NZ542588A

NZ542588A - Animal shelter with removable cover and roof ventilation gap

Info

Publication number: NZ542588A
Application number: NZ542588A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Robert Mccredie
Original assignee: Robert Mccredie
Priority date: 2005-09-22
Filing date: 2005-09-22
Publication date: 2008-09-26
Also published as: AU2006220442A1

Abstract

A shelter, especially an animal or farm shelter, includes two sets of overlapping roof frames, one upper set 7 being vertically offset and overlapping the bottom set 8, with the sets of frames being adjacent to but spaced apart from each other to provide a shelter of a required size. Covers 21 and 24 are stretched over the respective frame sets to cover the shelter and provide a gap between the upper and lower covers for ventilation of the shelter. The covers are attached to the frames by attachment lanyards 23, 26 and hooks 22, 25 hooked over the ends of the frames. When required the covers can be removed to allow the area within the shelter to be exposed to the elements.

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> ^$£P PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 542588 Dated: 22 September 2005 COVERED STRUCTURE I Robert McCredie, a New Zealand Citizen of 374 Morgan Road, RD 2, Matamata, New Zealand. hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: James & Wells Ref: 125240/55 COVERED STRUCTURE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a covered structure. Specifically this invention relates to a covered structure, whose structure design 5 allows sufficient ventilation to the interior of the structure. The covered structure of the current application may have many uses, however, preferably the covered structure may be utilised to shelter animals from adverse weather conditions, feeding or rearing young. BACKGROUND ART 10 Covered structures are widely used in a number of areas, for example: • feeding animals on feed lots, or young animals such as calves, • marquees for human functions or events, • to grow plants or other produce, • storing vegetables or other produce, 15 • machinery storage, hay barns, work shops, • aeroplane hangers, and • any other application that requires protection from environmental conditions. It is beneficial to provide shelter cover for feedlots and other such purposes in 20 order to protect the occupants (either animal or human) from weather conditions such as hot sunlight, wind or rain. 2 This is especially important when young animals are the occupants. Young animals are highly susceptible to hostile or adverse conditions, and prolonged exposure to these conditions can quickly lead to sickness and death. However covered structures used for the shelter of animals, often have inadequate 5 ventilation. This lack of ventilation results in a build up of hot air, ammonia or other such substances. In the case of feeding or rearing animals, this lack of ventilation and build up of hot air, ammonia and other gasses/substances can lead to a significant drop in productivity or weight gain. In extreme cases, it may also lead to sickness; 10 increase the spread of same from one animal to another and even death. All these factors decrease the profitability to the owner or farmer. Increased veterinarian and medication bills are likely to be incurred, and decreased growth decreases resale value, decreasing overall profit. In the case of human use, such as marquees the lack of ventilation results in an 15 unpleasant atmosphere which is hot, stuffy and which may not smell particularly fresh. This can create an environment which is not comfortable or pleasant to spend time in. As marquees are usually used for special occasions, this can be a major problem, and may spoil an event which has taken significant time and expense to organise. 20 Covered structures for the feeding of animals are often permanent structures such as barns or sheds. These can be extremely expensive to construct, especially if they are not required all year round. One common example of non-constant use is the rearing/feeding of calves or other young animals. These structures are often only used for a small portion of the year. Alternatively, to avoid the large cost of a 25 permanent structure, some individuals may not provide sufficient shelter for their 3 calves, again decreasing there chances of survival, and the profit to be gained from rearing. Covered structures, colloquially known as "igloos" have been used in Australia as covered feedlots. The igloos consist of a semi circular hoop which extends from 5 the ground up to form an arch shaped structure. Over the hoop a cover is placed in order to provide shelter. Although the igloo is economical and quick and easy to erect, it has the significant disadvantage that adequate ventilation may not be provided to the interior of the igloo. This decreases its versatility, and limits the maximum size that the igloo can 10 be. It would be beneficial if a support structure was available which could provide support for a covered area which has adequate ventilation but is still easy to construct and maintain. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this 15 specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not 20 constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an 25 inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components 4 or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. 5 Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelter structure including: 10 at least two support elements, characterised in that at least one of the support elements is vertically offset in relation to the other support elements, and wherein at least one support element overlaps at least one other support element. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure, 15 substantially as described above, also including: at least one cover configured to fit over the support elements, and characterised in that when the support elements are covered with the cover the vertical offset and overlap provides a gap configured to provide ventilation to the interior of the structure. 20 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a structure having at least two support elements including the steps of: 5 a) erecting the support elements so that at least one support element is vertically offset to and overlapping at least one other support element, b) covering the support elements with at least one cover, characterised in that when the support elements are covered, the vertical offset 5 and overlap provides a gap configured to provide ventilation to the interior of the structure. In a preferred embodiment the shelter structure may be used to shelter animals. In some preferred embodiments the shelter structure may be used to shelter animals from adverse weather conditions, for feeding or rearing young, and shall 10 be referred to as such herein. However, this should not be seen as limiting as other purposes for the structure may be used, such as a marquee or other structure wherein ventilation is required to the interior of the structure. In a preferred embodiment the cross-section of the shelter structure (showing the 15 support elements side on) includes two support elements, and shall be referred to as such herein. However, this should not be seen as limiting as other variations are possible. For example having three supporting elements, two on either side of a middle support element, the middle support element being taller and overlapping both the two 20 outer support elements. The support elements of the present invention are used to support the cover or roof of the shelter structure. In a preferred embodiment the two support elements may be effectively two halves of a hoop, or semi-circle. 6 In a preferred embodiment the support elements may be made out of metal. In a preferred embodiment the support elements may be made out of a metal such as aluminium or galvanised steel. However, this should not be seen as limiting as any other material which is capable 5 of supporting the cover to the shelter structure may be utilised in the manufacture of the cover support elements. In practice, a series, or row of at least two support elements are positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart to one another in order to provide a shelter of a particular size. 10 The distance required or possible between the pairs of support elements may be determined by one skilled in the art. The distance will depend on factors such as the weight of the cover material used, and the strength of the support elements. The shelter structure may be designed to be any size and any length to protect the livestock or humans from the prevailing winds, rain or other adverse weather 15 conditions. One essential feature of the present invention is that at least one of the support elements is vertically offset to the other support elements. In a preferred embodiment the vertical offset may be of a size large enough to provide sufficient ventilation to the interior of the shelter structure. 20 In a preferred embodiment the vertical offset may be approximately 150 millimetres. However, this should not be seen as limiting as other sized vertical offsets may be utilized. The size of the vertical offset may also vary depending on the thickness of 7 the cover, the overall size of the shelter, and the number of supporting elements (and therefore ventilation gaps) present. In a preferred embodiment at least one of the upper support elements overlaps at least one lower support element. 5 In a preferred embodiment the upper support element may overlap at least one lower support element in order to provide consistent cover from weather conditions for the whole covered structure. Preferably the overlap may be large enough to prevent rain or water entering the covered structure. In a preferred embodiment the overlap may be approximately 800 millimetres, 10 however this should not be seen as limiting as other sized vertical offsets may be utilized. The overlap provides a continual cover is provided over the shelter structure this prevents rain or water from continually dripping or leaking into the interior of the support structure in adverse weather conditions. 15 In preferred embodiments the support structure contains two support elements. Preferably the support elements are curved so that any water from rain runs down to outside of the shelter structure rather than pulling in or leaking into the interior of the shelter structure. However, this should not be seen as limiting as the support elements may be shaped other than a curve. 20 In a preferred embodiment each support element may have one vertical support, positioned near the exterior edge, however this should not be seen as limiting as the support may also be curved rather than vertical. It is possible that two support elements with only one vertical support can span a width of between 6 and 50 metres, greater widths may be spanned when further 25 internal vertical supports are provided. 8 This system provides a large advantage over existing covered structures, such as the 'igloo', which is currently limited to a maximum length of 40 metres, due to lack of ventilation to the interior of the covered structure. In a preferred embodiment each of the two supporting elements may have further 5 vertical supports, which as well as helping to support the support elements, may act as poles to be used for internal fencing or other internal structures in the covered area. However this should not be seen as limiting, as internal fencing or other internal structures may be constructed separately to the support elements. For example the two supporting elements may each have two vertical supports, 10 one near the outside edge and one near the inside edge of the support elements. These internal vertical supports may be utilized to build a raceway along the centre of the covered area. This is just one example, where one skilled in the art would realize that any internal arrangement of vertical support poles may be made use of to produce the desired internal arrangement. 15 Using integral vertical support poles to create internal fencing may reduce costs of providing same separately. In a preferred embodiment multiple pairs of support elements may be positioned to produce a square or rectangular covered structure, with vertical sides. However this should not be seen as limiting, as the support elements of the present 20 invention may also be curved to produce a 'hoop' shaped covered structure, a circular covered structure, or any other shape which is practical and desired. In a preferred embodiment a cover is provided which fits over the support elements. In a preferred embodiment wherein the shelter structure is made up of multiple 25 pairs of two support elements there may be two cover pieces, one which fits over 9 the upper cover support element and one which fits over the lower support element. However, this should not be seen as limiting, as in the case of three support elements, three cover pieces may be utilised. The support elements of the present invention provide a support structure which is 5 much easier to apply a cover to than an "igloo". It is much easier to apply a cover to one half of the support structure and then the other, than completely over an entire hoop in a single action. In a preferred embodiment the cover may cover the support elements and extend substantially down to the ground around substantially most of the exterior of the 10 covered area, therefore covering both the sides and top of the structure. However, this should not be seen as limiting as part of the sides may be left uncovered to provide access or further ventilation. Having the sides covered is beneficial in that it protects the interior of the structure from weather, such as winds or driving rain. In a preferred embodiment the cover may be made of a lightweight, flexible 15 material. However, this should not be seen as limiting as other materials such as corrugated iron, rigid or flexible plastic, canvas or any other fabric may be used in some situations. In a preferred embodiment the cover may be made of a material which provides sufficient strength and robustness to be repeatedly applied and/or removed from 20 the cover support elements and to last for a substantial amount of time in the weather. In a preferred embodiment the cover may be made of a material such as Canvacon. In some embodiments it may also be preferable that the cover material allows a 25 degree of light (natural) to enter the sheltered structure through same. This 10 increases visibility in the shelter structure, and therefore decreases the requirement for additional lighting. It may also be preferable if the cover material cuts the amount of UV light passing through the cover material. This decreases the UV exposure of especially young 5 animals, which may be affected by same. In a preferred embodiment the cover may be attachable and detachable from the support elements, this means that when the shelter structure is not required the cover can be removed from the support elements and the ground or area utilised for other purposes such as growing grass to feed the animals. 10 In a preferred embodiment the cover maybe attached to the upper and lower cover support elements via a hook which fits into the end of the upper or lower support element respectively. However, this should not be seen as limiting as other attachment methods may be used. In some embodiments the cover, or the ventilation gap may also include a flap 15 which covers the ventilation gap. This allows the ventilation gap to be opened or closed. This allows variation of the amount of ventilation to the interior of the shelter structure, and allows the ventilation gap to be closed in very extreme weather conditions. In a preferred embodiment the upper and lower support elements may be joined 20 via a joining element. In preferred embodiments the joining element may include two parts, one on each side of the cover support elements, allowing the cover attachment to pass between the two joining elements. However this should not be seen as limiting as other joining methods may be utilised. 25 The advantages of the current shelter structure are that: 11 • sufficient ventilation is provided to the interior of the shelter structure • the shelter structure is easy to construct and maintain • it is easy to apply a two piece cover to an upper and lower support element • large distances may be spanned and large areas covered, while still 5 providing sufficient ventilation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 10 Figure 1 shows a schematic of two cover support elements according to one aspect of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a schematic of the joining method according to one aspect of the present invention, Figure 3 shows a schematic of multiple cover support elements according to 15 one aspect of the present invention, Figure 4 shows a schematic of an underneath view of a covered structure according to one aspect of the present invention, Figure 5 shows a schematic of the cover attachment to the upper cover support element according to one aspect of the present invention, 20 Figure 6 shows a schematic of the attachment of the two cover elements to both the upper and lower cover support elements according to one aspect of the present invention, 12 Figure 7 shows a schematic of how the cover elements are attached at either end of the covered structure according to one aspect of the present invention, and Figure 8 shows an end view of how the cover elements are attached at either 5 end of the covered structure according to one aspect of the present invention. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a schematic of two cover support elements, generally shown by (1) and (2), being an upper cover support element and a lower cover support element 10 respectively. In this embodiment each cover support element (1, 2) has two vertical supports (3, 4 and 5, 6 respectively), and a curved cover support element (7, 8 respectively). The internal vertical supports (3, 5) may provide further support to allow greater widths to be spanned, they may also be used a poles or supports for internal 15 structures such as fences and/or raceways for animal handling and moving. The curved cover support elements (7, 8) are vertically offset (9) and overlapping (10). This vertical offset and overlap provides a gap (11) which provides ventilation into the interior of the structure. 20 In this example the vertical offset (9) is 150 mm and the overlap (10) is 800 mm. Figure 2 shows a schematic of the joining method between the curved portions of the upper cover support element (7) and the lower cover support element (8) by use of a joining element (12). 13 The joining element (12) consists of a metal plate which is bolted onto both the upper and lower cover support elements (7, 8). A joining element is bolted on either vertical side of the upper/lower cover support elements (7, 8), being 12 and 13 (not shown). 5 The joining element has a dog bone shape in that it was an inward curve on either side (14). The purpose of this is that it allows the lower cover abuts close to the joining element. Figure 3 shows a schematic of a number of cover support elements arranged side by side in order to be able to form a large covered structure. 10 In this example, the cover support elements are positioned 3.6 metres apart, however this may be varied depending on the cover material used and the strength of the cover supporting elements. Figure 3 shows multiple upper cover support elements (7) and lower support elements (8) joined by joining elements (12). 15 Figure 3 also shows that when multiple support elements are placed side by side supporting beams (15, 16) are positioned between the pairs of cover support elements to provide longitudinal support to the shelter structure. Depending on the width of the shelter structure there may be multiple longitudinal support beams. 20 Figure 4 shows a schematic of an underneath view of a covered structure including a roof, which shows as well as one pair of longitudinal support beams (15, 16), multiple other longitudinal support beams between pairs of cover support elements, shown by (17, 18, 19, 20). 14 Figure 4 shows a covered shelter structure including a roof. The structure would usually also include walls which fully enclose the structure. Figure 5 shows a schematic of the upper cover (21) attachment to the upper cover support element (7). The upper cover element (21) of which only the edge is 5 visible is attached to the end of the upper support element (7) via a hook (22). The hook (22) fits into the end of the upper support structure (7). The covers (both upper and lower) generally include a metal pipe at the attachment end (21) to which a flexible cover material may be attached. The hook (22) is attached to the upper cover (21) via a strap (23) or other attachment means. 10 Also shown in Figure 5 is the lower cover element (24). Figure 6 shows a schematic of the attachment of the cover elements to both the upper and lower cover support elements (7, 8). Similar to the attachment of the upper cover element (21) to the upper cover support element (7), the lower cover (24) is attached to the lower cover support 15 element (8) via hook (25) and strap (26). The strap (26) passes between the two sides of the joining elements between the upper and lower cover support elements (7, 8), being (12, 13 respectively). Figure 7 shows a schematic of how the cover elements are attached at either end of the shelter structure (being the end of multiple pairs of cover support elements). 20 Figure 7 also shows how the cover is a flexible material. At the attachment end of the cover (21, 24) to the upper and lower cover support elements (7, 8 respectively) is a pipe (27, 28) to which the cover is attached and which acts as the attachment point through the strap (23, 26) and hooks (22, 25 respectively) to the upper and lower cover support elements (7, 8). 15 At either end of the covered structure the upper and lower support structures also include an end plate (29, 30 respectively) to which the side of the cover (21, 24) is attached by hooks (31, 32). Figure 8 shows an end view of arrow 33 in Figure 7 showing an end on view of the 5 hook (25) fitting onto the end of the lower cover support element (8). Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 16 NOW AMENDED WHAT l/WE CLAIM IS: 1. A shelter structure including: at least two support elements, J P\ IB AUG 2008 <-jQ/ wherein at least one of the support elements is vertically offset in relation to the other support elements, and wherein at least one s/pgort element overlaps at least one other support element, and wherein a row of support elements ire/positioned adjacent to, but a distance apart from each other to provide a shelter structure of a particular size, characterised in that when at least jwo/covers are removably attached to the upper and lower support elements via gf l^ast one attachment means which fits into the ends of the upper or lower support elements respectively, the vertical offset and overlap provides a gap coi/igyred to provide ventilation to the interior of the structure. 2. A shelter structure as pfairyfed in claim 1 wherein the structure is used to shelter animals. 3. A shelter structure's^laimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each row consists of two support elements. 4. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the two support elements ape substantially two halves of a semi-circle. 5. A shelter st/ucture as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the vertical offset between the overlapping upper and lower support elements is substantially 150mm. 6. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the overlap is Efficient to provide consistent cover from adverse weather conditions. 17 </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> AS AMENDED WHAT l/WE CLAIM IS:

1. A shelter structure including: at least two support elements, wherein at least one of the support elements is vertically offset in relation to the other support elements, and wherein at least one support element overlaps at least one other support element, and wherein a row of support elements are positioned adjacent to, but a distance apart from each other to provide a shelter structure of a particular size, characterised in that when at least two covers are removably attached to the at least two vertically offset support elements respectively via respective attachment means including at least one hooking device which engages into an end of a respective support element, the vertical offset and overlap provides a gap configured to provide ventilation to the interior of the structure.

2. A shelter structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the structure is used to shelter animals.

3. A shelter structure as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each row consists of two support elements.

4. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the two support elements are substantially two halves of a semi-circle.

5. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the vertical offset between the overlapping upper and lower support elements is substantially 150mm.

6. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the overlap is sufficient to provide consistent cover from adverse weather conditions. 17 NOW AMENDED 7. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to p vynerein the overlap is substantially 800mm. 8. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims/l t6 7 wherein each support element also includes at least one substantially vertioal support. 9. A shelter structure as claimed in claim 8 where/n tjoe vertical support is positioned near the exterior edge of the shelter. 10. A shelter structure as claimed in either clair^ 8/or 9 wherein the vertical supports act to support the support elements, and/o/agt as supports for at least one internal structure. 11. A shelter structure as claimed in an^ c^ie of claims 1 to 10 wherein the covers are made of a light weight flexible materia/ 12. A shelter structure as claimed \p ajay one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the covers allow a degree of natural light to ent9T the sheltered structure through same. 13. A shelter structure as clgfrn^G in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the attachment means is at least one/ho^k which fits into the end of the upper or lower support elements respectively 14. A shelter structure'as/claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the covers include a flap which is configured to cover the ventilation gap. 15. A method ofi/cojnstructing a structure having at least two support elements including the steps off: a) / erecting the support elements so that at least one support element is vertically offset to and overlapping at least one other support element, ^5piriy% 1 8 AUti ZUU8 18 AS AMENDED

7. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the overlap is substantially 800mm.

8. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein each support element also includes at least one substantially vertical support.

9. A shelter structure as claimed in claim 8 wherein the vertical support is positioned near the exterior edge of the shelter.

10. A shelter structure as claimed in either claim 8 or 9 wherein the vertical supports act to support the support elements, and/or act as supports for at least one internal structure.

11. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the covers are made of a light weight flexible material.

12. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the covers allow a degree of natural light to enter the sheltered structure through same.

13. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the attachment means is at least one hook which fits into the end of the upper or lower support elements respectively.

14. A shelter structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the covers include a flap which is configured to cover the ventilation gap.

15. A method of constructing a structure having at least two support elements including the steps of: a) erecting the support elements so that at least one support element is vertically offset to and overlapping at least one other support element, 18 I £0FnCEA0FPl^02P^TY I / 20 JUL 2009 I &££MJved NOW AMENDED b) erecting a row of support elements positioned apart from each other to provide a shelter structure ;nt to, but a distance a particular size, covering the support elements with at /easst two covers which are removably attached to the upper and lower jsupport elements via at least one attachment means which fits int</ thye ends of the upper or lower support elements respectively, characterised in that when the support elem^ntsf are covered, the vertical offset and overlap provides a gap configured to provide ventilation to the interior of the structure. 23. A shelter structure substantially as/ herein described with reference to the accompanying description and figure^ 24. A method of constructing a shelter structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying description and figures. ROBERT MCCREDIE by his authorised agents JAMES & WELLS AS AMENDED b) erecting a row of support elements positioned adjacent to, but a distance apart from each other to provide a shelter structure of a particular size, c) covering the support elements with at least two covers which are removably attached to the at least two vertically offset support elements respectively via respective attachment means including at least one hooking device which engages into an end of a respective support element, characterised in that when the support elements are covered, the vertical offset and overlap provides a gap configured to provide ventilation to the interior of the structure.

16. A shelter structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying description and figures.

17. A method of constructing a shelter structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying description and figures. ROBERT MCCREDIE j^V hie 11 ifhnriearl James & Wells intellectual Property 19 </div>