ES2351331B1 - MODULAR SYSTEM FOR VERTICAL GARDENING PERFECTED BASED ON SELF-SUPPORTING MODULES - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular system for vertical gardening. # The system (1) consists of adjacent modules (2) to cover vertical walls (PV) supported by a construction structure (EC). Each module (2) consists of a frame (3) with a waterproof bottom (4) and an upper base (5) in the form of a mesh to fit substrate elements (6) for plant seedlings (PLV). The frame (3) comprises stringers (30-30) and crossbars (31-31) profiled forming a self-supporting structure. The bottom of the frame (4) is part of a piece (7) of impermeable sheet material with an extension (70) to fit an upper adjacent module (2). In the stringers (30-30) and the crossbars (31-31) there are holes (300, 310) for transverse coupling anchors between modules; and the modules (2) are fixed to floors (FOR) of the construction structure (EC) by means of anchoring supports (9), so they can be installed without having to be fixed directly to the walls or walls that it covers.

Description

Modular system for vertical gardening perfected based on self-supporting modules.

Scope and prior art

The present invention is related to planting and rooting of vegetable masses on vertical paraments and has application in landscaping, landscaping and bioclimatic architecture industries.

Through the PatrickBlanc system, a so-called “plant wall” is known, consisting of at least two layers of fi lter for rooting of the plants fixed to planks, for example, of expanded PVC that are fixed to a metal support structure mounted on a carrier wall. This system is expensive to maintain and is not adapted for a module-based application.

Currently, different modular systems for vertical gardening are marketed, for example under the trademarks FYTOWALL®, INTEMPER®, ELTEASY GREEN®, among others, which suffer from different drawbacks such as instability of the substrate for plant growth in the support, difficulty for implantation on large surfaces, difficulty of maintenance and replacement of individual modules, high structural weight, assembly of the system with the plants already implanted and little design flexibility. Additionally, in some of these systems to mount the modules on the wall the previous installation of support rails is required, so that the application of these systems is limited to walls with sufficient load capacity to support the weight of the modules.

From GB 2449995 a modular green wall system with self-watering is known. The system consists of modules in the form of a frame with a plurality of hexahedral cells intended for rooting the plants that are connected to each other forming a labyrinthine channel for the circulation of irrigation water, here each module is fixed to the wall with a sheet of it The size of the individual module and which has protrusions in the form of those that engage complementary formations provided on the back of the frame, so that the system's supporting wall is required to have sufficient load capacity to support the weight of the module assembly; In addition, adjacent modules are mounted next to each other without any mutual coupling.

Through document WO2006 / 1349109, a surface-mounted system for plant growth intended for construction consisting of individual modules fixed on horizontal rails anchored to the wall is disclosed, so that the application of the system is limited to walls or walls with load capacity that is sufficient for support the weight of the module set; in addition the adjacent modules are mounted mutually two, the laterally adjacent modules being arranged separated between each other and each module has a grid that serves to root the plants.

Additionally, ES 1069555 reveals a reticular structure for green walls that can be joined adjacent in a modular way and that have shelves for supporting plant containers that are permeable to allow the water to fall from an upper level and the structure or structures are directly supported on the ground. This structure can rest against a wall or wall but not covering its surface.

Object of the invention

To solve the problems posed in the state of the art described above, the system should meet, among others, the following requirements:

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that its modules are self-supporting so that they can cover an appreciable surface coupling extension, without the need for additional support structures, to reduce manufacturing and installation costs;

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that can be mounted without anchoring to the walls, to make it possible to install even light overcasts, that is, without special load capacity;

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that the vertical connection between modules is adapted to the fixing of means of channeling and distribution of irrigation water;

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that is provided with a sufficient waterproofing on the back side, so as to prevent the passage of water.

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that the materials used are, so that the modules can be assembled continuously at various heights complying with the regulations in force against fires; and

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that a joint between modules be provided adapted to the simplified assembly of additional modules and also adapted to absorb the expansion of the modules due to temperature changes.

According to the invention, a system with the characteristics indicated both in the main claim and in the dependent claims, complies, among others, with said requirements.

According to the invention, a modular system for vertical gardening is provided with a plurality of individual modules that can be mounted adjacently to cover a substantially vertical building wall supported by a construction structure, each of whose modules has a support frame with at least one base bottom of a waterproof material and an upper base, opposite to said bottom, provided in the form of a mesh for fixing a plurality of planting substrate elements inserted in the spaces defined by the frame adapted to the placement of several plant seedlings; said system being characterized because:

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The support frame is constituted by mutually joined stringers and crossbars and on which the above-mentioned mesh-shaped base is fixed to form a self-supporting structure;

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the bottom of the frame is provided as part of a bottom piece, preferably in the form of an essentially laminar waterproof material fixed on the lateral or lateral part of the frame that extends covering its stringers, and which can discretionally extend from at least one of its cross members forming a coupling extension U-shaped in which a superiorly adjacent module can be fitted, so that the water from the upper levels is collected by the lower level modules that flow behind the modules;

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respective through holes for coupling between laterally adjacent modules by means of anchors such as screw-nut type are provided in the stringers and frame crossbars; Y

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fixing anchors are provided for fixing or forging the construction structure, so that the modules can be installed without being fixed to the walls or walls that it covers.

According to an additional feature of the invention, it is an advantage when the stringers and crossbars of the frame are provided as profiles in

L.

According to a further feature of the invention, the mesh that forms the upper base of the frame is formed by a plurality of longitudinal and transverse rods joined together one below the other so that when the rods are fixed and the crossbars of the frame are left to allow the passage of fixing elements such as flanges, wires, ropes for fixing to the irrigation pipe frame.

Also in accordance with an additional feature of the invention, it is advantageous to provide the anchoring anchors to the slabs with an anchoring body for fixation by means of tip-round anchors and of a threaded moth on a threaded portion of the anchoring body and whose grommet is provided with a pin-shaped stem intended for insertion into a through hole. additional, provided on the crossbars of the modules.

According to an additional feature of the invention, it is advantageous to form the bottom part from a material that can be compressed in a transverse direction, that is to say its thickness, so that expansion joint properties are proportioned between adjacent modules.

Also in accordance with a further feature of the invention, the waterproof material constituting the bottom piece is provided with fire retardant properties so as to meet the requirements of fire protection for constructions.

According to another additional feature of the invention, it is an additional advantage when as a waterproof material to manufacture the bottom piece, plastic cardboard is chosen, preferably corrugated, honeycomb, cellular or double-layer corrugated plastic cardboard that picks up possible water leaks and thus provides an air chamber with thermal insulation.

Even in accordance with a further feature of the invention, it is advantageous that, for example, screw-nut type anchors between adjacent modules in relative vertical position are provided with joints for expansion and stabilization purposes such as rubber discs. Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will result more clearly from the description that follows with the help of the attached drawings, referring to an example of non-limiting execution and in which:

Figure 1A schematically shows a modular system for vertical gardening according to the invention covering a building's vertical wall.

Figure 1B schematically illustrates the system of the fi gure1 without planting in order to appreciate its structure.

Figure 1C schematically illustrates the system of Figure 1 without planting or substrate elements to appreciate the coupling between individual modules.

Figures 2A to 2D show respective views in top and side perspective, plan and a side elevation of an individual module of the system according to the invention.

Figure 3A shows in a schematic way the fixation of two individual modules on them forged from a constructive structure supporting the vertical wall.

Figure 3B illustrates a detail of a preferred embodiment of the support for fixing to the slabs of Figure 3A.

Figures 4A to 4D show respective views of a schematic system assembly and coupling details between adjacent modules.

Figure 5 shows a detail of the coupling of an irrigation pipe fixed to an individual module of the vertical gardening system according to the invention. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

As shown in the fi gures, the modular system for vertical gardening according to the invention, generally designated by reference 1, consists of individual modules 2 that can be mounted adjacently to cover substantially vertical PV building face, forming an essentially flat surface for the growth of a plurality of PLV plant seedlings implanted in said catalyst modules as will be explained in detail below.

As can be seen in greater detail in the fi gures2Aa2D, the individual modules2 consist of a support frame3 with a bottom4 of waterproof material base and an upper base5, opposite to the bottom, provided in a formal way, for fixing and inserting a plurality of substrate elements 6 for implanting the PLV plant seedling.

In relation to what is represented in Figures 1A to 1C, it should be clarified that for their assembly, the individual modules 2 will be provided with the substrate elements 6 inserted in the holes of the mesh 5 as shown in Figure 1B, and that PLV seedlings already rooted on similar substrate elements will be inserted replacing said substrate elements 6, as shown in Figure 1C. The purpose of Figure 1A is simply to show the coupling of the individual modules 2 covering a PV paramento, representing it devoid of the corresponding substrate elements 6.

The support frame is constructed from stringers 30-30 and crossbars 31-31 provided as profiles, by example, fixed for example by welding and on which the above-mentioned base is fixed in the form of a mesh, for example also by welding. In a preferred embodiment, these profiles are provided with a cross-section in L. A structure of this type has a mechanical strength that makes it self-supporting.

As can be seen in greater detail through Figure 3A, the individual modules2 are provided to be fixed on the FOR slabs of a constructive structure EC with the help of fixing anchors9, as will be explained in detail below, so that the modules2 can be installed without being fixed to the walls or walls covering, thus allowing constructive solutions of light facade for PV vertical paramentos.

Thanks to the fact that individual modules2 are self-supporting, they can be provided with large longitudinal dimensions that allow covering relatively large surface extensions with a reduced number of modules and with this measure, construction and installation costs can be reduced by m2.

Referring again to Figures 2A to 2D, it can be seen that the frame 3 is provided with a bottom 4 included in a bottom part 7 of U-shaped waterproof material that is fixed on the back of the frame and extends covering its stringers 30, 30. In addition, this bottom piece 7 can be extended from at least one of its crossbars31 forming a U-shaped extension70 in which a module2 that is superiorly adjacent can fit in, as will be explained in detail below. It should be understood that the bottom piece does not have to be preformed and can be formed by bending when the stringers and crossings of the frame 3 are fixed.

Continuing with the reference to Figures 2A to 2D and reference added to Figures 4A to 4D, it is possible to see that in the frames 30,30 and crossings 31, 31 of the frame 3, respective through holes 300, 310 are provided for coupling between adjacent modules by means of anchors for example screw-nut type 8.

As shown in the scheme of Figures 1A and 1B, the modules 2 can be mounted vertically one on top of the other and mounted covering a vertical PV wall, fixing them as already mentioned and showing the FIGURE 3 Forged structures of a construction structure EC, with the help of fixing anchors 9 .

As can be seen in greater detail in Figure 3B, the fixing anchor 9 may, for example, be advantageously provided with an anchor body 90 for fixing to the respective FOR floor by means of screw-type anchors 13 and also of a threaded pin 91 on a threaded portion 92 of the anchoring body and whose pin is provided with a pin 910 in the form of a pin intended to be inserted into an additional through hole311 provided in the crossbars 31, 31 of the modules 2.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the modules 2 can be mounted lying on top of each other by coupling on the coupling extension 70 of the bottom piece 7 of the frame 3 of a upper module 2, said coupling extension 70 additionally serving as a pipe for the water that It falls from a higher module. As already mentioned, the adjacent modules can be connected to each other by means of screw-nut anchors8 through the respective through hole holes 300, 310 practiced in the stringers 30 and cross-members 31.

Since the modules2 are mounted adjacently together, so that the modular system1 has adequate mechanical stability against possible expansion of its modules, the bottom piece 7 is provided based on a material that can be compressed in a transverse direction, that is to say its thickness, so that expansion joint properties between transversely adjacent modules are provided. Furthermore, since this material is an impermeable material, a certain water tightness is provided between adjacent modules in a transverse direction.

A material especially suitable for the aforementioned properties of the bottom piece7, is plastic cardboard, preferably corrugated plastic cardboard or double-layer corrugated plastic, which may have a fire retardant treatment.

Additionally, expansion joint and sealing qualities between modules are provided when the anchors, for example, of the screw-type nut8 between adjacent modules, are vertically provided with gaskets 80, for example rubber discs, as shown in the detail of Figure 4B.

Referring now to Figure 5, it can be seen that the shape of the upper form 5 of the frame 3 is formed by a plurality of longitudinal and 50 vertical bars 51 joined one below the other, so that when they are fixed to the stringers and crossbars 30, 31 of said frame leave gaps 10 through which can be inserted fixing elements 11, such as flanges, wires, ropes for fixing to the frame3 of irrigation pipes 12.

As will be readily understood by persons versed in the art, the above described is merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the invention so that technical modifications of all kinds are possible, without thereby departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims (9)

1. Modular system for vertical gardening with a plurality of individual modules that can be mounted adjacently to cover substantially vertical building walls (PV) supported by a construction structure (EC), each of whose modules (2) has a support frame ( 3) with at least one bottom (4) based on a waterproof material and an upper base (5), opposite said bottom, provided in the form of a mesh for fixing a plurality of planting substrate elements (6) inserted in the defined spaces through the mesh adapting the substrate elements to the placement of one or more plant seedlings; said system (1) being characterized because:

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the support frame (3) is constituted by stringers (30-30) and cross-members (31-31) in mutually bonded profile and on which the above-mentioned mesh-shaped base is fixed to form a self-supporting structure with appropriate mechanical stability resistance;

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the bottom of the frame (4) is provided as part of a bottom piece (7) of impermeable material, essentially sheet fixed on the back

or side of the frame which extends covering its stringers, and which can be discretionally extended from at least one of its crossbars (31), forming a U-shaped coupling extension (70) in which a module (2) can be fitted superiorly adjacent, so that water from the upper levels is collected by the lower level modules without flowing behind the modules;

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in the rails (30-30) and the crossbars (31-31) of the frame are provided respective through holes (300, 310) for coupling between modules transversely adjacent by means of anchors such as screw-nut type (8); and

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Anchors (9) are provided for forging fixtures (FOR) of the construction structure (EC), so that the modules (2) can be installed without being fixed to the walls or walls it covers.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the stringers (30-30) and crossbars (31-31) of the frame are provided as tightly joined profiles. 3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the mesh that forms the upper base (5) of the frame (3) is formed by a plurality of longitudinal (50) and cross bars

(51)

joined together one below the other, so that when the stringers are fixed and crossings of the frame leave gaps (10) to allow the passage of fixing elements (11) such as flanges, wires

or ropes for fixing to the frame (3) of irrigation pipes (12).

Four.

System according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing anchors (9) are provided with an anchoring body (90) for fixing to the slabs (FOR) by means of screw-type anchors (13) and of a threaded pin (91) in a threaded application (92) of said anchoring body and whose pin is provided with a pin-shaped rod (910) intended to be inserted into an additional through hole (311), provided in the crossbars (31-31) of the modules (2).

5.

System according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom piece (7) is constituted from a material that can be compressed in a transverse direction, that is to say its thickness, so that expansion joint properties are proportioned between transversely adjacent modules.

6.

System according to claim 1, characterized in that the waterproof material constituting the bottom piece (7) is provided with fire retardant properties so as to meet the requirements of fire protection for constructions.

7.

System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as a waterproof material for manufacturing the bottom piece (7), plastic cardboard is chosen, preferably corrugated plastic, honeycomb, double layer corrugated cell that additionally provides a chamber of air with thermal insulation.

8.

System according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchors (8), such as screw-nut type between adjacent modules in vertical relative position are provided jointly (80) for expansion and stabilization purposes such as rubber discs.

SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 201031223 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 05.08.2010 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: A01G9 / 02 (2006.01) A01G1 / 00 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

A A A

ES 1069555 U (BATTLE FARRE MONICA et al.) 04/16/2009, figure 1; claim 5. WO 2006134938 A1 (SHIMIZU CONSTRUCTION CO LTD et al.) 21.12.2006, figure 2. EN 2300049 T3 (CANEVAFLOR) 01.06.2008, claim 3. 1 1 1

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims □ for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 26.11.2010

Examiner T. Verdeja Matías Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201031223 Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) A01G Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201031223 Date of Written Opinion: Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-8 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-8 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201031223 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

ES 1069555 U (BATTLE FARRE MONICA ET AL.) 04/16/2009

D02

WO 2006134938 A1 (SHIMIZU CONSTRUCTION CO LTD ET AL.) 21.12.2006

D03

ES 2300049 T3 (CANEVAFLOR) 01.06.2008

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement Document D01 can be considered to represent the state of the art closest to the object of claim 1 (references in brackets correspond to this document). Claim 1 discloses a modular system for vertical gardening with a plurality of individual modules that can be mounted adjacently to cover substantially vertical building walls supported by a construction structure, each of whose modules has a support frame (fig. 1) with the less a bottom based on an impermeable material and an upper base, opposite said bottom, provided in the form of a mesh (claim 5) for fixing a plurality of planting substrate elements. The frame is constituted by mutually joined stringers and crossbars and on which the upper base is fixed in the form of a mesh (column 1, lines 39 to 46; column 3, lines 4 to 7). Respective through holes suitable for coupling between transversely adjacent modules by means of anchors (reiv. 3) are provided in the stringers and frame crossbars. Anchors are provided for fixing the building structure to floors. However, document D01 does not contain a bottom based on an impermeable material which, on the other hand, is a technical feature that is well known in the technical field of vertical gardens, to protect the facades from moisture. Nor does it disclose that the bottom of the frame has a U-shaped coupling extension in which a superiorly adjacent module can be fitted, although this feature is disclosed in document D02 (Figure 2). Other features of claim 1 that do not appear in documents D01 or D02 are the through holes provided in stringers and crossbars of the frame suitable for coupling between modules transversely adjacent by means of anchors. These technical characteristics are contained in claim 3 of document D03. Thus, the claimed invention implies an improved effect compared to the state of the art. Furthermore, it is not considered obvious that a person skilled in the art obtains the invention from the documents mentioned above. Claim 1 and the rest that depend on it, have novelty and inventive activity (Art. 6.1 and Art. 8.1 LP 11/1986). State of the Art Report Page 4/4