Greening tray, pre-grown module comprising such a tray and system for greening roofs

Abstract

The present invention relates to a greening tray (1) with one or more water reserves, the tray (1) comprising a rectangular body with a bottom (2) and longitudinal and transverse side walls (3, 3'), and a plurality of partitions (4, 5) extending from the bottom (2) and between the side walls (3, 3'), and dividing the inner volume of the tray (1) into a plurality of at least partially compartmentalised regions (6) that together form one or more water reserves. This tray (1) is characterised in that the partitions (4, 5) constitute an array of supporting or retaining structures for a support layer for a growing substrate and are configured and arranged so as to reinforce the rigidity of the tray (1), more particularly its longitudinal rigidity, and in that the partitions (4, 5) comprise means (9) for attaching the support layer.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Green roof tray, pre-cultivated module comprising such a tray and green roof system

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of creating vegetated surfaces, more particularly the installation of extensive or semi-intensive vegetation on elevated and generally inaccessible surfaces, such as flat or low-slope roof surfaces, roof terraces or the like.

[0002] In this context, the invention relates to a greening tray with integrated water reservoir, a pre-cultivated or vegetated module comprising such a tray and a green roof system made up of such modules.

[0003] Many solutions for greening roofs or similar areas using pre-cultivated modules are already known.

[0004] These modules generally include a tray (made of plastic or a putrescible material) with water reservoir(s), a permeable support layer and a layer of growing substrate planted with seeds or vegetation elements, the substrate layer being placed on the support layer and the two layers being placed in the tray.

[0005] The tank itself most often comprises a rectangular body with a bottom and longitudinal and transverse side walls, a plurality of partitions extending from the bottom, and between the side walls, and dividing the internal volume of the tank into several regions at least partially, if not totally, compartmentalized, forming one or more water reservoir(s).

[0006] Such modules and containers are disclosed for example in the following documents: EP 2493283, EP 1044599, EP 2959770 and FR 2929632.

[0007] However, these known solutions have a number of drawbacks.

[0008] Thus, when loaded, the containers, which are handled while held at their two longitudinal ends, tend to flex, which can permanently deform them and / or negatively impact the consistency and structure of the support and substrate layers. The prediction in some implementations of Specific means of structural reinforcement increase the cost price, as does the addition of extra material, and complicates the design and manufacture.

[0009] In addition, the support layer tends to move and deform during the handling of the modules or when the substrate is loaded with water after rain at its installation site, which can lead to the introduction of substrate into the water reservoir(s), local sinking of the support layer towards the bottom and / or a change in the permeability of the support layer.

[0010] In addition, in known solutions, the means of evacuating excess water present inside the tank either have a complex structure with specific additional means, or a tendency to become clogged over time.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a simple, cost-optimized solution to overcome at least the main disadvantages mentioned above.

[0012] For this purpose, its first and principal object is a planting tank or similar container with water reservoir(s), comprising a rectangular body with a bottom and longitudinal and transverse side walls, a plurality of partitions extending from the bottom, and between the side walls, and dividing the internal volume of the tank into several at least partially compartmentalized regions, forming one or more water reservoir(s), the tank characterized in that said partitions, which extend to a height lower than that of the side walls, constitute a network of support or retaining structures for a support layer for a growing substrate and are configured and arranged to reinforce the rigidity of the tank, more particularly its longitudinal rigidity, and in that said partitions and / or the side walls include means for attaching said support layer.

[0013] The invention also relates to a pre-cultivated module comprising such a tray and a roof greening system implementing the aforementioned modules.

[0014] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0015] [Fig. 1 A] and [Fig. 1 B] are top and bottom views of a tray according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0016] [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2B] are identical top and perspective views, at a different scale, of the tank shown in Figures 1, allowing us to designate all the different parts and components of the tank in Figures 1;

[0017] [Fig. 3A] is a perspective view of a section along CC of the tank shown in figure 1A;

[0018] [Fig. 3B] is a unique perspective view of a cross-section along CC of the container shown in Figure 1A when the latter is filled and planted, forming a pre-cultivated vegetation module ready to be installed on site;

[0019] [Fig. 4] represents, at a different scale and in perspective along another direction, a part A of the tank shown in figure 2B;

[0020] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of part of a vegetation system formed by juxtaposing a plurality of modules such as the one shown in figure 3B;

[0021] [Fig. 6A] and [Fig. 6B] are top views, in detail and at a different scale, of a compartmentalized region (water reservoir) forming part of a tank according to the invention, in accordance with two other embodiments (compared to those shown in Figures 1 and 2), and,

[0022] [Fig. 7] is a top view of a compartmentalized region (water reservoir) according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figures 1 to 3, 6 and 7 show, at least in part, a planting tray (1) or similar container with water reservoir(s), comprising a rectangular body (1') with a bottom (2) and longitudinal and transverse side walls (3, 3'). This tray (1) also includes a plurality of partitions (4, 5) extending from the bottom (2) and between the side walls (3, 3'), dividing the internal volume of the tray (1) into several at least partially compartmentalized regions (6), forming one or more water reservoir(s).

[0024] According to the invention, said partitions (4, 5), which extend to a height lower than that of the side walls (3, 3'), constitute a network of support or retaining structures for a substrate support layer (7) culture (8) and are configured and arranged to reinforce the rigidity of the tray (1), more particularly its longitudinal rigidity, and said partitions (4, 5) and / or side walls (3, 3') include means (9) for attaching said support layer (7).

[0025] Thanks to the aforementioned provisions, the main drawbacks mentioned above are overcome. Indeed, the walls (4, 5), which contribute to partitioning the internal volume of the tank (1) into a plurality of water reservoirs (6) and to supporting the substrate layer (7) inside the tank, as well as stabilizing it within the tank (1), also constitute stiffening structures, firstly at the scale of the tank (1), through the walls (4), and secondly at the scale of the compartmentalized zones (6) or water reservoirs, through the walls (5). This structural reinforcement at two scales significantly limits the deformation of the tank body (1') during the handling of pre-cultivated modules (14), without the addition of extra material and without the implementation of additional structural reinforcement measures.And the fastening means (9), integrated into the partitions (4,5) and the side walls (3, 3'), stabilize the support layer (7), for example a non-woven or a textile, in the tray (1) and prevent it from sinking into the water reserves (6) under the weight of the substrate (especially when saturated with water) and the plants.

[0026] Furthermore, by securing the support layer (7) with the partitions (4, 5) and / or side walls (3, 3') by the fastening means (9), in particular by its fixation in the plane thereof, this layer also contributes to the stiffening and mechanical reinforcement of the structure of the tank (1), in particular when it is loaded with the weight of the substrate (8) and the plants and therefore under tension.

[0027] As shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the partition network (4, 5) comprises partitions (4, 5) oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (DL) of the body (1') of the tank (1) and / or partitions (4, 5) oriented longitudinally. Advantageously, the transversely oriented partitions (4, 5) exhibit a break in the continuity of their extension directions, at least for the partitions (4, 5) associated with different compartmentalized regions (6), each extending over only a portion of the width of said body (1'). Moreover, and preferably, the longitudinally oriented partitions (4, 5) exhibit aligned, or even advantageously for some (4) of them a structural continuity and a continuous extension substantially over the whole length of said body (1').

[0028] In accordance with a design that allows for material economy and good water circulation under the tank, and as illustrated in Figure 1B, and also shown in Figures 1A, 2, 3A and 4, at least some of the partitions (4, 5), particularly those (4) that define compartmentalized regions (6) each corresponding to an independent water reservoir, have a hollow structure and are open at the level of the underside of the tank body (1'). (I)-

[0029] The aforementioned partitions (4) further advantageously include, at the level of their upper edges (10), overflow holes (11) and means for attaching (9) the support material (7) and are advantageously provided with internal walls (4') for bracing and stiffening.

[0030] Preferably, the hollow structure partitions (4) are interconnected with each other and form on their undersides a network of interconnected channels and together constitute a stiffening framework linking the four sides of the body (1') of the tank (1).

[0031] In order to prevent their obstruction (by the substrate for example) and to guarantee a minimum drainage of excess water into the reservoirs (6), each overflow orifice (11) is surrounded by a crenellated structure (12), said orifices (II) being advantageously arranged in pairs (see figures 3A and 4 in particular). Such an arrangement of the overflow orifices (11) allows discharge in the vertical direction, but also in the plane of the upper edge of the partitions (4). Moreover, the cross-sectional area of ​​these inlet openings is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the orifice itself.

[0032] The overflow or spillway openings (11) are, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, preferentially absent from the central region of the tank (1) and located near the side walls (3, 3'). This distribution ensures that, in the event of rain, the water first reaches all the plants in the pre-cultivated module (14) and fills most of the water reservoirs (6), through progressive distribution, before drainage begins through the openings (11) located at the periphery.

[0033] In order to also ensure rigidification and structural reinforcement between the hollow partitions (4), stiffening and support partitions (5) in the form of wings, with a straight or corrugated structure, or cross braces, are present in the compartmentalized regions (6), being connected or not to the partitions (4) delimiting these regions, and possibly forming alignments of two or more partitions (5) and / or being arranged in groups of at least two parallel wings (5) in a direction perpendicular to at least one other group of at least two parallel wings (5), without being intersecting.

[0034] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, the compartmentalized regions (6) all have rectangular shapes and are arranged along parallel alignments in the longitudinal direction (DL) of the rectangular body (1') of the tray (1), for example along three alignments with a different orientation of the compartmentalized regions (6) of the central alignment with respect to the lateral alignments, and advantageously presenting stiffening and support partition configurations (5) in the form of wings in said compartmentalized regions (6), which are different according to the location of said regions.

[0035] It can be noted in figures 1 to 4 and 6 that the rectangular shapes and the arrangements aligned with specific orientations by alignment of the water reserves (6) result in a structure of the body (1') of the tank (1) with, on the one hand, partitions (4) oriented transversely which present a break in the continuity of their directions of extension, each extending over only a part of the width of said body (1'), and, on the other hand, partitions (4) oriented longitudinally which present aligned arrangements, with a structural continuity and a continuous extension substantially over the entire length of said body (1').

[0036] In accordance with a second embodiment, shown in Figure 7, the compartmentalized regions (6) all have a hexagonal shape, complete or partial, and contain stiffening and support partitions (5) in the form of wings arranged in fir tree-shaped configurations, these configurations being oriented towards the center of the hexagonal compartmentalized region (6) concerned, from the partitions (4) delimiting this region (6).

[0037] According to an advantageous constructive feature, emerging from a comparison of figures 1 A and 1 B, the solid stiffening and support partitions (5), in the form of straight or non-straight wings, or at least some of them, extend into the compartmentalized regions (6) from the hollow structure partitions (4) which delimit them, these wings (5) being formed in one piece with the said hollow structure partitions (4) and being advantageously arranged each in a coplanar continuity with an internal wall (4') for bracing and stiffening the partition (4) concerned.

[0038] As shown in particular in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the side walls (3, 3') each have at least one step (3”) substantially level with the upper edges (10) of the partitions (4, 5), these steps (3”) together forming a continuous peripheral inner rim (13) of the body (1') of the tank (1), this rim (13) being provided with means (9) for attaching said support layer (7) and participating in the delimitation of the compartmentalized regions (6) forming water reserves adjoining at least one of the side walls (3, 3'). In addition to the lower notches (3”) forming the rim (13) which is level with the upper edges of the partitions (4, 5), the body (1 ') of the container (1 ) may have other notches (3”) above allowing to result in a flared shape of the container (1 ) with the walls (3, 3') spreading outwards in steps and allowing it to be stacked.Gripping handles can also be formed in the two opposite side walls (3').

[0039] In order to also provide stiffening of the body (1') on its lateral sides and periphery, it may be provided that stiffening and support partitions (5) in the form of wings also extend from the step-outs (3"), being formed in one piece with them.

[0040] Preferably, the means (9) for attaching said support layer (7) consist of points or studs formed in one piece with the partition (4) and / or rim (3”) on which they are mounted, at their upper edges or upper surfaces. Such integrated attachment means allow the support layer (7) to be fixed (at multiple distributed points) to the tray (1) by simply placing said layer on these edges or surfaces, with the layer being held in position within the plane of the layer (7) and the mutual bonding being secured by the weight of the substrate (8) and the plants. These means (9) of attachment are preferentially present around the water reserves (6), on the parts of partitions (4) or ledge (13) which border them.

[0041] In accordance with a preferred construction solution, the body (1') of the tank (1') consists of a single piece with the partitions (4, 5) and is made from a mold of a plastic material, such as for example polypropylene, possibly at least partially based on recycled material, the body (1') preferentially having a constant thickness of constituent material (for example of only 1.5 mm, due to the different structural reinforcement and stiffening arrangements).

[0042] The invention also relates, as shown in Figures 3B and 5, to a pre-cultivated module (14) comprising a tray (1) with water reservoir(s) (6), a permeable support layer (7) and a layer (8) of culture substrate planted with seeds or vegetation elements, the substrate layer (8) being arranged on the support layer (7) and the two layers (7 and 8) being arranged in the tray (1), at a distance from its bottom (2).

[0043] This module (14) is characterized in that the tray (1) consists of a tray as described above. The two layers (7 and 8) arranged in the tray (1) rest on the partitions (4, 5) and on the rim (13), the support layer (7) being attached to these elements by means (9).

[0044] The support layer (7) is advantageously a filter layer made of a non-woven fabric of synthetic fibers bonded by needle punching and heat-sealed. The product known as "Soprafiltre" by the applicant can be used as the support layer.

[0045] The growing medium layer (8) is advantageously of the extensive or semi-intensive type and composed of a mixture of porous mineral aggregates of different particle sizes and a composted or uncomposted organic fraction. For example, the applicant's growing medium called "Sopraflor" may be cited.

[0046] The seeds or vegetation elements may be composed of a mixture of several species of perennial succulent or non-succulent plants, of the genus Sedum for example.

[0047] Finally, the invention also relates to a roof greening system, flat or with a low slope, as partially illustrated in Figure 5.

[0048] This system is characterized in that it consists of a plurality of pre-cultivated modules (14) as described above, arranged side by side in an abutting manner on the roof (15) concerned or on a support layer (15') covering said roof (15).

[0049] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A planting tray (1) or similar container with water reservoir(s), comprising a rectangular body (1') with a bottom (2) and longitudinal and transverse side walls (3, 3'), a plurality of partitions (4, 5) extending from the bottom (2) and between the side walls (3, 3'), dividing the internal volume of the tray (1) into several at least partially compartmentalized regions (6), forming one or more water reservoir(s), the tray (1) characterized in that said partitions (4, 5), which extend to a height lower than that of the side walls (3, 3'), constitute a network of support or retaining structures for a support layer (7) for a growing medium (8) and are configured and arranged to reinforce the rigidity of the tray (1), more particularly its longitudinal rigidity, and in that said partitions (4, 5) and / or the side walls (3, 3') include means (9) for attaching said support layer (7).

2. A tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the partition network (4, 5) comprises partitions (4, 5) oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (DL) of the body (1') of the tank (1) and / or partitions (4, 5) oriented longitudinally, in that the partitions (4, 5) oriented transversely exhibit a break in the continuity of their directions of extension, at least for the partitions (4, 5) associated with different compartmentalized regions (6), each extending over only a part of the width of said body (1'), and in that the partitions (4, 5) oriented longitudinally exhibit aligned arrangements, or even advantageously for some (4) of them a structural continuity and a continuous extension substantially over the entire length of said body (1').

3. A tank according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least some of the partitions (4, 5), in particular those (4) which define compartmentalized regions (6) each corresponding to an independent water reservoir, have a hollow structure and are open at the underside of the body (1') of the tank (1), these partitions (4) advantageously comprising, at their upper edges (10), overflow holes (11) and attachment means (9), and being advantageously provided with internal walls (4') for bracing and stiffening.

4. A tank according to claim 3, characterized in that the hollow structure partitions (4) are interconnected with each other and form on their undersides a network of interconnected channels and together constitute a stiffening framework connecting the four sides of the body (1') of the tank (1).

5. A tank according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each overflow orifice (11) is surrounded by a crenellated structure (12), said orifices (11) being advantageously arranged in pairs.

6. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that stiffening and support partitions (5) in the form of wings, with a straight or corrugated structure, or crossbars are present in the compartmentalized regions (6), being connected or not to the partitions (4) delimiting these regions, and possibly forming alignments of two or more partitions (5) and / or being arranged in groups of at least two parallel wings (5) in a direction perpendicular to at least one other group of at least two parallel wings (5), without being intersecting.

7. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the compartmentalized regions (6) all have rectangular shapes and are arranged along parallel alignments in the longitudinal direction (DL) of the rectangular body (1') of the tank (1), for example along three alignments with a different orientation of the compartmentalized regions (6) of the central alignment with respect to the two lateral alignments, and advantageously having stiffening and support partition configurations (5) in the form of wings in said compartmentalized regions (6), which are different according to the location of said regions.

8. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the compartmentalized regions (6) all have a hexagonal shape, complete or partial, and in that they contain stiffening and support partitions (5) in the form of wings arranged in fir tree-shaped configurations, these configurations being oriented towards the center of the relevant hexagonal compartmentalized region (6), from the partitions (4) delimiting this region (6).

9. A tank according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the solid stiffening and support partitions (5), in the form of straight or non-straight wings, or at least some of them, extend into the compartmentalized regions (6) from the hollow structure partitions (4) that delimit them, these wings (5) being formed in one piece with said hollow structure partitions (4) and advantageously being arranged each in a coplanar continuity with an internal wall (4') for bracing and stiffening the partition (4) concerned.

10. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the side walls (3, 3') each have at least one step (3") substantially level with the upper edges (10) of the partitions (4, 5), these steps (3") together forming a continuous peripheral inner rim (13) of the body (1') of the tank (1), this rim being provided with means (9) for attaching said support layer (7) and participating in the delimitation of the compartmentalized regions (6) forming water reserves adjacent to at least one of the side walls (3, 3'). [Claim 1 1] Tray according to claim 10, characterized in that stiffening and support partitions (5) in the form of wings extend from the recesses (3”), being formed in one piece with them.

12. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the means (9) for attaching said support layer (7) consist of spikes or pins formed in one piece with the partition parts (4) and / or rim parts (3”) which support them.

13. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that its body (1') consists of a single piece with the partitions (4, 5) and is made from a mold of a plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, possibly at least partially based on recycled material, the body (1') preferably having a constant thickness of constituent material.

14. Pre-cultivated module (14) comprising a tray (1) with water reservoir(s) (6), a permeable support layer (7) and a layer (8) of growing substrate planted with seeds or vegetation elements, the layer of substrate (8) being disposed on the support layer (7) and the two layers (7 and 8) being disposed in the tray (1 ), at a distance from its bottom (2), module (14) characterized in that the tray (1 ) consists of a tray according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A green roof system, flat or with a low slope, characterized in that it consists of a plurality of pre-cultivated modules (14) according to claim 14, arranged side by side in an abutting manner on the roof (15) concerned or on a support layer (15') covering said roof (15).

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