Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title: Device for deploying a planar sheet over a structure
Field of the Invention
The invention is directed towards enhancing the harvest from photoperiodic
plants by
selectively blocking their exposure to the sun.
Background of the Invention
The trend towards legalizing marijuana is creating new markets for high-
quality
cannabis. Commercial growing facilities are springing up to meet the need;
many
growers utilize the known plant-cultivation technique of "light-deprivation".
The light-deprivation growing technique exploits the cannabis plant's natural
"short-day
photoperiodicity" trait. It is practiced by strategically covering and
uncovering the plant
with an opaque planar sheet to create artificial periods of darkness, thereby
creating a
late-season (short-day) micro-environment. The plant's natural response to
this ruse is
to prematurely sprout flower buds, thereby exposing them to optimal, mid-
summer
growing conditions. The resulting cannabis crop will provide the grower with
much
better yield and quality than if the same plants had spent their peak mid-
summer growth
period producing leafy vegetative mass of little commercial value.
Since cannabis evolved under a hot tropical sun, its genetic makeup responds
optimally
to intense natural sunlight shining directly onto its flower buds. No cannabis
growing
system based on artificial indoor lighting can possibly match the full-
spectrum energy
and intensity of the sun so outdoor growing is inherently better-suited to
producing a
higher-quality product, particularly if it is combined with the use of light-
deprivation to
lengthen the period during which the flower buds are exposed to direct intense
sunlight.
The need for high-quality grapes to produce vintage wine provides a useful
analogy:
both grapes and cannabis must also be grown under ideal natural growing
conditions in
order to enable the plant's complex genetic makeup to fully express itself in
a high-value
finished product. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis and
while the
cognitive effect of the THC cannabinoid has been the focus of public
attention, the full
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constrained to travel over a semicircular path to drag a opaque planar sheet
or over the
semicircular (quonset-style) greenhouse structure.
Another relevant prior-art planar sheet deployment device is US application
number
20170071139 entitled: "Greenhouse with synchronizing cover assembly and method
for
inducing plant photoperiodism in plants" by Fence, Johah et al. Their light-
occlusion
mechanism (seen at www.emeraldkingdomgreenhouse.com) operates quite
differently;
it utilizes a pair of mobile electric motors that move in concert to rotate
the ends of a
rolls of opaque planar sheet membrane material such that each roll deploys
over a
curved side of the structure. A pair of telescopic rods, hinged to the ground
are used
hold and guide both the motors and their driven rolls of planar sheet material
along the
outside of the greenhouse structure; the rods telescopically adjusting to
dynamically
conform to the contours of a non-semicircular greenhouse.
The prior-art planar sheet deployment mechanisms are complex and poorly suited
for
providing all three of the environmental conditions needed for optimal
results. It is
therefore the goal of the present invention to provide a simpler and more
multi-purpose
planar sheet deployment system that eliminates their drawbacks.
A further goal is to provide both a planar sheet deployment mechanism and a
complementary underlying support structure that concentrates all of the
available
sunlight onto the early-flowering plants contained within. A further goal is
to provide a
multi-purpose light-deprivation structure that adapts to both the small-scale
growing
needs of backyard gardeners as well as the large-scale needs of commercial
growers.
A further goal is to provide a compact, multipurpose structure that is easily
reconfigured
to serve either as a stand-alone light-deprivation greenhouse or as a general-
purpose
stand-alone shelter for use by homeowners in their backyards. A further goal
is to
provide a planar sheet deployment system and underlying structure that home-
owners
can easily add onto their dwelling as a sunroom extension.
The invention in its general form will first be described, and then its
implementation in
terms of specific embodiments will be detailed with reference to the drawings
following
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hereafter. These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of the
invention, and the manner of its implementation. The invention in its broadest
and more
specific forms will then be further described, and defined, in each of the
individual
claims which conclude this Specification.
Summary of the Invention
The invention can be summarized as follows:
1. A planar sheet deployment system comprising:
a) a sheet of flexible, planar material suitable for being rolled upon itself
for storage,
the sheet material having upper and lower edges and lateral side edges that
are
dimensioned to cover a predetermined area when deployed;
b) a frame with an upper horizontal support for anchoring the upper edge of
the
sheet material in a generally horizontal alignment;
c) a linear winding rod spanning across and bonded to the width of the sheet
material along its lower edge in parallel to the upper edge, for winding-up
the
sheet material into a roll surrounding the winding rod;
d) a trackway comprising two separated parallel tracks extending from the
upper
support downwardly along respective paths that are displaced inwardly from the
lateral edges of the sheet material, extending to a lower level, the trackway
being
positioned for supporting the sheet material as the winding rod unrolls the
roll of
sheet material while descending towards the unrolled location at that bottom
of
the trackway;
e) a spool located along at least one end of the winding rod that extends
outwardly
from at least one side edge of the sheet material;
f) a winding cord extending down from a point located at the height of an
upper
support portion of the frame and connected at its lower end to the lowered
spool-portion on the winding rod, to be wound thereon in the opposite
direction
with respect to the winding direction of the sheet material, a first portion
of the
cord being provided to extend from the upper point to the spool when the sheet
material is deployed at a fully unrolled location; and a second portion of the
cord,
of similar length, wound onto the spool; and
g) a cord tensioner for drawing cord upwardly off the spool towards the upper
point
whereby, upon applying tension to the winding cord through the cord tensioner,
the winding cord will unspool from the spool on the winding rod causing the
winding rod to rotate and roll-up the sheet material while transferring the
location
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of the winding rod and rolled-up sheet material towards the upper support of
the
frame.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG 1 illustrates the planar sheet deployment device mounted onto an
asymmetric,
south-facing greenhouse for use as a tool for light-deprivation of
photoperiodic plants
and with its opaque light-deprivation sheet fully retracted.
FIG 2A is a large-scale view of the planar sheet deployment device shown in
FIG 1.
FIG 2B is a large-scale view of the planar sheet deployment device shown in
FIG 2A.
FIG 2C is a large-scale view of the planar sheet deployment device shown in
FIG 2A.
FIG 3 illustrates the structure and device of FIG 1 once its opaque planar
sheet has
been fully deployed.
FIG 4 is a large-scale view of the planar sheet deployment device shown in FIG
3.
FIG 5 is a large-scale view of the planar sheet deployment device shown in FIG
4.
FIG 6 illustrates a frontal view of a greenhouse structure having one
translucent planar
sheet deployment device mounted to it as well as the opaque planar sheet shown
in
FIG 1, both planar sheets being shown in their fully retracted configuration.
FIG 6b illustrates the greenhouse structure of FIG 6 showing how an optional
fairlead
stringer affixed to the structure to facilitate planar sheet deployment
device.
FIG 7 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with its translucent planar sheet
partially
deployed and its opaque planar sheet fully retracted.
FIG 8 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with its translucent planar sheet
more fully
deployed than in FIG 7 and its opaque planar sheet less fully deployed.
FIG 9 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with its translucent planar sheet
fully deployed
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and its opaque planar sheet more fully deployed than in FIG 8.
FIG 10 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with both its translucent planar
sheet and its
opaque planar sheet fully deployed.
FIG 11 illustrates a symmetric greenhouse structure having both its south-
facing opaque
and translucent planar sheets partially deployed while its north-facing opaque
planar
sheet is fully retracted and its north-facing translucent sheet is partially
deployed.
FIG 12 is a large-scale view of the structure of FIG 11 showing details of the
tensioned
cables used to actuate the structure's four planar sheet deployment devices.
FIG 13 illustrates the structure of FIG 11 with all four planar sheet
deployment devices
fully deployed.
FIG 13B illustrates the simplest embodiment of the invention when attached to
an
existing building; in this case a shelter to cover the patio in front of a
restaurant.
FIG 14A is an image of an opaque, multi-layer planar sheet material suitable
for use in
the light-deprivation device shown in FIG 1.
FIG 14B is an image of a sidewall insulation material suitable for use in the
greenhouse
structure shown in FIG 1.
FIG 15A illustrates a trellis used for promoting optimal growth of plants
contained within
the structure shown in FIG 1.
FIG 15B illustrates a horizontally extended growing trellis used for inducing
optimal
growth of plants contained within the structure shown in FIG I.
FIG 16 illustrates another embodiment of the horizontally extended trellis
shown in FIG
15B.
FIG 17 illustrates an embodiment that includes a hinged reflective panel, the
panel
shown in its fully-opened configuration: lying on the ground in front of the
structure.
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FIG 18 shows the embodiment of FIG 17 and including the trellis of FIG 16.
FIG 19 shows the embodiment of FIG 18 with its hinged reflective panel
partially raised
and supported at an angle that enables it to act as a heliostat which
redirects sunlight
onto the trellis of FIG 16.
FIG 20 shows the embodiment of FIG 18 with its hinged reflective panel fully
raised and
locked against the structure's sloped portion to act as a security barrier.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
With reference to FIG 1 and FIG 2, the planar sheet deployment device 1 is
affixed to a
suitably configured greenhouse structure 9, thereby forming a system for
enhancing the
growth of short-day photoperiodic plants 23.
Greenhouse structure 9 includes left and right trackways 11 and 12; each
trackway
forms the inclined upper contour of left and right end-walls 18 and 19
respectively. Each
trackway slopes continuously downwards from the structure's apex towards the
ground.
To maximize headroom inside the structure, the continuous downward slope of
end-walls 18 and 19 may be either curved or segmented into two or more
straight
sloping segments; for example, in FIG 1 segment 13 slopes downward at a 15
degree
angle and segment 14 is sloped at 135 degrees. A plurality of matching
intermediate
trackways 15 may be provided to give additional support to planar sheet 3
(when
deployed) or to rigid translucent panels 17 (described below). A plurality of
joined
members 21 form a frame that gives structural rigidity to end walls 18 and 19
as well as
to back wall 20 thereby forming a U-shaped greenhouse structure with its open
sides
orientated towards the equator for optimal solar irradiation of its interior.
Door 22
provides access through any of the structure's three vertical walls 18,19,20.
To enable sunlight to enter the structure while simultaneously protecting the
plants from
wind and cold, its sloping top surface is covered with translucent sheeting
17. The
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translucent covering may be flexible greenhouse film that is secured about its
perimeter
to surrounding frame members, thereby fully enclosing and protecting the
growing
plants 23. Alternatively, the translucent, portion of structure 9 may be
covered by a
plurality of rigid translucent panels 17 made of glass or plastic, each panel
being
gripped around its perimeter by suitable edge clamps to the surrounding frame
members. Stringer 16 may be provided to facilitate the attachment and use of
either
rigid or flexible translucent sheeting 17 as well as to provide additional
structural
integrity when flexible sheeting film is used instead of rigid panels. The
structure's three
vertical walls (18, 19, 20) are preferably formed from rigid material such as
plywood
however wall panels formed using flexible film or insulated film are also
suitable (see
FIG 15A and 15B). At least one endwall 19 includes a rigid support portion
capable of
securely mounting the tensioning motor 8 used to actuate planar sheet
deployment
device 1.
The sheet deployment mechanism:
To enable light-deprivation of plants 23, planar sheet deployment device 1 is
affixed to
structure 9 along its apex at 10 and along a sidewall 19. Planar sheet 3 is
made of
flexible opaque material and is affixed along its upper edge to the apex of
structure 9 by
means of a gripping clamp 10. In FIG 1 and FIG 2, planar sheet 3 is shown
fully wound
onto winding rod 4 to form roll 2. Its width enables sheet 3 to span between
left
trackway 11 and right trackway 12 and may slightly overhang them; the purpose
of the
sheet's (optional) overhang is described further below. When it is fully
deployed (by
allowing roll 2 to traverse down incline 13 and 14), the length of sheet 3
extends to the
ground, thereby preventing any sunlight from entering into the structure.
With reference to large-scale FIG 2A, 2B and 2C, unless it is restrained, the
weight of
cylindrical roll 2 resting on the incline of trackways 11, 12 will cause
planar sheet 3 to be
unrolled away from clamp 10 by gravity and thereby quickly deploy it over the
structure
and plunge plants 23 into darkness (as shown in FIG 3). To insure correct
deployed
alignment onto the structure, sheet 3 is accurately rectangular and trackways
11 and 12
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are accurately parallel, thereby forcing roll 2 to unroll orthogonally onto
it, held in place
at its upper edge by gripping clamp 10 such that tension across the membrane
constrains the roll's travel to the desired path.
To control the rool's gravity-driven descent and also enable the unrolled
planar sheet 3
to be accurately rewound back up the inclined trackway into its fully-rolled
storage
configuration, drive-spool 5 is affixed to one end of winding rod 4,
immediately adjacent
to a side edge of the sheet (see FIG 2B). A tensioned drive cord 6 is wound
onto
winding-rod drive-spool 5 in the opposite direction from that used to wind the
sheet onto
the rod. For example: in the right-side drive configuration shown in FIG 2A,
planar
sheet 3 is wound counterclockwise onto rod 4 so that roll 2 can be be
correctly affixed to
the structure using clamping strip 10. Tensioned cord 6 is therefore wound
clockwise
onto drive-spool 5, to correctly apply counter-rotative torque to the winding
rod that can
either restrain roll 2 from descending the structure or propel it back up by
winding the
tensioned back onto winding rod 4. To maintain compact drive spools, winding
cord 6
should be a thin as possible: high-strength fishing line or light-duty
aircraft control cable
provide good results.
Winding cord 6 is belayed at its lower end by winding it onto tensioning spool
7, which is
rotateably affixed to end wall 19 via drive motor 8, thereby enabling the
motor to act as
a controllable winch that feeds tensioned cord 6 onto and off of drive-spool
5. Drive
motor 8 may be automatically actuated using an internal electric motor to
rotate spool 7.
Alternatively, tensioning-spool 7 may be manually rotated using crank 24 as
shown; an
internal ratcheting mechanism actuated by button 25 being used to belay the
cord as
needed. If tensioning motor 8 is actuated electrically then its housing is
preferably
mounted inside of structure 9, high up on wall 19 to optimise the cord's force
vector
geometry as it actuates roll 2. If motor 8 is mounted internally onto the
inside of endwall
19 (not illustrated) then its tensioning spool 7 is rotated via a drive shaft
that protrudes
through the wall far enough to align spool 7 with the drive-spool 5.
As is evident in FIG 2A, decreasing the tension in cord 6 will enable roll 2
to descend
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along trackway 12 while laying down a deployed portion of sheet 3 along its
path.
Conversely, increasing tension in cord 6 will induce counterclockwise rotation
in winding
rod 4 and roll 2, thereby causing the roll to winch itself back up inclined
trackway 12.
Tension across sheet 3 will maintain orthogonal alignment of roll 2 as it
mounts the
structure.
FIG 3 illustrates the result of spooling out sufficient cord from tensioning
spool 7. Roll 2
has been permitted to roll down incline 13, over the precipice 16 of structure
9 and then
down incline 14, leaving planar sheet 3 in its path so that plants 23 are
plunged into a
simulated nighttime environment (when door 22 is closed). Note that during the
planar
sheet's controlled deployment, the force vector of tensioned cord 6 swings
through an
arc that follows the changing direction between spool 7 and spool 5.
Sheet deployment in windy conditions:
FIG 4 is a larger scale view of FIG 3 that gives clearer understanding of how
planar
sheet 3 lies upon structure 9 and how tensioned cord 6 drives the deployment
mechanism. The sheet's overhang past the outer edge of trackway 12 improves
its
light-tight seal against the trackway and endwall. The overhang also provides
a loose
flap of excess material which can be used to secure the sheet more firmly to
the
structure in the event of high winds. FIG 5 is a larger scale view of FIG 4
that gives a
clearer understanding of how the problem posed by high winds can be dealt
with. In
this example, the structure's frame members 21 are made of steel and a
plurality of
magnets 26 are used to secure the edge of sheet 3 onto it; the user simply
removes the
magnet, folds the excess material down and around the frame and then replaces
the
magnet. Even in high winds, this measure will typically prevent wind from
getting under
the sheet and causing its light-tight seal to fail. The use of magnets 26 is
one example
of how sheet 3 can be more securely affixed over structure 9. Other sheet
fixation
means such as snaps, Velcro or edge-gripping spring-clamps may also be
provided.
A second sheet-handling feature that mitigates the effect of high winds is J-
hook 28.
When roll 2 has been fully lowered into its light-deprivation position, the J-
hook helps
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secure it against the incline 14 of structure 9. Installing J-hooks at the
bottom of both
trackways also provide a structure capable of using padlocks to prevent
unauthorized
raising of the sheet (not illustrated). If combined with a multilayer sheeting
material that
includes a cut-resistant wire mesh layer, this security feature provides
further
discouragement to thieves wishing to cut through the sheet, particularly if
the mesh is
metal and charged using a low-powered electric fence energizer. Yet another
security
feature is to provide a contact switch at the bottom of J-hook 28 that sets
off an alarm if
an unauthorized person lifts roll 2 in an attempt to gain entry (see Automated
security
features further below).
Another means for stabilizing sheet 3 in high winds is to add extra weight to
its lower
edge. Winding rod 4 is typically formed of lightweight hollow tubing so its
weight can be
substantially increased by inserting cylindrical weight 27 into the tube
during assembly
(inserting it through the tube's open end, opposite drive-spool 5). Once
inserted into
winding rod 4, weight 27 applies extra tensioning force onto the lower edge of
sheet 3,
thereby insuring that it maintains a light-tight seal against structure 9.
Compensating for asymmetric drive components:
Another benefit of inserting weight 27 inside of winding rod 4 is that the
user can
strategically place it at a location in the tube that applies asymmetric
tensioning force
onto sheet 3. This enables the installer to fine-tune how tension is
distributed onto the
roll as it winches itself back up the structure in response to increased
tension in cord 6.
This sheet-tensioning adjustment can be used to prevent asymmetric
imperfections in
the sheet material from causing wrinkles to form on roll 2 as it climbs the
structure
towards its fully open position. The magnitude of weight applied by 27 inside
winding
rod 4 will govern the amount of tension that is applied along the lower edge
sheet 3.
The diameter of both winding-rod 4 and winding-spool 5 will also affect sheet
tension
because cord 6 applies tangential force onto them; the greater their diameter,
the more
weight 27 will be leveraged to create tension in sheet 3. To prevent cord 6
from
applying any significant lifting force onto roll 2 (instead of a turning
force), the diameter
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of its cord spool 5 should be made equal to or greater to the diameter of the
spooled
sheet 3 when fully wound onto winding rod 4.
Yet another method for increasing the tension applied onto sheet 3 is to
position cord 6
more parallel to incline 14. The orientation of tensioned cord 6 can be
adjusted by
positioning its drive motor 8 higher up on structure 9. More importantly, cord
6 can be
routed over a "cord fairlead" mounted onto endwall 19 at a location that
orients the cord
more parallel to the path of roll 2 as it is retracted up the incline of
structure 9. See FIG
11 and FIG 12 to understand how a cord fairlead (29) can be used to redirect
tensioned
cord 6, thereby improving its force vector geometry.
FIG 6b illustrates another means for facilitating smooth actuation of the
tensioned
planar sheet. Curved stringer 16 may be provided and joined to trackways 11
and 12,
as well as to intermediate supports 15. If present, curved stringer 16 is
positioned at the
juncture of inclines 13 and 14, thereby acting as a fairlead where the
tensioned sheet
exerts greatest pressure onto structure 9. Curved stringer 16 thereby
strengthens the
structure while facilitating smooth and taut deployment of the tensioned
planar sheet
over the structure 9. Curved stringer 16 is preferably formed from a
rectangular sheet
of strong translucent material such as polycarbonate plastic. A plurality of
diagonal-bracing and/or X-bracing members 34 may also be provided to augment
the
lateral rigidity of open-topped structure 9.
To further prevent gusting winds being able to get under the deployed planar
sheet 3, its
overhanging portions on each side may be fringed to create laminar disturbance
that
reduces a wind gust's ability to create an opening in the light-tight seal
between the
tensioned sheet and the roll trackways 11 and 12. In the example overhang of
sheet 3
shown in FIG 2B, the 2-inch overhang might be fringed with a 1-inch slit every
half-inch;
the fluttering edge will further reduce the weighted sheet's tendency to lift
off in strong
winds.and break its light-tight seal against trackways 11 and 12. To further
ensure that
the seal remains light-tight, the width of each trackway may be extended
somewhat
towards the interior of structure 9.
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Deploying both a light-deprivation sheet and a translucent sheet:
FIG 6, FIG 7, FIG 8, FIG 9 and FIG 10 illustrate how two deployable planar
sheets can
act in concert to provide varying degrees of optimal shading and protection to
plants 23.
Each figure illustrates a frontal view of an embodiment of the invention in
which a
second instance of the planar sheet deployment device (1b) is mounted onto
structure
9. Instead of the opaque sheet 3 wound onto roll 2 and deployed for light
deprivation,
the second copy of the device includes roll 30, which deploys a translucent
planar sheet
31 over the structure 9. Roll 30 is actuated and deployed using a separate:
winding rod
4b, drive spool 5b, tensioned cord 6b, tensioning spool 7b and tensioning
motor 8b.
Adding a second (translucent) planar sheet (31) compliments the opaque sheet 3
and
enables structure 9 to provide all three of the environmental conditions
needed for
optimal plant growth.
Translucent roll 30 is positioned beneath opaque roll 2 such that it can be
independently
deployed down structure 9 while leaving the light-occluding sheet 3 in its
upper stored
configuration. This dual-sheet embodiment thereby provides light-deprivation
when
needed as well as varying degrees of translucent plant protection when needed
(during
stormy periods or during cold weather). When the weather improves, sheet 30
can be
fully retracted, thereby enabling the early-flowering plants to enjoy the
benefits of direct
sunlight open-sky ventilation.
Adding a second (translucent) planar sheet 31 complements the opaque sheet 3
and
enables structure 9 to fulfill all three of the environmental conditions
needed for optimal
growth (listed above under Background of the Invention).
FIG 7 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with its translucent planar sheet 31
partially
deployed and its opaque planar sheet still fully retracted.
FIG 8 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with its translucent planar sheet
more fully
deployed than in FIG 7 and its opaque planar sheet partially deployed.
FIG 9 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with its translucent planar sheet
fully deployed
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and its opaque planar sheet more fully deployed than in FIG 8.
FIG 10 illustrates the structure of FIG 6 with both its translucent planar
sheet and its
opaque planar sheet fully deployed.
Automation features:
The invention can be easily adapted for computer control because the rotation
of
cord-tensioning spools 7 and 7b can be independently controlled using electric
motors 8
and 8b. Scheduled automatic deployment of sheet 3 and sheet 31 to induce
early-flowering in plants 23 is easily accomplished using a smartphone app and
readily
available home automation devices, thereby enabling the grower to remotely
control
and monitor the automatic light-deprivation process. Additional automation
features
might include:
- Temperature and humidity sensors placed near the plants can be used to
automatically open and close the translucent sheet 31 as needed to maintain
optimal growing conditions. A supplementary heater and/or ventilation fan
might
also be turned on or off as needed to maintain optimal growing conditions
within
the structure.
- A light meter placed inside the structure might be used to control sheet
deployment for shade-loving plants or to help modulate temperature. For
sun-loving plants such as cannabis, the light meter might also be used to turn
on
supplementary electric lights on very cloudy days.
- A digital anemometer might be used to warn the remote operator that wind
gusting has reached the point where damage to the sheets might occur if they
are not either fully retracted by remote control or else secured manually
along
their edges as described above.
- Security of the structure and its contents can be automated by linking
the user's
smartphone to a surveillance camera that enables them to monitor the site. A
motion sensor can also be used to trigger an alarm if an unauthorized person
approaches the structure; the alarm might include flashing lights, voice
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annunciation that the intruder is being captured on video and/or intense siren
noise. If an intruder disturbs a contact switch on the structure, it might
also
trigger the armed security system. Shock electrification of the metal
structure (or
a metalized mesh embedded in sheet 3) might also be incorporated into the
automatic security system, thereby further discouraging thieves from tampering
with the structure or its contents.
Other sheet deployment applications:
The presence of lounging chair 32 in FIGs 6 to 10 signifies that structure 9
can provide
significant user-benefits over and above its use as a light-deprivation
greenhouse. The
same factors that favor optimal plant growth (solar exposure, wind-protection,
air-ventilation and temperature-modulation) are also relevant to humans
wishing to
enjoy a comfortable and private space in their backyard. The compact structure
shown
in FIGs 1 to 10 will fit conveniently into most backyards, where it can also
serve as both
a greenhouse and a patio shelter (BBQ shelter, hot-tub shelter, picnic-table
shelter,
general-purpose storage shed etc). The illustrated (8-foot x 12-foot) light-
deprivation
greenhouse provides sufficient space to optimally and legally cultivate a few
cannabis
plants for personal use and it makes optimal use of standard-sized building
materials.
Regardless of its utility as a tool for growing high-quality cannabis, the
illustrated
structure is an excellent place for home-owners to simply sit and relax in a
natural
environment they can easily control.
If the compact greenhouse module shown in FIG 1 or FIG 8 is scaled up in size
or
connected end to end in chains (not illustrated), it lends itself admirably to
large-scale
commercial light-deprivation grow operations. The planar sheet deployment
mechanism also has non-agricultural commercial applications in public spaces.
For
example: a restaurant-patio can become more attractive to customers when they
are
protected from the elements by the dual "patio-awnings" shown in FIGs 1 to 10.
Another commercial application is to use the modules as private living spaces
within
larger structures: for example a much larger greenhouse might be subdivided
into
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private bedroom modules to serve as an attractive youth hostel or a warehouse
might
be temporarily converted into an emergency shelter.
Routing the tensioned cords over a fairlead
FIG 11 illustrates a laterally-symmetric, north-facing / south-facing
greenhouse structure
9 that is more complex and less energy efficient than the asymmetric, equator-
facing
structure shown in FIG 8. It is also less amenable to attaching to a wall of a
residence
to form a sunroom extension. It is however more typical of existing commercial
greenhouse structures and may provide some advantages when used as a stand-
alone
structure in some agricultural applications. It also illustrates how an
existing
(translucent) greenhouse structure can be easily upgraded for light-
deprivation use by
retro-fitting it with the present invention.
The bidirectionally-oriented structure 9 of FIG 11 requires four instances of
the planar
sheet deployment device (1, 1 b, 1 c and 1d). FIG 12 is a large-scale view of
FIG 11
illustrating the four independent planar sheets (3, 3b, 31, 31b), four
independent
tensioned cords (6, 6b, 6c, 6d) and four controllable tensioning means (8, 8b,
8c, 8d)
that are needed to control deployment of the four rolls (2, 2b, 30, 30b). The
complexity
of directing four tensioned cords in straight-line paths towards the various
rolls as the
traverse each side of the structure highlights the advantage of routing them
over fairlead
post 29. Fairlead post 29 is rigidly affixed to endwall 18 at a location that
presents a
fairlead guide surface to tensioned cords 6, 6b, 6c and 6d, thereby enabling
each one to
be redirected towards its respective roll (2, 2b, 30 and 30b). As a tensioned
cord slides
over fairlead 29 it applies the roll-torque needed to deploy or retract sheets
3, 3b, 31
and 31b.
Note that additional fairleads may be affixed at strategic endwall locations
to prevent the
cord from fouling and optimized their powertrain performance. For example: if
a (not
illustrated) second fairlead 29b were positioned near the structure's main
slope
inflection point 16, it would redirect both cord 6 and cord 6b along a more
effective
actuation geometry towards rolls 2 and 30 respectively. See FIG 13B for an
example.
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The cord fairlead 29 may be a simple post 29 form of low friction material
such as
Delrin. Alternatively, the fairlead may incorporate one or more pulleys to
reduce cord
friction even further while redirecting the cord for improved sheet-tensioning
geometry.
FIG 5 clarifies how the roll actuation geometry can be improved by routing
each cord
over a strategically located fairlead. The cord needs to stay as close as
possible to
slope 14 in order to produce maximum tautness in the sheet as it rolls and
unrolls over
the structure. FIG 13 illustrates the structure of FIG 11 with all four planar
sheet
deployment devices fully deployed for light deprivation.
Embodiment that affixes to an existing building:
FIG 13B illustrates the restaurant-patio example cited further above under
Other
Applications. Since it attaches to an existing structure and has no need for
light-deprivation, it presents the opportunity to practice the invention in
its simplest form.
Only two trackways 11 and 12 are needed to form a structure that is suitable
for
attaching the planar sheet deployment device 1.
Bolt flanges welded onto both ends of each trackway 11 and 12 enable them to
be
bolted directly to the restaurant's existing outer wall 20 (at the trackways'
upper ends)
and to the sidewalk or existing patio deck 33 (at their lower ends).
Translucent
sheet-roll 30 is affixed along the apex of the structure, as described for FIG
1, and
deployed over it using a motor 8 that is secured to the restaurant's existing
wall 20.
Cord fairleads 29 and 29b are affixed to one trackway (12) thereby enabling
the user
actuate drive-spool 7 such that tensioned cord 6 drives roll 30 to deploy over
the
structure as needed. The result is an open-ended patio-shelter structure with
a
translucent covering that can protect restaurant customers from wind and rain
when
lowered. To further prevent inclement weather from disturbing restaurant
customers,
translucent curtains may be drawn across the open ends of the structure as
needed.
Embodiment that serves as a sunroom extension in a house:
Similarly to the restaurant-patio embodiment, a single family dwelling can be
converted
into more attractive living space if the present invention is attached to a
south-facing
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wall and used as a sunroom extension. If the structure of FIG 1 or FIG 8 is
attached to
a house, the light-tight door 22 will typically be a sliding "pocket-door
style rather than
the hinged door shown. To improve its year-round livability, the structure may
be
winterized by laying down a layer of translucent "bubble wrap" insulation
underneath the
translucent planar sheet 31 to retain it in place (not illustrated). To
configure the
winterized embodiment, edge-clamping the sheet to the structure is advisable
(as
described above under FIG 5). Alternatively, winterization can occur by
replacing the
thin and flexible translucent sheet 31 with removable ridgid plastic panels 17
(as shown
in FIG 1). If winterizing with bubble-wrap, walls 18, 19 and 20 may also be
insulated,
preferably using "Ecofoil", an engineered bubble wrap with aluminized and/or
reflective
white outer surfaces that will serve to prevent excess heat buildup during the
summer
(see FIG 14B).
To facilitate the structure's recreational use during summer, an insect-screen
(not
illustrated) may be attached as a base layer under the opaque and translucent
layers 3
and 31. To facilitate switching in a screen layer or a bubble insulation
layer, the planar
sheet gripping strip 10 shown in FIG 2B may include quick-release fixations
(not
illustrated) that facilitate sheet switching. This feature also makes it
easier to replace
the opaque sheets 3 or the translucent sheet 31 when they become damaged.
Optimizing light distribution within the structure:
Referring back to FIG 8: an important aspect of optimal cultivation is
providing complete
light distribution onto all parts of each plant 23. Therefore, in a preferred
embodiment,
the structure's three interior walls 18, 19 and 20 as well as its floor 33 are
covered with
a reflective material such as aluminum foil or white paint. Door 22 is also
coated to
match the high reflectivity of its surroundings. The resulting reflections
inside of
structure 9 will cause solar rays that miss impinging on a plant 23 to be
reflected and
concentrated back onto them for improved light absorption and growth.
Managing excess heat
With reference to FIG 3, FIG 10 and FIG 13, it is obvious that when opaque
sheet 3 is
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fully deployed, solar energy absorbed by its dark-colour will result in
intense heat
buildup inside the greenhouse structure 9 and that it will endanger the
enclosed plants.
Cannabis thrives under intense solar radiation however it can only do so in an
open-sky
environment that can instantly vents the accompanying away heat.
To minimize heat-stress, opaque planar sheet 3 may include a multi-layer
structure
formulated for light-deprivation in greenhouses. Its outer surface is
reflective, thereby
greatly reducing the amount of solar heating it generates in the closed
structure. FIG
14A is an image of a suitable planar sheet material with built-in
reflectivity: this sample
of "Bold TM" greenhouse tarp is white on its outer surface to protect against
overheating
the plants; it's black inner layer ensures total light-opacity and a
strengthening mesh is
included to increase its durability. Less costly "Panda Film" greenhouse
sheeting is also
suitable for preventing harmful heat buildup.
The structure's back wall 20 and end walls 18 and 19 are also prone to
introducing
excessive heat that can harm the plants and should also be constructed with an
outer
layer that reflects light rather than absorb it. FIG 14B is an image of a
suitable "Double
BubbleTM" brand insulation material can be integrated into the wall
construction to
provide a choice of reflective surfaces facing towards both the structure's
interior (to
improve photosynthesis and its exterior (to prevent overheating). The
insulation layer
separating the reflective surfaces adds value for winterization the structure
(when it's
attached to a house as a living space) as well as for heat retention around
the plants
(during chilly nights late in the growing season).
A trellis that further optimizes light distribution
In order for the sunlight reflecting about inside structure 9 to have maximum
effect, each
plant 23 should be conditioned for optimal light penetration through leafy
vegetation and
onto its flower buds. Various pruning techniques have been developed that
force the
cannabis plant to produce a higher quality harvest. "Topping" is one well-
known pruning
technique that forces the plant to send out new branches that sprout new
flowers.
"Supercropping" and "Scrodding" are also effective "Plant Training Techniques"
that
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enhance the crop's yield of high-value flowers. If those pruning techniques
are
practiced while continuously binding the growing plant to a 3D trellis, the
result will be a
dense 3D grid of spaced-apart flower buds that takes maximum advantage of
whatever
sunlight is irradiating the greenhouse structure's interior.
FIG 15A illustrates a suitable growth-training trellis 41 which may be
provided to work in
concert with the planar sheet deployment device and thereby further optimize
the crop's
yield, quality and value. Cylindrical trellis 41 enables plant 23 growing in
pot 40 to be
pruned for optimal productivity; as the plant rises up as a seedling, the
grower prunes it
judiciously and binds new branches to nearby trellis supports to maximize
light
penetration to all parts of the plant. When the matrix of cannabis buds
reaches the
outer circumference of trellis 41, the grower can then train the plant towards
the ground
as well as upwards to complete filling of the entire space. When used inside
the
greenhouse structure 9 of FIG 1 or FIG 8, the resulting vegetative mass makes
maximum use of all available sunlight.
FIG 15B illustrates a modified trellis 42 that includes a horizontal "bridge"
portion
spanning between two plants in two pots. The elevated portion of vegetation
trained to
grow into and along the "bridge" towards its neighboring plant will be
optimally exposed
to sunlight reflected off the floor 33 of structure 9. FIG 16 is a modified
version of the
curved trellis of FIG 15B which has been optimized for compact storage and
shipping.
Once its six gridded-wire sides are fastened together to form a cage
structure, the user
completes the trellis by lacing an internal support network of string (not
illustrated) that
is pulled taut through the cage's exterior grid.
A multipurpose heliostat embodiment:
FIG 17, FIG 18, FIG 19 and FIG 20 illustrate a means for optimizing the amount
of
sunlight absorbed by the plants growing in structure 9. To redirect additional
sunlight
into the structure and onto the plants, a reflective "porch-panel" 43 may be
hingedly
affixed at ground level to structure 9, where it serves as a rudimentary
heliostat. The
rectangular, hinged panel 43 extends east-west across the open side of
structure 9 and
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includes a separate propping means 44 that enables the user to tilt and hold
the panel
at an upward angle which redirects additional sunlight into the structure. To
actuate the
heliostat, the user simply props the hinged reflective panel 43 at whatever
angle is
needed to redirect solar radiation from in front of the structure towards the
crop and
thereby increase its eventual yield. The propping means may be a propping-
stick 44 of
suitable length as shown however adjustable-length chains spanning between
endwalls
18 and 19 and the adjacent ends of hinged reflective panel 43 might also be
used.
When hinged reflective panel 43 is not serving as a rudimentary heliostat, the
reflective
porch-panel may be swung down and left lying flat on the ground in front of
the structure
(it's "front-porch" lounging function). Alternatively, the panel may be swung
all the way
up and padlocked onto the structure's lower inclined slope portion (14),
thereby forming
a robust "drawbridge" style of barrier that protects the structure's contents
from thieves.
FIG 17 illustrates an embodiment that includes a multipurpose hinged
reflective panel,
that panel being in its horizontal configuration in front of the recreational
shelter.
FIG 18 shows the embodiment of FIG 17 with the trellis of FIG 16.
FIG 19 shows the embodiment of FIG 18 with its hinged reflective panel
partially raised
and supported at an angle that enables it to act as a heliostat which
redirects sunlight
onto the trellis of FIG 16.
FIG 20 shows the embodiment of FIG 18 with its hinged reflective panel fully
raised and
padlocked against the structure's sloped portion to act as a security barrier.
Once the
barrier 43 is secured, rolls 2 and 30 may be fully deployed to close-off the
structure as
shown in FIG 10.
Conclusion
The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodiments showing
how the
invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only
exemplary.
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The invention in its broadest, and more specific aspects, is further described
and
defined in the claims which now follow.
These claims, and the language used therein, are to be understood in terms of
the
variants of the invention which have been described. They are not to be
restricted to
such variants, but are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention
as is
implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been provided
herein.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for
clarity, described in
the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a
single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for
brevity,
described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided
separately or in
any suitable subcombination.
