DE202019106639U1 - Small Animal shelter - Google Patents

Abstract

Comprehensive small animal housing
- A base body (1), the base body (1) having a bottom (101) and four side walls (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) being trough-shaped, the four side walls (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) being an upper one Form the edge (105) of the base body (1),
- An input opening (1031) and. provided in a first side wall (103a)
- A lid (3), the lid (3) being roof-shaped and having a circumferential groove (301) provided on its underside, which corresponds to the upper edge (105), so that the base body (1) and the lid ( 3) can be positively placed over the circumferential groove (301) and the upper edge (105), characterized in that the small animal housing consists entirely of a particle foam.

Description

The present invention relates to a small animal home, in particular a hedgehog house.

In the winter months, the food supply for small animals such as hedgehogs drops drastically, which is why their bodies have to switch to a kind of "economy mode". Over this period, many small animals need a shelter to survive in order to be able to hibernate. Hedgehogs, for example, also like to use a retreat as a hiding place or feeding place in the summer months. In the shelter, the small animals must be protected from extremely low or high temperatures and penetrating rainwater.

Small animal dwellings are known per se from the prior art and can be found in the trade in various designs. From the larger number of these small animal dwellings, only three versions are to be mentioned here by way of example.

For example, the company Wildlife World supplies an "Igloo Hedgehog House", which has a natural design, is water-impermeable due to the use of a film and does not require assembly, but this hedgehog house has no protection against wind and other mammals and does not have high weather resistance due to a little durable material and is not easy to clean. By using the film, it is not breathable.

Furthermore, the Schwegler company offers a "hedgehog dome" that is breathable, has an insulated floor and is made from a more durable material. However, the hedgehog dome also offers no protection against wind and other mammals. The material is also sensitive to transport and the Hedgehog dome comparatively expensive.

Finally, the "hedgehog house" of the Neudorff company should be mentioned, which is made of untreated wood and has weather protection through roofing felt. The hedgehog house offers protection against wind and other mammals. Disadvantages are the necessary assembly, the lack of floor and the relatively short life. The roof, which can be removed in principle, can slip when in use, and in practice some components have proven to be defective.

The problem with the known small animal dwellings is that they either offer no protection against the wind and against other mammals and the weather resistance is low, or that the financial and organizational effort is disproportionately high compared to the actual benefit.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a novel small animal dwelling which can eliminate the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a small animal dwelling which, due to special material properties and optimized geometric design, increases the chances of survival of small animals, in particular hedgehogs, during the winter and offers a safe feeding place.

• - einen Grundkörper (1), wobei der Grundkörper (1) mit einem Boden (101) und vier Seitenwänden (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) trogförmig ausgestaltet ist, wobei die vier Seitenwände (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) einen oberen Rand (105) des Grundkörpers (1) bilden,
• - eine in einer ersten Seitenwand (103a) vorgesehene Eingangsöffnung (1031) und
• - einen Deckel (3), wobei der Deckel (3) dachförmig ausgestaltet ist und eine an seiner Unterseite vorgesehene umlaufende Nut (301) aufweist, welche mit dem oberen Rand (105) korrespondiert, so dass der Grundkörper (1) und der Deckel (3) über die umlaufende Nut (301) und den oberen Rand (105) formschlüssig aufsetzbarbar sind,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kleintierbehausung vollständig aus einem Partikelschaumstoff besteht.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a small animal dwelling, comprising

• - a basic body ( 1 ), the base body ( 1 ) with a bottom ( 101 ) and four side walls ( 103a . 103b . 103c . 103d ) is trough-shaped, the four side walls ( 103a . 103b . 103c . 103d ) an upper margin ( 105 ) of the basic body ( 1 ) form,
• - one in a first side wall ( 103a) intended entrance opening ( 1031 ) and
• - a lid ( 3 ), the cover ( 3 ) is roof-shaped and a circumferential groove provided on its underside ( 301 ) with the upper edge ( 105 ) corresponds so that the basic body ( 1 ) and the lid ( 3 ) over the circumferential groove ( 301 ) and the top ( 105 ) can be positively attached,

characterized in that the small animal housing consists entirely of a particle foam.

The small animal dwelling is 1 ) and the lid ( 3 ) made up of two integral components. The basic body ( 1 ) forms the lower part and includes the actual dwelling with the entrance and a "living" area. The upper part with the circumferential groove ( 301 ) puts the lid ( 3 ) for the dwelling. Via a releasable press connection between this circumferential groove ( 301 ) and the top ( 105 ) of the basic body ( 1 ) lower and upper part, ie basic body ( 1 ) and lid ( 3 ), positively connected with each other. A more complex assembly that goes beyond this positive connection before using the small animal housing according to the invention is not necessary.

While known small animal dwellings sometimes also use foams, these generally require a solid housing in which the foam is inserted to ensure mechanical stability. In contrast, the small animal dwelling according to the invention is complete, i.e. 100% from a particle foam.

A preferred particle foam for the present invention is expanded polypropylene (EPP), which is easy to process and is inexpensive to obtain. It combines good workability with mechanical stability with reduced density. In addition, EPP is very easy to recycle.

The particle foam from which the small animal dwelling is completely made according to the invention offers good thermal and in some cases also acoustic insulation, so that the small animals are offered a safe hiding place and a suitable feeding place. In contrast to small animal dwellings from the prior art, not only is the inside made of the particle foam, but also the outside, so that, despite the artificial foam, an at least nature-like hiding place is provided. This at least nature-like hiding place offers protection against predators, for hedgehogs, for example, foxes, for whom the entrance opening ( 1031 ) is clearly too small to enter the interior ( 11 ) to get.

In a further development of the small animal housing according to the invention, the particle foam of the small animal housing has a uniform density over its entire volume. This means that the small animal dwelling is constructed uniformly and, in contrast to dwellings made of plastic materials known from the prior art, only has a foam skin formed for reasons of process or process technology, but not a solid outside with a much higher density than the actual body. This helps to ensure that the small animals feel comfortable inside the small animal housing according to the invention and accept them as a retreat for hiding or nesting.

It has proven to be advantageous for the division of the small animal home if the entrance opening ( 1031 ) in the first side wall ( 103a ) is arranged eccentrically. This ensures that the interior ( 11 ) into an entrance behind the entrance opening ( 1031 ) and a "living" area that is largely protected from wind and weather. This arrangement offers even better protection against predators.

In an advantageous development of the small animal housing according to the invention, the base body ( 1 ) also a partition ( 107 ) on which the interior ( 11 ) of the basic body ( 1 ) in a to the entrance opening ( 1031 ) subsequent entrance area ( 11a ) and one on the other side of the partition ( 107 ) intended living area ( 11b ) divided. The partition ( 107 ) also serves to influence the influence of wind and weather on the living area ( 11b ) largely excluded.

The above advantageous further development is carried out further in that the partition wall starts from the first side wall ( 103a ) to the side of the entrance opening ( 1031 ) in the interior of the base body ( 1 ) extends into it and a through opening ( 1071 ) between entrance area ( 11a ) and living area ( 11b ) releases. With such a quasi-angled version, predators can no longer reach with their paws into the at least nature-like hiding place.

In order to solve the problem of ventilation of the small animal housing in an advantageous manner, the upper edge ( 105 ) at least one recess ( 1051a ), which is also available with a lid ( 3 ) remains open. In this way, ventilation of the interior ( 11 ) take place without the recess ( 1051a ) Moisture penetrates. This also prevents mold formation and essentially prevents this.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the upper edge ( 105 ) of two opposite side walls ( 103a . 103c ) one recess each ( 1051a . 1051C ) is provided to allow air to pass underneath the cover ( 3 ), but not in the interior ( 11 ) itself. In a special embodiment, all four side walls ( 103a . 103b . 103c . 103d ) in the upper margin ( 105 ) one recess each ( 1051a . 1051b . 1051C . 1051d ) on.

Another further training provides that in the floor ( 101 ) at least one drain opening ( 1011 ) is provided, which the interior ( 11 ) with the outside of the base body ( 1 ) connects.

As a result, moisture, condensed water or liquids from the small animals and possibly excrement can run off and do not remain in the interior ( 11 ) stand. Furthermore, for the fixed cleaning, i.e. without removing the small animal housing from its location, the interior ( 11 ) can be cleaned by rinsing.

To improve the stability of the small animal housing according to the invention, on the underside of the floor ( 101 ) advantageously stand elements ( 1013 ) are provided, which the base body ( 1 ) support against a footprint. The stand elements ( 1013 ) also offer the advantage that, for example, rainwater can run off under the small animal housing according to the invention.

Since the small animal dwelling according to the invention is relatively light, it has proven to be advantageous for the fixed installation if in the floor ( 101 ) of the basic body ( 1 ) at least one fastening opening ( 1015 ) to carry out a Fasteners from the interior ( 11 ) is provided on the outside in a footprint.

The mounting hole ( 1015 ) is in particular a small hole through which the fastener is passed. In a simple embodiment, the fastening means can be designed as a conventional herring, as is known from the time requirement.

It is particularly preferred that the at least one fastening opening ( 1015 ) in the area of at least one of the stand elements ( 1013 ) is arranged.

Specifically, the small hole is used as a fastening opening ( 1015 ) in the middle through the stand element ( 1013 ) to fix the small animal dwelling on the contact area where the stand element ( 1013 ) is in contact with it.

For the acceptance of the small animal dwelling according to the invention by the small animals as a dwelling place and retreat, it is advantageous if the inner surface of the base body ( 1 ) has a texture or structure. In this way, the small animals are given a feel-good atmosphere, which is even more reminiscent of a natural environment. The texture can also increase the ease of cleaning the small animal housing according to the invention.

• 1: eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht von schräg oben einer erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 2: eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht von schräg unten einer erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 3: eine schematische Draufsicht auf den Grundkörper 1 einer erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 4: eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des Grundkörpers 1 der in 3 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung von schräg oben,
• 5: eine schematische perspektivische Detailansicht des Grundkörpers 1 der in 3 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung von schräg oben,
• 6: eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 7: eine schematische Schnittansicht der in 6 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung entlang der Linie A - A,
• 8: eine schematische Schnittansicht der in 6 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung entlang der Linie B - B,
• 9: eine schematische Schnittansicht der in 6 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung entlang der Linie D - D,
• 10: eine schematische Detailansicht der in 9 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung im Ausschnitt E,
• 11: eine schematische Draufsicht auf den Boden 101 des Grundkörpers 1 einer erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 12: eine schematische Schnittansicht der in 11 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung entlang der Linie C - C und
• 13: eine schematische Draufsicht auf den Deckel 3 einer erfindungsgemäßen Kleintierbehausung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Further objectives, features, advantages and possible applications result from the following description of exemplary embodiments not restricting the invention with reference to the figures. All of the described and / or illustrated features, alone or in any combination, form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their relationship. Show it:

• 1 : a schematic perspective view obliquely from above of a small animal housing according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 2 : a schematic perspective view obliquely from below of a small animal housing according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 3 : a schematic plan view of the base body 1 a small animal dwelling according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 4 : a schematic perspective view of the base body 1 the in 3 small animal housing according to the invention from diagonally above,
• 5 : a schematic perspective detailed view of the base body 1 the in 3 small animal housing according to the invention from diagonally above,
• 6 : a schematic side view of a small animal housing according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 7 : a schematic sectional view of the in 6 small animal housing according to the invention shown along the line A - A .
• 8th : a schematic sectional view of the in 6 small animal housing according to the invention shown along the line B - B .
• 9 : a schematic sectional view of the in 6 small animal housing according to the invention shown along the line D - D .
• 10 : a schematic detailed view of the in 9 small animal dwelling according to the invention shown in detail E,
• 11 : a schematic top view of the floor 101 of the basic body 1 a small animal dwelling according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 12 : a schematic sectional view of the in 11 small animal housing according to the invention shown along the line C - C and
• 13 : a schematic plan view of the lid 3 a small animal dwelling according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention.

The same parts have the same reference numerals in all figures, but for reasons of clarity, not all reference numerals are given in all figures.

In 1 is a schematic perspective view obliquely from above of a small animal housing according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention, from which the arrangement of the base body 1 and lid 3 can be seen. The base of the small animal home of this embodiment is rectangular, with the entrance opening 1031 in the longer first side wall 103a is arranged eccentrically.

2 shows a small animal housing according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention schematically perspective from obliquely below, so that next to the entrance opening 1031 in the longer first side wall 103a the one in the ground 101 arranged stand elements 1013 and the drain holes 1011 you can see. It is also easy to see the top edge 105 with the lid 3 technical form.

In 3 is the interior 11 of the basic body 1 shown in a schematic top view. The partition can be seen first 107 covering the entrance area 11a from the living area 11b separates and at the entrance opening 1031 opposite side the through opening 1071 leaves open. The living area 11b has a trailing edge 1017 which is the highest point in this area. From the drain edge 1017 out can be moisture on the inclined third and fourth floor surfaces 101c . 101d of the floor 101 to the corresponding drain openings 1011 flow there and then drain without being in the living area 11b stop.

In this embodiment, the top is 105 also a total of four recesses 1051a . 1051b . 1051C . 1051d to recognize which despite the attached and connected lid 3 ventilation of the interior 11 enable. There are also four fastening openings 1015 shown.

The view of the 3 is in 4 from the top diagonally again shown in perspective, from which the arrangement of the partition 107 with the through opening 1071 between entrance area 11a and living area 11b becomes even clearer. In the entrance area, the floor is in a first floor area 101 by the entrance opening 1031 forth rises, and a second floor area 101b which is essentially flat. The rising first floor area 101 enables the small animals to get into the small animal housing largely continuously. At the same time, moisture and splash water can drain off immediately.

The 5 represents the interior in detail 11 of in 3 shown basic body 1 schematically perspective. Here are clearly visible in the representation of the 4 the two inclined third and fourth floor surfaces 101c . 101d towards the corresponding drain openings 1011 ,

6 shows a schematic side view, specifically on the first side wall 103a with an eccentrically arranged entrance opening 1031 , behind which the first floor area 101 increases. From this illustration, the fit between the cover is again 3 and basic body 1 to recognize. Furthermore, the stand elements 1013 shown.

In 7 is a schematic sectional view of the in 6 small animal housing according to the invention shown along the line A - A shown, which leads through this in the middle. The partition is clearly visible in the top view 107 with the through opening 1071 from the side of the living area 11b ago. The one to the drain opening 1011 falling third floor area 101c is also shown.

In the sectional area of this illustration, the recess is an example 1051C in the third side wall 103c in the upper margin 105 marked, which takes over a ventilation function. In the cut of the lid 3 are also the support strips 303 shown.

The schematic sectional view of the in 6 small animal housing according to the invention shown along the line B - B in 8th runs through the entrance area 11a with the entrance opening 1031 and the first floor surface sloping there 101 , In addition, this representation can fit the top margin 105 and circumferential groove 301 be removed, which is fixed but removable.

In the 9 shown sectional view along the line D - D out 6 runs through the living area again 11b , but on the edge towards the fourth side wall 103d , so here the situation is similar to that 7 are. Here are the stand elements 1013 with through these through fastening openings 1015 shown. The section E is in 10 shown in detail.

In this detail of the 10 becomes an average through a stand element 1013 continuous fastening opening 1015 shown. At the top, ie inside 11 lying end of the mounting opening 1015 is in the respective section of the floor 101 also a mounting recess 1019 brought in. As mentioned above, in a simple case the small animal dwelling according to the invention can be fastened in the contact area with a kind of tent peg. So that the hook ends of these fastening elements, which are usually made of metal, do not pose any risk of injury to the small animals, these hook ends can be placed in the fastening recesses 1019 be hidden

From the schematic top view of the floor 101 of the basic body 1 in 11 is again the respective arrangement of the stand elements 1013 with mounting holes 1015 and the drain opening 1011 shown.

12 represents the small animal dwelling according to the invention in section along the line C - C out 11 so that the arrangement of the partition 107 and the differently inclined floor areas become clear.

Finally, the schematic top view of the 13 on the lid 3 the arrangement of the support strips of a small animal dwelling according to the invention 303 be removed. The support ledges 303 form a flat surface on the otherwise sloping roof, on which, for example, a stone can be placed to weigh down the small animal dwelling. Although the lid 3 is designed as a tent roof in this embodiment, the shape is not limited to this. The lid can also be used 3 have the shape of a gable roof, a hipped roof or a pent roof.

The one with the main body 1 positive lid 3 and the winding entrance area 11a with adjoining living area 11b offer the small animal, especially a hedgehog, a sheltered living area 11b and make it difficult for larger mammals and predators to enter small animal homes. Despite the positive fit, there are between the basic body 1 and lid 3 four recess 1051 integrated, whereby an air exchange between indoor and outdoor air can take place. The penetration of rainwater, the formation of condensation and the formation of mold are prevented. Water that has penetrated elsewhere can pass through two small drain openings 1011 escape. The insulating, closed floor supports for additional well-being within the house 101 at.

The material of the particle foam used according to the invention offers very good weather resistance and impact resistance, as a result of which a long service life can be guaranteed. At the same time, small animal housing is very light and can be moved and transported with little effort. The recyclability is 100% guaranteed due to the production of single-grade material. Another advantage of the particle foam is a wide range of colors.

The highly insulating material properties of the particle foam result in constant temperature conditions with fluctuating outside temperatures. The small animal, for example a hedgehog, is thus always protected both at low and at high outside temperatures. The design of the small animal housing and the soft elastic properties of the particle foam protect the small animal from injuries. The plastic surface also minimizes build-up and moss growth. The small animal housing can be cleaned by cleaning the base body 1 removable lid 3 easy to do anyway. For a safe stand and protection against strong gusts of wind, the small animal housing can easily be weighted down with a stone or fixed with a ground anchor. That's what the lid is for 3 Roof element with support strips 303 provided on which stones or the like can be placed. There are four positions on the inside of the floor section to additionally fix the small animal housing to the ground with the help of standard ground anchors (tent pegs).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

body

101

ground

101

first floor area

101b

second floor area

101c

third floor area

101d

fourth floor area

1011

drain hole

1013

Bases

1015

fastening opening

1017

trailing edge

1019

mounting recess

103a, 103b, 103c, 103d

side walls

1031

entrance opening

105

upper edge

1051

recess

107

partition wall

1071

Through opening

3

cover

301

circumferential groove

303

Slat

11

inner space

11a

entrance area

11b

living area

Claims (10)

Small animal housing comprising - a base body (1), the base body (1) having a bottom (101) and four side walls (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) being designed in a trough shape, the four side walls (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d) form an upper edge (105) of the base body (1), - an inlet opening (1031) provided in a first side wall (103a) and - a cover (3), the cover (3) being roof-shaped and one provided on its underside having circumferential groove (301) which corresponds to the upper edge (105), so that the base body (1) and the cover (3) via the circumferential groove (301) and the upper edge (105) are positively aufsetzbarbar, characterized that the small animal dwelling consists entirely of a particle foam. Small animal dwelling after Claim 1 , wherein the input opening (1031) in the first side wall (103a) is arranged eccentrically. Small animal dwelling after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the base body (1) further has a partition (107) which divides the interior (11) of the base body (1) into an input area (11a) adjoining the entrance opening (1031) and one on the other side of the partition wall (107) intended living area (11b) divided. Small animal dwelling after Claim 3 , wherein the partition extends from the first side wall (103a) to the side of the entrance opening (1031) into the interior of the base body (1) and leaves a through opening (1071) between the entrance area (11a) and living area (11b). Small animal dwelling according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 , In the upper edge (105) at least one recess (1051a) is provided, which remains open even with the cover (3) in place. Small animal dwelling according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , In the floor (101) at least one drain opening (1011) is provided, which connects the interior (11) with the outside of the base body (1). Small animal dwelling according to one of the Claims 1 to 6 Stand elements (1013) are provided on the underside of the base (101) and support the base body (1) against a contact surface. Small animal dwelling according to one of the Claims 1 to 7 , In the bottom (101) of the base body (1) at least one fastening opening (1015) for carrying out a fastening means from the interior (11) to the outside into a contact area is provided. Small animal dwelling after Claim 8 , The at least one fastening opening (1015) being arranged in the region of at least one of the stand elements (1013). Small animal dwelling according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , wherein the inner surface of the base body (1) has a texture or structure.

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