WO2025067685A1

WO2025067685A1 - Apparatus and method for curing plants

Info

Publication number: WO2025067685A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/077178
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eleandro CRESTANI; Leo Miguel CARMINATTI; Jeronimo SCREMIN
Original assignee: Souza Cruz SA; British American Tobacco Investments Ltd IFI
Current assignee: Souza Cruz SA; British American Tobacco Investments Ltd IFI
Priority date: 2023-09-29
Filing date: 2023-09-29
Publication date: 2025-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-29

Abstract

A structure (10) for the air curing and drying of tobacco (11) comprises a plurality of beams (36), a plurality of joists (34) connected to the beams (36) to form a frame (38) for hanging tobacco (11), a plurality of rafter members (40) supported by the frame (38) and configured to support a covering (14), and a plurality of support legs (32) for supporting the frame (38) above the ground, the frame (38) mounted on the plurality of support legs (32), wherein each of the support legs (32) is angled relative to an upright direction of the structure (10) and comprises a lower end (46) arranged to brace the support leg (32) on the ground. There is also described a kit of parts for forming a structure (10) for the air curing and drying of tobacco (11) and a method of assembling a structure (10) for the air curing and drying of tobacco (11).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CURING PLANTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for curing plants, such as for curing tobacco plants.

BACKGROUND

The post-harvest processing of tobacco leaves typically includes drying (curing) the leaves and removing (separating or defoliating) the leaves from the tobacco plants prior to use in cigarettes. The curing process is performed not only to remove moisture from (dehydrate) the tobacco leaves, but also to achieve desired attributes of sensorial quality due to chemical changes in the tobacco leaves.

Certain types of tobacco, for example Burley, are usually air-cured in barns or sheds. A typical approach for air curing tobacco such as Burley is to hang the plants in a barn for a curing period of usually 30-45 days, which is then followed by separation of the leaves (defoliation) and baling.

At the present time, tobacco is generally cured in air in sheds of several different types, including (a) GB2, which are sheds 4 to 8 metres wide by 32 metres long with two levels of plants; (b) G3, which are sheds 8 metres wide by 32 metres long with three levels of plants; and (c) GB1 , which are sheds 4 and 6 metres wide and 32 metres long having one layer of plants. Presently, such tobacco sheds are permanent or semipermanent structures which require large areas of land to be properly zoned and set aside for their use. The construction of sheds is a substantial civil project involving earthmoving and foundation laying, leading to high initial costs.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a structure for the air curing and drying of tobacco, the structure comprising a plurality of beams, a plurality of joists connected to the beams to form a frame for hanging tobacco, a plurality of rafter members supported by the frame and configured to support a covering, and a plurality of support legs for supporting the frame above the ground, the frame mounted on the plurality of support legs, wherein each of the support legs is angled relative to an upright direction of the structure and comprises a lower end arranged to brace the support leg on the ground.

In a further embodiment of the above, the structure further comprises a covering arranged over the plurality of rafter members and a plurality of stays attached to the covering at opposed edges, the stays tensioned so as to tension the covering over the plurality of rafter members.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the covering extends over the plurality of rafter members and beyond lateral sides of the frame so as to form overhangs.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of joists are detachably connected to the beams to form the frame.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, each of the plurality of joists comprises a plurality of brackets, each of the plurality of brackets receiving one of the plurality of beams to form the frame.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of rafter members are detachably connected to the frame.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the structure further comprises a plurality of rafter support rods extending upwards linearly from the frame and connecting ends of the plurality of rafter members to the frame.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of rafter members comprise a pair of outer rafter members arranged at respective ends of the frame, and at least one inner rafter member arranged between the pair of outer rafter members, the pair of outer rafter members comprising a material with greater stiffness than a material comprised by the at least one inner rafter member.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, at least one of the plurality of support legs comprises a pivoting connection allowing adjustment of an angle of the leg.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of beams define a first direction along a length of the beams and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of support legs comprises a plurality of first legs each angled at least partially in the first direction and a plurality of second legs each angled at least partially in a second direction.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of joists and the plurality of support legs form a plurality of trusses, each truss comprising a respective one of the plurality of joists, at least two of the plurality of first legs, and at least two of the plurality of second legs, the first and second legs connected to the joist to form the truss. In a further embodiment of any of the above, each of the plurality of trusses comprises at least four of the plurality of second legs arranged in two pairs such that the lower ends of the legs of the pair meet to define a common foot.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, each of the plurality of trusses comprises at least four of the plurality of second legs, wherein: two of the legs are arranged to form an ‘X’-shaped member connected to the respective joist at upper ends of the legs; and the further two of the legs extend from ends of the joist to meet the lower ends of the legs forming the ‘X’-shaped member to define respective common feet.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the at least two of the plurality of first legs are connected to the respective truss at a pivoting connection allowing adjustment of the angle of the respective leg in the first direction.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a kit of parts for forming a structure for the air curing and drying of tobacco, the kit of parts comprising a plurality of beams, a plurality of joists connectable to the plurality of beams to form a frame, a plurality of rafter members connectable to the plurality of beams or the plurality of joists, and a plurality of support legs connectable to the plurality of beams or the plurality of joists at an angle relative to an upright direction of the structure.

In a further embodiment of the above, the plurality of joists are detachably connectable to the beams to form the frame.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of rafter members are detachably connectable to the plurality of beams or the plurality of joists.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the kit of parts further comprises a covering for arranging over the plurality of rafter members, and a plurality of stays connectable to opposed edges of the covering such that tensioning the stays tensions the covering over the plurality of rafter members.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a structure for the air curing and drying of tobacco, the method comprising providing a plurality of support legs angled relative to an upright direction of the structure, connecting a plurality of parallel beams and a plurality of joists together to form a frame supported by the plurality of support legs, and supporting a plurality of rafter members on the frame.

In a further embodiment of the above, the method further comprises arranging a covering over the plurality of rafter members and connecting a plurality of stays to opposed edges of the covering and tensioning the stays to tension the covering over the plurality of rafter members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of a structure for the curing and drying of tobacco;

Figure 2 shows the support structure of the structure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3a shows one arrangement of the support structure of Figure 2;

Figure 3b shows another arrangement of the support structure of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows an isolated view of a truss of the support structure of Figure 2;

Figure 5a shows a schematic illustration of the truss of Figure 4 viewed from above;

Figure 5b shows a schematic illustration of an alternative truss viewed from above;

Figure 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the truss of Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows a plurality of trusses of the support structure of Figure 2 in isolation;

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of parts of the support structure of Figure 2 in isolation;

Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the support structure of Figure 2;

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the structure of Figure 1; and

Figure 11 shows an example method for constructing or reconstructing a structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure, Fig. 1 shows a structure 10, otherwise termed a shed or barn, for the curing and drying of tobacco. It will be understood that the structure could similarly be used for other agricultural purposes, such as the growing of plants, or the curing or drying of plants other than tobacco. The structure comprises a covering 14 which is arranged over a support structure 12. The covering 14 is supported above the ground by the support structure 12 to form a space 16 beneath the covering 14 in which tobacco can be placed to be cured and dried.

Fig. 2 shows the support structure 12 of Fig. 1 in isolation, without a covering. The support structure 12 comprises a plurality of trusses 30, each of which comprises a plurality of support legs 32 connected to a respective lateral frame member or joist 34. The support structure 12 further comprises a plurality of longitudinal frame members or beams 36 which are connected to the joists 34 to form a frame 38. The frame 38 further supports a plurality of rafter members 40 which extend upwardly from the frame 38 to form a canopy space 42. The covering may be arranged over and supported by the rafter members 40 to cover the canopy space 42 and the space 16 formed beneath the supporting structure 12. These and other features are described in greater detail below.

The form of the support structure 12 allows the structure 10 to be constructed easily and quickly without many of the substantial initial costs involved in building, for example, other types of tobacco shed, such as preparation of foundations. The support structure 12 may instead be substantially ‘pre-fabricated’ away from the intended location of use, and then quickly and easily transported and constructed as required. The structure 10 therefore does not comprise foundations, and does not comprise any connection to the ground when in an assembled and deployed state.

The relative ease of construction of the structure may also allow for the structure to be smaller than prior examples, which have been required to be larger so that the economies of scale outweighed the initial costs of building the structure. For example, while the footprint of previous tobacco curing sheds have varied between around 4 to 8 meters wide and around 32 meters long, the present structure may include a support structure footprint of about 3 to 5 meters wide and about 7 to 9 meters long, with a particular example being 4 meters wide and 8 meters long. This relatively small structure may be more versatile in use, as it may be easier to find one or more smaller suitable locations (having, for example, suitably flat ground) for placing the structure than it may be to find a single, larger suitable location. The versatility of the structure may lead to cost reductions and time savings by allowing the placement of a structure closer to a location where tobacco is harvested, as compared to larger standard structures which typically may be located further from tobacco fields.

An example is illustrated in which a single support structure (i.e. one in which every part is connected or connectable together) is shown with a single covering arranged over the support structure. It will be understood that, in other examples, multiple support structures may be situated together, for example directly adjacent or end-to-end to one another, and a single covering may be used over multiple support structures, thereby forming a larger structure which nonetheless is easily constructed using the relatively small support structures. Similarly, multiple coverings may be used with a single support structure. Furthermore, combinations of support structures and coverings may be arranged adjacent to one another to provide a larger effective structure which is nonetheless easily constructed. In certain arrangements, particular elements of the supporting structure 12 may be detachably or removably connectable to one another to form the supporting structure 12. That is, parts of the supporting structure 12 may be configured to connect to one another in such a way that they may subsequently be detached or disconnected without destruction or substantial damage of either of the parts. A supporting structure 12 which is formed of detachably connectable or detachably connected parts may be readily disassembled to allow the structure to be easily moved from one location to another.

In the example shown, the beams 36 are detachably connectable to the joists 34 to form the frame 38. In the example shown, additionally, the rafter members 40 are detachably connectable to the frame 38. The rafter members 40 may be detachably connectable to the beams 36, as in the example shown, or alternatively may be detachably connectable to the joists 34. In alternative examples to that illustrated, the trusses may be formed with a plurality of support legs which are detachably connected to the respective truss.

By forming the supporting structure with detachably connectable parts, the structure may be considered ‘moveable’ in that it may be entirely deconstructed, moved to another site, and reconstructed without substantial damage to any of the parts and without requiring any substantial repair. This may allow, for example, for the structure to be temporarily erected in one area of land which is not in current agricultural use, for example following harvesting, and then to be moved to another area when such land is once again required for another use.

The form of the covering and the arrangement of the covering over the support structure may also contribute to the structure as a whole being moveable, as will be described further below. It should be noted that the structure may be utilised without the covering (i.e. only comprising the support structure), for example where the type of product or the environmental conditions are such that a covering is not required, or on a more temporary basis before a covering is subsequently fitted.

Fig. 3a shows one arrangement of the support structure 12 of Fig. 2 with tobacco 11 hung from the frame 38 for curing and drying. In the example shown, the tobacco 11 is attached to hanging rods 13a which extend between adjacent beams, the ends of the hanging rods being supported on upper sides of the beams 36.

Fig. 3b shows another arrangement of the support structure 12 of Fig. 2 with tobacco 11 hung from the frame 38 for curing and drying. In this example, the tobacco is attached to hanging wires 13b extending between adjacent ones of the beams 36. The beams 36 may be connected to one another by perpendicular stringers 37, so that the beams 36, stringers 37 and hanging wires 13b form one or more sub-frames 39, shown in isolation in Fig. 3c. The sub-frames 39 may then be supported on the joists 34, together therewith forming the frame 38 mounted on the supports legs.

The particular elements of the structure 10, support structure 12 and covering 14 shown in the arrangement of Figs. 1 and 2 will now be described in greater detail.

Fig. 4 shows an isolated view of one of the trusses 30. As described above, the truss 30 comprises a respective joist 34 which is configured to form part of a frame of the structure.

The joist 34 may comprise a plurality of brackets 44 which are arranged along an upper surface of the joist 34 so as to receive respective ones of the beams in order to form the frame. The brackets 44 may each be attached to the joist, for example as separately-formed members welded to the joist 34, or by being integrally formed with the joist 34. In alternatives, the brackets may comprise recesses formed into an upper surface of the joist which are suitably sized to receive the beams.

The brackets 44 may substantially comprise a ‘II’ shape formed by two separated flanges extending from a base portion forming an empty opening at the top of the bracket, as illustrated. In alternative examples, the brackets may comprise a lipped configuration, in which one or both of the flanges comprises a lip configured to protrude over a top surface of the beam when the beam is received in the bracket. In further alternative examples, the brackets may comprise a clip or clips extending from one or both of the flanges towards the other flange and configured to cover most or substantially all of the opening at the top of the bracket when the beam is received in the bracket. The lip or clip may be moveable relative to the respective flange to allow for insertion of the beam, or the flange of the bracket may comprise a resilient material or structure configured to deform to receive the beam before returning to an original position.

The brackets 44 may be sized so as to receive the beams in a loose fit configured to hold the beams in place by way of gravity and friction. Alternatively, the brackets 44 may be sized to receive the beams in a press-fit, where dimensional interference between the brackets 44 and the beams holds the beams firmly into position. The brackets may comprise a press-fit configuration in which the flanges are flexible with respect to the base, so as to deform upon insertion of a beam and subsequently bear against sides of the beam to hold it in place. Both loose-fit and press-fit configurations allow beams to be quickly and easily connected to the joist 34 via the brackets 44 in a detachable manner, as described above.

The truss 30 further comprises a plurality of support legs 32 connected to the joist 34. Each support leg 32 extends from a foot or lower end 46 to a connection point 48 where the support leg 32 is connected to the joist 34. The lower ends 46 of the support legs 32 contact and brace against the ground to provide the footing of the overall structure 10. The lower ends 46 of the support legs 32 brace the overall structure by contacting the ground without any additional fixing, foundation, or other attachment between the lower ends 46 and the ground.

Each support leg 32 is angled relative to a vertical direction so as to provide stability for the overall structure 10. The vertical direction is the upright direction of the assembled structure 10, i.e. the direction which separates the frame 38 and/or the covering 14 from the lower ends 46 of the support legs braced against the ground.

With continued reference to Fig. 4 and with reference to Fig. 2, the plurality of support legs 32 may comprise a first plurality of the support legs 32a which are angled at least partially in a first direction, and a second plurality of support legs 32b which are angled at least partially in a second direction. The first direction is a longitudinal direction Y of the structure 10 which is defined along a lengthwise direction of the beams 36, perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The second direction is a lateral direction X of the structure defined perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y and the vertical direction Z. The first plurality of support legs 32a extend vertically and in the first direction between the joist 34 and the respective lower ends 46 so as to be angled in the first direction relative to the vertical direction. Similarly, the second plurality of support legs 32b extend vertically and in the second direction between the joist 34 and the respective lower ends 46 so as to be angled in the second direction relative to the vertical direction.

Fig. 5a shows a schematic illustration of the truss 30 of Fig. 4 as viewed downwards from above in the vertical direction. The first plurality of support legs 32a are depicted in dashed lines, and the second plurality of support legs 32b are depicted in dotted lines, each visible through the joist 34. As can be seen, the first plurality of support legs 32a are each angled substantially wholly in the first direction, while the second plurality of support legs 32b are each angled substantially wholly in the second direction.

Fig. 5b shows a schematic illustration of another example truss 30, again as viewed downwards from above in the vertical direction, with the first plurality of support legs 32a depicted in dashed lines and the second plurality of support legs 32b depicted in dotted lines through the joist 34. In this example, the first plurality of support legs 32a are each angled only partially in the first direction (and partially angled in the second direction), while the second plurality of support legs 32b are each angled only partially in the second direction (and partially angled in the first direction).

The use of angled support legs allows the structure to be erected without the requirement of foundations (which generally comprise e.g. structural reinforcement built into the ground, especially below ground level) or other type of substantial, permanent support. A structure comprising support legs may be more readily deconstructed, moved and reconstructed. By comprising support legs arranged at least partially in first and second perpendicular directions, the frame of the structure may be more sturdily supported in every direction relative to the vertical without the use of additional supports.

Returning to Fig. 4, the illustrated truss comprises two support legs 32a each arranged in the first direction (referred to hereinafter as first support legs) and four support legs 32b each arranged in the second direction (referred to hereinafter as second support legs). The second support legs include a central pair 32c forming a generally ‘X’ shaped member. The two support legs of the central pair 32c may meet at a centre join 50, for example by being integrally formed together. The second support legs further comprise a pair of lateral support legs 32d which each connect to the joist 34 adjacent to respective lateral ends of the joist 34. The lateral support legs 32d each extend from the connections to the joist 34 to lower ends 46 which are connected with lower ends of the central pair of support legs 32c to form common ends or feet. In the illustrated arrangement, the truss 30 further comprises a column member 52 which extends upwards from the centre join 50 to connect with the joist 34 substantially in the centre of the joist 34 in the lateral direction. The particular arrangement of the truss can provide a structurally efficient arrangement for supporting the joist 34 and the frame while being easily de-constructable into a relatively flat form for ease of moving and reconstruction.

Fig. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the truss 30 of Fig. 4 in the lateral direction. As illustrated, ones of the plurality of support legs 32 may comprise a pivoting connection 54 between the connection point 48 of the support leg 32 and the joist 34. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the first support legs 32a comprises a pivoting connection 54. The pivoting connection 54 allows the support leg 32 to move in angular rotation relative to the joist 34, varying the degree of angle of the support leg 32 in the direction in which it is angled (or partially angled). The pivoting connection 54 may comprise a pair of bracketing flanges 56 (one pictured) on each side of the support leg 32 and a plurality of locking holes 58 formed through one or both of the bracketing flanges so that a locking pin (not pictured) may be placed through one of the locking holes 58 to secure the support leg in place and substantially limit angular movement. The locking pin may pass partially into or fully through the support leg 32 to lock the leg in place, or may be positioned to contact one of an underside or topside of the support leg 32 to substantially limit angular movement thereof.

The use of a pivoting connection between ones of the support legs and the joist may allow the structure to be positioned on partially uneven ground, with the support leg angled to account for any variation in the underlying surface.

In one arrangement, the support leg 32 may be moveable when unlocked so that an angle a between the support leg 32 and the vertical direction is substantially zero. This may allow the truss 30 to be packaged in a smaller volume when the structure is deconstructed, allowing the truss 30 to be more easily moved and the structure more easily reconstructed.

Fig. 7 shows the plurality of trusses 30 of Fig. 2 in isolation. In the illustrated arrangement, the structure comprises three trusses 30. The trusses 30 may be arranged together so that lower ends 46 of ones of the support legs 32 of each truss 30 are positioned adjacent to the lower end 46 of a support leg 32 of another truss 30.

Although a particular arrangement of the support structure is illustrated in which the plurality of support legs and the plurality of joists are joined in a plurality of trusses, it should be understood that the structure may instead comprise separately formed support legs and joists. In such examples, the other aspects of the features described above may nonetheless be similar; for example, such arrangements comprise joists connectable with beams in order to form a frame and support legs which are angled as described above in order to support the frame.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of parts of the support structure of Fig. 2, showing in isolation the plurality of trusses 30 and the plurality of beams 36. As described above, the beams 36 are detachably connectable to the joists 34 in order to form a frame 38, for example by loose-fitting or press-fitting the beams 36 into brackets 44 on the joists 34. The beams 36 may extend in length across each of the joists 34 so that each beam 36 is connected to each joist 34.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the support structure of Fig. 2, showing the plurality of trusses 30, the plurality of beams 36, and the plurality of rafter members 40. As described above, the rafter members 40 are connectable to the frame 38 formed of the joists 34 and beams 36; in the example illustrated, the rafter members 40 are each connected to ones of the beams 36.

In the illustrated arrangement, the rafter members 40 comprise arch shapes, each forming a curve extending from a first end 60a to a second end 60b, the first and second ends 60a, 60b connected to respective outermost ones of the beams 36a, 36b which define the lateral extends of the supporting structure 12. In alternative examples, the rafter members 40 may form other shapes, for example a substantially triangular arch formed of linear sections meeting at an inflection, or a plurality of linear sections joined at a plurality of vertices.

The supporting structure 12 may further comprise a plurality of rafter support rods 62 which connect the rafter members 40 to the frame 38. Each of the rafter support rods 62 extends vertically upwards from the frame 38 (in the illustrated example, from the outermost ones of the beams 36a, 36b) so that the first and second ends 60a, 60b of the rafter members 40 are vertically spaced from the frame 38. The rafter support rods 62 and the rafter members 40 delimit a canopy space 42 above the frame 38 which is covered by the covering, and positioned above the space 16 in which tobacco is hung.

As described above, the covering may be arranged over the rafter members. The rafter members extend upwards from the frame to form a canopy shape which may help improve water runoff and prevent waterlogging of the covering under rainfall. Where rafter support rods are used, the vertical spacing of the rafter members from the frame may further allow for the covering to form gulleys in the covering between adjacent ones of the rafter members, to further improve water runoff.

In one example, the plurality of rafter members may comprise a pair of outer rafter members 40a, 40b which are positioned at respective longitudinal ends of the beams 38 and which define a longitudinal extent of the support structure 12. The outer rafter members 40a, 40b may comprise a first material which has a greater stiffness than a second material comprised by remaining rafter members. For example, the first material may comprise an aluminium alloy, while the second material comprises a polymer. Increasing stiffness at longitudinal ends of the support structure may serve to improve the structural integrity of the support structure without greatly increasing a weight of the structure.

As described above, the rafter members 40 may be detachably connectable to the frame 38. In the illustrated example, the rafter members 40 comprise tubular cross-sections with open ends which may be press-fit onto rafter support rod ends 64. The rafter support rod ends 64 may be angled relative to the vertical direction in order to aid the press-fitting of the rafter members 40 onto the rafter support rods 62. The rafter members 40 may be connected to the frame 38 by press fitting a first one of the ends 60a, 60b, elastically deforming the rafter member 40, and subsequently press fitting the other of the ends 60a, 60b.

In arrangements where the outer rafter members 40a, 40b are formed of a stiffer material, the outer rafter members 40a, 40b may each comprise first and second end connectors 66a, 66b arranged at the first and second ends 60a, 60b of the outer rafter members 40a, 40b. The end connectors 66a, 66b comprise linear sections arranged generally vertically, so that the two end connectors 66a, 66b may be simultaneously press-fit onto ones of the vertical rafter support rods 62 without requiring deformation of the relatively stiff outer rafter members 40a, 40b.

Returning to Fig. 1, the supporting structure 12 described above may be used to support a covering 14 to form a space 16 beneath the covering 14 which is protected from environmental conditions. The covering 14 may be formed separately to the support structure 12 and arranged over the support structure 12 without any attachment or connection thereto. The covering 14 may instead be in place over the support structure 12 by a plurality of guides or stays 20 which are connected to edges 18 of the covering 14.

In the example shown, the stays 20 are secured to the ground in order to hold the covering 14 in place relative thereto. Each of the stays 20 may be connected at one end thereof to the covering 14, and at the other end secured to the ground. The stays 20 each comprise a member arranged in tension and arranged to tension the covering 14 over the support structure 12 in order to hold the covering 14 in place thereon. The stays 20 may each comprise a flexible material with a relatively high tensile strength. For example, the stays 20 may each comprise a length of rope or wire, which may be connected to the covering 14 by ends tied to eyelets formed in the covering 14. The structure 10 comprises a first plurality of stays 20a connected to a first edge 18a of the covering 14, and a second plurality of stays 20b connected to a second edge 18b of the covering 14 on an opposed side to the first edge 18a. The first and second pluralities of stays 20a, 20b serve to tension the covering 14 from opposed directions to hold the covering 14 in place.

Forming the covering separately to the support structure and held in place by stays allows the covering to be easily fitted and removed so that the structure may be deconstructed, moved and reconstructed.

The covering 14 may further comprise an overhang portion or portions 22a formed adjacent to the respective edges 18a, 18b. The overhang portion 22a extends from an edge crest line 24a formed where the covering 14 overlies an edge of the underlying support structure 12 and up to the edge 18 of the covering 14. In extending past the edge of the underlying support structure 12, the overhang portion 22a is not supported by the support structure 12. The overhang portion 22a may provide additional environmental protection for the space 16 beneath the covering 14, especially near edges of the support structure 12; this may allow substantially the entirety of the support structure 12 to be used for the purposes such as curing and drying tobacco. The overhang portion 22a may be angled downwards relative to an angle of the rest of the covering 14 at the edge crest line 24a, which may improve water runoff from the covering 14 and prevent the covering 14 becoming waterlogged by rainfall. Similar overhang portions may be formed on both opposed first and second edges 18a, 18b.

In the example shown, the structure 10 further comprises a third plurality of stays 20c arranged on a third edge 18c of the covering 14. The covering may comprise an overhang portion 22c at the third edge 22c, the overhang portion 22c extending from an end crest line 24c to the third edge 22c. The overhang portion 22c may be similar to the overhang portion 22a formed at the first and second edges 18a, 18b.

The covering may comprise a flexible sheet of material which, for example, can be easily be moved and stored and inexpensively replaced. Additionally or alternatively, the covering may comprise a substantially translucent material, i.e. one which allows some, but not all, visible light to pass through. The translucency of the covering may be selected so as to create the desired conditions in the space beneath the covering for the curing and drying of tobacco. Additionally or alternatively, the covering may be water- resistant or substantially waterproof as needed depending on the location of the structure and the need to prevent water or moisture from entering the space beneath the covering. Additionally or alternatively, the covering may be partially or substantially fully permeable to the passage of air. The air permeability may also be selected so as to create the desired conditions in the space beneath the covering for the curing and drying of tobacco. In one particular example, the covering may comprise agricultural sheeting formed of high-density polyethylene with a shading factor of 65%.

Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of the structure of Fig. 1.

Fig. 11 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for constructing or reconstructing the structure 10 of Fig. 1, which is described hereinbelow with reference to features shown in Fig. 10. The method generally comprises using parts or a kit of parts to form a structure.

In a first step 102, the plurality of support legs 32 are arranged at an angle relative to the vertical direction, with lower ends braced on the ground. If the support legs form part of a plurality of trusses, the step may involve arranging the plurality of trusses 30 with first and second legs angled in respective first and second directions relative to the respective truss. If the trusses 30 comprise hinged connections, the step may involve moving the support legs 32 from one angle relative to the joist 34 to another angle, for example from a flattened state to an extended state. The step may then involve locking the support legs in place, for example using a locking pin and locking holes.

In a second step 104, the plurality of beams 36 and the plurality of joists 34 are connected together to form a frame 38. The frame 38 is arranged to be supported by the support legs 32. The step of forming the frame 38 may be performed subsequently to the first step 102, with the frame 38 constructed directly onto the support legs 32, for example where the support legs 32 and joists 34 form trusses 30. Alternatively, the beams 36 and joists 34 may be connected to form the frame 38 before the support legs 32 are arranged, and then the frame 38 may be mounted onto the support legs 32.

In a third step 106, the plurality of rafter members 40 are supported on the frame 38, for example by press-fitting the rafter members 40 onto support rods extending from the beams 36. The third step 106 is performed subsequently to the second step 104. In one arrangement, both second and third steps 104, 106 may be performed prior to the first step 102 by connecting the beams 36 and joists 34 to form the frame 38, supporting the rafter members 40 on the frame 38, and then mounting the frame 38 onto the support legs 32.

In a fourth step 108, the covering 14 may be arranged over the rafter members 40 by connecting the stays 18 to opposed edges 20 of the covering 14, and tensioning the stays to, in turn, tension the covering 14 over the rafter members 40 and over the supporting structure 16. As described above, the fourth step 108 may not be implemented where a covering is not required, or may be deferred while the structure 10 is used to hang tobacco on a temporary basis.

In a fifth step 110, tobacco may be hung from the frame 38 to cure and dry. Alternatively, as described above, the structure may be used for storage of other agricultural goods as appropriate. The fifth step 110 is carried out subsequently to the third step 106, but may be carried out before or after the fourth step 108 in which the covering 14 is arranged over the support structure 12.

A method of dismantling or deconstructing the structure is also contemplated, in which the above method steps are carried out substantially in reverse order, with steps of arranging, supporting and connecting parts replaced by the steps of removing and disconnecting parts as appropriate. Following the dismantling or deconstruction, the structure may be moved in separate parts or as a kit of parts for reconstruction in another location. The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A structure for the air curing and drying of tobacco, the structure comprising: a plurality of beams; a plurality of joists connected to the beams to form a frame for hanging tobacco; a plurality of rafter members supported by the frame and configured to support a covering; and a plurality of support legs for supporting the frame above the ground, the frame mounted on the plurality of support legs, wherein each of the support legs is angled relative to an upright direction of the structure and comprises a lower end arranged to brace the support leg on the ground.

2. The structure of claim 1 , further comprising a covering arranged over the plurality of rafter members and a plurality of stays attached to the covering at opposed edges, the stays tensioned so as to tension the covering over the plurality of rafter members.

3. The structure of claim 2, wherein the covering extends over the plurality of rafter members and beyond lateral sides of the frame so as to form overhangs.

4. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of joists are detachably connected to the beams to form the frame.

5. The structure of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of joists comprises a plurality of brackets, each of the plurality of brackets receiving one of the plurality of beams to form the frame.

6. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of rafter members are detachably connected to the frame.

7. The structure of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of rafter support rods extending upwards linearly from the frame and connecting ends of the plurality of rafter members to the frame.

8. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of rafter members comprise a pair of outer rafter members arranged at respective ends of the frame, and at least one inner rafter member arranged between the pair of outer rafter members, the pair of outer rafter members comprising a material with greater stiffness than a material comprised by the at least one inner rafter member.

9. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of support legs comprises a pivoting connection allowing adjustment of an angle of the leg.

10. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of beams define a first direction along a length of the beams and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of support legs comprises a plurality of first legs each angled at least partially in the first direction and a plurality of second legs each angled at least partially in a second direction.

11. The structure of claim 10, wherein the plurality of joists and the plurality of support legs form a plurality of trusses, each truss comprising a respective one of the plurality of joists, at least two of the plurality of first legs, and at least two of the plurality of second legs, the first and second legs connected to the joist to form the truss.

12. The structure of claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of trusses comprises at least four of the plurality of second legs arranged in two pairs such that the lower ends of the legs of the pair meet to define a common foot.

13. The structure of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of trusses comprises at least four of the plurality of second legs, wherein: two of the legs are arranged to form an ‘X’-shaped member connected to the respective joist at upper ends of the legs; and the further two of the legs extend from ends of the joist to meet the lower ends of the legs forming the ‘X’-shaped member to define respective common feet.

14. The structure of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least two of the plurality of first legs are connected to the respective truss at a pivoting connection allowing adjustment of the angle of the respective leg in the first direction.

15. A kit of parts for forming a structure for the air curing and drying of tobacco, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of beams; a plurality of joists connectable to the plurality of beams to form a frame; a plurality of rafter members connectable to the plurality of beams or the plurality of joists; and a plurality of support legs connectable to the plurality of beams or the plurality of joists at an angle relative to an upright direction of the structure.

18. The kit of parts of claim 15, wherein the plurality of joists are detachably connectable to the beams to form the frame.

17. The kit of parts of claim 15 or 18, wherein the plurality of rafter members are detachably connectable to the plurality of beams or the plurality of joists.

18. The kit of parts of any of claims 15 to 17, further comprising a covering for arranging over the plurality of rafter members; and a plurality of stays connectable to opposed edges of the covering such that tensioning the stays tensions the covering over the plurality of rafter members.

19. A method of assembling a structure for the air curing and drying of tobacco, the method comprising: providing a plurality of support legs angled relative to an upright direction of the structure; connecting a plurality of parallel beams and a plurality of joists together to form a frame supported by the plurality of support legs; and supporting a plurality of rafter members on the frame.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: arranging a covering over the plurality of rafter members; and connecting a plurality of stays to opposed edges of the covering and tensioning the stays to tension the covering over the plurality of rafter members.