Claims:We Claim
1. A modular cage, comprising:
a top mesh frame, the top mesh frame including:
a first attachment point, and
a second attachment point;
one top mesh;
two side meshes;
one front mesh; and
one back mesh including a bottom mesh attached as a single unit;
characterized in that:
the top mesh frame includes multiple holes on all sides for receiving mesh wires; and
the bottom mesh is attached to the back mesh with a slant.
2. The modular cage of claim 1, wherein the multiple holes are placed one inches apart from each other on all sides.
3. The modular cage of claim 1, wherein the the bottom mesh is slant around ten degrees with respect to the back mesh.
4. The modular cage of claim 1, wherein the bottom mesh is bent upwards at an end opposite to the end attached to the back mesh.
5. The modular cage of claim 1, wherein the modular cage includes a separate mesh bottom which may be placed inside for height adjustments.
6. The modular cage of claim 1, wherein the top mesh, the two side meshes, the front mesh, and the back mesh including the bottom mesh attached as a single unit are made out of galvanized iron mesh wires.
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7. A modular cage assembly, comprising:
a modular cage, the modular cage comprising:
a top mesh frame, the top mesh frame including:
a first attachment point, and
a second attachment point;
one top mesh;
two side meshes;
one front mesh; and
one back mesh including a bottom mesh attached as a single unit;
wherein
the top mesh frame includes multiple holes on all sides for receiving mesh wires; and
the bottom mesh is attached to the back mesh with a slant; and
a step frame, the step frame comprising:
a first step formation, comprising:
a first step;
a second step; and
a third step;
a second step formation, comprising:
a fourth step;
a fifth step; and
a sixth step;
characterized in that:
the first step formation and the second step formation are joined together at the top of the step frame;
all six steps of the step frame include a horizontal member, a vertical member, and a transverse member originating from a point where the horizontal member is joined to the vertical member; and
the horizontal member is made such that it is placed in an angular relation with respect to the ground, the vertical member is oriented at 90 degrees with respect to the ground, and the transverse member extends parallel to the ground;
characterized in that:
the modular cage is removably attached to the step frame at the first attachment point and the second attachment point.
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8. The modular cage assembly of claim 7, wherein the modular cage is removably attached to the step frame at the first attachment point and the second attachment point using a fastener arrangement.
9. The modular cage assembly of claim 7, wherein the horizontal member is made such that it is placed in an angular relation of up to 15 degrees with respect to the ground , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of structures for housing livestock including poultry and other domestic animals, and more specifically, to a modular cage assembly for keeping hens.
BACKGROUND
[002] Conventionally, large cages capable of accommodating three to four hens per cage are made and assembled in groups of up to n cages in a row. The rows are managed on support structures of different kinds, capable of supporting several rows in several overlapping levels and extending from one end of barn to the other end. The cages are generally made of wire mesh or in some cases using plastics material. The spiraling costs for building, land and materials required for poultry farming have resulted in continued efforts to reduce costs of materials with new design of cages and seeking new ways to increase the number of poultry which can be raised or kept in a given floor space.
[003] The design of specialised cages have resulted into complexity due to multi-tiered cage systems with inclusion of watering, feeding, egg collecting, manure collecting, and general servicing of the cages. Cages designed with capacity for more hens per cage have resulted in increased susceptibility to disease infections and difficulty in completion of regular maintenance. Further, larger cages require bigger wire meshes made possible only via industrialized means and thereby increasing initial investment cost. The required rigidity for a cage in a multi-tiered system has also resulted in arrangements which can increase rather than reduce the overall cost per hen even though a reduction in floor space and increase in output has been achieved.
[004] Traditionally, the cages for hens in a multi-tiered systems have been known to be suspended using chains or other means for suspension. The cages made with wire mesh have
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been proved beneficial than the cages having plates below each cage/row for collecting and removing droppings, but the complex arrangement makes cleaning and regular maintenance a big hurdle. Further, no designs have been suggested to have multi-tiered system where the lowermost row of cages are mounted as near as possible to the floor for clearing droppings without much effort while satisfying best possible utilization of space and easy accessibility of cages. Furthermore, the suspension means have always been proved to be a hurdle in either feeding subsequent rows or in allowing easy access to the cages.
[005] Therefore, there is a need for a more cost and energy efficient design of a cage with a multi-tiered system of storing hens while maintaining regular access to the cages without affecting the overall rigidity of the system for long-term profitability.
SUMMARY
[006] The present disclosure seeks to provide a modular cage and assembly for keeping hens.
[007] In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular cage. The modular cage comprises a top mesh frame, one top mesh, two side meshes, one front mesh, and one back mesh including a bottom mesh attached as a single unit. The top mesh frame includes a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The top mesh frame includes multiple holes on all sides for receiving mesh wires. The bottom mesh is attached to the back mesh with a slant.
[008] In an embodiment, the multiple holes of the top mesh frame are placed one inches apart from each other on all sides. The bottom mesh is slant around ten degrees with respect to the back mesh, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment, the bottom mesh is bent upwards at an end opposite to the end attached to the back mesh. The modular cage includes a separate mesh bottom which may be placed inside for height adjustments, according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the top mesh, the two side meshes, the front mesh, and the back mesh including the bottom mesh attached as a single unit are made out of galvanized iron mesh wires.
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[009] In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular cage assembly. The modular cage assembly comprises a modular cage and a step frame. The modular cage comprises a top mesh frame, one top mesh, two side meshes, one front mesh, and one back mesh including a bottom mesh attached as a single unit. The top mesh frame includes a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The top mesh frame includes multiple holes on all sides for receiving mesh wires. The bottom mesh is attached to the back mesh with a slant. The step frame comprises a first step formation and a second step formation. The first step formation comprises a first step, a second step, and a third step. The second step formation comprises a fourth step, a fifth step, and a sixth step. The first step formation and the second step formation are joined together at the top of the step frame. All six steps of the step frame include a horizontal member, a vertical member, and a transverse member originating from a point where the horizontal member is joined to the vertical member. The horizontal member is made such that it is placed in an angular relation with respect to the ground, the vertical member is oriented at 90 degrees with respect to the ground, and the transverse member extends parallel to the ground. The modular cage is removably attached to the step frame at the first attachment point and the second attachment point.
[0010] In an embodiment, the modular cage is removably attached to the step frame at the first attachment point and the second attachment point using a fastener arrangement. In another embodiment, the horizontal member is made such that it is placed in an angular relation of up to 15 degrees with respect to the ground.
[0011] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and
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instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular cage attached to a step frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the modular cage, Fig. 2B is a side view of the modular cage, and Fig. 2C is a top-view of the modular cage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view depicting a modular cage assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
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[0016] In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular cage. In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular cage assembly having a modular cage removably attached to a step frame. In an embodiment the modular cages and/or the modular cage assembly are used for laying birds and chicks.
[0017] The modular cage comprises a top mesh frame, one top mesh, two side meshes, one front mesh, and one back mesh including a bottom mesh attached as a single unit. The top mesh frame includes a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The top mesh frame includes multiple holes on all sides for receiving mesh wires. The bottom mesh is attached to the back mesh with a slant.
[0018] The modular cage assembly comprises a modular cage and a step frame. The modular cage comprises a top mesh frame, one top mesh, two side meshes, one front mesh, and one back mesh including a bottom mesh attached as a single unit. The top mesh frame includes a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The top mesh frame includes multiple holes on all sides for receiving mesh wires. The bottom mesh is attached to the back mesh with a slant. The step frame comprises a first step formation and a second step formation. The first step formation comprises a first step, a second step, and a third step. The second step formation comprises a fourth step, a fifth step, and a sixth step. The first step formation and the second step formation are joined together at the top of the step frame. All six steps of the step frame include a horizontal member, a vertical member, and a transverse member originating from a point where the horizontal member is joined to the vertical member. The horizontal member is made such that it is placed in an angular relation with respect to the ground, the vertical member is oriented at 90 degrees with respect to the ground, and the transverse member extends parallel to the ground. The modular cage is removably attached to the step frame at the first attachment point and the second attachment point.
[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, and assist the poultry cage manufacturers, and poultry farmers.
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[0020] Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular cage 100 attached to a step frame 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The step frame 102 includes a first step formation 104 and a second step formation 106. As depicted, the first step formation 104 and the second step formation 106 are joined together at the top of the step frame 102. The first step formation 104 includes a first step 108, a second step 110, and a third step 112, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second step formation 106 includes a fourth step 114, a fifth step 116, and a sixth step 118 for supporting the modular cage 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to another embodiment, no. of steps in the step frame 102 may be increased or decreased according to the height of a barn (not shown), or layout of a floor space (not shown), etc.
[0021] Further referring to Fig. 1, all six steps of the step frame 102 have a horizontal member 120 and a vertical member 122. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the horizontal member 120 is made such that it is placed in an angular relation with respect to the ground and not parallel to the ground. In an embodiment, the angular relation may be up to 15 degrees with respect to the ground. This enables easy collection of eggs from the modular cage 100. The vertical member 122 is made such that it is placed in a 90 degree angular relation to the ground, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. This angular orientation of the horizontal member 120 allows for placing the step frame 102 at the ground level without affecting the removal of droppings. Thus the angular orientation also helps in reducing initial investment by removing the requirement of elevated platforms for placing the modular cages 100 and/or the step frame 102.
[0022] Again referring to Fig. 1, the step frame 102 has a transverse member 124 originating from a point where the horizontal member 120 and the vertical member 122 are joined, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The transverse member 124 extends parallel to the ground and may be extended to accommodate more or less number of modular cages 100 in every row or steps of the step frame 102.
[0023] Fig. 1 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
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[0024] Moving on to Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, and Fig. 2C illustrating the modular cage 100, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A depicts a perspective view of the modular cage 100, Fig. 2B illustrates a side view of the modular cage 100, and Fig. 2C depicts a top view of the modular cage 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] As may be seen, the modular cage 100 includes a top mesh frame 200. The top mesh frame 200 includes a first attachment point 202 and a second attachment point 204 for facilitating removable attachment of the modular cage 100 to steps of the step frame 102. The first attachment point 202 and the second attachment point 204 may facilitate removable attachment of the modular cage 100 using fastener arrangement 206. In an embodiment the fastener arrangement includes but not limited to bolts, nuts, screws, washers, rivets, anchors, inserts or rings As clearly depicted in Fig. 2C, the top mesh frame 200 includes multiple holes 208 on all sides for receiving mesh wires. In an embodiment, the multiple holes 208 are placed one inches apart from each other on all sides.
[0026] Further, the modular cage 100 includes one top mesh 210, two side meshes 212, 212’, one front mesh 214, and one back mesh 216 including a bottom mesh 218 attached as a single unit. As may be further seen, wire ends 220 from the aforementioned meshes are inserted in the multiple holes 208 provided in the top mesh frame 200. The wire ends 220 are inserted and then bent manually to provide the desired rigidity and shape. First, the top mesh 210 is attached to the top mesh frame 200, followed by the back mesh 216 which has the bottom mesh 218 attached as a single unit, followed by the two side meshes 212, 212’, and finally the front mesh 214 is attached to the top mesh frame 200. The provision of the top mesh frame 200 allows for replacement of the meshes if any of the meshes are damaged, thereby reducing long time operating costs.
[0027] As clearly depicted in Fig. 2B, the bottom mesh 218 is attached to the back mesh 216 with a slant. In an embodiment, the bottom mesh 218 is slant around ten degrees as it serves as an egg tray. As may be further seen, the bottom mesh 218 is bent upwards at an end opposite to the end attached to the back mesh 216 for providing an egg tray capable of collecting eggs.
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[0028] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the modular cage 100 includes a separate mesh bottom (not shown) which may be placed inside for height adjustments. The separate mesh bottom (not shown) rests on the spacing between the meshes. This provision of separate mesh bottom (not shown) allows to use the same modular cage 100 for both young hens and laying hens while making requirement of different size cages for younger or laying hens obsolete. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each mesh wire is cut from a mesh roll of galvanized iron which is industrially made. This increases the modularity while keeping the prices low in comparison to size-specific plastic meshes made via injection molding for each specific design of cages.
[0029] Fig. 2 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view depicting the modular cages 100 being attached/detached from the step frame 102 for explaining a modular cage assembly 300, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the modular cage assembly 300 includes the modular cages 100 removably attached to the step frame 102.
[0031] As may be seen, the modular cages 100 are removably attached to the transverse member 124 of the step frame 102. The transverse members 124 includes attachment holes 302 for receiving the bolts 206 of the modular cage 100. After the bolts 206 are inserted into the attachment holes 302, nuts (not shown) are used to complete the removable attachment, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. This bolt 206 and nut (not shown) arrangement further increases the modularity of the modular cage assembly 300 by ensuring that different sizes of the modular cage 100 may be removably attached by drilling new attachment holes 302 in the transverse member 124, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The bolt 206 and nut (not shown) arrangement also ensures that the modular cages 100 can be assembled or disassembled by a single person with very little technical skill/knowledge, thereby reducing the overall cost of operations.
[0032] Fig. 3 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
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[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, manufacturing and servicing of liquid filters, height adjustable and removable feeding trays, water nipples for chicks, traversable feeding and water tray.
[0034] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the