Animal exercise wheel
US10709110B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K1/03
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An animal exercise device is described in the form a rotating wheel, generally cylindrical in form, open on one face for an animal to enter and exit, and solidly closed on the other face, which also provides a bearing for rotation. The wall and closed face are solid to avoid injury to an animal. The wheel's axis of rotation is at an angle from horizontal. The inside surface of the wall comprises spaced ridges for gripping by the animal's toes or feet. A contrasting marking on the outside surface of the wall aids vision-based rotation measurement. Embodiments are supported solely through the bearing and have no rotation drive other than use by an animal. Methods of use include automated measurement, using equipment external to the cage, of animal health and use in a multihoused cage where unique animal ID is associated with wheel use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.