Abstract:
An apparatus is provided. There is a frame that is secured in a fixed position with ribs positioned between first and second ends of the frame. First and second walls that are respectively positioned at the first and second ends, which have support members that are secured together and arranged to form a lattice with portals and panels secured within the portals. There is a fan secured in at least one of the portals, and an entryway located within with first wall. A covering member is secured to the frame, and an evaporative cooler located in proximity the second wall.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/222,801, entitled “Modular Greenhouse and Kit,” filed on Sep. 24, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a greenhouse and, more particularly, to modular greenhouse and kit. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Modular greenhouses are commercially available, and there are a wide variety that are available from retailers. Additionally, modular greenhouses for commercial applications have been available for many years. Some examples of such systems are: U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,764; U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,425; U.S. Pre-Grant Publ. No. 2007/0028512; U.S. Pre-Grant Publ. No. 2015/0196002; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,593; U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,088; U.S. Pre-Grant Publ. No. 2014/0259908; U.S. Pre-Grant Publ. No. 2008/0000151; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,425. These greenhouses, however, do not suit the needs of many applications and industries particularly well—such as hydroponics. Therefore, there is a need for an improved greenhouse and kit. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An embodiment of the present invention, accordingly, provides an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a frame that is secured in a fixed position, wherein the frame has a plurality of ribs positioned between first and second ends of the frame, and wherein the plurality of ribs collectively form an interior space; first and second walls that are respectively positioned at the first and second ends, wherein each of the first and second walls includes: a plurality of support members that are secured together and arranged to form a lattice with a plurality of portals; and a plurality of panels secured within the portals of the lattice; at least one fan secured in at least one of the portals; an entryway located within with first wall that permits access to the interior space; and a covering member, formed of a plurality of sections, that is secured to the frame; an evaporative cooler located in proximity the second wall, wherein the evaporative cooler includes: a plurality of watering channels to allow gravity flow of water; and a plurality of air channels to allow air to flow to and from the interior space. 
         [0005]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the panels are substantially transparent to sunlight. 
         [0006]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the evaporative cooler is located within the second wall. 
         [0007]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of support members further comprises: a plurality of vertical support members, wherein each vertical support member is substantially perpendicular to the base, and wherein the vertical support members are substantially parallel to one another; and a plurality of horizontal support members, wherein each horizontal support member is substantially parallel to the base and one another. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the evaporative cooler further comprise a plurality of corrugated sheets, wherein corrugations of adjacent sheets are oriented at right angles to one another. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the covering member is formed of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). 
         [0010]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the frame further comprises a base that is substantially rectangular in shape and having: a first style located at the first end; a second style located at the second end; and a plurality of rails that are each secured to the first and second styles and that extend between the first and second styles. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a foundation that is substantially rectangular having a first and second side members, and wherein the covering member has first and second ends that are secured to first and second tensioning members, respectively, and wherein the frame further comprises a breakdown assembly having: a plurality of interior strips positioned within the interior space along the first and second side members of the foundation; first and second sets of exterior strips that are generally L-shaped, wherein the first and second sets are positioned along the each of first and second side members opposite the interior strips, wherein the first and second sets of exterior strips form first and second U-channels along the first and second side members, wherein the at least three of the ribs are secured to the first and second sets of exterior strips within the first and second U-channels; and first and second tensioning spaces located within the first and second U-channels, respectively, that are positioned to receive the first and second tensioning members as the covering member extends over a portion of at least first set of exterior strips. 
         [0012]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: a general rectangular foundation that is adapted to be positioned partially below a support surface, wherein the foundation includes first and second side members that are generally parallel to on another when assembled, wherein, when assembled, each of the first and second side members has a first surface and an opposite second surface; an assembly having: a first strip that is adapted to be secured to the first surface of the first support member; a second strip that is adapted to be secured to the first surface of the second support member; a third strip that is adapted to be secured to the second surface of the first support; a fourth strip that is adapted to be secured to the second surface of the first support, wherein the third and fourth strips are dimensioned to form a first U-channel with a first tensioning space, when assembled; a fifth strip that is adapted to be secured to the second surface of the second support; and a sixth strip that is adapted to be secured to the second surface of the second support, wherein the third and fourth strips are dimensioned to form a second U-channel with a second tensioning space that are substantially parallel to the first U-channel, when assembled; a plurality of ribs that are adapted to be secured in the first and second U-channels and extend over the foundation so as to form an interior space; a covering member having a plurality of sections, wherein each section of the covering member has first and second ends; first and second tensioning members are secured to the first and second ends of each section of the covering member, wherein the covering member is dimensioned to extend over the plurality of ribs, the fourth strip, and the sixth strip such that the first and second tensioning members are positioned within the first and second tensioning spaces, respectively, so that the covering member is tensioned when assembled; first and second walls that are adapted to be respectively positioned to be perpendicular to the first and second side members, wherein each of the first and second walls includes: a plurality of support members that are secured together and arranged to form a lattice with a plurality of portals; and a plurality of panels secured within the portals of the lattice, wherein at least some of the panels are substantially transparent to sunlight; an entryway located within with first wall that permits access to the interior space; and an evaporative cooler in proximity to the second wall. 
         [0013]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ribs further comprise: first and second end ribs that are adapted to be positioned in proximity to the first and second walls, respectively; a central rib that is adapted to be positioned between the first and second end ribs; a plurality of support ribs that are secured between the central rib and at least one of the first and second end ribs. 
         [0014]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the central rib further comprises a plurality of central ribs that are each adapted to be positioned between the first and second end ribs, and wherein the plurality of support ribs includes support ribs that are adapted to be secured between the plurality of central ribs. 
         [0015]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of support members further comprises: a plurality of vertical support members, wherein each vertical support member is substantially perpendicular to the base, and wherein the vertical support members are substantially parallel to one another; and a plurality of horizontal support members, wherein each horizontal support member is substantially parallel to the base and one another. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the evaporative cooler is located within the interior space of and further comprise a plurality of corrugated sheets, wherein corrugations of adjacent sheets are oriented at right angles to one another. 
         [0017]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are front isometric views of an example of a greenhouse in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the frame of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are a front and rear elevation views of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 , respectively; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a view of the disassembled frame and covering member of the greenhouse of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the rear wall of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the front wall of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the shroud of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a portion of securing assembly of the frame of the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the portion of the frame shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an alternative example of the frame for the greenhouse of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0031]      FIGS. 14-16  are alternative configurations for the example greenhouse shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views. 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIGS. 1 through 12  of the drawings, an example of a greenhouse  100  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The greenhouse  100  is generally designed to be modular (e.g., to be assembled onsite from prefabricated components) for use in hydroponics gardening or agriculture. However, the greenhouse  100  is not limited to hydroponics. Typically, the greenhouse  100  is assembled over a foundation  128  or secured to a hard surface (e.g., concrete) to allow to allow for appropriate airflow and to generally ensure that the greenhouse  100  remains in its desired location. 
         [0034]    In most instances, the foundation  128  is inset into the ground where gravel is leveled and compacted over a water resistant barrier. Typically, the foundation  128  (which can be seen in greater detail in  FIGS. 4, 5, and 11 ) can be comprised of four supporting members (e.g., side members  144 - 1  and  144 - 2 , and wall members  142 - 1 , and  142 - 2 ). The members  142 - 1 ,  142 - 2 ,  144 - 1 , and  144 - 2  are usually arranged in the form of a rectangle that partially extend below and above a ground surface (as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5, and 11 ). Alternatively, the foundation  128  can be omitted, and the frame (e.g.,  118 - 2 ) can be bolted to a hard surface (e.g., concrete). An example of such a configuration can be seen in  FIG. 13 , which is described below in greater detail. 
         [0035]    Once the foundation  128  is set in place, the frame  118  can be positioned over and secured to the foundation  128 . Typically, the frame  118  is assembled on site by the use of a kit (which is shown in part in  FIG. 7 ). As shown and as secured to the foundation  128 , there can be a breakdown assembly  200  (which is described in greater detail below). On either end (as shown in this example), there are end ribs  122 - 1  and  122 - 2 . These end ribs  122 - 1  and  122 - 2  typically have the same configuration for ease of manufacture and can be bolted or otherwise removably secured to the assembly  200 . Support ribs can then be secured (e.g., bolted) to the end ribs  122 - 1  and  122 - 2  and central ribs hat are adjacent to the end walls  102  and  114 . As shown in the figures, only a single central rib is shown (which, for example, would be 10 feet by 16 feet in a generally rectangular shape), but the center section of the greenhouse  100  can be expanded in length by the use of extension sections (e.g., reference numeral  300  shown in  FIG. 7 ). Over the frame  118 , a covering member  104  can then be secured along the assembly (as described below) and on each end. Typically, shrouds  134 - 1  and  134 - 2  are inserted on either end so as to secure the covering member  104  to the end ribs  123 - 1  and  123 - 2 . The covering member  104  may be mechanical secured to the shrouds  134 - 1  and  134 - 2  (e.g., by mechanical snaps) or may be held in place through an interference fit. The covering member  104  is typically formed of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). A second layer of the covering member  104  can be mechanically secured to the frame  118 - 1  (e.g., snapped or bolted) on the interior space of the greenhouse  100  so as to provide insulation. Alternatively, the covering member  104  can be formed of other materials so as to have desired insulating properties; for example, an insulating layer may be coextruded between two ETFE layers. 
         [0036]    Additionally, the covering member  104  can be formed of several subsections. As shown, the covering member  104  can be comprised of end sections  104 -A and center sections  104 -B. The number of center sections  104 -B can be increased when the length of the greenhouse is expanded (e.g., using extension section  300 ). For the example shown in  FIG. 1 , no center sections  104 -B are used. As shown in  FIG. 7 , there are tabs along the periphery of the sections  104 -A and  104 -B. These tabs allow the sections (e.g.,  104 -A and  104 -B) to be secured to one another (either permanently or with a mechanical breakdown joint) or frame  118 . 
         [0037]    Alternatively, as shown in the example of  FIG. 13 , the frame  118 - 2  can comprised of a base  420  and ribs  422 - 1  to  422 - 7  that can mechanically secured (e.g., bolted) to a hard surface (e.g., concrete). The number of ribs  422 - 1  to  422 - 7  can vary based on cost, application, and a number of other factors. Typically, the frame is formed of a metal (e.g., aluminum or steel), but it may also be comprised of a plastic (e.g. polycarbonate) or other composite materials. The base  420  can take on a variety of shapes, but it is typically desirable to have one that is rectangular in shape that overlays the foundation  128 . As shown, the base  420  can have styles  424 - 1  and  424 - 2  located at each end of the base  420  with rails  426 - 1  and  426 - 2  extending therebetween. In this example, two rails  126  form the perimeter of the base  420  and are welded to the styles  424  and then bolted to the portion of the foundation  128  that extends above the ground surface. The ribs  422 - 1  to  422 - 7  can then be secured along the perimeter of the base  420  to form an interior space for the greenhouse  100 . The entire frame  118 - 2  can be prefabricated with the ribs  422 - 1  to  422 - 7  permanently secured to the base  420  (e.g., brazed, glued, or welded) or with breakdown joints (e.g., ribs  422 - 1  to  422 - 7  bolted to the base  420 ). The styles  424  and rails  422  may also be secured to one another through breakdown joints (e.g., bolted together) or may be permanently secured in another manner (e.g., brazed or glued). 
         [0038]    For the frame  118  shown, a breakdown assembly  200  can be used. This assembly  200  can entirely use breakdown joints (e.g., bolted) to more easily assemble the greenhouse  100  onsite. Typically, along the interior of members  144 - 1  and  144 - 2 , an interior support strip  204  (which can have a generally rectangular cross-section) is used to secure the assembly  200  to the foundation  128 . This strip  204  can be set either above or below the surface level, but it is desirable to have it extend to the top of the form to ensure that the covering member  204  remains taught. On the exterior of the members  144 - 1  and  144 - 2  are two exterior support strips  202  and  206  can be used. Typically, strips  202  and  206  are L-shaped (similar to angle iron) and are arranged to for a U-channel. Strip  206 —because it is in contact with the covering member  104 —is typically formed of a flexible material (e.g. rubber). Additionally, there may be other strips or spacers formed of flexible materials (e.g., rubber) between strip  202  and the covering member  104 . The ends of the covering member  104  are permanently secured to a tensioning member  210  (e.g., a cylindrical rod). In the U-channel formed by strips  202  and  206  (as shown), there can be a tensioning space  212  in which the tensioning member  210  is placed. Usually, the covering member  104  extends around the strip  206  (which faces the foundation  128  and the support surface or ground) so that a portion of the covering member  104  faces the support surface or ground. A spacer  208  can then also be used in the U-channel. The strip  202 ,  204 , and  206  and spacer  208  can then be bolted together at predetermined locations. Because of the positioning of the covering member  104 , the bolts extend through the covering member  104 , so to generally prevent tearing of the covering member  104 , collars (not shown) are secured to the covering member  104  at these predetermined locations—which are similar to those used on conventional tarps. These collars can be formed of metal (e.g., steel) or other wear resistant materials. The ribs  123 ,  124 ,  130 ,  132 , and/or  422  can then, themselves, be bolted to the strips  202  and  206  so as to form the frame  118 - 1  and  118 - 2 . 
         [0039]    With the frame  118  or  118 - 2  in place, the end walls  102  and  114  can be installed. Typically, the end walls  102  and  114  are comprised of an entry wall  102  and a rear wall  114 —which are positioned adjacent to ribs  122 - 1  and  122 - 2  of frame  118 . With frame  118 , base members  138 - 1  and  138 - 2  can be also used to help secure walls  102  and  114  in place. Each of the walls  102  and  114  are formed of supporting members  106  and  108  that are secured together for form a lattice with portals. As shown in the examples of  FIGS. 1-5 , the support members generally comprise vertical support members  106  (which are typically arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the base  128  and parallel to one another) and horizontal support members  108  (which are generally parallel to one another and the support surface or ground). The support members  106  and  108  are typically formed of aluminum, polycarbonate, wood/plywood, or composite beams that are notched so as to be interlocked with one another. Within the portals of the lattice formed by the support members  106  and  108 , panels  110  can be secured. The panels  110  are typically formed of polycarbonate and are substantially transparent to sunlight (e.g., conventional materials used for greenhouse paneling). These panels  110  also typically prevent airflow to and from the interior space of the greenhouse  100 . But, the ports are dimensioned to receive conventional greenhouse fans  111  to force air into and out of the interior space of the greenhouse  100 . As shown in the example depiction in  FIGS. 1-5 , the panels  110  are oriented at an angle of about 30 degrees from normal. Additionally, the entry wall  102  includes an entry way  112  (e.g., doored entry) to allow access to the interior space of the greenhouse  100 . 
         [0040]    The rear wall  114  also can serve another purpose in addition to allowing airflow. As shown, the rear wall  114  includes channels  116  that permit airflow. Evaporative coolers used in greenhouse applications are both commercially available and are well-known. Evaporative coolers can be placed within the channels  116  (i.e., integrated into the rear wall  114 ). Alternatively, the evaporative coolers may be housed within the interior space of the greenhouse  100  adjacent to the channels  116 , meaning that there can be another interior wall that holds the evaporative cooler or that there can be a freestanding evaporative cooler within the interior space of the greenhouse. These evaporative coolers allow for the temperature of the interior space to be cooled (e.g., air conditioned) and are generally comprised of corrugated sheets (e.g., cardboard) where the corrugations of adjacent sheets are oriented at right angles to one another. Typically, the channels formed by the corrugations are at 45 degree angles to the support surface or ground. The sheets are also spaced far enough apart from one another to allow for water to be gravity fed across air flowing through the evaporative cooler. The air flow across the evaporative cooler can be created through a forced air system (e.g., fan  111 ). 
         [0041]    The shape of the greenhouse  100  can also vary. As shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , the shapes can be varied for aesthetic purposes or may be adjusted to fit the environment in which it is placed. 
         [0042]    Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.