NL2007170C2

NL2007170C2 - Shelter structure for livestock, in particular for cattle.

Info

Publication number: NL2007170C2
Application number: NL2007170A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Hendrik Frederik Massee
Original assignee: Scx Solar B V
Priority date: 2011-07-22
Filing date: 2011-07-22
Publication date: 2013-01-24

Description

Title: Shelter structure for livestock, in particular for cattle.

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a shelter structure according to the pre-5 amble of claim 1.

Animal shelters are generally known, in the form of a supporting structure extending from a base, and being provided with a roofing element. The shelters protect cattle from dehydration and heat exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, or protects the cattle from heavy weather such as rain 10 or hail.

Significant problems may arise from the crowding of animal within the shelter. Accumulated urine and faecal deposits within a sheltered area give rise to a constantly wet and muddy ground surface which, in combination with high ambient temperature and/or humidity, encourages the growth of micro-organisms in 15 the soil. The animals are thus subjected to considerable health risks.

To diminish these risks, AU 663404 B proposes a protective shelter system, using shelter structures with retractable flexible sheet material for providing an elevated protective barrier. By deploying and retracting the flexible sheet material of different shelter structures, a protective shelter may be deployed at different areas 20 in the field. Thus, more than one location within the field may function as a shelter, giving the previously used shelter area time to recover. In the new shelter location, the animals are not exposed to a wet and muddy ground surface, and consequently the health risks are diminished.

However, the known system has some drawbacks. For one, the 25 system requires considerable space, since in a field quite some potential shelter area is needed to be able to periodically change the area used as a shelter. Furthermore, the known system requires quite some user-attention, since the caretaker of the animals must determine whether it is time for the currently exposed area to be changed for a new one, or not. If so, the caretaker must retract the flexible sheet 30 material at the currently exposed area, and deploy flexible sheet material at the new area to be exposed. Finally, the flexible sheet material may be prone to damaging.

It is therefore an object of the current invention, to provide a shelter structure for livestock, in particular for cattle, which overcomes the aforementioned 2 drawbacks of the prior art.

To this end, a shelter structure of the aforementioned kind is provided, which is characterised according to the characterising part of claim 1. The shelter structure comprises a base, supporting means projecting from the base, and 5 a roofing element supported by the supporting means. A shelter for animals, in particular for livestock, and more particularly for cattle, is formed in between the base and the roofing element. The shelter is furthermore freely accessible from the environment surrounding the shelter such that the livestock may freely enter and leave the shelter at their own will. The shelter is preferably placed in a field for the 10 livestock, such that the livestock may choose when to seek shelter, and freely return to the field when shelter is not needed. According to the invention, the base comprises a container for granulate material, such as woodchips. The container with granulate material is configured to receive faeces and/or urine of the livestock when present in the shelter. The faeces and/or urine will fall on the granulate material in 15 the container. The granulate material takes up and spreads the faeces and/or urine, and prevents wet and muddy conditions from occurring in the shelter. Thus, the health risks are diminished by using the granulate material. Additionally, the shelter structure comprises fan means with a fan device for blowing air along at least part of the surface of the granulate material. The air blown on the surface of the granulate 20 material will dry the granulate material. With this, the constantly wet and muddy ground surface are even further prevented, and thus the risk for the cattle is further reduced. Consequently, there is no need to periodically change the shelter area. One single shelter area suffices, giving more shelter-free room in the field. Thus, the shelter structure may be relatively compact, which saves material and makes the 25 shelter structure relatively cheap. Unexpectedly, it was found that the drying of the granulate material drastically reduces the C02 emission from the faeces and/or urine. It is believed that this may be accounted for by the fact that the drying of the granulate material prevents certain chemical reactions in the faeces and/or urine to take place. It was found that the reduction in C02 may be as high as 80%.

30 In an embodiment, the shelter structure comprises solar energy means, such as a solar panel element, forming part of, or being connected to, the roofing element for providing energy to at least the fan means. The solar energy means may be used to provide energy to the fan means, in particular to the fan 3 device. This way, a self-supporting structure is obtained, as no external energy source is needed. By placing the solar energy means close to the roofing element, they are certain to be exposed to the sunlight. Preferably, the solar energy means at least partly form the roof itself. This way, the solar energy means not only provide 5 energy to the shelter structure, but also provide a roofing which forms the shelter for the animals.

The effect of the blowing of air along or over the granulate material on the reduction of C02 is further increased when relatively warm air is used. To that end, it is preferred that the fan means comprise a flow tube having a first end being 10 positioned near the roofing element, preferably near a side of the roofing element that faces the base, and said flow tube having a second end being positioned near or in the container, wherein said flow tube is configured for transporting air from or near the roofing element towards the granulate material. The air near the roofing element, and especially below the roofing element, is relatively warm, and thus a flow tube that 15 provides the relatively warm air from the roofing element to the granulate material increases the efficiency of the shelter structure.

To obtain a relatively compact shelter structure, the flow tube may be part of the supporting means. The flow tube may be covered by the supporting means, to protect the flow tube.

20 In an embodiment, supporting means comprises a hollow tubular member that constitutes the flow tube. This way, the function of the supporting means is two-fold: provide a support for the roof, as well as provide means for providing relatively warm air towards the granulate material.

A strong and robust structure is obtained when the supporting 25 means and/or the roofing element is at least substantially made of steel. Especially a supporting means with a hollow tubular member constituting the flow tube may be conveniently made of this material. Of course it is conceivable that other materials are used.

A durable shelter structure may be obtained when the base 30 comprises a foundation, preferably at least substantially made of concrete, wherein the supporting means are connected to the foundation.

It is possible that a covering layer is provided on the granulate material. The covering layer may be a further, different, layer of granulate material.

4

The different granulate material may be coarser or finer. In a preferred embodiment, the covering layer is a layer of soil or the like, on which grass may be growing. This way, the shelter area will have the same surface texture as the field in which the shelter structure is placed. Excess faeces and/or urine may seep through the 5 covering layer, towards the bottom of the container, where granulate material is present and is dried using the fan means. This way, the covering layer is kept relatively clean, and the potential hazards for the animals is further reduced.

It is preferred that the fan means are at least partly positioned below the granulate material. Preferably, an outlet of a flow tube of the fan means is 10 positioned centrally in the granulate material, such that granulate material surrounds the flow tube. This makes it possible to blow the air to the granulate material from a central location, meaning that all the granulate material may be dried well. With this, it is relatively easy to direct the air stream to the granulate material in an efficient manner. It is of course possible that a number of fan devices and/or a number of flow 15 tubes are used, for more precisely directing the air stream.

A silent system is obtained when the fan device is provided below the granulate material. This way, the noise of the fan device is reduced. In this position it is also protected from the elements and the animals. The fan device is preferably positioned within a cavity in the container.

20 To improve the efficiency of the solar energy means, it is preferred that the solar energy means comprise a solar panel having a profiled glass surface.

Also, it is possible, in an embodiment, that the solar energy means comprise a solar panel having a back side made of Tedlar. The back side of the solar panel may face the base. The transparent Tedlar back side is more or less 25 transparent to sunlight, such that light may reach the granulate material, and may aid in drying the granulate material. Another advantage of the Tedlar back side is that the animals, such as the livestock, still receive a full spectrum of light. In another embodiment, the back side is made of glass, which allows even more light to pass through.

30 The solar energy means are preferably connected to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be used to provide energy to a number of electrical devices when needed. Preferably, the energy storage device may be conveniently used to power a cutting device, which may be used to rout the 5 granulate material, preferably 2 or 3 times a week. This extends the lifetime of the granulate material, and aids in the drying. Preferably, the routing is done when no covering material is present.

To further improve the drying of the granulate material, it is preferred 5 to blow relatively warm air towards the granulate material. This relatively warm air may conveniently be created at an underside of the roofing element, when the roofing element extends at an angle relative to the horizontal. Preferably, said angle is approximately 5-15 degrees, and more preferably approximately 10 degrees. The angle results in natural convection of relatively warm air, such that the air may be 10 taken up by the flow device at one point.

Drying of the granulate material may further be improved when direct sunlight hits the granulate material, or the granulate material is indirectly heated by heating the covering layer above. Therefore, it is possible that the roofing element comprises hole or slit elements for allowing sunlight to pass through the roof element 15 and reach the granulate material.

Next, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following description of the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 - shows a schematic perspective view of a shelter structure according to the invention; 20 Fig. 2 - shows a side view of the shelter structure of Fig. 1;

Fig. 1 shows a shelter structure 1 for animals, in particular for livestock, such as (but not limited to) cattle (cows), pigs, sheep, horses and/or chickens. The shelter structure comprises a base 2. The top of the base is preferably at the same level or height as the surrounding field. From the base 2, supporting 25 means 4 project in a general upward direction. On top of the supporting means 4 a V-shaped roofing element 6 with two wings is provided. A shelter S for the livestock is formed in between the roofing element 6 and the base 2. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the shelter S is freely accessible from the environment surrounding the shelter S such that the livestock may freely enter and leave the shelter at their own will.

30 In the embodiment shown, a total of four supporting beams 4 constitute the supporting means 4. Each supporting beam has a generally curved shape, and more specifically a generally C-shaped curve. Preferably, the shape of each supporting beam is the same, although different shapes are possible. On each 6 of two opposing sides, two supporting beams 4 are positioned mainly parallel to each other, defining a plane of placement, wherein said two beams are positioned such that their respective convex parts face towards each other. Preferably, the convex parts are connected to each other. This provides a relatively compact and strong 5 structure, which requires only a minimal amount of material. The supporting structure may be made of steel or woord, although other materials are also conceivable.

The base 2 comprises a container 8 for granulate material (not shown in Fig. 1). Preferably, wood chips are used, although other material is conceivable. As can be seen, the dimensions of the container are such that the 10 container 8 is configured to receive faeces and/or urine of the livestock when present in the shelter.

Fan means are provided (only partly shown in Fig. 1) for blowing air along at least part of the surface of the granulate material, which will be explained in more detail on the basis of Fig. 2. Still referring to Fig. 1, the fan means comprise a 15 fan device. A flow tube 41 is present, which has an outlet end near the container 8 for the granulate material. In the embodiment shown, the flow tube 41 constitutes part of the supporting means, as the supporting beam 4 is a hollow tubular member, and the hollow part of the supporting beam also functions as the flow tube 41. It is possible and preferred that all four supporting beams 4 comprise a hollow tubular 20 member that functions as a flow tube. It can be seen in Fig. 1 that the supporting beam 4 extends from the base towards the roofing element 6. Thus, also the flow tube 41 extends to the roofing element 6. An outer end of the flow tube which forms the inlet for air used to dry the granulate material, is positioned near the roofing element 6, and preferably below the roofing element, at an underside of the roofing 25 element 6. The air near the roofing element 6, especially at the underside of the roofing element 6, is relatively warm, and may conveniently be used to dry the granulate material in the container, and increase the efficacy of the drying. The outlet end of the flow tube 41 is positioned near or in the granulate material. Further flow tubes may be provided, which will also be explained below. The fan means 9 are 30 arranged for blowing the relatively warm air from near the roofing element 6 through the flow tube 41 and towards the granulate material 3. The flow tube 41 additionally functions as a water drainage for water, such as rainwater.

The roofing element 6 comprises a lattice of beams 61, 62, thus 7 forming a relatively lightweight open structure. On top of this structure, solar energy means 21 are provided. The solar energy means may be provided on the entire roofing element 6, or may be provided only partially. Further, the roofing element 6 may be provided with hole or slit elements 25 that allow some sunlight to pass 5 through the roof element 6 and reach the granulate material 3 (either directly or indirectly), which further aids in the drying of the granulate material. Curtains (not shown) may be provided in a retractable manner, such that the sides of the shelter structure also provide protection against incident light. The retraction of the curtains may be done in an automatic manner, using a system with sensor means that 10 preferably obtains energy from the solar energy means.

The energy means 21 provide the energy for the fan means 9. The energy means 21 comprise a number of solar panels 22. The solar panels 22 additionally act as shelter element, providing a protective element for the cattle when present in the shelter S. Furthermore, an additional advantage of the solar panels 22 15 is that the underside of the panels will become relatively hot in use. Thus advantageously, the efficiency of the drying of the granulate material is further increased when this hot air of the solar panels 22 is transported using the flow tube towards the granulate material.

For clarification purposes, Fig. 1 shows the solar panels 22 being 20 provided on only one wing of the V-shaped roofing element 6. However, in the preferred embodiment, the solar panels are provided on both wings. Other configurations are, of course, thinkable.

The energy means 21 may be electrically connected to an energy storage device. In particular, this allows the use of an electric cutter to be attached to 25 the shelter structure. The cutter may be used to periodically rout the granulate material, such as for instance two or three times a week. Other electrical devices may also be used and/or charged.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the base 2 comprises a foundation 81, preferably at least substantially made of concrete. The supporting means 4 are 30 connected to the foundation 81. This way, a stable and robust construction is obtained.

Granulate material 3 is provided in the container 8. The granulate material contacts the floorlevel F of the container 8, although an additional layer may 8 be present between the floorlevel F and the granulate material 3. Within the graulate material 3, a number of flow tubes 45 with air outlets are provided. The air outlets are positioned such that the granulate material 3 surrounding the flow tubes 45 may be dried in an efficient manner. For instance, air may be blown out radially with respect 5 to the flow tubes 45, such that all granulate material surrounding the flow tubes 45 is reached. The flow tubes 45 are connected to one or more fan devices 19 by means of connecting tubes 43. Preferably, two fan devices 19 are present. Upstream of the fan device 19, the flow tube 41 providing air from the roofing element 6 is present. The fan device 19 is positioned below the ground level, and preferably below the 10 granulate material, in order to reduce the noise level at the ground level. The fan device and the connecting tubes are preferably positioned within the container.

On top of the granulate material 3, a different layer 13 may be provided. This layer may be further, coarser or finer, granulate material. Preferably, however, the further layer 13 is a soil-like layer. The further layer 13 acts as a 15 covering layer 13 for the granulate material 3. This increases the lifespan of the granulate material.

When putting the shelter structure in use, the granulate material 3, such as wood chips, are provided in the container 8, and a covering layer 13 is provided on top of that. Two or three times a week, or more or less often if desired, 20 the granulate material is routed, using a cutter. This ensures that the granulate material is mixed well, and aids in the drying of the granulate material in a uniform manner. Once a year, especially in the springtime, the granulate material, preferably woodchips, are removed from the container, and are scattered in the surroundings. This increases the biological activity in the soil, and provides an increased food 25 supply for young animals, such as birds and the like.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the roofing element 6 comprises substantially two wings, opposing each other, and being positioned at an angle relative to each other. Both wings may be provided with solar energy means, either fully or partially. Each wing extends at an angle a relative to the horizontal. This 30 angle is beneficial for the natural convection of warm air, which may conveniently be used in the drying of granulate material, as already discussed above. In the embodiment shown, the angle a is approximately 10 degrees, although other angles are conceivable. Preferably, the angle is approximately 5-15 degrees.

9

The shelter structure may be conveniently coupled to similar structures, such that the shelter dimensions desired may be obtained.

The invention has been described above on the basis of one or more preferred embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments 5 described. It is conceivable that many equivalent modifications are possible, which fall within the scope of the protection as defined in the claims attached.

Claims

A shelter (1) for animals, in particular for cattle, comprising - a base (2); - support means (4) extending from the base (2); and - a roof element (6) supported by the support means (4); wherein a shelter (S) for animals, in particular for cattle, is formed between the base (2) and the roof element (6); and wherein the shelter (S) is freely accessible from the environment surrounding the shelter (S) so that the animals can freely enter and leave the shelter (S); characterized in that - the base (2) comprises a holder (8) provided with granular material (3), such as wood chips, the holder (8) with the granular material (3) being adapted to receive faeces and / or urine from the animals when they are present in the shelter; and - the shelter device (1) comprises fan means (9) with a fan device (19) for blowing air over at least a portion of the surface of the granular material.

A shelter device according to claim 1, wherein the shelter device (1) comprises solar energy means (21), such as a solar panel element, which form part of, or are connected to, the roof element (6), for supplying energy to at least the fan means.

Shelter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan means (9) comprise a flow pipe (41) with a first end positioned near the roof element (6), preferably near a side of the roof element (6) that is oriented to the base (2), and wherein the flow tube (41) comprises a second end positioned near or in the holder (8), the flow tube (41) being adapted to transport air from or near the roof element ( 6) to the granular material.

A shelter device according to claim 3, wherein the flow tube (41) forms part of the support means (4). 2 0 0 7 170

A shelter device according to claim 4, wherein the support means (4) comprise a hollow tubular member (4) that forms the flow tube (41).

Shelter according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the support means (4) and / or the roof element (6) is / are at least substantially made of steel.

Shelter according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (2) comprises a foundation (81), which is preferably at least substantially made of concrete, the support means being connected to the foundation (81).

A shelter device according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein a cover layer (13), such as a layer of soil or the like, is provided on the granular material (3).

9. Shelter device according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a part of the fan means is placed under the granular material (3).

The shelter device according to claim 9, wherein the fan device (19) is placed under the granular material (3).

Shelter according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 10, wherein the solar energy means (21) comprise a solar panel (22) with a profiled glass surface.

Shelter according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 11, wherein the solar energy means (21) comprise a solar panel (22) with a rear side made from Tedlar.

Sheltering device according to one or more of the preceding claims 25 to 12, wherein the solar energy means (21) are connected to an energy storage device.

Shelter according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 13, wherein the roof element (6) extends at an angle (a) with respect to the horizontal, the angle (a) being approximately 5-15 degrees, preferably about 10 degrees.

Sheltering device according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the roof element (6) comprises hole or slot elements (25) for allowing sunlight to pass through the roof element (6) in such a way that it transmits the granular material ( 3) can achieve. 5 2 00 7 170