GB2522624A

GB2522624A - A roofing module

Info

Publication number: GB2522624A
Application number: GB1401503.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Peter Matthias
Original assignee: CHA TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
Current assignee: CHA TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
Priority date: 2014-01-29
Filing date: 2014-01-29
Publication date: 2015-08-05
Also published as: GB201401503D0

Abstract

A roofing module 1 comprises base and at least one side wall, wherein the base 20 comprises a semi-rigid nonwoven textile material which is substantially liquid permeable. The module may be made from a single piece of folded nonwoven textile material. The nonwoven textile material may be made from polymeric fibres or natural fibres which may be fused together. The roofing module may have a lid 4 with apertures 8 therein. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a roofing module comprising the steps of folding a piece of nonwoven textile material, t least partially filling with a growing medium and planting seeds or plants therein.

Description

A ROOFING MODULE

The present invention relates to a roofing module for growing plants in, and a method for preparing such a roofing module for installation.

A roof upon which plant growth is encouraged is referred to as a "green roof'. Buildings are the most common location for a green roof, although other roofs may be suitable, for example the roof of a boat. A roof may be designed from the outset to be a green roof, or alternatively may be retrofitted with a green roof arrangement. In both cases, a green roof comprises plants growing in a growing medium, the growing medium being located on the roof. Typically, the growing medium is placed on top of the usual waterproof layers of a roof, making the plant growing medium and the plants the outermost layers of a green roof.

The implementation of a green roof, either by design or having been retrofitted, has a number of benefits, both for the owners of the building on which it is installed and for people living or working in the surrounding area. These benefits may be environmental, financial, or aesthetic, or combinations thereof.

Of particular importance is how a green roof affects the flow of rain water. Because of the water retentive properties of a green roof, particularly of the growing-medium and of a green roof module, the flow rate of rain water from a green roof to the ground is retarded.

Consequently, the quantity of water entering a drainage system is more evenly spread over time, thereby reducing the risk of the drainage system being overwhelmed by large amounts of water in a short period of time. In particular, this may reduce the risk of flooding and damage to drainage systems. While the rain water is retained on and in a green roof it may also evaporate, thereby reducing the total volume of water eventually flowing from the roof into the drainage system, and thus also reducing the total volume of water which the drainage system must handle. Furthermore, water running off a roof may wash pollutants from, for example, the road and/or pavements into the drainage system. A green roof may reduce the quantity of these pollutants entering the drainage system and the water system in general.

As well as affecting the flow of rain water, a green roof also provides a thermally insulating layer on the top of a building. This insulating property reduces heat loss through the roof of the building, thus reducing heating costs. A building's roof is also commonly dark in colour, and absorbs a significant proportion of the incident energy from the Sun, thereby heating the roofing material. This heating causes the temperature inside the building to rise undesirably during sunny weather. Green roofs typically absorb less incident energy, thereby reducing the heating effect by the Sun's energy. A green roof reduces the amount of energy required to maintain the building at a given temperature. This reduction of energy consumption is both environmentally friendly, and reduces costs, particularly with regard to fuel costs. A green roof accordingly reduces the temperature control burden on heating and cooling equipment, thus extending the lifetime of said equipment and reducing any associated costs.

Furthermore, the green roof protects the undeilying roof structure from damaging effects of the weather. For example, over long periods of time, ultra-violet (UV) sunlight has a detrimental effect on the integrity of many conventional building materials, including some standard roofing materials. A green roof effectively blocks UV light impinging on the underlying roof structure, extending its life. Furthermore, the insulating properties of a green roof may reduce the detrimental effects of freezing conditions on the underlying roofing material, again extending its lifetime.

Build-up of harmful gases and particulates in the atmosphere from vehicles and/or industry is a notable problem in some urban areas. The plants of green roofs may help to clean the air of these pollutants, ensuring the urban environment is a more pleasant place to live or work.

This is environmentally friendly, and reduces a building's net environmental impact.

For these and other reasons, green roofs are becoming increasingly popular.

In installing a green roof, a roof structure is covered by a layer of growth medium, in which plants are grown. Roofs come in many sizes, and commonly have pitched surfaces.

Modular green roofing systems simplify the covering of such roofs without the need to develop a bespoke covering for each. A typical known modular system comprises a number of identical units that tessellate together in order to cover the roof. A single module may consist of a tray, typically constructed from plastic. Each tray includes a series of depressions, which allow water to pool inside. This water may then be absorbed by the roots of the growing plants. Below the tray, there may be a drainage layer, which allows water to overflow from the trays, across the roof, and to the ground. There may also be a filter layer provided in order to reduce the washing-away of the growth medium.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved roofing module. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for preparing a roofing module.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roofing module suitable for growing plants in; the roofing module having a base, and at least one side wall; at least the base comprising a semi-rigid nonwoven textile material; the nonwoven textile material being substantially liquid-permeable.

Conveniently, the module is formed from a single piece of folded semi-rigid nonwoven textile material.

Advantageously, the nonwoven textile material has a plurality of polymeric fibres, at least some of said fibres being fused to one another.

Optionally, said plurality of polymeric fibres includes a plurality of core-sheath bi-component fibres, each fibre including an inner core and an outer sheath, the sheaths of said bi-component fibres being fused to one another.

Conveniently, said inner core of polymeric material has a first melting point, and said outer sheath of polymeric material has a second melting point, the second melting point being lower than the first melting point.

Advantageously, the nonwoven textile material has a plurality of natural fibres.

Optionally, at least some of said fibres are fused to one another.

Conveniently, said fibres are fused to one another using a binding agent.

Advantageously, the nonwoven textile material is substantially porous.

Optionally, the nonwoven textile material is configured to absorb at least some liquid.

Conveniently, the module is substantially rectangular in form and has four said side walls.

Advantageously, the roofing module has a lid, the lid being provided in spaced relation to the base.

Optionally, the lid is moveable between a closed configuration, in which lid is spaced from the base, and an open configuration.

Conveniently, the lid has at least one aperture.

Advantageously, at least one wall has at least one aperture.

Optionally, the roofing module is at least partially filled with a plant growing medium.

Conveniently, the base is configured to inhibit the passage of the plant growing media through the base of the roofing module.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing a roofing module, the method including the steps of: folding a piece of nonwoven textile material to thereby form the roofing module; at least partially filling the roofing module with plant-growing medium; planting plants or seeds into the plant-growing medium.

Conveniently, the step of at least partially filling the roof module with plant-growing medium is carried out prior to step of planting plants or seeds into the at least one plant-growing medium.

Advantageously, the method includes the step of tending the plants and or seeds while the plants or seeds are in the roofing module.

Optionally, the method includes the step of installing the roofing module on the roof of a building.

Conveniently, the method includes the step of installing a plurality of said building roofing modules on a roof of a building to thereby substantially cover a region of said roof.

Advantageously, the step of tending the plants and or seeds while the plants and or seeds are in the roofing module is carried out prior to the step of installing the roofing module on the roof of the building.

So that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a top view of a net for a roofing module in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a roofing module produced from the net shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the roofing module shown in figure 2 that has been partially filled with soil; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the roofing module shown in figure 3 where plants and seeds have been planted in the soil; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the roofing module shown in figure 4 where the lid is shown in a closed configuration; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the roofing module shown in figure 5 in which the plants are being tending in accordance with the present invention, and have grown so as to extend out of the roofing module; Figure 7 shows a plurality of roofing modules in accordance with various embodiments installed on the roof of a building in accordance with various methods of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a roofing module including a single generally rectangular aperture in the lid in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of a roofing module including a single oval aperture in the lid in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a roofing module with a separable, and separated, base and lid components in accordance with the present invention.

Turning now to consider the drawings in more detail, there is illustrated in figure 1 a net 1 of material. The net 1 is formed from a single piece of semi-rigid material in accordance with the present invention, which is shown lying flat in figure 1. The net 1 may be folded to form a roofing module according to the present invention, as will be described in more detail below.

The net 1 has a top surface 2, and an oppositely directed bottom surface 3 (not visible in figure 1). The net 1 comprises two main regions, namely a first generally rectangular region 4 and a second generally rectangular region 5. The two rectangular regions 4, 5 are delineated from one another by an interconnecting fold line 6, which is predefined as a crease or score line formed in the material of the net.

The first rectangular region 4 includes a central rectangular lid portion 7, which includes a plurality of apertures 8 formed through the material of the central lid portion 7. A first pair of side flaps 9 extend outwardly from respective opposite sides of the central lid portion 7. The first side flaps 9 are delineated from the lid portion 7 by respective first side flap fold lines 10, each of which extends in the y-direction shown in figure 1.

The first rectangular region 4 of the net 1 further includes a lid end flap 11. The lid end flap 11 is generally rectangular and elongate in the x-direction shown in figure 1. The lid end flap 11 is delineated from the central lid portion 7 by an end flap fold line 12, which extends in the x-direction. A respective small locating tab 13 extends outwardly from each end of the lid end flap 11 generally in the x-direction. The locating tabs 13 are each delineated from the lid end flap 11 by a respective locating tab fold line 14, each of which is substantially aligned with a respective first side flap fold line 10. Each locating tab 13 has a free arcuate edge 15.

At a central position along the free edge 16 of the lid end flap 11, there is provided a substantially rectangular lid locking tab 17, the tab 17 projecting outwardly from the lid end flap 11 and delineated therefrom by a locking tab fold line 18. An elongate slit 19 is formed through the material of the net 1 at a central position along, and aligned with, the locking tab fold line 18.

Turning now to consider the second rectangular region 5 of the net 1, it will be noted that the second rectangular region 5 includes a central rectangular base portion 20. The central lid portion 7 and the central base portion 20 are interconnected by a rectangular interconnecting region 21. The central base portion 20 and the central lid portion are connected to respective opposite sides of the rectangular interconnecting region 21. Interconnecting region 21 is delineated from the central lid portion 7 by the interconnecting fold line 6, which extends in the x-direction. Furthermore, on the opposite side of the interconnecting region 21 to the central lid portion 7, the interconnecting region 21 is delineated from the central base portion 20 by an interconnecting base fold line 22, which also extends in the x-direction.

A first pair of generally rectangular corner flaps 23 projects outwardly in the x-direction from respective opposite sides of the interconnecting region 21. The corner flaps 23 are delineated from the interconnecting region 21 by respective first corner fold lines 24, which extend in the y-direction shown in figure 1.

On the opposite side of the central base portion 20 to the interconnecting region 21, there is provided a generally rectangular base end flap 25, which is elongate in the x-direction. The base end flap 25 projects outwardly from the central base portion 20 in the y-direction, and is delineated therefrom by a base end fold line 26.

A second pair of generally rectangular corner flaps 27 projects outwardly in the x-direction from respective opposite sides of the base end flap 25. The corner flaps 27 are delineated from the base end flap 25 by respective second corner fold lines 28, which extend in the y-direction shown in figure 1.

At a central position along the base end fold line 26 there is a generally U-shaped incision 29 passing completely through the material. The two parallel sides of the incision 29 traverse the base end fold line 26. Extending outwardly in the x-direction from each of the two intersections of the U-shaped incision 29 and the base-end fold line 26 is a short slit 30, the slits 30 passing completely through the material. The U-shaped incision 29 defines a locking tongue 31, which incorporates a pair of parallel fold lines 32.

A second pair of side flaps 33 extend outwardly from respective opposite sides of the rectangular base portion 20. The second side flaps 33 are delineated from the central base portion 20 by respective second side fold lines 34, which extend in the y-direction as shown in figure 1. Each of the second side flaps 33 is divided in to two generally rectangular sub-regions of substantially equal size by a pair of closely-spaced parallel flap fold lines 35, 36, both extending in the y-direction.

A pair of narrow side tabs 37 extend outwardly from each of the two second side flap free edges 38. The side tabs 37 are elongate in the y-direction and are spaced apart from one another in the y-direction.

The base portion 20 further includes four rectangular slots 39. Each of the slots 39 is elongate in the y-direction and has a length substantially equal to the extent in the y-direction of each of the side tabs 37. Each of the slots 39 further has a width in the x-direction that is substantially equal to the thickness of the sheet of material from which the net 1 is formed.

The slots 39 are provided in two pairs, each pair being aligned with a respective second side fold line 34.

The net 1 illustrated in figure 1 may be folded to form a roofing module as illustrated in figure 2. A possible sequence of folding steps to form the preferred embodiment is described in detail below.

Initially, the folding of the second generally rectangular region 5 is considered. The first pair of corner flaps 23 are folded through approximately GO degrees about their respective first corner fold lines 24 so as to lie generally perpendicular to the interconnecting region 21.

Similarly, the second pair of corner flaps 27 are folded through approximately 90 degrees about their respective second respective corner fold lines 28 so as to lie generally perpendicular to the base end flap 25.

The base end flap 25 is folded through approximately 90 degrees about the base end fold line 26 such that it becomes substantially perpendicular to the central base portion 20. In this position the base end flap 25 forms a generally vertical wall. Similarly, the interconnecting region 21 is folded through approximately 90 degrees about the interconnecting base fold line 22 such that it lies substantially perpendicular to the central base portion 20, the interconnecting region 21 thereby forming a second generally vertical wall.

At this stage, it will be appreciated that the first and second corner flaps 23, 27 are generally perpendicular to the base portion 20. Furthermore, the first pair of corner flaps are aligned with respective second side fold lines 34. Similarly, the second pair of corner flaps 27 are also aligned with respective second side fold lines 34.

The second side flaps 33 are then folded along their respective second side fold lines 34 through approximately 90 degrees, such that they lie substantially perpendicular to the base portion 20. It will be appreciated that the first sub-region of the side flaps 33 abuts against the corner flaps 23, 27. The second-sub region of the side flaps 33 is then folded along a first parallel fold line 35 through approximately 90 degrees, and then along a second parallel fold line 36 through a further 90 degrees such that the first and second sub-regions of each second side flap 33 are substantially parallel to each other, each abutting respective opposite sides of each corner flap 23, 27. The tabs 37 are then inserted in to the slots 39, thereby maintaining the first and second sub-regions parallel to one another.

After the folding steps described above have been carried out a roofing module as shown in figure 2 is formed.

Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the same embodiment of the present invention as is shown in figure 1 after the folding steps outlined above. The corner flaps 23, 27 are shown ghosted between the sub-regions of the second side flaps 33. A rectangular container is thus defined by the central base portion 20, and four sidewalls 21, 25, 33. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of the sidewalls 33 are each formed from two layers of material due to their folded over nature arising from the sub-regions of the second side flaps 33. These double-thickness walls increase the overall structural rigidity of the roofing module.

The roofing module is illustrated in figure 2 in an empty condition and ready to be filled with growing medium. It will be noted that the roofing module may have been folded to have the lid portion in an open configuration or a closed configuration.

Figure 3 illustrates the roofing module after it has been partially filled with a suitable growing medium such as soil 40. The soil 40 is generally contained by the central base portion 20, and the four generally vertical walls 21, 25, 33. The step of filling the roofing module with growing medium may be done either: via the open lid portion 7; or via the apertures 8 in the lid portion 7 when the lid portion is in its closed configuration. At this stage the roofing module is at least partially filled with plant growing medium 40, and is ready for the planting of plants or seeds therein.

Figure 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 3 after seeds 41 and plants 42 have been planted in the soil 40. A variety of planting methods may be used, as are known in the art; for example seeding or plug-planting. Again, the plants 42 and seeds 41 may be planted equally as effectively either: via the lid portion 7 in its open configuration; or via the apertures 8 in the lid portion 7, when the lid portion is in its closed configuration. Alternatively, it is envisaged that seeds 41 may be planted into the soil prior to the soil 40 actually being placed in the roofing module.

Figure 5 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 4 with the central lid portion 7 in a closed configuration. To transition the central lid portion 7 into its illustrated closed configuration, first side flaps 9 are each folded through approximately 90 degrees about first side flap fold lines 10 such that they are generally perpendicular to the central lid portion 7. The central lid portion 7 is folded through approximately 90 degrees about the interconnecting fold line 6, such that it is generally perpendicular to the interconnecting region 21. The central lid portion 7 is then in spaced relation to the central base portion 20. The first side flaps 9 are substantially inside the container when the lid is in the closed configuration, abutting against the respective second side flaps 33. The lid end flap 11 is then folded through approximately 90 degrees about the end flap fold line 12, such that the lid end flap 11 abuts the base end flap 25. The locating tabs 13 are then inserted between the first and second sub-regions of the second side flaps 33. Finally, the locking tab 17 is inserted into the slit 30 and the locking tongue 31 is inserted into the elongate slit 19.

With the central lid portion 7 in the closed configuration, the soil 40, the seeds 41, and the plants 42, are all exposed via the apertures 8, which are formed completely through the material of the lid central portion 7. The seeds 41 and plants 42 are now ready to be allowed to germinate and/or grow. It is therefore proposed that the plants and seeds will be tended at this stage. This tending of the plants may include, but is not limited to: watering, feeding, application of pesticides, pruning, cufting, trimming, or controlling the atmosphere, temperature or lighting conditions around the roofing module.

Figure 6 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 5 where the plants 42 are being tended by watering 43. The seeds 41 and the plants 42 are shown in a condition in which they have germinated and/or grown into mature plants 44.

The mature plants 44 now project from the soil 40 through the apertures 8 formed in the central lid portion 7. After tending, the roofing module 100 may be suitable for installation on the roof 45 of a building 46.

The final step of the preferred method of the present invention involves installing a plurality of the roofing modules 100 on the roof of a building. The roofing modules 48 will preferably be arranged such that they tessellate with one another to substantially cover a region of the roof 45. The covered region may be the entire roof, or it may be at least one sub-region.

The roofing modules 48 may therefore only partially cover the roof on which they are installed. As the plants in the roofing modules continue to mature following installation of the roofing modules on the roof 45 of a building 46, they will grow across the spaces between the apertures 8 of adjacent roofing modules, thereby making the roofing modules themselves a hidden element of the green roof.

Figure 7 shows a plurality of roofing modules 48 as shown in figure 6, which have been installed on a pitched roof 45 of a building 46. The roofing modules 48 have been installed on top of the underlying tiling material 47 of the roof 45. Five roofing modules 48 are shown partially covering the roof 45 and are tessellated together such that there are generally no gaps between the side walls of adjacent modules. It should be noted that the plants inside the roofing modules 48 have been allowed to grow significantly prior to the roofing modules 48 being installed on the roof 45.

It will be appreciated that in order to form a roofing module 100 as described above, the material from which it is constructed should be semi-rigid such that it can structurally support itself. It has been found that a suitable material is a semi-rigid nonwoven textile. Such a textile has the necessary rigidity and advantageous pliability to be folded in to a roofing module according to the present invention. Nonwoven textiles and their production are described below. Further described are a number of properties of a nonwoven textile material that are beneficial to a roofing module constructed therefrom.

A nonwoven textile is a material in which a number of generally randomly orientated fibres are interlinked and or connected to form a sheet-like textile. The fibres are not woven together in an orderly fashion as in conventional woven textiles, but are instead interlinked and/or connected randomly. A nonwoven textile material may include a plurality of interlinked natural and/or synthetic fibres. In the present invention, it is envisaged that these synthetic fibres may be polymeric fibres such as, for example, polyester or polyactide (PLA) fibres. However, it is to be understood that other materials may be suitable, including polypropylene.

Alternatively, the fibres may be naturally occurring, either from animals for example wools, or from vegetable matter for example bast fibres. The fibres may also be semi-synthetic in their manufacture, for example viscoses/rayon, as are known in the art. These fibres may be used to produce a nonwoven textile in the manner described below.

Initially, the fibres may be combined and mixed in a carding process, as is known in the art.

Carding produces a tenuous, generally sheet-like, web of fibres.

The web may then be subjected to a process of "needle-punching", as is known in the art.

The needle-punching process involves pushing a plurality of barbed needles through the web of fibres. The needles and the barbs thereon, push and pull fibres substantially past one another in the web, and generally through the sheet-like fibre web. These pushed and pulled fibres provide cross-links substantially through the fibre web, thereby mechanically interlocking the fibres, thereby increasing strength. Furthermore, during the needle-punching process, the web of fibres is compressed and the textile is therefore thinner and denser than its foregoing fibre web.

A plurality of core-sheath bi-component fibres can be included in the fibre web. These fibres have an inner core of a first polymer with a first melting point, and an outer sheath of a second polymer with a second melting point, the second melting point being lower than the first melting point. After needle-punching, heat may be applied via a calendar roll to the textile, whereupon the material of the outer sheath of the bi-component fibres melts. The melted outer sheaths of adjacent bi-components fibres then fuse with one another, becoming permanently fused upon cooling. In this way, at least some of the fibres of the nonwoven textile may be fused to one another, forming an interconnected matrix of fibres and increasing the rigidity and strength of the textile.

An alternative to using a heated calendar roll to bond the fibre web may be point bonding. In this case, the calendar roll may be embossed with a pattern. When heat is applied to the fibre web via such a calendar roll the embossing pattern is imprinted into the non-woven fabric, bonding the fabric according to the pattern on the roll. Again, pressure and/or heat is applied to the fabric web by calendar rollers in the embossed region, causing melting of at least some of the fibres in the web. These melted fibres then fuse with one another, becoming permanently fused upon cooling.

Alternatively, the fibres of the nonwoven textile may be fused to one another by a binder agent. A binder agent may be applied wet to the fibre web, or to the fibres themselves before the fibres are formed into the fibre web. A binder agent could alternatively be applied to the fibres after the fibre web has been formed. Subsequently, the binder agent may be allowed to dry, thereby fusing at least some of the constituent fibres to one another. A suitable binder agent may be synthetic, for example synthetic glues or latex, acetates, or synthetic resins. Alternatively, a suitable binder may be naturally occurring, for example natural glues or latex.

There are of course other suitable methods of bonding non-woven textiles as are known in the art. For example, ultrasonic bonding in which rapidly alternating compressive forces causes stresses in the textile which in turn cause heating and melting of at least some of the fibres. These fibres melt and fuse with one another, becoming permanently fused after the removal of the ultrasonic source, and subsequent cooling of the fibres.

A net for the formation of a preferred embodiment roofing module may be cut from a larger sheet of the aforementioned semi-rigid nonwoven textile material. This cutting process may include die cutting, or any other suitable method of sheet cufting known in the art.

Furthermore, creases and/or scores may be applied to the net in predefined regions or along predefined paths or lines to aid folding of the net. The creases or scores may be applied to the material of the net during the cutting process, or at another time.

In summary, the completed semi-rigid nonwoven textile material described above may include a plurality of fibres, some of which may be fused to one another. Gaps exist between these fibres through which liquid may pass, making the textile substantially permeable to liquids. Liquid may therefore pass in to and out of a roofing module constructed from said textile. Such liquids may include for example water, rain water, liquid herbicide, liquid pesticide, or any other liquid which can pass through the liquid permeable textile. Said liquid may also have substances completely dissolved within it, which can therefore also pass through the textile with the liquid, for example herbicides, pesticides, plant feed or any other solution.

The inter-fibre gaps substantially define voids between the fibres. Liquid may remain temporarily trapped in these voids, making the textile substantially porous and retarding the flow of water through it. In the context of the present invention, liquid inside a roofing module constructed from the textile does not simply flow through the textile, but instead this flow is delayed as some liquid becomes retained in the voids. This liquid will eventually slowly flow from the textile and the roof module. In the meantime however, this temporarily retained liquid may be utilised by the growing plants and or seeds inside the roofing module.

The impeded flow of water from the roofing module to the ground may also be of significant benefit to the drainage system, as described earlier.

The inter-fibre gaps may also give the textile filtering properties. Solid paiticles larger than the inter-fibre gaps are unable to pass between the fibres and through the textile. Because the textile is liquid permeable, such solids are effectively filtered from the liquid. A roofing module according to the present invention may be at least partially filled with a growing medium that may include solids, for example soil and/or aggregate. The textile material inhibits the passage of soil and/or aggregate from the inside of the roofing module to the outside of the roofing module, filtering it from any liquids. Such filtering may reduce the depletion of the soil from the roofing module through being washed away by water flow, thereby reducing soil replenishment requirements during the lifetime of the roofing module.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention described above includes an array of apertures 8 in the lid portion 7 of the module. It should be understood however, that other configurations, quantities and shapes of apertures are possible, and are in accordance with the present invention. Two further embodiments of the invention are described below, each having a different aperture configuration from the preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention shown are not limiting to the different aperture configurations that are in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 8, for example, shows a second embodiment of a roofing module according to the present invention, which includes a single, centrally located, generally rectangular aperture 49 in the central lid portion 7. In this embodiment, the central lid portion 7 is shown in a closed configuration.

Figure 9, for example, shows a third embodiment of a roofing module according to the present invention, which includes a single, centrally located, generally oval-shaped aperture in the central lid portion 7. In this embodiment, the central lid portion 7 is shown in a closed configuration.

It is also to be understood that a roofing module according to present invention need not be constructed from a single piece of material, and that multiple pieces may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 10, for example, shows a fourth embodiment of a roofing module according to the present invention, which has a separable base portion 52 and lid portion 53. The base portion 52 and the lid portion 53 are shown in a separated, open configuration. The arrow 54 indicates how the lid portion 53 may be moved in order to bring it in to a connected, closed configuration with the base portion 52. In the closed configuration, the lid edge lips 55 are configured to abut against the respective side walls 56 of the base portion 52.

Whilst the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is to be appreciated that modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

The particular net illustrated in figure 1 may be formed into a roofing module 100 according to the present invention, ready for installation on a roof 45 of a building 46. However, it is to be appreciated that roofing modules according to the present invention are not limited to being formed from nets of material of the configuration illustrated in figure 1. The roofing modules illustrated and described specifically herein are in a basic form to represent clearly the general concept of the invention. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilises a particular configuration of net 1 for formation of the roofing module 100. It is to be understood, however, that other simpler or more complex folding configurations of semi-rigid nonwoven textile material may also be used. In particular, it is envisaged that roofing modules according to the present invention could include multiple layers of material, either throughout or in pre-defined regions of the module. A roofing module according to the present invention could also be formed using just a single layer of semi-rigid nonwoven material throughout.

It is to be appreciated that roofing modules according to the present invention are not limited to the flat-pack configuration described above; they may be supplied generally pre-formed.

Pre-formation may include folding a single net of material to form said roofing module, or formation of the roofing module from multiple pieces of material. In either case, the material of the roofing module may be semi-permanently or permanently connected to itself, or to other pieces of material making up the roofing module. The connection method may include, for example, gluing, stapling, stitching, welding, or any other suitable method of connection known in the art.

Roofing modules according to the present invention may be formed in any shape or combination of shapes. Advantageously, these shapes, or combination of shapes, may tessellate together to substantially cover a surface area. While the described embodiments of the present invention are generally rectangular in form, this should not be interpreted as constraining to the scope of the invention; other shapes of roof module are in accordance with the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the roofing module 100 is partially filled with soil 40 when the lid 7 is in an open configuration. However, it is to be understood that the roofing module 100 could alternatively be filled with soil 40 or other plant growing medium via an aperture 8, or apertures, in the roofing module 100 when the lid 7 is in its closed configuration.

A roofing module according to the present invention may have at least one side wall with at least one wall aperture therein. Such wall apertures may be located such that at least one wall aperture of a first roofing module will align with at least one wall aperture of a second roofing module, when installed on a roof. This alignment enables the roots of plants located in the first roofing module to extend into the second roofing module and vice-versa, this crossing of roots may improve the structural integrity of a roofing module installation.

A roofing module according to the present invention may include a mechanism to substantially hold the lid portion in a closed configuration. The mechanism may comprise a first element or series of elements on the lid configured to co-operate with a second element or series of elements located on the base portion of the roofing module, whereby the co-operation of these first and second elements with one another holds the lid portion in its closed configuration relative to the base portion. The lid portion may also be substantially fixed in its closed position, for example with stitching, gluing, stapling, welding, or a combination thereof In variants of the invention, an installation of a plurality of roofing modules may include modules with apertures of varying quantity, shape and size or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the roofing modules installed on a roof to have the same configuration of apertures. The reasons for employing a particular aperture configuration for a roofing module may include, but are not limited to, plant and or seed species, plant size, roof pitch, climate, wind or weather conditions, climate, intended lifespan, intended use or combinations thereof Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another.

In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodimenf' or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.

Recitation in the claims of the term "first" with lespect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A roofing module suitable for growing plants in; the roofing module having a base, and at least one side wall; at least the base comprising a semi-rigid nonwoven textile material; the nonwoven textile material being substantially liquid-permeable.
2. A roofing module according to claim 1 wherein; the module is formed from a single piece of folded semi-rigid nonwoven textile material.
3. A roofing module according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein; the nonwoven textile material has a plurality of polymeric fibres, at least some of said fibres being fused to one another.
4. A roofing module according to claim 3 wherein; said plurality of polymeric fibres includes a plurality of core-sheath bi-component fibres, each fibre including an inner core and an outer sheath, the sheaths of said bi-component fibres being fused to one another.
5. A roofing module according to claim 4 wherein; said inner core of polymeric material has a first melting point, and said outer sheath of polymeric material has a second melting point, the second melting point being lower than the first melting point.
6. A roofing module according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein; said nonwoven textile material has a plurality of natural fibres.
7. A roofing module according to claim 6 wherein; at least some of the said fibres are fused to one another.
8. A roofing module according to claim 3 or claim 7 wherein; said fibres are fused to one another by a binder agent.
9. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the nonwoven textile material is substantially porous.
10. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the nonwoven textile material is configured to absorb at least some liquid.
11. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the module is substantially rectangular in form and has four said side walls.
12. A roofing module according to any preceding claim further has a lid, the lid being provided in spaced relation to the base.
13. A roofing module according to claim 12 wherein; the lid is moveable between a closed configuration, in which lid is spaced from the base, and an open configuration.
14. A roofing module according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein; the lid has at least one aperture.
15. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; at least one wall has at least one aperture.
16. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the roofing module is at least partially filled with a plant growing medium.
17. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the base is configured to inhibit the passage of plant growing medium through the base of the roofing module.
18. A method for preparing a roofing module in accordance with any preceding claim, the method including the steps of: folding a piece of nonwoven textile material to thereby form the roofing module; at least partially filling the roofing module with plant-growing medium; and planting plants or seeds into the at least one plant-growing medium.
19. A method according to claim 18 wherein; the step of at least partially filling the roofing module with plant-growing medium is carried out prior to the step of planting plants or seeds into the at least one plant-growing medium.
20. A method according to claim 1801 claim 19 wherein; the method includes the step of tending the plants and or seeds while the plants or seeds are in the roofing module.
21. A method according to any one of claims 18-20 wherein; the method includes the step of installing the roofing module on the roof of a building.
22. A method according to any one of claims 18-20 wherein; the method includes the step of installing a plurality of said roofing modules on a roof of a building to thereby substantially cover a region of said roof.
23. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein; the step of tending the plants and or seeds while the plants and or seeds are in the roofing module is carried out prior to the step of installing the roofing module on the roof of the building.Amendment to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A roofing module suitable for growing plants in; the roofing module having a base, at least one side wall, and a lid; the lid being provided in spaced relation to the base, and having at least one aperture; the module being formed from a single piece of folded semi-rigid nonwoven textile material; the nonwoven textile material being substantially liquid-permeable.2. A roofing module according to claim 1 wherein; the nonwoven textile material has a plurality of polymeric fibres, at least some of said fibres being fused to one another.3. A roofing module according to claim 2 wherein; said plurality of polymeric fibres includes a plurality of core-sheath bi-component fibres, each fibre including an inner core and an outer sheath, the sheaths of said bi-component fibres being fused to one another. r4. A roofing module according to claim 3 wherein; N-said inner core of polymeric material has a first melting point, and said outer sheath of polymeric material has a second melting point, the second melting point being lower than the first melting point.5. A roofing module according to claim 1 wherein; said nonwoven textile material has a plurality of natural fibres.6. A roofing module according to claim 5 wherein; at least some of the said fibres are fused to one another.7. A roofing module according to claim 2 or claim 6 wherein; said fibres are fused to one another by a binder agent.8. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the nonwoven textile material is substantially porous.9. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the nonwoven textile material is configured to absorb at least some liquid.10. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the module is substantially rectangular in form and has four said side walls.11. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the lid is moveable between a closed configuration, in which lid is spaced from the base, and an open configuration.12. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; at least one wall has at least one aperture.13. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the roofing module is at least partially filled with a plant growing medium.14. A roofing module according to any preceding claim wherein; the base is configured to inhibit the passage of plant growing medium through the i-base of the roofing module. rN-15. A method for preparing a roofing module in accordance with any preceding claim, the method including the steps of: folding a piece of nonwoven textile material to thereby form the roofing module; at least partially filling the roofing module with plant-growing medium; and planting plants or seeds into the at least one plant-growing medium.16. A method according to claim 15 wherein; the step of at least partially filling the roofing module with plant-growing medium is carried out prior to the step of planting plants or seeds into the at least one plant-growing medium.17. A method according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein; the method includes the step of tending the plants and or seeds while the plants or seeds are in the roofing module.18. A method according to any one of claims 15-17 wherein; the method includes the step of installing the roofing module on the roof of a building 19. A method according to any one of claims 15-17 wherein; the method includes the step of installing a plurality of said roofing modules on a roof of a building to thereby substantially cover a region of said roof.20. A method according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein; the step of tending the plants and or seeds while the plants and or seeds are in the roofing module is carried out prior to the step of installing the roofing module on the roof of the building. r rN r