Clothes for livestock

Abstract

To provide clothing for livestock which does not require any work for maintaining heat retention and whose heat retention is unlikely to decrease. [Solution] A livestock garment 1 according to the present invention comprises a covering part 2 that covers the body surface of the livestock, and fastening parts 4, 10 that fasten the covering part 2 to the livestock. The covering part 2 has a heat-reflecting film 19 that comes into contact with the body surface of the livestock, and includes an inner layer 16 made of knit fabric, a windproof film 17 laminated on the inner layer 16, and an outer layer 18 made of knit fabric that includes a heat storage and heat-retaining material 20 and is laminated on the opposite side of the windproof film 17 from the inner layer 16.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to clothing for livestock, and more particularly to clothing for dairy cows.

Background Art

[0002] Livestock are prone to physical discomfort due to heat and cold. For example, in calves, pneumonia and diarrhea frequently occur during the cold season, and the number of deaths and culls tends to increase. As a countermeasure against cold for livestock, for example, heating equipment is installed in livestock houses to raise the temperature inside the houses, but there is a problem that the equipment cost and maintenance cost are enormous. On the other hand, a method of dressing individual livestock with clothing for heat retention has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a jacket for animals. The material used for the jacket has a laminated structure composed of a surface fabric, a back fabric, and a heat insulating material sandwiched between the surface fabric and the back fabric. Further, the jacket is provided with a pocket capable of holding a heating element (for example, a heat pack) for warming the animal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the jacket described in Patent Document 1 includes a heat insulating material formed of foamed polyurethane or the like, although it can be put on an animal, it does not have the flexibility to follow the unevenness of the animal's body surface. Therefore, there is a problem that cold air and wind penetrate between the jacket and the animal's body surface, resulting in a decrease in the heat retention property for the animal.

[0006] Furthermore, in the method of warming and keeping warm animals with a heating element, there is a problem that operations for maintaining the heat retention property, such as periodically replacing the heating element, must be performed.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and to provide a livestock clothing that does not require operations for maintaining the heat retention property and is less likely to have a reduced heat retention property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the livestock clothing according to the present invention includes a sheet-like covering portion that covers the body surface of livestock, and a fixing portion that fixes the covering portion to the livestock, The covering portion has a heat-reflecting film that contacts the body surface of the livestock, an inner layer made of knitted fabric, a windproof film laminated on the inner layer, and an outer layer made of knitted fabric containing a heat storage and heat retention material, laminated on the opposite side of the inner layer with respect to the windproof film, and is configured to include.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a livestock clothing that does not require operations for maintaining the heat retention property and is less likely to have a reduced heat retention property.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The livestock clothing according to one aspect of the present invention includes a sheet-like covering part that covers the body surface of the livestock and a fixing part that fixes the covering part to the livestock. The covering part has a heat-reflective film that contacts the body surface of the livestock, an inner layer made of knitted fabric, a windproof film laminated on the inner layer, and an outer layer made of knitted fabric laminated on the opposite side of the windproof film from the inner layer and containing a heat storage and heat preservation material. is configured to include the above.

[0012] According to this configuration, since the inner layer and the outer layer are made of knitted fabric, the covering part contacts the body surface of the livestock along the unevenness. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat retention due to the intrusion of cold air and wind between the covering part and the body surface of the livestock. Further, since the covering part has a windproof film, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the body temperature of the livestock due to wind hitting the body surface of the livestock.

[0013] Further, according to this configuration, the livestock can be warmed and kept warm by the heat generated from the heat storage and heat insulation material. Furthermore, by reflecting the heat radiated from the body surface of the livestock back to the body surface of the livestock by the heat reflection film, the amount of heat lost from the body surface of the livestock can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a livestock clothing that does not require work to maintain heat retention and is less likely to have its heat retention performance degraded.

[0014] Further, the covering portion may be provided with connecting portions on two opposing sides, and may have a first virtual straight line extending through the center of the two opposing sides and two second virtual straight lines respectively extending through the center between each of the two opposing sides and the first virtual straight line. In the covering portion, a hole portion through which the front limbs of the livestock can be inserted may be formed between the two second virtual straight lines.

[0015] According to this configuration, the connecting portions are connected to each other on the dorsal side of the livestock in the worn state of the livestock clothing. That is, the seam of the covering portion through which cold air or wind can enter is arranged on the dorsal side rather than on the ventral side where the internal organs of the livestock are unevenly distributed. This can suppress the entry of cold air or wind from the seam of the covering portion and the resulting degradation of the heat retention performance for the abdomen of the livestock.

[0016] Further, the covering portion may be formed in a cylindrical shape in which a part of two opposing sides is continuous, and may have a connecting portion provided at a non - continuous portion of the two opposing sides, a first virtual straight line extending through the center of the two opposing sides, and two second virtual straight lines respectively extending through the center between each of the two opposing sides and the first virtual straight line. In the covering portion, a hole portion through which the front limbs of the livestock can be inserted may be formed between the two second virtual straight lines.

[0017] According to this configuration, the connecting portions are connected to each other on the dorsal side of the livestock in the worn state of the livestock clothing. That is, the seam of the covering portion through which cold air or wind can enter is arranged on the dorsal side rather than on the ventral side where the internal organs of the livestock are unevenly distributed. This can suppress the entry of cold air or wind from the seam of the covering portion and the resulting degradation of the heat retention performance for the abdomen of the livestock.

[0018] Further, according to this configuration, since a part of two opposite sides of the covering portion is continuous, when the livestock clothing is worn, even if the connecting portions are not connected to each other, a part of two opposite sides of the covering portion can be held on the back side of the livestock. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which two opposite sides of the covering portion are not continuous, the work of putting on the livestock clothing can be facilitated.

[0019] Also, the hole portion may be capable of inserting both forelimbs of the livestock.

[0020] According to this configuration, compared with the case where the forelimbs are inserted one by one into the two hole portions, the livestock clothing can be easily worn.

[0021] Also, the fixing portion may have a first end portion and a second end portion, and the first end portion may be fixed to the covering portion, and the second end portion may be composed of a belt detachably attached to the covering portion. Further, a cover for covering the second end portion of the fixing portion in a state of being attached to the covering portion may be provided on the outer surface of the covering portion.

[0022] According to this configuration, the second end portion of the fixing portion in a state of being attached to the covering portion is covered by the cover. By this, the possibility that the second end portion of the fixing portion comes off from the covering portion can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a livestock clothing that does not require work for maintaining heat retention such as reattaching the fixing portion, and is less likely to have a reduction in heat retention.

[0023] Also, the cover may be composed of a sheet at least a part of which is detachably attached to the outer surface of the covering portion.

[0024] According to this configuration, when detaching and attaching the second end portion of the fixing portion to the covering portion, at least a part of the cover can be removed from the outer surface of the covering portion to expose the attachment portion of the fixing portion in the covering portion. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the cover is fixed to the outer surface of the covering portion, the attachment and detachment of the fixing portion can be easily performed.

[0025] Further, the cover may be made of a sheet that is fixed to the outer surface of the covering portion and forms an opening through which the second end portion of the fixing portion can be inserted between the cover and the outer surface of the covering portion.

[0026] According to this configuration, the attachment portion of the fixing portion in the covering portion communicates with the outside of the cover only through the opening. This can further reduce the possibility that the second end portion of the fixing portion comes off from the covering portion. Therefore, it is possible to realize a livestock clothing that does not require work for maintaining heat retention such as reattaching the fixing portion and is less likely to have a reduced heat retention.

[0027] Further, the windproof film may have elasticity.

[0028] According to this configuration, the windproof film can be fixed to at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer having elasticity. This can more reliably maintain the laminated structure of the covering portion including the inner layer, the windproof film, and the outer layer as compared with a configuration in which the windproof film is not fixed to the inner layer and the outer layer. Therefore, it is possible to realize a livestock clothing that does not require work for maintaining heat retention and is less likely to have a reduced heat retention.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment does not limit the present invention. Also, for substantially the same parts in the drawings, the description will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals.

[0030] <First Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the livestock clothing 1 is a clothing worn by beef cattle.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a developed state of a livestock garment represented as a whole by 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the livestock garment 1 includes a substantially rectangular covering portion 2. The covering portion 2 is in a sheet shape and has a contact surface 2a that contacts the body surface of the livestock in the worn state of the livestock garment 1 (see FIG. 2) and an outer surface 2b on the side opposite to the contact surface 2a. In FIG. 1, the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2 is shown.

[0032] The covering portion 2 has first edge portions 2c and 2d including two opposite sides. In the present embodiment, the two first edge portions 2c and 2d extend in parallel. Connection portions 3 that can be connected to and disconnected from each other are provided at each of the first edge portions 2c and 2d. The connection portion 3 is, for example, a surface fastener, a point fastener such as a snap button, a fastener such as a hook, a buckle, or the like. In the present embodiment, the connection portion 3 is a wire fastener. The wire fastener constituting the connection portion 3 extends from one end portion to the other end portion of each of the first edge portions 2c and 2d.

[0033] The end of the first edge portion 2c and the end of the first edge portion 2d are respectively connected by two second edge portions 2e and 2f.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the worn state of the livestock garment 1 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the livestock garment 1 is worn by covering the covering portion 2 from the ventral side of the livestock and connecting the connection portions 3 to each other on the dorsal side of the livestock. At this time, the covering portion 2 is arranged so as to surround the torso of the livestock and covers the body surface of the livestock.

[0035] In the following description, the terms "first direction D1" and "second direction D2" are used to indicate the directions of the livestock garment 1. The first direction D1 corresponds to the circumferential direction of the torso of the livestock in the worn state of the livestock garment 1. The second direction D2 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the livestock in the worn state of the livestock garment 1, that is, the direction connecting the head and the tail of the livestock. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are orthogonal to the plane in which the covering portion 2 spreads in the developed state of the livestock garment 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0036] The first edge portions 2c and 2d of the covering portion 2 extend along the second direction D2 in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1. The second edge portion 2e is disposed on the head side of the cattle in the second direction D2. The second edge portion 2f is disposed on the tail side of the cattle in the second direction D2.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, a recess 21 that is recessed from the second edge portion 2e toward the tail side along the second direction D2 is formed in the covering portion 2. Among the covering portion 2, the portion on the head side of the bottom of the recess 21 in the second direction D2 constitutes the neck covering portions 22a and 22b of the covering portion 2. The neck covering portion 22a constitutes the portion on the first edge portion 2c side of the recess 21 in the first direction D1. The neck covering portion 22b constitutes the portion on the first edge portion 2d side of the recess 21 in the first direction D1.

[0038] The livestock clothing 1 includes a neck fixing portion 4 for fixing the covering portion 2 to the neck of the cattle. The neck fixing portion 4 is composed of a belt to which a belt portion 5 and an attachment portion 6 are connected. In the present embodiment, the belt portion 5 is made of polyester and has elasticity along the direction in which the neck fixing portion 4 extends. The attachment portion 6 is configured to be detachable from a belt mounting portion 7 (described later) provided on the neck covering portion 22b of the covering portion 2. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 6 is a strip-shaped surface fastener and has a plurality of hooks disposed on the surface facing the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2 in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1.

[0039] The neck fixing portion 4 has a first end portion 4a fixed to the neck covering portion 22a of the covering portion 2 and a second end portion 4b opposite to the first end portion 4a. That is, the first end portion 4a is the end portion on the belt portion 5 side of the neck fixing portion 4. The second end portion 4b is the end portion on the attachment portion 6 side of the neck fixing portion 4. In the present embodiment, the first end portion 4a of the neck fixing portion 4 is sewn to the neck covering portion 22a of the covering portion 2.

[0040] The neck covering portion 22b of the covering portion 2 is provided with a belt mounting portion 7 to which the second end portion 4b of the neck fixing portion 4 is detachably attached. The belt mounting portion 7 is disposed on the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. In the present embodiment, the belt mounting portion 7 is a strip-shaped hook-and-loop fastener and has a plurality of loops disposed on the surface opposite to the surface that contacts the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. The plurality of loops are connected to a plurality of hooks provided on the mounting portion 6 of the neck fixing portion 4.

[0041] When a cattle wearing the livestock clothing 1 lies on the ground, the belt mounting portion 7 contacts the ground. At this time, if foreign matter such as forage adheres to the belt mounting portion 7 which is a hook-and-loop fastener, the mounting strength for the belt mounting portion 7 may decrease. Here, in the configuration where the belt mounting portion 7 has loops, the attachment of foreign matter to the belt mounting portion 7 can be suppressed as compared with the configuration where the belt mounting portion 7 has hooks. Therefore, a decrease in the mounting strength for the belt mounting portion 7 can be suppressed.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing the belt mounting portion 7, and shows the belt mounting portion 7 in a state where the second end portion 4b of the neck fixing portion 4 is attached. As shown in FIG. 3, a part of the belt mounting portion 7 and the second end portion 4b of the neck fixing portion 4 are covered by a sheet-like cover 8. The cover 8 is provided on the outer surface 2b of the neck covering portion 22b of the covering portion 2. In the present embodiment, the cover 8 is formed of a strip-shaped hook-and-loop fastener extending along the second direction D2 and intersects the belt mounting portion 7 and the neck fixing portion 4. The hook-and-loop fastener constituting the cover 8 has a plurality of hooks disposed on the surface facing the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2.

[0043] The cover 8 has a fixed edge portion 8a on the head side in the second direction D2 and a detachable edge portion 8b on the side opposite to the fixed edge portion 8a. The fixed edge portion 8a of the cover 8 is fixed to the covering portion 2 on the head side in the second direction D2 with respect to the belt mounting portion 7. In the present embodiment, the fixed edge portion 8a of the cover 8 is sewn to the covering portion 2.

[0044] A cover mounting portion 9 is provided on the neck covering portion 22b of the covering portion 2. The cover mounting portion 9 is disposed on the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2 on the tail side in the second direction D2 with respect to the belt mounting portion 7. That is, the cover mounting portion 9 is disposed on the side opposite to the portion where the fixed edge portion 8a of the cover 8 is fixed via the belt mounting portion 7. The detachable edge portion 8b of the cover 8 is detachably attached to the cover mounting portion 9. In the present embodiment, the cover mounting portion 9 is a strip-shaped hook-and-loop fastener extending in the first direction D1 along the belt mounting portion 7. The hook-and-loop fastener constituting the cover mounting portion 9 has a plurality of loops disposed on the surface opposite to the surface that contacts the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. The plurality of loops are connected to a plurality of hooks provided on the cover 8. Thereby, the detachable edge portion 8b of the cover 8 is detachably attached to the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1, the neck covering portion 22a and the neck covering portion 22b are connected via the connecting portion 3 on the dorsal side of the livestock cattle. Thereby, the neck covering portions 22a and 22b cover the back and side portions of the neck of the livestock cattle.

[0046] Thick blood vessels such as carotid arteries pass through the necks of livestock including livestock cattle. By bringing the neck covering portions 22a and 22b of the covering portion 2 into contact with the body surface of the neck of the livestock cattle, the blood passing through the blood vessels can be warmed and kept warm. As the blood circulates throughout the body of the livestock cattle, the body of the livestock cattle is effectively kept warm.

[0047] The neck fixing portion 4 extends along the neck of the livestock cattle on the ventral side of the livestock cattle and is attached to the belt mounting portion 7 via the attachment portion 6. Thereby, the covering portion 2 is fixed to the neck of the livestock cattle. Further, the neck covering portions 22a and 22b of the covering portion 2 are pressed against the body surface of the livestock cattle and contact along the unevenness of the body surface.

[0048] In this embodiment, the belt portion 5 of the neck fixing portion 4 has elasticity. Therefore, with the belt portion 5 of the neck fixing portion 4 being stretched, the second end portion 4b of the neck fixing portion 4 can be attached to the belt mounting portion 7. In this case, compared with the configuration in which the belt portion 5 of the neck fixing portion 4 does not have elasticity, the covering portion 2 is more securely fixed to the neck of the livestock cattle. Also, the neck covering portions 22a, 22b of the covering portion 2 are more strongly pressed against the body surface of the livestock cattle. Furthermore, it becomes possible to let livestock wear the livestock clothing 1 for livestock cattle with various neck circumferences.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the covering portion 2 has one first virtual straight line L1 and two second virtual straight lines L2. The first virtual straight line L1 extends through the center between the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d in the first direction D1. Each second virtual straight line L2 extends through the center between the first virtual straight line L1 and each of the first edge portions 2c, 2d in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first edge portion 2c, the first edge portion 2d, the first virtual straight line L1, and the two second virtual straight lines L2 extend along the second direction D2 and are parallel to each other.

[0050] A hole portion 23 is formed between the two second virtual straight lines L2 in the covering portion 2. The hole portion 23 is formed in the vicinity of the concave portion 21 in the second direction D2. In the worn state of the livestock clothing 1, at least one of the front legs of the livestock can be inserted through the hole portion 23. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, both front legs of the livestock cattle are inserted through one hole portion 23.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, in the covering portion 2, between the concave portion 21 and the hole portion 23 is formed a chest covering portion 24 that extends along the first direction D1. Both end portions of the chest covering portion 24 are respectively fixed to the edge portions of the hole portion 23 of the covering portion 2. In this embodiment, the chest covering portion 24 is sewn to the edge portion. In this embodiment, the chest covering portion 24 is made of polyester and has elasticity along the first direction D1.

[0052] The covering portion 2 is formed with a recess 25 that is recessed from the second edge portion 2f along the second direction D2 toward the head side. The recess 25 is formed to expose the livestock's excretory organ from the covering portion 2 in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1 (see Fig. 2). By forming the recess 25, it is possible to prevent the covering portion 2 from being contaminated by excrement.

[0053] Two hind limb fixing portions 10 for fixing the covering portion 2 to each hind limb of the livestock are provided at the second edge portion 2f of the covering portion 2. One of the two hind limb fixing portions 10 is fixed between the first edge portion 2c and the first virtual straight line L1. The other hind limb fixing portion 10 is fixed between the first edge portion 2d and the first virtual straight line L1. In the present embodiment, the two hind limb fixing portions 10 are fixed at positions that are line-symmetric with respect to the first virtual straight line L1.

[0054] The hind limb fixing portion 10 is composed of a belt to which a belt portion 11 and an attachment portion 12 are connected. In the present embodiment, the belt portion 11 is made of polyester and has elasticity along the direction in which the hind limb fixing portion 10 extends. The attachment portion 12 is configured to be detachable from two belt attachment portions 13 (described later) provided on the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2, respectively. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 12 is a strip-shaped surface fastener and has a plurality of hooks disposed on the surface facing the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2 in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1.

[0055] The hind limb fixing portion 10 has a first end portion 10a fixed to the second edge portion 2f of the covering portion 2 and a second end portion 10b on the side opposite to the first end portion 10a. That is, the first end portion 10a is the end portion of the hind limb fixing portion 10 on the belt portion 11 side. Also, the second end portion 10b is the end portion of the hind limb fixing portion 10 on the attachment portion 12 side. In the present embodiment, the first end portion 10a of the hind limb fixing portion 10 is sewn to the second edge portion 2f of the covering portion 2.

[0056] On the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2, two belt attachment portions 13 are provided to which the second ends 10b of the respective hind limb fixing portions 10 are detachably attached. The two belt attachment portions 13 are arranged at positions facing each other via the concave portion 25 in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the belt attachment portion 13 is a rectangular surface fastener and has a plurality of loops arranged on the surface opposite to the surface that contacts the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. The plurality of loops are connected to a plurality of hooks provided on the attachment portion 12 of the hind limb fixing portion 10.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing the belt attachment portion 13, and shows the belt attachment portion 13 in a state where the second end 10b of the hind limb fixing portion 10 is attached. As shown in FIG. 5, the belt attachment portion 13 and the second end 10b of the hind limb fixing portion 10 are covered by a sheet-like cover 14. More specifically, the cover 14 covers the entire surface of the belt attachment portion 13. By covering the belt attachment portion 13 with the cover 14, adhesion of foreign matter to the belt attachment portion 13 is suppressed.

[0058] The cover 14 has two opposing first edge portions 14a. Each first edge portion 14a extends along the first direction D1. The ends of the two first edge portions 14a are respectively connected by two opposing second edge portions 14b. The cover 14 is fixed to the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2 at the two first edge portions 14a. In the present embodiment, the first edge portion 14a of the cover 14 is sewn to the covering portion 2.

[0059] On the other hand, the second edge portion 14b of the cover 14 is not fixed to the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. Therefore, openings 15 are respectively formed between the second edge portion 14b of the cover 14 and the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. The second end 10b of the hind limb fixing portion 10 can be inserted through each opening 15.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the livestock clothing 1 is worn, the hind limb fixing portion 10 extends along the body surface of the livestock cattle between both hind limbs of the livestock cattle and is detachably attached to the belt attachment portion 13 via the attachment portion 12. As a result, the covering portion 2 is fixed to both hind limbs of the livestock cattle.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, two openings 15 are formed. Therefore, the second end portion 10b of the hind limb fixing portion 10 inserted into one opening 15 can also extend to the outside of the cover 14 through the other opening 15. Thus, even when the livestock clothing 1 is worn on a livestock such as a calf with a small build, the hind limb fixing portion 10 can be attached to the belt mounting portion 13 while being along the body surface of the livestock.

[0062] In this embodiment, the belt portion 11 of the hind limb fixing portion 10 has elasticity. Therefore, the second end portion 10b of the hind limb fixing portion 10 can be attached to the belt mounting portion 13 in a state where the belt portion 11 of the hind limb fixing portion 10 is stretched. In this case, compared with a configuration in which the belt portion 11 of the hind limb fixing portion 10 has no elasticity, the covering portion 2 is more securely fixed to the hind limbs of the livestock. Also, the covering portion 2 is pressed more strongly against the body surface of the livestock. Furthermore, the livestock clothing 1 can be worn on livestock having various builds.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the covering portion 2 in the livestock clothing 1 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the covering portion 2 has an inner layer 16, a windproof film 17, an outer layer 18, and a heat reflective film 19. In FIG. 6, the thicknesses of the inner layer 16, the windproof film 17, the outer layer 18, and the heat reflective film 19 are exaggeratedly shown.

[0064] The inner layer 16 has an opposing surface 16a that faces the body surface of the livestock in a state where the livestock clothing 1 is worn. A windproof film 17 is laminated on the surface of the inner layer 16 on the side opposite to the opposing surface 16a. An outer layer 18 is laminated on the surface of the windproof film 17 on the side opposite to the surface facing the inner layer 16. A heat reflective film 19 is disposed on the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16. In this embodiment, the inner layer 16, the windproof film 17, and the outer layer 18 are sewn together at the first edge portions 2c, 2d and the second edge portions 2e, 2f (see FIG. 1) of the covering portion 2.

[0065] Note that the inner layer 16, the windproof film 17, and the outer layer 18 only need to be maintained in a laminated state when the livestock clothing 1 is worn. For example, they may be adhered to each other via an adhesive or the like. Also, only the inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18 may be sewn together at the first edge portions 2c, 2d and the second edge portions 2e, 2f. In this case, the windproof film 17 may be sandwiched between the inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18 without being fixed to the inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18.

[0066] The inner layer 16 is made of a stretchable knitted fabric. The knitted fabric is formed by knitting yarns. The knitted fabric constituting the inner layer 16 is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of, for example, cotton, rayon, nylon, acrylic, etc., and combinations thereof. In the present embodiment, the inner layer 16 is a knitted fabric formed of polyester yarn and polyurethane yarn. The knitted fabric has a mixing ratio of 95% polyester and 5% polyurethane. In the present embodiment, the facing surface 16a of the inner layer 16 is subjected to a raising treatment. Also, the stretchability of the inner layer 16 in the first direction D1 is greater than the stretchability of the inner layer 16 in the second direction D2.

[0067] The windproof film 17 suppresses the wind blown onto the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2 from reaching the body surface of the livestock cattle. The windproof film 17 is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyester, silicone, polyvinyl alcohol, etc., and combinations thereof. In the present embodiment, the windproof film 17 is a 10 μm thick film formed of polyurethane. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the windproof film 17 is thinner than the thickness of the inner layer 16 and the thickness of the outer layer 18.

[0068] In the present embodiment, since the windproof film 17 is formed of polyurethane, it has stretchability along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As a result, the windproof film 17 can stretch together with the inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18.

[0069] The outer layer 18 is made of a stretchable knitted fabric. At least a part of the yarns constituting the knitted fabric contains a heat storage and insulation material 20. For example, the heat storage and insulation material 20 is kneaded into the core part of the fibers constituting the yarn. The heat storage and insulation material 20 is a substance that absorbs light of a specific wavelength contained in at least one of sunlight and illumination light and converts it into thermal energy with high efficiency. Examples of the material of the heat storage and insulation material 20 include zirconium and black silica. Examples of the fibers containing the heat storage and insulation material 20 include Thermotron (registered trademark) of Unitika Ltd. and Micro Warm (registered trademark) of Kuraray Co., Ltd.

[0070] In this embodiment, the outer layer 18 is a knitted fabric formed of polyester yarns, polyester yarns containing the heat storage and insulation material 20, and polyurethane yarns. The knitted fabric has a mixing ratio of 60.2% polyester yarns, 34.1% polyester yarns containing the heat storage and insulation material 20, and 5.7% polyurethane yarns. The stretchability of the outer layer 18 in the first direction D1 is greater than the stretchability of the outer layer 18 in the second direction D2. Note that FIG. 6 schematically shows the heat storage and insulation material 20 contained in the polyester yarns.

[0071] A heat reflective film 19 is provided on the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16. The heat reflective film 19 contacts the body surface of the livestock cattle in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1 and reflects the heat radiated from the body surface of the livestock cattle. The heat reflective film 19 is formed of a material such as gold, silver, or copper. In this embodiment, the heat reflective film 19 is an aluminum thin film printed on the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the unfolded state of the livestock clothing 1 of FIG. 1, and the contact surface 2a of the covering portion 2 is shown. As shown in FIG. 7, the heat-reflective film 19 is disposed over the entire surface of the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16. In the present embodiment, a plurality of circular heat-reflective films 19 are arranged so as to be spread over the entire surface of the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16. The plurality of heat-reflective films 19 are separated from each other when viewed in a direction intersecting the inner layer 16 at the opposing surface 16a. The area of the heat-reflective film 19 is larger than the area of the portion of the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16 where the heat-reflective film 19 is not provided.

[0073] By arranging a plurality of mutually separated heat-reflective films 19 over the entire surface of the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16, the covering portion 2 can be expanded and contracted in the gaps between the heat-reflective films 19.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, of the surfaces of the outer layer 18, the surface opposite to the surface facing the windproof film 17 constitutes the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. The surface of the heat-reflective film 19 and the portion of the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16 where the heat-reflective film 19 is not disposed constitute the contact surface 2a of the covering portion 2. In the worn state of the livestock clothing 1, the contact surface 2a of the covering portion 2 contacts the body surface of the livestock.

[0075] When the livestock clothing 1 is worn, first, the front legs of the livestock are inserted through the hole portions 23. Next, the first edge portions 2c and 2d of the covering portion 2 are disposed on the back side of the livestock. Next, the connecting portions 3 are connected to each other on the back side of the livestock. Next, the attachment portion 6 of the neck fixing portion 4 is attached to the belt mounting portion 7. Finally, the hind leg fixing portion 10 is passed between the two hind legs of the livestock and attached to the belt mounting portion 13 via the attachment portion 12.

[0076] According to the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, since the inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18 are made of knitted fabric, they are superior in stretchability compared to fabrics. Therefore, the covering portion 2 having the inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18 contacts the body surface of the livestock along the unevenness in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1. This can suppress a decrease in the body temperature of the livestock due to cold air or wind entering between the covering portion 2 and the body surface of the livestock.

[0077] In addition, since the covering part 2 has the windproof film 17, it is difficult for the wind blown onto the outer surface 2b of the covering part 2 to reach the body surface of the livestock. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the body temperature of the livestock due to the wind hitting the body surface of the livestock.

[0078] The covering part 2 has a laminated structure including an inner layer 16, a windproof film 17, an outer layer 18 having a heat storage and heat insulation material 20, and a heat reflective film 19, so that the livestock can be warmed and kept warm. When sunlight or illumination light irradiates the outer layer 18, a part of the light energy of the light is converted into heat energy by the heat storage and heat insulation material 20. As a result, heat is generated in the outer layer 18. The heat is conducted to the body surface of the livestock through the windproof film 17 and the inner layer 16. Here, since the covering part 2 is in contact with the body surface of the livestock along the unevenness, heat loss in heat conduction is small. Therefore, the livestock can be warmed with high efficiency by the heat. Note that since the heat storage and heat insulation material 20 generates heat by sunlight, which is a natural resource, and illumination light for illuminating the inside of the livestock house, equipment (for example, heating appliances, etc.) and tools (for example, warm packs, etc.) for the purpose of warming the livestock are not required.

[0079] The heat possessed by the livestock is constantly being lost as radiant heat from the body surface of the livestock. However, in the livestock clothing 1, the heat reflective film 19 provided on the facing surface 16a of the inner layer 16 reflects the radiant heat. The reflected heat reaches the body surface of the livestock and warms the livestock. In this way, the heat retention property for the livestock is enhanced by reducing the amount of heat lost as radiant heat from the livestock.

[0080] As described above, when the covering part 2 is irradiated with light, the livestock is warmed. Further, due to the high heat retention property of the heat reflective film 19, the livestock is maintained in a warmed state. Furthermore, even when the state changes such that the covering part 2 is not irradiated with light, for example, at sunset, the livestock can be maintained in a warmed state for a long time. Therefore, it is possible to realize the livestock clothing 1 that does not require work for maintaining the heat retention property and is less likely to have a decrease in the heat retention property.

[0081] Also, according to the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, the connecting portions 3 are connected to each other on the back side of the livestock in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1. That is, the seam of the covering portion 2 through which cold air or wind can penetrate is arranged on the back side rather than on the ventral side where the internal organs of the livestock are unevenly distributed. This can suppress cold air or wind from penetrating through the seam of the covering portion 2 and reducing the heat retention performance for the abdomen of the livestock.

[0082] Also, when the connecting portions 3 are arranged on the ventral side of the livestock, the operator needs to connect the connecting portions 3 to each other in a state of approaching and bending over the abdomen of the livestock. At this time, there is a risk that the operator may be kicked and injured by the limbs of the livestock. On the other hand, in the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, since the connecting portions 3 are arranged on the back side of the livestock, the operator can connect the connecting portions 3 to each other while standing on the side of the livestock. This can reduce the possibility of the operator being injured.

[0083] Also, according to the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, the livestock clothing 1 can be more easily worn as compared with the case where the forelimbs are inserted one by one into the two hole portions 23.

[0084] When the second ends 4b, 10b of the fixing portions 4, 10 are configured to be detachable from the covering portion 2, there is a possibility that the second ends 4b, 10b of the fixing portions 4, 10 may be removed from the covering portion 2 when the livestock rubs the covering portion 2 against the ground or the like, or when another livestock bites and pulls the second ends 4b, 10b of the fixing portions 4, 10. On the other hand, according to the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, the second ends 4b, 10b of the fixing portions 4, 10 in the state of being attached to the covering portion 2 are covered by the covers 8, 14. This can reduce the possibility that the second ends 4b, 10b of the fixing portions 4, 10 come off from the covering portion 2. Therefore, it is possible to realize a livestock clothing 1 that does not require work for maintaining heat retention performance such as reattaching the fixing portions 4, 10 and is less likely to have a reduced heat retention performance.

[0085] Further, according to the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, at least a part of the cover 8 is detachable from the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2. By this, when detaching the second end portion 4b of the neck fixing portion 4 from the belt mounting portion 7, at least a part of the cover 8 can be removed from the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2, and the belt mounting portion 7 provided on the covering portion 2 can be exposed. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the cover 8 is fixed to the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2, the attachment and detachment of the neck fixing portion 4 can be easily performed.

[0086] Further, according to the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, the belt mounting portion 13 of the covering portion 2 communicates with the outside of the cover 14 only through the opening portion 15. By this, the possibility that the second end portion 10b of the hind limb fixing portion 10 comes off from the covering portion 2 can be further reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize the livestock clothing 1 that does not require work for maintaining the heat retention property such as reattaching the hind limb fixing portion 10 and is less likely to have a reduced heat retention property.

[0087] Further, according to the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment, the windproof film 17 can be fixed to at least one of the stretchable inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18. By this, compared with the configuration in which the windproof film 17 is not fixed to the inner layer 16 and the outer layer 18, the laminated structure of the covering portion 2 including the inner layer 16, the windproof film 17, and the outer layer 18 can be more reliably maintained. Therefore, it is possible to realize the livestock clothing 1 that does not require work for maintaining the heat retention property and is less likely to have a reduced heat retention property.

[0088] <Second Embodiment> With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the livestock clothing 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The difference between the livestock clothing 1A according to the second embodiment and the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment is that the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d of the covering portion 2 are continuous on the tail side in the second direction D2, and the covering portion 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Further, the chest covering portion 24 of the covering portion 2 is not provided, and the concave portion 21 and the hole portion 23 are integrated. Further, the hind limb fixing portion 10A is fixed to the covering portion 2 at both ends.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the livestock clothing 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the heat-reflective film 19 is omitted. In the livestock clothing 1A, the covering portion 2 is in a cylindrical shape in which a part of the first edge portion 2c and a part of the first edge portion 2d are continuous. In the present embodiment, the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d of the covering portion 2 are continuous at a part on the tail side in the second direction D2. That is, the covering portion 2 is formed with a cut portion that extends along the second direction D2 from the second edge portion 2e and does not reach the second edge portion 2f. Both sides of the cut portion constitute the first edge portions 2c and 2d of the covering portion 2, respectively.

[0090] The connecting portion 3 extends from the end portions on the head side in the second direction D2 of the respective first edge portions 2c and 2d to the tip end portion of the cut portion. That is, the connecting portion 3 is not provided at the portion where the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d of the covering portion 2 are continuous. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 3 is a wire fastener.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the recess 21A of the covering portion 2 in the livestock clothing 1A of FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, the outer surface 2b of the covering portion 2 is shown. The covering portion 2 is formed with a recess 21A that is recessed toward the tail side along the second direction D2 from the second edge portion 2e. The recess 21A corresponds to the recess 21 and the hole portion 23 (see FIG. 1) in the livestock clothing 1 according to the first embodiment. The chest covering portion 24 (see FIG. 1) of the covering portion 2 is not provided in the livestock clothing 1A according to the second embodiment. In the recess 21A, both front legs of the livestock are inserted in the worn state of the livestock clothing 1A. In the second direction D2, the length from the bottom of the recess 21A to the second edge portion 2e corresponds to the length from the edge portion on the tail side of the hole portion 23 to the second edge portion 2e in the livestock clothing 1.

[0092] The neck covering portions 22a and 22b of the covering portion 2 are composed of the portions in the vicinity of the second edge portion 2e among the both side portions of the covering portion 2 via the recess 21A.

[0093] The neck fixing part 4 has a belt part 5 and a mounting part 6. In the present embodiment, the belt part 5 is made of nylon and has no elasticity. Further, the mounting part 6 is a one-touch buckle. One end of the belt part 5 is inserted into a hole formed in the one-touch buckle and is held in a state of being folded back toward the neck covering part 22a of the covering part 2. Thus, the belt part 5 and the mounting part 6 constitute a belt. By changing the position where the belt part 5 is inserted into the hole of the one-touch buckle, the length of the neck fixing part 4 can be adjusted. Thus, the livestock clothing 1A can be worn on livestock with various neck circumferences.

[0094] The neck fixing part 4 has a first end part 4a fixed to the neck covering part 22a of the covering part 2 and a second end part 4b on the side opposite to the first end part 4a. That is, the first end part 4a of the neck fixing part 4 is the other end part of the belt part 5. Further, the second end part 4b of the neck fixing part 4 is the mounting part 6. The neck fixing part 4 is preferably fixed to the neck covering part 22a of the covering part 2 in a state of extending at an angle of 30 degrees toward the head side with respect to the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the first end part 4a of the neck fixing part 4 is sewn to the neck covering part 22a of the covering part 2.

[0095] The belt mounting part 7 is a one-touch buckle in the present embodiment. The belt mounting part 7 is preferably fixed to the neck covering part 22b of the covering part 2 in a state of being inclined 30 degrees toward the head side with respect to the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the belt mounting part 7 is sewn to the neck covering part 22b of the covering part 2 via a short belt.

[0096] FIG. 10 is a view showing a part of the contact surface 2a of the covering part 2 in the livestock clothing 1A of FIG. 8. In FIG. 10, the heat-reflective film 19 is omitted.

[0097] On the contact surface 2a of the covering portion 2, two strip-shaped hind limb fixing portions 10A are provided. The hind limb fixing portions 10A are respectively arranged on both sides via the concave portion 25 of the covering portion 2, and extend along the second direction D2. Both ends of the hind limb fixing portion 10A are fixed to the covering portion 2. In the present embodiment, both ends of the hind limb fixing portion 10A are sewn to the covering portion 2. In the present embodiment, the hind limb fixing portion 10A is made of polyester and has elasticity along the direction in which the hind limb fixing portion 10A extends. In the worn state of the livestock clothing 1A, each hind limb is inserted between the contact surface 2a of the covering portion 2 and each hind limb fixing portion 10A.

[0098] When the livestock clothing 1A is worn, first, each hind limb of the dairy cow is inserted between the contact surface 2a of the covering portion 2 and each hind limb fixing portion 10. Next, the continuous portion of the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d of the covering portion 2 is arranged on the back side of the dairy cow. Next, the connecting portions 3 are connected to each other on the back side of the dairy cow. Finally, the attachment portion 6 of the neck fixing portion 4 is attached to the belt attachment portion 7 in front of both forelimbs of the dairy cow. That is, both forelimbs of the dairy cow are inserted into the hole formed by the neck fixing portion 4 attached to the belt attachment portion 7 and the concave portion 21A.

[0099] According to the livestock clothing 1A according to the second embodiment, the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d of the covering portion 2 are partially continuous. As a result, when the livestock clothing 1A is worn, even when the connecting portions 3 are not connected to each other, a part of the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d of the covering portion 2 can be held on the back side of the dairy cow. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the first edge portion 2c and the first edge portion 2d of the covering portion 2 are not continuous, the wearing operation of the livestock clothing 1A can be facilitated.

[0100] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various other modes. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the livestock clothing 1 and 1A are assumed to be worn by dairy cows, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be worn by various livestock such as pigs, horses, goats, and deer.

[0101] In the first and second embodiments, each fixing part 4, 10 has been described as having a belt part 5, 11 and an attachment part 6, 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each fixing part 4, 10 may be a belt composed only of the attachment part 6, 12 formed of a strip-shaped hook-and-loop fastener.

[0102] In the first and second embodiments, sewing has been exemplified as the fixing method for the neck fixing part 4, the covers 8, 14, the hind limb fixing parts 10, 10A, and the chest covering part 24, but the present invention is not limited to this. The fixing method may be, for example, adhesion via an adhesive or the like, welding, or the like. Further, the neck fixing part 4, the covers 8, the hind limb fixing parts 10, and the chest covering part 24 may be integrally formed with the covering part 2.

[0103] In the first and second embodiments, hook-and-loop fasteners and one-touch buckles have been exemplified as the detachable attachment methods for the neck fixing part 4, the covers 8, and the hind limb fixing parts 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The detachable attachment method may be, for example, a wire fastener, a point fastener such as a snap button, a fixture such as a hook, a buckle, or the like.

[0104] In the first and second embodiments, the heat-reflective film 19 has been described as being disposed over the entire opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. The heat-reflective film 19 may be disposed only on a part of the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16. The heat-reflective film 19 may be one or a plurality when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the opposing surface 16a of the inner layer 16. Further, the shape of the heat-reflective film 19 is not limited to the above-described circular shape, and may be an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or the like.

[0105] In the first embodiment, the recess 21 may not be formed in the covering part 2. In this case, the neck covering part 22a and the neck covering part 22b of the covering part 2 are continuous on the ventral side of the livestock in the state where the livestock clothing 1 is worn.

[0106] In the first embodiment, the cover 8 has been described as covering a part of the belt mounting part 7 in the state where the livestock clothing 1 is worn, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the cover 8 may cover the entire surface of the belt mounting part 7.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the hole 23 is configured to allow both front legs of the livestock to pass through when the livestock clothing 1 is worn, but it is not limited to this. For example, two holes 23 that allow only one of the two front legs of the livestock to pass through may be formed between the second virtual straight lines L2 in the covering portion 2.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the cover 14 is configured to cover the entire surface of the belt mounting portion 13 when the livestock clothing 1 is worn, but it is not limited to this, and it may cover only a part of the belt mounting portion 7.

[0109] In this specification and the claims, the terms "sheet" and "film" are not intended to limit the thickness of the component to a specific range.

[0110] Note that by appropriately combining any of the above-described various embodiments, the respective effects can be achieved.

[0111] The present invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be understood as being included therein as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0112] The livestock clothing according to the present invention is useful for raising livestock and the like because it does not require work to maintain heat retention and is less likely to have its heat retention reduced.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0113] 1, 1A Livestock clothing 2 Covering portion 2a Contact surface 2b Outer surface 2c, 2d First edge 3 Connection portion 4 Neck fixing portion 4a First end 4b Second end 8 Cover 10, 10A Hindlimb fixing part 10a First end 10b Second end 14 Cover 15 Opening 16 Inner layer 16a Opposing surface 17 Windproof film 18 Outer layer 19 Heat-reflective film 20 Heat storage and insulation material 23 Hole part

Claims

1. A sheet-like covering portion that covers the body surface of livestock, A fixing portion that fixes the covering portion to the legs of livestock, Comprising, The covering portion has a base layer containing knitted fabric, a heat-reflecting layer provided on one main surface of the base layer and contacting the body surface of livestock, and an outer layer laminated on the side opposite to the heat-reflecting layer with respect to the base layer and containing knitted fabric. Livestock clothing.

2. A sheet-like covering portion that covers the body surface of livestock, A fixing portion that fixes the covering portion to the legs of livestock, Comprising, The covering portion has a base layer containing knitted fabric, a heat-reflecting layer provided on one main surface of the base layer and contacting the body surface of livestock, and a windproof layer laminated on the side opposite to the heat-reflecting layer with respect to the base layer. Livestock clothing.

3. A sheet-like covering portion that covers the body surface of livestock, A fixing portion that fixes the covering portion to the legs of livestock, Comprising, The covering portion has a base layer containing knitted fabric, a heat-reflecting layer provided on one main surface of the base layer and contacting the body surface of livestock, and an outer layer laminated on the side opposite to the heat-reflecting layer with respect to the base layer and containing a heat storage and heat preservation material. Livestock clothing.

4. The covering portion has an outer layer laminated on the side opposite to the heat-reflecting layer with respect to the base layer, The outer layer contains knitted fabric, The livestock clothing according to Claim 2 or 3.

5. The livestock clothing according to Claim 1 or 3, wherein the covering portion further has a windproof layer provided between the base layer and the outer layer.

6. The covering portion has an outer layer laminated on the side opposite to the heat-reflecting layer with respect to the base layer, The outer layer contains a heat storage and heat preservation material, The livestock clothing according to Claim 1 or 2.

Images