Collapsible plant dome device

Collapsible plant dome device comprising a transparent canopy, a collapsible frame mounted on a central support member and comprising a plurality of support arms carrying the transparent canopy, a pair of diametrically opposed vent mesh openings disposed within a sidewall of the transparent canopy, a pair of diametrically opposed vent flaps each pivotally connected to a respective horizontal upper edge of each of the diametrically opposed vent mesh openings for covering and uncovering each of the diametrically opposed vent mesh openings in respective closed and open vent configurations, and at least one pair of tie down rings each interiorly mounted on a different one of a diametrically opposed pair of the plurality of support arms. In one embodiment, the device comprises a transparent skirt detachably coupled to an interior side of the transparent canopy for forming an imbricated transparent domed canopy and skirt plant enclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a protective plant cover and, in particular, to a collapsible portable plant dome device for protecting plants from the predations of the environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that many plants are grown in conditions that require them to be protected from the predations of the environment including sheltering the plants for their proper growth and survival.

As a result, there are many known forms of protective plant covers, but yet each is problematic for one or more of the following reasons of being unreliable, bulky, heavy, expensive, and/or laborious and time consuming to assemble and erect as well to collapse, disassemble, and transport.

Accordingly, there is a need for a protective plant cover that, inter alia, overcomes one or more of the significant shortcomings of the known prior-art as delineated hereinabove.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, and in one aspect, an embodiment of the invention ameliorates or overcomes one or more of the significant shortcomings of the known prior art by providing a collapsible portable plant dome assembly for protecting plants from the predations of the environment.

More specifically, and in one aspect, an embodiment of the invention provides a collapsible plant dome device, the device comprising: a central support member comprising a cylindrical sidewall axially extending between a superior end and an inferior end; a transparent canopy formed of a transparent material enabling sunlight to pass therethrough; a collapsible frame assembly mounted on the central support member; the collapsible frame assembly comprising a first plurality of support arms carrying the transparent canopy; a pair of diametrically opposed vent openings formed of a mesh material disposed within a sidewall of the transparent canopy; a pair of diametrically opposed vent flaps each pivotally connected to a respective horizontal upper edge of each of the vent mesh openings for covering each of the vent mesh openings in a closed configuration and uncovering each of the vent mesh openings in an open configuration; and means for fastening each of the diametrically opposed vent flaps to the sidewall of the transparent canopy in the closed and open configurations.

In one embodiment, the collapsible plant dome device also comprises a first pair of tie down rings each interiorly mounted on a different one of a diametrically opposed pair of the first plurality of support arms carrying the transparent canopy.

In another embodiment, the collapsible plant dome device also comprises second pair of tie down rings each interiorly mounted on a different one of a second diametrically opposed pair of said first plurality of support arms carrying said canopy wherein an axis between said second diametrically opposed pair of tie down rings is generally perpendicular to an axis between said first diametrically opposed pair of tie down rings.

In another embodiment, the collapsible plant dome device also comprises a transparent skirt detachably coupled to an interior side of the transparent canopy for forming an imbricated transparent canopy over skirt coupling.

Accordingly, it should be apparent that numerous modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the claims as set forth herein below following the detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral10is directed to an embodiment of a collapsible plant dome device for, inter alia, protecting plants from the predations of the environment.

Overview

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 3, the collapsible plant dome device10comprises a central support member20, a collapsible frame assembly60(FIG. 5) mounted on the central support member20, and a transparent vented canopy120carried by the collapsible frame assembly60. In one aspect, the transparent vented canopy120is formed from, but not limited to, a poly woven transparent material enabling sunlight to pass therethrough.

Additionally, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises a medial extension member160(FIG. 14) configured to operatively couple to the central support member20via a clamping collar170for extending the height of the transparent vented canopy120relative to a surface below.

In turn, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises a spike member assembly200(FIG. 18) having a spike member202with an inferior pointed end212for assisting with the insertion of the spike member202into the ground or soil below the transparent vented canopy120and a superior circumscribing open end206configured to telescopically receive the medial extension member160.

Referring toFIG. 4, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises a transparent skirt240having an upper interiorly imbricated coupling with the transparent vented canopy120and downwardly radially outwardly extending therefrom to the surface below.

An embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises a tie down assembly272(FIG. 24) utilized for anchoring the collapsible frame assembly60carrying the transparent vented canopy120to the ground or surface below when used in combination with a plurality of interior tie down ring assemblies112(FIGS. 5 and 11) disposed on the collapsible frame assembly60interior to the transparent vented canopy120and a cord300(FIG. 26) tethered therebetween.

Moreover, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises a tripod230configured to receive, depending on user configuration, the spike member202, medial extension member160, or central support member20for providing additional support respectively thereto.

In one embodiment, the legs234of the tripod230are telescopic for adjusting the height of coupling with the spike member202of the spike member assembly200.

In an alternate embodiment, the collapsible frame assembly60is surmounted on a central telescopic support member310(FIG. 27) having an inferior end provided with an integral spike member or configured to receive a spike member320(FIG. 27).

Central Support Member

More specifically, and referring toFIG. 5, the collapsible plant dome device10comprises the central support member20having a central longitudinal axis22and a cylindrical sidewall24axially extending between an inferior end26and a superior end28.

The cylindrical sidewall24comprises a circumscribing interior surface30defining a bore32having an axis coincident with the central longitudinal axis22and extending through the central support member20between the inferior end26and superior end28.

Catch Means

Referring toFIG. 5, the central support member20also comprises a catch means38that allows a collar106of a circumscribing carrier96(FIG. 10) to pass along the central support member20between a location below the catch means38in the first generally linearly collapsed position to a location above the catch means38in the second open radially expanded position.

First U-Shaped Spring

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, and in one embodiment, catch means38comprises an inverted U-shaped spring40disposed in the central support member20proximate superior end28.

As illustrated, the U-shaped spring40comprises a pair of spaced apart legs42,44distally extending from an arcuate apex46wherein leg44has a protrusion48biased through a first opening34in the central support member20.

In use and operation, the collar106of a circumscribing carrier96is captured above the protrusion48when the canopy120is in the second open radially expanded position and, with a one button release via button98, allows the circumscribing carrier96to pass along the central support member20to a location below the catch means38to dispose the transparent vented canopy120to the first generally linearly collapsed position.

Second U-Shaped Spring

Referring toFIG. 7, the central support member20further comprises a second inverted U-shaped spring50disposed in the central support member20proximate the inferior end26thereof. As illustrated, the second U-shaped spring50comprises a pair of spaced apart legs52,54distally extending from an arcuate apex56wherein leg54has a protrusion58biased through a second opening36in the central support member20proximate the inferior end26and retractable into the central support member20. In use and operation, the protrusion58biases into a medial sidewall opening180(FIG. 16) for coupling thereto and, with a one button release via button98, allows decoupling therefrom.

Collapsible Frame Assembly

Upper Insert

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, and as noted above, the collapsible plant dome device10comprises collapsible frame assembly60mounted on the central support member20. In one embodiment, the collapsible frame assembly60comprises an upper insert62comprising a superior collar64surmounting a body66. The body66is configured to be received within the superior end28of the bore32of the central support member20with the superior collar64surmounting and radially extending away from the superior end28of the central support member20.

Additionally, the upper insert62comprises a circumscribing interior surface68defining a blind bore disposed through a superior face70of the insert62wherein the circumscribing interior surface68comprises an interiorly threaded distal portion72.

Furthermore, superior collar64comprises a recessed ring74and a plurality of journal mounting slots76that provide pivotal coupling access to the recessed ring74for the first plurality of support arms90pivotally coupled to recessed ring74.

Screw78passes through the cylindrical sidewall24of the central support member20for securing the insert62into the central support member20at superior end28thereof.

The collapsible frame assembly60further comprises a T-shaped cap80comprising a disc shaped head82surmounting a superior end of a shaft84having a distal exteriorly threaded portion86configured to be received within the blind bore of the insert62and threadedly coupled to the interiorly threaded distal portion72wherein the shaft84passes through a apex opening121in the transparent canopy120and captures a portion of the canopy120circumscribing the apex opening between an underside of the disc shaped head82and a superior face70of the insert62wherein the disc shaped head82is of a greater diameter than the apex opening121for precluding passage of the disc shaped head82therethrough. In one embodiment the disc shaped head82has a convex shaped top face.

First Plurality of Support Arms

Still referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the collapsible frame assembly60comprises the first plurality of support arms90carrying the transparent vented canopy120. The first plurality of support arms90comprises circumferentially spaced apart free distal ends92(FIGS. 5 and 11) and circumferentially spaced apart proximal journal ends94pivotally coupled to ring74recessed into and circumscribing the superior collar64wherein collar64comprises a plurality of journal mounting slots76providing pivotally coupling access for each of the journal ends94to the recessed ring74.

Circumscribing Carrier

Referring toFIG. 10, and as noted above, the collapsible frame assembly60comprises circumscribing carrier96movably disposed along the central support member20between the open frame position and the collapsed frame position. In both the open and collapsed frame configurations, the circumscribing carrier96is located below the superior collar64of the upper insert62. Additionally, the circumscribing carrier96comprises a push button98for disengaging the catch means38for releasing hold of the circumscribing carrier96previously captured in the open frame position.

Second Plurality of Support Arms Support Arms

ReferringFIGS. 8 and 10, the collapsible frame assembly60comprises a second plurality of support arms100having circumferentially spaced apart proximal journal ends102pivotally coupled to a ring104recessed into and circumscribing the superior collar106wherein collar106comprises a plurality of journal mounting slots providing pivotally coupling access for each of the proximal journal ends102to the recessed ring104.

In turn, the second plurality of support arms100further comprises circumferentially spaced apart distal ends108pivotally coupled between the circumferentially spaced apart free distal ends92and proximal ends94of the first plurality of support arms90with a pivotal journal coupling110for articulating the first plurality of support arms90carrying the transparent vented canopy120from the first generally linearly collapsed position with the carrier96disposed in the closed frame position to the second open radially expanded position with the carrier96disposed in the open frame position for presenting the transparent vented canopy120into a generally domed shaped configuration circumferentially traversing or spanning the central support member20.

In one embodiment, the first plurality of support arms90and the second plurality of support arms100are formed from, but not limited to, a flexible fiberglass material.

Distal End Caps

Referring now toFIG. 11, each of the free distal ends92of each of the first plurality of support arms90is fitted with a distal end cap88that removeably captures and secures the transparent vented canopy120to the free distal ends92.

Tie Down Ring Assembly

Additionally, and still referring toFIG. 11, the collapsible frame assembly60further comprises a plurality of tie down ring assemblies112each interiorly mounted on a different one of a diametrically opposed pair of the first plurality of support arms90carrying the transparent vented canopy120.

Each tie down ring assembly112comprises an elongated fitting body114wrapped about the respective one of the first plurality of support arms90and a pair of substantially flat lugs116extending from mutually opposite sides of the elongated body114radially inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis22of the support member20wherein the flat lugs116have opposed openings117having a common axis therethrough so that a respective tie down ring118can be received through and pivot about.

In one embodiment, the collapsible frame assembly60comprises a first pair of tie down ring assemblies112each interiorly mounted on a different one of a first diametrically opposed pair of the first plurality of support arms carrying the transparent vented canopy120. Additionally, an embodiment of the collapsible frame assembly60comprises a second pair of tie down ring assemblies112each interiorly mounted on a different one of a second diametrically opposed pair of the first plurality of support arms carrying the transparent vented canopy120wherein an axis between the first diametrically opposed pair of tie down ring assemblies112is generally perpendicular to an axis between the second diametrically opposed pair of tie down ring assemblies112.

Transparent Vented Canopy

Referring back toFIGS. 1 through 4, and as noted above, the transparent vented canopy120is carried by the collapsible frame assembly60having a closed frame generally linearly collapsed canopy position and open frame radially expanded canopy position for presenting the transparent vented canopy120into a generally domed shaped configuration circumferentially spanning the central support member20.

In one embodiment, and referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the transparent vented canopy120comprises a pair of diametrically opposed triangular vent assemblies122,124each respectively comprising a triangular shaped mesh vent opening126(FIG. 3) disposed within a sidewall of the transparent vented canopy120. The mesh vent opening126comprises a horizontal upper edge128and side edges converging to a lower tip130.

Each of the triangular vent assemblies122,124further comprises a diamond shaped fastening strip comprised of an upper inverted V-shaped fastening strip132(FIG.2) and a lower V-shaped fastening strip134(FIG. 3) bordering the side edges of the triangular shaped mesh vent opening126.

Additionally, each of the triangular vent assemblies122,124further comprises a triangular shaped nylon stitch vent flap136comprising an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a horizontal edge138transitioning to side edges converging to a tip140wherein horizontal edge138of vent flap136is pivotally connected to the horizontal upper edge128of vent mesh opening126for covering the vent mesh opening126in a closed configuration and uncovering the vent mesh opening126in an open configuration.

In one embodiment, each triangular shaped nylon stitch vent flap136further comprises an exterior V-shaped side fastening strip142and an interior V-shaped fastening strip144. The exterior V-shaped side fastening strip142is disposed on the exterior surface of the triangular shaped nylon stitch vent flap136proximate the side edges thereof and, likewise, the interior V-shaped fastening strip144is disposed on the interior surface of the triangular shaped nylon stitch vent flap136at a location bordering the side edges thereof.

Accordingly, the interior V-shaped fastening strip144forms a releasable/disengageable hook and loop coupling with the lower V-shaped fastening strip134in a closed vent position and the exterior V-shaped fastening strip142forms a releasable/disengageable hook and loop coupling with the upper inverted V-shaped fastening strip132in an open vent position.

Additionally, and in one embodiment, the exterior surface of the triangular shaped nylon stitch vent flap136comprises an indicia/logo146disposed thereon.

Lower Reinforced Circumscribing Strip

Now referring again toFIG. 1, the canopy120comprises a lower reinforced circumscribing strip148having an array of spaced apart first snap button portions150disposed along an entire length of the lower reinforced circumscribing strip148.

Referring toFIG. 4, and when coupled together, the transparent vented canopy120forms an imbricated overlying coupling with the transparent skirt240via an array of spaced apart second snap button portions256(FIG. 21) disposed on an upper circular reinforced strip248of the skirt240.

Snap Buttons

Referring now toFIGS. 12 and 13, each of the spaced apart first snap button portions150comprises a snap button receiving end152disposed on an interior of the lower reinforced circumscribing strip148for respectively coupling with a protrusion end258of each of the spaced apart second snap button portions256disposed on an exterior of the uppermost circular edge248of the transparent skirt240for providing an overlapping coupling of the receiving ends152of the circular array of the first snap button portions150with the protrusion ends258of the circular array of spaced apart second snap button portions256for forming the imbricated coupling of the transparent vented canopy120with the transparent skirt240.

Eight Sectors

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, and in one embodiment, the canopy120comprises eight sectors154having radially extending reinforcement strips156between adjacent sectors wherein each of the eight sectors154of the canopy120comprises a portion of the lower reinforced circumscribing strip148comprising four of the spaced apart first snap button portions150each with the receiving end152interiorly disposed on the lower reinforced circumscribing strip148.

In one embodiment, the radially extending reinforcement strips156are formed by, but not limited to, nylon stitch weld reinforcement strips.

Canopy Tie Down Laces

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the transparent vented canopy120further comprises a plurality of interior canopy tie down laces158disposed on an interior of each of the nylon stitch weld reinforcement strips156for tying the transparent vented canopy120to the collapsible frame assembly60.

Medial Extension Member

Referring toFIGS. 14 through 17, and as noted above, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10comprises the medial extension member160configured to operatively couple to the central support member20via a clamping collar170of medial extension member160for extending the height of the transparent vented canopy120relative to a surface below.

In particular, and referring toFIG. 12, the medial extension member160comprises a conically shaped inferior tip162superiorly transitioning into a cylindrical sidewall164axially extending to an open superior circumscribing end166integrally formed with the clamping collar170for defining an open top end166of the medial extension member160.

The cylindrical sidewall164of the medial extension member160comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart pairs of opposed apertures168disposed through opposing sections of the cylindrical sidewall164starting proximate the conically shaped inferior tip162and superiorly spaced therefrom.

In turn, the clamping collar170comprises a cylindrical sidewall172having a central longitudinal axis174coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical sidewall164. The cylindrical sidewall172comprises an interior circumscribing surface that defines an elongated passageway176extending along the central longitudinal axis174.

Additionally, the clamping collar170comprises an abbreviated cylindrical sidewall178integrally formed with the cylindrical sidewall172at a location circumscribing a medial sidewall opening180disposed at a medial location in sidewall172so as to have a central axis generally perpendicular with the central longitudinal axis174of sidewall172.

The abbreviated cylindrical sidewall178comprises an interior circumscribing surface defining an access passageway182in open communication with the elongated passageway176via the medial sidewall opening180wherein the elongated passageway176is configured to allow the central support member20to pass into the clamping collar170for causing the lower protrusion58to be retracted into the central support member20and biased back out through the medial sidewall opening180. The abbreviated cylindrical sidewall178also has an externally threaded surface portion184as further detailed below.

Furthermore, the clamping collar170comprises a cantilever projection186pivotally disposed generally at the intersection of the elongated passageway176and the access passageway182. In particular, the cantilever projection186is pivotally connected to the cylindrical sidewall172of the clamping collar170adjacent the medial sidewall opening180and projects generally parallel over medial sidewall opening180for locating a face188of the cantilever projection186over the protrusion58of the central support member20.

In one embodiment, the central support member20and the medial extension member160are formed from, but not limited to, an aluminum material.

Referring toFIGS. 14 and 17, the medial extension member160further comprises a cap190having an internally threaded annular rim192circumscribing a proximate end194of a hollow cylindrical shaft196that terminates to a substantially flat open distal end198. The hollow cylindrical shaft196is sized to be received within the access passageway182with the internally threaded annular rim192threadedly coupling to the externally threaded surface portion184of the abbreviated cylindrical sidewall178. This threaded coupling allows the shaft196to be advanced through the access passageway182and place the substantially flat open distal end198of the hollow cylindrical shaft into abutment against the pivotally connected cantilever projection186causing pivoting of the cantilever projection186against the central support member20while precluding actuation of the protrusion58wherein the substantially flat open distal end198of the hollow cylindrical shaft196abuts at least partially against the central support member20for providing a clamping action between the medial extension member160and central support member20. Removal of the cap190allows access to press the protrusion58back into central support member20to release the medial extension member160from the central support member20.

Spike Member Assembly

Referring toFIG. 18, and as noted above, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises a spike member assembly200. Spike member assembly200comprises a spike member202comprised of a cylindrical sidewall204axially extending between a superior circumscribing open end206and an inferior end208transitioning into a conical sidewall210terminating to an inferior tip end212for assisting with the insertion of the spike member202into the ground or soil below the transparent vented canopy120.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall204of the spike member202comprises a pair of opposed spike member apertures214disposed through opposing sections of the cylindrical sidewall204proximate the superior circumscribing open end206.

Referring toFIGS. 18 and 19, the pair of opposed spike member apertures214is configured to align with one of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart pairs of opposed apertures168disposed through the cylindrical sidewall164of the medial extension member160starting proximate the conically shaped inferior tip162and superiorly spaced therefrom. Once the user selected apertures168are aligned with apertures214, an elongated spike pin216of the spike member assembly200is passed therethrough. In one embodiment, the elongated spike pin216is tethered to the spike member202via end loops218,220attached to interposing chain222. In particular, end loop218is attached to spike pin216and, at an opposing end, loop220is attached to an integral eye224formed in the cylindrical sidewall204of the spike member202adjacent the open end206thereof. Preferably, the chain218is sized to have at least a length that allows elongated spike pin216to be inserted through the spike member apertures214and an aligned pair of the plurality of longitudinally spaced apart pairs of opposed apertures168disposed through the cylindrical sidewall164of the medial extension member160.

Tripod

Referring toFIG. 20, and as noted above, the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises tripod230. Tripod230comprises a collar232and three spaced apart legs234each having a proximal end attached to the collar232and downwardly and outwardly extending therefrom wherein each of the three spaced apart legs234terminates to foot236having an aperture237for receiving a stake and capturing the respective foot236of each of the three spaced apart legs234. Additionally, the collar232has a central aperture238configured to receive the spike204, medial extension member160, or central support member20, depending upon user desired configuration, therethrough for providing support of the collapsible plant dome device10. A set screw239may also be provided for providing a direct locking means between the tripod and spike204, medial extension member160, or central support member20depending upon user desired configuration.

Transparent Skirt

Referring again toFIG. 4, and as noted above, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises the transparent skirt240removeably coupled and imbricated interiorly to the transparent vented canopy120and downwardly radially outwardly extending therefrom to the surface below.

More specifically, and referring toFIG. 21, an embodiment of the transparent skirt240comprises a skirt body242extending between first and second terminal ends244,246. The skirt body242is formed of, but not limited to, a poly woven transparent material enabling sunlight to pass therethrough. Additionally, the skirt body242comprises an uppermost circular reinforcement edge248and a lowermost circular reinforcement edge250of greater diameter than a diameter of the uppermost circular edge248.

Referring toFIGS. 21 and 22, the body242of the skirt240is formed from a series of eight trapezoidal shaped sectors252extending between the first and second terminal ends244,246of the body242of the skirt240. Each of the trapezoidal shaped sectors252comprises an upper arcuate edge, a lower arcuate edge, and a pair of terminating sides. In addition, the body242further comprises a plurality of radially extending reinforcement ribs254wherein a different one of the ribs254is disposed at each intersection between terminating sides of adjacent trapezoidal shaped sectors252.

Additionally, an embodiment of the transparent skirt240comprises an array of spaced apart second snap button portions256(FIG. 13) each with a protrusion end258disposed on an exterior of the uppermost circular reinforcement edge248of the skirt240for providing an overlapping interior coupling of the receiving ends152(FIG. 12) of the array of the first snap button portions150with the protrusion ends258(FIG. 13) of the array of spaced apart second snap button portions256for forming an imbricated coupling with the transparent vented canopy120overlapping the transparent skirt240.

Referring toFIG. 23, an embodiment of the transparent skirt240comprises an array of spaced apart third snap button portions260, similar to snap button portion150(FIG. 12), each with a receiving end disposed on an interior of the first terminal end244of the transparent skirt240. The transparent skirt240also comprises an array of spaced apart fourth snap button portions262, similar to snap button portion256(FIG. 13), each with a protrusion end disposed on an exterior of the second terminal end246of the skirt240for providing an overlapping coupling of the receiving ends of the array of the third snap button portions260with the protrusion ends of the array of the fourth snap button portions262.

Moreover, an embodiment of the transparent skirt240comprises a plurality of radially extending tie down tabs264comprising and anchor eyelet wherein a different one of the plurality of radially extending tie down tabs264coextensively extends from a different one of the plurality of radially extending reinforcement ribs254.

The transparent skirt240further comprises a radially extending tie down tab266coextensively extending from the lowermost circular reinforcement edge250proximate the first reinforced terminal end244of said skirt240and a radially extending tie down tab268coextensively extending from the lowermost circular reinforcement edge250proximate the second reinforced terminal end246of the skirt240.

The transparent skirt240further comprises a plurality of interior tie down loops270wherein a different pair of the plurality of interior tie down loops270are spaced apart and interiorly attached to each different one of the plurality of radially extending reinforcement ribs254(FIG. 21) respectively.

Tie Down Assembly272

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 26, and as noted above, an embodiment of the collapsible plant dome device10further comprises the tie down assembly272utilized for anchoring the collapsible frame assembly60carrying the transparent vented canopy120to the ground or surface below when used in combination with one of the interior tie down rings118disposed on the collapsible frame60interior to the transparent vented canopy120and a cord300tethered therebetween.

Referring now toFIG. 24, and in one embodiment, the tie down assembly272comprises a tie down head274comprised of a lateral projection276with a posterior downwardly extending resisting arm278, an anteriorly located anchor hole280, and a medially disposed downwardly extending neck282having an aperture284extending therethrough.

Tie down assembly272further comprises a tie down rod286comprised of a cylindrical rod288extending between an inferior conically shaped tip290and a superior flattened neck292surmounted by a disk-shaped head294. In one embodiment, the diameter of the flattened neck292is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical rod288and the conically shaped tip290.

Referring toFIGS. 24 and 25, the aperture284in the neck282is configured to allow passage of the inferior conically shaped tip290and the cylindrical rod288while frictionally fitting with the protruding sides of the flattened neck292when the underside of the disk-shaped head294is in abutment with a top surface of the tie down head274as illustrated inFIG. 25.

Furthermore, the extending resisting arm278affords a bearing for the tie down rod assembly272for receiving and resisting strain of the tie down rope or cord300and preventing the tie down assembly272from being pulled or torn from the ground. The resisting arm278is especially effective when the collapsible plant dome device10is pitched upon sandy or moist ground.

Central Telescopic Support Member

Referring toFIG. 27, and in an alternate embodiment, a central telescopic support member310replaces medial extension member160a spike member330replaces spike member assembly200.

More specifically, and referring toFIG. 29, the telescopic support member310comprises a first tubular member312slideably engaged within a second tubular member322. The first tubular member312comprises an open superior end314, an open inferior end316, an aperture318, and a spring protrusion320similar to spring protrusion58. In turn, the second tubular member322comprises an open superior end324, an open inferior end326configured to receive spike member330, and a series of apertures328disposed within the second tubular member between the open superior end324and open inferior end326for receiving the spring protrusion320for adjustably lowering and raising the height of the collapsible frame assembly60supporting the transparent vented canopy120thereon.

The spike member330comprises a shank portion332sized to be received within the open inferior end326of the second tubular member322wherein the shank portion332comprises a spring protrusion334similar to spring protrusion58. The shank portion332terminates to a radially extending circumscribing collar336which, in turn, transitions into a body338that terminates into conical tip340that assists with the insertion of the spike member330into the ground or soil below the transparent vented canopy120

In Use and Operation

In use and operation, and referring to the drawings, the user initially locates and drives the spike member202into the ground or soil and couples the central support member20thereto as detailed above and illustrated. Then, the collapsible frame assembly60is operatively coupled to the central support member20for supporting the transparent vented canopy120relative to a surface below as detailed above and illustrated inFIG. 26. As illustratedFIG. 4, the transparent skirt240is interiorly coupled to the transparent vented canopy120to provide a conically shaped sidewall downwardly depending from the transparent vented canopy120for enclosing plants therein.

In an alternative embodiment, the central telescopic support member310and spike member330respectively replace the medial extension member160and spike member assembly200. In another alternative embodiment, a light-impervious canopy and/or a light-impervious skirt respectively replaces the transparent vented canopy120and/or transparent skirt240for providing shade or darkness to plants therein to achieve particular results, botanical or otherwise. As another alternative, the transparent vented canopy120and/or the transparent skirt240may be formed from a combination of transparent and light-imperious materials.

The above delineation of the central plant dome device10, including its methods and aspects demonstrate the industrial applicability of this invention.

Moreover, it should be apparent that numerous modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of this invention as set forth hereinabove and as described herein below by the claims.