemplifying and non limiting example, to be read with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

#FIG. 1 shows a cage in accordance with the invention;

#FIG. 2 shows a side section of the cage;

#In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cage comprises a top part 1, a base part 2, air inlet and outlet valves 3, 4, a filter retainer 5 in the top, a depression 6 in the top for retaining a bottle 9, two latches 7 and two side runners 8 (one is shown only in FIG. 1).

#In FIG. 2A the upper edge 21 of the base part 2 has a U-like shaped housing towards the outside of the edge, where a gasket 22 is housed. The gasket 22 is preferably made of silicone, and has a lip 23 projecting out of the U-like shaped edge, and bending in contact with the side rim 24 of the top 1, which overlaps the edge 21 of the base, although the gasket 22 can be made of other materials and have other shapes. Preferably, the gasket 22 is radially covering the whole of the circumference of the base edge, ensuring the complete sealing of the cage, although other configurations could be used.

#The latch 7 has a form of a plate, is connected on one side 7′ to the base 2, shows a bending line 7″ with a smaller thickness, and a projecting hook 7′″ at the opposite side, restraining in a suitable slot 11 made in the top.