GB2483795A

GB2483795A - Kennel with integral washing facilities.

Info

Publication number: GB2483795A
Application number: GB1116008.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Burke
Original assignee: IT S ABOUT TIME INV S Ltd
Current assignee: IT S ABOUT TIME INV S Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-15
Publication date: 2012-03-21
Also published as: GB201116008D0; IES20100584A2

Abstract

A structural shelter 10 for housing an animal, such as a kennel, comprising a housing having a base (20, fig 2) and walls 22 defining a cavity 24 therebetween, and a fluid-retaining reservoir 14 located within the cavity. The reservoir has at least one egress means 32 adapted to deliver fluid from the reservoir, and at least one ingress means 36 adapted to deliver fluid to the reservoir, wherein the egress means is in fluid communication with the ingress means.

Description

A Kennel

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a structural shelter for housing an animal, such as a kennel.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a kennel comprising a housing having a base and walls defining a cavity therebetween, and a fluid-retaining reservoir located within the cavity defined by the base and walls of the housing; the reservoir having at least one egress means adapted to deliver fluid from the reservoir, and at least one ingress means adapted to deliver fluid to the reservoir, wherein the at least one egress means is in fluid communication with the at least one ingress means.

Optionally, the reservoir is convex polyhedral in shape. Further optionally, the reservoir is substantially hollow cuboid polyhedron having a base and at least one open face.

Optionally, the reservoir is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate an animal therein.

Optionally, the reservoir is formed from a material capable of inhibiting or impeding the passage of fluid therethrough. Still further optionally, the reservoir is formed form a fluid-impervious, optionally a liquid-impervious, material. Optionally, the reservoir is formed from a plastic material. Optionally, the plastic material is a thermosetting polymer. Optionally, the plastic material is a thermosetting polymer selected from epoxy and polyepoxide. Alternatively, the plastic material is a thermoplastic material.

Optionally, the plastic material is a thermoplastic material selected from polyethylene and polypropylene. Further alternatively, the reservoir is formed from a metal or metal alloy. Optionally, the reservoir is formed from a metal alloy. Further optionally, the reservoir is formed from aluminium.

Optionally, at least one egress means comprises an aperture. Further optionally, the at least one egress means comprises an aperture provided at the reservoir, such that fluid can pass from the reservoir to the cavity defined between the housing and the reservoir. Optionally, the kennel comprises at least two, optionally at least three, egress means. Further optionally, the at least one, optionally at least two, further optionally at least three, egress means, is located adjacent the base of the reservoir.

Optionally, the kennel comprises first and second egress means, wherein the first egress means is in fluid communication with the at least one ingress means, and wherein the second egress means forms an outlet to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir to a position external to the housing.

Optionally, the at least one egress means further comprises a valve such that fluid can pass unidirectionally from the reservoir. Optionally, the valve is selected from a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disc check valve, a stop-check valve, and a lift-check valve.

Optionally, at least one ingress means comprises a fluid guide. Further optionally, the at least one ingress means comprises a fluid guide provided at or adjacent the reservoir such that fluid can pass to the reservoir. Still further optionally, the at least one ingress means comprises a fluid guide provided at or adjacent the reservoir such that fluid can pass to the reservoir from the cavity defined between the housing and the reservoir.

Optionally, the kennel comprises first and second ingress means, wherein the first ingress means is in fluid communication with the at least one egress means, and wherein the second ingress means forms an inlet to allow passage of fluid from a fluid source external to the housing to the reservoir.

Optionally, the at least one ingress means further comprises a valve such that fluid can pass unidirectionally to the reservoir. Optionally, the valve is selected from a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disc check valve, a stop-check valve, and a lift-check valve. Optionally, the valve is arranged to allow the at least one ingress means to deliver fluid to the reservoir. Further optionally, the valve is arranged to inhibit or impede the delivery of fluid from the reservoir to the at least one egress means.

Optionally, the kennel further comprises means for driving the passage of fluid from the at least one egress means to the at least one ingress means. Optionally, the driving means comprises a pump capable of displacing a volume of fluid by physical or mechanical action. Optionally, the pump is a positive displacement pump, which displaces a volume of fluid toward the ingress means. Optionally, the pump is located in the cavity defined between the housing and the reservoir. Optionally, the pump is an electrically driven pump.

Optionally, the kennel further comprises means for heating the fluid. Optionally, the heating means is located in the cavity define between the housing and the reservoir. Optionally, the heating means is capable of increasing and maintaining the temperature of the fluid, or a portion thereof. Optionally, the heating means is a heating element, optionally an electric heating element.

Optionally, the fluid passes from the at least one egress means, via the heating means, to the at least one ingress means.

Alternatively, the heating means is adapted to deliver energy to the fluid retained in the reservoir.

Optionally, the kennel further comprises a lid.

Optionally, the lid is formed from a material capable of inhibiting or impeding the passage of fluid therethrough. Still further optionally, the lid is formed form a fluid-impervious, optionally a liquid-impervious, material. Optionally, the lid is formed from a plastic material.

Optionally, the lid is pivotally mountable to the kennel, and displaceable between an open position and a closed position. Further optionally, the lid is pivotally mountable to the housing, and displaceable between an open position and a closed position. Still further optionally, the lid is hingedly mountable to the housing, and displaceable between an open position and a closed position.

Optionally, in the closed position, the lid occludes the open face of the reservoir, and inhibits or impedes the passage of fluid from the open face of the reservoir.

Optionally, in the open position, the lid does not occlude the open face of the reservoir, and fluid can pass from the open face of the reservoir.

Optionally, the kennel further comprises panel, displaceable between a secured and an unsecured position; wherein, in the secured position, the panel is integral with the housing; and wherein, in the unsecured position, the panel defines an opening, permitting access to the reservoir.

Optionally, the panel is defined by at least part of the housing. Optionally or additionally, the panel is defined by at least part of the reservoir.

Optionally, the panel is pivotably mountable to the housing. Alternatively, the panel is pivotably mountable to the reservoir.

Optionally, in the secured position, the panel is integral with the wall of the reservoir. Further optionally, in the secured position, the panel is integral with the housing. Still further optionally, in the secured position, the panel forms a fluid-impervious barrier for retaining fluid in the reservoir.

Optionally, in the unsecured position, the removable panel defines an opening through which an animal can pass. Further optionally, in the unsecured position, the panel defines a platform, permitting access to the reservoir.

Optionally, the kennel further comprises means for reducing the transfer of heat energy from the reservoir. Further optionally, the kennel further comprises insulation. Still further optionally, the kennel comprises insulation provided at the cavity defined between the housing and the reservoir.

Optionally, the at least one egress means and/or the at least one ingress means further comprises a filter to remove solid particles from the fluid.

Optionally, the first egress means further comprises a filter to remove solid particles from the fluid.

Optionally, the kennel comprises first and second egress means, wherein the first egress means is in fluid communication with the second egress means. Further optionally, the kennel comprises first and second egress means, wherein the first egress means is in fluid communication with the second egress means and the at least one ingress means. Still further optionally, the kennel comprises first and second egress means, wherein the first egress means is in fluid communication with the second egress means and the at least one ingress means, and wherein the second egress means forms an outlet to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir to a position external to the housing.

Optionally, the second egress means forms an outlet to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir to a position external to the housing, wherein the outlet is located between the first egress means and the ingress means.

Alternatively, the first and second egress means are the same egress means, and the egress means forms an outlet to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir to a position external to the housing, wherein the outlet is located between the egress means and the ingress means.

Optionally, the outlet is displaceable between a siphoning position and a retaining position.

Optionally, in the siphoning position, the outlet is located, in use, below the at least one egress means.

Optionally, in the retaining position, the outlet is located, in use, above the at least one egress means. Further optionally, in the retaining position, the outlet is located, in use, adjacent or above the open face of the fluid-retaining reservoir.

Optionally, the at least one egress means comprises an aperture and a conduit, which forms an outlet.

Optionally, the conduit is a flexible conduit. Further optionally, the conduit is formed from a resilient material. Further optionally or additionally, the conduit comprises at least one corrugation, which extends circumferentially about the conduit. Still further optionally or additionally, the conduit comprises a plurality of corrugations, each of which extends circumferentially about the conduit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a kennel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, depicting a panel in an unsecured position; Figure 2 is a sectional perspective view of the kennel of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional end view of the kennel of Figure 1; Figure 4A is a sectional schematic diagram of the at least one egress means of the kennel of Figure 1, wherein the outlet is in a siphoning position; and Figure 4B is a sectional schematic diagram of the at least one egress means of the kennel of Figure 1, wherein the outlet is in a retaining position.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a kennel 10 comprising a housing 12 and a reservoir 14. In a preferred embodiment, the kennel 10 further comprises a lid 16 and a panel 18 displaceable between a secured position and an unsecured position.

The housing 12 of the kennel 10 is generally cuboid in shape, forming a convex polyhedron having a base 20 (see Figure 2) and walls 22. However! it is envisaged that the housing 12 can be of any reasonable shape and dimension to accommodate an animal (not shown). Preferably, the housing 12 is formed from a material such as plastic, but the choice of material can be selected by one skilled in the art, and any suitable material that can impart the required structural strength can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 12 is provided with a decorative finish to allude to a panelled finish as is depicted in Figures 1 and 2. Each of the base 20 and the walls 22 of the housing 12 together define a cavity 24. Preferably, the cavity 24 is substantially hollow.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a kennel 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The reservoir 14 of the kennel 10 is generally cuboid in shape and oriented to receive and retain a fluid (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir 14 is generally cuboid in shape, having a base 26, walls 28, and an open face 30. However, it is understood that that the reservoir 14 can be of any reasonable shape and orientation to retain a fluid. Preferably, the reservoir 14 is dimensioned and arranged to be located within the cavity 24 defined by the base 20 and the walls 22 of the housing 12. The reservoir 14 is preferably formed from a material capable of inhibiting or impeding the passage of fluid therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir 14 is formed form a fluid-impervious, optionally a liquid-impervious, material; such as plastic. It is envisaged that the plastic is selected from a thermosetting polymer, such as epoxy or polyepoxide.

Alternatively, the reservoir 14 can be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to form the reservoir 14 from a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminium. The choice of material forming the reservoir 14 is not limited to the examples provided herein, and any material that can impart the required mechanical strength and fluid-impervious property can be selected by one skilled in the art.

The kennel 10 comprises at least one egress means 32. The egress means 32 can be any means that permit the passage of fluid (not shown) from the reservoir 14 to the cavity 24 defined by the base 20 and the walls 22 of the housing 12. In a preferred embodiment, the egress means 32 comprises an aperture. To permit passage of fluid from the reservoir 14 through the egress means 32 to the cavity 24, the egress means is preferably located at the base 26 of the reservoir 14. Such an arrangement permits the passage of fluid through the egress means 32 under the force of gravity.

As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the kennel 10 comprises at least one, preferably three, ingress means 36. The ingress means 36 can be any suitable means that permit passage of the fluid (not shown) to the reservoir 14. In a preferred embodiment, depicted in solid lines in Figure 3, the ingress means 36 comprise an aperture located at the wall 28 of the reservoir 14, which allows a recirculation of the fluid in a closed system within the reservoir 14. In an alternative embodiment, depicted in broken lines in Figure 3, the ingress means 36 may comprise a fluid guide, such as a showerhead, for directing fluid in an open system to the reservoir 14. Although depicted as being located adjacent the open face 30 of the reservoir 14, the ingress means 36 could be located at any position at the walls 28 of the reservoir 14 or, alternatively, at any location adjacent the housing 12 or the lid 16.

Either or both of the egress means 32 and the ingress means 36 may further comprise a filter to remove solid particles from the fluid. The egress means 32 is preferably in fluid communication with the ingress means 36. Preferably, the egress means 32 is connected to the ingress means 36 via a pipe 34. The pipe 34 is a generally hollow cylindrical tube, which can be formed from any suitable material that will permit the passage of fluid therethrough and communicate the fluid from the egress means 32 to the ingress means 36. Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the fluid (not shown) can pass from the reservoir 14 via the egress means 32 to the ingress means 36. The egress means 32 is in fluid communication with the ingress means 36 via a pipe 34. Either or both of the egress means 32 and the ingress means 36 may further comprises a valve, such that fluid can pass unidirectionally thought the pipe 34. The valve (not shown) can be, for example, a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disc check valve, a stop-check valve, and a lift-check valve.

Alternative, additional egress means 32 (not shown) may be provided, which form an outlet to allow the removal of the fluid from the reservoir 14 to en external location, for example, when the reservoir is to be drained.

Alternative, additional ingress means 36 (not shown) may be provided, which form an inlet to allow passage of fluid from a fluid source, such as a mains supply, external to the housing to the reservoir 14.

Preferably, the kennel 10 further comprises a pump 38 for driving the passage of fluid from the egress means 32 to the ingress means 36. The pump 38 is preferably capable of displacing a volume of fluid by physical or mechanical action, and is preferably a positive displacement pump, which displaces a volume of fluid toward the ingress means 36. For ease of use and protection from exposure to the fluid, particularly in the case of an electrically driven pump, the pump 38 is preferably located in the cavity 24 defined between the housing 12 and the reservoir 14.

It is also envisaged that the kennel 10, in a preferred embodiment, further comprises a heating element 40 capable of increasing and maintaining the temperature of the fluid, or a portion thereof. In the case of ambient temperature fluid, the temperature of the fluid can be increased by the heating element 40. In the case of increased temperature fluid, the increased temperature of the fluid can be maintained at that increased temperature. Preferably, the heating element 40 is an electric heating element, and is located in the cavity 24 defined between the housing 12 and the reservoir 14. Even more preferably, the heating element 40 is located adjacent a wall 28 of the reservoir 14 to deliver energy to the fluid retained in the reservoir 14.

In a preferred embodiment, the kennel 10 further comprises a lid 16, which can be formed from any material capable of inhibiting or impeding the passage of fluid therethrough. Preferably, the lid 16 is formed form a fluid-impervious, optionally a liquid-impervious, material, such as plastic. The lid 16 is preferably pivotally mounted to the kennel 10, and displaceable between an open position (not shown) and a closed position (depicted in Figures 1, 2, and 3). It is envisaged that the lid 16 is mounted to the housing 12, via a hinge, Figure 2, and is displaceable between an open position and a closed position. Advantageously, in the closed position, the lid 16 occludes the open face 30 of the reservoir 14, thereby inhibiting the passage of fluid from the open face 30 of the reservoir 14.

Moreover, the lid 16, in the closed position, provides protection from the elements, when the kennel is used in an outdoor environment. In the open position, the lid 16 does not occlude the open face 30 of the reservoir 14, permitting a user access to the reservoir 14 and allowing the introduction of an animal or fluid to the reservoir 14.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the kennel 10 further comprises a panel 18, displaceable between a secured (not shown) and an unsecured position (depicted in Figures 1 and 2). In the secured position, the panel 18 is defined by at least part of the wall 22 of the housing 12 and is integral with the housing 12. In the unsecured position, the panel 18 defines an opening, permitting access to the reservoir 14. In a preferred embodiment, the panel 18 is defined by at least part of the wall 28 of the reservoir 14; and is pivotably mounted to the housing 12. Alternatively, the panel 18 can be pivotably mounted to the reservoir 14. In either case, the panel 18, in the secured position, forms a fluid-impervious barrier for retaining fluid in the reservoir 14. Advantageously, in the unsecured position, the panel 18 defines a platform, permitting access to the reservoir 14, thereby allowing animals to access the reservoir 14 without the requirement to access the reservoir 14 via the open face 30.

Although not shown, it is envisaged that the kennel 10 further comprises insulation for reducing the transfer of heat energy from the reservoir 14, facilitating the maintenance of the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir 14. The insulation is preferably provided at the cavity 24 defined between the housing 12 and the reservoir 14.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a sectional schematic diagram of the at least one egress means 32 of a kennel 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The egress means 32 can comprise a filter 44, which can overlie the egress means 32 to remove solid particles from the fluid. Removal of the solid particles facilitates the life expectancy of the kennel, particularly the driving means, for example the pump, 38. In the case of more than one egress means 32, there can be more then one filter 44, for example, some or all of the egress means 32 can comprise a filter 44. In a particular embodiment, the at least one egress means 32 and the at least one ingress means 36 each comprises a filter 44 to remove solid particles from the fluid. In an alternative embodiment, the first egress means 32 comprises a filter 44 to remove solid particles from the fluid. The kennel 10 can comprise first 32 and second 32' egress means, wherein the first 32 egress means is in fluid communication with the second 32' egress means. In a preferred embodiment, the kennel 10 can comprise first 32 and second 32' egress means, wherein the first 32 egress means is in fluid communication with the second 32' egress means and the at least one ingress means 36, for example by way of a conduit 46. The kennel 10 can comprise first 32 and second 32' egress means, wherein the first 32 egress means is in fluid communication with the second 32' egress means and the at least one ingress 36 means, for example by way of a conduit 46, and wherein the second 32' egress means forms an outlet 48 to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir 14 to a position external to the housing 12. The outlet 48 can be an aperture located in the wall of the conduit 46, or any such means to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir 14 to a position external to the housing 12. The second 32' egress means can form an outlet 48 to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir 14 to a position external to the housing 12, wherein the outlet is located, for example, between the first egress means 32 and the ingress means 36. For example, the outlet 48 can be an aperture in the wall of the conduit 46, which forms the fluid communication between the first egress means 32 and the ingress means 36.

In an alternative embodiment, the first 32 and second 32' egress means are the same egress means 32, and the egress means 32 forms an outlet 48 to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir 14 to a position external to the housing 12. The outlet 48 can be an aperture located between the egress means 32 and the ingress means 36.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet 48 is displaceable between a siphoning position and a retaining position.

As shown in Figure 4A, in the siphoning position, the outlet 48 is located, in use, below the at least one egress means 32. In the siphoning position, the outlet 48 can also be located, in use, below the at least one ingress means 36. Accordingly, in the siphoning position, the fluid in the reservoir 14 will pass from the reservoir 14 to a position external to the housing 12, via the egress means 32, and via the outlet 48. Advantageously, in the siphoning position, the fluid in the ingress means 36, for example fluid in the driving means such as a pump 38, will pass from the reservoir 14 to a position external to the housing 12, via the outlet 48. Resultantly, fluid can be siphoned from the kennel 10 after use.

As shown in Figure 4B, in the retaining position, the outlet 48 is located, in use, above the at least one egress means 32. The outlet 48 can be located, in the retaining position, in use, adjacent or above the open face 30 of the fluid-retaining reservoir 14. In a preferred embodiment, in the retaining position, the outlet 48 is located, in use, above the fluid retained in the reservoir 14. Accordingly, in the retaining position, the fluid in the reservoir 14 will pass from the reservoir 14, via the egress means 32, to the ingress means 36.

The conduit 46 extending between the egress means 32 and the ingress means 36, wherein the outlet 48 is located, can be a flexible conduit. For example, the conduit 46 can be formed from a resilient material, or can comprise a plurality of corrugations, each of which extends circumferentially about the conduit. The flexibility of the conduit 46 permits the displacement of the outlet 48 between the siphoning position and the retaining position. In a preferred embodiment, the kennel 10, particularly the wall 22 of the housing 12 can comprise means (not shown) for securing the outlet 48 between the siphoning position and the retaining position. The securing means can be, for example hooks, which secure the conduit 46 such that, in the siphoning position, the outlet 48 is located, in use, below the at least one egress means 32; and in the retaining position, the outlet 48 is located, in use, above the at least one egress means 32.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the kennel 10 comprises first 32 and second 32' egress means, for example first 32 and second 32' apertures. Preferably, the first egress means 32 comprises a filter 44. The first 32 and second 32' egress means can be in fluid communication by way of a conduit 46, for example a flexible conduit 46. The conduit 46 comprises an outlet 48, for example an aperture 48, located in the wall of the conduit 46 between the first 32 and second 32' egress means. The conduit 46 can be in fluid communication with the ingress means 36, for example by way of a "T"-junction or similar joint permitting fluid communication between the conduit 46 and the ingress means 36.

In the retaining position, Figure 4B, the outlet 48 is located, in use, above the level of the fluid in the reservoir 14. Resultantly, the fluid can pass from the reservoir 14 via the first egress means 32 to the ingress means 36; the fluid being filtered prior to passing from the reservoir 14; thereby protecting the driving means 38, for example the pump 38, from damage caused by any solid material within the fluid.

In the siphoning position, Figure 4A, the outlet 48 is located, in use, below the level of the fluid in the reservoir 14. Resultantly, the fluid can pass from the reservoir 14 via the first 32 and second 32' egress means to the outlet 48. Fluid can also pass from the ingress means 36 to the outlet 48. Any solid material retained by the filter 44 can pass with the fluid via the second egress means 32', via the outlet 38, to a position external to the housing 12.

Claims

Claims 1. A kennel comprising a housing having a base and walls defining a cavity therebetween, and a fluid-retaining reservoir located within the cavity defined by the base and walls of the housing; the reservoir having at least one egress means adapted to deliver fluid from the reservoir, and at least one ingress means adapted to deliver fluid to the reservoir, wherein the at least one egress means is in fluid communication with the at least one ingress means.
2. A kennel according to Claim 1, further comprising means for driving the passage of fluid from the at least one egress means to the at least one ingress means.
3. A kennel according to Claim 2, wherein the driving means comprises a pump capable of displacing a volume of fluid by physical or mechanical action.
4. A kennel according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one egress means and the at least one ingress means further comprises a filter to remove solid particles from the fluid.
5. A kennel according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lid pivotally mountable to the kennel, and displaceable between an open position and a closed position.
6. A kennel according to any preceding claim further comprising a panel, displaceable between a secured and an unsecured position; wherein, in the secured position, the panel is integral with the housing; and wherein, in the unsecured position, the panel defines an opening, permitting access to the reservoir.
7. A kennel according to any preceding claim comprising first and second egress means, wherein the first egress means is in fluid communication with the at least one ingress means, and wherein the second egress means forms an outlet to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir to a position external to the housing.
8. A kennel according to any of Claims 1-6 comprising first and second egress means, wherein the first egress means is in fluid communication with the second egress means.
9. A kennel according to Claim 8, wherein the first egress means is in fluid communication with the second egress means and the at least one ingress means, and wherein the second egress means forms an outlet to allow passage of fluid from the reservoir to a position external to the housing.
10. A kennel according to Claim 9, wherein the outlet is located between the first egress means and the ingress means.
11. A kennel according to any one of Claims 7-10, wherein the outlet is displaceable between a siphoning position and a retaining position; wherein, in the siphoning position, the outlet is located, in use, below the at least one egress means; and wherein, in the retaining position, the outlet is located, in use, above the at least one egress means.
12. A kennel substantially as shown in the drawings and as described with reference to thedescription.