Inventors:
William McDonough - Charlottesville VA
Michael Braungart - Buchholz in der Nordheide, DE
Paul J. Clark - Eugene OR
Assignee:
Ford Motor Land Development Corporation - Dearborn MI
McDonough, Braungart Design Chemistry - Charlotesville VA
International Classification:
A01G 902
US Classification:
47 659, 521731, 521733, 52578
Abstract:
The present invention is a modular roof covering made up of a plurality of interlocking modular trays having moisture or water absorbing component or medium in the tray to absorb moisture and allow it to evaporate or otherwise dissipate over time. The trays interlock with each other and are held down by weights or other ballast to secure the trays to the roof without having to create a physical connection between the trays and the roof structure. The modular roof covering can be made up of different types of tray assemblies, where some have vegetation growing in the tray, others have merely water absorption and dissipation capability, while others have photovoltaic cells for the collection and use of solar energy. The present invention provides a light weight, low cost roof covering system for extending the life of current roof structures, and to restore and protect the environment, moderate and aid in controlling building temperature, manage stormwater runoff and collect and utilize solar energy.