Title of Invention

A GREEN HOUSE COMPRISING A DOUBLE ROOF CONSTRUCTION

Abstract Roof construction (2, 52) for a greenhouse (1) consisting of two roof elements positioned at an angle, wherein first (7) and second (4) members extending between ridge (15) and gutter (6) are fitted in each roof element. The second members preferably extend perpendicularly to the ridge/gutter and are members taking compressive load, whilst the first members joined thereto are members taking tensile load. There are tensioning members (8) to introduce tension and pressure, respectively, into the construction. With this arrangement a particularly rigid whole is obtained. The tension members can be joined to ridge and gutter, but it is also possible to construct these with a shorter length.
Full Text FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
"ROOF CONSTRUCTION FOR A GREENHOUSE"
KLIMREK I.E. B.V., of Europalaan 44, 2641 RX Pijnacker, The Netherlands.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

2.
WO 2005/065444 PCT/NL2005/000010
Roof construction for a greenhouse
The present invention relates to a roof construction for a greenhouse comprising a number of roof elements positioned at an angle, wherein each roof element extends
5 between an upper boundary thereof and a gutter and comprises a translucent covering
material, first and second members, wherein said second members extend essentially perpendicularly with respect to the gutter and are rigid under pressure and said first members extend obliquely with respect to said gutter and are joined at one end to said second members.
10 A roof construction of this type is disclosed in DE 2404954 A. m this construction
the link between ridge and gutter of the roof construction shown in this publication is made up of a number of tubular sections. Some tubular sections (second members) extend perpendicularly between ridge and gutter, whilst other sections (first members) extend at an angle.
15 m the past greenhouses were produced by erecting a metal frame, m which glass
was positioned at an angle. Triangular roof constructions were produced m mis way, where the bases were supported by supports close to the comer points and there were gutters at the comer points.
For a number of applications it is important that the construction is as lightweight
20 as possible. In greenhouses it is important that as much light as possible enters, as a result of which the size of a wide variety of sections has to be restricted as far as possible. After all, any increase in the amount of incident light immediately leads to an increase in the yield. Moreover, the sectional constructions used in the state of the art require regular maintenance and the way in which the sections and the panels, which are made either of
25 glass or of plastic, are joined together is laborious.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a roof construction that has at least the same strength compared with existing roof constructions, that is to say Has at least the same performance under comparable (weather) conditions, and which can be produced more easily and more lightweight
30 A further aim of the present invention is to provide a roof construction with which
it is possible to enlarge or increase the height of the working area.
Furthermore, the aim of the present invention is to be less dependent on the columns and supports on which such a roof construction bears.

WO 2005/065444 3 PCI7NL2005/000010
This aim is realised with a roof construction as described above in that said first members are members taking tensile load, wherein there are at least two first and one second members in each roof element and the second member takes compressive load.
According to the present invention each roof construction comprises a self-
5 supporting particularly rigid whole a result of the compressive/tensile forces acting therein. According to one embodiment of the invention either the first members are provided with members producing tensile load and/or the second members are provided with members producing compressive load. In this way it is possible to introduce the desired tension into the plane of the roof after joining together the first and second
10 members. However, it is also possible to introduce the compressive/tensile stress when joining together first and second members. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the roof assembly is made self-supporting. That is to say, this has such a rigidity that when at least two roof elements forming a roof construction are placed on a horizontal surface it does not tend to move outwards with the guttering sections. With this
15 arrangement a longitudinal beam, such as gutter or ridge, cm take compressive load in the longitudinal direction beam, such as gutter or ridge, can take compressive load in the
tension members which preferably structurally cannot take compressive cables or rods, a tensile force is generated between the upper boundary and gutter concerned. This tensile force is taken up by me second members, the members taking
20 compressive load. A particularly rigid whole is produced as a result According to a particular embodiment, the second members, or members taking compressive load, can comprise the panels that are positioned in me roof surface concerned. In this case the panels will preferably be of double-walled construction in order to create adequate rigidity (to budding). As a result of the use of the tension and compression members, particularly
25 rigid sloping walls or roof elements of the roof construction are produced. As a result of the self-supporting nature, it is no longer necessary to support a guttering section by means of a series of columns. Furthermore, if a plastic material is used as screening, the weight of the roof construction can be appreciably restricted, which has a major effect on the further construction of the greenhouse. This applies in particular when using film material.
30 In a variant embodiment, where the junction between first members and second
members is located between the top boundary and gutter, a tension member that runs essentially parallel to said ridge or gutter and is coupled to a subsequent junction of a further first and second member preferably extends from said junction.

WO 2005/065444 4 PO7NL2005/000010
According to the present invention a roof construction of particularly compact
construction can be obtained by means of which the working height in me greenhouse can
be optimised. Furthermore, large spans can be achieved, which further contributes to
maximising the workspace.
5 According to the invention the tension members extend obliquely with respect to
the guttering section. More particularly, these tension members extend obliquely in two directions, so mat these preferably cross one another. The compression members can comprise any members known in the state of the art ft is also possible to use the covering material for mis. That is to say, the screening is produced from a material that is rigid under
10 pressure, such as two sheets located some distance apart that are joined to one another via some structure or other. Such sheets are made of plastic material that is translucent Such panels consisting of plastic material have a relatively low weight compared with constructions with glass and can be rigid under pressure and rigid m respect of buckling bom in the height direction and in the longitudinal direction .An example of materials to be
15 used for such panels is polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate .
It is also possible to produce the members by making the bars rigid under pressure/resistant to tensile stress.
It is possible mat the second member that takes up pressure is joined to me gutter construction and extends as far as the upper boundary of the covering material, for example
20 to a ridge construction located there. However, it is also possible that OM second member extends over a length shorter man the distance between the upper boundary of the covering material and the gutter.
The first member can extend from me uppermost point of such a second member
and the covering material can be fixed thereto.
25 It is also possible mat one or bom of the members extend in a plane other than the
plane of the covering material.
It is also possible to combine the compression/tension members with bars for supporting or accommodating the covering material. By this means the total surface area of the elements that impede the transmission of light can be reduced, as a result of which the
30 crop yield can be increased.
According to a further advantageous embodiment the screening or the panel is made double-walled. A liquid for extracting energy or for cooling the greenhouse can optionally be introduced between the two walls, one wall of which can be flexible. For special

WO 2005/065444 5 PCT/NL2005/000010
features of such a construction reference is made to Netherlands patent application 1023900 in the name of Klimrek IE. B.V.
So as to be able actively to fill and empty such a gap it is proposed to provide the guttering section with a channel that can be made to communicate with the gap between the
5 two panels located some distance apart. Such a channel must be differentiated from internal and external gutters known in the prior art that can be present m such a guttering section. With such an embodiment the guttering section can be separated into two internal channels for the adjoining "left" panel section and the adjoining "right" panel section, which can be provided with different fluids. Supply of a liquid preferably takes place from an elevated
10 point If a ridge section is used as first longitudinal section, this can be provided with special means to enable such a supply. Each of the sections can be constructed as a rail section for transporting a wide variety of constructions used in the greenhouse along it These constructions can be carriages for treatment operations, movable lighting and other generally known constructions. Moreover, the longitudinal beams in these constructions
15 can be designed to accommodate screens mat can be rolled up.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an illustrative embodiments shown in me drawing, m the drawing:
Fig. 1 shows, diagrammatical^, a front view o
roof constructions according to the invention;
20 Fig. 2 shows a detail of a roof construction;
Fig. 3 shows, in detail, part of a ridge section and a guttering section;
Fig. 4 shows a panel that is rigid under pressure, to be used in the invention;
Fig. 5 shows, diagrammatically, a further embodiment of the roof construction;
Fig. 6 shows, diagrammatically, a further variant of the roof construction according
25 to the invention and
Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of the roof construction according to the invention.
In Fig. 1 a greenhouse is indicated by 1. This consists of a number of vertical columns 3, on which a number of roof constructions 2 have been fitted. Roof constructions
30 2 according to the present invention are made self-supporting. As a result it is possible, as can be seen from the right-hand part of Fig. 1, to mount two adjacent roof constructions without the installation of a column 3 beneath them. In mis example each roof construction 2 consists of two roof elements 16. Each roof element 16 consists of a translucent panel

WO 2005/065444 £> PCT7NL2005/000010
and a bar-like construction. The bar-like construction consists of first, or tension, members 7 and second members 4, or members 4 rigid under pressure. The bar construction is indicated in its entirety by 17. Details of mis can be seen from Fig. 2. Cross-members 18 of adjacent roof elements optionally extend between the members 4. If, however, the join
5 between the members 4 close to the ridge section 5 is rigid under moment, it is not
necessary to use such cross-members 18, as a result of which greater freedom in the height direction in me greenhouse is obtained, ft can be seen from Fig. 2 mat guttering sections 6 are also present The link between the guttering sections 6 and ridge sections 5 can be effected by means of me members 4 that are rigid under pressure.
10 The tension members 7, which are fitted such that they cross one another
diagonally, extend between the members 4 rigid under pressure. These tension members can be cables, rods and the like. Tensioning members
rigid under pressure. A particularly rigid construction is obtained by combination of tension members 7, elements 4 rigid under pressure and tension applied by tensioning members 8.
15 The tensioning members 8 apply force to the members 4 rigid under pressure, as a result of which a pull on the tension members 7 is produced, Instead of the tensioning members 8 in the members 4 rigid under pressure, tensioning members for applying a tension force, such as turnbuckles (not shown) can be fitted in the tension members 7, or a combination of the two is possible. la combination with the join rigid under moment between the members 4
20 rigid under pressure at the ridge section 5 and/or the cross-member 18 an independent self-supporting roof construction is produced. The weight thereof can be kept low if the screening has a relatively low mass. That is to say, a plastic material is preferably used instead of glass. An example of this is given in Fig. 3. The outer screen consists of a film material 9 that is provided close to the ends thereof with strings 12 mat are fitted in seats
25 11. Such strings can be made of PTFE material in order to promote the sliding
characteristics thereof. There is a seat 11 in bom the ridge sections and in the guttering section 6. It can also be seen from Fig. 3 that the roof construction according to the present invention is double-walled because of the presence of an inner screen 10. This can be fixed to the ridge section or guttering section, respectively, in some way or other known in the
30 art However, it is also possible to provide a fixing mat corresponds to the fixing of the outer screen. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 the tensioning member 8 can be above the tension member and designed to permanently apply a load (spring).

WO 2005/065444 7 PCT/NL2005/000010
The guttering section is provided with three constructions acting as gutters. the
outer gutter is indicated by 13 and the inner gutter (for condensate) by 14. 15 indicates a
twin channel that via opening 16 is in communication with the space between the inner
screen 10 and the outer screen 9. This space can optionally be filled with a liquid Such
5 filling preferably takes place from the top boundary, such as a longitudinal section that is provided with a corresponding feed 50. Via feed 50 the liquid can be poured or sprayed or atomised to the interior, hi the latter case the top surface of the inner panel or the bottom surface of the outer panel can be moistened in a targeted manner.
The member rigid under pressure can have any desired profile in order to provide
10 sufficient rigidity under pressure. Preferably this is of polygonal construction. Of course, there can be the customary facilities in the greenhouse, such as rails for transport, heating, lighting, screening, etc. hi the absence of cross-member 18 it is possible to suspend constructions from the ridge section which can be moved without being impeded by such low cross-members. If the cross-member 18 is present, it is possible to perform activities
15 within the triangle delimited by this. An alternative for, or supplement to, the members rigid under pressure is shown in Fig. 4. This comprises a panel 23, rigid under pressure, provided with end pieces 24. The panel rigid under pressure consists of a front sheet part and rear sheet part 26 and 27 joined by transverse ridges 25. Such a sheet can be a thermally insulating, translucent sheet Various materials have been proposed for use in
20 greenhouses. Such materials are mainly of interest because these have a relatively Tow weight and good insulation values, whilst reflection of tight is restricted as far as possible. The characteristics can be even further improved by applying coatings. For a sheet shown in Fig. 1, with a panel height (length) of 2.60 m and a width of 1.20 m, a compressive strength of a few hundred kg in the direction of arrows 34 can be mentioned.
25 Such sheets are provided with end piece 24 at the ends thereof. These end pieces
can be fitted thereto by gluing or in some other way. One example is an edging strip provided with plugs and acting as a water channel, the plugs being clamped between the sheet parts. Further fixings can be fitted to the end pieces 24. Such fixings provide linking to the further parts of the roof construction.
30 The material of the sheet parts 26,27 can be isotropic. However, the sheet parts 6,7
are preferably made of an anisotropic material. The compressive strength is preferably relatively high in one direction and preferably relatively low in one direction. With the construction according to the present invention the height direction will be the direction

WO 2005/065444 8 PCI7NL2605/000010

where mere is high rigidity (under pressure) and the longitudinal direction the direction in
which mere is a lower rigidity. The latter is of importance in order to be able to absorb
expansion, for example under the influence of changes m temperature, such as under the
influence of solar radiation, hi the longitudinal direction the sheet part as shown in Fig. 4
5 will behave as a relatively weak harmonica. Accurate fixation and increased rigidity is
obtained by means of the tension members 7.
A roof element according to the present invention can be transported by road in the
assembled state to its destination.
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 5. In this figure the same
10 reference numerals as in the previous figures have been used as far as possible. In mis
embodiment the tension members are indicated by 37. The location of the junction with the
compression members 34 is not coincident with either me ridge or gutter but is located
between them. This junction is indicated by 19. A farther tension member 20 extends
between two junctions. A tensioning member is indicated by 38. It is also possible to make
15 links between the tension cables or tension rods 37 and me gutter 36. Such a link taking
tensile load is indicated by 40. With, mis variant it is possible to accommodate the panels
41 between bars 42 and compression members 34, the construction being such that
widthwise expansion is possible only at compression members 34. The compression
members 34 can have a special construction for mis purpose m mis way me bars 42 can be
20 of less expansive construction and the width thereof can be restricted which increases the
light yield. Moreover, the bars 42 can bear on tension members, as a result of which this
can be of lighter weight construction. The lines or the like, for example for moving a fluid
that absorbs/releases energy from top to bottom, can optionally be fed through the
compression members 34.
25 The construction shown in Fig. 6 consisting of members 57 taking tensile load and
members 54 taking compressive load is fitted "inside" double glazing or other panel of the
roof construction 52. The angle with the roof construction is indicated by a. As in the
embodiment according to Fig. 5, the compression member 54 extends only over a limited
portion of the height As a result it is possible to obtain unimpeded access to a window 59
30 to be opened.
Compression members 54 are at a slight angle with respect to the gutter and thus
replace a single column taking compressive load. Instead of two compression members 54
running as far as the gutter, it is also possible to use compression members running from a

WO 2005/065444 5 PCT/NL2005/000010
point in the gutter to the outside, a further tension member being stretched between the free ends thereof; such as 20 in Fig. 5. m the example shown here the tension members 57 extend via the gutter 56 beneath it and are joined to a short pressure column 55. The final (front) tension member is joined to the surroundings via a guy wire 60 to take up the lateral
5 reaction force. Instead of, or in addition to, the short column 55 shown here it is possible to install a longitudinal beam extending below the gutter some distance away, on which beam the tension cables or tension rods engage. The tension rods or bars can, for example, be made of a simple type of steel, such as reinforcing iron. According to mis construction it is possible to make long spans for the gutter and associated roof construction, as a result of
10 which the number of columns in a greenhouse can be appreciably reduced.
Part of a double roof construction is shown in Figure 7. This is indicated in its entirety by 70 and consists of a second member 74 that takes pressure and a tension member 77. A gutter is indicated by 83, whilst the ridge has reference numeral 75. An auxiliary bar 72 has been fitted, m the present case this auxiliary bar 72 is ix>t rigid under
15 pressure but takes tensile load.
In the present case the ridge 75 is shown as being straight but it can also be arched. Therefore, mis is also denoted by top boundary.
These and further variants are obvious to those skilled in the art after reading the above and fall within the scope of the present claims.


WO 2005/065444 10 PCT/NL2Q65/000019
Claims
1. Roof construction (2,52) for a greenhouse (1) comprising a number of roof elements
(16) positioned at an angle, wherein each roof element (16) extends between an upper
5 boundary thereof (5) and a gutter (6) and comprising a translucent covering (7) and second (4) members, wherein said second members extend essentially perpendicularly with respect to the gutter and are rigid under pressure and said first members (7) extend obliquely with respect to said gutter and are joined at one end to said second members, characterised in that said first members (7) are members taking tensile
10 load, wherein there are at least two first (7,37,57) and one second member (4,34,54) in each roof element and the second member takes compressive load.
2. Roof construction according to Claim 1, wherein said first members (7) extend over said
roof element only over part of the distance between top boundary and gutter.
3. Roof construction according to Claim 2, wherein one end of the first members is joined
15 some distance away from the top boundary or gutter, respectively, to the second members
and a tension member (20) extends from said junction (19) essentially parallel to said ridge/gutter.
4. Roof construction according to one of the preceding chums, wherein said covering extends above and below said gutter.
20 5.Roofconstnictioflaocoiriingtooneoftfaepreo material comprises the member.
6. Roof construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first members
are fitted crossing one another.
7. Roof construction according to Claim 5, wherein said covering material comprises a
25 panel and wherein one of said panels is provided with a device emerging thereon for
distributing a fluid over it
8. Roof construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a window that
hinges out of the plane of said panel is fitted in said element, the window operating device,
when said window is in the closed position, comprising a mechanism located in said plane
30 of said panel.
9. Roof construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the boundary of
said covering material is fixed to said member.

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10. Greenhouse having a number of roof constructions according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of said members is common to two roof constructions.
11. Roof construction for a greenhouse, substantially as herein described, particularly with reference to, and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.
Dated this 21st day of July 2006

ANUPAM TRTVEDI
Of K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT

12-
ABSTRACT ROOF CONSTRUCTION FOR A GREENHOUSE
Roof construction (2, 52) for a greenhouse (1) consisting of two roof elements positioned at an angle, wherein first (7) and second (4) members extending between ridge (15) and gutter (6) are fitted in each roof element. The second members preferably extend perpendicularly to the ridge/gutter and are members taking compressive load, whilst the first members joined thereto are members taking tensile load. There are tensioning members (8) to introduce tension and pressure, respectively, into the construction. With this arrangement a particularly rigid whole is obtained. The tension members can be joined to ridge and gutter, but it is also possible to construct these with a shorter length.

Documents:

891-MUMNP-2006-ABSTRACT(11-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-abstract(amended)-(11-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-abstract(granted)-(16-3-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-abstract.doc

891-mumnp-2006-abstract.pdf

891-mumnp-2006-cancelled pages(3-3-2010).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CANCELLED PAGES(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-claims(22-1-2007).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CLAIMS(6-8-2009).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(11-2-2011).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(3-3-2010).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-claims(granted)-(16-3-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-claims(marked copy)-(11-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-claims.doc

891-mumnp-2006-claims.pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CORRESONDENCE(3-3-2010).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-correspondance-received.pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE(16-3-2009).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE(16-4-2010).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE(3-2-2011).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE(4-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-correspondence(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-correspondence(8-10-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-correspondence(ipo)-(18-3-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-correspondence(ipo)-(9-10-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-description (complete).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE)-(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-description(granted)-(16-3-2011).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-DRAWING(3-3-2010).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-DRAWING(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-drawing(amended)-(11-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-drawing(amended)-(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-drawing(granted)-(16-3-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-drawings.pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF PRIORITY DOC(16-3-2009).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 1(11-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 1(22-1-2007).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 1(25-7-2006).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 1(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 13(3-3-2010).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 18(12-12-2007).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 2(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 2(granted)-(16-3-2011).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(11-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 2(title page)-(25-7-2006).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(3-3-2010).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 2(title page)-(granted)-(16-3-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 26(22-1-2007).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 26(3-2-2011).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 26(4-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 3(24-12-2007).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form 5(25-7-2006).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-FORM 5(6-8-2009).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form-1.pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form-2.doc

891-mumnp-2006-form-2.pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form-3.pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form-5.pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form-pct-ib-306.pdf

891-mumnp-2006-form-pct-search report.pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-MARKED COPY(11-2-2011).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-PETITION UNDER RULE 137(6-8-2009).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT(3-3-2010).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-REPLY TO EXAMNIATION REPORT(6-8-2009).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-REPLY TO HEARING(11-2-2011).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-specification(amended)-(11-2-2011).pdf

891-MUMNP-2006-SPECIFICATION(AMENDED)-(3-3-2010).pdf

891-mumnp-2006-wo international publication report(25-7-2006).pdf

abstract1.jpg


Patent Number 246840
Indian Patent Application Number 891/MUMNP/2006
PG Journal Number 11/2011
Publication Date 18-Mar-2011
Grant Date 16-Mar-2011
Date of Filing 25-Jul-2006
Name of Patentee KLIMREK I.E. B.V.
Applicant Address Europalaan 44, NL-2641 RX Pijnacker,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 VAN DIJK, JACOBUS JOHANNES WILHELMUS Europalaan 44, NL-2641 RX Pijacker,
PCT International Classification Number A01G9/14
PCT International Application Number PCT/NL2005/000010
PCT International Filing date 2005-01-10
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 1025210 2004-01-09 Netherlands