Retractable greenhouse

Abstract

An agricultural greenhouse with a reversible covering that can be quickly mechanically opened and closed. The top cover is attached to an endless cable system and two side covers are attached to upper and lower cable systems. Upon activation the cables cause the top and side covers to open in one direction and close in the opposite direction.

Description

[0001] The benefits under 35 U.S.C. 119 are claimed of provisional patent application ______ filed ______.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Large-scale greenhouse farming operations are becoming more popular as the demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products increases. It is not uncommon to find greenhouse farms covering 10-20 acres which include fixed, permanent structures and which cost upwards of $60,000-80,000 per acre to construct. These greenhouses are considered by farmers to be worth the investment for three reasons: first, earlier crops (the first of extremely perishable crops command premium prices), second, the decrease in weather related crop damage (e.g. rain, hail, fog, excess heat or sunlight) and third, the ability to extend the growing season (avoidance of freezing temperatures). [0003] The third reason is most important in the northern latitudes and particularly in Canada, Northern Europe and the eastern coast of the United States. Using greenho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] It is the purpose of this invention to introduce a new concept in greenhouse agriculture where vast acreage can be covered and uncovered in a few minutes. Uncovering is beneficial when increased photosynthesis or spraying is desired. When winds become excessive to the point of potential damage to the covering, when not needed in the dormant season and when temperatures under the covers exceed critical levels and during fruit pollination and harvesting, the covers can be removed. Covering is desirable when heat accumulation is needed to break dormancy in deciduous fruits, whenever additional heat units are needed to hasten the ripening or growing process and to prevent damaging rains, hail and frost.

[0007] In the broadest aspect, this invention is intended to expand the use of greenhouse horticulture by providing a considerably less expensive structure since the covering can be easily and inexpensively removed and replaced as desired. More specifically, the removable greenhouse covering is divided into three portions, i.e., a top and two sides. The three parts slide back and forth together or separately, as desired, permitting exposure to unobstructed sunlight and wind, partial exposure or complete covering. When completely closed, inside temperatures will rise quickly compared to ambient temperature and the degree of increase can be somewhat controlled by the incremental opening of the roof or side coverings.

[0011] The top cover of the greenhouse extends down the sides about two feet forming two short skirts. The two side covers hang to the ground at their inferior edge and are contained inside the short roof skirts so that rain is deflected to the outside and more heat can be trapped inside. The side covers are held firmly in place by grommets attached to superior and inferior wires of the rigid skeleton. To help stabilize the side covers from lateral wind force movement, a third wire at a vertical distance between the inferior and superior wires is disposed on the outside of each side cover. The roof cover is held in place by grommets attached to the skirt edges and to the guide wires. Additional wires support the roof cover so that water can runoff.

[0014] The greenhouse covers single or multiple rows of crops depending on the width of the roof. A maximum height of about 15 feet is acceptable. At these heights, the sides, as independent parts of the greenhouse cover, are essential because of the great lateral forces placed on the sides by the wind. However, with a structure less than six feet tall, the sides can be combined with the roof in a single unit. This greatly reduces the cost since a number of grommets, cables and wires would be eliminated.

Problems solved by technology

The cost of removable cover greenhouses is approximately 10-20% of the cost of permanent structures if, during heavy winds, the covers can be removed.

During the ripening period, just prior to and during picking, rain can completely destroy the ready to pick strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

This can be a devastating loss and, when it occurs, the price of the nondamaged commodity increases greatly.

However, with respect to cherries, the entire crop can be lost.

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