Abstract: A docking assembly for a ventilated cage and rack system that can facilitate installation and reduce leakage of air is provided. The docking assembly is connectable to air plena of the rack system and includes a cup, and a tubular body having a docking base. The tubular body is constructed and arranged to be slideably displaceable between the cup and the docking base when the tubular body is aligned coaxially with the cup and docking base. A spring may also be provided outside and surrounding the tubular body. The tubular body includes a plurality of displaceable legs. The legs are preferably urged outward in the absence of pressure and may be displaced inward, toward each other, for insertion into a docking aperture of a plenum. Once inserted, the legs return to their normal, non-displaced position to secure the docking assembly to the plenum.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing and retaining a cage to a rack. The locking assembly is supported by a rack and includes a lock member. The lock member includes an obstruction member. The lock member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, wherein the default position of the lock member is the locked position. The lock member is designed and constructed such that the insertion of a person's hand into the hand space between the lock member and a cage is sufficient to cause the lock member to pivot into the unlocked position and move the obstruction member so that the cage can be removed from the rack.