Automatic cage lock
US6912973B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K1/031
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic cage lock for securing various cages in a ventilated cage and rack system. The automatic cage lock facilitates the securing of a cage within the cage and rack system when a user slides the cage into the cage and rack system until the cage fully passes the locking finger component of the automatic cage lock. The cage may be easily unlocked by applying a small amount of pressure to the locking finger while simultaneously grasping the cage for removal. A color-coded indicator block may be disposed on the end of the lock assembly; the indicator block may be hidden by an indicator shield when the cage is securely docked in the rack. Conversely, the indicator block may be visually exposed when a cage is present in the rack but not fully docked within the rack. The indicator block provides a clear indication to a user as to the docking status of the cage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.