US2709838A - Greenhouse - Google Patents

Description

S. ZAUSNER `lune 7, 1955 GREENHOUSE s sheets-sheet 1 Filed May l, 1951 INVENTOR. .fd/01u01@ Zausner BYE@ aMA,

S. ZAUSNER June 7, 1955 GREENHOUSE I5 Shee'ts-Sheet 2 n Filed May l, 1951 mmvron 'vloffwu Zauswr Urbe/Veys June 7, 1955 s. zAUsNER 2,709,838

l GREENHoUsE Filed May 1. 1951 s sheets-sheet 3 .Sal/fm1 Za sa 3.7' di BY 0 T TORNE' YS United States Patent O GREENHOUSE Solomon Zausner, Warrenvlle, N. J.

Application May 1, 1951, Serial No. 223,969 10 Claims. (Cl. 20--2) This invention relates to a functionally improved housing structure of novel design; the present invention in its more specific aspects aiming primarily to provide a greenhouse assembly. lt is to be understood, however, that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to use in this connection.

Primary objects reside in the provision of a lightweight structure which in disassembled condition will occupy a minimum amount of space and the `several parts of which may be manufactured with facility to embody rugged designs.

A further object is that of furnishing a unit of this type, the parts of which may readily be assembled to furnish a unitary and rigid structure functioning over long periods of time with freedom from all difiiculties.-

Among other objects of the invention are those of designing an assembly in which the interior will beladequately and preferably automatically ventilated while at the same time the enclosure will protect the plant bed against drafts, sudden changes of temperature, etc.; ,that bed being readily accessible when desired and being maintained under proper heat and moisture conditions.

With these and other objects in mind reference is had to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating one practical embodiment of the invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the housing structure;

Fig. 2 is a sectional View taken along line 2'-2 in the direction of the arrows as in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 3-3 in the direction of the arrows as in Fig. 2;--

Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view taken along line 4-4 in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper end assembly embodied in the structure;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showingan, alternative and preferred structure; v

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken along line 7--7 in the direction -of the arrows as indicated in? Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section along line 8-8 in the direction of the arrows as also shown in Fig. 6.

As afore brought out, the present invention is primarily dedicated to a greenhouse structure. Accordingly, it will be described in this preferred embodiment. The description and the drawings are, however, to be taken in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, except where otherwise indicated in the claims.

Thus, in these views the numeral 10 indicates a base from whichside walls 11 extend upwardly to provide in effect a pan for the reception of earth or other material in which plants are conveniently disposed. The inner faces of the base and side walls may be coated with protective substance and a layer of similar material is also disposed upon the vupper face of the base. Extending upwardly from the ends of this pan structure as in Figs. 1 to 5, are corner posts 13 which have their 'ad-i jacent side edges formed with grooves. These receive vthe edges of end panels 14 and side panels 15 all of Patented June 7, 1955 which are preferably of glass and especially glass which will permit of ready penetration by ultra-violet rays.

The upper edges of panels 1 4 as shown may extend above the upper edges of panels 15 and also above the upper ends of the posts 13. End members 16 have their lower edges grooved as at 17 so as to receive the upper edges of panels 14. These end members are conveniently of triangular configuration and formed with openings 18. Thus, with these end members disposed in positions upon panels 14, an enclosing structure is provided which embraces the base, the side and end walls furnished `by panels 15 and 14 and the end members 16. The latter in common with the base may conveniently be formed of wood.

Now, with a view to providing a rooting structure and to also retain panels 15 against displacement, strips 19 conveniently of metal are disposed upon the upper edges of the panels 15 and extend longitudinally of the same. These strips as especially shown in Figs. 3 and 5, are bent as at 20 to receive the lower edges of roofing panels or strips 21. The latter are conveniently formed of glass as afore described. The members 19 extend inwardly and upwardly to provide portions 21 bearing against the upper edges of panels 15. Openings 22 may be formed in the inner faces of these members to receive the hook-shaped ends of retaining rods 23 having springs 24 attached to their lower ends. The lower ends of these springs are in turn preferably secured to the inner faces of the side walls 11 providing the main base or pan structure.

Accordingly, rods 23 will tend to draw members 19 downwardly. Therefore, these members will firmly seat upon the upper edges of panels 15. So seated, they will retain the panels against displacement from the grooves formed in the upper edge of the pan and into which the panel edges extend.V Additionally, a stable structure will be furnished involving the channelled portions 20 such that the lower edges of strips 21 may be received and supported within these channels. As shown, the lower faces of the two strips 21 adjacent their end edges may bear against the upper edges of members 16 to be supported thereby. The adjacent upper edges of strips 21 are conveniently enclosed by a ridge strip 25 which is formed with openings in line with end members 16 and through which detent or retaining elements 26 may extend.

Thus, with these parts assembled a unitary and rugged structure is presented. The ventilation of the interior is assured by pivoted dampers 27 which obstruct and control air flow through openings 18. These dampers may be controlled by thermostatic strips 28 so that, according to the dry bulb temperature prevailing, the dampers will open automatically under predetermined conditions. The bed of material (not shown) disposed within the pan or base portion may be maintained under proper moisture conditions preferably by providing a loop-shaped perforated pipe 29 which extends into the zone of that base and projects through one of the side walls of the same. At its outer end this pipe may terminate in a funnel portion 30 through which water may be distributed.

In order to maintain a proper temperature condition on the part of the plant bed an electrical resistance strip 31 is secured to the side walls of the base or pan andvalso to the upper face of layer 12 if the latter be employed. A ow of current through this strip is preferably controlled by a thermostat housed within a casing 32. Leads may also extend from this casing to energize a socket which mounts an electric light bulb 33. In this manner the interior of the enclosure is adequately illuminated. Current supplying leads 34 extend to a point beyond the structure; it being understood that there is conveniently associated with the thermostat within casing 32 an ad- L justment pro"'sion such that the temperature within the structure may be maintained at any desired point.

As will be appreciated the units of this structure may readily be assembled and connected to each other. So connected, they will remain in assembled condition free from any probability of displacement or collapse. f hen the user desires to obtain access to the interior this may readily be done by, for example, detaching the ridge strip 2e' and removing one or both of the panels 2l. Otherwise, interior conditions are maintained by the heating element or strip 3l and the dampers 27. As afore brought out, adequate moisture may be supplied through pipe 29.

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative form of structure which in certain respects is preferred over that shown in the earlier views. The same reference numerals have wherever practicable been employed to indicate corresponding parts. However, in these views it will be observed that corner pieces 35 preferably of metal are secured to the sides and the base of the bottom tray by, for example, screws 3o. rThe length of the side and end piece-s "il is such that spaces are provided for accommodation of corner pieces or posts 37. The latter are grooved to accommodate the end and side panels i4 and i5. With the structure otherwise substantially identical to that heretofore described it is apparent that after the roof assembly and side glasses have been rcmOved the corner pieces or posts may be withdrawn. In this manner it is feasible to furnish a collapsed structure which may be compactly packaged.

Also, there may be supported upon the base 10 a panel 38 of suitable material which is conveniently notched as at 39. The resistance strand 40 is coiled around this panel and disposed within the notches. In this manner a unit is furnished which may be exteriorly assembled and then placed within the tray or base portion of the structure. It will not be necessary to secure the resistance strand to the side walls of that structure as in the earlier figures.

Also, if desired a moisture distributing pipe 41 may be extended through the end pieces 16. ln that position it will be substantially above the soil-receiving portion of the structure. This pipe may be formed with rows 0f perforations d2 and 43. The individual perforations in the different rows are conveniently disposed in staggered relationship. With pipe 4l being rotatable it will be feasible to direct water introduced through funnel il in virtually any desired direction to reach every area of the soil surface.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as afore noted are achieved. Obviously numerous changes in construction and rearrangement of the parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

l claim:

l. A housing structure including in combination a base, walls secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom to provide a pan, posts projecting upwardly from said pan adjacent the ends thereof and formed with grooves in their vertical edges, transparent panels slidably disposed in said grooves and bearing against the upper edges of said walls, metallic strips supported upon the upper edges of a pair of spaced panels and extending beyond the outer face of the latter, channel portions formed in the external parts of said strips and opening in an upward and inward direction and transparent roofing panels having their lower edges extending into said portions and projecting upwardly and inwardly therefrom to be disposed adjacent each other at their upper edges.

2. A housing structure including in combination a base, walls secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom to provide a pan, posts projecting upwardly from said pan adjacent the ends thereof and formed with grooves in their vertical edges, transparent panels slidably disposed in said grooves and bearing against the upper edges of said walls, metallic strips supported upon;

the upper edges of a pair of spaced panels and extending beyond the outer face of the latter, channel portions formed in the external parts of said strips and opening in an upward and inward direction, transparent rooting panels having their lower edges extending into said portions and projecting upwardly and inwardly therefrom to be disposed adjacent each other at their upper edges and resilient connecting members attached to said strips adjacent the inner edges of the latter and also to said pan to maintain said strips in firm Contact with the upper edges of the panels against which they bear.

3. A housing structure including in combination a base, walls secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom to provide a pan, posts projecting upwardly from said pan adjacent the ends thereof and formed with grooves in their vertical edges, transparent panels slidably disposed in said grooves, the upper edges of said walls being also formed with grooves to receive the lower edges of said panels, metallic strips supported upon the upper edges of a pair of spaced panels and extending beyond the outer face of the latter, channel portions formed in the external parts of said strips and opening in an upward and inward direction and transparent rooting panels having their lower edges extending into said portions and projecting upwardly and inwardly therefrom to be disposed adjacent each other at their upper edges.

4. A housing structure including in combination a base, walls secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom to provide a pan, posts projecting upwardly from said pan adjacent the ends thereof and formed with grooves in their vertical edges, transparent panels slidably disposed in said grooves and bearing against the upper edges of said walls, metallic strips supported upon the upper edges of apair of spaced panels and extending beyond the outer face of the latter, channel portions formed in the external parts of said strips and opening in an upward and inward irection, transparent rooting panels having their lower edges extending into said portions and projecting upwardly and inwardly therefrom to be disposed adjacent each other at their upper edges and end members supported adjacent the upper ends of said posts and having edge portions supporting said rooting panels.

5. A housing structure including in combination a base, side walls secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom to provide a substantially rectangular' pan, posts extending upwardly from said pan adjacent the corners thereof and formed with grooves in their vertical edges, a pair of transparent panels slidably disposed in said grooves adjacent opposite side edges of said pan and bearing against the upper edges of said walls, a second pair of transparent panels intervening said first-named panels and similarly mounted between said posts, the upper edges of said second pair extending above the edges of said firstnamed pair, end members supported upon the upper edges of said second panel pair and providing apex portions, transparent roong panels resting upon the upper edges of said end members and converging towards each other to provide a ridge portion and means for detachably connecting said rooting panels in such position.

6. A housing structure including in combination a base, walls secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom to provide a pan, the ends of said walls being spaced to provide sockets, posts having their lower ends disposed in said sockets, said posts extending upwardly from said pan and formed with grooves in their vertical edges, side panels bearing within said grooves and against the upper edges of said panels and extending beyond the outer face of the latter, channel portions formed in the external parts of said strips and opening in an upward and inward direction and transparent rooting panels having their lower edges extending into said portions and projecting upwardly and inwardly therefrom to be disposed adjacent each other at their upper edges.

7 A housing structure including in combination side walls, sup'porting members associated with the upper edges of said side walls and comprising strips presenting surfaces bearing against the upper edges of said walls, roofing panels, channel portions opening in an upward direction beyond the outer faces of said side walls and forming parts of said strip, said portions receiving the lower edges of said roofing panels and springretracted means secured to said strips and disposed adjacent the inner faces of said side walls to bear against the upper edges of the latter and be retained against displacement.

8. A housing structure including in combination side walls, supporting members associated with the upper edges of said side walls and comprising strips present ing surfaces bearing against the upper edges of said walls, roofing panels, channel portions opening in an upward direction beyond the outer faces of said side walls and forming parts of said strip, said portions receiving the lower edges of said roofing panels, end walls intervening said side walls, end members supported upon said end walls and said members providing edge portions to engage and support the roofing panels extending into said channels and said end members being formed with grooves in their lower edges into which the upper edges of said end walls extend.

9. A housing structure including in combination side walls, supporting members associated with the upper edges of said side walls and comprising strips presenting surfaces bearing against the upper edges of said walls, roong panels, channel portions opening in au upward direction beyond the outer faces of said side walls and forming parts of said strip, said portions receiving the lower edges of said roong panels, end walls intervening said side walls, end members supported upon said end walls and said members providing edge portions to engage and support the rooiing panels extending into said channels, said end members being formed with grooves in their lower edges into which the upper edges of said end walls extend, a ridge unit extending between said members and releasable coupling means mounted by said members and engaging with said unit to detachably retain the latter.

l0. A housing structure including in combination a base presenting upwardly extending grooved edges, corner posts supported adjacent said base and formed with grooves extending in the direction of the latter, side and end panels of transparent material extending into the grooves of said corner posts and base, means resiliently retaining certain of said panels within said base grooves, channel portions forming a part of said last-named means and said channel portions receiving the lower edges of roof panels extending between said side walls.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 865,590 Horton Sept. l0, 1907 974,233 Brewer Nov. 1, 1910 1,375,402 McAvoy Apr. 19, 1921 1,702,340 Gates Feb. 19, 1929 2,291,712 Hatton Aug. 4, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS 77,087 Switzerland July 16, 1918

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