Abstract:
A greenhouse having glass panels that is designed to capture and retain warmth in the colder months may be totally unsuitable for use in the warmer months as the conditions inside may be too hot. And conversely, for a structure designed to keep plants cooler during hot weather. This invention provides a building or structure that can easily be modified to provide improved growing conditions for plants in a range of seasons. This is made possible by a construction that facilitates easy removal and replacement of the major panels of the building, for example glass panels can quickly be replaced with shade panels when the seasons change from cold to hot. The top rails of the structure include a removal section providing access to remove both side wall panels and roofing panels. In addition, the panels are secured to the frames with a friction fit sealing arrangement which aids quick replacement, and enhances the structural rigidity of the greenhouse when fitted.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to greenhouses, and in particular, but not exclusively to a method of construction for a greenhouse. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Greenhouses typically comprise a framework structure that supports a large number of panels of glass, plastic or a screen material. 
         [0003]    There is generally a requirement to let as much light pass through the structure as possible, and for this reason there is a desire to keep the size and quantity of any structure to a minimum. 
         [0004]    If not well constructed, and particularly if the structure is slender and not well braced, and if the panels are not secured well, a greenhouse can be relatively flimsy, or it can tend to rattle or be buffeted by wind. 
         [0005]    Greenhouses and other horticultural structures are generally designed to facilitate a particular range of growing conditions, or to at least provide a more consistent growing conditions, than are available outside. However, a greenhouse having glass panels that is designed to capture and retain warmth in the colder months may be totally unsuitable for use in the warmer months as the conditions inside may be too hot. And conversely, for a structure designed to keep plants cooler during hot weather. 
         [0006]    The relatively fragile nature of many greenhouses limits their suitability for modification or adjustment once assembled. 
         [0007]    In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. 
       OBJECT 
       [0008]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a greenhouse, or a method of constructing greenhouses, which will at least go some way towards overcoming one or more of the above mentioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice. 
       STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a greenhouse comprising;
       a plurality of panels, and   a framework structure which includes channels configured to hold the panels;       
 
         [0012]    and wherein the greenhouse includes at least one movable section of framework that can be moved to a first position in which the or each movable section of frame retains one or more of the panels within the framework, and can be moved to a second position in which the or each movable section of frame allows one or more of the panels to be removed and/or installed. 
         [0013]    Preferably the panels are panels selected from the following options: glass panels, polycarbonate panels, acrylic panels, shade panels and/or screen or mesh panels. 
         [0014]    Preferably the or each movable section of framework is a slidable section of framework. 
         [0015]    Optionally the or each movable section of framework is a hinged section of framework. 
         [0016]    Preferably the or each movable section of framework forms a part of a top plate of one or more sidewalls of the greenhouse. 
         [0017]    Preferably the or each movable section of framework forms a part of a facia panel, gutter or lower rail of one or more roof sections of the greenhouse. 
         [0018]    Preferably the or each movable section of framework includes, or forms a part of, a channel that is used to secure panels of the greenhouse. 
         [0019]    Preferably the framework comprises a plurality of sections made from aluminium extrusions. 
         [0020]    Preferably the or each movable section of framework is configured to slide longitudinally within a fixed section of framework of the greenhouse. 
         [0021]    Preferably the or each top plate of the greenhouse frame comprises two members, a first top plate member being a fixed member, and a second top plate member being the movable section of framework. 
         [0022]    Preferably the second top plate member engages with the first top plate member using a longitudinal sliding engagement means. 
         [0023]    Preferably the greenhouse also includes a compression strip or strips configured to wedge the edges of the panels within the channels. 
         [0024]    Preferably the compression strips are made of a rubberized material or a material having rubber-like properties. 
         [0025]    In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a multi-role horticultural structure incorporating the features of a greenhouse substantially as specified herein. 
         [0026]    In a third aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a kit of parts for forming a greenhouse or multi-role horticultural structure substantially as specified herein when assembled, said kit including;
       sections of framework for use in constructing the frame of the greenhouse or structure,   panels having a range of properties for use in the construction of the greenhouse or structure, and   compression strips configured to securely wedge the panels within the framework.       
 
         [0030]    Preferably the compression strips are made of a rubberized material or a material having rubber-like properties. 
         [0031]    Preferably the kit of parts includes compression strips of a plurality of widths. 
         [0032]    Preferably the sections of framework are formed from aluminium extrusions. 
         [0033]    In a fourth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of modifying the properties or role of a greenhouse or horticultural structure of the type having a framework which supports a plurality of panels within channels in the framework, the method including the steps of
       withdrawing compression strips from the channels of the framework surrounding one or more of the panels of the greenhouse or horticultural structure,   moving one or more movable sections of the framework to allow one or more of the panels of the greenhouse or horticultural structure to be removed,   replacing the removed panels with panels having properties that are different to those of the removed panels,   re-positioning each of the movable sections of the framework that were moved to secure each of the replaced panels, and   placing compression strips into the channels of the framework surrounding each of the replaced panels.       
 
         [0039]    The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION 
         [0040]    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: 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a greenhouse according to the present invention, 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a section of the framework of the greenhouse with a glass panel installed, 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a section of the framework of the greenhouse with a shade panel installed, and 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a top plate of the greenhouse showing a removal section of framework. 
       
    
    
       [0045]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a greenhouse or horticultural structure ( 11 ) according to the present invention will now be described. The greenhouse ( 11 ) is made of a number of panels ( 13 ) and a framework structure ( 15 ) which includes channels ( 17 ) configured to hold the panels. 
         [0046]    An important feature of the greenhouse ( 11 ) is that it is a multi-role structure. This multi-role feature is possible due to the fact that the main panels ( 13 ) of the structure can be interchanged with panels having different properties. For example glass panels can be removed and can be replaced with mesh or shade panels. This change in configuration is useful to allow the greenhouse ( 11 ) to be used effectively during any season of the year or to produce a range or growing conditions. 
         [0047]    This multi-role feature is made possible by constructing the framework ( 15 ) in such a manner that one or more of the sections of framework is easily moved to allow panels to be slid out of the channels ( 17 ) of the adjacent framework ( 15 ). 
         [0048]    In this example, the greenhouse ( 11 ) includes two movable sections of framework ( 19 ), which in this case are slidable relative to the remainder of the framework ( 15 ). Each of these movable sections ( 19 ) can be slid to a first position, or an installed position, in which they retain the panels ( 13 ) on each side of them. And they can be moved to a second position, or a removed position, in which the movable sections ( 19 ) allow the adjacent panels ( 13 ) to be removed and/or installed. 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIG. 4  it can be seen that the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) are in the form of capping or finishing extrusions that are configured to engage with the remainder of the framework ( 15 ). In this example, the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) form part of a top plate ( 20 ) of the sidewalls ( 22 ). The top plate ( 20 ) of each sidewall of the greenhouse ( 11 ) is also a facia panel or lower rail of the roof sections ( 24 ). 
         [0050]    The movable sections of framework ( 19 ) each engage with a first top plate member or fixed section ( 19   a ) of the top plate ( 20 ) to complete each top plate ( 20 ). The movable sections of framework ( 19 ) can be called a second top plate member, and when engaged with the first top plate members ( 19   a ), they complete each top plate ( 20 ). When engaged with the first top plate member ( 19   a ) of the top plates ( 20 ), the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) secure the panels ( 13 ) in both the side walls ( 22 ) and the roof sections ( 24 ). 
         [0051]    The movable sections of framework ( 19 ) engage with the first top plate member ( 19   a ) to form the top plate ( 20 ) by means of a sliding joint. Both the first top plate member ( 19   a ) and the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) are typically formed as aluminium extrusions and are configured such that one can slide longitudinally, or lengthwise, within the other. It can be seen in  FIG. 4  that the fixed section ( 19   a ) includes an elongate cavity or socket which is configured to receive a complimentary elongate male portion of the movable section of framework ( 19 ). The male portion of the extrusion forming the movable section of framework ( 19 ) is configured to mate with the cavity of the extrusion of the fixed section ( 19   a ) is such a manner that the movable section of framework ( 19 ) is not able to rotate relative to the fixed section ( 19   a ). 
         [0052]    The fixed sections ( 19   a ) of the top plates ( 20 ) maintain the structural integrity of the greenhouse ( 11 ) while the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) are removed. 
         [0053]    In practice, the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) also form a gutter of the greenhouse ( 11 ). 
         [0054]    The panels ( 13 ) can be of any type that is desired to suit a particular season or to create a particular growing environment, for example the panels can be made of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic panels, mesh, etc or they can be panels having differing light filtering effects, breathing characteristics, etc. 
         [0055]    In this example, the framework ( 15 ) is made of a number of sections made from aluminium extrusions, and which are formed with channels ( 17 ) that are approximately ten millimetres wide and fifteen millimetres deep. The panels ( 13 ) simply slot into the channels ( 17 ) and are held by them. 
         [0056]    The movable sections of framework ( 19 ) include, or complete, the channels of the top plates ( 20 ) of the side walls ( 22 ), which, as noted above are also the facia panels or lower rails of the roof sections ( 24 ). In this way, the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) complete the channels that surround each panel ( 13 ) when the movable sections of framework ( 19 ) are fitted, and they allow the panels ( 13 ) to be removed or replaced when they are slid out of position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0057]    Beading strips, or compression strips ( 21 ), are used to secure the panels within the channels ( 17 ). Beading strips ( 21 ) of differing widths can be used to secure panels of differing widths within the channels ( 17 ). The beading strips ( 21 ) are configured to wedge the edges of the panels within the channels ( 17 ) and in doing so they provide a seal around the edges of the panels ( 13 ), and in addition they provide a structural bond between the panels ( 13 ) and the framework ( 15 ). The structural bond is very helpful as this means that each of the panels becomes a shear web which adds a significant amount of strength and stability to the greenhouse ( 11 ). 
         [0058]    The beading strips ( 21 ) are made of a rubberized material or a material having rubber-like properties. In profile, the beading strips ( 21 ) have a central spine and a number of projections from each side of that spine. And partly because of the resilient material that they are made of, and partly due to their flexible shape, the beading strips can be wedged into the channels ( 17 ) alongside the edges of the panels ( 13 ) to wedge the panels in place and seal around them. 
         [0059]    The nature of the beading strips ( 21 ) allows them to accommodate some variation in the thickness of the panels ( 13 ), however to accommodate a wider variation of panel thickness, beading strips of differing thicknesses can be used. 
         [0060]    Therefore a multi-role green house or horticultural structure ( 11 ) that includes panels ( 13 ) of a range of thicknesses will also include beading strips ( 21 ) of a range of widths. For example a green house ( 11 ) that uses six millimetre thick glass panels in the winter, and shading mesh that is only two millimetres thick in the summer, will require two sets of beading strips ( 21 ), a thinner set to hold the glass and a thicker set to hold the mesh.  FIGS. 2 and 3  show these two configurations, with glass panels shown in  FIG. 2  and with mesh panels shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0061]    The properties or role of the greenhouse or horticultural structure ( 11 ) can be modified using the following simple steps;
       withdrawing beading strips from the channels of the framework surrounding one or more of the panels of the greenhouse or horticultural structure,   moving one or more movable sections of the framework to allow one or more of the panels of the greenhouse or horticultural structure to be removed,   replacing the removed panels with panels having properties that are different to those of the removed panels,   re-positioning each of the movable sections of the framework that were moved to secure each of the replaced panels, and   placing beading strips into the channels of the framework surrounding each of the replaced panels.       
 
       VARIATIONS 
       [0067]    To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. 
         [0068]    In the example described above, the greenhouse ( 11 ) includes two movable sections ( 19 ) of framework ( 15 ), however it is envisaged that in differing embodiments the greenhouse ( 11 ) could include only one, or any number of movable sections ( 19 ). 
         [0069]    Also, in the example described above, the greenhouse ( 11 ) includes movable sections ( 19 ) that are slidable, however, it is envisaged that the movable sections ( 19 ) could be pivotally connected to the framework ( 15 ) and/or be attached using removable fasteners. 
       DEFINITIONS 
       [0070]    The term “greenhouse” used herein is intended to mean an enclosed structure that is used for the cultivation or protection of plants. The term is intended to include glass-houses, shade-houses and similar horticultural structures. 
         [0071]    Throughout this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word, such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 
       ADVANTAGES 
       [0072]    Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention provides a greenhouse which has good structural strength and resistance to rattling and buffeting, which can be well sealed from the wind and rain, and which can be modified with relative ease to suit the differing requirements in different seasons, to suit the local climate or to provide differing growing requirements. And all this is achieved with a structure that is relatively slender and which provides minimal obstruction to light entering the structure