NL2011727C2

NL2011727C2 - Greenhouse with netting system.

Info

Publication number: NL2011727C2
Application number: NL2011727A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Marcel Johannes Gerardus Schulte; Roland Haaring
Original assignee: Holland Gaas B V
Priority date: 2013-11-04
Filing date: 2013-11-04
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Description

Greenhouse with netting system BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a greenhouse comprising a roof construction, wherein the roof construction comprises a slanting upper surface with an opening and a rectangular glass panel that covers the opening. The glass panel can hinge to an open position to form a ventilation opening.

In order to prevent passage of insects through the opening when the glass panel is in the open position, the ventilation opening is covered with an insect netting of fine mesh gauze that is mounted to an aluminum framework around the glass panel. This aluminum framework is already present to connect the hinges and push rods to the glass panel. The aluminum framework extends along the entire circumference of the glass panel to provide a form closed relation therewith that allows the glass panel to expand and retract with respect to the aluminum framework without cracking due to changes in air temperature.

In modern greenhouses hardened glass panels are used that are so strong that the hinges and push rods are directly connected to the glass panel itself. This has the advantage that an aluminum framework is not necessary anymore, whereby the maximum amount of daylight can enter the greenhouse. However, when an insect netting needs to be installed, the aluminum framework needs to be applied solely for the insect netting, and the hinges need to be taken from the glass panel to be mounted on the framework instead.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a greenhouse with a hingeably connected glass panel to provide a ventilation opening, and a netting system to cover the ventilation opening, wherein the netting system can be installed without adapting the glass panel and the hinges .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a greenhouse comprising a roof construction, wherein the roof construction comprises a slanting upper surface with an opening and a rectangular glass panel that covers the opening, wherein at its upper edge the glass panel is hingeably connected with the roof construction to hinge between a closed position in which the glass panel extends substantially parallel to the upper surface and an open position in which the glass panel is oriented oblique with respect to the upper surface to form a ventilation passage, wherein the greenhouse comprises a netting system to prevent passage of insects through the ventilation passage, wherein the netting system comprises a framework along the lower edge and the adjacent parallel side edges of the glass panel, and an insect netting that is connected with the framework and that covers the ventilation passage, wherein the framework is clamped along the lower edge and the adjacent parallel side edges of the glass panel, wherein the framework encloses these edges and permanently exerts a clamping force or pinching force on the glass panel along the edges under bias of a bending portion of the framework to keep the framework in its clamped position on the glass panel.

The netting system comprises a framework that extends along the freely extending lower edge and adjacent side edges of the glass panel that bound the ventilation opening. The framework is kept durably in position solely by exertion of a clamping force or pinching force on the glass panel. The upper edge with the hinges can be remained undisturbed. The netting system according to the invention can be slid over the free edges of the glass panel to cover the ventilation passage with insect netting.

In a lightweight embodiment the framework is made of plastic, which is appropriate as the glass panel provides its own form stability and stiffness.

In an embodiment thereof the framework is made of polyvinylchloride, which can durably withstand the weather conditions at the upper surface of the roof construction.

In an alternative embodiment the framework is made of a rubber like material. The clamping force can be exerted continuously or distributed along the edges of the glass panel.

In an embodiment the framework comprises a clamping profile that extends along the lower edge and the adjacent parallel side edges of the glass panel, wherein the clamping profiles comprise an upper leg that extends above the upper surface of the glass panel and a lower leg that extends below the lower surface of the glass panel. The upper leg and the lower leg enable the enclosure of the side edge.

In an embodiment thereof the lower leg comprises an end tip that faces the upper leg, wherein the end tip is in contact with the lower surface of the glass panel to exert the clamping force. Due to the contact at the tip a high local surface pressure is obtained to keep the framework in position.

In an embodiment thereof the end tip is in line contact with the lower surface of the glass panel to exert the clamping force.

In an embodiment thereof the end tip extends below and in front of the upper leg, whereby the side edges of the glass panel are stably clamped.

In particular, the lower leg comprises a curved end with the end tip. The curved end helps the edges of the glass panel to enter between the upper leg and the lower leg.

In an embodiment the clamping profile comprises retention strips projecting from the upper leg or the lower leg towards the other of the upper leg or the lower leg. The retention strips firmly engage onto the upper surface or the lower surface of the glass panel to keep the clamping profiles in clamped position.

In an embodiment thereof the retention strips are of a more flexible material than the upper leg or the lower leg, whereby the retention strips are urged into a barbed shape when the edges of the glass panel enter between the upper leg and the lower leg.

In an embodiment the clamping profiles comprise a back web that connects the upper leg with the lower leg, wherein at the transition of the back web to the lower leg the lower leg extends substantially perpendicular on the back web and from the transition elastically bends away from the upper leg.

In an embodiment the framework comprises a cover that projects away from the glass panel, wherein in the closed position of the glass panel the cover extends over the slanting upper surface along the lower edge and the adjacent side edges of the glass panel.

In an embodiment thereof the insect netting is pleated in a bellow configuration to collapse in a stacked manner under the lower edge and the adjacent parallel side edges of the glass panel, wherein in the closed position of the glass panel the cover extends over the collapsed insect netting. The cover protects the insect netting against sunlight or a glass washing machine when not in use.

In an embodiment the upper leg, the lower leg and the cover forms one unity, which can be formed by extrusion or co-extrusion.

In an embodiment the hingeably connected upper edge of the glass panel extends free from the framework.

In an embodiment the glass panel is a hardened glass panel.

The invention further provides a netting system suitable for the greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which :

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a greenhouse with a roof having glass panels with a netting system; figure 2 one of the glass panels with the netting system of figure 1 in more detail; figure 3 an exploded view of the netting system of figure 2; figures 4A and 4B an isometric view and a cross section of a first embodiment of a mounting profile of the netting system; and figure 5 is a cross section of a second embodiment of a mounting profile of the netting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a greenhouse 1 of the Venlo type.

The greenhouse 1 comprises a roof construction 10 that is supported by multiple parallel rows of vertical columns 11. The roof construction 10 comprises a framework with multiple parallel roof ridge profiles 15 and lower rain gutter profiles 18 that are interconnected with slanting window profiles 16. The profiles 15, 16, 18 are made of metal, in particular aluminum, and form rectangular rabbets for fixed glass panels 20.

The roof construction 10 furthermore comprises regularly distributed hardened glass panels 30 that at the upper side are hingeably connected with the ridge profiles 15. The hardened glass panels 30 are transparent to allow light to enter the greenhouse 1. As shown in figure 2 the glass panels 30 are in this example shorter than the fixed glass panels 20. Therefore a horizontal window profile 17 is mounted between the two adjacent slanting window profiles 16 to form a rabbet for an additional fixed glass panel 21 below the hardened glass panel 20.

Each hardened glass panel 30 can swing in direction A between the open position as shown in figure 2, and a closed position to regulate the ventilation of the greenhouse 1. In the closed position the hardened glass panel 30 rests on the window profiles 16, 17. The hardened glass panels 30 are swung in direction A by two push rods 40 having distributed connections 41 in the hardened glass panels 30 and a common connection with a slide 42 that can move in direction B along a horizontal rail 43 of the roof construction 10 by means of an electromotor.

The hardened glass panels 30 are provided with a netting system 50 to prevent passage of insects when the hardened glass panels 30 are in the open position. This can be harmful insects that have to be kept outside the greenhouse 1 or specific insects that are held inside the greenhouse 1. The netting system 50 is shown in more detail in figure 3.

The netting system 50 comprises a framework 51 having a first clamping profile 52, 152 that is clamped over the right side edge 32 of the hardened glass panel 30, a second clamping profile 53, 153 that is clamped over the lower side edge 33 at the leaf side of the hardened glass panel 30 and a third clamping profile 54, 154 that is clamped over the left side edge 34 of the hardened glass panel 30. The clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 according to a first embodiment, which is shown in figures 4A and 4B, are identical in cross section. Figure 4A shows the clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 before clamping, and figure 4B shows the clamped situation. The clamping profiles 152, 153, 154 according to a second embodiment, which is shown in figure 5, are also identical in cross section. Figure 5 shows these clamping profiles 152, 153, 154 only before clamping.

The clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 according to the first embodiment as shown in figures 4A and 4B are made of plastic, in this example polyvinylchloride. The clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 can for example be made by means of coextrusion. The clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 comprise in series an upper leg 56, a back web 57 and a lower leg 58. The shorter lower leg 58 comprises a curved end 59 with an end tip 6 0 that faces the upper leg 56. The tip 60 is located under the freely extending end half of the upper leg 56. Before clamping the upper leg 56 and the portion of the lower leg 58 between the curved end 59 and the back web 57 extend parallel to each other. The clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 furthermore comprise a shield 61 having a first web 62 that is oriented upwards from the transition between the back web 57 and the lower leg 58, and a wider second web 63 that is oriented downwards therefrom.

The legs 56, 58 and the back web 57 are made of stiff plastic, in this example hard polyvinylchloride. The shield 61 is made of an elastic plastic, in this example elastic polyvinylchloride that can be co-extruded with the hard plastic for example. The legs 56, 58 can be spread elastically from each other. When the clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 are clamped over the respective side edges 32, 33, 34 as shown in figure 4B, the upper leg 56 contacts the upper or outer surface of the hardened glass plate 30, the back web 57 contacts the side edge 32, 33, 34 of the hardened glass plate 30 and the lower leg 58 elastically bends away from the lower or inner surface of the hardened glass plate 30, with only the end tip 60 in line contact therewith. Due to the bending a permanent clamping force F is provided that is distributed evenly as a line contact, which solely keeps the framework 51 steady in place.

The clamping profiles 152, 153, 154 according to the second embodiment as shown in figure 5 are made of plastic, in this example polyvinylchloride. The clamping profiles 152, 153, 154 can for example be made by means of co-extrusion. The clamping profiles 152, 153, 154 comprise in series an upper leg 156, a back web 157 and a lower leg 158. The lower leg 158 comprises a curved portion 159 that faces the upper leg 156, wherein the curved portion 159 has a recessed position with respect to the free end of the upper leg 156 to face the inner side of the upper leg 156 with its end tip. Opposite the curved portion 159 the upper leg comprises multiple retention strips 160 that forms barbs with a triangular shape that are directed inwards towards the back web 157. The lower leg 158 is continued into a first shield 162 comprising a straight section 163 that forms a straight continuation of the lower leg 158, and a downwardly directed end section 164. At the opposite side the lower leg 158 is continued into a second shield 161 that is curved downwards.

The legs 156, 158, the back web 157 and the second shield are made of stiff plastic, in this example hard polyvinylchloride. The first shield 162 and the retention strips 160 are made of an elastic plastic, in this example elastic polyvinylchloride that can be coextruded with the hard plastic. The legs 156, 158 can be spread elastically from each other. When the clamping profiles 152, 153, 154 are clamped over the respective side edges 32, 33, 34 of the hardened glass panel 30, the retention strips 160 on the upper leg 56 contacts the upper or outer surface of the hardened glass plate 30, the back web 57 contacts the side edge 32, 33, 34 of the hardened glass plate 30 and the lower leg 58 elastically bends away from the lower or inner surface of the hardened glass plate 30, with only the end tip 60 in line contact therewith. Due to the bending a permanent clamping force is provided that is distributed evenly as a line contact, which keeps the framework 51 steady in place. The barb shape of the retention strips 160 further prevent sliding away from the clamped side edges 32, 33, 34.

In abovementioned embodiments the clamping profiles 52, 53, 54, 152, 153, 154 are made of plastic, in particular polyvinylchloride. Alternatively these clamping profiles are made of a rubber like material. The clamping force exerted via the upper leg 56, 156 and the lower leg 58, 158 is then obtained by distributed clamping elements that are enclosed in the rubber like material or that are applied separately.

As shown in figures 2 and 3 the netting system 50 furthermore comprises an insect netting 57 of fine mesh plastic gauze, in this example made of polyethylene. In this example the gauze is pleated in a bellow configuration in order to stack when it collapses. At the upper side the insect netting 57 is connected with the framework 51. In the clamping profiles 52, 53, 54 of the first embodiment the insect netting 57 is stitched to the second web 63 of the cover 61. In the clamping profiles 152, 153, 154 of the second embodiment the insect netting 57 is stitched to the straight section 162 close to the merger into the downwardly directed end section 164 at a notional stitching line 165.

At the lower edges the insect netting 57 is stitched to flexible window rubbers that connect with the slanting window profiles 16 and the horizontal window profile 17. In the mounted situation of the netting system 50 the framework 51 confines the hardened glass panel 30 at the three free side edges 32, 33, 34 and the cover protects the collapsed insect netting 57 against rain and UV radiation.

In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown, the netting system 50 comprises an insect netting that is connected with the framework 51 and the window rubbers as described here before, wherein the insect netting itself is stretched in the outermost opened position of the hardened glass panel 30. Around the stretched netting extends an elastic cable having its ends at the hinging edge of the hardened glass panels 30 to urge the netting to collapse into the ventilation opening when the hardened glass panel 30 swings to its closing position.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention .

Claims

A greenhouse comprising a roof structure, wherein the roof structure comprises a sloping top surface with an opening and a rectangular glass panel covering the opening, the glass panel being hingedly connected at its top to the roof structure to pivot between a closed position in which the glass panel is located extends substantially parallel to the upper surface and an open position in which the glass panel is oriented obliquely with respect to the upper surface to form a ventilation passage, wherein the greenhouse comprises a net system to prevent the passage of insects through the ventilation passage, the net system forming a frame comprises along the bottom edge and the adjacent parallel side edges of the glass panel, and an insect net connected to the frame and closing the ventilation passage, the frame being clamped along the bottom edge and the adjacent side edges of the glass panel, the frame enclosing these edges and permanent one exerts clamping or pinching force along the edges on the glass panel while biasing a bending portion of the frame to hold the frame in its clamped position on the glass panel.

Greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the frame is made of plastic.

Greenhouse according to claim 2, wherein the framework is made of polyvinyl chloride.

A greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the framework is made of a rubber-like material.

5. Greenhouse as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame comprises a clamping profile that extends along the lower edge and the adjacent side edges of the glass panel, the clamping profiles comprising an upper leg extending above the upper surface of the glass panel and a lower leg extending below the bottom surface of the glass panel.

The greenhouse of claim 5, wherein the lower leg comprises an end that faces the upper leg, the end being in contact with the lower surface of the glass panel to exert the clamping force.

The greenhouse of claim 6, wherein the end is in line contact with the bottom surface of the glass panel to exert the clamping force.

Greenhouse according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the end extends below and opposite to the upper leg.

The greenhouse according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the lower leg comprises a curved end with the end.

Greenhouse according to any one of claims 5-9, wherein the clamping profile retaining strips comprise the projections from the upper leg or lower leg to the other from the upper leg or lower leg.

The greenhouse of claim 10, wherein the retaining strips are of a more flexible material than the upper leg or lower leg.

12. Greenhouse as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the clamping profiles comprise a rear wall which connects the upper leg to the lower leg, wherein at the transition from the rear wall to the lower leg the lower leg extends substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and elastically deflects from the transition from the upper leg.

13. Greenhouse as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame comprises a hood protruding away from the glass panel, wherein in the closed position of the glass panel the hood extends over the sloping surface along the lower edge and the adjacent side edges of the glass panel.

A greenhouse according to claim 13, wherein the insect net is pleated in a bellows shape to collapse in a stacked manner below the lower edge and the adjacent side edges, the glass panel extending over the collapsed insect net in the closed position.

Greenhouse according to claims 5 and 13, wherein the upper leg, the lower leg and the hood form a whole.

16. Greenhouse as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the hinged connected upper edge extends free of the frame.

A greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass panel is a glass panel of tempered glass.

A network system suitable for the greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims.