Systems and methods for covering

Abstract

This invention provides systems and methods for covering large objects or large surfaces. Systems and methods of this invention utilize drones to pull a covering element over a surface or over an object, thus efficiently covering the surface or the object. Using drones to pull a covering element enables to cover large, tall, or long surfaces in a fast and efficient manner.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COVERING

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] This invention relates to systems and methods for covering. Methods of this invention utilize drones and a covering element to cover or coat an object, a surface or any combination thereof.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There are numerous objects and surfaces that require coverage or coating. When these objects or surfaces are of a large area (such as an agricultural field or a water reservoir) or are substantially high (such as trees or buildings) or are located at a non-accessible or hardly-accessible terrain (such as military logistics and supply bases), covering of their surfaces is challenging. When required, such coverage utilizes manual work, and many times the surface must be divided to smaller portions wherein each portion is covered separately. Some objects / surfaces cannot be covered at all using existing methods.

[0006] As noted above, the ability to cover large areas and objects efficiently and quickly, would provide major contribution in fields such as agriculture, construction, logistics, military, environmental and ecological fields.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] In one embodiment, this invention provides systems and methods for covering. In one embodiment, this invention provides systems and methods for covering large objects or large surfaces. In one embodiment, systems and methods of this invention utilize drones to pull a covering element over a surface or over an object, thus efficiently covering the surface or the object. In one embodiment, using drones to pull a covering element enables to cover large, tall, or long surfaces in a fast and efficient manner.

[0009] In one embodiment, this invention provides a system for covering at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, the system comprising:

[0010] • at least one drone comprising a first connection element;

[0011] • a covering element comprising a second connection element;

[0012] • a drone-control device; wherein the first connection element is configured to be connected to the second connection element thus connecting the drone to the covering element; wherein when the drone is connected to the covering element, the drone is capable of pulling the covering element over the at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering the at least one surface, the at least one object or a combination thereof.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connection element comprises or consists of a connection point, anchor point or a connection region. In one embodiment, the connection element comprises a hook, a magnet, a button, a loop, a hole, a fastener, a Velcro® attachment, a rope, a string, a thread, a chain, a zipper, a ring, a tape, a sticky tape, a vacuum element, a crocodile clip, a clip, a latch, a belt, a closure, an arm, a bolt, a nail, a nut, a pole, a rod, a track, a groove, a depression, an indentation, a protrusion, a bump, a bulge, a link, a lock, a holder, a hollow channel or any portion or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises a sheet, a web, a fabric, a blanket, a woven material, a foil, a plastic, a net, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the material of said covering element comprises a polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is organic, inorganic or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of a foil, a fabric, a cloth, a plastic sheet, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the material of said covering element further comprises a metal, an alloy, small molecules, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element is rolled, folded, flat, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, prior to being pulled by the drone(s), the covering element is rolled, folded, flat, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the length of said covering element ranges between 1 m - 10 m, or between 1 m - 100 m, or between I m - 1000 m. In one embodiment, the width of said covering element ranges between 0.05 m - 1 m, or between 1 m - 10 m, or between 1 m - 100 m, or between I m - 1000 m. In one embodiment, the thickness of said covering element ranges between 10 pm -100 pm, or between 100 pm and 1 mm, or between, 1 mm and 1 cm or between 1 cm and 10 cm, or between 1 pm and 20 cm. In one embodiment, the drone is capable of pulling at least 0.5 kg. In one embodiment, the weight of a sheet of said covering element is at least 10 g per 1 m2of sheet, or between 20 g - 120 g per 1 m2of sheet. Other sheet weights are also included in embodiments of this invention. In one embodiment, the covering element is waterproof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises two or more layers. In one embodiment, the covering element is transparent. In one embodiment, the covering element is at least partially luminescent, at least partially IR reflective, at least partially UV reflective or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises electrical wires, electrical elements, electrical components, a connection to a power supply / current generator or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises light sources such as light emitting diodes, lamps or any combination thereof, wherein said covering element is configured to illuminate when connected to a power supply.

[0014] In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for covering at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, the method comprising: o providing a system comprising:

[0015] • at least one drone comprising a first connection element;

[0016] • a covering element comprising a second connection element;

[0017] • a drone-control device; wherein said first connection element is configured to be connected to said second connection element thus connecting said drone to said covering element; and wherein said drone is capable of pulling the covering element over said at least one surface, over said at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering said at least one surface, said at least one object or a combination thereof. o attaching said first connection element to said second connection element, thus connecting the drone to the covering element; o using said drone-control device to move said drone, such that said drone pulls said covering element over said at least one surface, over said at least one object or a combination thereof.

[0018] In one embodiment, the drone-control device controls the movement of said drone.

[0019] In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering elements over a predetermined surface. In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering element over a field, over a tree, over a line of trees, over an orchard, over a bush, over a line of bushes, over a field of bushes, over a building, over a line of buildings, over a region of buildings, over a geographical area, over a logistical area, over a water reservoir, over a car lot, over a truck lot, over a road, over a street, over a forest, over an army unit, over an army base, over a supply camp, over an assembly area, over a gathering area, over a storage area, over a territory, over a piece of land, over an area, over a lot, over a yard, over a portion of the ground, over a balcony, or over any portion or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering elements over an animal or a group of animals. In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering elements over an animal or over a group of animals for gathering or catching the animal(s). In one embodiment, such operation is used for animal(s) rescue. In one embodiment, the drone is capable of moving in any and in all directions. In one embodiment, the movement of the drone is selected from: up, down, horizontally at any direction, in a straight line, in a spiral mode, a zig-zag, a circle, a square, a triangle, a sawtooth wave form, a sinusoidal form, a random movement, an arbitrary movement at any angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees corresponding to the land’s surface, at any angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees corresponding to the land’s surface, at 360 degrees around, or any combination thereof.

[0020] In one embodiment, the drone is capable of moving up, down, horizontally at any direction, in a straight line, in a spiral mode, a zig-zag, a circle, a square, a sinusoidal form, at 360 degrees around, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the drone is capable of moving up, down, left, right, forward, backward or in a circle, oval, or angular shape with respect to the ground’s surface. In one embodiment, the drone is connected to one end of said covering element. In one embodiment, the drone is connected to two anchor points on said one end of said covering element.

[0021] In one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of an elongated sheet and the elongated sheet is folded or rolled. In one embodiment, the covering element is placed, assembled or mounted on a fixture, said fixture is external to said drone. In one embodiment, an exposed end of the covering element is connected to the drone.

[0022] In one embodiment of a method of this invention:

[0023] • said covering element is a roll with one exposed end;

[0024] • said at least one drone is attached to said exposed end;

[0025] • said drone pulls said covering element by pulling said exposed end.

[0026] In one embodiment, the roll is wound on a roller.

[0027] In one embodiment, the at least one drone comprises two drones such that each of said two drones is independently connected to a different anchor point on said exposed end, and wherein said two drones simultaneously pull the exposed end of said covering element roll.

[0028] In one embodiment of a method of this invention:

[0029] • the covering element is in the form of an elongated sheet and wherein said elongated sheet is folded or rolled;

[0030] • the covering element is placed, assembled, or mounted on a fixture such that the height of said sheet is higher than the surface or the object to be covered;

[0031] • the at least one drone pulls an exposed end of said covering element over the surface or over the object to be covered, or over any combination thereof. In one embodiment of a method of this invention the drone pulls said covering element as follows:

[0032] • pulling up next to a first side of at least one object to be covered;

[0033] • pulling over said object, to a side opposing said first side;

[0034] • optionally pulling down along said opposing side.

[0035] In one embodiment of a method of this invention

[0036] • the at least one drone comprises at least three drones;

[0037] • the covering element is in the form of a sheet comprising at least three connection elements located at or in proximity to various edges of said sheet;

[0038] • each drone is independently connected to a connection element; wherein the drones are operated simultaneously to lift said covering element above a surface or above an object to be covered, thus covering said surface, object or any combination thereof.

[0039] In one embodiment of a method of this invention, once the covering element is positioned over a surface / object to be covered, the drone(s) are programmed to:

[0040] • disconnect from said covering element(s); or

[0041] • move down along the sides of the surface / object.

[0042] In one embodiment of a method of this invention, following coverage of said surface / object, the drones are disconnected from the covering element.

[0043] In one embodiment of a method of this invention, disconnection is automatically performed by the drone, or the disconnection is performed manually.

[0044] In one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of a stripe.

[0045] In one embodiment, a covering method of this invention is used for an application selected from but not limited to: protecting fruit on fruit-trees from birds and / or from insects / pests, protecting a surface from sun / rain / wind, camouflage a military assembly, mark a region or an area for spraying, planting, seeding, mark an area for airplane landing, mark an area for landscaping, mark a no-entry region, protecting a seeded area from pests, protecting a crop region from pests, selective seeding or planting in portions of a field, selective irrigation of portions of a field, protecting a building during renovation, or a combination thereof.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0048] Figure 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a system and a method of this invention; A drone (100) is connected to a covering element (110) through connection elements (not shown); The drone pulls the covering element over objects (120); A drone-control device (130) controls the movement of the drone.

[0049] Figure 2A, Figure 2B and Figure 2C are embodiments of the form in which a covering element (210) can be provided; Figure 2A: a sheet; Figure 2B: a folded elongated sheet; Figure 2C: a rolled elongated sheet; an exposed edge of a folded / rolled sheet is designated (240).

[0050] Figure 3A and Figure 3B show two embodiments of anchor points (connection points / elements) between a drone and a covering element; Figure 3 A shows four anchor points (circles 350) proximal to four vertices of a rectangular sheet, each anchor point is designed to connect to one of four drones; Figure 3B shows two drones (300) connected each to an end point on an edge of a rolled covering element (310);

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, wherein at least one drone pulls a covering element to wrap around a set of poles (460);

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, wherein the covering element comprises a series of anchor points (two of which are shown by circles (570)); the anchor points can be used to fasten the covering element on one or on both sides of a covered surface / object;

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein a rolled covering element is mounted on stand (680) and is thus elevated to a certain height.

[0054] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, wherein at least one drone (two drones in the image) pulls a covering element to cover the top of a structure and optionally its sides; a set of poles (790) and a top construction of beams (792) are illustrated.

[0055] Figure 8 illustrates one drone (800) comprising a supporting arm (802), connected at two points to an exposed edge of a rolled sheet; a connection element (804) connects the supporting arm of the drone to the covering element.

[0056] Figure 9A illustrates a sheet comprising four anchor points (950); Figure 9B shows four drones (X-shaped) each independently attached to one anchor point (950) on the covering element; The drones transfer the covering element over a structure to cover its top and optionally its sides, or a portion thereof; the illustrated structure comprises side poles (990) and a top beam structure (992);

[0057] Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a covering element (1010) assumes a dome-shape; a drone (1000) is attached to the covering element at an anchor point; the drone (1000) transfers the covering element onto an object (1020), thus covering the object or a portion thereof.

[0058] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The presently disclosed subject matter may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description which forms a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific products, methods, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the presently disclosed subject matter. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0061] In one embodiment, this invention provides systems and methods designed to conveniently cover surfaces. The systems and methods of this invention utilize drones to pull a covering element over surfaces. In one embodiment, coverage methods of this invention are particularly useful when the surface to be covered is tall, long, or large, such that manually covering the object is not possible or is difficult and complicated. In one embodiment, coverage methods of this invention are particularly useful when the object / surface to be covered, is located in a non-accessible area or when accessibility to the area of the object / surface is limited. Examples of surfaces / objects that can be covered by methods of this invention include, but are not limited to crop lines in a field, trees in an orchard, buildings, construction sites, military gathering areas, open warehouses etc.

[0062] Methods of this invention

[0063] In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for covering at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, the method comprising: o providing a system comprising:

[0064] • at least one drone comprising a first connection element;

[0065] • a covering element comprising a second connection element;

[0066] • a drone-control device; wherein said first connection element is configured to be connected to said second connection element thus connecting said drone to said covering element; and wherein said drone is capable of pulling the covering element over said at least one surface, over said at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering said at least one surface, said at least one object or a combination thereof. o attaching said first connection element to said second connection element, thus connecting said drone to said covering element; o using said drone-control device to move said drone, such that said drone pulls said covering element over said at least one surface, over said at least one object or a combination thereof.

[0067] In one embodiment, the drone-control device controls the movement of said drone.

[0068] In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering elements over a predetermined surface. In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering element over a field, over a tree, over a line of trees, over an orchard, over a bush, over a line of bushes, over a field of bushes, over a building, over a line of buildings, over a region of buildings, over a geographical area, over a logistical area, over a water reservoir, over a car lot, over a truck lot, over a road, over a street, over a forest, over an army unit, over an army base, over a supply camp, over an assembly area, over a gathering area, over a storage area, over a territory, over a piece of land, over an area, over a lot, over a yard, over a portion of the ground, over a balcony, or over any portion or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering elements over an animal or a group of animals. In one embodiment, the drone pulls said covering elements over an animal or over a group of animals for gathering or catching the animal(s). In one embodiment, such operation is used for animal(s) rescue. In one embodiment, the drone is capable of moving in any direction. In one embodiment, the drone is capable of moving in all directions. In one embodiment, the movement of the drone is selected from: up, down, horizontally at any direction, vertically, in a straight line, in a spiral mode, a zig-zag, a circle, a square, a triangle, a sawtooth wave form, a sinusoidal form, a random movement, an arbitrary movement, at any angle between 0 degrees and 90 (or 0 and 180) degrees corresponding to the land’s surface, 360 degrees around, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the drone is connected to one end of said covering element. In one embodiment, the drone is connected to two anchor points on said one end of said covering element.

[0069] In one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of an elongated sheet and the elongated sheet is folded or rolled. In one embodiment, the covering element is placed, assembled or mounted on a fixture, said fixture is external to said drone. In one embodiment, an exposed end of the covering element is connected to the drone.

[0070] In one embodiment, when the drone is attached to the covering element, and when the drone pulls the exposed edge of the covering element, the portion of the covering element that is not yet pulled, remains on the fixture. In one embodiment, a roller comprising the covering element is placed external to the drone, the drone is connected to the exposed end (edge) of the covering element, and the drone pulls the exposed end. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the roller is not located on the drone. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the roller is connected to a structure / mount external to the drone. In one embodiment, the structure / mount is stationary. In one embodiment, the structure / mount to which the elongated element (covering element) is attached, remains stationary while the drone pulls the exposed edge of the covering element. In some embodiments, the structure / mount is moved / transferred prior to, and / or after, the drone pulled the covering element from a roller attached to the structure / mount. In some embodiments, the structure / mount is moved / transferred prior to, and / or after, the drone pulled a folded covering element from the structure / mount.

[0071] In one embodiment of a method of this invention:

[0072] • said covering element is a roll with one exposed end;

[0073] • said at least one drone is attached to said exposed end;

[0074] • said drone pulls said covering element by pulling said exposed end.

[0075] In one embodiment, the roll is wound on a roller. In one embodiment, the at least one drone comprises two drones such that each of said two drones is independently connected to a different anchor point on said exposed end, and wherein said two drones simultaneously pull the exposed end of said covering element roll.

[0076] In one embodiment of a method of this invention:

[0077] • the covering element is in the form of an elongated sheet and wherein said elongated sheet is folded or rolled;

[0078] • the covering element is placed, assembled, or mounted on a fixture such that the height of said sheet is higher than the surface or the object to be covered;

[0079] • the at least one drone pulls an exposed end of said covering element over the surface or over the object to be covered, or over any combination thereof.

[0080] In one embodiment of a method of this invention, the drone pulls said covering element as follows:

[0081] • pulling up next to a first side of at least one object to be covered;

[0082] • pulling over said object, to a side opposing said first side;

[0083] • optionally pulling down along said opposing side.

[0084] In one embodiment of a method of this invention:

[0085] • the at least one drone comprises at least three drones;

[0086] • the covering element is in the form of a sheet comprising at least three connection elements located at or in proximity to various edges of said sheet;

[0087] • each drone is independently connected to a connection element; wherein the drones are operated simultaneously to lift said covering element above a surface or above an object to be covered, thus covering said surface, object or any combination thereof.

[0088] In one embodiment of a method of this invention, once the covering element is positioned over a surface / object to be covered, the drone(s) is / are programmed to:

[0089] • disconnect from said covering element(s); or

[0090] • move down along the sides of the surface / object; or

[0091] • stop moving; or

[0092] • any combination or sequence thereof.

[0093] In one embodiment of a method of this invention, following coverage of said surface / object, the drones are disconnected from the covering element. In one embodiment of a method of this invention, disconnection is automatically performed by the drone, or the disconnection is performed manually. In one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of a stripe. In one embodiment, methods of this invention are used to cover the top of an object or a portion thereof. In one embodiment, methods of this invention are used to cover (or wrap) one or more sides of an object or a portion thereof. In one embodiment, methods of this invention are used to cover the top of an object or a portion thereof, and one or more sides of the object or a portion thereof. In one embodiment, methods of this invention are used to cover a green house. In one embodiment, covering the top of a construction according to methods of this invention creates a roof over the construction. In one embodiment, covering the sides of a construction according to methods of this invention creates walls for the construction.

[0094] In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for covering at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, the method comprising: o providing a covering element: o attaching at least one drone to the covering element; o operating the drone such that it moves and pulls the covering element over the at least one surface, the at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering the surface and / or the object.

[0095] In one embodiment, the at least one drone comprising a first connection element / anchor point. In one embodiment, the covering element comprising a second connection element / anchor point. In one embodiment, a drone-control device is used to control the drone movement. In one embodiment, the first connection element on the drone is configured to be connected to the second connection element on the covering element thus connecting the drone to the covering element.

[0096] In one embodiment, the drone is capable of pulling the covering element over the at least one surface, over the at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering the at least one surface, the at least one object or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the drone is capable of pulling the covering element around at least one side of the at least one surface, over at least one side of the at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering at least one side of the at least one surface, at least one side of the at least one object or a combination thereof.

[0097] In one embodiment, attaching the first connection element of the drone to the second connection element of the covering element, results in a connection between the drone and the covering element. In one embodiment, using the drone-control device to move the drone, affects the drone to pull the covering element over the at least one surface, over the at least one object or over a combination thereof. In one embodiment, systems of this invention further comprising a third connection element configured to be connected to the at least one drone and to the covering element, thus connecting the drone to the covering element. In one embodiment, the third connection element is provided separately from the drone and separately from the covering element initially. In one embodiment, once the drone is placed next to the covering element, the third connection element connects the drone to the covering element. In one embodiment, once the drone is placed next to the covering element, the third connection element connects the first connection element (first anchor point) on the drone to the second connection element (second anchor point) on the covering element, thus connecting the drone to the covering element.

[0098] Applications and uses of methods of this invention

[0099] In one embodiment, a covering method of this invention is used for an application selected from but not limited to: protecting fruit on fruit-trees from birds and / or from insects / pests, protecting a surface / object from sun / rain / wind / moisture, protecting a liquid reservoir from liquid evaporation, camouflage a military assembly, mark a region or an area for spraying, planting, seeding, mark an area for airplane landing, mark an area for landscaping, mark a no-entry region, defining borders of a geographical / farming area, protecting a seeded area from pests / insects, protecting a crop region from pests / insects, selective seeding or planting in portions of a field, selective irrigation of portions of a field, protecting a building or a portion thereof during renovation, decorating a building, generating a roof for a building / structure, generating walls for a building / structure, or any combination thereof. Many other applications of covering methods of this invention are possible and are included in this invention.

[0100] Embodiments of systems and methods of the invention

[0101] Figure 1 depicts one embodiment of a system of this invention. The system comprises at least one drone (100), a covering element (110) and a controlling apparatus (a drone-control device (130)). The drone comprises a contact element (not shown in this figure) configured to connect the drone to the covering element. Figure 1 provides an example showing how a system of this invention is used to cover a line of trees. The exposed edge of rolled covering element (110) is connected to at least one drone using connection elements / points on the drone and on the covering element. The drone is then moved in a direction suitable to cover a line of trees. As the drone moves, it pulls the covering element, thus covering the line of trees. The control apparatus (130) controls the movement of the drone. Direction, elevation, angle, and speed of the drone are monitored by the control apparatus (device). When the series of objects is covered, the drone movement can be halted, and it can be lowered to the ground or brought to landing on a pre- fixed mount.

[0102] Figures 2A-2C illustrate three examples of covering element forms utilized for covering in embodiments of methods and systems of the invention. Figure 2 A shows a sheet of covering element that can be lifted / shifted by at least one drone in at least one point / corner, in at least two corners (or in regions proximal to at least two corners). The drone(s) thus shifts the sheet to cover an object / surface. One drone connected to an elongated arm (see Figure 8), can be attached to two corners of a sheet and conveniently lift / shift one side of the sheet. In another embodiment, two drones are independently connected to two corners of the sheet. The two drones lift / pull the sheet in an orchestrated movement. In one embodiment, four drones are attached to four corners of the sheet, lifting the sheet in its four corners, and lowering it over an object / surface to be covered (see for example Figure 3A and Figures 9A-Figure 9B). It is to be noted that the shape of the sheet is not limited. Any sheet shape can be used. For example, any quadrangle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a parallelogram, a diamond shape, a circle, an oval, a random shape, an arbitrary shape, a smoothedge shape, a serrated edge shape, an elongated shape, a symmetric shape, a non-symmetric shape, a partially symmetric shape etc. Figure 2B shows a folded elongated sheet of a covering element. The folded sheet comprises an exposed edge (240) that can be lifted / shifted by at least one drone in at least two corners (or regions proximal to at least two corners). The drone(s) thus shift / lift the sheet to cover an object / surface. As noted herein above, one drone connected to an elongated arm, can be attached to two corners of the exposed edge of the folded sheet for facile lifting / shifting of one side of the sheet. In another embodiment, two drones are independently connected to two corners of the exposed edge of the folded sheet. Such connection is shown for example in Figure 5. The two drones lift / pull the exposed edge of the sheet in an orchestrated movement. In one embodiment, pulling the exposed edge of the sheet, allows to pull the folded sheet over an object / surface to be covered. It is to be noted that the shape of the elongated sheet is not limited. Any elongated sheet shape can be used. For example, a long stripe, a long sheet, a random elongated shape, an arbitrary elongated shape, a smoothedge shape, a serrated edge shape, a zig-zag elongated shape, a symmetric shape, a non-symmetric shape, a partially symmetric shape etc.

[0103] Figure 2C shows a rolled elongated sheet of a covering element. The rolled sheet comprises an exposed edge (240) that can be lifted / shifted by at least one drone in at least two corners (or regions proximal to at least two corners). The drone(s) thus shifts / lifts the sheet to cover an object / surface. As noted herein above, one drone connected to an elongated arm (Figure 8, arm (802)), can be attached to two corners of the exposed edge of the folded sheet for facile lifting / shifting of one side of the sheet. In another embodiment, two drones are independently connected to two corners of the exposed edge of the rolled sheet (see Figure 3B). Such connection is also shown for example in Figure 5. The two drones lift / pull the exposed edge of the sheet in an orchestrated movement. In one embodiment, pulling the exposed edge of the sheet, allows to pull the rolled sheet over an object / surface to be covered. It is to be noted that the shape of the elongated sheet is not limited. Any elongated sheet shape can be used. For example, a long stripe, a long sheet, a random elongated shape, an arbitrary elongated shape, a smooth-edge shape, a shape comprising a serrated edge, a zig-zag elongated shape, a symmetric shape, a non-symmetric shape, a partially symmetric shape etc.

[0104] In one embodiment, methods of this invention comprise covering (or wrapping) the sides of a structure (or an object) as illustrated for example in Figure 4. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, a rolled / folded covering element is placed in proximity to a side of the object. A drone attached to an exposed edge of the covering element, pulls the covering element around the object or around a portion thereof. The width of the covering element may be adjusted to fit the sides of the object to be covered or any portion thereof. The covering element may be of a small width such that it forms a stripe. A stripe can be used to cover sides of an object for marking that object as further detailed herein. In one embodiment, the rolled covering element is mounted on a vertical roller. In one embodiment, a folded covering element is dispensed from a dispenser. In one embodiment, two parallel rollers control the withdrawal of a rolled covering element such that it is dispensed from a slit formed between the two parallel rollers. In one embodiment, such covering method is applicable to cover a structure, a construction, a ship, a lot, a fenced area, or any other object that requires a covering, a wrap, a marking or any sort of protection. In one embodiment, the rolled covering element is placed outside the structure. In one embodiment, the rolled covering element is placed inside the structure. In one embodiment, the rolled covering element is placed such that one portion of it is outside the structure and another portion of it is inside the structure / object to be covered. In one embodiment, covering the object refers to surrounding the object or a portion thereof.

[0105] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment where the sides of a rolled covering element comprise a series of anchor points (570). The anchor points may be used to fasten the covering element around an object to be covered or fasten it onto a surface. For example, when the covering element covers a line of crops in a field, the sides of the covering element may be connected to the ground on both sides of the covered crop-line. In one embodiment, where the covering element covers a surface of a field / ground, or a water- channel, the anchor points on the side of the covering element are used to secure the covering to the ground or to any other feature on at least one, or on both sides, of the surface that is covered. In one embodiment, for example where an elongated surface of a field is covered by methods of this invention (e.g., after seeding and prior to germination / sprouting), the anchor points on the sides of the covering element are secured to the ground using a peg, a rod, a U-shaped thin rod etc. Such anchor points on a side of a covering element may comprise any feature as detailed herein for the connection elements. For example, the anchor points on the side of a sheet may comprise holes, loops, rings, Velcro® attachments, protrusions etc.

[0106] Such side anchor points are not limited to the sides of a rolled covering elements. Non-rolled sheets, folded sheets, non-rolled and non-folded sheets of this invention may comprise side anchor points in some embodiments as described herein above. In one embodiment, a sheet covering the top and optionally portions of the side(s) of a structure comprises anchor points on its side(s). Such anchor points are used to secure the sides of the covering element to the sides of the structure, to the ground or to any other feature that helps to fasten the covering element to the object / surface that is covered.

[0107] In one embodiment, a rolled covering element is mounted on a roller. In one embodiment, the roller is a structure comprising a stand (680) or the roller is mounted upon a stand (680). The stand (680) elevates the roller and the rolled covering element in one embodiment. In one embodiment, such stand facilitates withdrawing of the rolled covering element from the roll. In one embodiment, such stand elevates the roller such that covering a lower object / surface is facilitated. The shape and form of the stand / mount / structure of the roller or the structure that holds or contain the roller is not limited and can be of any form / shape as known in the art for fixing / holding rollers. In one embodiment, such stand enables to cover lower surfaces or lines of objects without the need to initially pull the covering element up. In one embodiment, the height of the stand may be adjusted to fit any object(s) or surface(s) to be covered. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the Tegs’ of the mounting stand are telescopic arms / telescopic structures.

[0108] In one embodiment, methods of this invention are used to pull a covering element using at least one drone to cover the top of a structure and optionally its sides (see for example Figure 7). As illustrated in Figure 7, a structure comprises a set of poles (790) and a top construction of beams (792) provides an example of an object to be covered. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the drone(s) pulls the edge of a rolled covering element up above the height of the structure. The drone then directs the covering element over the top of the structure and optionally around its opposite side. In one embodiment, use of a stand as shown in Figure 6, allows the drone to pull the covering element horizontally from one side of the structure to the opposing side. In one embodiment, when the rolled covering element is placed close to the ground, the drone pulls it up to a height that is measured to include both the height of the structure and the length of the top to be covered. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the drone then directs the edge of the covering element over the top of the structure. In one embodiment, such movement eliminates or reduces friction between the covering element and the side of the top of the structure closest to the rolled element. In another embodiment, the drone pulls the edge of the covering element just above the height of the structure, and then moves to the opposite side on top of the structure. In one embodiment, such covering is possible where the top beam does not generate substantial obstacle to the movement of the covering element on it. In one embodiment, another roller is mounted on one or more of the top beams to facilitate movement of the covering element over the top beams. In one embodiment, one or more of the top beams are or comprise a roller(s). In one embodiment, covering the top and the sides of a structure is performed in two steps: the first step covers the top of the structure and two opposing sides as illustrated in Figure 7. In the second step the two opposing not-yet-covered sides are covered, while the top of the structure is covered again by a second layer of a covering element. In some embodiments, wherein the object / structure to be covered is not a quadrangle, any number of steps for covering more than two opposing sides of the structure can be used. All such steps are included in this invention.

[0109] Embodiments described herein above for covering a structure / object using a rolled covering element are also applicable to folded elements, to flat elements and to any non-rolled, non-folded element.

[0110] Figure 8 illustrates one drone (800) comprising a supporting arm (802), connected at two points to an exposed edge of a rolled sheet; a connection element (804) connects the supporting arm of the drone to the covering element. It is to be noted that supporting arm 802 can assume any shape that fits its purpose. In one embodiment, the supporting arm is straight. In one embodiment, the supporting arm is curved. In one embodiment, the supporting arm comprises two separate arms, each independently connected to the drone. In one embodiment, the supporting arm(s) is / are made of a material selected from: wood, a metal / metal alloy, organic polymer, inorganic polymer or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the supporting arm is made of a light-weight material. In one embodiment, the supporting arm(s) is / are made of light-weight wood material, light-weight metal / metal alloy, light weight organic polymer, light weight inorganic polymer or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the arm(s) is / are made of or comprises aluminum, titanium, balsa, low- density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyurethane, PPA etc. The connection (804) can be any of the first, second or third connection element(s) as detailed herein or any combination thereof. The connection may be a loop configured to be inserted in a hole on the covering element and to be wrapped around the supporting arm. The connection element can be any element as described herein that provides attachment of the covering element to the drone through the supporting arm. In one embodiment, the supporting arm is considered a portion of the drone. In one embodiment, the drone comprises a supporting arm (s). In one embodiment, the first connection element on the drone (or on the drone’s arm) is an element that complement a second connection element on the covering element. For example, and in one embodiment, the first element comprises a button and the second comprises a buttonhole or vice versa. In one embodiment, the first and second elements each comprise one of two complementary sides of a zipper, or one element comprises a hole / channel and the other comprises two threads, or one comprises a bolt and the other comprises a fitting hole with screw threads. In one embodiment, the first connection element on the drone (or on the drone’s arm) and the second connection element on the covering element are the same or similar elements. For example, in one embodiment, both connection elements are holes being connected by a third element. In one embodiment, both elements are protrusions, loops, rings etc. It is to be noted that any element(s) that enable(s) to connect two objects as known in the art can be used to connect the drone or the drone’s arm(s) to the covering element in embodiments of this invention. Embodiments described herein above for connecting the supporting arm to the covering element are applicable to connecting any other point / anchor of the drone to the covering element. All such embodiments are included in this invention. Embodiments describing the first connection and the second connection are applicable to the third connection as well in some embodiments.

[0111] Figure 9A illustrates a sheet comprising four anchor points (950). Figure 9B shows four drones each independently attached to one anchor point (950) on the covering element; The drones transfer the covering element over a structure to cover its top and optionally its sides, or a portion thereof. The illustrated structure comprises side poles (990) and a top beam structure (992);

[0112] Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein a covering element (1010) assumes a dome-shape; A drone (1000) is attached to the covering element at an anchor point. The drone (1000) transfers the covering element onto an object (1020), thus covering the object or a portion thereof. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, methods of this invention comprise covering an object with a covering element as follows: The covering element is provided in a non-flat shape. In one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of a dome as shown in Figure 10 (element 1010). Any other non-flat shape for the covering element is included in embodiments of this invention. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, a drone lifts / shifts the covering element over an object to be covered. The object may be a tree, a pole, a telecommunication pole, a streetlight, a solar panel, a street mirror, etc. The drone lowers the covering over the object, thus covering the object. In one embodiment, the connection element(s) connecting the drone to the covering element are disengaged once the object is covered, and the drone moves away from the covering element. Such method of covering may be utilized to protect objects from sun / rain / wind / moisture. Such method of covering may be utilized to protect trees / bushes / crops from sun / rain / wind / moisture and / or from birds, insects, pests who may harm the plant, the crop, the fruit, the vegetable, the flowers of, the buds, the leaves, the bark or any other component of the tree / bush / crop to be protected. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, when protection is no longer necessary, the drone is directed back to the covering element, engages with it through a connection element and lifts / shifts the covering element, pulling it away from the object, thus leaving the object exposed as it was before it was covered.

[0113] A surface, an object, or a surface of an object covered by methods of this invention

[0114] In one embodiment, this invention provides a method of covering a surface. The surface to be covered by methods of this invention is not limited. For example, the surface can be a field, an orchard, a water reservoir, a road, a warehouse, a lot, a nature / outdoor area or any surface as noted herein above. In one embodiment the surface to be covered is a surface of a field, a tree, a line of trees, an orchard, a bush, a line of bushes, a field of bushes, a building, a line of buildings, a region of buildings, a geographical area, a logistical area, a water reservoir, a liquid reservoir, a water channel, a liquid channel, a car lot, a garage, a truck lot, a road, a street, a forest, an army unit, an army base, a supply camp, an assembly area, a gathering area, a storage area, a territory, a piece of land, an area, a lot, a yard, a warehouse, a side of a building, a portion of a ground, a balcony, or any portion or any combination thereof.

[0115] In one embodiment, an animal or a group of animals is covered. In one embodiment, an animal or a group of animals is covered for gathering or for catching the animal(s). In one embodiment, such coverage is used for animal(s) rescue. In one embodiment, for covering a water reservoir, the covering element is made of a material that can be floated over the water. If the reservoir comprises a solution such as salt-water solution, the covering element is made of a material that can be floated over the solution. For covering a reservoir comprising a non-aqueous liquid, the covering element is made of a material that can be floated over that liquid.

[0116] Any other surface or object may be covered by methods of this invention.

[0117] Multiple Systems / parallel operation

[0118] In one embodiment, multiple systems of this invention are employed. In one embodiment, multiple systems are used to cover adjacent areas at the same time. In one embodiment, multiple covering elements of this invention are employed. In one embodiment, multiple covering elements are used to cover adjacent areas at the same time. For example and in one embodiment, two or more lines of trees in an orchard are covered simultaneously using two or more covering elements each placed next to one line of trees. Different drones pull the different covering elements such that each covering element covers a different line of trees. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, covering all the trees in an orchard is performed much faster, as drones pull two or more covering elements at the same time, or at least partially at the same time. In one embodiment, such action is faster that what it would be if only one system, or one covering element had been used sequentially on the separate lines of trees. Such parallel pulling / transferring of two or more covering elements, is not limited to covering trees and is applicable to any other application where covering / marking multiple lines / regions is required.

[0119] Methods of marking

[0120] In one embodiment, methods of this invention comprise methods or marking an area. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of an elongated stripe. In one embodiment, a drone pulls one end of the stripe to mark a line or an area. In one embodiment, a drone pulls the exposed edge of a folded / rolled stripe to extend it over a surface to be marked. In one embodiment of this invention, a method of covering a surface is a method of marking a surface. In some embodiment, marking methods of this invention are used for marking a non-entry area using a stripe. In one embodiment, marking methods of this invention are used to designate an area to be treated, to be tested, to designate an area to be populated, to designate an area for construction, for spraying, for seeding, for irrigating, for subsequent covering, for bordering etc. In one embodiment, method of marking an area comprise covering an area by a sheet. In one embodiment, methods of marking an area comprise marking the circumference, the corners, the sides or any portion or combination thereof using stripes and sheets pulled by a drone as noted herein above.

[0121] Systems of this invention

[0122] In one embodiment, this invention provides a system for covering at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, said system comprising:

[0123] • at least one drone comprising a first connection element;

[0124] • a covering element comprising a second connection element;

[0125] • a drone-control device; wherein said first connection element is configured to be connected to said second connection element thus connecting said drone to said covering element; wherein when the drone is connected to the covering element, the drone is capable of pulling the covering element over said at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering said at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof.

[0126] In one embodiment, the system further comprising a third connection element configured to be connected to the at least one drone and to the covering element, thus connecting the drone to the covering element.

[0127] In one embodiment, more than one system is used. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, multiple systems of this invention are used at the same time or sequentially, or at least partially in parallel, to cover different portions of a surface.

[0128] Drones of this invention

[0129] In one embodiment, drones of this invention comprise any drone capable of carrying a weight. In one embodiment, drones of this invention are remotely operated as known in the art.

[0130] Connection elements of this invention

[0131] In one embodiment, the connection element(s) comprises or consists of a connection point, anchor point or a connection region. In one embodiment, the connection element comprises a hook, a magnet, a button, a loop, a hole, a conduit, an anchor, a fastener, a Velcro® attachment, a rope, a string, a thread, a chain, a hook, a chain, a loop, a ring, a tape, a sticky tape, a vacuum element, a crocodile clip, a clip, a belt, a closure, an arm, a bolt, a nail, a fastener, a latch, a buckle, a clasp, a screw, a snap, a bolt, a lock, a staple, a nut, a button, a zipper, a pole, a rod, a depression, an indentation, a protrusion, a bump, a bulge, a link, a lock, a holder, a hollow channel or any portion or combination thereof. In one embodiment, connection elements of this invention comprise any material known in the art. For example, and in one embodiment, connection elements of this invention comprise or consist of a material selected from a list consisting of metal, metal alloy, organic material, non-metal inorganic material or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, connection elements of this invention comprise a material selected from organic polymer, inorganic polymer, small molecules, atoms or any combination thereof.

[0132] In one embodiment, a connection element of this invention is a portion of the drone itself. For example, in one embodiment, an arm of the drone serves as a connection element onto which a connection element of the of the covering element is secured.

[0133] In one embodiment connection elements of this invention comprise:

[0134] • a first connection element on at least one drone; and

[0135] • a second connection element on a covering element.

[0136] In one embodiment, systems of this invention comprise a third connection element. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the third connection element connects between the first and the second connection elements, such that the covering element is connected to the drone. For example, in one embodiment, the drone’s first connection element is at least a portion of one of the drone’s arms, the second connection of the covering element is a hole placed in proximity to an edge of the covering element, and the third connection element is for example a thread, a Velcro®, a loop, a ring or a clip designed to go through the hole of the covering element and around the arm of the drone, thus connecting the covering element to the drone. In one embodiment, wherein one drone is utilized to pull a rolled sheet, the drone comprises a supporting arm with a length that spans the width of the rolled sheet (or spans a width that is similar to the width of the rolled sheet). According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the exposed edge of the rolled sheet is connected to the supporting arm at more than one point. For example, two corners (or a region close to the corners) of the exposed edge of a sheet are connected to two end points (or to a region close to the end points) of the supporting arm (see for example Figure 8). Connection element 804 in Figure 8 may be or can be referred to as a first, a second or a third connection element, or any combination thereof depending on its initial contact in one embodiment. In one embodiment, a supporting arm fixed to a drone is straight. In one embodiment, a supporting arm is curved. In one embodiment, the supporting arm is the first connection element. In one embodiment, the supporting arm comprises at least one connection element. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, the supporting arm comprises any of the features described herein above for connection elements, or any portion, combination thereof, or any number thereof.

[0137] Covering elements of this invention

[0138] In one embodiment, the covering element comprises a sheet, a web, a fabric, a blanket, a woven material, a foil, a net, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises a perforated material. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises a homogeneous material. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises a heterogeneous material. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises more than one sheet. In one embodiment, at least two sheets comprising different materials or different composition are bonded to form the covering element. In one embodiment, the material of said covering element comprises a polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is organic, inorganic or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element is in the form of a foil, a fabric, a cloth, a paper, a plastic sheet, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the material of said covering element further comprises a metal, an alloy, small molecules, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element is rolled, folded, flat, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the length of said covering element ranges between 1 m - 10 m, or between 1 m - 100 m, or between 1 m - 1000 m. In one embodiment, the width of said covering element ranges between 0.05 m - 1 m, or between 1 m - 10 m, or between 1 m - 100 m, or between I m - 1000 m, or between 0.05 m - 1000 m. In one embodiment, the thickness of said covering element ranges between 10 pm -100 pm, or between 100 pm and 1 mm, or between 1 mm and 1 cm or between 1 cm and 10 cm, or between 10 pm and 20 cm. In one embodiment, the drone is capable of pulling at least 0.5 kg. In one embodiment, the weight of a sheet of said covering element is at least 10 g per 1 m2of sheet, or between 20 g - 120 g per 1 m2of sheet. In one embodiment, the covering element is waterproof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises two or more layers. In one embodiment, the covering element is transparent. In one embodiment, the covering element is at least partially luminescent, at least partially IR reflective, at least partially UV reflective or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises electrical wires, electrical elements, electrical components, a connection to a power supply / current generator or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the covering element comprises light source(s) such as light emitting diodes (LED’s), lamps or any combination thereof, wherein said covering element is configured to illuminate when connected to a power supply.

[0139] Control systems In one embodiment, control systems of this invention comprise a remote drone-control systems as known in the art. In one embodiment, the control system (drone-control device) is continuously manually operated to control the drone’s movement. In one embodiment, at least part of the drone’s movement is pre-programmed, and the drone moves without continuous manual control. In one embodiment, movement of at least two drones is coordinated / synchronized. In one embodiment, movement of a fleet of drones is conducted in parallel. In one embodiment, movement of two or more drones is orchestrated.

[0140] Kits

[0141] In one embodiment, this invention comprises a kit. In one embodiment, a kit of this invention comprises a covering element(s) and connection element(s) (comprised in, or separated from, the covering element). In one embodiment, a kit of this invention comprises a covering element, at least one drone, connection element(s) (comprised in the drone and / or in the covering element, or separated from the drone and / or from the covering element), and at least one drone’s control system. In one embodiment, the kit further comprises an instruction manual or a user guide. In one embodiment, kits of this invention further comprise a roller onto which a rolled covering element is mounted. In one embodiment, kits of this invention further comprise a stand onto which the roller is mounted.

[0142] Definitions

[0143] In some embodiments of this invention, a ‘surface’ may refer to the surface of an object. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, covering a ‘surface’ and covering an ‘object’ are interchangeable and both refer to covering an object / a surface of the object. For example, covering an object may refer to covering a tree, covering a surface may refer to covering at least a portion of a surface of a tree.

[0144] In one embodiment, a drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In one embodiment, a drone comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

[0145] In one embodiment, a control device is interchangeable with a control apparatus, a controlling apparatus, a control system, a controlling system. In one embodiment, the term ‘drone(s)’ refers to at least one drone, to one or more drones, to any number of drones.

[0146] In one embodiment, a covering element is any element capable of covering a surface, an object or at least a portion of a surface or of an object. In one embodiment, a connection element is or comprises an anchor point, an anchor area or region, a connection point, a connection area or region, a connection feature, a connection element, or any combination thereof.

[0147] Some embodiments described herein for a rolled covering element are also applicable to a folded covering element and vice versa. All such embodiments are included in this invention.

[0148] In one embodiment, the term ‘located at’ can be exchanged with ‘located next to’, ‘located proximal to’, ‘adjacent to’ or any combination thereof. When referring to a location that is ‘at’ a point / region / feature or a location that is next to / adjacent to / proximal to / close to a point, region or a feature, the meaning is as known in the art. For example and in one embodiment, an anchor point (e.g. a connection element) placed proximal to an edge of a covering element may be placed between 0 cm and 30 cm from the edge, or between 0 cm and 20 cm from the edge, or between 0 cm and 10 cm from the edge. In some embodiments, ‘an anchor point placed at the edge’ may refer to an anchor point located exactly on / in the edge, or an anchor point located next to the edge or proximal to the edge. An anchor point next to the edge is referred to in some embodiments as an anchor point at the edge. This is a known way of description, especially when referring to large or elongated sheets.

[0149] In one embodiment, shift / lift means that for example a covering element or an edge / corner thereof is lifted, shifted or is lifted and shifted.

[0150] In some embodiments, ‘pulling a covering element’ means ‘pulling a portion of a covering element’. In some embodiments, ‘pulling a covering element’ means ‘pulling at least a portion of a covering element’. In embodiments of this invention, the term "a" or "an" may refer to ‘at least a portion of or to ‘a portion of. In one embodiment, the term "a" or "one" or "an" refers to at least one. In one embodiment the phrase "two or more" may be of any denomination, which will suit a particular purpose. In one embodiment, "about" or "approximately" may comprise a deviance from the indicated term of + 1 %, or in some embodiments, - 1 %, or in some embodiments, ± 2.5 %, or in some embodiments, ± 5 %, or in some embodiments, ± 7.5 %, or in some embodiments, ± 10 %, or in some embodiments, ± 15 %, or in some embodiments, ± 20 %, or in some embodiments, ± 25 %.

[0151] EXAMPLES

[0152] Examples of Covering Methods of this Invention EXAMPLE 1

[0153] In one embodiment, (see Figure 10) a method of covering a fruit-tree is provided. A light-weight dome-shaped or cube-shaped covering element is provided with an anchor point at its top. Using a drone-control device, a drone is brought into proximity with the anchor point. The drone is then controlled such that it makes contact with the anchor point, for example by means of a hook on the drone that engages with a loop at the anchor point. Once the drone is connected to the covering element, the drone movement is controlled such that the drone transfers the covering element on top of the fruit-tree. The drone is then controlled to lower the covering element onto the tree thus covering the tree or a portion of it. The drone is then controlled to disengage from the covering element, leaving the covering element on the fruit-tree. The drone is then pulled away and returns to its base, lands on the ground or on a dedicated landing area, or it is moved to an additional covering element (to cover another tree), or it is moved to any other desired location.

[0154] EXAMPLE 2

[0155] In one embodiment, (see Figure 1) a method of covering a line of fruit-trees is provided. A covering element in the form of a rolled sheet is provided on a roller. The exposed edge of the covering element comprises two - ten anchor points assembled along the exposed edge. Two drones each comprising a supporting-arm(s) are manually placed next to the exposed edge. The supporting arm(s) of each drone is manually connected to two or more anchor points on the covering elements. Once the drones are connected to the covering element, the movement of the two drones is controlled such that the drones pull and transfers the covering element on top of the fruit-trees and along the fruit-tree line. The movement of the two drones is coordinated. Once the covering element covers the entire fruit-tree line, the drones are controlled to lower the covering element onto or proximal to the ground. The drones are then manually disengaged from the covering element. The covering element now covers the entire line of fruit-tree. The sides of the covering elements are secured to the ground or to the bark or lower branches of the tree using anchor points or elements on the two long edges along the length of the covering element (see such anchoring point for example in Figure 5).

[0156] EXAMPLE 3

[0157] In one embodiment, (see for example in Figure 9) a method of covering a construction is provided. A covering element in the form of a square or rectangular flat sheet is provided. Four anchor points are installed, each anchor is placed adjacent to one of the four corners of the covering element. Four drones, each comprising a connection element / anchor point are manually placed next to the anchor points of the covering element, such that each anchor point on the covering element has one drone placed next to it. The drones are then manually connected to their proximal anchor points on the covering element. Once the drones are connected to the covering element, the movement of the four drones is controlled such that the four drones pull and transfer the covering element on top of the construction to be covered. The movement of the four drones is coordinated. Once the covering element is located above the top of the construction, or once it covers the top of the construction, the drones are controlled to either lower the edges of the covering element along the sides / corners of the construction, or the drones are then automatically disengaged from the covering element, thus leaving / dropping the covering element on top of the construction. The covering element now covers the construction. The sides of the covering elements are secured to the ground or to side construction poles of the construction using anchor points or elements located adjacent to the corners or adjacent to edges of the covering element.

[0158] It is to be noted that sequences of steps as described herein above for methods of this invention are just an example. Other sequences, or steps that are conducted in parallel, or steps that are divided to sub-steps, or steps that are performed in a different order etc., are all part of methods of this invention and are apparent to any person of ordinary skill in the art. For example and in one embodiment, a first drone is brought into proximity to an anchor point next to a first corner of the covering element and is then being attached to it. Following attachment of the first drone, a second drone is brought into proximity to an anchor point next to a second corner of the covering element and it is then being attached to it.

[0159] EXAMPLE 4

[0160] In one embodiment, (see for example Figure 4) a method of covering the sides of a construction is provided. A covering element in the form of a rolled sheet is provided on a roller. The roller is placed vertically with respect to the ground. The exposed edge of the covering element comprises one - ten anchor points assembled along the exposed edge. One or two drones are manually placed next to the exposed edge. The drone(s) is / are manually connected to one or more anchor points on the covering element. Once the drone(s) are connected to the covering element, the movement of the drone(s) is controlled such that the drone(s) pull and transfer the covering element around the poles of a construction (see Figure 4). If two drones are used, then the movement of the two drones is coordinated. Once the covering element wraps around the entire construction, or any desired portion of it, the drone(s) is / are controlled to stop moving. The drone(s) is / are then manually or automatically disengaged from the covering element. The covering element now covers the sides of the construction. In one embodiment, this method enables to form protective flexible walls around a construction. As an example, such covering is used in one embodiment to form walls for a greenhouse, to form a temporary sheltered region, to form a living / camping housing etc.

[0161] EXAMPLE 5

[0162] In one embodiment, a method of marking a line in a field is provided. A covering element in the form of a rolled stripe is provided on a roller. The exposed edge of the covering element comprises one anchor point. One drone is manually connected to the anchor point on (or proximal to) the edge of the rolled stripe. Once the drone is connected to the covering element (marking stripe in this case), the drone is controlled to move such that the drone pulls and transfers the stripe along the line in the field. Once the stripe covers and marks the entire line, the drone is controlled to stop, or to go around a pole (or around a second roller) such that it continues to pull the stripe in a different direction. Once all lines are marked by the stripe as desired, the drone is manually or automatically disengaged from the covering element. For certain applications, the stripe may be luminescent, it may glow in the dark, it may be of any color, or combination of colors, it can comprise electrical wires and LED’s / lamps that can be lit using a power supply. Such power supply can be placed anywhere along the length of the stripe, for example at the beginning / end of the stripe or somewhere along the stripe.

[0163] Line marking as described in this example can be used for landing of aerial vehicles, for marking an area for landscaping / for construction, marking borders between farming regions, marking a non-entry region etc. as detailed herein above.

[0164] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis. While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for covering at least one surface, at least one object or a combination thereof, said method comprising: o providing a system comprising:• at least one drone comprising a first connection element;• a covering element comprising a second connection element;• a drone-control device; wherein said first connection element is configured to be connected to said second connection element thus connecting said drone to said covering element; and wherein said drone is capable of pulling the covering element over said at least one surface, over said at least one object or a combination thereof, thus covering said at least one surface, said at least one object or a combination thereof. o attaching said first connection element to said second connection element, thus connecting said drone to said covering element; o using said drone-control device to move said drone, such that said drone pulls said covering element over said at least one surface, over said at least one object or a combination thereof.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said drone-control device controls the movement of said drone.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said drone pulls said covering elements over a predetermined surface.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said drone pulls said covering element over a field, over a tree, over a line of trees, over an orchard, over a bush, over a line of bushes, over a field of bushes, over a building, over a line of buildings, over a region of buildings, over a geographical area, over a logistical area, over a water reservoir, over a car lot, over a truck lot, over a road, over a street, over a forest, over an army unit, over an army base, over a supply camp, over an assembly area, over a gathering area, over a storage area, over a territory, over a piece of land, over an area, over a lot, over a yard, over a portion of the ground, over a balcony, or over any portion or any combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said drone is capable of moving in any and in all directions.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the movement of said drone is selected from: up, down, horizontally at any direction, in a straight line, in a spiral mode, a zig-zag, a circle, a square, a triangle, a sawtooth wave form, a sinusoidal form, a random movement, an arbitrary movement at any angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees corresponding to the land’s surface, at any angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees corresponding to the land’s surface, at 360 degrees around, or any combination thereof.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said drone is connected to one end of said covering element.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said drone is connected to two anchor points on said one end of said covering element.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein:• said covering element is a roll with one exposed end;• said at least one drone is attached to said exposed end;• said drone pulls said covering element by pulling said exposed end.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said roll is wound on a roller.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least one drone comprises two drones such that each of said two drones is independently connected to a different anchor point on said exposed end, and wherein said two drones simultaneously pull the exposed end of said covering element roll.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said covering element is in the form of an elongated sheet and wherein said elongated sheet is folded or rolled.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said covering element is placed, assembled or mounted on a fixture, said fixture is external to said drone.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein:• said covering element is in the form of an elongated sheet and wherein said elongated sheet is folded or rolled;• said covering element is placed, assembled or mounted on a fixture such that the height of said sheet is higher than the surface or the object to be covered;• said at least one drone pulls an exposed end of said covering element over the surface or over the object to be covered, or over any combination thereof.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein said drone pulls said covering element as follows:• pulling up next to a first side of at least one object to be covered;• pulling over said object, to a side opposing said first side;• optionally pulling down along said opposing side.

16. The method of claim 1 , wherein:• said at least one drone comprises at least three drones;• said covering element is in the form of a sheet comprising at least three connection elements located at or in proximity to various edges of said sheet;• each drone is independently connected to a connection element; wherein said drones are operated simultaneously to lift said covering element above a surface or above an object to be covered, thus covering said surface, said object or any combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein once said covering element is positioned over a surface / object to be covered, said drones are programmed to:• disconnect from said covering element; or• move down along the sides of said surface / said object.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein following coverage of said surface / object, said drones are disconnected from said covering element.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said disconnection is automatically performed by the drone or wherein said disconnection is performed manually.

20. The method of claim 1 , wherein said covering element is in the form of a stripe.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein said covering method is used for an application selected from: protecting fruit on fruit-trees from birds and / or from insects / pests, protecting a surface from sun / rain / wind / moisture, protecting a liquid reservoir from liquid evaporation, camouflage a military assembly, mark a region or an area for spraying, planting, seeding, mark an area for airplane landing, mark an area for landscaping, defining borders between geographical / farming regions, protecting a seeded area from pests / insects, protecting a crop region from pests / insects, selective seeding or planting in portions of a field, selective irrigation of portions of a field, protecting a building during renovation, decorating a building, generating a roof over a building / structure, generating walls for a building / structure, or any combination thereof.

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