The present invention relates to a system for covering a structure such as a wall or roof with trays with plants and/or panels.

German Gebrauchsmuster DE 299 21 109 U discloses such a system, which system is provided with a number of trays, a number of profiles or strips which are adapted for attachment to the structure, and a number of support members on which the trays can support, which support members can be attached to the profiles or strips such that the trays can be ordered in columns and rows.

The known system comprises generally T-shaped strips which also serve as support member for supporting standard trays. The T-shaped strips are attached to the structure by means of a spacer. The trays are attached in pairs to each support member by means of a separate cover element which is pushed over each support member and secures the trays in pairs.

The known system has the drawback that assembly of the trays on the structure is time-consuming. This is because both the spacers and the strips with support members have to be mounted on the structure individually. The trays then have to be attached in pairs to the strips with support members. At least two people are therefore always required for the assembly, wherein at least one person fixes each tray in the desired position while the other person secures the tray. A further drawback is formed by the visible cover elements which secure the trays in pairs. Because of the relatively slow growth of sedum, they will remain visible for a long time. It therefore takes a long time before the desired effect of a green wall is obtained.

The present invention has its object to provide a system according to claim 1 which obviates these drawbacks.

The system according to the invention has for this purpose the feature that each support member is provided with a generally U-shaped part and that each tray and/or each panel is provided with a first protrusion on one side and is provided with a second protrusion on an opposite side, wherein the first protrusion is intended to be received in the U-shaped part of a first support member, and wherein the second protrusion is intended for placing against the U-shaped part of a second support member such that each tray can be attached in secured manner to the structure by means of at least two support members.

As an alternative to the profiles or strips, the system according to the invention is provided with cables.

According to a practical preferred embodiment, the support members can be mounted releasably on the profiles, strips or cables. The releasable support members can be mounted easily and quickly on the profiles, strips or cables on site, this enhancing the flexibility of the system according to the invention. It is now possible to opt for trays of diverse dimensions. The distance between adjacent support members can then be adapted to the desired dimensions of the trays.

According to a first preferred embodiment, each support member is provided with a hook-like outer end and each strip or each profile is adapted to receive the hook-like outer end. The strips are preferably provided with a number of openings intended to receive the hook-like outer end. Each profile is preferably provided at a first outer end with a C-shaped part intended to receive the hook-like outer end.

According to a further preferred embodiment, each profile is provided at a second outer end with an anchor for attaching the profile to the structure. Each profile can be attached to the structure in rapid and reliable manner by means of an anchor.

The present invention also relates to a method for covering a structure such as a wall or roof with the alternative of the system in which the system is provided with profiles or strips, wherein trays with plants and/or panels ordered in at least substantially horizontal rows and columns running at least substantially perpendicularly thereof are attached almost uninterruptedly to the structure, wherein the structure is provided beforehand in a direction of the columns with strips or profiles running parallel to each other and each provided with mutually equidistant support members on which the trays support, so that the trays and/or panels can be placed on the support members in simple manner.

This method is known from DE 299 21 109 U

The method according to the invention is distinguished in that the structure is provided beforehand in a direction of the columns with the strip or with the profiles of said system, wherein the strips or the profiles are anchored in the structure, wherein each tray is individually clampingly received between two adjacent support members and is automatically secured as a result of the clamping.

The present invention also relates to a method for covering a structure such as a wall or roof with the alternative of the system in which the system is provided with cables, wherein trays with plants and/or panels ordered in at least substantially horizontal rows and columns running at least substantially perpendicularly thereof are attached almost uninterruptedly to the structure, wherein the structure is provided beforehand in a direction of the columns with cables running parallel to each other and each provided with mutually equidistant support members on which trays support, characterized in that the structure is provided beforehand in a direction of the columns with the cables of said system according to the invention, wherein the cables are tensioned over a non-concave structure and wherein the cables fix the support members, wherein each tray is individually clampingly received between two adjacent support members and is automatically secured as a result of the clamping.

Such a construction can for instance be applied in a surface curved in one direction, such as a roof. It is then sufficient to only fix the outer ends of the cables so that there is no need to drill into the roof.

A further advantageous embodiment has the feature that the trays are filled prior to mounting with a substrate in which sedum, moss and/or succulents are planted or sown. In this manner an attractive green roof and/or a green wall can be realized which requires no maintenance. Because a very thin substrate is sufficient for sedum in particular, the weight added by the system can be kept very low.

The invention also relates to a noise barrier provided with the system according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment the noise barrier is provided with a plate-like part in which is arranged a recess in which trays with plants and/or panels are arranged and held in place using the profiles, strips or cables and the support members. The noise barrier is preferably provided with two supports with which the stability of the noise barrier is ensured. Alternatively, the noise barrier is provided with lifting eyes which are adapted to lift the noise barrier including the plant trays or panels. In this embodiment the noise barrier can be wholly prefabricated and transported to any desired location.

The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to the following figures, wherein:

• Fig. 1A shows a schematic front view of a possible embodiment of a noise barrier provided with plant trays according to the invention;
• Fig. 1 B shows a schematic side view of this embodiment;
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of a possible embodiment of a plant tray according to the invention, together with the hooks anchored in the noise barrier;
• Fig. 3A shows a schematic side view of a possible embodiment of a panel according to the invention;
• Fig. 3B shows a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of a panel which does not form part of the invention;
• Fig. 4A shows a schematic front view of a possible embodiment of a plant tray according to the invention;
• Fig. 4B shows a schematic side view of this plant tray;
• Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of a number of plant trays according to the invention mounted on strips;
• Fig. 6A shows a schematic front view of a part of a roof curving to some extent in a vertical direction and provided with plant trays according to the invention;
• Fig. 6B shows a schematic side view of this part of a roof;
• Fig. 7 shows in more detail a possible embodiment of a plant tray according to the invention,
• together with a cable tensioned over the roof;
• Fig. 8A, 8B and 8C show an alternative embodiment of a system according to the invention;
• Fig. 9A and 9B show a further alternative embodiment of a system according to the invention; and
• Fig. 10A and 10B show in more detail the support member as part of the system of fig. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A and 9B in respectively schematic and side view.

Fig. 1A shows a schematic front view of a possible embodiment of a noise barrier 1 provided with plant trays or panels 2 according to the invention. Noise barrier 1 consists of a plate-like part which is provided with a recess 3 in which plant trays or panels 2 are arranged and held in place using clamp connections not shown in the figure, in addition to two supports 4a,4b with which the stability of noise barrier 1 is ensured. Because the weight of plant trays or panels 2 is negligible relative to the weight of noise barrier 1, they can be placed including plant trays or panels 2. Lifting eyes 5a,5b here ensure that the noise barrier can be easily picked up and the clamp connections ensure that plant trays or panels 2 remain in place. The clamp connections also make it possible to replace for instance individual plant trays with for instance solar panels or signs with traffic directions or advertising messages, as long as the dimensions thereof mutually correspond.

Fig. 1 B shows a schematic side view of this embodiment with noise barrier 1, plant trays or panels 2, recess 3 in which plant trays or panels 2 are arranged, supports 4a,4b with which the stability of noise barrier 1 is ensured and lifting eyes 5a,b with which noise barrier 1 can be easily picked up.

It is of course also possible to give noise barrier 1 a trapezium-shaped cross-section so that supports 4a,4b can be omitted. It is then also possible to arrange a recess 3 on either side so that both sides can be provided with plant trays or panels 2.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of a possible embodiment of a plant tray 2 according to the invention, wherein plant tray 2 comprises a tray 6 which is manufactured from plastic so that manufacture can take place in an injection moulding process. Metal strips 7 are anchored in recess 3 of noise barrier 1, preferably by being arranged in the formwork during casting of noise barrier 1. Welded onto strips 7 are hooks 8a,8b,.. which are embodied such that they are to some extent resilient. On the underside tray 6 is provided with a rib 9 which runs over the whole width and can be placed in a hook 8a. On the upper side tray 6 is provided with a rib 10 which runs over the whole width and which, after rib 9 has been placed in hook 8a, can bend a hook 8b located thereabove upward until rib 10 is in the position shown in the figure, after which tray 6 is safely secured. Tray 6 is preferably provided with partitions 11, so creating cells which can be partially filled with substrate 12 in which for instance sedum 13 is planted.

Trays 6 are preferably further provided on the rear side with ribs 14 so that the rear sides can be aerated and surplus water can flow away freely.

Fig. 3A shows a schematic side view of a possible embodiment of a panel 2 according to the invention, here consisting of a per se known solar panel 15 provided with two glued aluminium profiles 16a,16b which are glued or screwed into a tray 6 so that plant trays or panels 2 can be mutually interchanged in simple manner. Signs with traffic directions or advertising messages or LCD screens can of course also be mounted in the same manner.

Fig. 3B shows a schematic side view of an embodiment which does not form part of the invention, wherein solar panel 15 is provided with two glued aluminium profiles 17a,17b which are embodied such that solar panel 15 can be mounted directly on hooks 8a,8b and a tray 6 is thus not necessary. Profile 17b is placed here on hook 8a and profile 17a is then attached to hook 8b with for instance a screw connection.

Fig. 4A shows a schematic front view of a possible embodiment of a tray 6 according to the invention, provided with ribs 9,10, with partitions 11 and with a cover plate 18 which conceals hooks 8 almost wholly from view in a position of use. The sides of tray 6 are further provided with complementary coupling members 19a, 19b so that the sides of adjacent plant trays 2 can be mutually coupled. In the embodiment shown here coupling member 19a comprises a rectangular opening into which can be inserted a pin of rectangular cross-section which forms par of a coupling member 19b.

Fig. 4B shows a schematic side view of tray 6 with rib 9, cover plate 18 and complementary coupling members 19a, 19b which can form a pin and hole connection. It is of course also possible to apply other connections, such as a dovetail joint.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of a number of plant trays 2 according to the invention mounted on strips 7a,7b,7c, wherein plant trays 2 are clamped between hooks 8.

Fig. 6A shows a schematic front view of a part of a roof 20 which is slightly curved in a vertical direction and provided with plant trays or panels 2 according to the invention. Co-casting of strips 7 or mounting strips 7 by means of drilling and screwing is generally not an option, for instance because an existing construction is involved. For this reason steel cables 21a,21b,.. are tensioned over roof 20, to which cables are attached hooks 8 (not shown in the figure) between which the plant trays or panels 2 are clamped.

Fig. 6B shows a schematic side view of this part of a roof, with plant trays or panels 2 which are attached using hooks 8 to steel cables 21 tensioned over the roof, this via spacers 22 which on the one hand hold the steel cables 21 at a predetermined distance from the groove and on the other form the carriers for the hooks 8 between which plant trays or panels 2 are clamped.

Fig. 7 shows in more detail a possible embodiment of a plant tray or panel 2 according to the invention together with a cable 21 tensioned over a roof 20. Cable 21 is provided here with the required number of spacers 22 embodied as steel blocks, after which cable 21 is tightened such that spacers 22 can still just be shifted. Spacers 22 are now for instance pushed into place using a template and glued to roof 20. Cable 21 is then tightened further, after which spacers 22 are fixed to cable 21 using a bolt 23. Plants trays or panels 2 can now be easily clamped in place, wherein the complementary coupling members 19a,19b of trays 6 provide for a mutual locking in a direction perpendicularly of cables 21.

Figure 8A shows a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a system according to the invention. Figure 8B shows a part of the system of figure 8A in more detail. Figure 8C shows a front view of a strip as part of the system of figure 8A.

Figure 8A shows a part of a system according to the invention. Three trays 106 are placed on a structure (not shown) one above another or in columns by means of a strip 107 and support members 108. Figure 8B shows a part of the system of figure 8A in more detail, including a part of a first tray 106, i.e. the underside, and a part of a second tray 106, i.e. the upper side, which are arranged adjacently of the structure (not shown) by means of a strip 107 and an intermediate support member 108. Each tray 106 is provided on the underside with a rib or protrusion 109. Each tray 106 is provided on the upper side with a rib or protrusion 110. Protrusion 109 is located close to the open side or front side of tray 106.

Protrusion 110 is located close to the closed or rear side of tray 106. Support member 108 is provided with a generally U-shaped part which is intended to receive first protrusion 109.

Protrusion 110 of the adjacently placed tray 106 is intended for placing against the U-shaped part of support member 108. Tray 106 is mounted on the structure in secured manner on two opposite sides by means of two support members 108. Figure 8C shows a front view of strip 107. Shown here is that strip 107 is provided with openings 117 for receiving support member 108. Strip 107 is preferably generally U-shaped.

Figure 9A shows a further alternative embodiment of the system according to the invention. The system in figure 9A has many similarities to the system of figure 8A. The difference between the two systems is in the application of a profile 130 instead of a strip 107 for mounting on the structure.

Profile 130 is provided with a generally C-shaped part 131 and an anchor 132 attached thereto. Anchor 132 serves to fix profile 130 to a structure. The generally C-shaped part 131 is adapted for releasable mounting of support member 108.

Figures 10A and 10B show support member 108 in more detail in respectively schematic and side view.

Each support member 108 is provided with a hook-like outer end 108E which is adapted to be received in openings 117 of strip 107 or in the generally C-shaped part 131 of profile 130.

At the other outer end each support member 108 is provided with an upright edge 108A which is intended for the purpose of enclosing the open side of the tray. A middle part, which is generally Z-shaped, extends between edge 108A and hook 108E. The Z-shape comprises elements 108B, 108C and 108D, which are mutually connected. Element 108C forms an acute angle with both element 108B and element 108D. Owing to this acute angle protrusion 110 of tray 106 can be clampingly received against the U-shaped part of support member 108. This U-shaped part is formed by upright edge 108A, element 108B and element 108C. Arranged on element 108D is a further edge 108F which extends in opposite direction to upright edge 108A. The further edge 108F contributes toward the clamping arrangement of protrusion 110 behind element 108C. Further edge 108F also serves as spacer for the purpose of maintaining a desired distance between tray 106 and the structure. The adverse effect of moisture on the structure can hereby be prevented. In the shown preferred embodiment tray 106 is provided with a recess for receiving further edge 108F. This is not essential however. Further edge 108F can also lie against the closed side of tray 106. Hook-like part 108E is intended for hooking into the generally C-shaped part 131 of profile 130 or into one of the openings 117 of strip 107.

The present invention is expressly not limited to the shown and described embodiments but extends to all possible combinations thereof. Trays 106 can in particular be provided in similar manner to trays 6 with panels, traffic signs or screens, for instance by means of connecting elements such as profiles 16a,b of figure 3A which attach the panels, traffic signs or screens to the trays. Alternatively, connecting elements such as profiles 17a,b of figure 3B can be applied for direct attachment of the panels, traffic signs or screens to support members 106. Noise barrier 1 of figure 1B can also be provided with trays 106, strips 107 or profiles 130 and support members 108. Trays 106 and support members 108 can moreover be applied in combination with cables 21 and spacers 22 of figure 7. Spacers 22 are then preferably adapted for releasable mounting of support members 108.

The present invention therefore extends to any embodiment falling within the scope of protection as defined in the claims and as seen in the light of the foregoing description and associated drawings.