Abstract: An elevator/staircase toy for small animals (hamsters, gerbils, mice, or other small animals) housed in a transparent containment structure and comprising, first, a plurality of vertical walls radiating from a central vertical axis with a rotational sequence of horizontal plates disposed between them and offset vertically in an incremental and progressive manner, with a plurality of apertures disposed in the vertical walls in corresponding relation to the plates, optionally including one-way passage means on the apertures, and providing maximum floor space due to plate offsets and vertical apertures, secure, segmented living space which easily accommodates bedding, mazelike complexity in a compact structure offering directly viewable compartments and positive routing from a first horizontal plate to a designated last horizontal plate accessing an elevator, and second, an animal-operated and automatically resetting elevator embodied in a pair of counterbalanced elevator cars connected by cable suspended over g

Abstract: An elevator toy for small animals (hamsters, gerbils, mice, or other small animals) in transparent plastic and comprising an animal-operated and automatically resetting elevator embodied in a counterbalanced and reciprocating double-car assembly wherein downward transport in one car automatically resets the other car and eliminates shearing action during animal exit. The cars are connected by ball chain suspended over guide pulleys in a containment structure with two additional means of control. First, there is an animal released or weight-sensitive retaining means to hold the car in position, preferably a non-toxic ceramic ring magnet, which comes into contact with a metallic component on the top of the car. Second, there is a cushioning means, preferably a compression spring, with the ring magnet attached in concentric fashion to the lower end of the spring, and the spring itself attached to the underside of a pulley guard housing on the lid of the containment structure.

Abstract: A single- or multi-level transparent insertable stacking maze pet toy designed for use in an auxiliary containment structure, preferably a commonly available animal cage such as a 10-gallon tank, and comprising alternately stacking maze elements and horizontal planar surfaces, which form compartments through which a small animal can travel, with efficient means for changing the maze routes. Also called a three-dimensional maze in its multi-level form. The maze elements further comprise vertical wall units. In the preferred embodiment flat rectangular wall units also called grid elements span the containment structure longitudinally and transversely and interlock at right angles by means of slots placed along their lengths at intervals. A pluraliy of apertures are placed indeterminately along the wall units between the slots. Maze routes can be changed by interchanging wall units and repositioning planar surfaces.

Abstract: A three-dimensional changeable maze for small animals in box, knockdown, and modular form, which utilizes (a) interlocking and interchangeable grid elements, (b) interchangeable or rotatable planar surfaces, and (c) rotatable modules in modular form to vary the maze routes and adjust the level of complexity.