Modular green roof system, apparatus and methods, including pre-seeded modular panels

Abstract

A modular green roof system includes modular panels (10) providing a surrounded space suitable for supporting live plant growth and adapted for installing onto a roof deck in side-by-side positioning while allowing water flow on the roof thereunder. The panels are filled with growing medium and pre-seeded prior to delivery to the roof site, and delivered in either a preserved condition or a germinated condition. The panels are adapted for interconnecting to adjacent panels, and for connection to an edge finishing / edge termination system (46) and support structure to enable provision of non-panel areas of the green roof, and above-panel structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of and claims the filing date benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 908,881, filed Jul. 18, 2001, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 60 / 218,889 filed Jul. 18, 2000, Ser. No. 60 / 219,063 filed Jul. 18, 2000, and Ser. No. 60 / 219,457 filed Jul. 18, 2000.INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC [0002] Not Applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0003] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of Invention [0005] The present invention relates generally to green roof systems, also known as roof landscaping systems and roof gardens, that are suitable for supporting live plant growth on building roofs. [0006] More particularly, the invention relates to modular green roof systems, and methods and apparatus for use therewith. [0007] 2. Background Art [0008] Briefly, prior gree...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a new and improved green roof system that overcomes the disadvantages of prior green roof systems. The invention is a modular green roof system comprising pre-seeded modular panels that can be easily installed on an existing roof deck. The panels can be packaged, shipped and delivered in either condition, and they are adapted for interconnection, positioning, and lifting and removal without disturbing adjacent panels. The panels enhance design-layout flexibility, allowing for the incorporation of a variety of plants, soil compositions, and other elements. The modular panels also enable easy repair of the roof structure by simply removing the necessary panels. Overall, the invention provides a more efficient and flexible green roof system."

Problems solved by technology

However, inspection of such prior systems also reveal the following disadvantages: the prior systems are relatively expensive and are difficult to install, typically requiring the need for and assistance of a specially trained consultant; the systems are not designed to be installed over an existing functional roof without the necessity of reroofing; thus, a complete new waterproofing membrane must typically be installed before the green roof system can be used on existing buildings, resulting in additional costs; since the green roof materials are delivered in bulk or earthen rolls, design freedom is limited, alternating designs of plants are not easily incorporated in the design of the green roof; terracing or variations of surfaces are also not easily accomplished; and changing of the design layout after installation requires removal and destruction of the effected area and replanting with the new design; selection of pre-growing plants in the upper fiber fleece is typically limited to low-growing plants, mosses, etc., since the fleece is supplied to the roof in rolls; selection of pre-grown plants available is further typically limited because: the need to maintain the plants in the growing state prior to shipment results in additional costs; the demand must be estimated in advance of the installation season in order to have the pre-grown plants ready; and such estimates are typically conservative in order to prevent overstocking and spoilage if not used during that season; and maintenance and repair to the roof is difficult and expensive; if a leak develops in the roof membrane, or if other maintenance or repair is required, the entire green roof, or at least large portions of the green roof, must be removed to locate and repair the leak or accomplish the desired maintenance; the removed green roof must then be replaced and replanted.

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