mini greenhouse

Abstract

Mini greenhouse comprehensive a container for soil and plants with a side wall, wherein the side wall may include a horizontally extending frame, at least two roof elements which are hingedly connected to the side wall, so that a roof element as a whole can be moved by unfolding from a closed position in which the roof element partially covers the container to an open position, wherein the roof element comprises an outer roof element and an inner roof element which are articulated together, so that the inner roof element can be moved from the closed position to a partially open position by folding it open, while the outer roof element remains in the closed position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mini greenhouse.

[0002] A mini-greenhouse is a structure designed for cultivating edible plants, such as vegetables, and / or ornamental plants, such as flowers. Essentially, any planter with a roof that is at least partially translucent can be considered a mini-greenhouse. Mini-greenhouses are frequently used in hobby gardening, for example, in gardens, on patios, or on balconies.

[0003] Ideally, the roof of a mini-greenhouse should be able to be opened to allow for the care of the plants; at the same time, however, the roof must provide secure protection for the plants and must not be opened unintentionally, e.g. by wind.

[0004] From DE 20 2004 007 559 U1, a raised bed container with two lid sections that are horizontal when closed and are hinged at an upper horizontal edge of the raised bed container is known. Handling such a raised bed container is cumbersome.

[0005] German patent DE 203 12 878 U1 discloses a cover for a planting bed. The cover is designed as a lid that is attached to the frame of the bed with hinges. A disadvantage is that access to the bed is only possible from one side.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a mini-greenhouse that is advantageous compared to known mini-greenhouses.

[0007] The problem is solved by a mini-greenhouse according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims or are described below.

[0008] According to the invention, the inner roof element can be moved from the closed position to a partially open position by unfolding it, while the outer roof element remains in the closed position. This has the advantage that the user does not have to unfold and rotate the entire roof element to open it, which is particularly cumbersome if the user is standing in front of the part of the side wall to which the roof element is hinged. In that case, the user has to step back to create space for the roof element to rotate. This is especially inconvenient if the mini-greenhouse is located in a confined space, as is often the case, for example on a balcony, where the user has little room to maneuver or where other objects or building walls are directly adjacent to the side wall of the mini-greenhouse.

[0009] The option of opening only the inner roof element also allows for partial coverage of the planting area. This makes it possible to leave the mini-greenhouse unattended for extended periods, as the partial covering ensures a continuous supply of air and reduces the amount of rainwater entering the greenhouse compared to a fully open mini-greenhouse. In addition to improved control of ventilation and water supply, the mini-greenhouse according to the invention also allows for better control of sunlight exposure.

[0010] Because only the inner roof element can be opened, the surface area exposed to wind is also reduced.

[0011] Preferably, the inner roof element rests on the outer roof element when partially open. The inner roof element can therefore be rotated up to 180 degrees. This has the advantage that the inner roof element does not obstruct access to the resulting opening. Furthermore, in this position, it presents virtually no surface area to the wind.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the inner roof element rests completely on the outer roof element when partially opened. This has the advantage that the roof element does not protrude beyond the side wall when partially opened, meaning that the width of the mini-greenhouse is not increased by opening the roof element. In particular, the user's freedom of movement is therefore not restricted in any way by opening the roof element.

[0013] Preferably, two roof elements, when both in their closed position, form a gable-shaped cover. This has the advantage that rainwater runs off the cover more easily and less dirt accumulates on it.

[0014] Preferably, the gable roof shape is achieved by increasing the height of the roof element with increasing distance from the side wall and by having the roof element rest on a horizontal upper edge of the side wall or frame in the closed position.

[0015] Preferably, the roof element rests against the side wall from the outside in the open position. The roof element can therefore be rotated up to 270 degrees between the closed and open positions.

[0016] Preferably, the roof elements completely cover the container when closed.

[0017] Preferably, the articulated connection between the roof elements and the side wall is formed by at least four hinges.

[0018] Preferably, the articulated connection between the inner and outer roof elements is formed by at least four hinges.

[0019] Preferably, the mini-greenhouse includes a superstructure that encompasses the part of the side wall to which the roof elements are hingedly connected. The entire superstructure is preferably translucent.

[0020] Preferably, the mini-greenhouse has four roof elements, each comprising an outer and an inner roof element that are hinged together so that the inner roof element can be moved from the closed position to a partially open position by folding it open, while the outer roof element remains in the closed position. In this way, the user has numerous options for adjusting the degree of overall coverage of the planting area.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the side wall comprises two opposing longitudinal side walls, each of which is hingedly connected to two roof elements. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the mini-greenhouse in the horizontal plane are 1.6 m by 0.8 m.

[0022] Preferably, the longitudinal side walls are connected in the middle area by a web on which a roof element can rest in the closed position.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the roof elements consist of a translucent material.

[0024] The roof elements are preferably manufactured using injection molding.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the figures, which show an exemplary embodiment. They show Fig. 1: a mini-greenhouse according to the invention in the closed position; Fig. 2: a mini-greenhouse according to the invention in an open position; Fig. 3: a mini greenhouse according to the invention in a partially open position.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a mini-greenhouse according to the invention, the side wall of which comprises two opposing longitudinal side walls. Two roof elements 1, 2, 3, 4 are hingedly connected to each longitudinal side wall, with all roof elements 1, 2, 3, 4 being in the closed position. The upper areas of the side wall and the roof elements are made of translucent material. The roof elements 1, 2, 3, 4 completely cover the container and together form a gable-shaped roof. The gable roof shape is achieved by the fact that the height of the roof element 1, 2, 3, 4 increases with increasing distance from the side wall and that, in the closed position, the roof element 1, 2, 3, 4 rests on a horizontal upper edge of the side wall or frame. Each roof element comprises an outer roof element 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a and an inner roof element 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, which are articulatedly connected to each other via hinges.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows the mini greenhouse made of Fig. 1, where the roof elements 1, 2, 3, 4 are in the open position. The roof elements 1, 2, 3, 4 rest against the side wall from the outside. In this position, it can also be seen that the longitudinal side walls are connected in the middle area by a web 5, on which the roof elements 1, 2, 3, 4 can rest in the closed position.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows the mini greenhouse from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, wherein the inner roof elements 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b are in a partially open position, while the outer roof elements 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a are in the closed position. The inner roof element 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b rests completely on the outer roof element 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2004 007 559 U1

[0004] DE 203 12 878 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Mini greenhouse including a container for soil and plants with a side wall, wherein the side wall may include a horizontally extending frame, at least two roof elements which are hingedly connected to the side wall, so that a roof element as a whole can be moved by unfolding from a closed position in which the roof element partially covers the container to an open position, wherein the roof element comprises an outer roof element and an inner roof element which are articulated together, so that the inner roof element can be moved from the closed position to a partially open position by folding it open, while the outer roof element remains in the closed position. [2] Mini greenhouse according to claim 1, characterized by, that it has four roof elements which are hingedly connected to the side wall, so that a roof element as a whole can be moved by unfolding from a closed position in which the roof element partially covers the container to an open position, wherein each roof element comprises an outer roof element and an inner roof element which are hingedly connected to each other, so that the inner roof element can be moved by unfolding from the closed position to a partially open position, while the outer roof element remains in the closed position. [3] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner roof element rests on the outer roof element in the partially open position. [4] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner roof element rests completely on the outer roof element in the partially open position. [5] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that two roof elements, when they are both in their closed position, together form a gable roof. [6] Mini greenhouse according to claim 5, characterized by , that the gable roof shape is achieved by the fact that the height of the roof element increases with increasing distance from the side wall and that the roof element rests on a horizontal upper edge of the side wall or frame in the closed position. [7] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roof element rests against the side wall from the outside when in the open position. [8] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roof elements completely cover the container when closed. [9] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the articulated connection between the roof elements and side wall is formed by at least four hinges. [10] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the articulated connection between the inner and outer roof elements is formed by at least four hinges. [11] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it includes an attachment that encompasses the part of the side wall to which the roof elements are articulated. [12] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the side wall comprises two opposing longitudinal side walls, to which two roof elements are articulated. [13] Mini greenhouse according to claim 12, characterized by that the longitudinal side walls in the middle area are connected by a web on which a roof element can rest in the closed position. [14] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roof elements are made of translucent material. [15] Mini greenhouse according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roof elements are manufactured using injection molding.

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