AU2021100891A4

AU2021100891A4 - Cooled Animal Structure

Info

Publication number: AU2021100891A4
Application number: AU2021100891A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christopher Sparsi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-05-21
Filing date: 2021-02-15
Publication date: 2021-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-15

Abstract

An animal structure comprising a room for receiving an animal; a photovoltaic power source; a water pump for supplying water from a reservoir to an evaporation medium; and a fan arranged to produce an airflow through the evaporation medium for evaporatively cooling the airflow to the room; wherein the photovoltaic power source powers the water pump and the fan. 1/2 CN 04 NN (N

Description

1/2

CN

04

NN (N

Cooled Animal Structure

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to animal structures, such as kennels, and the cooling of said structures.

Background

[0002] Among other things, kennels have been used for transportation, training, housing and containment of animals. Kennels range in sizes based on their purpose. A kennel can be designed for inside or outside use.

[0003] Animals may be required to stay outside for long periods of time during the sunlight hours of the day. Even with adequate water and shading, hot conditions can be fatal depending on breed and other environmental factors. Many animals die of heat stroke every year.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a structure, such as a kennel, that provides a relatively cool internal temperature for the health and comfort of an animal inside the kennel.

[0005] Any references to documents that are made in this specification are not intended to be an admission that the information contained in those documents form part of the common general knowledge known to a person skilled in the field of the invention, unless explicitly stated as such.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal structure, comprising a room for receiving an animal, a photovoltaic power source, a water pump for supplying water from a reservoir to an evaporation medium, and a fan arranged to produce an airflow through the evaporation medium for evaporatively cooling the airflow to the room due to evaporation of pumped water, wherein the photovoltaic power source powers the water pump and the fan.

[0007] In an embodiment the structure further comprises a collection tray for collecting water runoff from the evaporation medium and return of the collected water to the reservoir. In an embodiment the reservoir may form the collection tray.

[0008] In an embodiment, the room for receiving the animal is defined by a wall. In an embodiment the wall is formed by canvas material. It should be understood that the person skilled in the art would envision alternative materials for use in creating walls and/or partitions can be used.

[0009] In an embodiment, the room comprises walls capable of being retracted and/or removed. The walls being made of rigid or flexible material allows for the retraction of the walls to be pinned up for natural ventilation during lower temperatures and/or less humid days. The walls may also be entirely removable in singular or individual portions for ease of cleaning and/or replacing damaged portions. Damaged portions may occur from, but not limited to, sun damage and/or general wear and tear.

[0010] In an embodiment, the reservoir is releasably connectable to a water supply. The connection to the water supply is used for refilling the reservoir as the water in the reservoir is used to wet the evaporation medium for evaporatively cooling the airflow to the room. The reservoir further may comprise a valve mechanism configured to automatically refill it when the water level decreases below a predetermined threshold. The automatic refilling of the reservoir can occur continuously as the water level decreases or in steps as the water level drops to certain levels.

[0011] In an embodiment, the water pump supplies water to a pipe comprising one or more spaced apart holes for supplying water to the evaporation medium in a manner in which the water can evaporate from the evaporation medium, the pipe being positioned above or adjacent to the evaporation medium. The spaced apart holes may be positioned to ensure the entirety of the evaporation medium is wetted resulting in a uniformly cool airflow that cools the room.

[0012] In an embodiment, the evaporation medium comprises a honeycomb material. The person skilled in the art would envision alternative suitable materials. Honeycomb material provides a structure which allows for a more even distribution of water throughout the evaporation medium.

[0013] In an embodiment, the structure further comprises a battery configured to be charged by the photovoltaic power source. The battery may be further configured to power the water pump and the fan when the battery is discharged. The photovoltaic power source charging the battery allows the water pump and fan to operate when insufficient power is provided by the photovoltaic power source to power the fan and the water pump. The person skilled in the art would appreciate that different capacities of photovoltaic power sources and batteries may be used.

[0014] In an embodiment, the photovoltaic power source is mounted on the animal structure. The photovoltaic power source may be releasably mounted such that upon seating the photovoltaic power source an electrical connection is made. Such a feature allows for easy replacement and/or servicing of a faulty photovoltaic power source or cleaning separate from the structure. Optionally, the photovoltaic power source is removable so as to be mounted remotely from the animal structure.

[0015] In an embodiment the photovoltaic power source is pivotably mounted on the animal structure. The orientation of a photovoltaic power source with respect to the sun can greatly affect the operation and efficiency of the photovoltaic cells. The ideal orientation of a photovoltaic power source is dependent on its location. When in the southern hemisphere the photovoltaic power source should be directed substantially towards true north. When in the northern hemisphere the photovoltaic power source should be directed substantially towards true south. Subject to environmental factors, such orientation ensures the photovoltaic power source is in direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Pivoting of the photovoltaic power source ensures that regardless of a positioning of the structure the photovoltaic power source can be adjusted to an optimal angle for efficiency and environmental factors. Environmental factors may include, but are not limited to, shading, fixed structures and weather patterns.

[0016] In an embodiment the fan and evaporation medium may be contained in a void between two or more air permeable barriers. The void creates a buffer between the fan and evaporation medium to reduce and/or prevent interference from the animal or other objects. The existence of a void also helps to reduce the chance of a quasi-vacuum state being created from reduced or no air flow.

[0017] In an embodiment, each of the two or more barriers comprise a mesh. The person skilled in the art would appreciate that a mesh is one of many suitable options. Any structure and or material which has minimal to no effect on the permeability of air through the barrier would be suitable. The mesh is an example of a structure which would not limit airflow while simultaneously reducing the amount of debris and/or particulate being supplied to the fan as it creates an airflow. Further, the mesh prevents access to the fan which may otherwise cause injury.

[0018] In an embodiment, the photovoltaic power source is directly electrically connected to the water pump and an electric motor of the fan. Accordingly, the power output of the photovoltaic power source is suitable for the power input to the water pump and the fan. The lack of circuitry reduces the opportunities for faults in the system and reduces cost. An example of a suitable arrangement may comprise a 100 watt, 5 ampere photovoltaic power source matched with a 12 volt, 2 ampere water pump and a 12 volt, 2 ampere fan. The person skilled in the art would recognise that any number of combinations would be acceptable provided the photovoltaic power source is capable of supporting both the water pump and the fan.

[0019] In an embodiment, a speed of the water pump and a speed of the fan is controlled by the power output of the photovoltaic power source. The power output of the photovoltaic power source is subject to the amount of incident solar radiation collected, which may be determined by a combination of the angle of the sun and/or other environmental factors. When the photovoltaic power source is directly electronically connected to the water pump and the fan, the entirety of the power output of the photovoltaic power source is available for use by the water pump and the fan thereby controlling the speed of the water pump and the speed of the fan.

[0020] In an embodiment, the structure comprises one or more rollers or caster wheels. The rollers or caster wheels allow for relocating and reorienting based on varying environmental conditions and/or cleaning requirements. The rollers or caster wheels may be affixed directly to the underside of the structure or to a frame wherein the frame is affixed to the underside of the structure. The rollers or caster wheels are configured with a locking mechanism to prevent unwanted movement of the structure, such as when an animal enters or exits the room of the structure.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal structure comprising a room for receiving an animal, a water pump for supplying water to an evaporation medium, a photovoltaic power source that powers the water pump and a fan arranged to produce an airflow through the evaporation medium so as to evaporatively cool the room.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal structure comprising a room for receiving an animal, a means for supplying water to an evaporation medium, a means for providing airflow through the evaporation medium into the room so as to evaporatively cool the room.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for cooling an animal structure comprising providing a room for receiving an animal, arranging a fan to produce an airflow through an evaporation medium and through the room, supplying water from a reservoir to the evaporation medium using a water pump, powering the water pump and the fan with a photovoltaic power source.

[0024] In an embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the fan and evaporation medium between two or more air permeable barriers.

[0025] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Description of Drawings

[0026] In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention embodiments will now be described may be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawing, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an animal kennel according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional basic circuit diagram of an animal kennel according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, animal structure in the form of a kennel 10, which comprises a room 12 for containing an animal 14 and a void 28 adjacent to the room 12. Inside the void 28 and adjacent to said room 12 is a fan 16 having blades oriented to create an airflow directed towards the room 12. Adjacent to the fan 16 and inside the void 28 is an evaporation medium 18 orientated in a vertical direction with the planar face being concentric or substantially concentric with the fan 16. The evaporation medium 18 may comprise honeycomb material of the type used in domestic evaporative air conditioning systems. A water pump 22 pumps water from a reservoir 20 through a pipe 24 comprising one or more spaced apart holes which supply the evaporation medium 18 with water. The pipe 24 comprising one or more spaced apart holes may comprise a flexible or rigid material. The water supplied to the evaporation medium 18 runs down one or both faces thereof and is subjected to the airflow produced when the fan 16 is operating.

[0030] Underneath the evaporation medium 18 there is a collector 25 having a drain 26 configured to collect any unevaporated water and return it back and into the reservoir 20. The void 28 which provides a space between the outside of the kennel 10 and the evaporation medium 18 and/or fan 16. The kennel 10 comprises an internal barrier, such as mesh 30, configured to prevent the animal 14 from accessing the reservoir 12, the fan 16, the water pump 22 and/or the evaporation medium 18. The kennel 10 further comprises an external barrier, such as mesh 32, which acts as a guard to prevent access to the reservoir 12, the fan 16, the water pump 22 and/or the evaporation medium 18. The external mesh 32 may also act as a filter preventing debris from being drawn in by the fan 16 as it produces the airflow through the evaporation medium 18.

[0031] Mounted on the top of the kennel 10 is a photovoltaic power source 34. The photovoltaic power source 34 may be mounted substantially flat, at a fixed angle, or pivotably adjustable to orient the photovoltaic power source 34 in the most optimal direction. The photovoltaic power source 34 is directly electrically connected through terminal block connector 36 to the water pump 22 and an electric motor of the fan 16 by way of electrical wiring 38. A speed of the water pump 22 and a speed of the fan 16 is controlled by the power output of the photovoltaic power source 34. The power output of the photovoltaic power source 34 ramps up as the sun rises resulting in the speed of the water pump 22 and the speed of the fan 16 increasing relative to the power output of the photovoltaic power source 34. At the peak output from the photovoltaic power source 34 the water pump 22 and the fan 16 will be at a peak speed. The power output of the photovoltaic power source 34 reduces as the sun sets resulting in a decline in the speed of the water pump 22 and speed ofthe fan 16.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2, animal structure in the form of a kennel 10, which optionally comprises a photovoltaic power source 34 directly electrically connected to the terminal block connector 36 which, in Figure 2, comprises a rechargeable battery by way of electrical wiring 38. For example, the battery may be a lead acid battery with appropriate circuitry. The power output from the photovoltaic power source 34 powers the fan 16, powers the water pump 22 and charges the battery 36. As the power output of the photovoltaic power source 34 decreases, the battery 36 begins to discharge and power the fan 16 and water pump 22. The person skilled in the art would readily understand that the battery is an optional feature whereby a direct, electrical connection may also be made directly from the photovoltaic power source 34 to the fan 16 and/or water pump 22.

[0033] The kennel 10 is configured to be removable to allow the photovoltaic power source 34 to optionally be detached and mounted remotely from the structure of the kennel 10. Feature 34a in Figure 2 depicts the optional configuration wherein the photovoltaic power source 34a is mounted remotely from the kennel 10. Such a configuration allows the kennel 10 to be positioned out of direct sunlight while the photovoltaic power source 34 is mounted remotely and optimally oriented to produce a power output best suited to run the water pump 22 and the fan 16.

[0034] Water source 40 is releasably connected to the reservoir 20 by a hose (for example, by use of a snap fit hose connection). The reservoir 20 may comprise a valve mechanism 44 to automatically refill the reservoir 20 to a predetermined threshold as the water level decreases as the evaporation medium 18 is supplied with water to evaporatively cool the airflow produced by the fan 16.

[0035] Modifications may be made to the present invention within the context of that described and shown in the drawings. Such modifications are intended to form part of the invention described in this specification.

Claims

1. An animal structure comprising: a room for receiving an animal; a photovoltaic power source; a water pump for supplying water from a reservoir to an evaporation medium; and a fan arranged to produce an airflow through the evaporation medium for evaporatively cooling the airflow to the room; wherein the photovoltaic power source powers the water pump and the fan.

2. An animal structure according to claim 1, wherein the room for receiving the animal is defined by canvas material.

3. An animal structure according to any one of claim 1 or 2, wherein the room comprises walls capable of being retracted and/or removed.

4. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reservoir is releasably connectable to a water supply.

5. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reservoir comprises a valve mechanism configured to automatically refill it when the water level decreases below a predetermined threshold.

6. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water pump supplies water to a pipe comprising one or more spaced apart holes for supplying water to the evaporation medium in a manner in which the water can evaporate from the evaporation medium, the pipe being positioned above or adjacent to the evaporation medium.

7. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the evaporation medium comprises a honeycomb material.

8. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a rechargeable battery configured to be charged by the photovoltaic power source; and power the water pump and the fan when the battery is discharged.

9. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the photovoltaic power source is mounted on the animal structure.

10. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the photovoltaic power source is pivotably mounted on the animal structure.

11. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the photovoltaic power source is mounted remotely from the animal structure.

12. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fan and evaporation medium are contained in a void between two or more air permeable barriers.

13. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the two or more barriers comprise a mesh.

14. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the photovoltaic power source is directly electrically connected to the water pump and an electric motor of the fan.

15. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a speed of the water pump and a speed of the fan is controlled by the power output of the photovoltaic power source.

16. An animal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the animal structure further comprises one or more rollers or caster wheels affixed to the underside.

17. An animal structure comprising: a room for receiving an animal; a water pump for supplying water to an evaporation medium; a photovoltaic power source that powers the water pump and a fan arranged to produce an airflow through the evaporation medium so as to evaporatively cool the room.

18. An animal structure comprising: a room for receiving an animal; a means for supplying water to an evaporation medium; a means for providing airflow through the evaporation medium into the room so as to evaporatively cool the room.

19. A method for cooling an animal structure comprising: providing a room for receiving an animal; arranging a fan to produce an airflow through an evaporation medium and through the room; supplying water from a reservoir to the evaporation medium using a water pump; powering the water pump and the fan with a photovoltaic power source.

20. A method according to claim 19, comprising positioning the fan and evaporation medium between two or more air permeable barriers.

34

38 12 16 32 30 18

28 1/2

14 26

24

20 25 22 36

FIGURE 1

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10 34

38 12

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18 2/2

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42 44 20 22 36

FIGURE 2