Plant enclosure with vertically distributed light sources

Abstract

A system for illuminating plants, comprising a dome / cage defining a volume that receives, surrounds, and covers the plant. Multiple light sources are supported by the dome / cage and distributed vertically from the bottom to the top of the dome / cage and around the periphery of the dome / cage to evenly illuminate the plant. The system is adapted to control the light sources to project light in dark areas, extend ambient light hours, increase the intensity of existing light, and modify the spectrum of existing light according to the specific growth requirements of a given plant growing in a particular environment. A solar panel may be connected to the light directly or via a battery to operate the system as a standalone unit. A control unit may be provided to receive user input to set a lighting program and enable the system to control the operation of the light using the set program.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to or the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62,884 / 468, filed August 8, 2020, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] background (a) Field The disclosed subject matter relates generally to horticultural or small-scale agricultural equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for covering and / or growing plants therein. [Background technology]

[0003] (b) Related technologies Successful indoor / outdoor cultivation requires an environment with the right combination of lighting, including light intensity and color or spectrum, as well as temperature and humidity levels. Some crops are more sensitive than others to temperature, humidity, and light intensity levels and fluctuations (increases / decreases) and changes in light spectrum. These factors affect production yields and concentrations of nutrients and antioxidants in the crop.

[0004] Some crops / plants require higher light intensity in their early growth stages than in subsequent stages as part of their normal growth needs to promote vigorous growth. Other crops / plants (mainly those planted in places that do not receive sufficient hours of sun / light) require longer hours of light for better growth and development. Other plants require light with specific wavelengths and / or colors. Some plants need to be covered in winter to protect the leaves from harsh weather conditions and cold / dry air. Some others require a light source during transportation to avoid yellowing and other problems caused by going without light for a certain amount of time.

[0005] Conventional light domes on the market are for indoor use and have lights on their tops. However, as the plants grow, the upper leaves grow in size and number, while the lower leaves start to lack the necessary light and start to yellow, resulting in a decline in number and yield. Thus, existing domes do not fit very well with the various needs of growing plants.

[0006] There is a need in the market for alternative solutions that address the above-mentioned shortcomings. Moreover, especially when the plant being cultivated is typical of a more tropical environment where the lighting is more or less constant throughout the year, the plant may suffer from lack of lighting in the winter. When such plants are cultivated as indoor or outdoor plants in temperate climates, there are more pronounced variations in natural lighting over the course of the year, i.e. more lighting in the summer when the plant grows more intensively and less lighting in the winter when the mature leaves yellow or fade or fall off.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the market for a dome / cage that addresses the above requirements. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] overview The present embodiment describes a multi-purpose system that simultaneously addresses these issues. To address these issues simultaneously, a system for illuminating plants is described herein. According to a first embodiment, a dome is described that forms an enclosure surrounding and covering the plant, with multiple light sources supported by the dome, the multiple light sources being distributed vertically from the bottom of the dome to the top of the dome and around the dome, i.e., individually positioned at different heights (i.e., distributed vertically) and different sides (i.e., also distributed horizontally) to illuminate the plant evenly from different sides, at various heights, and at various parts thereof.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment, a system for illuminating plants is described, the system comprising a cage including arms, the arms being rigid and self-supporting and forming a cage surrounding and extending over the plant, the system further comprising a plurality of light sources supported by the arms of the cage, the plurality of light sources being distributed vertically from the bottom of the cage to the top of the cage and around the cage to illuminate the inside of the cage at various heights (on each arm) and sides (corresponding to different arms) to evenly illuminate the plant growing within the cage.

[0010] In this document, the term dome refers to any one of a mini-greenhouse, a greenhouse, an indoor tiller, a tiller, a growing device, or any device used to grow plants in.

[0011] It should be noted that the term "dome" is a term known in the art for such a cover, and that the term is not limited to a circular shape (as a typical geometric definition might imply). As used in the art and intended in this document, the term "dome" refers to an enclosure with a base that may be rectangular, square, triangular, circular, elliptical, or any other regular polygonal or irregular geometric shape. Furthermore, the term dome refers to a part that in some embodiments fits over a flowerpot or other form of support, or in other embodiments fits straight over soil, to define and close an enclosed environment or interior or inner volume in which a plant grows and receives light. It is usually made of a transparent material, allowing ambient light therein. A cage may define the same interior or inner volume, but does not close it, since the cage does not have a closed surface. In an alternative embodiment, the cage may be adapted to receive a dome on it (above the cage) or within it (below the cage) to define an enclosed environment for growing plants therein.

[0012] According to one aspect, a method for illuminating plants is provided, the method including providing a dome or cage defining an interior volume surrounding and covering the plant, and providing a plurality of light sources supported by the dome or cage, the light sources being distributed vertically from a bottom of the dome or cage to a top of the dome or cage and around the periphery of the dome or cage to surround the plant with light from bottom up, the method further including controlling the light sources to do one or more of: projecting light in the dark, extending ambient light hours, increasing the intensity of existing ambient light, and modifying the spectrum of the existing ambient light according to the specific growth requirements of a given plant growing in a particular environment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method further includes providing a solar panel on the dome or cage, supplying the light source with electrical energy generated by the solar panel, either directly or through a battery operably connected to the solar panel for storing electrical energy received from the solar panel, and operating the dome or cage as a stand-alone unit independent of an external energy source.

[0014] The method may further include receiving a user input to set a lighting program and controlling the light source according to the set program.

[0015] According to another aspect, a system for illuminating plants is provided, comprising a dome forming an enclosure surrounding and covering the plant, and a number of light sources supported by the dome, the light sources being distributed vertically from the bottom of the dome to the top of the dome and around the dome to illuminate the inside of the dome, and the system is adapted to control the light sources to perform one or more of: projecting light in dark places, extending the ambient light time, increasing the intensity of the existing ambient light, and modifying the spectrum of the existing ambient light according to the specific growth requirements of a given plant growing in a particular environment. The system is used to surround the plant with light from the bottom up while protecting the plant from animals, insects and harsh weather conditions during transportation, storage, and normal growth in the particular environment.

[0016] The system may further include a solar panel operatively connected to the light source, either directly or via a battery, to allow the system to operate as a stand-alone unit independent of an external energy source.

[0017] A control unit may be provided which is adapted to receive user input to set a lighting program, the system being adapted to control operation of the lights using the set program.

[0018] In one embodiment, the dome comprises a top dome surface above the plant and a side dome surface extending around the plant, with a portion of the light source being supported by the top dome surface and a remainder of the light source being supported by the side dome surface.

[0019] The system may further include a fan at the top of the dome for exhausting air upwardly.

[0020] In one embodiment, the top surface of the dome is a lid that is placed over the fan. In another embodiment, the top surface is a lid and the fan is mounted thereon.

[0021] The system may further include a filter located above the fan for filtering particles exhausted from the system.

[0022] In one embodiment, the top and side dome surfaces include perforations distributed vertically from the bottom of the dome to the top of the dome and around the dome, where a light source can be attached by being inserted from the outside to illuminate the inside of the dome. In this embodiment, the illumination source may be a light emitting diode having an illumination portion and an electronic portion, where the illumination portion is directed into the interior volume of the enclosure and the electronic portion remains on the system outside the enclosure.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dome is made of a translucent material that allows ambient light to pass through the dome.

[0024] In another embodiment, the dome is made of an opaque material that does not allow ambient light to enter the dome.

[0025] The dome may include a reflective layer on its inner surface to reflect and recycle the light generated by the light source.

[0026] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an extension dimensioned to operably connect to the dome and for extending the height of the enclosure defined by the dome, the extension comprising light sources distributed vertically from a bottom of the extension to a top of the extension and around the periphery of the extension, and electrically connected to the dome such that operation of the light sources of the extension tracks operation of the light sources of the dome.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment, a system for illuminating plants is provided, the system comprising a cage including self-supporting arms that surround and form a cage extending over the plant, the system further comprising a plurality of light sources supported by the arms of the cage, the plurality of light sources being distributed vertically from the bottom of the cage to the top of the cage and around the cage to illuminate the inside of the cage, the system controlling the light sources to perform one or more of: projecting light in the dark, extending the ambient light time, increasing the intensity of the existing ambient light, and modifying the spectrum of the existing ambient light according to the specific growth requirements of a given plant growing in a particular environment. The system is used to surround the plant with light from the bottom up during transportation, storage, and normal growth in a particular environment.

[0028] The system may further include a solar panel operatively connected to the light source, either directly or via a battery, to allow the system to operate as a stand-alone unit independent of an external energy source.

[0029] A control unit may be provided which is adapted to receive user input to set a lighting program, the system being adapted to control operation of the lights using the set program.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system may further comprise an extension dimensioned to operably connect to the cage and for extending the height of the cage, the extension comprising light sources distributed vertically from the bottom of the extension to the top of the extension and around the periphery of the extension, and electrically connected to the cage such that operation of the light sources of the extension tracks operation of the light sources of the cage.

[0031] In another embodiment, the length of the cage arms are telescopically adjustable to extend the height of the cage to accommodate plant growth.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a ground standing dome for growing plants according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a dome standing on a flower pot for growing a plant, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a dome standing on a flower pot for growing a plant according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cage for growing plants according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a cage for growing plants according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a strip comprising a light source and comprising a ring and an elongated portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a cage for growing plants, with strips including a light source disposed thereon, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a system for covering and / or growing plants therein, comprising an extension having an electrical connector, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a side view of a system including nesting portions for covering and / or growing plants therein, shown in a compressed position. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a side view of a system including nesting portions for covering and / or growing plants therein, shown in an extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] It should be noted that throughout the accompanying drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

[0035] Detailed Description The embodiments describe a method and system for illuminating plants. The system comprises a dome / cage that defines a volume that receives, surrounds, and / or covers the plant. A plurality of light sources are supported by the dome / cage and distributed vertically from the bottom to the top of the dome / cage and around the dome / cage to illuminate the interior more evenly over space and time during low light periods. The system is adapted to control the light sources to perform one or more of: projecting light in the dark, extending ambient light hours, increasing the intensity of existing ambient light, and modifying the spectrum of existing ambient light according to the specific growth requirements of a given plant growing in a particular environment. A solar panel may be operatively connected to the light sources directly or via a battery to operate the system as a stand-alone unit independent of an external energy source. A control unit may be provided to receive user inputs that set a lighting program and enable the system to control the operation of the lights using the set program.

[0036] 1 and 2, a dome 100 is described for installation over and around a plant, either directly on the ground or standing on a flowerpot, to ensure adequate lighting as the plant grows. To ensure the plant receives sufficient lighting as it grows, the dome 100 includes light sources 200 that are located not only above the plant (as in the prior art), but all around the sides of the plant as well, thereby ensuring that the lower leaves still receive sufficient lighting even if the upper leaves grow in size and number. By providing additional light sources 200 just above the ground, up to the height of the plant's lower leaves, the plant can maintain a significant growth rate even as the plant continues to grow and the lower leaves lack adequate lighting. The fact that the upper leaves may block light coming from above is no longer an issue because there are additional light sources 200 with a more suitable position relative to the lower leaves compared to a typical dome that would only have illumination at the top, using the various sides of the dome 100 that provide additional mounting points for the light sources 200 distributed around the plant, and taking advantage of the available mounting points to fix the light sources 200 at different heights to each of the different sides of the dome 100. Thus, there is both a vertical and azimuthal distribution of light sources 200 around a central vertical axis along which the plants are expected to grow.

[0037] Thus, the dome provides physical support to the light source 200 (to secure the light source 200 thereon and to maintain its position in relation to the volume in which the plant is growing) to ensure that the light source is spatially distributed along the height of the plant from top to bottom and also around the plant. Support by the dome should be provided by the dome surface and / or the structure that forms the dome, as described in more detail below.

[0038] In a non-limiting example of implementation, the dome 100 can have openings in its surface, and the light sources 200 can be shaped and dimensioned to either project light through the openings in the dome by placing them just outside the dome facing the openings, or to be partially received within corresponding openings on the dome to project light from within the dome while keeping the heat generating components of the light sources outside the dome, and to dissipate heat generated in the environment surrounding the growth apparatus.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the dome 100 may be made with a transparent or translucent material, in this case made from a suitable plastic material, or tempered glass, or any combination thereof, to allow most of the light to reach the interior volume where the plants grow. The dome 100 may also have color, if the light is cast from the inside, or cast in it using cutouts / openings. More generally, the dome 100 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, and may be made from a suitable plastic material, glass material, wood, metal, or any combination thereof, to provide additional structural strength. The surfaces forming the inside of the dome 100 may further include a reflective coating, such as forming an inner mirror that reflects light inside the dome, rather than absorbing it, thus ensuring that the light emitted by the light source is maximally absorbed by the leaves to increase production yields, and not by the dome material (which would further cause undesirable heating).

[0040] The dome 100 may be completely rigid, for example formed from a single plastic body molded as a single piece, or may be formed from rigid panels that are attached, welded, nailed, or otherwise attached or fastened together. Alternatively, the dome 100 may comprise a rigid structure formed with rigid arms forming a frame to which panels are attached to enclose an interior volume in which the plants are expected to grow. In this case, the panels may be rigid (and thus attached to the structure) or flexible (such as woven fabric or canvas). As an enclosure, the dome 100 protects the plants from predators such as animals (such as squirrels, birds, insects, etc.).

[0041] The light sources 200 may be provided, for example, as LEDs, halogen lamps, or incandescent lamps having an emission spectrum suitable for plants growing inside the dome 100. According to one embodiment, the dome 100 includes dedicated fasteners for attaching each of the light sources 200 thereto. According to another embodiment, the light sources 200 may be screwed, nailed, pinned, sewn, or adhesively bonded to the dome 100 (i.e., to its surface), or to the structure of the dome if the dome is formed from rigid arms and a flexible surface.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure or dome 100 comprises a top dome surface 120 and a side dome surface 110. The side dome surface 110 may have a curvature, for example, may be circular when viewed from above. In this case, the side dome surface 110 is a cylinder that surrounds the plant. In other embodiments, the side dome surface 110 may be polygonal when viewed from above (or in cross section), in which case the side dome surface 110 would be a prism that surrounds the plant. Alternatively, the dome may have a bell shape. The dome 100 should be top closed in that it comprises a top dome surface 120.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the top dome surface 120 is removable or hinged, or portions thereof are removable or openable, to act as an air vent. Other openings or cutouts may be provided to form other air vents. Additionally, making the top dome surface 120 removable provides the possibility of installing a fan 410 over the opening left upon its removal, as will be further described below.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the dome 100 does not have a bottom surface, and thus the dome 100 is open to the bottom. However, the lateral dome surfaces 120 have, for example, a circular or polygonal shape, and terminate at the bottom at an edge 130 that contacts the ground when the dome 100 stands on the ground around and over a plant. The edge 130 may comprise feet or pegs that stand on the ground.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2, it is shown that the dome 100 can also stand on a flower pot 300 or other type of container for plants, such as a tray containing a growing medium. The dome 100 can thus be used on any flower pot of suitable dimensions, and encloses a volume located above the flower pot into which a plant growing from the flower pot is expected to extend. To help accommodate various flower pot diameters and dimensions, the lateral dome surface 110 may terminate at its bottom with a skirt 112. The skirt 112 comprises a laterally extending member, such as a laterally extending member (however, in addition to or instead of an outward extension, it may extend inward). Having the skirt 112 extend at least in the horizontal plane helps the dome 100 to accommodate various flower pot diameters and to contact the flower pot top edge when the dome stands on the flower pot. In other embodiments, a peg may be provided that stands on the flower pot 300. The dome 100 may be adapted to be releasably secured to the flower pot 300 using a suitable locking mechanism. For example, the dome may be releasably screwed onto the flower pot 300 or vice versa, or may be clipped onto the flower pot 300 using a clip or snap connector or the like that may be provided at the bottom end of the dome 100 (i.e., under the skirt 112 or on a peg provided at the bottom). In an embodiment, the system may include a dome / cage and a container to which the dome / cage connects and that contains soil and plants. This application is typically used for growing plants indoors, for transportation, etc.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 3, various features are shown which are only shown in FIG. 3 but which are independent of one another.

[0047] According to one embodiment, a fan 410 is provided on the dome 100. The fan 410 can be used to maintain a stable or suitable temperature within the dome 100 for optimal plant growth by having the fan 410 preferentially expel warm air that reaches the top of the dome 100 and would otherwise accumulate there.

[0048] If a fan 410 is used, the top surface 120 should at least include perforations or any other type of opening to allow air to be drawn up by the fan 410. It may be provided under the fan 410 as shown in FIG. 3, meaning that the fan 410 is installed by being fitted to the top surface 120 to which it can be secured (using clips, snap connectors, etc.). Preferably, the top surface 120 should be removable (e.g., a removable lid) so that the fan 410 may be placed there instead of the top surface 120. The top surface of the fan element should also be perforated or wide open to allow upward exhaust of warm air, and / or should include a filter as described below.

[0049] In fact, when fan 410 is used, some particles, such as dust from the soil or particles generated by the plants themselves, may be moved to the surroundings by fan 410. To avoid this situation, filter 420 can be installed, for example, at the output of fan 410 (as shown in FIG. 3 ), or between fan 410 and top dome surface 120 if top dome surface 120 is still present as a perforated lid to fan 410. Filter 420 can thus capture dust or other particles.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the flower pot 300 can be a self-watering flower pot, which is useful given that the plant and its immediate surroundings are covered by the dome and therefore are largely inaccessible for watering without temporarily removing the dome 100. The saucer 310 is shown as an example of a device that can contain excess water and contribute to the self-watering capability of the flower pot 300.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the light source 200 may be located inside the surface forming the dome 100 .

[0052] According to another embodiment, still referring to FIG. 3, the dome 100 is provided with an aperture 101 (or opening or perforation) at a dedicated position so that the light source 200 may be fitted into the dedicated aperture 101. In this case, the light sources have their illumination end, which may also protrude inside the dome 100, in the aperture 101, but the supporting electronics of the light source are rather located outside the dome 100, as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, in this embodiment, the illumination source 200 is a light-emitting diode having an illumination part and an electronic part, the illumination part is directed into the internal volume of the enclosure, and the electronic part remains on the system outside the enclosure. This is advantageous in that the surfaces (110, 120) forming the dome 100 have no requirements regarding transparency. Moreover, if the light source is an LED, the illumination part located inside the dome 100 does not generate significant heat and does not affect the temperature inside the dome, while the supporting electronics, which generate significant heat, do not affect the temperature inside the dome, since they are located outside the dome 100. This embodiment reduces heat generation inside the dome 100. Advantageously, the dedicated apertures 101 can be arranged, for example, at regular intervals around the side surface 110, in which case the light sources 200 can be provided on a strip 230 that can be installed by stretching it over the contour of the dome, thus allowing multiple light sources 200 to be installed simultaneously around the entire circumference of the dome 100, on a single tier of light sources 200.

[0053] In a less preferred embodiment, the light source 200 can be installed outside the surfaces forming the dome 100, in which case the surfaces forming the dome (110, 120) should be transparent in whole or at least in relation to the portion on which the light source 200 is installed, and the light emitted from the light source 200 reaches the inside of the dome 100 to illuminate the plants.

[0054] 4-5, another embodiment is described in which the dome 100 is replaced by a cage 400. The cage 400 differs from the dome in that it is not a closed surface, i.e., it does not have a surface that constitutes an enclosure, thereby instead providing only a framework on which a light source is attached. The framework still defines an interior volume for growing plants without surrounding the plants with a closed surface. Although the cage 400 differs from the dome 100 in that it is not a closed volume, it can still provide support for additional lighting when natural lighting from the environment outside the cage 400 is not sufficient for the plants, for example in winter or when the plants are in shadow.

[0055] The cage 400 comprises side members 410 and a top member 420 that constitute the cage, with no surface between them. The members (410, 420) can be seen as arms or bars, and are preferably rigid so as to be self-supporting. The cage 400 can be a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylinder (both can be inferred from the side view of FIG. 4), or it can have a bell shape by curving the side members 410 to meet at the top. (FIG. 5, whereby it is not distinguished from the top member 420, because the single member has a curvature that makes it fairly horizontal in one part of it and fairly vertical in another part of it). The light source is mounted on the members 410, 420, providing a similar function to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Fasteners can be provided on the members 410, 420 to mount the light source 200.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the bottom of the side member 410 can terminate in a base 412 that has a horizontal component (i.e., it extends at least partially horizontally, similar to the skirt 112) so that the cage 400 can stand on a flower pot of unknown diameter within the range permitted by the horizontal extension of the base 412, which will be located on the upper edge of the flower pot 300 when installed in the flower pot 300.

[0057] If the cage 400 needs to be closed to form an enclosure, a cover (e.g., formed of fabric, plastic fabric, panels, etc.) can be placed over the cage or under its members 410, 420. Fastening members should be provided so that the cover is securely held to the cage 400. This can prevent overexposure to sunlight or prevent insects from reaching the plants. If there is a cover over the cage 400, ventilation can be provided, for example by having an opening at the top.

[0058] According to one embodiment, as shown in Figures 6-7, the light source 200 can be provided on a strip 230, which can have the shape of a ring and can include an elongated portion. The strip 230 together with its light source 200 can then be installed on the cage 400. More precisely, the ring shape can be installed by being fixed at various fixed locations on the cage 400 (or on the dome 100) so that the ring forms a step and the elongated portion extends downwards along the side member 410 (or along the structure supporting the side 110 of the dome). Figure 6 shows a ring-shaped strip with an elongated portion, and Figure 7 shows a cage with two of these strips installed, or a strip 230 with two rings of a suitable diameter (i.e. substantially the same diameter) to fit the cage 400.

[0059] Each arm may comprise a vertical portion extending vertically and curve at its top to extend at least partially horizontally (horizontal portion). An intermediate portion may be defined where the arm curves between vertical and horizontal. The strip 230 comprises an elongated member that fits over the arm of the cage and can be releasably attached or secured thereto (e.g., with a Velcro™ hook-and-loop type attachment, or a snap connector, or a zipper, or a button). According to one embodiment, each of the elongated members of the strip fits over a vertical portion of a corresponding one of the arms of the cage. The strip 230 further comprises a ring from which the elongated member extends, the ring being circumferentially placed around all the arms around the cage. For example, the ring may be placed on an intermediate portion of each of the arms between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion, with the elongated member extending downwards and each on the vertical portion of the corresponding arm.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the strip 230 can be a light source 200, for example, by making the strip out of a light diffusing material and projecting light from within.

[0061] The strips 230 can have any other shape that matches the shape of the dome 100 or cage 400, which can be any shape suitable for enclosing a plant, including, but not limited to, a cylinder, a prism, a cone, a pyramid, or any other regular or irregular three-dimensional shape that can reasonably enclose a plant. For example, the cage 400 may be provided as a rectangular box or a cylinder (FIG. 4 is a side view that applies to both shapes), and the strips 230 may be provided as any combination of bars or linear strips that fit over such a structure.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the light sources 200 can be modulated in various ways. For example, the light sources 200 can have their emission spectrum modulated over time. This can be advantageous to adapt the emission wavelength to the plant's requirements, which vary over the plant's growth time. Thus, the emission spectrum can be optimized for each period of growth and can even be modulated to emit different wavelengths towards different parts of the plant, if this can be advantageous.

[0063] Similarly, the intensity of each light source can be modulated according to the growth stage of the plant, according to the part of the plant that is illuminated, and according to the basic illumination coming from the environment (i.e. taking daylight into account and adapting the illumination generated from the light source 200). Indeed, if the dome 100 is transparent or translucent, or if the cage 400 is used without a cover, daylight can reach the plant. In other embodiments, the plant may benefit from the use of a daylight concentrator, which can collect daylight using the concentrator to illuminate the plant, thus reducing the requirements for artificial lighting.

[0064] If the top dome surface 120 of the dome 100 is removable or if the cage 400 is used without a cover, the top surface of the plants may be illuminated using an external lighting device, which may be more powerful. For example, the external lighting device may be a CMH (ceramic metal halide), HPS (high pressure sodium), MH (metal halide), or other type of powerful lighting for the top, while the light source 200 on the support acts like a supplemental light, especially for the lower leaves.

[0065] If it is not necessary to have continuous illumination over time, a timer can be added to control the illumination from light source 200. In that case, it may be desirable to modulate the beginning and end of the illumination period to provide a soft start and end (i.e., the transition from on / off or off / on is not instantaneous, to smooth out the transition).

[0066] According to one embodiment, if a fan 410 is used, the dome 100 may include sensors, such as a thermometer and a hygrometer, that collect data upon which a decision to operate the fan 410 may be based.

[0067] A panel control can be provided for the user to turn on / off or set up the light sources 200, fans 410 and other controllable devices. A WiFi or Bluetooth communication device can also be added to export data or send commands remotely to the dome control panel.

[0068] Power for the dome 100 required to operate the light source 200, and if relevant the fan 410 and other electronics (such as a control board or microcontroller or controller that receives data and controls any equipment, such as power provided to the light source 200 via a power outlet or battery, taking into account the time or other indicators such as detected natural illumination) can be obtained from an electrical connector plugged into an outlet and / or from other sources such as batteries, solar panels, etc. If there is a type mismatch (in terms of AC or DC) between the power source and the power consuming device, a converter may be required and a transformer may also be required to adjust the voltage.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the dome 100 is a transport dome, i.e. plants may be placed therein for transport, in which case storage in a closed environment such as a truck may be foreseen, thus offering the advantage of providing direct lighting within the dome 100.

[0070] Thus, providing a battery as a power source is advantageous since it can provide power regardless of the location of the dome, i.e., the dome 100 can operate in a stand-alone manner without wiring if the battery is included with the dome and secured on or in the dome. The battery can be recharged with appropriate circuitry to recharge the battery when the dome 100 is plugged into an electrical outlet (or using a solar panel). The battery may be replaceable.

[0071] According to an embodiment, in conjunction with or in addition to replacing the batteries, wiring with an electrical connector can be provided to plug the dome 100 into a power outlet.

[0072] The additional lighting provided by the dome 100 or cage 400 is useful to distribute lighting more evenly across space, along the height of the plant, from various angles not provided by natural lighting. Furthermore, it is useful to make the lighting constant over time, or more significant / stronger than natural lighting, to compensate for weather changes, thereby illuminating the plants during winter to lighting levels similar to those received in summer, thus avoiding yellowing or discoloration of the leaves in winter, as well as modifying the existing light spectrum by adding new wavelengths and colors.

[0073] According to an embodiment, a light sensor may be provided to detect the current level of illumination. The power supplied to the illumination source 200 can then be controlled according to the detected level of illumination to compensate for the detected level of illumination, i.e., if the level of illumination is low, the power input to the illumination source 200 and controlled by the controller can be increased to maintain the overall illumination (natural + artificial) at an acceptable total level. A clock and / or calendar may be included in the controller to compare whether the illumination level (detected by the light sensor) is lower than the expected illumination for that date and time and perform illumination compensation accordingly.

[0074] To make the lighting more constant over time to compensate for weather changes, solar panels may be provided and advantageously placed in places where sunlight is strong. The solar panels are used to collect natural light (sunlight) and convert it into electricity, which is stored in the battery mentioned above. The battery may then be adjusted to power the light source 200 in a more controlled manner over time, which makes the lighting more constant over time and avoids significant periods with low lighting. Thus, the lighting can use the energy stored in the battery (or received from an external power source) to extend the lighting period on the plants, enhance the light on the plants, modify the spectrum by adding colors or wavelengths not available in the ambient light, and provide light when ambient light is not available. Control of the lighting operation may be done using a timer or a control unit (e.g., a panel control) adapted to receive input from a user regarding what program or lighting schedule to follow.

[0075] Now referring to FIG. 8, the dome 100 or cage 400 can be equipped with an extension 500 adapted to be operatively connected to the dome / cage. In an embodiment, the extension can be adapted to match the diameter (or generally the dimensions) of the original dome 100 or cage 400, and can therefore be placed underneath it to elevate the dome 100 or cage 400 as the plant grows over time. According to an embodiment, the extension 500 comprises the same type of structure or frame that receives the light source, or comprises the light source itself, in which case the extension comprises an electrical connection that connects to a complementary electrical connection on the dome 100 or cage 400. In an embodiment, the provision of electrical current to the extension occurs automatically when the cage is connected to the extension. For example, a matching electrical connector 510 can be provided to electrically connect the extension to the dome, and the electrical connector 510 can provide power to the light source 200 of the extension 500, so that the extension 500 can also illuminate the lower part of the plant, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0076] In another embodiment, the legs of the dome 100 or cage 400 are telescoping, allowing the dome 100 or cage 400 to accommodate plants that grow in height over time. The dome 100 or cage 400 can be provided in different sizes to accommodate different types of plants of different sizes, as illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B. Figure 9A shows a cage 400 with nesting portions 415 on the arms 410. In Figure 9A, the nesting portions are in a compressed position, i.e., they are shortened, while in Figure 9B, the arms 410 are in an extended position, i.e., they are each extended to accommodate plant growth, or simply to accommodate another plant that may be taller. The light sources 200 are spaced farther apart from each other in the extended position than in the compressed position, as a result of the nesting portions 415 extending between them.

[0077] Although preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from the present disclosure, and such modifications are considered as possible variations falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A method for illuminating a plant in a pot or in the ground, comprising: providing a structure in a stand-alone manner, wherein the plant is in a pot or in the ground, the structure being distinct from the pot or the ground and standing independently of the pot or above the ground, the structure having a bottom and a top and defining an interior volume at least partially surrounding and covering the plant, the structure comprising a plurality of vertically extending arms, each of the arms comprising a telescoping portion, a length of the telescoping portion of each of the arms being telescoping adjustable, the method further comprising: providing a plurality of light sources supported by the arms of the structure, the light sources being vertically distributed from the bottom of the structure to the top of the structure, the positions of the light sources being adjusted when adjusting the length of the telescoping portions of the arms, the method further comprising: The method includes controlling the light source to perform one or more of: projecting light in a dark place, extending ambient light hours, increasing the intensity of an existing ambient light, and modifying the spectrum of the existing ambient light according to the specific growth requirements of a given plant growing in a particular environment.

2. moreover, providing a solar panel on the structure; supplying the light source with electrical energy generated by the solar panel, either directly or through a battery operatively connected to the solar panel for storing electrical energy received from the solar panel; and operating the structure as a stand-alone unit independent of an external energy source.

3. moreover, receiving user input to set a lighting program; and controlling the light source in accordance with the set lighting program.

4. 1. A system for illuminating a plant in a pot or in the ground, comprising: a dome, the dome being distinct from and standing independently of the pot or the ground, the dome being stand-alone in that it has a base and a top and forms an enclosure that at least partially surrounds and covers the plant, the system further comprising: a plurality of light sources supported by the dome, the plurality of light sources being distributed vertically from the bottom to the top and around the periphery of the enclosure to illuminate an interior of the dome, the system further comprising: a control unit adapted to receive user input for setting a lighting program, said system being adapted to control operation of said light source using said lighting program, said system further comprising: an extension portion dimensioned to operatively connect to the dome and for extending a height of the enclosure, the extension portion comprising additional light sources distributed vertically from a bottom of the extension portion to a top of the extension portion and around the periphery of the extension portion, the additional light sources electrically connected to the dome such that operation of the additional light sources of the extension portion tracks operation of the light sources of the dome; The system is adapted to control the light source to perform one or more of: projecting light in a dark place, extending an ambient light time, increasing an intensity of an existing ambient light, and modifying a spectrum of the existing ambient light according to a growth requirement specific to a given plant growing in a particular environment; The system is used to surround the plant with light from the bottom to the top of the enclosure while protecting the plant from animals, insects and harsh weather conditions during transportation, storage and during the normal growth of the plant in a particular environment.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a solar panel operatively connected to said light source, either directly or via a battery, for operating said system as a stand-alone unit independent of an external energy source.

6. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the dome comprises a top dome surface above the plant and a side dome surface extending around the plant, the additional light source being supported by the top dome surface.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising a fan at the top of the dome for exhausting air upwardly.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the top surface is a lid disposed above the fan.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the top surface is a lid and the fan is mounted thereon.

10. 10. The system of claim 8 or 9, further comprising a filter located above the fan for filtering particles exhausted from the system.

11. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the top dome surface and the side dome surfaces include perforations distributed vertically from the bottom of the dome to the top of the dome and around the dome, and wherein at least a portion of the light source can be mounted by being inserted from outside the dome to illuminate the inside of the dome.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode having an illumination portion and an electronic portion, the illumination portion being directed into an interior volume of the enclosure and the electronic portion remaining on the system outside the enclosure.

13. The system of claim 4 , wherein the dome is made of a translucent material that allows ambient light to pass through the dome.

14. The system of claim 4 , wherein the dome is made of an opaque material that does not allow ambient light to enter the dome.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the dome comprises a reflective layer on an inner surface thereof to reflect and recycle light generated by the light source.

16. 1. A system for illuminating a plant in a pot or in the ground, comprising: a cage including arms that are self-supporting, the arms extending vertically and forming the cage, the cage being distinct from and standing independently of the pot or the ground, the cage having a bottom and a top and at least partially surrounding the plant forming an enclosure extending over the plant, each of the arms being stand-alone in that the length of the nesting portion of each of the arms is adjustable in a telescopic manner, the system further comprising: a plurality of light sources supported by the arms of the cage, the plurality of light sources being distributed vertically from the bottom of the enclosure to the top of the enclosure and around the periphery of the enclosure to illuminate an interior of the cage, the positions of the light sources being adjusted when adjusting the length of the telescoping portions of the arms; The system is adapted to control the light source to perform one or more of: projecting light in a dark place, extending an ambient light time, increasing an intensity of an existing ambient light, and modifying a spectrum of the existing ambient light according to a growth requirement specific to a given plant growing in a particular environment; The system is adapted to surround the plant with light from the bottom to the top during at least one of: during transportation, during storage, and during normal growth in a particular environment.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a solar panel operatively connected to the light source, either directly or via a battery, for operating the system as a stand-alone unit independent of an external energy source.

18. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a control unit adapted to receive a user input for setting a lighting program, the system being adapted to control operation of the light source using the set lighting program.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, further comprising an extension portion dimensioned to operably connect to the enclosure and for extending a height of the enclosure, the extension portion comprising additional light sources distributed vertically from a bottom of the extension portion to a top of the extension portion and around the extension portion, and electrically connected to the cage such that operation of the additional light sources of the extension portion tracks operation of the light sources of the cage.

20. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising replacing the structure on any other plant to surround the other plant with light from the bottom to the top during one of transportation, storage, and normal growth in its particular environment.

21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of controlling the light source comprises increasing an intensity of existing ambient light.

22. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the light source comprises modifying the spectrum of the existing ambient light according to growth requirements specific to the given plant growing in the particular environment.

23. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the system is repositionable on any other plant to surround the plant with light from the bottom to the top during at least one of: during transportation, during storage, and during normal growth in its particular environment.

24. The system of claim 4 , wherein the system is adapted to control the light source to increase an intensity of existing ambient light.

25. The system of claim 4 , wherein the system is adapted to control the light source to modify the spectrum of the existing ambient light according to growth requirements specific to a given plant growing in a particular environment.

26. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is repositionable on any other plant to surround the plant with light from the bottom to the top during at least one of: during transportation, during storage, and during normal growth in its particular environment.

27. The system of claim 16 , wherein the system is adapted to control the light source to increase an intensity of existing ambient light.

28. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is adapted to control the light source to modify the spectrum of the existing ambient light according to growth requirements specific to a given plant growing in a particular environment.

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