GB2147043A - Window construction incorporating means for cultivation of plants - Google Patents

Abstract

A window construction comprises an inner window 7 and an outer window 5 spaced apart by e.g. 10 to 90 cms., so as to define a cavity fitted out with framing 8 for seed boxes 9 for the cultivation of plant life. The inner window 7 is openable to allow access to the cavity from inside the room, and the outer window has ventilation means openable from the inside to allow ventilation of and through the cavity. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Window construction This invention relates to window constructions.

According to the present invention, there is provided a window construction comprising inner and outer windows spaced apart by a substantial distance, e.g., between a few inches (10 cm) and three feet (c.90cm), so as to define a cavity fitted out, or adapted to be fitted out, for the cultivation of plant life, the inner window being openable to allow access to the cavity from the inside, and the the outer window having ventilation means which is openable from the inside to allow ventilation of and through the cavity.

It is preferred that the cavity should have substantial width, if 60 cm., or more, but if space is limited, plants of appropriate habit may be grown in a space only about 10 cm across.

The cavity may be provided with framing to support seed boxes or other trays supporting plant material.

Internal faces of the cavity, e.g., the vertical side walls, may be wholly or partially reflective, e.g., in the form of mirrors, to enhance the visual effect.

The sides themselves may be windows, with or without ventilators, to allow light in through the side of the window construction.

The ventilation means in the outer window, and sides if appropriate, may be by louvres.

The window construction may be manufactured as a unit to be inserted in an existing window aperture of a building. The unit may be associated with a storage space, such as a cupboard, for keeping such tools and accessories such as a watering can, insecticidal spray and so forth as may be required.

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of window construction in accordance with the invention installed in a window aperture, as seen from the inside; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view showing one mode of installation of a window construction in a wall; Figure 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and showing an alternative mode of installation; and Figure 4 is a further similar view showing a further alternative mode of installation.

Fig. 1 shows part of a wall 1 of a building, provided with a window aperture 2 of substantial size, e.g., for a sash window.

In the upper part of the window aperture 2 there is installed a fixed window 3, e.g., of conventional double glazing, and below this generally indicated by the reference numeral 4 is a form of window construction in accordance with the present invention.

It will be appreciated that a window construction in accordance with the invention need not necessarily be associated with a conventional window, but may fill a complete window aperture. In the case of a high window aperture, access to upper part could be by step ladder or the like.

The construction 4 comprises an outer window 5, part of which is constituted by louvres 6 which may be controlled from inside the room by any suitable means, such as pull cords or remotely controlled electric motors.

The window construction 4 further includes a pair of inner windows 7, which are openable from the inside and may fold back flat against the wall 1 if required. The windows 7 are shown as comprising first and second window panels hinged along an axis 7a.

It will be appreciated that this is only one particular configuration. Use may be made of single windows which fold and lift clear.

The inner windows 7, of whatever configuration, may be also provided with ventilators e.g., of louvre construction, to allow a flow of air, even when the inner window itself is closed.

The inner and outer windows are shown spaced apart by a substantial distance, e.g., between 2 ft (60 cm) and 3 ft (90 cm). The space between the inner and outer windows thus forms a substantial cavity and Fig. 1 shows how this cavity is provided with framing generally indicated at 8 which supports trays 9 for the cultivation of plant material. In the arrangement shown in the drawing, there are two stacks of trays for growing small plants and there is a central gap between the stacks of trays in which taller plants may grow. Obviously, the trays 9 are removable and the framing may be provided with interchangeable parts to enable the user to select the configuration best suited to current needs and to change it as and when required.The suggested minimum distance of 60 cm is not limitative upon the invention, and if space is limited, worthwhile horticulture, e.g., using decorative plants of flat habit, may be achieved in a space only a few inches across.

Fig. 1 shows the provision of a cupboard, generally indicated by 10 in which tools and equipment for maintenance of the garden within the cavity may be stored.

It will be seen that by using a window construction in accordance with the invention, any window may be partly or wholly utilised as a small greenhouse, with considerable advantages over a conventional window box in that it is totally accessible from inside of the room and presents far less of a hazard from falling material outside. The provision of the ventilator 6 enables the cavity to be ventilated even though the inner window 7 is in a closed position, and if required the ventilation may be allowed into the room by opening the inner windows 7. The use of the window construction adds brightness and interest to any room and also enables flowers, salad plants, or seedlings to be raised effectively within a room but with fresh air ventilation.

It may be felt desirable to insert a source of heat, by a small electric heater, in the cavity to maintain greenhouse conditions.

Fig. 2 shows the window construction 4 installed in the wall 1 so as to project largely into the room, and it also shows how with a suitable choice of height for the window construction 4, the cultivation can be carried out from the comfort of a chair, thus enabling elderly or handicapped people to have some of the pleasures of gardening.

In this configuration the use of a glazed top and/or sides would allow a wider decorative view from the room, and would also lead to interesting lighting effects.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative arrangement, which gives minimum interference with the accommodation within the room, having the construction 4 projection basically on the outside of the wall 1 with the inner window 7 substantially flush with the inner surface of the wall 1. In this arrangement, the projecting top and/or sides of the window construction may be glazed, and possibly provided with ventilators.

Fig. 4 shows an intermediate arrangement in which the construction 4 is mounted in the wall 1 so as to project into the room by a small distance.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A window construction comprising inner and outer windows spaced apart by a substantial distance, e.g., between a few inches (10 cm) and three feet (c.90cm), so as to define a cavity fitted out, or adapted to be fitted out, for the cultivation of plant life, the inner window being openable to allow access to the cavity from the inside, and the outer window having ventilation means which is openable from the inside to allow ventilation of and through the cavity.

2. A window construction as claimed in claim 1, in which the cavity is provided with framing to support seed boxes on other trays supporting plant material.

3. A window construction as claimed in claim 1 and 2, in which internal faces of the cavity are wholly or partially reflective.

4. A window construction as claimed in claim 3, in which vertical side walls of the cavity are in the form of mirrors.

5. A window construction as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which vertical side walls of the cavity are in the forms of windows.

6. A window construction as claimed in claim 5, in which the vertical side walls are provided with ventilating means.

7. A window construction as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the ventilation means is in the form of louvres.

8. A window construction as claimed in any of the preceding claims, associated with storage space.

9. A window construction as claimed in any of preceding claims, in which the cavity is provided with a space heating means.

10. A window construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.