An apparatus for cultivating a plant

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for cultivating a plant. The apparatus comprises: a frame (10); a support (4) for carrying the plant, wherein the support is suspended or suspendable from a part of the frame such that the support hangs from the part of the frame to maintain the plant in an elevated position; a sensor module (70) comprising at least one sensor for measuring an environmental parameter, a cover system comprising a protective screen (50), for at least partially covering the plant, and a screen control mechanism (51) for actuating the protective screen to vary an extent to which the protective screen covers the plant, wherein the sensor module is configured to output an environmental signal indicative of the environmental parameter.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR CULTIVATING A PLANTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cultivating a plant. Aspects relate to an apparatus for cultivating a plant, a system for cultivating a plant, a kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus for cultivating a plant, and a controller.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fruit-bearing or flowering plants require light and nutrients to grow, and by controlling the levels of light and nutrient provided the plant, it is possible to enhance or impede plant growth.

[0003] In some conventional plant growing systems, these plants are grown inside an enclosure such as a greenhouse. Walls of the enclosure may be made of a transparent material such as plastic sheeting or glass. For fruit bearing plants such as strawberries, tomatoes and peppers, the enclosure might be at least partially open to allow pollinators to access the plants within.

[0004] However, the openings of enclosures also allow pests such as slugs, snails and airborne pests to enter. Pests can cause significant damage to the plants, leading to reduced yields and compromising the quality of the fruit.

[0005] The openings of enclosures also expose the plant to other hazards besides pestilence. For example, plants in open enclosures are subjected to environmental effects such as changes in temperature and humidity as well as more extreme weather events such as hail. These changeable environmental factors can damage the plants and result in reduced crop yields. Furthermore, open enclosures may also allow external agents such as birds or thieves to access the enclosure and remove produce.

[0006] Protective screens such as netting may be used at the opening of enclosures to protect the plants from some of these external factors. However, using these screens can be detrimental to the plants in other ways. For example, protective screens might cast shade onto the plants. The reduced light levels may impede plant growth resulting in diminished yields. In addition, some protective screens such as fine mesh screens required to protect plants from hail and pests may also prevent pollinators from accessing the plants.

[0007] The present invention seeks to address at least some of these problems.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure may advantageously provide an apparatus for cultivating a plant in which protective screens can be retracted, thereby exposing the plants to environments which are conducive to improving crop yield, for example due to direct sunlight, pollinators, desired levels of rainfall, whilst maintaining the plants in an elevated position to protect them from pests and disease. The elevation may also aid with plant maintenance and harvesting.

[0009] Aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus for cultivating a plant, a system for cultivating a plant, a kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus for cultivating a plant, and a controller, as set out in the appended claims.

[0010] An aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus for cultivating a plant.

[0011] The apparatus may comprise a frame.

[0012] The apparatus may comprise a support for carrying the plant. The support may be suspended or suspendable from a part of the frame such that the support hangs from the part of the frame, e.g., the support may be suspended beneath the part of the frame, to maintain the plant in an elevated position, for example in use.

[0013] The apparatus may comprise a sensor module. The sensor module may comprise at least one sensor for measuring an environmental parameter.

[0014] The apparatus may comprise a cover system. The cover system may comprise a protective screen for at least partially covering, for example shielding or protecting, the plant. The cover system may comprise a screen control mechanism for actuating the protective screen to vary an extent to which the protective screen covers the plant.

[0015] The sensor module may be configured to output an environment signal indicative of the environmental parameter, for example to a controller or a processor.

[0016] The cover system may be configured to receive a control signal from the controller.

[0017] Another aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus for cultivating a plant, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a support for carrying the plant, wherein the support is suspended or suspendable from a part of the frame such that the support hangs from the part of the frame to maintain the plant in an elevated position, for example in use; a sensor module comprising at least one sensor for measuring an environmental parameter; a cover system comprising: a protective screen for at least partially covering, e.g., shielding or protecting, the plant; and a screen control mechanism for actuating the protective screen to vary an extent to which the protective screen covers the plant, wherein the sensor module is configured to output an environmental signal indicative of the environmental parameter, for example to a controller or a processor.

[0018] The frame may be suitable for supporting the apparatus on a surface. The support may be suspended from the part of the frame such that the support hangs from the part of the frame to maintain the plant in an elevated position, above the surface. The apparatus may be a housing apparatus.

[0019] The apparatus may comprise a controller. The controller may comprise the or a processor. The cover system may be configured to receive a control signal from the controller. The controller may be configured to receive the environmental signal from the sensor module. The controller may be configured to generate the control signal and to output the control signal to the cover system to actuate the protective screen. The controller may be configured to generate the control signal to actuate the protective screen in response to the measured environmental parameter. The controller may be configured to actuate the protective screen automatically according to the measured environmental parameter. The controller may be configured to automatically output the control signal to the cover system in response to the measured environmental parameters from the sensor module. The controller may use measured environmental parameters from the sensor module to determine the control signal for actuating the protective screen.

[0020] The controller may comprise a user interface for displaying environmental parameters from the sensor module. The user interface may comprise a display. The display and / or controller may be mounted or mountable to the frame. The user interface and / or display may be configured to receive user inputs, for example to generate the control signal.

[0021] The sensor module may be configured to output, for example to the controller, a plurality of environmental signals. Each environment signal may be indicative of a respective environmental parameter. Each environment signal may be indicative of a different environmental parameter.

[0022] The cover system may comprise a plurality of protective screens. That is, the protective screen may be a plurality of protective screens.

[0023] Each protective screen may at least partially cover the plant. For example, a protective screen may cover any one or combination of: a top of the plant, a side of the plant, a base of the plant. In an example, a protective screen may cover multiple sides of a plant and not cover the top of the plant or the bottom of the plant.

[0024] The or each protective screen may be spaced from the plant.

[0025] Each of the plurality of protective screen may be actuatable in response to a respective one of, o a particular combination of, the plurality of environmental parameters.

[0026] The user interface may allow the user to actuate at least one of the plurality of protective screens, for example via an input from the user.

[0027] The sensor module may comprise a plurality of sensors each operable to measure a respective one of the environmental parameters, for example a different environmental parameter.

[0028] Each sensor may comprise one of: a light detector, a motion detector, a rainfall sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a soil moisture sensor or a wind speed sensor.

[0029] The processor may use measured environmental parameters from the plurality of sensors to determine or generate the control signal for actuating at least one of the plurality of protective screens. The controller may comprise a memory. The memory may store computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine or generate the control signal for actuating at least one of the plurality of protective screens.

[0030] The screen control mechanism may be operable to actuate each of the plurality of protective screens independently of the other protective screens.

[0031] Each protective screen may comprise one of: a sunshield screen, insect netting, a waterproof screen, a thermally insulating screen, a bird deterrent screen, frost protection screen, windbreak screen, disease control screen or a hail guard.

[0032] The apparatus may comprise one or more protective screen, each providing a side panel. The apparatus may comprise one or more protective screen, each providing an end panel. The side panel / s may extend along a longitudinal direction of the apparatus between two ends of the apparatus or between two end panels. The end panel / s may extend in a lateral direction of the apparatus, for example may be substantially perpendicularto the side panel / s. The end panel / s may be parallel to supporting frames of the frame. The side panel / s may extend parallel to a longitudinal beam of the frame

[0033] The apparatus may comprise one or more sets of protective screens. Each set of protective screens may be configured to protect the plant(s) from a different environmental hazard. For example the apparatus may comprise one or any combination of: a set of sunshield screens, a set of insect netting screens, a set of a waterproof screens, a set of thermally insulating screens, a set of bird deterrent screens, a set of frost protection screens, a set of windbreak screens, a set of disease control screens or a set of hail guard screens.

[0034] When a set of protected screens is in an extended configuration, a protected space may be enclosed within the set of protective screens. The support may be received, receivable or present within the protective space.

[0035] The or each set of protective screens may include one or two side panels. The or each protective screen may include one or two end panels. The side panel / s may extend along a longitudinal direction of the apparatus between two ends or between two end panels. The end panel / s may extend in a lateral direction of the apparatus, for example may be substantially perpendicular to the side panel / s. The end panel / s may be parallel to supporting frames of the frame. The side panel / s may extend parallel to a longitudinal beam of the frame.

[0036] The apparatus may comprise one or more guide rail. Each guide rail may be for guiding an edge of the or each protective screen. For example, the apparatus may comprise a framework of four guide rails. Two of the four guide rails may be located on one side of the apparatus. The other two of the guide rails may be located on another side of the apparatus. The guide rails may be located at or proximal each longitudinal end of the apparatus.

[0037] Together, the guide rails may define a protected space which can be enclosed by extending the protective screens. The guide rails may be coupled to the longitudinal beam. The guide rails may be coupled to the longitudinal beam inbound of supporting frames. Each of the guide rails may comprise at least one track for receiving an edge of a protective screen. Each guide rail may comprise a plurality of tracks, each track configured to receive a respective edge of a different protective screen. The frame may comprise the or each guide rail.

[0038] The frame may comprise a longitudinal beam. The support may be suspended from the longitudinal beam. The support may hang from the longitudinal beam. The support may be suspended beneath the longitudinal beam. The longitudinal beam may provide the aforementioned part of the frame from which the support is suspended.

[0039] The frame may comprise an elevated platform positioned below the support. The frame may maintain the elevated platform in an elevated position above the surface. In use, a user may lower the support down onto the elevated platform to carry out maintenance on the plant(s). The elevated platform may comprise a perforated platform such as a wireframe.

[0040] The support may comprise a planter. The planter may be configured to hold one or more plants. The support may comprise one or more screens configured to train the growth of a plant engaged therewith. Each of the screens may be suspended from the longitudinal beam such that each of the one or more screens hangsfrom the longitudinal beam to maintain the plant engaged therewith in an elevated position above the surface. A root container may be suspended from each screen. The apparatus may comprise a reservoir for each screen and / or root container. Each reservoir may be located on the elevated platform. Each screen and associated root container may be liftable to extract the root container from the respective reservoir.

[0041] The support may extend along substantially a full length of the longitudinal beam and / or the apparatus.

[0042] The frame may comprise one or more supporting frame which supports the longitudinal beam, for example at an elevated position, in use.

[0043] The frame may comprise a supporting frame located at or proximal each end of the longitudinal beam.

[0044] Each supporting frame may comprise a top part which is attached to the longitudinal beam. Each supporting frame may comprise a base part which is wider than the longitudinal beam in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal beam.

[0045] Each supporting frame may be substantially triangular in shape, or may be an A-frame. Each supporting frame may comprise first and second legs, extending away from the longitudinal beam with a lateral direction component such that the first and second legs diverge from one another. Each supporting frame may comprise two sloped members joined at a top end to form an apex of the supporting frame. Each supporting frame may additionally comprise one or more longitudinal members coupled between the two sloped members. This may improve rigidity of the supporting frame. The longitudinal beam may be coupled at or near the apex of each supporting frame. In use, basal ends of the two sloped members, opposite the apex of the supporting frame, may sit upon the surface. In use, a basal end, or the base part, of the supporting frame, opposite the apex, may sit upon the surface.

[0046] Each of the plurality of sensors may be couplable, for example independently reversibly couplable, to the beam. Each of the plurality of sensors may be couplable, for example independently reversibly couplable to the beam at a series of discrete positions along the length of the beam, or at a continuum of positions along the length of the beam.

[0047] The or each protective screen may be operable to extend outwardly or to extend with a lateral direction component from the longitudinal beam. The or each protective screen may be operable to extend outwardly or to extend with a lateral direction component from the longitudinal beam from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. Advantageously, this may allow an extent to which the respective protective screen covers the plant to be adjusted.

[0048] The apparatus may comprise one or more attachment piece. Each attachment piece may be translatable, for example continuously translatable, along a length of the longitudinal beam.

[0049] The support may be coupled to the longitudinal beam by an attachment piece. The attachment piece may be translatable along a length of the beam to vary a position of the support.

[0050] The support may be coupled to the longitudinal beam by multiple attachment pieces. The multiple attachment pieces may be translatable along a length of the longitudinal beam to vary a position of the support.

[0051] The or each attachment piece may be adjustable to continuously vary a position of the attachment piece along the length of the longitudinal beam.

[0052] The attachment piece may comprise a fastener to fixedly couple the attachment piece to the longitudinal beam at position along the length of the beam, i.e., the attachment piece can be secured to the longitudinal beam at any position along the entire length of the longitudinal beam.

[0053] The attachment piece may comprise a solid member having an aperture for receiving the longitudinal beam therein. The aperture may be shaped to match an external profile of the longitudinal beam, e.g., may be shaped correspondingly to an external profile of the longitudinal beam.

[0054] The or each sensor may be coupled to the longitudinal beam by a respective attachment piece. Multiple sensors may be attached to the longitudinal beam by the same attachment piece or by respective attachment pieces.

[0055] The screen control mechanism may be coupled to the longitudinal beam by an attachment piece.

[0056] The screen control mechanism may comprise one or more rollers, such as motorised rollers. The rollers may be coupled to a side face of the attachment piece e.g., two rollers may be coupled to the attachment piece, one on either side of the attachment piece.

[0057] Each of the rollers may be operable to extend and retract a respective a protective screen. Each of the rollers may be operable to extend and retract a respective a protective screen in response to a control signal from the controller. In examples where the apparatus comprises multiple sets of protective screens, multiple motorised rollers may be coupled to each side face of the attachment piece.

[0058] The apparatus may comprise a power supply. The apparatus may comprise a power module for connecting to a power source. The power supply and / or power module may be for powering the sensor module and / or the screen control mechanism.

[0059] The power supply may comprise a battery and / or a solar panel and / or a turbine such as a wind turbine. The power supply may be coupled to the longitudinal beam, for example by an attachment piece.

[0060] The longitudinal beam may be configured to project substantially parallel to a surface on which the apparatus is located, in use.

[0061] The longitudinal beam may comprise an I-beam. The longitudinal beam may comprise or essentially consist of aluminium or aluminium alloy.

[0062] An external internal and / or profile of the attachment piece may be l-shaped.

[0063] The attachment piece may be configured to reversibly couple to the longitudinal beam at a series of discrete positions along the length of the beam, or at a continuum of positions along the length of the longitudinal beam.

[0064] The apparatus may comprise a lilting mechanism operably connected to the support for varying an elevation of the plant.

[0065] The lifting mechanism may be coupled to the longitudinal beam, for example by an attachment piece.

[0066] The apparatus may comprise a reservoir for receiving a growth medium and a root base of the plant. The lilting mechanism may be configured to lift the support from a first position to a second position so as to at least partially extract the root base from the reservoir. Advantageously, this may enable maintenance of theroot the base. The reservoir may be suspended from the part of the apparatus, for example the longitudinal beam, such that the reservoir hangs from the part, or longitudinal beam.

[0067] The lifting mechanism may comprise a hoist. The hoist may include one or more pulleys around which a cord is wrapped. The cord may comprise a plastic coated steel cable.

[0068] The lifting mechanism may comprise a hand winch for raising and lowering the support.

[0069] The lifting mechanism may comprise a motorised actuator for raising and lowering the support. The motorised actuator may be controlled by a signal from a or the controller.

[0070] The apparatus may comprise one or more additional supports for carrying one or more additional plants. Each of the one or more additional supports may be suspended from the part of the frame such that the one or more additional support hangs from the part of the frame, to maintain the respective additional plant in an elevated position. The part of the frame may be the longitudinal beam

[0071] The lifting mechanism may be configured to raise the support and each of the additional supports in unison.

[0072] The apparatus may comprise one or more additional lifting mechanisms. Each of the one or more additional lifting mechanism may be operable to vary an elevation of a different one of the one or more additional supports.

[0073] The lifting mechanism may be configured to lift the one or more additional supports from a first position to a second position, for example to at least partially extract the root bases from one or more respective additional reservoirs.

[0074] Where the apparatus comprises one or more additional lifting mechanisms, the one or more additional lifting mechanisms may each be configured to lift a respective one of the one or more additional supports from a first position to a second position, for example to at least partially extract the root base of that plant from its reservoir.

[0075] The apparatus may further comprise one or more additional reservoirs for receiving a growth medium and root bases of the one or more additional plants.

[0076] The apparatus may comprise an irrigation system. The irrigation system may comprise a fluid supply connected to sprayers via a supply conduit. The fluid supply may located outside of the apparatus, or outside of the protected space. The sprayers may extend, inside of the apparatus, parallel to and below the longitudinal beam. The sprayers may be in the form of jets for directing fluid, for example water, to the plants located in the support. The sprayers may be suspended from the longitudinal beam or may be connected at either end to the supporting frame. The sprayers may be connected to the longitudinal beam via attachment pieces.

[0077] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a system for cultivating a plant. The system may comprise an apparatus, and a remote controller. The remote controller may be configured to receive the environment signal indicative of the environmental parameter from the sensor module of the apparatus. The remote controller may be configured to transmit a control signal to the cover system of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a communications module for wirelessly connecting the cover system and / or the sensor module to the remote controller.

[0078] The remote controller may be for user actuation of the protective screen. The remote controller may comprise a display for displaying environmental parameters from the sensor module to the user. The remote controller may comprise a user interface to receive inputs from a user.

[0079] The apparatus may be any apparatus described herein. For example, the apparatus may be the apparatus according to any one of the preceding or following statements.

[0080] In examples where the assembly comprises a plurality of protective screens, the remote controller may allow a user to actuate each of the plurality of protective screens, for example to selectively actuate each of the plurality of protective screens, independently of the other protective screens.

[0081] The remote controller may be a personal electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet or a laptop computer.

[0082] The assembly and / or the controller and / or the remote controller may comprise a memory for storing predefined ranges of environmental parameters indicative of optimal operating conditions for the plant. The assembly and / or the controller and / or the remote controller may comprise a server communication module for communicating with a remote server. The remote server may be for storing pre-defined ranges of environmental parameters indicative of optimal operating conditions for the plant.

[0083] The memory and / or server may store pre-defined ranges of one or more environmental parameters which the sensor module is configured to measure such as humidity, rainfall, soil moisture, windspeed, temperature and / or light intensity.

[0084] The memory and / or server may store pre-defined ranges of one or more environmental parameters indicative of optimal operating conditions for one or more different types of plant. For example, the memory and / or server may store a pre-defined range of light intensity for a first plant, vegetable or fruit type, such as tomatoes, and a different pre-defined range of light intensity for a different plant, vegetable or fruit type, such as strawberries.

[0085] The user interface and / or remote controller may allow a user to set and change the pre-defined ranges stored in the memory and / or server.

[0086] The controller and / or the remote controller may be operable to provide an alert when an environmental parameter measured by the sensor module is outside of a stored pre-defined range.

[0087] The user interface and / or remote controller may allow a user to select which of the stored predefined ranges of environmental parameters it will provide alerts for. For example, a user may select to receive alerts for one type of environmental parameter, such as rainfall, but not for another type of environmental parameter, such as windspeed.

[0088] This may allow a user to select to receive alerts for the environmental parameters relating to the plant type they have plated in the apparatus. For example, the user may select to receive alerts for pre-defined ranges for a first plant, vegetable or fruit type, such as tomatoes, and not receive alerts for pre-defined ranges for a second plant, vegetable or fruit type, such as strawberries.

[0089] The apparatus may comprise a light for illuminating the plants. The light may be coupled to the longitudinal beam for example via one or more attachment pieces. The light may be powered by the power supply.

[0090] The apparatus may adapt to external conditions in order to generate desired growing conditions for the plants within. The apparatus may be configured to accommodate soil-based and / or hydroponic farming methods.

[0091] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus for cultivating a plant.

[0092] The apparatus may be any apparatus described herein. For example, the apparatus may be the apparatus according to any one of the preceding or following statements.

[0093] The kit of parts may comprise a frame.

[0094] The kit of parts may comprise a support for carrying the plant. The support may be couplable to a part of the frame such that in use the support is suspended from the part of the frame and hangs from the part of the frame to maintain the plant in an elevated position.

[0095] The kit of parts may comprise a sensor module comprising at least one sensor for measuring an environmental parameter.

[0096] The kit of parts may comprise a cover system. The cover system may comprise a protective screen, for at least partially covering the plant. The cover system may comprise a screen control mechanism for actuating the protective screen to vary an extent to which the protective screen covers the plant.

[0097] The sensor module may be configured to output an environmental signal indicative of the environmental parameter, for example to a processor or a controller.

[0098] The cover system may be configured to receive a control signal from the controller.

[0099] The frame may comprise a longitudinal beam.

[0100] The kit of parts may comprise one or more attachment pieces for connecting: the at least one sensor; the screen control mechanism; and the support to the longitudinal beam.

[0101] The or each attachment piece may be translatable along a length of the longitudinal beam.

[0102] The or each sensor may be couplable to the longitudinal beam by respective attachment pieces. Multiple sensors may be attachable to the longitudinal beam by the same attachment piece.

[0103] The screen control mechanism may be couplable to the longitudinal beam by an attachment piece.

[0104] The screen control mechanism may comprise one or more rollers, such as motorised rollers. The rollers may be couplable to a side face of the attachment piece e.g. Two rollers may be couplable to the attachment piece, one on either side of the attachment piece.

[0105] The apparatus may comprise a power supply. The power supply may power the sensor module and / or the screen control mechanism.

[0106] The power supply may comprise a battery and / or a solar panel and / or a wind turbine.

[0107] The power supply may be couplable to the longitudinal beam by an attachment piece.

[0108] The support may be couplable to the longitudinal beam by an attachment piece which is translatable along a length of the beam to vary a position of the support.

[0109] The support may be couplable to the longitudinal beam by multiple attachment pieces which are translatable along a length of the beam to vary a position of the support.

[0110] The attachment piece may be adjustable to continuously vary a position of the attachment piece along the length of the longitudinal beam.

[0111] The attachment piece may comprise one or more fasteners to fixedly couple the attachment piece to the beam at position along the length of the beam. Le., the attachment piece can be secured to the beam at any position along its entire length.

[0112] The or each attachment piece may comprise a solid member having an aperture for receiving the longitudinal beam therein. The aperture may be shaped to match an external profile of the longitudinal beam.

[0113] An external profile of the or each attachment piece may be l-shaped.

[0114] The attachment piece may be configured to reversibly couple to the beam at a series of discrete positions along the length of the beam, or at a continuum of positions along the length of the beam.

[0115] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a controller for controlling an apparatus for cultivating a plant. The controller may be for use with any of the aforementioned apparatus, any of the aforementioned system, or any of the aforementioned kit of parts.

[0116] The controller may be configured to receive an environmental signal indicative of a measured environmental parameter from a sensor module of the apparatus. The controller may be configured to use measured environmental parameters from the sensor module to determine a control signal for actuating the protective screen. That is, the controller may be configured to generate a control signal in response to the environmental signal. The controller may comprise a processor. The processor may be configured to use measured environmental parameters from the or each of the sensors to determine the control signal for actuating at least one of a plurality of protective screens of the apparatus. The controller may be configured to ouput the control signal to a cover system of the apparatus to actuate one or more of the protective screens. The control signal may be indicative of an actuation signal for actuating one or more of the protective screens between an extended configuration and a retraced configuration (or between any two configurations therebetween).

[0117] The controller may be configured to actuate the protective screen(s) automatically according to the measured environmental parameter. The controller may comprise a user interface for displaying environmental parameters from the sensor module. The user interface may have one or more inputs. The user interface may allow the user to actuate at least one of the plurality of protective screens.

[0118] The controller may comprise a memory e.g., for storing pre-defined ranges of environmental parameters indicative of optimal operating conditions for the plant. The controller may communicate, for example wirelessly, with a server, for example the server according to previous statements.

[0119] The memory and / or server may store pre-defined ranges of one or more environmental parameters which the sensor module is configured to measure such as humidity, rainfall, soil moisture, windspeed, temperature and / or light intensity.

[0120] The memory and / or server may store pre-defined ranges of one or more environmental parameters indicative of optimal operating conditions for one or more different types of plant. For example, the memory and / or server may store a pre-defined range of light intensity for tomatoes and a different pre-defined range of light intensity for strawberries.

[0121] The user interface may allow a user to set and change the pre-defined ranges stored in the memory.

[0122] For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0123] For purposes of this disclosure, and notwithstanding the above, it is to be understood that any controller(s), control units and / or control modules described herein may each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. The controller may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the control of the system or apparatus may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers or control modules. As used herein, the terms “control unit” and “controller” will be understood to include both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide the required control functionality. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause said controller(s) or control unit(s) or control module(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the method(s) described herein). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, may be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s).

[0124] For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement. In any event, the set of instructions described herein may be embedded in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors / computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information / instructions.

[0125] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and / or”,“e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0126] FIG. 1 A illustrates an apparatus for cultivating a plant.

[0127] FIG. 1 B illustrates an the apparatus of FIG. 1A with the protective screens in an extended configuration and the sensors and power supply omitted.

[0128] FIG. 1 C illustrates an the apparatus of FIG. 1A with a different protective screen in an extended configuration and the sensors and power supply omitted.

[0129] FIG. 1 D illustrates an the apparatus of FIG. 1 A with an irrigation system.

[0130] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an attachment piece of the apparatus of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of another attachment piece of the apparatus of FIG.

[0131] 1A.FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of another attachment piece of the apparatus of FIG.

[0132] 1A.FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of another attachment piece of the apparatus of FIG.

[0133] 1A.

[0134] FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged cut-out of a top section of FIG. 1 A

[0135] FIG. 4 illustrates a system for cultivating a plant.

[0136] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative apparatus for cultivating a plant.

[0137] FIG. 6 illustrates alternative supports for use with an apparatus according to FIG. 1 A or FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] FIG. 1A shows an apparatus 100 for cultivating a plant (not shown). The apparatus 100 comprises a frame 10 which supports the apparatus 100 on a surface 2. In examples, the frame 10 includes a longitudinal beam 11 and two supporting frames 12 located at opposite ends of the longitudinal beam 11. The supporting frames 12 support the longitudinal beam 11 at an elevated position above the surface 2. As shown in FIG. 1 A, the longitudinal beam 11 projects substantially parallel to the surface 2.

[0139] In this example, each of the two supporting frames 12 is substantially triangular in shape, in the form of an A-frame. Each A-frame comprises two sloped members 14 joined at a top end to form an apex 14i. Each A- frame also includes a longitudinal member 18 coupled between the two sloped members 14, to provide rigidity to the A-frame. As discussed in greater detail below, the longitudinal beam 11 is coupled at the apex 14i of each of the A-frames. Basal ends 14ii of the two sloped members 14, opposite the apex 14i of the A-frame, project towards the surface 2. In this example, each of the basal ends 14ii is provided with a wheel 81 to alloweasy repositioning of the frame 10 on the surface 2. In other examples, the wheels 81 may be omitted and the basal ends 14ii of the frame may sit directly on the surface 2. In other examples, the basal ends 14ii may be embedded into the surface 2, for example using concrete. It will be appreciated that although an A-frame is shown here, other shapes of supporting frames 12 may be used, for example where the base of each supporting frame 12 is wider than the longitudinal beam 11 in a lateral direction (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal beam). For example, each supporting frame 12 may be triangular, such as a triangular plate. In another example, there may be a base beam extending parallel to the surface 2 and a vertical beam extending from the base beam to the longitudinal beam 11 . In another example the supporting frames 12 are each rectangular in shape, such that a top member extends across and the longitudinal beam 11 is attached to a centre of the top member.

[0140] The apparatus 100 of this example comprises a support 4 for carrying the plant. The support 4 is suspended beneath the longitudinal beam 11 to maintain the plant in an elevated position above the surface 2. That is, the support 4 is suspended from the longitudinal beam 11 such that the support 4 hangs from the longitudinal beam 11 . In this example the support 4 is a rectangular planter which extends along a majority of a full length of the apparatus 100. One or more plants may be planted within the support 4. In this example, the planter is sized to hold multiple plants therein.

[0141] The apparatus 100 further comprises at least one lifting mechanism 40 operably connected to the support 4 for varying an elevation of the support 4 and the plants. In the example shown, the lifting mechanism 40 comprises a hoist including one or more pulley around which a cord 41 is wrapped. The cord 41 may comprise a plastic coated steel cable. The plastic coating may protect the cord 41 from damage and / or corrosion.

[0142] The lifting mechanism 40 further comprises a hand winch 42 which allows a user to raise and lower the support 4. In this example, the three sets of pulleys 43a, 43b, 43c are provided: a set of pulleys 43a, 43b is coupled to each terminal end of the support 4 and a further set of pulleys 43c is coupled to a center of the support 4. However, it will be appreciated that any number of sets of pulleys 43a, 43b, 43c may be provided at any positions along the support 4. In this example, the cord 41 wraps around each of the sets of pulleys 43a, 43b, 43c so that when the hand winch 42 is actuated, the support 4 is raised uniformly and stays parallel to the surface 2. This may prevent soil or the plants in the support 4 from falling out or sliding towards one end of the support 4.

[0143] In other examples, the cord 41 may not extend along a full length of the lifting mechanism 40. For example, the lifting mechanism 40 may comprise a shaft which extends along substantially a full length of the apparatus 100. Each set of pulleys 43a, 43b, 43c may be individually coupled to the shaft by cables which wrap around the shaft. The lifting mechanism 40 may be configured such that rotating the hand winch 42 rotates the shaft causing the cables to wrap further around the shaft thereby raising the support 4. In some examples, the hand winch 42 may be replaced with a motorised actuator such as a motor. In a similar example, the sets of pulleys may be omitted entirely, and cables may be attached to the shaft and simply connected to the support 4 such that rotation of the shaft causes the cables to wrap around the shaft and lift the support 4.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 1A, the frame 10 may include an elevated platform 31 upon which the support 4 can rest. In this example, the elevated platform 31 is coupled to the sloped members 14 near the basal ends 14ii. In use, the elevated platform 31 may be used to provide additional stability for the support 4. For example, the support 4 may be lowered onto the elevated platform 31 for plant maintenance or when plants need to be removed from or added to the support. Beneficially, resting the support 4 on the elevated platform 31 may minimise movement of the support 4 and prevent the support 4 from swinging on the lifting mechanism 40 during plant maintenance.

[0145] Providing an elevated platform 31 is beneficial to resting the support 4 directly on the surface 2 during maintenance, as it separates the support 4 from the ground soil preventing the transfer of soil borne diseases and protecting the plants in the support 4 from flooding.

[0146] In some examples, the elevated platform 31 may comprise a solid platform. In other examples the elevated platform 31 may comprise a perforated platform. For example the elevated platform 31 may comprise an outer frame 32 which supports a central wire mesh 35 on which the support 4 can rest. A wire mesh 35 may inhibit or reduce ground-level pests such as slugs and snails from accessing the support 4 while it rests upon the elevated platform 31 . To further protect the plants from ground-level pests, the support 4 is typically raised above the elevated platform 31 using the lifting mechanism 40.

[0147] Suspending the support 4 from the longitudinal beam 11 prevents ground-level pests that have climbed up to the elevated platform 31 from accessing the plants. The only available path for groundlevel (i.e. , nonairborne) pests to access the plants is so tortuous that access may be effectively eliminated. Because the risk of ground-level pests is effectively eliminated when the support 4 is raised, in typical operating conditions there may not be a need to fully enclose the plants within a impermeable or fine mesh enclosure which partially shades the plants. As a result, the plants may be fully exposed to sunlight and rainfall for optimal plant growth.

[0148] In such an exposed configuration, the plants would also be exposed to transient hazards and environmental variation such as changes in temperature and humidity as well as more extreme weather events such as hail. These changeable environmental factors may damage the plants and result in reduced crop yields. In addition, exposed plants are vulnerable to birds stealing produce.

[0149] As will be described in more detail below, the apparatus 100 is configured to selectively cover the plants to protect them from these transient external dangers and to maintain optimal growing conditions for the plants within. By providing such an adaptable apparatus 100 the plants can be protected when a danger is present while maximising their exposure to sunlight and rainfall when no dangers are present. This is preferential to permanent protection measures which typically shade plants and can prevent rainfall, natural sunlight and pollinators from reaching the plants.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 comprises one or more protective screens 50 for at least partially covering the plants. The apparatus 100 further comprises a screen control mechanism 51 for actuating the protective screens 50 to vary an extent to which the protective screens 50 covers the plants. The protective screens 50 and screen control mechanism 51 may be considered to together provide a cover system.

[0151] In FIG. 1 A, the apparatus 100 is shown with each of the protective screens 50 in a retracted configuration to maximise the plants' exposure to sunlight and / or ranfall and / or pollinators. As shown, the apparatus 100 comprises a framework of guide rails 52 for guiding edges of the protective screens 50. In this example the framework comprises four guide rails 52 which together define a protected space 55 which can be enclosed by extending the protective screens 50. In this example the guide rails are connected together by horizontal rails, to increase rigidity of the framework. In this example, the guide rails 52 are coupled to the longitudinal beam 11 inbound of the supporting frames 12. In other examples, the guide rails 52 may be coupled to the longitudinal beam 11 outbound of the supporting frames 12 such that the supporting frames 12 lie within the protected space 55.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 1A, each of the guide rails 52 comprises at least one track 54 for receiving an edge of a protective screen 50. In this example, each guide rail 52 comprises two tracks 54 configured to receive the edges of different protective screens 50. This is best appreciated through comparison of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B which shows one of the protective screens 50 in an extended configuration. In examples the protective screens 50 may be on rolls mounted to either the longitudinal beam 11 , the guide rails 52, the frame 10, or any combination of the these. For example, each protective screen 50 may be mounted at ends of the roll to the longitudinal beam 11 , the guide rails 52, the frame 10, or any combination of the these. A specific example is described subsequently with reference to Figure 2B.

[0153] As shown, the protected space 55 is enclosed within a set of protective screens 50 including: two side panels 50a; and two end panels 50b. The two side panels 50a extend along a length direction of the apparatus 100 between the two end panels 50b. The two end panels 50b are substantially perpendicular to the side panels 50a. In this example the two end panels 50b are parallel to the supporting frames 12. In this example, the two end panels 50b are not retractable, but it will be appreciated that retractable end panels 50b might be provided. The end panels 50b might be of a different material to the side panels 50a.

[0154] In an example each guide rail 52 comprises two tracks 54 which are substantially perpendicular to one another; one track for receiving an edge of a side panel 50a and one track for receiving an edge of an end panel 50b. When the protective screens 50 are in the extended configuration as shown in FIG. 1 B, the guide rails 52 bridge the edges of the side panels 50a and the end panels 50b to fully enclose the plants within the protected space 55. Each track 54 extends along a guide rail 52 and acts both to secure an edge of a protective screen 50 to a guide rail 52 and to direct the protective screen 50 along the path of the guide rail 52 as it is raised or lowered.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B, each of the guide rails 52 is connected to the longitudinal beam 11 via an attachment piece 60, and curves downwards towards the surface 2 as it extends away from the longitudinal beam 11 . Together the guide rails 52 define an arch for the two side panels 50a which transition from extending substantially horizontally to extending vertically down towards the surface 2 away from the longitudinal beam 11. In this example the side panels 50a are curved while the end panels 50b extend substantially vertically. In other examples, the guide rails 52 may be shaped differently to define differently shaped protected spaces.

[0156] Each of the protective screens 50 are operable to extend away from the longitudinal beam 11 from the retracted configuration (shown in FIG. 1A) to the extended configuration (shown in FIG. 1 B) to increase the extent to which that screen covers the plant. In other examples, one or more of the panels 50a, 50b may be fixed in position. For example, one of the side panels 50a or one or both of the end panels 50b may be fixed in the extended configuration and may not be retractable. In another example, the end panels 50b may be omitted from the set of protective screens 50 altogether such that the protected space 55 is never fully enclosed.

[0157] In the extended configuration, the protective screens 50 act to shield the plants from one or more environmental hazards. The set of protective screens 50 shown in FIG. 1 B are thermally insulating screens for insulating plants in the protected space 55 from temperature fluctuations. The thermally insulating screens may be made of a series of opaque plastic panels. Beneficially, the thermally insulating screens may additionally prevent external agents such as birds or thieves from accessing the plants.

[0158] In order to protect the plants from a variety of environmental hazards, the apparatus 100 may comprise multiple sets of protective screens 50. For example, the apparatus 100 may comprise a set of sunshield screens for resisting sun damage to plants. The sunshield screens may comprise woven or knitted polyethylene fabric which is UV-stabilized to resist sun damage. The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of insect netting screens. The insect netting screens may comprise a fine mesh and may comprise polyester or polyethylene. The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of pollinator screens. The pollinator screens may comprise a mesh sized to permit pollinators and prevent larger insects from entering the protected space 55. The pollinator screens may comprise polyester or polyethylene mesh.

[0159] The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of bird deterrent screens. The bird deterrent screens may comprise a coarse mesh to prevent birds from entering the protected space 55. The bird deterrent screens may comprise nylon or polypropylene netting. These materials may have sufficient strength while minimising weight for easy installation and maintenance.

[0160] The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of hail guard screens for protecting the plants from hail. The hail guard screens may comprise polycarbonate which has high impact resistance and is available in transparent formulations. Using a transparent plastic may beneficially allow sunlight to enter the enclosure while the hail guard screens are extended. Alternately, the hail guard screens may comprise high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE may be suited for this application due to it's enhances durability and UV resistant properties.

[0161] The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of frost protection screens. The front protection screens may comprise non-woven fabric materials such as spun-bonded polypropylene or polyester. These materials may offer frost protection while still being permeable to water and air.

[0162] The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of windbreak screens. The windbreak screens may be made from a woven polyethylene or vinyl-coated polyester. These materials are tear-resistant and suitable for withstanding strong winds.

[0163] The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of waterproof screens. The water-proof screens may comprise waterproof coated fabrics plastics such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated fabrics. These materials may be resistant to tearing and allow light penetration while preventing rain from entering the protected space 55. Usingwaterproof screens may be beneficial in some situations. For example the use of waterproof screens may be required if the soil within the support 4 is already saturated or if the rain is heavy enough to damage the plants.

[0164] The apparatus 100 may comprise a set of disease control screens. The disease control screens may comprise HDPE with a fine mesh size, suitable for filtering out spores and pathogens while allowing air circulation.

[0165] The apparatus may include any one or combination of the set of protective screens 50 mentioned above. The screen control mechanism 51 for actuating the protective screens 50 between the retracted and the extended configuration comprises a motor assembly (not shown) for actuating some or all of the sets of protective screens 50 automatically. Alternatively or in addition, the screen control mechanism 51 may comprise a manual actuator such as a hand winch for manually actuating the some or all of the protective screens 50.

[0166] FIG. 1 C shows the apparatus 100 with a different protective screen 50' extended to that deployed on the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 B. In FIG. 1 C the protective screen 50' is either a translucent screen or a wire mesh, and may be representative of multiple of the aforementioned screentypes. As can be seen, only one side panel 50a' is deployed in FIG. 1 C but there may also be end panels 50b' and another side panel 50a'.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 comprises a sensor module 70 comprising at least one sensor for measuring an environmental parameter. In this example, the sensor module 70 comprises a wind speed sensor 71 and a light detector 72 for detecting the intensity of light incident on the apparatus 100. In examples the sensor module may comprise one or any combination of: a light detector, a motion detector, a rainfall sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a soil moisture sensor or a wind speed sensor.

[0168] The sensors of the sensor module 70 may be located remotely from one another. For example, each of the sensors may be positioned at different places along the length of the longitudinal beam 11. As shown in FIG. 1A, each of the sensors 71 , 72 may be coupled to the longitudinal beam 11 via a different attachment piece 60. In this example the wind speed sensor 71 is coupled to the longitudinal beam 11 towards a center of the longitudinal beam 11 while the light detector 72 is connected near a terminal end of the longitudinal beam 11.

[0169] In this example the apparatus 100 also comprises a controller (not shown) for actuating the protective screens 50 automatically according to the environmental parameters measured by the sensors.

[0170] The apparatus 100 further comprises a power supply 80 for powering the sensor module 70 and / or the controller and screen control mechanism 51 . In this example the power supply 80 comprises two solar panels connected to the longitudinal beam 11 via attachment pieces 60 at terminal ends of the longitudinal beam 11.

[0171] As mentioned above, various accessories of the apparatus 100 may be coupled to the longitudinal beam 11 via attachment pieces 60. In this example, each of the sensors 71 , 72, the guide rails 52, the protective screens 50, screen control mechanism 51 , power supply 80 and the three sets of pulleys 43a, 43b, 43c are each connected to the longitudinal beam 11 via attachment pieces 60. The attachment pieces 60 are translatable along the length of the longitudinal beam 11 such that the position of the accessory coupled thereto can be adjusted. In this example, each of the attachment pieces 60 may comprise stainless steel or a reinforced polymer composite.

[0172] In this example, each attachment piece 60 comprises a solid member having an aperture 61 for receiving the longitudinal beam 11 therein. The aperture 61 may be configured to match an external profile of the longitudinal beam 11 . In examples, the longitudinal beam 11 may be an I-beam. Beneficially, this shape may prevent the longitudinal beam 11 from bending under the weight of the accessories while ensuring the total weight of the apparatus 100 is minimised for easy manoeuvrability. The longitudinal beam 11 may comprise aluminium or aluminium alloy. Aluminium may be particularly well suited for this application due to it's high strength to weight ratio and resistance to corrosion.

[0173] The aperture 61 of each attachment piece 60 may be l-shaped and sized to correspond to the external profile of the longitudinal beam 11 . Such a configuration may allow the attachment piece 60 to slide along the longitudinal beam 11 while also preventing relative rotation of the attachment piece 60 and the longitudinal beam 11 .

[0174] To adjust the position of an attachment piece 60, the attachment piece 60 may be slid along the longitudinal beam 11. Beneficially, this allows each of the accessories coupled via attachment pieces 60 to be positioned at any of a continuum of positions along the length of the longitudinal beam 11 .

[0175] During assembly, the attachment pieces 60 may be added to the longitudinal beam 11 by threading the longitudinal beam 11 through the aperture 61 of each attachment piece 60. The accessories such as the support 4 and the sensors 71 , 72 may be coupled to the attachment piece 60 before or after it is threaded onto the longitudinal beam 11 . In the example shown in the FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 comprises 16 attachment pieces 60. It will be understood that this is only one example of the apparatus 100 and that in other examples, the number and configuration of the attachment pieces 60 may vary.

[0176] In some examples, multiple accessories may be attached to the longitudinal beam 11 via a single attachment piece 60. This is illustrated by FIG. 2A which shows a cross-sectional view of an attachment piece 60 located at a terminal end of the longitudinal beam 11.

[0177] The apparatus 100 may also be fitted with an irrigation system 90 as shown in FIG. 1 D. The irrigation system 90 of this example has a fluid supply 901 connected to sprayers 903 via a supply conduit 902. The fluid supply 901 is located outside of the apparatus 100 and the sprayers 903 extend, inside of the apparatus 100, parallel to and below the longitudinal beam 11 . The sprayers 903 are in the form of jets for directing fluid, for example water, to the plants located in the support 4. The sprayers 903 may be suspended from the longitudinal beam 11 , as shown in FIG. 1 D, or may be connected at eitehr end to the supporting frame 12. When suspended from the longitudinal beam 11 , the sprayers may be connected to the longitudinal beam 11 via attachment pieces 60.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 2A, each attachment piece 60 may be configured to reversibly couple to accessories at multiple different locations on the attachment piece 60. In this example, an external profile of the attachment piece 60 is l-shaped. The external profile comprises a top face 60i which faces away from the surface 2, a bottom face 60ii opposite the top face 60i and two side faces 60iii which are located in recesses 64 between the top face 60i and the bottom face 60ii. Any or all of the top face 60i, the bottom face 60ii and the side faces 60iii may be configured to couple to an accessory of the apparatus 100. For example, the attachment piece 60may comprise fasteners or one or more holes for receiving fasteners therein. In the present example, the bottom face 60ii and each of the side faces 60iii are configured to couple to an accessory of the apparatus 100. In particular, the bottom face 60ii and the side faces 60iii each comprise a plurality of holes 62 for receiving fasteners 63, such as bolts, therein.

[0179] The set of pulleys 43a are coupled to the bottom face 60ii of the attachment piece 60. In particular, the set of pulleys 43a comprises a brace 45, which is coupled to the bottom face 60ii of the attachment piece 60, and one or more wheels which are rotatably coupled to the brace 45. The wheels are free to rotate with respect to the brace to allow the cord 41 (not shown in FIG. 2A) to pass freely through the set of pulleys 43a.

[0180] As is also shown in FIG. 2A each of the sloped members 14 of the supporting frame 12 are coupled to the side faces 60iii on either side of the attachment piece 60. The attachment piece 60 forms the apex of the supporting frame 12. As shown in FIG. 2A, each sloped member 14 comprises a bracket 15 which couples to the attachment piece 60. In this example, each of the sloped members 14 also comprise a tube, a top end of which couples to the bracket 15 at the basal end 14ii of which couples to a wheel 81 (not shown in FIG. 2A). In examples, the tube may be a galvanised steel tube or an anodised aluminium tube. Beneficially, these materials offer durability and resistance to wear and corrosion.

[0181] The example shown in FIG. 2A, is only one way in which an attachment piece 60 may be utilised in the apparatus 100. Various combinations wherein different accessories are attached or attachable to some or all of the faces 60i, 60ii, 60iii of the attachment piece 60 will be readily apparent.

[0182] Because multiple different accessories may be attached to the attachment pieces 60 at the different faces 60i, 60ii, 60iii, and the number and position of each attachment piece 60 along the longitudinal beam 11 is variable, the apparatus 100 may be easily adapted to suit various applications. For example the number, type and position of the sensors 71 , 72 can be selected in accordance with the environment in which the apparatus is to be used. Using the same attachment pieces 60 for coupling various accessories to the longitudinal beam 11 may increase the number of different configurations in which the apparatus 100 may be assembled and minimise the cost of manufacture and ease of assembly.

[0183] FIG. 2B shows a further example of an attachment piece 60 utilised in the apparatus 100.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 2B, the screen control mechanism 51 comprises two motorised rollers 51 i, 51 ii which are coupled to the side faces 60iii on either side of the attachment piece 60. Each of the motorised rollers 51 i, 51 ii is operable to extend and retract a respective side panel 50a of the set of protective screens 50 in response to a control signal from the controller (not shown). In examples where the apparatus 100 comprises multiple sets of protective screens 50, multiple motorised rollers may be coupled to each side face 60iii. For example, each of the motorised rollers 51 i, 51 ii may actuate a side panel 50a of a different set of protective screens 50.

[0185] FIG. 2C shows an attachment piece 60 similar to that shown in FIG. 2A, except that the set of pulleys 43a are not attached to the attachment piece 60. The attachment piece 60 of this example is only attached to the sloped members 14 of the supporting frame 12. This attachment piece 60 may be used, for example, where a support 4 is to be located away from eitehr end of the longitudinal beam 11 , and so there is no requirement for a set of pulleys 43a to be located at an end of the longitudinal beam 11 .

[0186] FIG. 2D shows an attachment piece 60 for attaching guide rails 52 to the longitudinal beam 11 . Similarly to the attachment between the sloped member 14 and attachment piece 60 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C, the guide rails 52 in FIG. 2D are attached to the respective attachment piece 60 by a guide rail bracket 521 . In this example, this attachment is via fasteners in the same way as between the bracket 15 and attachment piece 60 in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

[0187] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged cutout of FIG. 1A. This figure highlights the utility of the l-shaped external profile of the longitudinal beam 11 and the attachment pieces 60. As shown, the motorised roller 51 i sits within the recess 64 of the attachment pieces 60. The longitudinal beam 11 overlaps the motorised roller 51 i of the screen control mechanism 51 . Beneficially this configuration may prevent rainwater from entering the protected space 55 between the longitudinal beam 11 and the screen control mechanism 51 , while allowing accessories to be coupled to the attachment pieces 60 inside and outside of the protected space 55.

[0188] FIG. 4 shows a system 400 for cultivating a plant. The system 400 comprises the apparatus 100. In this example, the controller 408 is operably connected to the cover system and the sensor module 70. The sensor module 70 is configured to output an environmental signal indicative of the measured environmental parameter to the controller 408. The controller 408 comprises a processor 402. The processor 402 uses the measured environmental parameters from the sensor module 70 to determine a control signal for actuating the protective screens 50. The cover system is configured to receive the control signal from the controller 408 and, using the screen control mechanism 51 , actuate the protective screens 50 in accordance with the control signal. Where the apparatus 100 comprises multiple sensors 71 , 72, the processor 402 may use measured environmental parameters from multiple sensors 71 , 72, to determine the control signal.

[0189] The controller 408 may comprise a memory 406 for storing pre-defined ranges of environmental parameters indicative of optimal operating conditions for the plants.

[0190] The memory 406 may store pre-defined ranges of one or more environmental parameters which the sensor module 70 is configured to measure, such as humidity, rainfall, soil moisture, windspeed, temperature and / or light intensity.

[0191] The memory 406 may store pre-defined ranges of one or more environmental parameters indicative of optimal operating conditions for one or more different types of plant. For example, the memory 406 may store a pre-defined range of light intensity for one type of plant or crop, for example tomatoes, and a different predefined range of light intensity for anotehr type of plant or crop, for example strawberries.

[0192] The processor 402 may be configured to actuate each set of protective screens automatically in response to a different set of environmental parameters. For example, the processor 402 may be configured to actuate the thermally insulating screens 50 in response to a light intensity measurement from the light detector 72 decreasing below a threshold intensity indicative of sunset. This may protect the plants from nighttime environmental temperature drops.

[0193] In this way, the apparatus 100 has automatic integrated crop protection to ensure the plants are protected from hazards and kept in optimal operating conditions, which may increase crop yields.

[0194] In this example the controller 408 comprises a user interface 404 for displaying environmental parameters from the sensor module 70. The user interface 404 may allow the user to actuate one or more of the sets of protective screens 50 independently from the other sets of protective screens 50.

[0195] As shown, the system 400 may comprise a remote controller 410 for user actuation of the protective screen 50. The remote controller 410 may comprise a display 414 for displaying environmental parameters from the sensor module 70 to the user. The display 414 may also be a touch screen, such that it can also receive user inputs. The remote controller 410 may be a personal electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet or a laptop computer. It will appreciated that the remote controller 410 is optional, and that the apparatus 100 may be controlled using only the controller 408.

[0196] When a remote controller 410 is present, the apparatus 100 comprises a communications module 412 for wirelessly connecting the controller 408 to the remote controller 410. The remote controller 410 may comprise a transducer 416 for wirelessly connecting to the controller 408. The controller 408 may be configured to send signals indicative of the environmental parameters measured by the sensor module 70 to the remote controller 410 (e.g., for showing on the display). The remote controller 410 may further comprise a microprocessor 418 configured to use the measured environmental parameters from the controller 408 to determine a control signal for actuating the protective screens 50 of the apparatus 100.

[0197] The remote controller 410 can act as a user interface and allow a user to actuate each of the sets of protective screens 50 independently.

[0198] The controller 408 and / or the remote controller 410 may be operable to provide an alert when an environmental parameter measured by the sensor module 70 is outside of a stored pre-defined range. For example the alert may comprise a visual or auditory alert on the display 414 and / or the user interface 404. The alert may motivate the user to actuate one or more of the protective screen e.g. manually or via the controller 408.

[0199] The user interface 404 and / or remote controller 410 may allow a user to set and change the pre-defined ranges stored in the memory 406.

[0200] The user interface and / or remote controller may allow a user to select which of the stored predefined ranges of environmental parameters it will provide alerts for. For example, a user may select to receive alerts for rainfall but not for windspeed. This may allow a user to select to receive alerts for the environmental parameters relating to the plant type they have planted in the apparatus. For example, the user may select to receive alerts for pre-defined ranges for one type of plant or crop, for example tomatoes, and not receive alerts for pre-defined ranges for a second type of plant or crop, for example strawberries.

[0201] FIG. 5 shows another example apparatus 200 for cultivating a plant. The apparatus 200 of this example is similar to the apparatus 100 of the previous examples, and similar features are shown with the same reference numeral with a preceding ‘2’. The cover system, sensor module and guide rails are omitted from FIG. 5. Indeed, the cover system, sensor module and guide rails may be omitted from the apparatus 200 altogether, as will be appreciated.

[0202] This example differs from the previous example in that the support 204 comprises screens 205 for training growth of a plant. A root container 206 is suspended from each screen 205, each root container 206 for supporting a root base of a plant. The screens 205 are each suspended from a frame of the support 204, and the frame is suspended from the longitudinal beam 211. During normal us, each root container 206 is located in a respective reservoir 291 which is located on the elevated platform 231 . When the lifting mechanism 240 of the apparatus 200 is operated to lift the support 204, the frame is lifted thereby lifting each screen 205 and root container 206 in unison such that each root container 206 and root base is lifted out of the respective reservoir 291 . This enables maintenance of the root base.

[0203] In this example, the reservoirs 291 are fluidically connected to one another to provide a hydroponic growing system. Also in this example, there is a light 290 suspended from the longitudinal beam 211 . It will be appreciated that a light may be used in the previous apparatus 100 int he same manner.

[0204] FIG. 6 shows an example support 204' similar to the support 204 of FIG. 5, and the same reference numerals are used with a preceding prime ('). This example support 204' differs from the support 204 of FIG. 5 in that the frame is omitted and each screen 205' and root container 206' is suspended from the longitudinal beam independently. Also, in this example, each screen 205' is actually a set of screens 205' vertically spaced and aligned. This enables a plant to be trained by a lower screen 205', grow through the lower screen 205' and then be trained by the next screen 205'.

[0205] The same as in the previous example, when each support 204' of this example is lifted, the respective set of screens 205' and root container 206' are lifted such that teh root container 206' is lifted out of the respective reservoir 291 ', to allow maintenance of the plant and root base. Also the same as in the previous example, the reservoirs 291 ' are fluidically connected to one another to provide a hydroponic growing system.

[0206] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and / or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An apparatus for cultivating a plant, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a support for carrying the plant, wherein the support is suspended or suspendable from a part of the frame such that the support hangs from the part of the frame to maintain the plant in an elevated position; a sensor module comprising at least one sensor for measuring an environmental parameter; a cover system comprising: a protective screen for at least partially covering the plant; and a screen control mechanism for actuating the protective screen to vary an extent to which the protective screen covers the plant; wherein the sensor module is configured to output an environmental signal indicative of the environmental parameter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal and to output the control signal to the cover system to actuate the protective screen.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive the environmental signal from the sensor module, and to automatically output the control signal to the cover system in response to the measured environmental parameters from the sensor module.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the controller comprises a user interface for displaying environmental parameters from the sensor module.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor module is configured to output a plurality of environmental signals, each environment signal indicative of a respective environmental parameter, and wherein the cover system comprises a plurality of protective screens, each protective screen actuatable in response to a respective one of the environmental parameters.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sensor module comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor operable to measure a respective one of the environmental parameters.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each sensor comprises one of: a light detector, a motion detector, a rainfall sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a soil moisture sensor or a wind speed sensor.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the screen control mechanism is operable to actuate each of the plurality of protective screens independently of the other protective screens.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein each protective screen comprises one of: a sunshield screen, insect netting, a waterproof screen, a thermally insulating screen, a bird deterrent screen, frost protection screen, windbreak screen, disease control screen or a hail guard.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising guide rails for guiding edges of the or each protective screen.11 . The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the frame comprises a longitudinal beam and wherein the support hangs from the longitudinal beam.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the or each sensor is independently reversibly couplable to the longitudinal beam at a series of discrete positions along the length of the longitudinal beam, or at a continuum of positions along the length of the longitudinal beam.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the or each protective screen is operable to extend with a lateral direction component from the longitudinal beam from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration to increase an extent to which the respective protective screen covers the plant.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the support is coupled to the longitudinal beam by an attachment piece which is translatable along a length of the longitudinal beam to vary a longitudinal position of the support.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the attachment piece is configured to reversibly couple to the longitudinal beam at a series of discrete positions along the length of the longitudinal beam, or at a continuum of positions along the length of the longitudinal beam.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the frame comprises a supporting frame located at or proximal each end of the longitudinal beam.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each supporting frame comprises a top part which is attached to the longitudinal beam, and a base part which is wider than the longitudinal beam in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal beam.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a lifting mechanism operably connected to the support for varying an elevation of the plant, optionally wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a hoist.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising one or more additional support for carrying one or more additional plants, wherein each of the one or more additional support is suspended from the part of the frame such that the one or more additional support hangs from the part of the frame, to maintain the respective additional plant in an elevated position and wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise the support and each of the one or more additional support in unison.

20. A system for cultivating a plant comprising: an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and a remote controller configured to: receive the environment signal indicative of the environmental parameter from the sensormodule of the apparatus; and transmit a control signal to the cover system of the apparatus; wherein the apparatus comprises a communications module for wirelessly connecting the cover system and the sensor module to the remote controller.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the remote controller comprises a display for displaying environmental parameters from the sensor module to the user and a user interface to receive inputs from a user.

22. Kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus for cultivating a plant, the kit of parts comprising: a frame; a support for carrying the plant, wherein the support is couplable to a part of the frame such that in use the support is suspended from the part of the frame and hangs from the part of the frame to maintain the plant in an elevated position; a sensor module comprising at least one sensor for measuring an environmental parameter, a cover system comprising: a protective screen, for at least partially covering the plant, and a screen control mechanism for actuating the protective screen to vary an extent to which the protective screen covers the plant, wherein the sensor module is configured to output an environmental signal indicative of the environmental parameter to a controller, and wherein the cover system is configured to receive a control signal from the controller.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the frame comprises a longitudinal beam and the kit of parts comprises one or more attachment pieces for connecting: the at least one sensor; the screen control mechanism; and the support to the longitudinal beam.

24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the or each attachment piece comprises a solid member having an aperture for receiving the longitudinal beam therein and wherein the aperture is shaped to match an external profile of the longitudinal beam.

25. A controller for use with the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 19, the system of either of claims 20 or 21 , or the kit of parts of any of claims 22 to 24, the controller configured to: receive an environmental signal indicative of an environmental parameter, the environmental signal output by the sensor module; generate a control signal in response to the environmental signal; output the control signal to the cover system to actuate one or more of the protective screens.

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