Patent Abstract:
A plurality of similar components for forming a plant covering device for the protection of plants from external adverse weather elements and other hazards. The components are made of a thin sheet of flexible plastic or other material cut into similar two-dimensional component panels allowing many different configurations to be made out of the plurality of components. The individual component panels are provided with a fastening means for joining the separate component panels into a completed assembly. The plant covering device provides an easily assembled, self-supporting structure to be placed over one or more plants or a location. The plant covering device is erected without the use of tools or need for a separate frame or support. The size of the plant covering device may be reconfigured and expanded in width, and/or height, and/or depth using an additional plurality of component panels. The plant covering device may be used with stakes or spikes. The plant covering device may be disassembled to a planar configuration. The plant covering device may be easily and inexpensively manufactured. The plant covering device may be repeatedly used from season to season. A portion of the sides of an assembled plant covering device may be easily and quickly opened or closed such as by manual manipulation. Alignment areas along the base of a plant covering device provide for increased contact with the ground, resilience against wind, and use with stakes or spikes. The plant covering device may be assembled from a plurality of components into a three-dimensional rectangular shape and placed in a desired location. A preferred form is a three-dimensional rectangular shape.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPEMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for forming a self-supporting plant covering device for protecting plants from adverse weather elements. The invention contains a plurality of similar component panels made of plastic or other material for assembly into many different configurations. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    Plants are at risk from a variety of adverse weather elements and other hazards, cold weather in the spring or fall bringing frost, snow or hail, damage from wind and heavy rains, and damage due to small animals or insects feeding off the plants. An effective means of protecting plants is to isolate them from these adverse elements by covering them with a structure which allows light in and water to be added while reducing the risk of damage from pests and adverse weather elements. It is also advantageous if this structure is quickly and easily setup or built, is economical for the home gardener, and provides protection to plants of a various sizes and stages of growth. 
         [0008]    Presently few prior art devices address all of these problems. For example, current devices include greenhouses, hoop arrangements covered in plastic film and like materials, and self-supporting devices made of plastic and other materials. 
         [0009]    Greenhouses are generally large, expensive and permanent, can be complicated to assemble, generally require internal support structure, generally impractical or cumbersome disassemble and store, and may present a risk to the plant during transplanting. Mini-greenhouses may require little or no assembly or disassembly, may be somewhat less expensive, however they generally suffer similar deficiencies as the larger greenhouses, and they only provide a small limited space for plants. 
         [0010]    Hoop arrangement devices which are erected over a garden area and which are covered with a transparent or semi-transparent plastic film, garden fabric, and other material are difficult to setup, difficult to move, are generally expensive, and although smaller arrangements are less expensive they make it difficult to water the plants by hand and are cumbersome to access individual plants for picking fruit and vegetables and perform other maintenance. 
         [0011]    Various types of plastic devices have also been used. One type of device utilizes water-filled pockets of plastic material. This type of cover is relatively heavy and presents a risk to the plant if handled improperly and narrows at the top when closed decreasing the space available for the plant to grow and expand. 
         [0012]    Other types of plastic devices also narrow at the top. Many plants need more space near the top than at the bottom, such as some Tomato plants and pepper plants. 
         [0013]    In addition, hoop arrangement and plastic devices have generally fixed dimensions making it impossible or difficult to add to or adjust them in width, height, and length as plants grow and require more space. This shortcoming and others are overcome through the use of the current invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention provides an improved plant covering device which is easily assembled, easily configured and reconfigured in form, and has a self-supporting structure to be placed over individual plants, groups of plants or location. 
         [0015]    The plant covering device provides protection for plants from adverse weather elements and other hazards such as frost, snow, hail, heavy rain, wind and damage caused by small animals and insects, is easily and quickly assembled by hand without the use of tools, may be assembled such as by manual manipulation from planer form without other materials or need for frame or support, and may be used with stakes or spikes to increase wind resistance and reduce risk of damage from tipping over or lateral movement. 
         [0016]    According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a plurality of similar individual component panels for forming a plant covering device of the type for enclosing a space and isolating said space from external adverse elements, said component panels made from a flexible thin sheet of plastic or other material for assembly into a structure wherein the individual component panels are provided with fastening means for joining separate component panels into a completed assembly, said assembly having a top, sides, and a bottom edge, the bottom edge for resting on a supporting surface, and wherein the bottom edge has one or more apertures for mounting a removable stake and holding the completed assembly on the supporting surface. 
         [0017]    The component panels may be disassembled to a planar configuration quickly and easily. One or more component panels may be stored in a minimum of space. 
         [0018]    The component panels comprise a material that both acts as a thermal insulator, yet limits, from substantially none to substantially all, the transmission of solar radiation into the interior space. When incident and ambient light and/or radiation pass through the component panel, heat is retained in the interior space, plant(s) and ground or support surface. 
         [0019]    The invention is designed for use in spring, summer, and autumn to maximize each growing season. 
         [0020]    A portion of the fastening means of the invention may be easily disassembled to permit watering to the interior of the invention then easily reassembled. 
         [0021]    The invention may be easily and inexpensively manufactured. The invention may be repeatedly used, stored, and reused year to year. 
         [0022]    Optionally, the invention comprises a method of assembly that, for example, may be engaged to create an opening to the interior of the invention wherein said opening provides for ventilation. 
         [0023]    The component panels may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and colors without substantially altering its protective or configurable features. 
         [0024]    In short, described herein is an improved plant covering device comprised of a plurality of individual component panels. The component panels made from a flexible or bendable material that is cut or formed into a substantially rectangular two-dimensional blank or shape. The plant covering device may be assembled from a plurality of blanks into a generally symmetrical three-dimensional rectangular shape and installed or placed in a location. The plant covering device may be assembled into different configurations including variations in width, and/or height, and/or length using a plurality of component panels. The general form is a three-dimensional rectangular shape. 
         [0025]    This Summary has introduced a non-exclusive selection of aspects or concepts about the present invention in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The novel features believed characteristic of the subject matter are set forth in the appended claims. Throughout, like numerals refer to like parts with the first digit of each numeral generally referring to the figure which first illustrates the particular part. The subject matter and a preferred mode of use are best understood by reference to the Detailed Description of illustrative implementations when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is an overhead view of a two dimensional component panel formed from a sheet of material according to an exemplary implementation of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a perspective oblique overhead view showing one possible configuration of one plant covering device comprising a plurality of component panels shown in  FIG. 1  and partially assembled; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective oblique overhead view of the plant covering device shown in  FIG. 2  and fully assembled according to an exemplary implementation of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of an engaged assembly tab of the plant covering device shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of the plant covering device shown in  FIG. 3A , fully assembled including optional assembly to provide for ventilation, and placed to provide protection to a plant; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a perspective oblique side view of the plant covering device shown in  FIG. 3A , reconfigured to be expanded in height and fully assembled; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective oblique side view of the plant covering device shown in  FIG. 3A , reconfigured to be expanded in width and fully assembled; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective oblique side view of a plant covering device shown in  FIG. 3A , reconfigured to be expanded in width, height and length, and partially assembled. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    In view of the current state of plant covering devices as described in the Background, there is a need for an improved plant covering device. Described herein are systems, devices and methods for creating, forming, providing, assembling and installing an improved plant covering device. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is an overhead view of an individual component panel  100  in an unassembled state. The component panel  100  is preferably formed from a sheet of transparent or semitransparent material  102  according to an exemplary implementation of the invention such that a plurality of different configurations can be assembled from the same plurality of component panels  100 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , a component panel  100  comprises several features. Along a first lateral edge  122  and along a second lateral edge  126  of the component panel  100  each having one or more assembly tabs  104  formed at or near one or more places. Each assembly tab  104  comprises one or more fingers, protuberances, extensions, or tab members  120 . A tab member  120  comprises one or more tapered edges  142 . A width variation  140  of a tab member  120  as measured at the top end of a tapered edge  142  and as measured at the bottom end of the tapered edge  142  is selected based on one or more factors. These factors may include a composition or characteristic of the sheet of material  102  (e.g., rigidness, thickness, bend-ability or effort needed to bend the sheet of material  102 ); a size, width or height of a reduced size assembly slot  108 , tab member  120  or assembly tab  104 ; position of an assembly tab  104  along the first lateral edge  122  or along the second lateral edge  126 ; and position of a reduced size assembly slot  108  along a third lateral edge  124  or along a fourth lateral edge  128 . A tab member  120  may be extended through an assembly slot  106 . Along the third lateral edge  124  and along the fourth lateral edge  128  of a component panel  100  each having one or more assembly slots  106  formed a spacing distance  130  at one or more places. There may be one or more assembly slots  106  for each assembly tab  104  or tab member  120 . The spacing distance  130  as measured at any given location along the third lateral edge  124  or along the fourth lateral edge  128  of a component panel  100  is selected based on one or more factors. These factors may include a composition or characteristic of the sheet of material  102  (e.g., rigidness, thickness, bend-ability or effort needed to bend the sheet of material  102 ); a size, width or height of tab member  120  or assembly tab  104 ; and position of assembly tab  104  along the first lateral edge  122  or along the second lateral edge  126  of a panel  100 . 
         [0037]    A component panel  100  also comprises one or more reduced size assembly slots  108  along the third lateral edge  124  and along the fourth lateral edge  128 . A reduced size assembly slot  108  is reduced in size (e.g., width and/or height and/or thickness) to allow partial insertion of an assembly tab member  120  of an assembly tab  104  into the reduced size assembly slot  108  to facilitate ventilation. 
         [0038]    A component panel  100  also comprises a crease pattern. With reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary crease pattern comprises a bend line  112  delineating an alignment area  132  therein encompassing all of at least one or more assembly tabs  104  along the first lateral edge  122 , a bend line  116  delineating an alignment area  136  therein encompassing all of at least one or more assembly tabs  104  along the second lateral edge  126 , a bend line  114  delineating an alignment area  134  therein encompassing all of at least one or more assembly slots  106  along the third lateral edge  124 , and a bend line  118  delineating an alignment area  138  therein encompassing all of at least one or more assembly slots  106  along the fourth lateral edge  128  each bendable to at least a substantially forty-five degree angle or more facilitating assembly of a plurality of component panels  100 . 
         [0039]    A component panel  100  preferably further comprises at least one or more apertures  110 . In a preferred implementation, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , each aperture  110  is positioned near the center of each of at least one or more of alignment area  132 , and/or alignment area  136 , and/or alignment area  134  and/or alignment area  138  for receiving or attaching a stake, spike, peg or other entity. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a perspective oblique overhead view of a plant covering device  200 . The plant covering device  200  is a partially assembled plurality of component panels  100  each shown in  FIG. 1 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred implementation, and to facilitate assembly, component panel  202 , component panel  204 , component panel  206 , component panel  208  and component panel  210  each bent outwardly with respect to its plane each along bend line  112  and along bend line  116  each located on the opposite side of each said component panel each to a substantially ninety degree angle wherein also providing increased structural support by increasing rigidity along each bend line  112  and along each bend line  116 . Component panel  202  and component panel  206  each is bent outwardly with respect to its plane each along bend line  118  to a substantially ninety degree angle wherein providing increased structural support by increasing rigidity along each bend line  118 . Component panel  202 , component panel  204 , component panel  206  and component panel  208  each is positioned vertically to a horizontal surface. Component panel  210  is positioned horizontal to the horizontal surface. Component panel  204 , component panel  208  and component panel  210  each is rotated clock-wise with respect to its plane to substantially ninety degrees. The left side of component panel  204  with respect to its rotation is positioned adjacent and perpendicular to the right side of component panel  202 . The left side of component panel  206  with respect to its rotation is positioned adjacent and perpendicular to the right side of component panel  204 . The left side of component panel  208  is positioned adjacent and perpendicular to the right side of component panel  206 . The bottom side of component panel  210  with respect to its rotation is positioned above and adjacent to the top side of component panel  202 . A first engaged assembly tab  220  of component panel  202  is reversibly attached to adjacent component panel  204 . Two of the tab members  120  of assembly tab  220  of component panel  202  have been inserted through respective assembly slots  106  of adjacent component panel  204 . One method of assembling an assembly tab  104  is to manually bend an opposing pair of tab members  120  approximately ninety degrees to a near perpendicular orientation relative to the body of the assembly tab  104  and insert each of the tab members  120  through a respective adjacent assembly slot  106 . A pair of tab members  120  may be quickly and easily inserted in a pair of slots  106 . The method may be repeated as needed to assemble each of the assembly tabs  104  for each of component panel  202 , component panel  204 , component panel  206 , component panel  208  and component panel  210  of the plant covering device  200  each with at least one or more of said component panels each with corresponding assembly slots  106  thereby forming and assembling the plant covering device  200  into a three-dimensional rectangular shape. 
         [0041]    In the implementation shown in  FIG. 2 , tab member  120  and slot  106  are designed to be engaged in one another. Slot  106  is an exemplary closure mechanism for tab member  120 . Other closure mechanisms may be used including snaps, loops, hooks, tab and slot arrangements, hook and loop fasteners and adhesive. Slot  106  and tab member  120  shown in  FIG. 2  are preferable at least because they can be inexpensively manufactured. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , each of alignment area  132  and/or alignment area  136  and/or alignment area  138  of each component panel  100  shown in  FIG. 1  along the base of a plant covering device  200  when fully assembled form a substantially even plane and provide lateral support to the plant covering device  200 , allowing the plant covering device  200  to resist lateral forces when in place on a surface or over a plant, and also provides lateral stability so as to reduce the risk that the plant covering device  200  tips over and partially or fully exposes the plant and space beneath it. An exposed plant is then exposed to ambient weather and temperatures. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective oblique overhead view of plant covering device  300  shown in  FIG. 2  and fully assembled according to an exemplary implementation of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 3A , a plant covering device  300  has been fully assembled into a three-dimensional rectangular shape; each of the engaged assembly tabs  320  maintain the plant covering device  300  in a closed state; each of alignment area  132 , alignment area  136 , and each alignment area  138  as assembled form the bottom edge of plant covering device  300 ; and the bottom edge rests on a supporting surface. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of an engaged assembly tab  320  of plant covering device  300  shown in  FIG. 3A . With reference to  FIG. 3B , each one of two tab members  120  of engaged assembly tab  320  is inserted through and interlocked with a corresponding assembly slot  106 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of the plant covering device  400  shown in  FIG.3A , fully assembled, includes optional assembly providing for ventilation, and placed to provide protection to a plant  410 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , a plant covering device  400  has been fully assembled including an optional method of assembly, for example, wherein each of the at least one tab member  120  of assembly tab  402  of component panel  420  is reversibly at least partially engaged wherein engagement is limited by a tapered edge  142  with a reduced sized assembly slot  108  of adjacent component panel  422  thereby outwardly deforming component panel  422  and exposing a curvilinear opening  404  between component panel  420  and adjacent component panel  422  to facilitate ventilation into the interior space of the assembled plant covering device  400 . To facilitate additional ventilation and reduce the opportunity for over-heating the interior of the assembled plant covering device  400 , for example, the optional method of assembly may be repeated for each of one or more engaged assembly tabs  320 . In a preferred method of installation, the ground or place of installation  408  should be at least moderately firmed prior to installing an assembled plant covering device  400  to avoid tipping and/or lateral movement. After firming the ground  408 , an assembled plant covering device  400  is placed over one or more plants  410 . Optionally, a stake, spike, peg, rod or other implement  430  may be placed in one or more apertures  110  along the base of the assembled plant covering device  400 . The addition of one or more stakes  430  usually prevents the assembled plant covering device  400  from tipping over even in wind. 
         [0046]    Once installed, the assembled plant covering device  400  can provide several forms of protection and several benefits. For example, the assembled plant covering device  400  provide protection against wind damage. Further, the assembled plant covering device  400  acts as a mini-greenhouse boosting the temperature around the plant or plants  410 . This is especially advantageous in the spring and fall. Increased temperature in the interior of the assembled plant covering device  400  during the cool temperatures in early spring and fall help extend the growing season by providing temperatures that help a plant or plants  410  grow more during each season and thus can help yield more produce. The assembled plant covering device  400  also helps reduce or eliminate damage from frost, hail and heavy rain. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  is a perspective oblique side view of the plant covering device  500  shown in  FIG. 3A , configured to show an alternate configuration of the invention expanded in height and fully assembled according to another exemplary implementation of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 5 , a plant covering device  500  is expanded in height by assembling an additional plurality of component panels  510 . The configuration of the assembled plant covering device  500  is two collateral assembled component panels  100  shown in  FIG. 1  in height  502 , one assembled component panel  100  in width  504 , and one assembled component panel  100  in length  506 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  is a perspective oblique side view of the plant covering device  600  shown in  FIG. 3A , configured to show an alternate configuration of the invention expanded in width and fully assembled according to another exemplary implementation of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 6 , a plant covering device  600  is expanded in width by assembling an additional plurality of component panels  610 . The configuration of the assembled plant covering device  600  is one assembled component panel  100  shown in  FIG. 1  in height  602 , two collateral assembled component panels  100  in width  604  and one assembled component panel  100  in length  606 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a perspective oblique side view of plant covering device  700  shown in  FIG. 3A  configured to show an alternate configuration of the invention expanded in width, height and length by assembling an additional plurality of panels  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , and partially assembled according to another exemplary implementation of the invention. With reference to  FIG. 7 , a plant covering device  700  has been partially assembled showing a planar side one  710 , planar side two  712  and a planar top  714  each comprising four assembled component panels  100  shown in  FIG. 1  each assembled adjacent and parallel to one another forming generally a square rectangle wherein each planar side and planar top assembled adjacent and perpendicular to one another. 
       Variations 
       [0050]    While the invention is described with respect to one or more exemplary and preferred implementations, other implementations are possible. The concepts disclosed herein apply equally to other systems, devices and methods for covering and protecting plants. The invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures where it is noted that characteristics and features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale unless otherwise noted herein. 
         [0051]    It will be understood that terms used herein, including in the claims, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, the term “having” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. 
         [0052]    For example, as aid to understanding, the following claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. The use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “at least one” or “one or more” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”). The same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations”, without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). 
         [0053]    Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C”, is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”. Moreover, “can”, “may” and “optionally” and other permissive terms are used herein for describing optional features of various embodiments. These terms likewise describe selectable or configurable features generally, unless the context dictates otherwise. 
         [0054]    The described aspects of the invention depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components, It is to be understood that such depicted elements are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other elements can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. Further, it is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art as to the invention described herein is someone familiar with plants and crops. 
         [0055]    The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Various features from one implementation can be combined with other features from other implementations. The description is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variation and modification commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The implementations described herein and above are also intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to use the invention, or in other implementations, and with the various modifications required by their particular application or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternate implementations to the extent permitted. Thus, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all variations and modifications as are within the spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1