GB1580039A

GB1580039A - Cloche

Info

Publication number: GB1580039A
Application number: GB2316576A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Naylor L B
Current assignee: Naylor L B
Priority date: 1977-06-08
Filing date: 1977-06-08
Publication date: 1980-11-26

Description

(54) CLOCHE (71) I, LESLIE BARRINGTON NAYLOR, a British Subject of "Copplestone", 7A The Drove, Andover, Hampshire SP10 3NU, England, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to a cloche.

A previously proposed type of cloche comprises panes of translucent material attached to frame members permanently; this type of cloche gives rise to either inconvenient bulk even when it is stored as compactly as possible or, frequently, difficulty of re-assembly without damage. It is generally difficult to dismantle without high risk of damage to the pane when fragile and it necessitates removal of the cloche, or a substantial portion thereof, when it is desired to gain ready access to the crops thereunder.

Various attempts have been made to solve this problem for example by providing individually slidable or removable panes for access to the crop, but it has been necessary for such access to be from one side only, with a small angle of access about the vertical, which restricts effects of weather, such as, for example, rain or sunshine, through an open portion of the cloche, where these are desired for the crops; and such a cloche has been unnecessarily costly to manufacture.

The manufacture of dismantlable cloches has usually been a matter of precise dimensioning, particularly of the panes, giving rise to the need for careful attention, and the product has invariably been fixed in height and width.

When two or more parallel rows of crops are grown, it has previously been necessary to use an equal number of separate cloches or rows thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cloche wherein the aboveindicated disadvantages are eliminated or substantially reduced.

According to the present invention, viewed from one aspect, I provide an assembled dismountable cloche comprising an array of rows and parallel columns of upright members each having attached thereto or integral therewith a stake which is arranged to retain that member in soil, and each formed along the entire height thereof with a rectilinear slot, the slots being arranged in pairs aligned one in each of two adjacent members of each column and each member other than terminal ones of the columns having at least two such slots, vertical panes of translucent material each fitting closely widthwise in an aligned pair of the slots and having a height greater than that of the members, a plurality of platforms each of which is connected to or integral with at least two clips clipping and securing that platform on to a respective vertical pane with the clips spanning a major portion of the length of that pane, and a plurality of spacing-members each connecting two of the upright members from respective adjacent columns rigidly together with the platforms and spacing-members horizontal.

In one preferred embodiment of the present assembled cloche, suitable for use as a horticultural or agricultural windbreak, all the vertical panes extend in one and the same direction. There is no significant loss of rigidity.

In another preferred embodiment, the cloche comprises horizontal panes of translucent material each bridging at least two of the platforms aligned from respective adjacent columns, to rest with marginal regions of that pane in contact with the respective platforms, the width of each spacing-member being determined by that of its associated horizontal pane.

Terminal members are preferably formed with two penpendicular slots, the cloche having end vertical panes arranged perpendicu lar to the aforesaid vertical panes.

According to the invention, viewed from another aspect, I provide a dismantled cloche comprising a plurality of rectilinear members; in a preferred assembly each having attached thereto or integral therewith a stake which is arranged to retain that member in soil, the members each being formed along the entire height thereof with rectilinear slots, and some of the members being formed thus with at least two such slots, first panes of translucent material which are of such thickness as to fit closely widthwise in the respective slots and which each have a height greater than that of the members, a plurality of platforms, and at least two clips arranged for connexion to, or integral with, each platform, and such that, in use said clips clip and secure that platform on to a first vertical pane with those clips spanning a major portion of the length of that pane and with the platform horizontal, and with a plurality of spacingmembers arranged for connexion to the upright members, with the spacing-members horizontal and standing perpendicularly to the vertical panes, and second covering panes of translucent material. Each platform is preferably integral with a respective pair of the clips.

In the present assembled and dismantled cloches, the upright members are preferably of aluminium extrudate, if desired of low density, or wood, but may alternatively be of plastics material as a preferred material.

When low density aluminium extrudate or plastics material is used, the thickness and the width of the upright members may advantageously generally be less than when wood is used. When aluminium extrudate is used, the stakes may, if desired, be integral therewith, respectively, and may each bear spiked extending portions.

In one preferred embodiment of the assembled cloche the slots are aligned in parallel lines to render the cloch continuous; preferably there are either two only of such lines to form a simple cloche, in which case preferably the clips from each platform alternate along the length of the pane, or three such lines to form a double cloche the vertical panes in the middle one of the three lines each having two platforms clipped or secured thereon or the upright members in that line each having two spacing-members connected thereto, in either case one on each side of that pane as described above.

The spacing-members are preferably arranged to assemble with respective pairs of the clips of two adjacent lines to be perpendicular thereto to maintain the array fixed.

In another preferred embodiment there are more than three such lines similarly arranged, in which case the cloche may be used as a cold frame.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the terminal members which are also terminal members of rows are formed with two perpendicular slots and are arranged as corner members in the array, the cloche having two sets of vertical panes arranged perpendicularly, for example as in a cold frame. Such an array may optionally be in the shape of an "L" or a "T", three or four sides of a rectangle, or any other combination thereof, with maximum economy in the use of the translucent material. When the terminal members are of grained wood they have preferably each been made with each slot parallel to the grain direction.

The translucent material may be of any conventional material suitable for use in a cloche, for example, glass. Both the vertical and horizontal panes may be of sheets of glass of any standard size or, if desired, the horizontal panes may be of fixed width and varied length between each set of two adjacent platforms.

The components of the present dismantled cloche may be assembled in desired combination in any numbers to produce the continuous assembled cloche of any desired length. The width of the cloche may also be selected to the requirements for, for example, a particular crop and the available glass.

The present dismantled cloche allows for compact storage and facile erection therefrom of the present assembled cloche.

Adjustability of the height of the cloche is also possible, for example to suit the requirements of the crop, or to allow for altered heights of available vertical panes.

The present assembled continuous cloche has an advantage, when it comprises brittle panes, that a broken pane may be trimmed to a straight edge and a new pane of desired length may, if desired, be added. The broken pane may then be used as a horizontal pane.

Since the assembled cloche is dismountable to the present dismantled cloche, any broken pane may be replaced, if desired as indicated above, without the necessity to replace any other component.

The assembled cloche is well arranged to withstand rapid or great changes in temperature because positive allowance for differential expansion is made.

The longitudinal positioning of each vertical pane in associated slots may be varied to provide a desired compromise between weatherproofing and ventilation, which is always provided within a very wide range of degree.

When the cloche or each horizontal pane is sufficiently short, it is possible to gain access to the interior of the cloche simply by sliding a horizontal pane or panes on the platforms.

The present assembled cloche may be readily and rapidly dismantled and the present dismantled cloche readily and rapidly assembled with minimal risk of damage to the panes when fragile.

An embodiment of the invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein: - Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a dismantlable cloche; Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the end of the dismantlable cloche shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dismantlable cloche shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Referring to Figure 1, two upright members 1 are each formed with two rectilinear slots and with a stake for retaining the member in the soil. Four vertical panes 3 of translucent material fit closely widthwise in the respective slots 2 and each have a height greater than the height of each member 1, the drawing not being to scale. The lines marked 4 denote opposite edges of a horizontal translucent pane 10 (see Figure 3). A spacing-member 5 is provided passing through holes perforated through both members 1 to be perpendicular thereto.

Spring clips 11 on the exterior of the respective members 1 retain the member firmly in a desired position determined by the width of the horizontal pane 10 and assist in preventing it from becoming loosened from the cloche. Spring clips 12 on the interior of the respective members 1, conveniently identical to the clips 11, also assist in the retention and positioning of the member 5; the clips 12 are optional. The member 5 may, if desired, be replaced by a rigid metal tie member secured to the members 1 by any conventional means, for example by means of a screwthreaded disc. In Figure 2, wherein the reference numeral 3 denotes like parts, a terminal upright member 6 is shown formed with two perpendicular slots 7 and is arranged as as a corner member. Two panes 3 are arranged perpendicularly.

In Figure 3, wherein like numerals denote like parts, a platform 9 is shown connected to a clip 8 which clips and secures the platform 9 on to the pane 3 with the platform 9 horizontal. The pane 10 rests with a marginal region 4 thereof in contact with the platform 9.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. An assembled dismountable cloche comprising an array of rows and parallel columns of upright members each having attached thereto or integral therewith a stake which is arranged to retain that member in soil, and each formed along the entire height thereof with a rectilinear slot, the slots being arranged in pairs aligned one in each of two adjacent members of each column and each member other than terminal ones of the columns having at least two such slots, vertical panes of translucent material each fitting closely widthwise in an aligned pair of the slots and having a height greater than that of the members, a plurality of platforms each of which is connected to or integral with at least two clips clipping and securing that platform on to a respective vertical pane with the clips spanning a major portion of the length of that pane, and with a plurality of spacingmembers each connecting two of the upright members from respective adjacent columns rigidly together with the platforms and spacing-members horizontal.

2. A cloche as claimed in Claim 1, suitable for use as a horticultural or agricultural windbreak, wherein all the vertical panes extend in one and the same direction.

3. A cloche as claimed in Claim 1, comprising horizontal panes of translucent material each bridging at least two of the platforms aligned from respective adjacent columns, to rest with marginal regions of that pane in contact with that of its associated horizontal pane.

4. A cloche as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the slots are aligned in parallel lines to render the cloche continuous.

5. A cloche as claimed in Claim 4 wherein there are two only of such lines to form a simple cloche.

6. A cloche as claimed in Claim 4 wherein there are three such lines to form a double cloche the vertical panes in the middle one of the three lines each having two platforms clipped or secured thereon or the upright members in that line each having two spacing-members connected thereto, in either case one on each side of that pane.

7. A cloche as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the terminal members are formed with two perpendicular slots, the cloche having end vertical panes arranged perpendicular to said vertical panes.

8. A dismantled cloche comprising a plurality of rectilinear members each formed along the entire height thereof with rectilinear slots and some of the members being formed thus with at least two such slots, first panes of translucent material which are of such thickness as to fit closely widthwise in the respective slots and which each have a height greater than that of the members, a plurality of platforms, and at least two clips arranged for connexion to, or integral with, each platform and such that, in use said clips clip and secure that platform on to a respective first vertical pane with those clips spanning a major portion of the length of that pane and with the platform horizontal, and a plurality of spacing-members arranged for connexion to the upright members, with the spacing-members horizontal and extending perpendicularly to the vertical panes, and second, covering panes of translucent material.

9. A cloche as claimed in Claim 8 wherein each upright member has attached

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. the panes when fragile. An embodiment of the invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein: - Figure 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a dismantlable cloche; Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the end of the dismantlable cloche shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dismantlable cloche shown in Figures 1 and 2. Referring to Figure 1, two upright members 1 are each formed with two rectilinear slots and with a stake for retaining the member in the soil. Four vertical panes 3 of translucent material fit closely widthwise in the respective slots 2 and each have a height greater than the height of each member 1, the drawing not being to scale. The lines marked 4 denote opposite edges of a horizontal translucent pane 10 (see Figure 3). A spacing-member 5 is provided passing through holes perforated through both members 1 to be perpendicular thereto. Spring clips 11 on the exterior of the respective members 1 retain the member firmly in a desired position determined by the width of the horizontal pane 10 and assist in preventing it from becoming loosened from the cloche. Spring clips 12 on the interior of the respective members 1, conveniently identical to the clips 11, also assist in the retention and positioning of the member 5; the clips 12 are optional. The member 5 may, if desired, be replaced by a rigid metal tie member secured to the members 1 by any conventional means, for example by means of a screwthreaded disc. In Figure 2, wherein the reference numeral 3 denotes like parts, a terminal upright member 6 is shown formed with two perpendicular slots 7 and is arranged as as a corner member. Two panes 3 are arranged perpendicularly. In Figure 3, wherein like numerals denote like parts, a platform 9 is shown connected to a clip 8 which clips and secures the platform 9 on to the pane 3 with the platform 9 horizontal. The pane 10 rests with a marginal region 4 thereof in contact with the platform 9. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. An assembled dismountable cloche comprising an array of rows and parallel columns of upright members each having attached thereto or integral therewith a stake which is arranged to retain that member in soil, and each formed along the entire height thereof with a rectilinear slot, the slots being arranged in pairs aligned one in each of two adjacent members of each column and each member other than terminal ones of the columns having at least two such slots, vertical panes of translucent material each fitting closely widthwise in an aligned pair of the slots and having a height greater than that of the members, a plurality of platforms each of which is connected to or integral with at least two clips clipping and securing that platform on to a respective vertical pane with the clips spanning a major portion of the length of that pane, and with a plurality of spacingmembers each connecting two of the upright members from respective adjacent columns rigidly together with the platforms and spacing-members horizontal.

9. A cloche as claimed in Claim 8 wherein each upright member has attached

thereto or integral therewith a stake which is arranged to retain that member in soil.

10. A cloche as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9 wherein each platform is integral with a respective pair of the clips.

11. A cloche as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10 wherein the upright members are of aluminium extrudate, wood, or plastics material.

12. An assembled dismountable cloche, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures 1 and 2 and Figure 3, of the accompanying drawing.

13. A dismantled cloche, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.