Roof Support Structure for a Greenhouse

Abstract

A roof support structure for a flexible roof for a greenhouse is disclosed. The roof support structure comprises an adjustable roof retention portion and a fixed roof retention portion. At least the adjustable roof retention portion is movable between an initial position and at least one adjusted position, wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions, when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of the adjusted positions, is different from the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in the initial position.

1 . A roof support structure for a flexible roof for a greenhouse, the roof support structure comprising an adjustable roof retention portion and a fixed roof retention portion, at least the adjustable roof retention portion being movable between an initial position and at least one adjusted position, wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions, when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of the adjusted positions, is different from the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in the initial position. 
   
   
       2 . A roof support structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of its adjusted positions is greater than the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in its initial position. 
   
   
       3 . A roof support structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the roof retention portions are substantially straight, and arranged parallel to one another. 
   
   
       4 . A roof support structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable roof retention portion constitutes an eaves of the roof, and the fixed roof retention portion constitutes the peak of the roof. 
   
   
       5 . A roof support structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable and fixed roof retention portions constitute opposite eaves of the roof. 
   
   
       6 . A roof support structure according to  claim 4 , wherein the adjustable roof retention portion comprises a gutter. 
   
   
       7 . A roof support structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjusted position of the adjustable roof retention portion constitutes a vertical translation thereof from its initial position. 
   
   
       8 . A roof support structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the roof is made of a material selected from the group comprising polyethylene and netting. 
   
   
       9 . A greenhouse frame comprising at least one roof support structure according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       10 . A method for constructing a greenhouse, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a frame, said frame comprising a roof support structure having an adjustable roof retention portion and a fixed roof retention portion, at least the adjustable roof retention portion being movable between an initial position and at least one adjusted position, wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of the adjusted positions is different from the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in the initial position; and   (b) providing a sheet of flexible material tautly retained between the adjustable and fixed roof retention portions.   
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 10 , the adjustable roof retention portion being disposed in its initial position, wherein the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in any of its adjusted positions is greater than the distance between the two roof retention portions when the adjustable roof retention portion is in its initial position. 
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the roof retention portions are substantially straight, and arranged parallel to one another. 
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the adjustable roof retention portion constitutes an eaves of the roof, and the fixed roof retention portion constitutes the peak of the roof. 
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the adjustable and fixed roof retention portions constitute opposite eaves of the roof. 
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the adjustable roof retention portion comprises a gutter. 
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the adjusted position of the adjustable roof retention portion constitutes a vertical translation thereof from its initial position. 
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the roof is made of a material selected from the group comprising polyethylene and netting.