Patent Description:
Embodiments in the description and figures which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples or background information. The invention provides an apparatus according to claim <NUM> and a method according to claim <NUM>.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described that may be configured to enable tractors to harvest crops grown under one or more photovoltaic panels. The one or more photovoltaic panels may be supported by one or more assemblies as described herein, which are held by one or more poles. At least a portion of the one or more poles may be adaptive or modular. At least a portion of the one or more poles may include a moveable portion, which at a closed configuration may be coupled between the assembly and a fixed portion on the ground. The moveable potion may be moveable, or in other words, may change the configuration of the pole from the closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein at the open configuration a tractor may be able to harvest crops by entering the area between the assembly and the ground.

An apparatus is described herein, wherein the apparatus includes an assembly supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels above a ground, a plurality of poles configured to support the assembly and the plurality of photovoltaic panels, wherein each of the plurality of poles includes: a fixed portion configured to be fixed on the ground, a moveable portion configured to be moveably coupled to at least one of the fixed portion or the assembly, the moveable portion is configured to: at a closed configuration, support the assembly by being coupled to the fixed portion, and at an open configuration, be detached from at least one of the fixed portion or the assembly.

An apparatus is described herein, wherein the apparatus includes an assembly supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels above a ground, a plurality of poles configured to support the assembly and the plurality of photovoltaic panels, wherein each of the plurality of poles includes: a fixed portion configured to be fixed on the ground, and a moveable portion configured to be moveably coupled to the fixed portion and the assembly, wherein the moveable portion is coupled to: the assembly via a first axis of rotation, and the fixed portion via a second axis of rotation.

An apparatus is described herein, wherein the apparatus includes an assembly supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels above a ground, a plurality of poles configured to support the assembly and the plurality of photovoltaic panels, wherein each of the plurality of poles includes: a fixed portion configured to be fixed on the ground, a moveable portion configured to be moveably coupled to at least one of the fixed portion or the assembly, the moveable portion may be configured to: at a closed configuration, support the assembly by being coupled to fixed portion, and at an open configuration, be detached from at least one of: the fixed portion or the assembly, wherein the moveable portion includes an anchor, and wherein the moveable portion of a first pole of the plurality of poles is configured to lock onto a second pole of the plurality of poles using the anchor.

A system is described herein, wherein the system includes a plurality of photovoltaic panels, and an apparatus including: an assembly supporting the plurality of photovoltaic panels above a ground, a plurality of poles configured to support the assembly and the plurality of photovoltaic panels, wherein each of the plurality of poles includes: a fixed portion configured to be fixed on the ground, a moveable portion configured to be moveably coupled to at least one of the fixed portion and the assembly, the moveable portion configured to: at a closed configuration, support the assembly by being coupled to fixed portion, and at an open configuration, be detached from at least one of the fixed portion or the assembly.

A method is described herein, wherein the method includes providing an assembly configured to support at least one photovoltaic panel above an object, providing a pole including a fixed portion and a moveable portion, fixing the fixed portion of the pole to a ground, coupling, for a closed configuration, the movable portion of the pole to the fixed portion and the assembly so that the moveable portion supports the assembly by being coupled to fixed portion, and decoupling, for an open configuration and to accommodate the object in a space under the assembly, the moveable portion from at least one of: the fixed portion or the assembly.

A method is described herein, wherein the method includes providing an assembly configured to support at least one photovoltaic panel above an object, providing a pole including a fixed portion and a moveable portion, wherein the fixed portion is fixed to a ground, and wherein for a closed configuration, the movable portion is coupled to the fixed portion and the assembly, and switching the pole from the closed configuration to an open configuration, wherein at the closed configuration the moveable portion is configured to support the assembly by being coupled to the fixed portion, and wherein at the open configuration, the moveable portion is detached from at least one of: the fixed portion or the assembly.

The moveable portion may include a first end configured to couple to the fixed portion, and wherein at the open configuration, the first end may be detached from the fixed portion.

The moveable portion may include a second end configured to couple to the assembly, and wherein at a second open configuration, the second end may be detached from the assembly. At the closed configuration, the moveable portion may be locked between the assembly and the fixed portion.

The apparatus may include a lock configured to lock the moveable portion between the assembly and the fixed portion. The lock may be configured to automatically lock, based on the moveable portion contacts a portion of the assembly or the fixed portion, the moveable portion between the assembly and the fixed portion. The automatic lock may include an electromagnetic lock. The electromagnetic lock may include one or more magnetic or electromagnetic components positioned on one or more portions of the one or more poles. The lock may be configured to lock the moveable portion to the assembly. The lock may be configured to lock the moveable portion to the fixed portion. The apparatus may include a lock configured to couple to the first end and the fixed portion, wherein at the closed configuration, the lock is configured to fix the position of the moveable portion in relation to the fixed portion.

The lock may include a lever. The apparatus may include an actuator configured to switch between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The lock may be configured to be released by the actuator. The apparatus may include a controller configured to operate the actuator. The actuator may include a motor and a gear. The controller may be configured to switch the lock from a locked state to an unlocked state. The actuator may be configured to rotate the moveable portion around the axis of rotation of the hinge.

Each of the plurality of poles further may include a hinge disposed between the second end and the assembly, and wherein the hinge may be configured to rotate the moveable portion around an axis of rotation of the hinge. The hinge may be configured to lock the moveable portion at the closed configuration such that a position of the moveable portion in relation to the assembly may be fixed.

The moveable portion may include a first section, a second section, and a second hinge, and wherein the first section may be moveably coupled to the second section via the second hinge. The second hinge may be configured to lock a connected portion of the first section and a connected portion of the second section such that the position of the first section is fixed in relation to the second section. The controller may be configured to switch the second hinge from a locked state to an unlocked state. The actuator may be configured to rotate the first section around an axis of rotation of the second hinge.

The fixed portion may include a cavity configured to receive the moveable portion. The second end may be configured to detach from the assembly, and wherein the moveable portion may include a cavity configured to receive the fixed portion. The apparatus may include a lock configured to couple to the second end and the assembly, wherein at the closed configuration, the lock is configured to fix the position of the moveable portion in relation to the assembly. The controller may be configured to switch the lock from a locked state to an unlocked state.

The actuator may be configured to slide the moveable portion towards the fixed portion. The moveable portion may include a first section and a second section, wherein the first section may be removably coupled to the second section, and wherein the second section may include a cavity configured to receive the first section. The first section and the second section may be concentric.

The apparatus may include a second lock, wherein at the closed configuration, the second lock may be coupled to the first section and the second section, and wherein the second lock may be configured to fix the position of the first section in relation to the second section. The controller may be configured to switch the second lock from a locked state to an unlocked state. The actuator may be configured to slide the second section towards the first section.

The distance between the assembly and the ground may be at least two meters. The fixed portion may include a base configured to enable the moveable portion to slide thereon. The base may include a rail.

The fixed portion may include a trellis configured to enable crops to grow on the fixed portion. The trellis may include at least one of: stakes, posts, or wires. The assembly may include a section configured to receive a holder of a tractor. The assembly may include a sensor configured to maintain a spatial orientation of at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic panels. The moveable portion may include a U-shape, and wherein a recess of the U-shape may be configured to surround the crop.

The first pole and the second pole of the plurality of poles may be neighboring poles. The moveable portion of the first pole may include two rods, and wherein each of the two rods may be configured to couple to a different neighboring pole.

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:.

In the following description of, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, various examples of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the examples shown and/or described are non-exclusive, and other examples may be practiced, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made to <FIG> and <FIG>, which show a plurality of poles supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels. As depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the photovoltaic panels are held by a support structure. The support structure may include an apparatus configured to enable harvesting (or reaping) of crops that grow below the photovoltaic panels. The apparatus may be configured to enable cultivation, watering (irrigation), and spraying of the crops that grow below the photovoltaic panels. The support structure for holding the photovoltaic panels may include a plurality of poles which, at a closed configuration thereof, may be in the way of the devices (e.g., tractors, reapers, and harvesters, which may be used to harvest the crops, or any other devices that may be placed under one or more photovoltaic panels). The plurality of poles may have an open configuration in which a moveable portion thereof is moved, thereby making way for the devices (e.g., used to harvest the crops or used for other purposes).

The apparatus as described herein may include a connector <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., connectors 106a, 156a, 156b) supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., photovoltaic panels 102a, 102b, 152a, 152b, 152c) above a ground. The apparatus may be part of a system <NUM>/<NUM> including the plurality of photovoltaic panels, such as a system for agricultural solar power generation or any other solar power generation system (e.g., on a highway, an urban areas, etc.). The apparatus may include a plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., poles 120a, 120b, 170a, 170b, 170c) configured to support an assembly <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., assemblies 122a, 122b, 172a, 172b, 172c) and the plurality of photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>. At least a portion of the plurality of poles may each include a fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., fixed portions 118a, 118b, 168a, 168b, 168c) configured to be fixed on the ground and a moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., moveable portions 116a, 116b, 166a, 166b, 166c) configured to be moveably coupled to at least one of the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The apparatus may have a closed configuration, such as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>. At the closed configuration, the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> supports the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> by being coupled to the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The apparatus may have an open configuration, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>). At the open configuration the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is detached from at least one of: the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> or the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>.

The plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to support a canopy of photovoltaic panels (such as the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and the plurality of photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>). The plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> may be organized in one or more rows. The plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> may be positioned in parallel, thereby creating a matrix of poles. The plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> may form a canopy base, such that the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> supported by the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> forms a canopy. The canopy may be positioned, for example, over crops, vineyards, greenhouse, or the like. The distance between two or more neighboring poles may be sized such that a tractor may be configured to fit between two neighboring poles. The tractor may include any one or more of: agricultural machinery, a harvesting device, a harvester, a planter, a fertilizer, a sprayer, a sorter, and the like. The tractor may include any device (such as, for example, a vehicle, mobile or stationary) that may need to operate across, through, or around the one or more poles. The tractor may include a device for agricultural treatment (for example, instead of harvesting). The tractor may include a device configured for watering the crops. The tractor may include a robot configured to operate around the one or more poles. The robot may be configured to travel using one or more wheels. The robot may be configured to travel using a track or rail.

Neighboring poles may include consecutive poles in a row of poles. Neighboring poles may include consecutive poles in a column of poles. Neighboring poles may include two poles. The neighboring poles may be in different rows and/or columns. Neighboring poles may include diagonally neighboring poles. Two specific poles may be considered neighbors if there are no other poles positioned between the two specific poles. The distance between two or more neighboring poles may be determined based on the structure of the photovoltaic system and/or the object to be placed under the photovoltaic panels. For example, the distance between two or more neighboring poles may be between <NUM> and <NUM> meters. The distance between two or more neighboring poles may be between <NUM> and <NUM> meters. The distance between two or more neighboring poles may be between <NUM> and <NUM> meters.

The distance between two or more neighboring poles may be determined based on the weight of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>. The plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> may be positioned (or distanced from each other) such that when a first pole of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> is in an open configuration, one or more neighboring poles of the first pole support the weight that the first pole has supported at the closed configuration thereof. In other words, the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> may be arranged such that when a middle portion of one of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> is moved, at least a portion of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM> are kept at the closed configuration, and the weight of the canopy is redistributed between the poles at the closed configuration.

The length of one or more of the plurality of the poles may be determined based on the height of the object to be placed under the photovoltaic panels. The length of one or more of the plurality of the poles (e.g., the distance between the ground and the assembly) may range between <NUM> and <NUM> meters. The length of one or more of the plurality of the poles may be at least <NUM> meters. The length of the one or more of the plurality of the poles may include the length of the fixed portion and the moveable portion.

The assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the plurality of photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>. The assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include one or more connectors (e.g., rods or poles) <NUM>/<NUM> configured to couple two or more photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>. The assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include a tracking system configured to set the orientation of the plurality of photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>. The tracking system may include a rail <NUM> (e.g., rails 158a, 158b, 158c) configured to rotate about an axis of rotation <NUM> (e.g., axes of rotations 154a, 154b, 154c) and a motor <NUM> (e.g., motors 162a, 162b, 162c) configured to power the movement of the photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM> about the axis of rotation. The motor <NUM> may be coupled to the rail <NUM> and/or the photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM> via one or more cables <NUM> (e.g., cables 164a, 164b, 164c). The assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include a connector <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., connectors 110a, 110b, 160a, 160b, 160c) configured to couple to one of the poles of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>. The connector <NUM>/<NUM> may couple to the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> of the pole. The assembly may include one or more sections configured to receive a holder of a tractor, thereby enabling the tractor to support the weight of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. For example, the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include one or more sections configured to receive a holder of the tractor such that the tractor is supporting the weight of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> while the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is at the open configuration.

The connector <NUM>/<NUM> may include an element configured to integrate with a pole of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>. The connector <NUM>/<NUM> may include a portion of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> which extends towards a pole of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>. The assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include a plurality of connectors <NUM>/<NUM> configured to couple to the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>. The number of connectors <NUM>/<NUM> may correspond with the number of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>. The number of connectors <NUM>/<NUM> may be greater than the number of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>. The number of connectors <NUM>/<NUM> may be less than the number of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>. The connectors <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to couple to the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> at the closed configuration thereof. The connectors <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to couple to the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> at the open configuration thereof. For example, the one or more connectors <NUM> may include second connectors (such as connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, 970a, 970b depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>). The second connectors may be configured to receive (and/or fix the position of) the moveable portion at the open configuration thereof.

The connector <NUM>/<NUM> may include a first end configured to couple to any one or more of: the photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>, the rail <NUM>, and/or the axis of rotation <NUM>. The connector <NUM>/<NUM> may include a second end configured to couple to the pole <NUM>/<NUM>. The second end of the connector <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to couple to the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> of the connector <NUM>/<NUM>. The connector <NUM>/<NUM> may be sized and shaped to support the weight of the photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>.

The apparatus may include one or more locking mechanisms configured to couple two or more portions together, such as, for example, a latch, a lever, an anchor, or a lock. The one or more locking mechanism may include a pair of magnets. The connector <NUM>/<NUM> may include one of the locking mechanisms. The locking mechanism may be configured to fix the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> to the connector <NUM>/<NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the connector may include a recess or slot configured to receive the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be positioned on the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be moveably coupled to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be detachable from the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> via a pivot or hinge.

The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include an element, such as a rod or a pole, configured to extend between the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include one or more modular sections, such as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. A length of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM> meters. The length of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM> meters. The length of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may vary between the plurality of poles (or, for example, may vary within the matrix of the poles). The length of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be sufficient for a tractor, such as a tractor, to pass under the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and/or between the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be at least partially composed of a lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, thereby reducing the amount of work needed for movement of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>.

The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be detachable from the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> via an axis of rotation, such as, for example, a pivot or a hinge. The fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to be fixed on the ground. The fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a trellis configured to enable crops to grow onto the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The trellis may include any one or more of a stake, post, and wire. The fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to enable growth of crops while supporting the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>.

The fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a rod configured to attach to the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a base configured to maintain the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> in/on the ground without movement. The base may include a plate, one or more screws, and/or a brace configured to support the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a rail, thereby enabling movement of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> in relation to the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>, such as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the fixed portion using one of the locking mechanisms, such as a latch, a lever, an anchor, or a lock, configured to fix the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> to the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism may be positioned on the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a recess or slot configured to receive the locking mechanism of the fixed portion. The locking mechanism may be positioned on the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>, and may include a recess or slot configured to receive the locking mechanism of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the position of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. Operation of the locking mechanism may be automatic, for example, by operation of the controller and/or the actuator. The automatic locking mechanism may include an electromagnetic lock. Although as described above, all the depicted poles <NUM>/<NUM> have moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM>, in other embodiments, for a given apparatus, one or more of the poles may be a regular pole, for example, without a moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. Likewise, in all the embodiments described below, one or more of the poles be a regular pole.

The apparatus may include a controller configured to operate the locking mechanism. The controller may be operated using a software including code associated with the operation of the locking mechanism. The controller may include a computer, or a computing device, such as, for example, a laptop, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, and the like. The controller may be operated via a user interface, such as a display screen of the computing device, or one or more buttons of the computing device. The controller may be operated automatically. The controller may be in communication with one or more sensors positioned on the one or more poles, the assembly, and/or the photovoltaic panels. The assembly may include one or more sensors configured to maintain a spatial orientation of at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic panels. The one or more poles may include one or more motion sensors and/or detectors configured to identify a nearing tractor. The controller may be operated automatically. The controller may be in communication with one or more sensors positioned on a tractor which may pass near one or more of the plurality of poles.

The one or more sensors may include at least one of: a motion sensor, a microphone, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a radiofrequency (RF) detector, or the like. The one or more sensors may be embedded in a computing device carried by a user. For example, the one or more sensors may include a GPS positioned on the tractor and/or a computing device carried by a user operating the tractor. The controller may be configured to detect the location of the tractor, and operate the actuator such that the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is unlocked. For example, the one or more sensors may include an RF detector positioned on the tractor and/or a computing device carried by a user operating the tractor. The controller may be configured to detect the tractor, and operate the actuator such that the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is unlocked. In other words, the controller may be configured to detect the tractor nearing one or more of the plurality of poles <NUM>/<NUM>, and the controller may be configured to unlock one or more of the locking mechanisms locking one or more of the middle portions of the one or more poles near (or in the vicinity of) the tractor. The controller may be configured to operate the actuator such that the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is moved. The controller may be configured to switch the one or more of the poles to the open configuration, for example, when detecting that a tractor is approaching the one or more poles. The controller may be configured to switch the one or more of the poles to the closed configuration, for example, after detecting the tractor is moving away (or increasing a distance) from the one or more poles. The controller may be configured to switch the one or more of the poles to the closed configuration, for example, when after detecting that the tractor is nearing a different pole, such as a neighboring pole of the one or more poles.

The controller may be configured to operate (e.g., from a closed configuration to an open configuration) a first pole, wherein the first pole may be a closest pole to a detected tractor. The controller may be configured to operate the opening of the one or more neighboring poles of the first pole. The controller may be configured to operate the opening of the one or more neighboring poles at a time difference configured to enable the tractor to move along the row and/or column with little or no waiting for opening and/or closing of the one or more poles. The controller may be configured to time the opening and/or closing of neighboring poles in real time. The controller may be configured to time the opening and/or closing of neighboring poles based on a detected location of the tractor. The controller may be configured to sync between openings and/or closings of rows and/or columns of the one or more poles. The controller may be configured to operate the opening and/or closing of the poles such that the poles are configured at the open configuration when the tractor is nearing the pole. The controller may be configured to operate the opening and/or closing of the poles such that the poles are configured at the closed configuration when the tractor is distancing away from the pole.

The controller may be configured to operate the closing and/or opening of the one or more poles based on the type of device (or tractor) that is moving towards (or away from) the one or more poles. For example, for a device (or tractor) that may extend across a plurality of columns when moving down a row, the controller may operate the opening and/or closing of a plurality of poles, wherein the poles may be in different columns, thereby accommodating the device. The controller may be configured to operate the one or more poles synchronously.

The controller may be configured to identify the one or more sensors. The controller may be configured to authorize and/or unauthorize one or more tractors. The controller may be configured to operate the closing and/or opening of the one or more poles only for authorized tractors. The controller may be configured to notify a user or administrator of a nearby unauthorized tractor or device.

The one or more sensors may be security sensors configured to detect and/or identify a signal associated with an authorized vehicle. For example, the one or more sensors may be able to detect an authorized vehicle that may be approaching, and send a signal to the controller which may command the adjustment of the moveable portion from a closed position to an open position (or vice versa). The one or more sensors may detect an unauthorized vehicle an send a signal to the controller such that an alarm or notification is sent from the controller to a user (or administrator).

The one or more sensors may be configured to detect a motion of a nearby vehicle. The one or more sensors may send data associated with the movement of the vehicle to the controller. The controller may store data associated with vehicle movement, such as, for example, data associated with all vehicle movement in the vicinity of the one or more sensors, and/or data associated with an individual vehicle.

The apparatus may include an actuator configured to drive the operation of the locking mechanism. The actuator may be configured to adjust the position of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>, or in other words, move the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The actuator may be configured to switch between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The actuator may be configured to unlock and/or lock the position of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> in relation to the assembly and/or the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism may be configured to be released by the actuator. The actuator may include a motor. The motor may be in communication with the controller. The actuator may include one or more gears coupled to the motor. The one or more gears may be positioned on the pole such that operation of the locking mechanism may be performed using the one or more gears.

At the closed configuration, the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to support the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. At the closed configuration, the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to support the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The closed configuration may include a configuration in which the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is fixed between the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The closed configuration may include a configuration in which the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is locked between the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>.

At the open configuration, the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may be at least partially removed from the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>, thus the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may not be supporting the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and/or photovoltaic panels. The open configuration may include one or more configuration in which the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> makes way for the tractor. The open configuration may include a configuration in which only a section of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is removed and/or adjusted, thereby making way for the tractor.

The moveable portion <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> (e.g., first ends 174a, 174b, 174c) and a second end <NUM> (e.g., second ends 176a, 176b, 176c). Although not shown in <FIG>, the moveable portion <NUM> may include one or more similar first ends. The first end (e.g., the first end <NUM>) may be configured to abut and/or couple to the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a top surface, such as, for example, a base of a cylinder, configured to receive the first end. The top surface may be flat, thereby forming a stable base for supporting the weight and structure of the first end. The top surface may have a geometrical shape or one or more curves configured to receive the first end. The first end <NUM> may have a complementary shape configured to fit with the top surface of the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>, thereby forming a locking mechanism. At the open configuration, the first end may be detached from the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>.

The second end (e.g., the second end <NUM>) may be configured to abut and/or couple to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include a bottom surface, such as, for example, a base of a cylinder, configured to receive the second end. A top surface of the second end may be flat, and the bottom surface of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may be flat, thereby forming a stable base for supporting the weight and assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The bottom surface of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may have a geometrical shape or one or more curves configured to receive the second end. The second end may have a complementary shape configured to fit with the bottom surface of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>, thereby forming a locking mechanism. At the open configuration, the second end may be detached from the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which show a pole with a moveable portion, supporting a photovoltaic panel, and to <FIG>, which show a pole with a moveable portion, supporting a photovoltaic panel.

The apparatuses and/or photovoltaic panels <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> of systems <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be similar to and/or include at least a portion of the apparatuses and/or photovoltaic panels of systems <NUM>/<NUM>. Alternatively, the apparatuses and/or photovoltaic panels of systems <NUM>/<NUM> may be similar to and/or include at least a portion of the apparatuses and/or photovoltaic panels of systems <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>.

One or more poles <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> of the plurality of poles may have one or more pivots configured to enable movement of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more pivots may be positioned between the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be positioned between the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be positioned between two or more sections <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may include an axis of rotation and/or hinge. The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to couple between two or more sections (such as, for example, two or more sections <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, and/or the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>). The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to enable rotation of one section in relation to the other. The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may enable locking (or fixing) the position of one of the sections in relation to each other.

The moveable portion may include two or more sections <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion may include a first section <NUM>/<NUM> and a second section <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portion may include two or more pivots. A first pivot may be positioned between the first section and the second section, thereby enabling a partial folding of the moveable portion. The first pivot may enable rotation of the first section in relation to the second section, such as depicted by arrows <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The second pivot <NUM> may be positioned between the first section <NUM> and the assembly <NUM>, such as depicted in <FIG>. The second pivot <NUM> may be positioned between the second section <NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>, such as depicted in <FIG>.

The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may include one or more locking mechanisms configured to be switched on/off be the controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be in communication with the one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to operate the one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to operate the one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> wirelessly, such as, for example, using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the like. The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> via a cable (or wire). The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and/or one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to receive commands from a remote controller, such as, for example, a user-operated device.

The one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may include one or more levers <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> configured to apply a force to the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>, thereby causing movement thereof. The one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and/or the one or more levers <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to rotate the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> about the axis of rotation of the one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to rotate the first section of the moveable portion in relation to the second section of the moveable portion.

The one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may include any one or more of: a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and/or an electric actuator. The electric actuator may include any one or more of: an electromechanical actuator, an electrohydraulic actuator, a motor, a linear motor, a rotary motor, or the like. The one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may include a thermal or magnetic element configured to trigger in response to a magnetic or thermal signal.

The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> of the pole <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and/or to the fixed portion via the one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may include an axis of rotation. The moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may rotate about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be a horizontal axis of rotation, or in other words, may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The pivot <NUM>/<NUM> may include a hinge. The first end of the pole <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to detach from the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>, thereby enabling the pole <NUM>/<NUM> to rotate about the pivot <NUM>/<NUM>. The pivot may include a first locking mechanism configured to lock the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The pivot may be configured to lock at the closed configuration such that a position of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> in relation to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> is fixed. The assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a locking mechanism <NUM>/<NUM> configured to lock the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>.

The pole <NUM>/<NUM> may include a (second) locking mechanism <NUM>/<NUM> configured to lock the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> to the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism between the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a geometric shape lock. The top surface of the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>, due to the shape thereof, may be mechanically locked with the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism between the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM> may include a lock configured to be switched on/off by the controller <NUM>/<NUM>. The pole <NUM>/<NUM> may include a (second) locking mechanism <NUM>/<NUM> configured to lock the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> to the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism between the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include a geometric shape lock. The bottom surface of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>, due to the shape thereof, may be mechanically locked with the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism between the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> and the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include a lock configured to be switched on/off by the controller <NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the two or more sections <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The locking mechanism may be configured to lock (or fix the position of) the first section in relation to the second section.

The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to operate the movement of the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may operate the one or more actuators <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and/or the one or more levers <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to lock the one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The controller may be configured to switch the locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state. The controller <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to switch the second pivot from the locked state to an unlocked state.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which show a pole with a moveable portion, supporting a photovoltaic panel. The system <NUM> may include one or more assemblies <NUM> coupled to one or more poles. The one or more poles may include a folding mechanism, such as, for example, the telescopic folding mechanism as depicted in figured 4A, 4B, and 4C. The one or more poles may include moveable portion <NUM> configured to telescopically fold. The one or more poles may include a moveable portion <NUM> configured to fold into the assembly <NUM> and/or the fixed portion <NUM>.

The moveable portion <NUM> may be configured to support the assembly <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may include any one or more of the photovoltaic panel <NUM>, tracker <NUM>, controller <NUM>, cable <NUM>, and axis of rotation <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may be similar to and/or include one or more elements of any one or more of the assemblies <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> as described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

The moveable portion <NUM> may include two or more sections <NUM>/<NUM> configured to telescopically fold. The two or more sections <NUM>/<NUM> may include a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>. The first section <NUM> may be removably coupled to the second section <NUM>. The first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> may be concentric. The second section <NUM> may include a cavity configured to receive the first section <NUM>. The first section <NUM> may include a cavity configured to receive the second section <NUM>. At the closed configuration, the moveable portion <NUM> may be at least partially folded. At the closed configuration, the second section <NUM> may sheath the first section <NUM> of the moveable portion <NUM>. At the closed configuration, the first section <NUM> may sheath the second section <NUM> of the moveable portion <NUM>.

The moveable portion <NUM> may be configured to detach from the assembly <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM> may be configured to detach from the fixed portion <NUM>. The fixed portion <NUM> may include a cavity configured to receive the moveable portion <NUM> or at least a portion thereof. The cavity may extend within the ground beneath the fixed portion <NUM>, such that the moveable portion <NUM> (or at least a portion thereof) may slide through the fixed portion <NUM> and into the ground. The assembly <NUM> may include a cavity configured to receive the moveable portion <NUM> or at least a portion thereof.

The configuration of the moveable portion <NUM> may be fixed using one or more locking mechanisms. The one or more locking mechanisms may include one or more locks <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more locks <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and/or the locking mechanism may be couplable to the second section <NUM> and to the assembly <NUM>. At the closed configuration, the lock (or locking mechanism) may fix the position of the moveable portion <NUM> in relation to the assembly <NUM>. The one or more locks <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and/or the locking mechanism may be configured to be coupled to the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM>. The lock <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> and/or the locking mechanism may be configured to fix the position of the first section <NUM> in relation to the second section <NUM>. The one or more locking mechanisms may include one or more pins or latches configured to secure one or more sections of the moveable portion to each other and/or to the assembly and/or to the fixed portion. The one or more pins may be configured to insert into one or more openings along the moveable portion <NUM>, such as, for example, in portions in which the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> may be coinciding (or overlapping).

The locking mechanism may be in communication with the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may send commands to, or operate, the locking mechanism. The controller may be configured to switch the locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to operate the movement of the moveable portion <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may operate one or more actuators and/or motors <NUM> coupled to the moveable portion. The one or more actuators and/or motors <NUM> may be configured to slide the moveable <NUM> portion towards the fixed portion <NUM>. The one or more actuators and/or motors <NUM> may be configured to slide the moveable <NUM> portion towards the assembly <NUM>. The one or more actuators and/or motors <NUM> may be configured to slide the first section <NUM> into (or towards) the second section <NUM> (or vice versa).

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a pole with a moveable portion, supporting a photovoltaic panel, and to <FIG>, which shows a pole with a moveable portion, and to <FIG>, which shows a rail of the pole depicted in <FIG>. The system <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> may include a moveable portion <NUM> configured to rotate about any one of the fixed portion <NUM> and the assembly <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM>, such as depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, may be rotatable about an axis of rotation A thereby enabling the moveable portion <NUM> to rotate out of the way of a tractor <NUM>, while enabling the weight distribution in the plurality of the poles to be maintained the same (or substantially the same) during rotation of one of the moveable portions <NUM>. Each one of the plurality of poles may include more than one moveable portion <NUM>.

The moveable portion <NUM> may include a rod <NUM> or bar shaped to connect between an assembly connector <NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM> may be arched. The moveable portion <NUM> may be U-shaped. The moveable portion <NUM> may include an inner recess configured to surround the crop. The moveable portion <NUM> may be shaped such that the rod <NUM> surrounds one or more crops. The rod <NUM> may be shaped such that during rotation of the moveable portion <NUM>, the rod <NUM> goes around the one or more crops and/or the tractor <NUM>. The rod <NUM> may extend from a first end configured to couple to the assembly <NUM> to a second end configured to couple to the fixed portion <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM> may include one or more braces <NUM> configured to support the shape and weight of the one or more poles and/or the weight of the assembly which the one or more poles supports.

The moveable portion <NUM> may be configured to support the assembly <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may include any one or more of: the photovoltaic panel <NUM>, tracker <NUM>, controller <NUM>, cable <NUM>, and/or axis of rotation <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may be similar to and/or include one or more elements of any one or more of the assemblies <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The moveable portion <NUM> may be coupled to the assembly connector <NUM> via a first axis of rotation A1. The moveable portion <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> configured to receive at least a portion of the assembly connector <NUM>, such as, for example, a connecting part of the assembly connector <NUM>. The recess <NUM> of the moveable portion <NUM> may be configured to rotate about the connecting part of the assembly connector <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM> may be coupled to the assembly <NUM> via a pivot, a pin, and/or a hinge, about which the moveable portion <NUM> may be rotated. The range of rotation of the moveable portion <NUM> about the assembly connector <NUM> may exceed <NUM> degrees. The range of rotation of the moveable portion <NUM> about the assembly connector <NUM> may range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. The range of rotation of the moveable portion <NUM> about the assembly connector <NUM> may range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. The range of rotation of the moveable portion <NUM> about the assembly connector <NUM> may range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees.

The moveable portion <NUM> may be coupled to the fixed portion <NUM> via a second axis of rotation A2. The first axis of rotation A1 may be parallel to the second axis of rotation A2. The first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2 may coincide, such as depicted in axis A in <FIG>. The fixed portion <NUM> may include a base configured to couple to the moveable portion. The base (e.g., bases 532a, 532b) may include a ball sized to fit into a socket of the moveable portion <NUM>. The base <NUM>, such as base 532a of <FIG>, may include a rotating pivot configured to rigidly couple to the moveable portion <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM> may be rotatable coupled to the fixed portion <NUM> via a pivot, a pin, a ball, and/or a hinge. The moveable portion <NUM> may be configured to slide and/or roll on the ground and/or on a base <NUM> of the fixed portion <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM> may include a roller <NUM> configured to roll and/or slide on the ground and/or on the base <NUM> during rotation and/or movement of the moveable portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the base 532b (e.g., the plane shown in <FIG> may be perpendicular to the axis A in <FIG>). The fixed portion may include a base 532b, such as depicted in <FIG>, configured to support the moveable portion <NUM> during a rotation thereof. The base 532b may include a plate <NUM> onto which the moveable portion <NUM> and/or the roller <NUM> of the moveable portion <NUM> may roll and/or slide. The base 532b may include a slot or rail <NUM> configured to receive a portion of the moveable portion <NUM>, such as the roller <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which show a plurality of poles supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels. <FIG> depict exemplary rows of a plurality of poles 614a and 614b, respectively. The plurality of poles <NUM> (e.g., the poles 614a, 614b) may be supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels <NUM> (e.g., photovoltaic panels 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f, <NUM>, <NUM>). The plurality of photovoltaic panels <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of poles <NUM> via the connector <NUM> (e.g., connectors 604a, 604b) of the assembly <NUM> (e.g., assemblies 600a, 600b). One or more of the moveable portions <NUM> (e.g., moveable portions 608a, 608b, 608c, 608d, 608e, 608f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 608i, 608j, <NUM>) of the plurality of poles <NUM> may be coupled to the assembly <NUM> via one or more pivots <NUM> (e.g., pivots 606a, 606b, 606c, 606d, 606e, 606f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 606i, 606j, <NUM>), such as, for example, as depicted in <FIG>. One or more of the moveable portions <NUM> of the plurality of poles <NUM> may be coupled to the one or more fixed portions <NUM> (e.g., fixed portions 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d, 610e, 610f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 610i, 610j, <NUM>) via one or more pivots <NUM>, such as, for example, as depicted in <FIG>. One or more of the moveable portions <NUM> in the row of plurality of poles <NUM> may include an anchor <NUM> (e.g., anchors 612a, 612b, 612c, 612d, 612e, 612f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 612i, 612j, <NUM>) positioned thereon. Alternatively, or additionally, the anchor <NUM> may be positioned on the fixed portion <NUM> or any other portion of the poles such that the moveable portion <NUM> may be fixed onto another pole using the anchor <NUM>. Thus, in an open configuration of the pole, the moveable portion thereof may be fixed onto a different pole and/or portion thereof. The anchor <NUM> may be sized and positioned such that the moveable portion <NUM> of a first pole (such as, for example, moveable portion 608f) may be locked onto a second pole (such as, for example, the pole of the moveable portion 608e) using the anchor <NUM> (such as, for example, the anchor 612d). The first pole and the second pole may be neighboring poles in the same row. The first pole and the second pole may be neighboring poles in the same column. The first pole and the second pole may be diagonally neighboring poles in a matrix (a plurality of rows and columns) of poles.

One or more fixed portions (e.g., fixed portions 610b, 610c) detached from a moveable portion may be configured to slide into the ground (e.g., so that an object may be placed under the assembly <NUM> without damaging the one or more detached fixed portions and/or the object).

The row, column, and/or matrix of the plurality of poles <NUM> may include one or more additional fixed portions <NUM> configured to couple to one or more moveable portions <NUM> at an open configuration thereof, for example, such as the additional fixed portion 610f as depicted in <FIG>. The one or more additional fixed portions may include one or more anchors, such as the anchors <NUM> (e.g., an anchor 612f) configured to fix the position of the moveable portion <NUM> of a nearby pole thereto. The one or more additional fixed portions may be positioned between the plurality of poles <NUM>. The one or more additional fixed portions may be positioned at the end of a row or column of the plurality of poles. Thus, anchoring the moveable portion to a nearby fixed portion enables the moveable portion to continue supporting the weight of the canopy and/or assembly at an open configuration thereof, thereby preventing sagging of the canopy and/or assembly.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a plurality of poles supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels. As depicted in <FIG>, the plurality of poles may include one or more moveable portions <NUM> (e.g., moveable portions 714a, 714b, 714c) including two or more sections <NUM> (e.g., sections 708a, 708b, 708c, 708d, 708e, 708f) coupled by one or more pivots <NUM> (e.g., pivots 706a, 706b, 706c). The moveable portion may be coupled to one or more photovoltaic panels <NUM> (e.g., photovoltaic panels 702a, 702b, 702c) via one or more assembly connectors <NUM> (e.g., assembly connectors 704a, 704b, 704c). The two or more sections <NUM> may include a rod or bar configured to extend between the assembly connectors <NUM> and fixed portions <NUM> (e.g., fixed portions 710a, 710b, 710c), such that at a closed configuration of the pole, the two or more sections <NUM> of the moveable portions <NUM> are supporting at least a portion of the weight of the assembly connector <NUM> and/or the one or more photovoltaic panels <NUM>, such as depicted in the moveable portions 714a and 714c in <FIG>. Each of the two or more sections <NUM> may be sized and structured to support the weight of the assembly <NUM> and/or the one or more photovoltaic panels <NUM>, together and/or alone. At a closed configuration, each of the two or more sections may reach (or abut) the fixed portion <NUM>). At a closed configuration, at least one of the two or more sections may reach (or abut) the fixed portion <NUM>). The two or more sections <NUM> of the moveable portions <NUM> may be rotatable about the pivot <NUM>, and rotation of the two or more sections may enable switching of the movable portion from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

At the open configuration of the one or more poles, the two or more sections <NUM> of the moveable portions <NUM> may be anchored to different nearby (or neighboring) poles. The two or more sections <NUM> of the moveable portions <NUM> may be anchored using the one or more anchors <NUM> (e.g., anchors 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d, 712e, 712f). At the open configuration, the two or more sections <NUM> may each be anchored to nearby poles such that a tractor <NUM> may be able to pass between the assembly connectors <NUM> and the fixed portions <NUM>, such as depicted by the moveable portion 714b, which is anchored to nearby poles in <FIG>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a pole with a moveable portion, supporting a photovoltaic panel. As depicted in <FIG>, at an open configuration, the moveable portion <NUM> of the one or more poles <NUM> may be anchored to a second connector <NUM> (e.g., one or more assembly connectors described herein). Advantageously, having the moveable portion <NUM> connected to the second connector <NUM> at an open configuration of the moveable portion enables the moveable portion <NUM> to support the weight of the assembly <NUM> while enabling a tractor to pass between the assembly <NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>. The moveable portion <NUM> may be coupled to the fixed portion <NUM> via a pivot <NUM>, which may be similar to the one or more moveable portions of the one or more poles depicted in <FIG>. At the closed configuration, the moveable portion <NUM> may be coupled to (e.g., via one or more assembly connectors <NUM>) the assembly <NUM> including one or more solar panels <NUM>, one or more connectors <NUM> and/or one or more locking mechanisms <NUM>. At the closed configuration, the one or more moveable portions <NUM> may extend between the assembly <NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>, thereby supporting the weight of the assembly <NUM>.

The second connector <NUM> may be similar to the connector <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>. The second connector may include a member including the locking mechanism <NUM>. The second connector may be coupled to the assembly <NUM> such that the solar panels are moveable using the tracking system. The fixed portion <NUM> may be coupled to the assembly via a base, such that the distribution of the weight of the assembly is essentially the same at the open configuration as at the closed configuration. One or more of the connectors, or second connectors, may be positioned between rows and/or columns of the plurality of poles. The one or more connectors (or second connectors) may be spaced apart. The distance between two or more connectors (and/or second connectors) may be, for example, between <NUM> to <NUM> meters. The distance between two or more connectors (and/or second connectors) may be, for example, between <NUM> to <NUM> meters.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which show a pole supporting a photovoltaic panel. Moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> via one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM> may include two or more sections (e.g., sections 980a/980b, such as depicted in <FIG>), and the two or more sections may be each coupled to the assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> via one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM>. The two or more sections 980a/980b may be coupled to the assembly <NUM> via a single pivot <NUM>. The one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to enable rotation of the moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM> in relation to the connectors <NUM>/<NUM> of the assemblies <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to couple to the fixed portions <NUM>/<NUM>. The moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM> may be configured to be fixed to the fixed portions <NUM>/<NUM> using one or more locking mechanisms <NUM>/<NUM>, such as described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

The locking mechanism coupling between the moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM> and the assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> may include one or more pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., pulleys 974a, 974b). The one or more pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled the movable portions <NUM>/<NUM> via one or more cables <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., cables 976a, 976b). The one or more cables <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to any one or more of the sections <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., section 958a, 958b, 962a, 962b) of the moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more cables <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., pivots 960a, 960b) of the moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more cables <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to one or more pivots <NUM>/<NUM> coupling between two or more sections <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> of the moveable portions <NUM>/<NUM>. The one or more pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to one or more connectors and/or second connectors <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., second connectors 970a, 970b). The one or more second connectors <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the assemblies <NUM>/<NUM> via the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be coupled to the connector <NUM> of the assembly <NUM>. Advantageously, coupling the one or more pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> to the base <NUM> may enable the weight distribution of the moveable portion <NUM> to be balanced.

At the closed configuration, the cables <NUM>/<NUM> may extend such that the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> is set between the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>, thereby enabling the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> to support the weight of the assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. The cables <NUM>/<NUM> and/or the one or more pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> may be coupled to the controller <NUM>/<NUM> (e.g., controllers 972a, 972b). The controller may operate the rotation of the one or more pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> such that at the closed configuration, the length of the cables <NUM>/<NUM> is sufficient to enable the movable portion <NUM>/<NUM> to be positioned between the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>. The controller <NUM>/<NUM> may operate the rotation of the one or more pulleys <NUM>/<NUM> such that at the open configuration, the length of the cables <NUM> may be shorter than the length of the cables <NUM> at the closed configuration, thereby pulling the moveable portion <NUM>/<NUM> away from between the assembly <NUM>/<NUM> and the fixed portion <NUM>/<NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a flow chart for a method of operating an adjustable supporting structure associated with one or more photovoltaic panels. The method may include one or more steps for installing and/or operating an apparatus, such as the apparatus described herein and/or depicted in any one or more of the <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and/or 9B.

The method may include, at step <NUM>, providing one or more poles (e.g., at least a portion of the one or more poles include a fixed portion and a moveable portion). At step <NUM>, the method may include providing one or more assemblies configured to support one or more photovoltaic panels above a crop. The method may include coupling the one or more assemblies to the one or more poles, such that the one or more poles support the one or more assemblies above a crop. The method may include providing one or more locking mechanisms. The method may include positioning the one or more locking mechanism onto any one or more of: the fixed portion, the movable portion, and/or the assembly. The method may include coupling one or more controllers to the locking mechanism. The method may include providing one or more motors and/or actuators. The method may include coupling the one or more motors and/or actuators to any one or more of the fixed portion, the movable portion, and the assembly, such that the one or more motors and/or actuators are configured to drive a movement of the moveable portion in relation to the fixed portion and/or the assembly.

The method may include fixing the fixed portion of the pole to a ground. The method may include fixing the fixed portion to the ground of crops or agriculture, such as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The method may include coupling the movable portion of the pole to the fixed portion. The method may include coupling the moveable portion to the assembly. The method may include setting the moveable portion such that the one or more poles is at the closed configuration. The method may include setting the moveable portion such that the one or more poles is at the open configuration. The method may include, at step <NUM>, switching the pole between the closed configuration and the open configuration. The method may include switching from the closed configuration (e.g., the moveable portion may be configured to support the assembly by being coupled to the fixed portion) to the open configuration (e.g., the moveable portion is detached from at least one of: the fixed portion and/or the assembly). The method may include switching from the open configuration (e.g., the moveable portion is detached from at least one of: the fixed portion and/or the assembly) to the closed configuration (e.g., the moveable portion is configured to support the assembly by being coupled to the fixed portion).

Although examples are described above, features and/or steps of those examples may be combined, divided, omitted, rearranged, revised, and/or augmented in any desired manner. Various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Claim 1:
An apparatus comprising:
an assembly for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic panels above a ground;
a plurality of poles configured to support the assembly and the plurality of photovoltaic panels,
wherein one or more of the plurality of poles (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) each comprises: a fixed portion (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) configured to be fixed on the ground, and a moveable portion (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) configured to be moveably coupled to at least one of: the fixed portion or the assembly,
wherein the moveable portion is configured to: at a closed configuration of a pole of the one or more of the plurality of poles, support the assembly by being coupled to the fixed portion, and at an open configuration of the pole, be detached from at least one of: the fixed portion; or the assembly,
wherein the assembly remains in the same place at the closed and the open configuration.