AU2012201836B2

AU2012201836B2 - Greenhouse

Info

Publication number: AU2012201836B2
Application number: AU2012201836A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew John Sadler; Greg Colin Steele
Original assignee: Argosee Greenhouse Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ARGOSEE GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-01
Filing date: 2012-03-28
Publication date: 2017-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-28
Also published as: AU2012201836A1; AU2011101158A4; AU2011101158B4

Abstract

-16 A transportable prefabricated greenhouse unit 10 comprises: a base 12; a plurality of walls 14 and a roof 16 which together are supported on the base 12 5 and defining a growing area 18. A liquid storage tank 56 provides containment of runoff or spent liquids used in the greenhouse 10. A floor covers the base and provides isolation between the growing area 18 and the ground on which the greenhouse 12 sits. Liquid runoff from the greenhouse is able to flow via a drainage system into the tank 56. 3252531_1 (GHMatters) P86660 AU.2 28/03/12 til C-1

Description

-1 - 2012201836 27 Jan 2017

GREENHOUSE

Technical Field 5 The present invention relates to a greenhouse.

Background Art A greenhouse is a building used for the cultivation of plants, fungi and insects 10 under controlled conditions. The walls and roof of a greenhouse are covered with or made form transparent or translucent material such as glass or plastics to capture and trap energy from solar radiation. Consequently there is a net increase in energy and thus temperature in a greenhouse which can assist in the growth of plants. Greenhouses range in size from that of a small shed to 15 very large buildings.

Summary of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the greenhouse provide a transportable prefabricated 20 greenhouse unit that can be moved from one location to another in a fully erected condition and is ready for use upon connection to relevant utilities such as electricity and water supply. Thus embodiments provide a greenhouse that can be commercialized by way of sale or leasing without the need to acquire a plot of land for building of the greenhouse. Rather the greenhouse is simply 25 moved to and used on land owned or controlled by the user. This renders embodiments of the greenhouse particularly useful for research purposes. In addition embodiments of the greenhouse provide a structure or unit that can be in effect instantly provided without the need of building licenses. 30 According to a first aspect there is provided a transportable prefabricated greenhouse comprising: a base; a plurality of walls and a roof together supported on the base and defining a growing area.

According to a second aspect aspect there is provided a transportable 35 prefabricated greenhouse comprising: a base; a plurality of walls and a roof together supported on the base and defining a growing area; and, a liquid 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -2- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017 storage tank arranged to provide containment of runoff or spent liquids used in the greenhouse

According to a third aspect there is provided a transportable prefabricated 5 greenhouse comprising: a base; a plurality of walls and a roof together supported on the base and defining a growing area; and comprises a floor overlying the base wherein when the greenhouse is on the ground the floor isolates the growing area from the ground. 10 The greenhouse may be configured to enable lifting and transport of the greenhouse via the base. In one embodiment this may be facilitated by one or more lifting points coupled with the base to enable lifting and transport of the greenhouse. 15 In one embodiment the or each lifting point may comprises a recess configured to receive a tine of a lifting machine.

In another embodiment each lifting point may comprise one or more lifting eyes, loops or hooks coupled to the base. 20

In an embodiment the base comprises a structural frame having at least two spaced apart beams on which the walls are supported.

In an embodiment the at least two spaced apart beams comprise two spaced 25 apart skids configured to facilitate sliding of the greenhouse on the ground.

In one embodiment the base is open so that when the greenhouse in on the ground the ground is accessible through the base facilitating cultivation of plants in the growing area in the ground. 30

In embodiments of the first and second aspects the green house unit comprises a floor overlying the base wherein when the green house is on the ground the floor isolates the growing area from the ground. 35 In various embodiments or aspects the green house unit comprises a liquid drainage system having one or more drains fitted to the floor to facilitate the draining of runoff or spent liquids used in the greenhouse. 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -3- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017 ln an embodiment the green house unit comprises a liquid storage tank in fluid communication with the one or more drains and arranged to provide containment of runoff or spent liquids used in the greenhouse. 5 In an embodiment the tank is contained within the base.

In an embodiment the tank comprises one or more pipes.

In one embodiment the draining system is arranged to enable fluid 10 communication with draining system external of the greenhouse.

In an embodiment the green house unit comprises a plurality of wheels coupled with the base to facilitate mobility of the greenhouse along a supporting surface. 15 In an embodiment the wheels are retractable from a ground engaging position where the wheels enable the mobility of the greenhouse to a retracted position where the wheels are spaced from the ground.

In an embodiment the walls and roof comprise or otherwise support a covering 20 enabling transmission of light into the growing area and substantially preventing movement of insects into or out of the growing area.

In an embodiment the covering is selected from the group consisting of glass, polycarbonate, greenhouse films and foils, acrylic sheets, shade cloth, mesh 25 material and inset netting.

In an embodiment the green house unit comprises a single or double entry statement, wherein a double entry state is provided with a small ante room as an airlock from inside to outside. 30

In an embodiment the green house unit comprises one or more benches, wherein each bench is provided with a mesh top to facilitate flow of liquid toward the base. 35 In an embodiment the green house unit comprises an external or internal thermal screen system, wherein the shade system is operable to shade the growing area from the sun. 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -4- 2012201836 06 Feb 2017 ln an embodiment the green house unit comprises a ventilation system having the plurality of vents and or one or more exhaust fans, to facilitate an exchange of air between inside and outside the greenhouse. 5 In an embodiment the green house unit comprises at least one heat pump capable of controlling temperature within the greenhouse.

In an embodiment the green house unit comprises one or more of: a CO2 enrichment system or reticulation system; a misting system; and, a fogging 10 system.

In an embodiment the green house unit comprises one or more environmental control systems enabling remote access and control of environmental conditions in the greenhouse. 15

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a transportable prefabricated greenhouse unit comprising: a base; a plurality of walls and a roof together supported on the base and defining a growing area; a liquid storage tank arranged to provide containment of runoff liquids that have been used in the 20 greenhouse or spent liquids that have been used in the greenhouse; and one or more recesses configured to receive a tine of a lifting machine provided on or in the base to enable lifting and transport of the greenhouse.

Brief Description of the Drawings 25

Specific embodiments of the green house unit will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 a is an elevation view from one end of an embodiment of the 30 greenhouse;

Figure 1 b is an elevation view of an opposite end of the greenhouse shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 1c is an internal view of a portion of the greenhouse shown in Figures 1a and 1b; 35 Figure 1d is a side elevation of the greenhouse shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 1e is a plan view of the greenhouse shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 1 f is a plan view of the greenhouse but with the roof removed; -5- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017

Figure 2a is an end elevation of a second embodiment of the greenhouse; Figure 2b is a section view of the greenhouse shown in Figure 2a;

Figure 2c is a side view of the greenhouse shown in Figure 2a with its roof in a closed position and associated travel wheels in a stowed or retracted position; 5 Figure 2d is a side elevation of the greenhouse from an opposite side as shown in Figure 2c but with the travel wheels in a ground engaging position;

Figure 2e is a plan view of the greenhouse shown in Figure 2a but with the roof in a closed position;

Figure 2f is a plan view of the greenhouse shown in Figure 2a but with the roof 10 in an open position;

Figure 2g is a side elevation of the greenhouse shown in Figure 2f;

Figure 3a is a plan view of a base incorporated in an embodiment of the greenhouse;

Figure 3b is a side elevation of the frame shown in Figure 3a; 15 Figure 3c is an end elevation of the frame shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 4a is a plan view of a storage tank incorporated in a base 12 in one embodiment of the greenhouse;

Figure 4b is a section view of the tank and base shown in Figure 4a;

Figure 4c is an enlarged view of the tank shown in Figure 4a; 20 Figure 5a is a plan view of a bench incorporated in embodiments of the greenhouse;

Figure 5b is a side view of the bench shown in Figure 5a; and,

Figure 5c is a plan view of a mesh bench top incorporated in the bench shown in Figure 5a. 25

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of a transportable prefabricated greenhouse unit. 30

Embodiments of the present greenhouse may be made to many different shapes and configuration. However common to every shape and configuration of greenhouse is that the greenhouse is a prefabricated self contained transportable unit comprising a base, a plurality of walls and a roof which 35 together are support on the base and define a growing area. The green house unit is configured to enable it to be lifted and transported as single unit. To this end one or more lifting points are coupled to or provided on or in the base. As 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -6- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017 will be further explained below, the base used in embodiments of the greenhouse unit may vary depending on the application at hand. For example one form of base for the greenhouse is open allowing cultivation of plants directly in the ground on which the greenhouse is located. Other embodiments 5 however provide a base having a floor which isolates the growing area within the greenhouse from the ground. In these embodiments a storage tank may also be incorporated in the greenhouse to provide containment of liquid (e.g. water) runoff during use of the greenhouse so that the water does not pass into the ground. The base also provides stability for the structure to take a wind 10 loading as per AS 1170 part 2.

Figures 1 - 1 f depict a first embodiment of a greenhouse 10 in the general shape of a prismatic building. The greenhouse 10 comprises a base 12, on which a plurality of walls 14a - 14d (hereinafter referred to in general as “walls 15 14”) and a roof 16 is supported. The base 12, walls 14 and roof 16 define a growing area 18. The base 12 is depicted in greater detail in Figures 3a - 3d. These Figures also depict lifting points incorporated in the greenhouse 10 enabling the lifting and transport of the greenhouse 10. 20 Two forms of lifting points are depicted in Figures 3a - 3d. A first of the lifting points comprise respective channels 20 that are fixed to the base 12 and are configured to receive respective tines of a lifting machine such as a forklift truck. An additional set of lifting points are in the form of eyes 22 which are attached to opposite ends of the base 12 as shown most clearly in Figure 3c. 25 Two spaced apart lifting points 22 are provided at each end of base 12. Base 12 may comprise either one or both types of lifting points, 20 and 22. By providing the lifting points on or in the base or otherwise directly attached to the base the weight of the green house during lifting is carried by the base 12. 30 Walls 14a - 14d are arranged in the general configuration of a rectangle when viewed in plan. Each of the walls 14 may be formed from one or more panels. For example in this particular embodiment rear wall 14c is formed as a single panel while front wall 14a is formed from panels 24a and 24b which are spaced apart and connected together by a door panel 24c. Side walls 14b and 14d are 35 each formed from a plurality of side by side panels 26. The panels 24a - 24c, and panels 26 are each connected to the base 12. Each panel may comprise or otherwise support a covering enabling the transmission of light into the 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -7- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017 growing area 18. For example, each panel may comprise a peripheral frame which supports a sheet of glass, polycarbonate, greenhouse films and foils, acrylic sheet, shade cloth, mesh material or insect netting. Constructing each panel as a frame together with a covering provides structural rigidity and 5 integrity to the greenhouse 10.

Likewise, roof 16 may be formed from a plurality of side roof panels 28 and end or gable panels 30. A number of the side roof panels 28 may be formed with vents 32 to enable transfer of air and other gases between the inside and 1 o outside of the greenhouse 10. Panels 28 and 30 are of the same general construction of the panels 24 and 26 namely comprising frames which support coverings of the type described above.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a — 1 f, greenhouse 10 is provided with a 15 double entry system 34 which comprises a small ante room 36 acting as an air lock between the growing area 18 and the outside of the greenhouse 10. Door panel 24c comprises a door 38 enabling entry into the ante room 36. A second door 40 is formed in an interior dividing wall 42 between growing area 18 and ante room 36. 20

Figures 3a - 3d depict one form of base 12 for the greenhouse 10. In this particular instance, base 12 comprises a structural frame 44 which supports the remainder of the greenhouse and also provides substantive weight for, and structural integrity to, the greenhouse 10. In addition the base 12 forms a cavity 25 with may be used to house various utilities and systems for the greenhouse 10. Frame 44 comprises a lower frame 46 and an upper frame 48 (shown most clearly in Figure 4b). Both upper and lower frames 46 and 48 are formed for a plurality of beams in the form of C section galvanized steel beams 50. The beams 50 are connected together to form the peripheral shape of the base 12 30 which in this instance is a rectangle when viewed in plan. Both upper and lower frames 46, 48 are of the same shape and configuration and laid one on top of the other. A plurality of battens 52 extend transversely across upper frame 48, i.e. 35 extending across the narrow width of frame 44. Two longitudinally extending battens 54 are also provided extending across the wider width of frame 44. Battens 52 and 54 form a support for a floor for the greenhouse 10. The floor 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -8- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017 may be made from marine ply which is fixed to the upper frame 48 and covered with a non-slip vinyl covering. The channels 20 which form lifting points extend across lower frame 46. Further, the eyes 22 which form additional or alternative lifting points are also attached to the lower frame 46 but may also be 5 simultaneously attached to upper frame 48.

In embodiments where it is required or preferable to quarantine plants growing within the greenhouse 10, a tank 56 is provided for storing run off liquids such as water or other liquid, or liquid carried, nutrients used in cultivation of plants 1 o within the greenhouse 10. This ensures that the liquid cannot leach in an uncontrolled manner to the ground beneath or surrounding greenhouse 10. Rather, this liquid is contained within tank 56 and disposed of in accordance with quarantine protocol when necessary. 15 Tank 56 is formed from a plurality of pipes 58 which are connected together and supported in base 12. More particularly, the pipes 58 are supported beneath the battens 52 and within the lower frame 46 as shown most clearly in Figure 4b. Tank 56 is covered by the floor supported on upper frame 48. One or more drains 60 are provided in the floor and provide fluid communication to 20 the tank 56. A drainage point 62 is provided on tank 56. A pump can be attached draining point 62 to pump liquid within the tank for appropriate treatment and/or disposal. In one embodiment the pipes 58 can take the form of 100mm PVC pipe and the tank 56 may have a capacity in the order of 1000 litres. 25

The provision of tank 56 together with screens on the vents 32 and the provision of the ante room 36 enable embodiments of the greenhouse 10 to be built to PC2 or QC2 standards for plant containment. 30 A number of benches 70 (see Figures 5a - 5c) may be installed and fixed inside the greenhouse 10 for supporting containers for growing plants.

Benches 70 comprise a galvanised metal frame 72 having legs 74 and a top frame 76. Galvanised mesh screen 78 is attached or otherwise supported to the top frame 76. Provision of the mesh top 78 enables the flow of liquid or 35 other growing medium used in the cultivation of crops supported on bench 70 to drain to the floor and subsequently through drain 60 to the underlying tank 56. 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -9- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017

Greenhouse 10 may also be provided with heat pumps to provide cooling and heating. This may be provided in the form of either: separate cooling and heating systems; or, reverse cycle systems. In the event that separate heating and cooling systems are provided, the cooling systems may be in the form of 5 evaporative or refrigerated systems and can comprise split systems. In addition or as an alternative to the provision of heat pumps for providing heating to the growing area 18, electric heaters including radiators and infrared heaters may be incorporated. 10 Embodiments of greenhouse 10 may also comprise reticulation, misting, and/or fog systems. CO2 enrichment systems may also be provided to enable control of atmospheric conditions within greenhouse 10. Further, embodiments of the greenhouse 10 also comprise an environmental control system enabling remote access via modem and PC to control and monitor of all the systems 15 incorporated in the greenhouse such as the heating and cooling systems, the CO2 enrichment system, and the reticulation, misting or fog systems. This enables remote monitoring and control of greenhouse 10.

Embodiments of greenhouse 10 may also incorporate a thermal screen system 20 to provide a variable or controlled shading to the growing area 18 from the sun and heat retention at night. The shade thermal screen system may be internal or external to the growing area 18 and may be either manually or automatically operated. In addition embodiments of greenhouse 10 may comprise automatic or manually open and closed vents 32 for natural or fan assisted ventilation. 25 The vents 32 may be fan assisted. Insect exclusion screens such as a mesh (for example 50 threads to the inch) can be provided over vents 32 to prevent insect movement into and out of growing area 18 and greenhouse 10.

Greenhouse 10 is prefabricated in a work shop ready for use. Persons wishing 30 to use the greenhouse are able to arrange for the greenhouse to be transported from its place of manufacture (or a storage area) to the location of use. This would generally entail the use of a lifting machine such as a forklift or a crane to lift the greenhouse, place it on a vehicle such as a truck, and drive the truck to the location of use where the greenhouse can be unloaded and placed on the 35 ground. Greenhouse 10 is then connected with local utilities such as electricity and water supplies. In the event that the greenhouse is provided with a floor but not a storage tank 56, the drain 60 may be coupled to an external drain via 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -10- 2012201836 27 Jan 2017 a hose or pipe. When base 12 is an open base allowing the cultivation of plants in the ground covered by greenhouse 10, there is no requirement for connection to a drainage system. Once the requirement for the greenhouse has been met, the greenhouse may be simply disconnected from the utilities, 5 lifted back onto a truck and transported back to the workshop or storage area or to another location for use again.

Figures 2a - 2g depict a greenhouse 110 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment features which are 1 o structurally or functionally the same or similar to those of the first embodiment of the greenhouse 10 are denoted with the reference number of the first embodiment incremented by 100. Thus for example greenhouse 110 comprises base 112, walls 114, and roof 116 which together define growing area 118. 15

Greenhouse 110 may comprise an open base allowing growth of plants in the ground covered by greenhouse 110, or a base provided with a floor. When base 112 is provided with the floor, it may also be provided with a tank (not shown) similar to tank 56 of the first embodiment. Greenhouse 110 however 20 also comprises a plurality of wheels 180 which enable greenhouse 110 to be moved along the ground or other supporting surface. Wheels 118 are coupled to base 112 and can be moved between a ground engaging position as shown in Figure 2d where wheels 180 contact the ground and enable the greenhouse 110 to be traversed along the ground; and a retracted position shown in Figure 25 2c where the wheels 180 are lifted from the ground. In addition, two beams 150 forming longitudinal beams of base 112 are configured in the form of skids to facilitate the pushing or sliding of greenhouse 110 along the ground for example when pushed or pulled by a vehicle. In Figures 2c and 2d depict base 112 having both the skids 150 and wheels 180. However different embodiments 30 may comprise only wheels 180 or skids. A further substantive difference between greenhouse 110 and greenhouse 10 is the shape of walls 114 and roof 116, and the manner of providing access to growing area 118. Roof 116 is smoothly curved a shape of a semi-cylinder. 35 Further, roof 116 connects with side walls 114b and 114d to form a substantially continuous surface. In addition, as shown mostly clearly with reference to Figures 2e - 2g, several panels 126 of walls 114 and panels 128 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17 -11 - 2012201836 27 Jan 2017 roof 116 are connected together to form a sliding access panel 184. The access panel 184 can be moved between a closed position shown in Figure 2e which forms a seal with a remaining panels and portions of side walls 114 and roof 116 to enclose the growing area 118; and, an open position shown in 5 Figures 2f and 2g where the panel 186 is slipped to one side creating an access opening 186 to the growing area 118.

Greenhouse 110 may be provided with one or more of the additional features described in relation to greenhouse 10 for example heating and cooling 10 systems, CO2 enrichment systems, reticulation, misting and fog systems; together with an environmental control system. Internal and external thermal screen may also be provided. Greenhouse 110 may also be constructed to meeting PC2/QC2 standards of containment. 15 From the above description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts that embodiments of the present invention have numerous advantages and benefits over traditional greenhouses. Most significantly, the greenhouse is transportable enabling temporary use of the greenhouse at a location which best suits the needs of the user. From a practical point of view, as the 20 greenhouse is prefabricated and transported ready for use, there is no need to construct a greenhouse at the required site of use and therefore no need for planning permission and approval; or acquiring a building licence. Once the requirement for the greenhouse has been met, the greenhouse is lifted from the ground and transported away. It is envisaged that the greenhouses in 25 accordance with the present invention may be particularly well suited for research purposes but can also be used for commercial growing.

All modifications and variations that would be obvious to persons of ordinary skill in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention the 30 nature of which is to be determined from the above description and the appended claims.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or 35 necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 8646813_1 (GHMatters) P86660.AU.2 27/01/17

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A transportable prefabricated greenhouse unit comprising: a base; a plurality of walls and a roof together supported on the base and defining a growing area; a liquid storage tank arranged to provide containment of runoff liquids that have been used in the greenhouse or spent liquids that have been used in the greenhouse; and one or more recesses configured to receive a tine of a lifting machine provided on or in the base to enable lifting and transport of the greenhouse.
2. The greenhouse unit according to claim 1 comprising a floor overlying the base and the tank wherein when the greenhouse is on the ground the floor isolates the growing area from the ground.
3. The greenhouse unit according to claim 2 comprising a liquid drainage system having one or more drains fitted to the floor and in fluid communication with the tank to facilitate the draining of runoff or spent liquids used in the greenhouse to the tank.
4. The greenhouse unit according to claim 3 wherein the draining system is arranged to enable fluid communication with a drain external of the greenhouse.
5. The greenhouse unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank is contained within the base.
6. The greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tank comprises one or more pipes.
7. The greenhouse unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of wheels coupled with the base to facilitate mobility of the greenhouse along a supporting surface.
8. The greenhouse unit according to claim 7 wherein the wheels are retractable from a ground engaging position where the wheels enable the mobility of the greenhouse to a retracted position where the wheels are spaced from the ground.
9. The greenhouse unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls and roof comprise or otherwise support a covering enabling transmission of light into the growing area and substantially preventing movement of insects into or out of the growing area.
10. The greenhouse unit according to claim 9 wherein the covering is selected from the group consisting of glass, polycarbonate, greenhouse films and foils, acrylic sheets, shade cloth, mesh material and inset netting.
11. The greenhouse unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a double entry system, wherein a double entry system is provided with an ante room acting as an airlock between an outside of the greenhouse unit and the growing area.
12. The greenhouse according to any one of claims 6-11 wherein the tank comprises a plurality of pipes which are connected together and supported in the base.