US3726255A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cage mat
Assignee: Nestle Purina PetCare Co
•
Filing: 1970-07-08
•
Granted: 1973-04-10
•
Expires: 1990-07-08
Abstract
Abstract A method of controlling and substantially preventing breast blisters and swollen hocks in the raising of poultry in cages is disclosed. A resilient mat unit is placed in the interior of a standard cage such that the poultry are not in direct contact with a hard surface bottom. In addition, the resilient mat member is provided with openings through which body waste, feathers, waste water and feed materials are allowed to pass. Further, the resilient nature of the mat produces a flexing action so that a self-cleansing action occurs with the normal movement of the poultry.
Inventors
- 👤 J Marr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 20:23
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K1/00; A01K1/015; A01K1/0157; A01K31/00; A01K31/002; A01K31/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of controlling and substantially preventing breast blisters in the raising of poultry in cages having openings in the floor thereof comprising: placing a resilient mat on the floor of said cage, said mat including openings adapted for alignment with the openings in the cage floor whereby the poultry is protected from directly contacting the cage floor, and said mat being sufficiently flexible to permit the self-cleansing thereof due to the movement of the poultry on said resilient mat.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of controlling and substantially preventing breast blisters in the raising of poultry in cages having openings in the floor thereof comprising: placing a resilient mat on the floor of said cage, said mat including openings adapted for alignment with the openings in the cage floor whereby the poultry is protected from directly contacting the cage floor, and said mat being sufficiently flexible to permit the self-cleansing thereof due to the movement of the poultry on said resilient mat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said openings are oval.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said mat is at least 1/4 inch thick.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the mat is 3/8 inch thick.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said mat is constructed of closed cell spongy neoprene.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
83 words
The method of controlling and substantially preventing breast blisters in the raising of poultry in cages having openings in the floor thereof comprising: covering the floor of the said cage with a resilient material which is resistant to poultry excretions, and which will not deleteriously effect the poultry, said covered floor having openings therein permitting the ready disposal of the poultry excretions therethrough and having sufficient flexiblity to permit the self-cleaning thereof due to the movement of the poultry on said covered floor.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
83 words
The method of controlling and substantially preventing breast blisters in the raising of poultry in cages having openings in the floor thereof comprising: covering the floor of the said cage with a resilient material which is resistant to poultry excretions, and which will not deleteriously effect the poultry, said covered floor having openings therein permitting the ready disposal of the poultry excretions therethrough and having sufficient flexiblity to permit the self-cleaning thereof due to the movement of the poultry on said covered floor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
80 words
A mat unit for use in the raising of broilers in cages having openings in the floor thereof to control and substantially prevent the occurrence of breast blisters comprising: a resilient material of at least 1/4 inch thickness having a size substantially identical to the size of the cage floor, and a plurality of openings in said resilient material suitable for registry with the openings in said cage floor, said resilient material being resistant to natural poultry excretions and disinfectants.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
80 words
A mat unit for use in the raising of broilers in cages having openings in the floor thereof to control and substantially prevent the occurrence of breast blisters comprising: a resilient material of at least 1/4 inch thickness having a size substantially identical to the size of the cage floor, and a plurality of openings in said resilient material suitable for registry with the openings in said cage floor, said resilient material being resistant to natural poultry excretions and disinfectants.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The mat unit according to claim 7 wherein the openings are oval.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mat unit according to claim 7 wherein the resilient material is closed celled spongy neoprene and the mat is between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch thick.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-09 | 1976-10-09 | 1977-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-09 | 1980-10-09 | 1981-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-09 | 1984-10-09 | 1985-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |