WO2022269503A1 - Coverage system - Google Patents

Coverage system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022269503A1
WO2022269503A1 PCT/IB2022/055777 IB2022055777W WO2022269503A1 WO 2022269503 A1 WO2022269503 A1 WO 2022269503A1 IB 2022055777 W IB2022055777 W IB 2022055777W WO 2022269503 A1 WO2022269503 A1 WO 2022269503A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
lines
support
incoming
outgoing control
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/055777
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hendrik Jacobus Venter SPAMER
Original Assignee
Spamer Hendrik Jacobus Venter
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Spamer Hendrik Jacobus Venter filed Critical Spamer Hendrik Jacobus Venter
Publication of WO2022269503A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022269503A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G13/00—Protecting plants
    • A01G13/02—Protective coverings for plants; Coverings for the ground; Devices for laying-out or removing coverings
    • A01G13/0206—Canopies, i.e. devices providing a roof above the plants
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a coverage system.
  • the invention relates to a coverage system operable to be opened and closed.
  • Shaded netting and sold covers, used to cover plants, are commonly used to reduce certain climate-related risks, by creating a substantially enclosed growing environment for the plants.
  • the coverage of the plants may encumber certain quality parameters of the yield, resulting from a non-natural growing condition or climate, being reduced light transmittance, increased relative humidity and decreased pollination service etc.
  • the inventor is aware of permanent covers of either translucent sheets or netting sheets that are erected above plants to protect them from the elements.
  • the inventor is further aware of netting systems that are resistant to damage due to hail or snow.
  • Certain coverage systems can be partially opened to provide air circulation over the plants.
  • the difficulty to overcome is that large areas, typically a hectare or more of covers needs to be opened and closed. This poses the challenge of multiple drive motors and distributed controls to open or close the coverage system.
  • sheet is used to denote any type of material, solid, woven, knitted, or the like, irrespective of the type of material used to manufacture the sheet.
  • a coverage system which includes upright supports for supporting at least one sheet at an elevated level, the supports including support lines running parallel to each other; at least one sheet extending longitudinally between the support lines; a drive system operable to displace the sheet transversely between the support lines from a deployed condition in which the sheet covers an area between the support lines to a stowed condition in which the sheet is stowed to expose an area between the support lines.
  • a coverage system which includes upright supports for supporting at least one panel at an elevated level; at least one panel extending longitudinally between the support lines; a drive system operable to displace the panel transversely between the support lines from a deployed condition in which the panel covers an area between the support lines to a stowed condition in which the panel is stowed to expose an area between the support lines.
  • the at least one panel may be hingedly attached to the upright supports and may be foldable in a wing-like fashion.
  • a sheet coverage system which includes upright supports for supporting any one of sheets and foldable panels at an elevated level, the supports including support lines running along at least two parallel rows of support poles; a first closed looped spool system defining an incoming and outgoing control line, displaceable in both directions, the incoming and outgoing control lines running along a first row of support poles; a drive assembly operable to actuate the first closed looped spool system in both directions; at least one second closed looped spool system defining an opening and closing steering line, transversely extending from the incoming and outgoing control lines of the first closed looped spool system, supported by a support pole in a second row of support poles, the opening steering line connected to any one of the incoming and outgoing control line and the closing steering line connected to any one of the incoming and outgoing control line, via directional guides, resulting in the steering lines to be transversely operable in unison with the actuation of the first
  • both the opening and closing steering lines may be connected to either the incoming or outgoing control lines.
  • the opening steering line may be connected to one of the incoming and outgoing control lines and the closing steering line connected to the other one of the incoming and outgoing control lines.
  • the first closed looped spool system may include a tensile element guided by means of a pulley, disposed on a distal support pole on the first row of support poles, resulting in a parallel configuration of the incoming and outgoing control lines extending from the pulley towards the drive assembly, moveable longitudinally along the first row of support poles, in unison.
  • the drive assembly may include a motor operable to rotate a drive member in the form of a winch in a clockwise and an anti-clockwise direction.
  • the drive member may include a drive shaft or drum having two portions of which a first portion and a second portion is attachable to the incoming and outgoing control lines, respectively.
  • the incoming and outgoing control lines are attached to opposing sides of the drum, resulting in an opposite winding up and winding down rotation of the incoming and outgoing control lines, creating unison in movement between the incoming and outgoing control lines. Therefore, the first closed looped system is a non-continuous looped system.
  • the drive member may include a pulley drive system operable to engage with both the incoming and outgoing control lines simultaneously, resulting in unison in movement between the incoming and outgoing control lines. Therefore, the first closed looped system is a continuous looped system.
  • the incoming and outgoing control lines may be defined by a single loop wound around the drive member.
  • the second closed looped spool system may include a tensile element guided by means of a pulley, disposed on a support pole spaced transversely from the first support line, allowing the opening and closing steering lines to move in unison.
  • the directional guides may include two pulleys disposed on a support pole in the first row of support poles, allowing for a right angle of connection between the second closed looped spool system and the first closed looped spool system.
  • any one or both of the support lines and the tensile elements may be in the form of wire ropes.
  • the sheets may include longitudinally extending tensile reinforcement elements woven into the sides of the sheets, attachable to the steering line.
  • the panels may be of rigid construction and may include a frame covered with any one of a woven sheet, a knitted sheet and a solid sheet.
  • the panels may be of a dual construction with a solid sheet at an operative upper side thereof and a woven or knitted sheet at an operative lower side thereof.
  • Figure 1 shows a coverage system in accordance with one configuration of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view of the coverage system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a plan view of the coverage system in accordance with another configuration of the invention of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 shows a coverage system in accordance with another aspect of the invention, omitting to show a plurality of foldable panels for clarity purposes;
  • Figure 5 shows the plurality of foldable panels to be used with the coverage system, shown in Figure 4;
  • Figure 6 shows an in-use side view of the coverage system shown in Figures 4 and 5, altered from a closed configuration to an open configuration
  • Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of a drive assembly, used in accordance with the coverage system of Figures 1 and 4.
  • reference numeral 10 relates to a coverage system, which includes supports (12) for supporting sheets, the supports (12) being in the form of parallel rows (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of support poles (12.1.1-12.1.7, 12.2.1-12.2.3, 12.3.1- 12.3.3).
  • the coverage system (10) includes a first closed looped spool system (20) and three second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) extending transversely from the first closed looped spool system (20), operable to alternate the coverage system (10) between a closed configuration (as shown in Figures 1 , 2, 5 and 6) and an open configuration (as shown in Figures 3 and 6).
  • Each of the second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) are connected to the first closed looped system (20), via directional guides (36, 37, 38), disposed on the support poles (12.1 .4, 12.1.5, 12.1.6).
  • the directional guides (36, 37, 38) include two pulleys (36.1 , 36.2, 37.1 , 37.2, 38.1, 38.2) disposed on an elevated level and on adjacent sides of the support poles (12.1.4, 12.1.5, 12.1.6), respectively, thereby allowing for a non-linear angle of connection between the first closed looped spool system (20) and each of the second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34).
  • the first closed looped spool system (20) defines an incoming control line
  • the pulley system (24) includes two pulleys (24.1.1, 24.1.2) disposed on an elevated level on support pole (12.1.2) and a third pulley (24.2) disposed on an elevated level on support pole (12.1.7).
  • the incoming control line (22.1) is guided by means of pulley (24.1.1) and the outgoing control line (22.2) is guided by means of pulley (24.1.2), whereafter, the third pulley (24.2) is used to create a parallel configuration between the incoming (22.1 ) and the outgoing (22.2) control lines.
  • the first closed looped spool system (20) includes a drive assembly in the form of a winch (40), best shown in Figure 7, operable to actuate the first closed looped spool system (20) in both directions, thereby alternating the coverage system (10) between the closed configuration and the open configuration.
  • the drive assembly (40) includes a motor (42) operable to actuate a drive shaft or drum (44) in both an anti-clockwise (46) and clockwise (48) direction, allowing for the incoming control line (22.1) and the outgoing control line (22.2) to move accordingly.
  • the drive shaft (44) includes a first portion (44.1) and a section portion (44.2) to which the incoming (22.1 ) and outgoing (22.2) control lines are attached to opposing sides thereof, respectively. Resulting in an opposite winding up and winding down rotation of the incoming (22.1) and outgoing (22.2) control lines, thereby creating unison in movement between the control lines (22.1, 22.2).
  • Each of the three second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) defines an opening steering line (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) and a closing steering line (30.2, 32.2, 34.2).
  • the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) are guided by means of the pulleys (36.1 , 37.1 , 38.1), respectively
  • the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are guided by means of the pulleys (36.2, 37.2, 38.2), respectively.
  • each second closed looped spool system (30, 32, 34) includes a pulley (30.3, 32.3, 34.3) disposed on an elevated level of the support poles (12.3.1 , 12.3.2, 12.3.3), respectively. Resulting in the opening (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) and closing (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) steering lines to move in unison, with the first closed looped spool system.
  • both the opening steering lines (30.1, 32.1, 34.1) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are connected to the incoming control line (22.1).
  • the opening steering lines (30.1, 32.1, 34.1 ) are connected to the incoming control line (22.1 ) at (30.1.1, 32.1.1, 34.1.1) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are connected to the outgoing control line (22.2) at (30.2.1, 32.2.1, 34.2.1), as shown.
  • the three closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) are operable transversely in accordance with the actuation of the first closed looped system (20), via the directional guides (36, 37, 38).
  • the supports (12) include support lines (60, 63, 66) running along the rows (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of support poles (12.1.4-12.1.6, 12.2.1-12.2.3, 12.3.1-12.3.3).
  • the supports (12) are used for supporting sheets, which in this example comprise of three nets (50, 52, 54).
  • a first side (50.1) of the net (50) is attached to the support line (60) and a second side (50.2) of the net (50) is attached to an additional support line (61).
  • a first side (52.1) of the net (52) is attached to an additional support line (62), a centre portion (52.2) of the net (52) is attached to the support line (63) and a second side (52.3) is attached to an additional support line (64).
  • a first side (54.1) of the net (54) is attached to an additional support line (65) and second side (54.2) of the net (54) is attached to the support line (66).
  • the additional support lines (61 , 62, 64, 65) are longitudinally extending tensile elements woven into the sides of the nets (50, 52, 54).
  • the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) are attached to the additional support lines (61 , 64) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are attached to the additional support lines (62, 65).
  • a connecting distance between (30.2.1, 30.2.1 , 34.2.1) and the directional guides (36.2, 37.2, 38.2), respectively is equal or greater than a distance (200), being the distance between the additional support line (63) and the support line (64).
  • a connecting distance between (30.1.1 , 32.1.1, 34.1.1) and the directional guides (37.1 , 38.1, 39.1), respectively is equal or greater than the distance (200).
  • the directional movement (70) of the incoming control line (22.1) results in the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) to be pulled towards row (12.1).
  • the directional movement (80) of the outgoing control line (22.2), allows for the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) to be released away from the row (12.1).
  • the second side (50.2) of net (50) is pulled towards the row (12.1)
  • both the first side (52.1 ) and second side (52.3) of net (52) is pulled towards row (12.2)
  • the first side (54.1 ) of net (54) is pulled towards to row (12.3), resulting in the net coverage system (10) to be changed from the closed configuration (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) to the open configuration (as shown in Figure 3).
  • the supports (12) are used for supporting foldable panels, which in this example comprise of four liquid impermeable panels (70, 72, 74, 76), of which each panel includes an arched shaped frame (70.1 , 72.1, 74.1 , 76.1) capable of supporting an impermeable sheet material (70.2, 72.2, 74.2, 76.2) attached thereto, respectively.
  • the impermeable material is in the form of plastic sheeting.
  • 12.3.1-12.3.3 includes an additional support (12.1.4.1-12.1.6.1 , 12.2.1.1-12.2.3.1 ,
  • Each hinge (78) is hingedly attached to a top end of each arched shaped frame (70.1 , 72.1 , 74.1, 76.1 ), thereby allowing for a pivoting movement of the liquid impermeable panels (70, 72, 74, 76) relative to the additional supports (12.1.4.1- 12.1.6.1 , 12.2.1.1-12.2.3.1, 12.3.1.1-12.3.3.1), respectively.
  • the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) are attached to a bottom end of the arched shaped frames (70.1 , 74.1) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are attached to a bottom end of the arched shaped frames (72.1 , 76.1 ).
  • each foldable panel (70, 72, 74, 76) includes netting (70.3, 72.3, 74.3, 76.3) positioned below the plastic sheeting (70.2, 72.2, 74.2, 76.2), respectively, attached between the top and bottom ends of the arched shaped frames (70.1 , 72.1 , 74.1 , 76.1 ), thereby allowing for the netting (70.2, 72.2, 74.2, 76.2) to move in unison with the plastic sheeting (70.1 , 72.1 , 74.1 , 76.1).
  • the directional movement (70) of the incoming control line (22.1) results in the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) to be pulled towards row (12.1), resulting in the bottom end of the arched shaped frames (70.1, 74.1) to rotate vertically towards the supports (12.1.4-12.1.6, 12.2.1-12.1.3), respectively.
  • the directional movement (80) of the outgoing control line (22.2) results in the releasing of the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) away from row (12.1), resulting in the bottom end of the arched shaped frames (72.1 , 76.1) to rotate upwards towards the supports (12.2.1-12.2.3, 12.3.1-12.3.3), respectively.
  • the sheet coverage system (10) is altered from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
  • an operating height of both the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) and closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) will differ, whereby the pulleys (30.3, 32.3, 34.3) are arranged on the supports (12.3.1-12.3.3) in order to accommodate for the deviation in the operating heights.
  • the inventor believes that the invention provides a coverage system operable to regulate the exposure of natural elements on the plants, covered by the coverage system.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a coverage system (10) which includes upright supports (12) for supporting any of one of sheets and foldable panels at an elevated level, the support including support lines (60, 63, 66) running along at least two parallel rows of support poles, a first closed looped spool system (20), running along a first row of support poles, which defines an incoming (22.1) and outgoing control line (22.2) and a drive assembly operable to actuate the first closed looped spool system (20) in opposite directions. Furthermore, at least one second closed looped spool system (30, 32, 34), supported by a support pole in a second row of support poles, which defines an opening (30.1, 32.1, 34.1) and closing steering line (30.2, 32.2, 34.2), transversely extending from the incoming (22.1) and outgoing control line (22.2). The sheets and panels are attached to both the support lines (60, 63, 66) and the steering lines (30.1, 32.1, 34.1, 30.2, 32.2, 34.2), thereby allowing the sheets and panels to be deployed or stowed in unison with the movement of the steering lines (30.1, 32.1, 34.1, 30.2, 32.2, 34.2).

Description

COVERAGE SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a coverage system. In particular, the invention relates to a coverage system operable to be opened and closed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shaded netting and sold covers, used to cover plants, are commonly used to reduce certain climate-related risks, by creating a substantially enclosed growing environment for the plants. However, the coverage of the plants may encumber certain quality parameters of the yield, resulting from a non-natural growing condition or climate, being reduced light transmittance, increased relative humidity and decreased pollination service etc.
The inventor is aware of permanent covers of either translucent sheets or netting sheets that are erected above plants to protect them from the elements. The inventor is further aware of netting systems that are resistant to damage due to hail or snow.
Certain coverage systems can be partially opened to provide air circulation over the plants.
It is an object of the invention to provide a sheet coverage system of which the covers can selectively be opened and closed to control the exposure plant to natural elements.
The difficulty to overcome is that large areas, typically a hectare or more of covers needs to be opened and closed. This poses the challenge of multiple drive motors and distributed controls to open or close the coverage system.
It is an object to provide a coverage system which can open and close over a large area with minimum drive motors and low friction control lines. In this specification the term sheet is used to denote any type of material, solid, woven, knitted, or the like, irrespective of the type of material used to manufacture the sheet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Broadly according to the invention there is provided a coverage system, which includes upright supports for supporting at least one sheet at an elevated level, the supports including support lines running parallel to each other; at least one sheet extending longitudinally between the support lines; a drive system operable to displace the sheet transversely between the support lines from a deployed condition in which the sheet covers an area between the support lines to a stowed condition in which the sheet is stowed to expose an area between the support lines.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a coverage system, which includes upright supports for supporting at least one panel at an elevated level; at least one panel extending longitudinally between the support lines; a drive system operable to displace the panel transversely between the support lines from a deployed condition in which the panel covers an area between the support lines to a stowed condition in which the panel is stowed to expose an area between the support lines.
The at least one panel may be hingedly attached to the upright supports and may be foldable in a wing-like fashion.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a sheet coverage system, which includes upright supports for supporting any one of sheets and foldable panels at an elevated level, the supports including support lines running along at least two parallel rows of support poles; a first closed looped spool system defining an incoming and outgoing control line, displaceable in both directions, the incoming and outgoing control lines running along a first row of support poles; a drive assembly operable to actuate the first closed looped spool system in both directions; at least one second closed looped spool system defining an opening and closing steering line, transversely extending from the incoming and outgoing control lines of the first closed looped spool system, supported by a support pole in a second row of support poles, the opening steering line connected to any one of the incoming and outgoing control line and the closing steering line connected to any one of the incoming and outgoing control line, via directional guides, resulting in the steering lines to be transversely operable in unison with the actuation of the first closed looped spool system; at least one of a sheet and a panel of which a first fixed side is attached to a first support line and a second displaceable side is attached to the steering line, thereby allowing any one of the sheet and the panel to be deployed or stowed in unison with the movement of the opening and closing steering lines.
In one embodiment of the invention, both the opening and closing steering lines may be connected to either the incoming or outgoing control lines.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening steering line may be connected to one of the incoming and outgoing control lines and the closing steering line connected to the other one of the incoming and outgoing control lines.
The first closed looped spool system may include a tensile element guided by means of a pulley, disposed on a distal support pole on the first row of support poles, resulting in a parallel configuration of the incoming and outgoing control lines extending from the pulley towards the drive assembly, moveable longitudinally along the first row of support poles, in unison.
The drive assembly may include a motor operable to rotate a drive member in the form of a winch in a clockwise and an anti-clockwise direction. In one embodiment of the invention, the drive member may include a drive shaft or drum having two portions of which a first portion and a second portion is attachable to the incoming and outgoing control lines, respectively. In order for the first closed looped spool system to be rotatable in both directions, the incoming and outgoing control lines are attached to opposing sides of the drum, resulting in an opposite winding up and winding down rotation of the incoming and outgoing control lines, creating unison in movement between the incoming and outgoing control lines. Therefore, the first closed looped system is a non-continuous looped system.
In another embodiment of the invention, the drive member may include a pulley drive system operable to engage with both the incoming and outgoing control lines simultaneously, resulting in unison in movement between the incoming and outgoing control lines. Therefore, the first closed looped system is a continuous looped system. For example, the incoming and outgoing control lines may be defined by a single loop wound around the drive member.
The second closed looped spool system may include a tensile element guided by means of a pulley, disposed on a support pole spaced transversely from the first support line, allowing the opening and closing steering lines to move in unison.
The directional guides may include two pulleys disposed on a support pole in the first row of support poles, allowing for a right angle of connection between the second closed looped spool system and the first closed looped spool system.
Any one or both of the support lines and the tensile elements may be in the form of wire ropes.
The sheets may include longitudinally extending tensile reinforcement elements woven into the sides of the sheets, attachable to the steering line.
The panels may be of rigid construction and may include a frame covered with any one of a woven sheet, a knitted sheet and a solid sheet.
The panels may be of a dual construction with a solid sheet at an operative upper side thereof and a woven or knitted sheet at an operative lower side thereof. The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures.
FIGURE(S)
In the figures:
Figure 1 shows a coverage system in accordance with one configuration of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a plan view of the coverage system of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows a plan view of the coverage system in accordance with another configuration of the invention of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 shows a coverage system in accordance with another aspect of the invention, omitting to show a plurality of foldable panels for clarity purposes;
Figure 5 shows the plurality of foldable panels to be used with the coverage system, shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 shows an in-use side view of the coverage system shown in Figures 4 and 5, altered from a closed configuration to an open configuration; and
Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of a drive assembly, used in accordance with the coverage system of Figures 1 and 4.
In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
In the Figures reference numeral 10 relates to a coverage system, which includes supports (12) for supporting sheets, the supports (12) being in the form of parallel rows (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of support poles (12.1.1-12.1.7, 12.2.1-12.2.3, 12.3.1- 12.3.3).
Furthermore, the coverage system (10) includes a first closed looped spool system (20) and three second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) extending transversely from the first closed looped spool system (20), operable to alternate the coverage system (10) between a closed configuration (as shown in Figures 1 , 2, 5 and 6) and an open configuration (as shown in Figures 3 and 6).
Each of the second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) are connected to the first closed looped system (20), via directional guides (36, 37, 38), disposed on the support poles (12.1 .4, 12.1.5, 12.1.6).
The directional guides (36, 37, 38) include two pulleys (36.1 , 36.2, 37.1 , 37.2, 38.1, 38.2) disposed on an elevated level and on adjacent sides of the support poles (12.1.4, 12.1.5, 12.1.6), respectively, thereby allowing for a non-linear angle of connection between the first closed looped spool system (20) and each of the second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34).
The first closed looped spool system (20) defines an incoming control line
(22.1 ) and an outgoing control line (22.2), rotatable in both directions, of which both the incoming control line (22.1) and the outgoing control line (22.2) runs along the row
(12.1 ) of support poles (12.1.3-12.1.7) and being guided by means of a pulley system (24), disposed on an elevated level of the row (12.1).
The pulley system (24) includes two pulleys (24.1.1, 24.1.2) disposed on an elevated level on support pole (12.1.2) and a third pulley (24.2) disposed on an elevated level on support pole (12.1.7). In use, the incoming control line (22.1) is guided by means of pulley (24.1.1) and the outgoing control line (22.2) is guided by means of pulley (24.1.2), whereafter, the third pulley (24.2) is used to create a parallel configuration between the incoming (22.1 ) and the outgoing (22.2) control lines.
The first closed looped spool system (20) includes a drive assembly in the form of a winch (40), best shown in Figure 7, operable to actuate the first closed looped spool system (20) in both directions, thereby alternating the coverage system (10) between the closed configuration and the open configuration.
The drive assembly (40) includes a motor (42) operable to actuate a drive shaft or drum (44) in both an anti-clockwise (46) and clockwise (48) direction, allowing for the incoming control line (22.1) and the outgoing control line (22.2) to move accordingly. The drive shaft (44) includes a first portion (44.1) and a section portion (44.2) to which the incoming (22.1 ) and outgoing (22.2) control lines are attached to opposing sides thereof, respectively. Resulting in an opposite winding up and winding down rotation of the incoming (22.1) and outgoing (22.2) control lines, thereby creating unison in movement between the control lines (22.1, 22.2).
In use, when the drive shaft (44) is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction (46) the incoming control line (22.1) is pulled towards the drive shaft (44) and the outgoing control line (22.2) is released away from the drive shaft (44), as shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 4. Alternatively, when the drive shaft (44) is rotate in a clockwise direction (48), the incoming control line (22.1) is released away from the drive shaft (44) and the outgoing control line (22.2) is pulled towards the drive shaft (44), as shown in Figure 3.
Each of the three second closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) defines an opening steering line (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) and a closing steering line (30.2, 32.2, 34.2). Whereby the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) are guided by means of the pulleys (36.1 , 37.1 , 38.1), respectively, and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are guided by means of the pulleys (36.2, 37.2, 38.2), respectively.
Furthermore, each second closed looped spool system (30, 32, 34) includes a pulley (30.3, 32.3, 34.3) disposed on an elevated level of the support poles (12.3.1 , 12.3.2, 12.3.3), respectively. Resulting in the opening (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) and closing (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) steering lines to move in unison, with the first closed looped spool system.
In one embodiment of the invention, not shown, both the opening steering lines (30.1, 32.1, 34.1) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are connected to the incoming control line (22.1).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1 - 3, the opening steering lines (30.1, 32.1, 34.1 ) are connected to the incoming control line (22.1 ) at (30.1.1, 32.1.1, 34.1.1) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are connected to the outgoing control line (22.2) at (30.2.1, 32.2.1, 34.2.1), as shown. In both embodiments, the three closed looped spool systems (30, 32, 34) are operable transversely in accordance with the actuation of the first closed looped system (20), via the directional guides (36, 37, 38).
The supports (12) include support lines (60, 63, 66) running along the rows (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of support poles (12.1.4-12.1.6, 12.2.1-12.2.3, 12.3.1-12.3.3).
In one example, shown in Figures 1-3, the supports (12) are used for supporting sheets, which in this example comprise of three nets (50, 52, 54). A first side (50.1) of the net (50) is attached to the support line (60) and a second side (50.2) of the net (50) is attached to an additional support line (61).
A first side (52.1) of the net (52) is attached to an additional support line (62), a centre portion (52.2) of the net (52) is attached to the support line (63) and a second side (52.3) is attached to an additional support line (64).
A first side (54.1) of the net (54) is attached to an additional support line (65) and second side (54.2) of the net (54) is attached to the support line (66).
The additional support lines (61 , 62, 64, 65) are longitudinally extending tensile elements woven into the sides of the nets (50, 52, 54).
In this example, in order for the coverage system (10) to be operable to alternate between the closed and open configuration, the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) are attached to the additional support lines (61 , 64) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are attached to the additional support lines (62, 65).
It should be appreciated that, in the closed configuration a connecting distance between (30.2.1, 30.2.1 , 34.2.1) and the directional guides (36.2, 37.2, 38.2), respectively, is equal or greater than a distance (200), being the distance between the additional support line (63) and the support line (64). Alternatively, in the open configuration, a connecting distance between (30.1.1 , 32.1.1, 34.1.1) and the directional guides (37.1 , 38.1, 39.1), respectively, is equal or greater than the distance (200). In use, with specific reference to Figures 1 and 2, the directional movement (70) of the incoming control line (22.1), results in the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) to be pulled towards row (12.1). Furthermore, the directional movement (80) of the outgoing control line (22.2), allows for the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) to be released away from the row (12.1). Thereby, the second side (50.2) of net (50) is pulled towards the row (12.1), both the first side (52.1 ) and second side (52.3) of net (52) is pulled towards row (12.2) and the first side (54.1 ) of net (54) is pulled towards to row (12.3), resulting in the net coverage system (10) to be changed from the closed configuration (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) to the open configuration (as shown in Figure 3).
In another example, as shown in Figures 4-6, the supports (12) are used for supporting foldable panels, which in this example comprise of four liquid impermeable panels (70, 72, 74, 76), of which each panel includes an arched shaped frame (70.1 , 72.1, 74.1 , 76.1) capable of supporting an impermeable sheet material (70.2, 72.2, 74.2, 76.2) attached thereto, respectively. In this example, the impermeable material is in the form of plastic sheeting.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each support (12.1.4-12.1.6, 12.2.1-12.2.3,
12.3.1-12.3.3) includes an additional support (12.1.4.1-12.1.6.1 , 12.2.1.1-12.2.3.1 ,
12.3.1.1-12.3.3.1), in the form of a vertical pole, whereby a hinge (78) is disposed on top of each additional support (12.1.4.1-12.1.6.1, 12.2.1.1-12.2.3.1, 12.3.1.1-12.3.3.1).
Each hinge (78) is hingedly attached to a top end of each arched shaped frame (70.1 , 72.1 , 74.1, 76.1 ), thereby allowing for a pivoting movement of the liquid impermeable panels (70, 72, 74, 76) relative to the additional supports (12.1.4.1- 12.1.6.1 , 12.2.1.1-12.2.3.1, 12.3.1.1-12.3.3.1), respectively.
In this example, in order for the coverage system (10) to be capable of being changed between the closed and open configurations, the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) are attached to a bottom end of the arched shaped frames (70.1 , 74.1) and the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) are attached to a bottom end of the arched shaped frames (72.1 , 76.1 ). Furthermore, each foldable panel (70, 72, 74, 76) includes netting (70.3, 72.3, 74.3, 76.3) positioned below the plastic sheeting (70.2, 72.2, 74.2, 76.2), respectively, attached between the top and bottom ends of the arched shaped frames (70.1 , 72.1 , 74.1 , 76.1 ), thereby allowing for the netting (70.2, 72.2, 74.2, 76.2) to move in unison with the plastic sheeting (70.1 , 72.1 , 74.1 , 76.1).
It is to be appreciate that when the coverage system (10) is in the closed configuration, shown in Figure 5, the plastic sheeting (70.4, 72.4, 74.4, 76.4) is used to prevent rainfall onto plants (not shown), whereby the netting (70.3, 72.3, 74.3, 76.3) allows for the regulation of condensations.
In use, the directional movement (70) of the incoming control line (22.1), results in the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1, 34.1) to be pulled towards row (12.1), resulting in the bottom end of the arched shaped frames (70.1, 74.1) to rotate vertically towards the supports (12.1.4-12.1.6, 12.2.1-12.1.3), respectively. Furthermore, the directional movement (80) of the outgoing control line (22.2), results in the releasing of the closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) away from row (12.1), resulting in the bottom end of the arched shaped frames (72.1 , 76.1) to rotate upwards towards the supports (12.2.1-12.2.3, 12.3.1-12.3.3), respectively. Thereby, the sheet coverage system (10) is altered from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
It is to be appreciated that, during the displacement of the foldable panels (70, 72, 74, 76) from the closed to open configuration, and vice versa, an operating height of both the opening steering lines (30.1 , 32.1 , 34.1) and closing steering lines (30.2, 32.2, 34.2) will differ, whereby the pulleys (30.3, 32.3, 34.3) are arranged on the supports (12.3.1-12.3.3) in order to accommodate for the deviation in the operating heights.
The inventor believes that the invention provides a coverage system operable to regulate the exposure of natural elements on the plants, covered by the coverage system.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1 . A coverage system, which includes upright supports for supporting at least one sheet at an elevated level, the supports including support lines running parallel to each other; at least one sheet extending longitudinally between the support lines; a drive system operable to displace the sheet transversely between the support lines from a deployed condition in which the sheet covers an area between the support lines to a stowed condition in which the sheet is stowed to expose an area between the support lines.
2. A coverage system, which includes upright supports for supporting at least one panel at an elevated level; at least one panel extending longitudinally between the support lines; a drive system operable to displace the panel transversely between the support lines from a deployed condition in which the panel covers an area between the support lines to a stowed condition in which the panel is stowed to expose an area between the support lines.
3. The coverage system as claimed in claim 2, in which the at least one panel is hingedly attached to the upright supports.
4. A sheet coverage system, which includes upright supports for supporting any one of sheets and foldable panels at an elevated level, the supports including support lines running along at least two parallel rows of support poles; a first closed looped spool system defining an incoming and outgoing control line, displaceable in both directions, the incoming and outgoing control lines running along a first row of support poles; a drive assembly operable to actuate the first closed looped spool system in both directions; at least one second closed looped spool system defining an opening and closing steering line, transversely extending from the incoming and outgoing control lines of the first closed looped spool system, supported by a support pole in a second row of support poles, the opening steering line connected to any one of the incoming and outgoing control line and the closing steering line connected to any one of the incoming and outgoing control line, via directional guides, resulting in the steering lines to be transversely operable in unison with the actuation of the first closed looped spool system; at least one of a sheet and a panel of which a first fixed side is attached to a first support line and a second displaceable side is attached to the steering line, thereby allowing any one of the sheet and the panel to be deployed or stowed in unison with the movement of the opening and closing steering lines.
5. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which both the opening and closing steering lines are connected to either the incoming or outgoing control lines.
6. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the opening steering line is connected to one of the incoming and outgoing control lines and the closing steering line connected to the other one of the incoming and outgoing control lines.
7. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the first closed looped spool system includes a tensile element guided by means of a pulley, disposed on a distal support pole on the first row of support poles.
8. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the drive assembly includes a motor operable to rotate a drive member in a clockwise and an anti-clockwise direction.
9. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 8, in which the drive member includes a drive shaft of which a first portion and a second portion is attachable to the incoming and outgoing control lines, respectively.
10. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 9, in which the incoming and outgoing control lines are attached to opposing sides of the drive shaft, resulting in an opposite winding up and winding down rotation of the incoming and outgoing control lines, creating unison in movement between the incoming and outgoing control lines.
11 . The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the first closed looped system is a non-continuous looped system.
12. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 8, in which the drive member includes a pulley drive system operable to engage with both the incoming and outgoing control lines simultaneously, resulting in unison in movement between the incoming and outgoing control lines.
13. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the first closed looped system is a continuous looped system.
14. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the second closed looped spool system includes a tensile element guided by means of a pulley, disposed on a support pole spaced transversely from the first support line, allowing the opening and closing steering lines to move in unison.
15. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the directional guides include two pulleys disposed on a support pole in the first row of support poles, allowing for a right angle of connection between the second closed looped spool system and the first closed looped spool system.
16. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the support lines are in the form of wire ropes.
17. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the tensile elements are in the form of wire ropes
18. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the sheets include longitudinally extending tensile reinforcement elements woven into the sides of the sheets, which is attachable to the steering lines.
19. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the panels are of rigid construction.
20. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the panels include a frame covered with any one of the following: a woven sheet, a knitted sheet and a solid sheet.
21. The sheet coverage system as claimed in claim 4, in which the panels comprise of a dual construction with a solid sheet at an operative upper side thereof and any one of a woven sheet and a knitted sheet at an operative lower side thereof.
PCT/IB2022/055777 2021-06-22 2022-06-22 Coverage system WO2022269503A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2021/04268 2021-06-22
ZA202104268 2021-06-22
ZA202200469 2022-01-11
ZA2022/00469 2022-01-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022269503A1 true WO2022269503A1 (en) 2022-12-29

Family

ID=84545521

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2022/055777 WO2022269503A1 (en) 2021-06-22 2022-06-22 Coverage system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2022269503A1 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2883320A1 (en) * 2005-03-21 2006-09-22 Alyzios Serres Et Equipements Agricultural shelter e.g. greenhouse, for e.g. fruit tree culture, has pairs of cables extending from one main arch to another to form lateral structure for farmhouses and guiding slides during retraction and deployment of flexible cover
EP2371207A1 (en) * 2010-03-24 2011-10-05 Valente S.p.A. Covering system for crops with improved opening and closing movements
EP2875721A1 (en) * 2013-11-20 2015-05-27 POJER Srl System for the rapid opening and closing of hail protection nets
EP3138390A1 (en) * 2015-09-04 2017-03-08 Dumitru Mitrel Cojocaru Device for folding and unfolding net-type protective covers in crop fields
WO2017056081A1 (en) * 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 Magel Srl System for covering crops provided with centralized means for fast gathering of the covering sheets
WO2017121787A1 (en) * 2016-01-15 2017-07-20 Magif S.A.S. Di Angelo Cappi & C. System for the movement of covering sheets
FR3077463A1 (en) * 2018-02-02 2019-08-09 Sun'r AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CULTIVATION OF PLANTS
CN111820058A (en) * 2020-08-10 2020-10-27 重庆市农业科学院 Space-saving orchard shelter convenient for switching sunshade and rain sheltering functions

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2883320A1 (en) * 2005-03-21 2006-09-22 Alyzios Serres Et Equipements Agricultural shelter e.g. greenhouse, for e.g. fruit tree culture, has pairs of cables extending from one main arch to another to form lateral structure for farmhouses and guiding slides during retraction and deployment of flexible cover
EP2371207A1 (en) * 2010-03-24 2011-10-05 Valente S.p.A. Covering system for crops with improved opening and closing movements
EP2875721A1 (en) * 2013-11-20 2015-05-27 POJER Srl System for the rapid opening and closing of hail protection nets
EP3138390A1 (en) * 2015-09-04 2017-03-08 Dumitru Mitrel Cojocaru Device for folding and unfolding net-type protective covers in crop fields
WO2017056081A1 (en) * 2015-09-29 2017-04-06 Magel Srl System for covering crops provided with centralized means for fast gathering of the covering sheets
WO2017121787A1 (en) * 2016-01-15 2017-07-20 Magif S.A.S. Di Angelo Cappi & C. System for the movement of covering sheets
FR3077463A1 (en) * 2018-02-02 2019-08-09 Sun'r AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CULTIVATION OF PLANTS
CN111820058A (en) * 2020-08-10 2020-10-27 重庆市农业科学院 Space-saving orchard shelter convenient for switching sunshade and rain sheltering functions

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6260308B1 (en) Covering mechanism for a greenhouse
US20150164004A1 (en) Agricultural house
CN104770244B (en) A kind of rope film greenhouse and its method of construction
EP2723158B1 (en) Protection system for mechanized covering of plant crops
CA2424315C (en) Weather protection device for the protection of moisture-sensitive specialized cultures of plant cultivation
WO2014014365A1 (en) Canopy
KR20120021112A (en) Device of a single vinyl house for keeping warmth
CA2969085A1 (en) Device for deploying a planar sheet over a structure
WO2022269503A1 (en) Coverage system
JP4234148B2 (en) Units used for construction of agricultural and horticultural houses
JP2017002705A (en) Opening and closing structure and forming method thereof
WO1996002132A1 (en) Improvements in or relating to fish farms
KR101128503B1 (en) Fold type awning structure
JP6861371B2 (en) Agricultural house, curtain system of agricultural house
WO2013064808A1 (en) Polytunnel arrangement
JP4402738B1 (en) greenhouse
JP3899906B2 (en) Blind device
KR102343854B1 (en) Automatic retractable tent apparatus
JP3992637B2 (en) Collective switching network system
JP2012052348A (en) Sunshade to be placed at outdoors
JP7449565B2 (en) Ventilation components for garden tunnels
JPH0437417Y2 (en)
JPH0746135Y2 (en) Protective net device
IT201600082803A1 (en) Covering system for rows of parallel objects
JP2007161476A (en) Moving system of net or sheet by using winch

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 22827804

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 22827804

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1