AU2015201851B2

AU2015201851B2 - A Mobile Shelter and Associated Method and System

Info

Publication number: AU2015201851B2
Application number: AU2015201851A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Colin Neil Rea; Andrew John Sadler
Original assignee: Argosee Greenhouse Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ARGOSEE GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-13
Filing date: 2015-04-13
Publication date: 2020-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-13
Also published as: AU2015201851A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile shelter and associated method and system. The mobile shelter comprises a plurality of foundation modules, and a cover that 5 modifies the environmental exposure of an area of land under the cover. The cover is able to be mounted to the foundation modules such that the foundation modules anchor and support the cover in a standing position when coupled with the foundation modules, and is able to be detached from the foundation modules to facilitate relocation of the mobile shelter. The foundation modules are formed to contain a 10 ballast material for anchoring and supporting the cover, and to release the ballast material to facilitate transport of shelter. 58271191 (GHMatters) P98211.AU STEPHANIET 13/04/15 .............................................................. .............................................................. ........... - - ---.............................................................. ........... - - ---.............................................................. .................... - -- .......... .............................................................. ...................... ........ ................................................................ ...................... ......... ................................................................ ...................... . ... ................................................................ ............ ................................ ............ ............................................. .................................................... ...... ........ ...................... .......................................................................... .................... - 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Description

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A MOBILE SHELTER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD AND SYSTEM

Field of Technology

The present invention relates to agriculture. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile shelter particularly for (but not limited to) growing plants. The invention also relates to a method of relocating the mobile shelter. The invention further relates to a system for controlling exposure to environmental conditions.

Background

Plant-growing facilities such as greenhouses provide a controlled environment so that plant growth may be monitored or optimised. Uses of plant-growing facilities may be for agricultural or environmental research purposes. Greenhouses are commonly fixed structures including steel or aluminium frames and glass panels, although some recent developments involve transporting smaller greenhouses entirely as a single unit. Such greenhouses may be connected to air-conditioning systems that control the temperature and humidity of air circulating through the greenhouse. Watering systems (automatic or manual) may be present in a greenhouse.

However, existing greenhouse structures are typically unsuitable for field research. The larger fixed structures are not transportable, and the smaller structures are not large enough. Moreover, such greenhouses require plant growth to be in soil-filled pots or trays or in hydroponic systems. In other words, the greenhouse does not use the ground underneath the greenhouse in which to grow plants. Additionally, as the greenhouse is essentially a closed environment, there is no exposure to natural precipitation. Typically, there is also no control over exposure to direct sunlight. In contrast, such greenhouses typically have a translucent canopy to prevent exposure to direct sunlight. In this way, the intensity of sun exposure is controlled. But, there is limited capacity to adjust exposure to direct sunlight and exposure to natural precipitation.

The above discussion of the background art is not intended to limit the application of the mobile shelter and associated method and system disclosed herein.

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20

Summary of Invention

Disclosed herein is a mobile shelter comprising: a plurality of foundation modules; and a cover that modifies the environmental exposure of an area of land under the cover, the cover is able to be mounted to the foundation modules such that the foundation modules anchor and support the cover in a standing position when coupled with the foundation modules and is able to be detached from the foundation modules to facilitate relocation of the mobile shelter, and wherein the foundation modules are formed to contain a ballast material for anchoring and supporting the cover, and to release the ballast material to facilitate transport of shelter.

The foundation modules may comprise co-operable formations for linking adjacent modules with each other to form a stable foundation for the cover.

The formations may comprise complementary portions.

The cover may comprise primary support members that support secondary support members on which a covering material of the cover is spread.

The foundation modules may be configured with fastening portions for securing the cover to the foundation modules.

The mobile shelter may further comprise bearers detachably couplable to the fastening portions of the foundation modules, the bearers configured to connect to and support the primary support members, whereby the load of the shelter is transferred to the foundation modules by the bearers.

The bearers may be connectable to the primary support members via rail transfer members such that the cover is advanceable along the rails to shift the location of the cover.

The ballast material may be water and each foundation module may comprise an inlet and an outlet for water such that the modules can be selectively filled or drained of water.

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20

The cover may be disassembled into two or more cover components to facilitate transport of the shelter, wherein the cover components may be detachably couplable to each other.

The cover may be detachably coupled to two rows of foundation modules such that the cover overlies an area between the two rows.

The mobile shelter may be capable of being relocated with the cover coupled to the foundation modules when the ballast material is released from the foundation modules.

Alternatively or additionally, the mobile shelter may be capable of being relocated in a manner wherein the cover and foundation modules are moved separately to another location.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a mobile shelter comprising: a plurality of foundation modules releasably connectable to each other to form a first row and a second row of foundation modules, each foundation module associated with a coupling component alignable with another coupling component of an adjacent foundation module when the foundation modules of each row are connected to each other; a cover configured to modify the environmental exposure of an area of land under the cover, the cover detachably mountable to the foundation modules such that: (a) when the cover is mounted to the foundation modules, the foundation modules anchor and support the cover in a standing position and the cover is advanceable along the first and second rows of foundation modules via the coupling components; and (b) the cover is able to be detached from the foundation modules to facilitate relocation of the mobile shelter, and wherein the foundation modules are formed to contain a ballast material for anchoring and supporting the cover, and to release the ballast material to facilitate transport of shelter.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of relocating the mobile shelter according to the first aspect, the method comprising: removing ballast material from the foundation modules in situ; and lifting and moving the mobile shelter to another location while the cover is coupled to the foundation modules.

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20

In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of relocating the mobile shelter according to the first aspect, the method comprising: detaching the cover from the foundation modules; removing the ballast material from the foundation modules; and moving the cover and emptied foundation modules separately to another location.

In yet another aspect, there is provided an environment simulation system for growing plants, comprising: the mobile shelter according to the first aspect; and a rain sensor in electronic communication with the cover, wherein the rain sensor is capable of triggering the cover to travel between a first position and a second position in response to rain.

The environment simulation system may be configured to simulate drought conditions, such that when it rains, the rain sensor causes the cover to travel to the second position to cover the plants, and when it stops raining the cover returns to the first position to expose the plants.

Brief Description of Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the mobile shelter and associated method and system thereof as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mobile shelter; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a foundation module of the mobile shelter; Figure 3 is a side view of the foundation module shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an end view of the foundation module shown with a bearer and primary support component of a cover of the mobile shelter; Figure 5 is a side view of the foundation module, bearer and primary support component shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of mobile shelters adjacent to one another; Figure 7 is a front view of the mobile shelter.

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20

Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mobile shelter. Figure 9 is a perspective view of one side of the mobile shelter of Figure 8.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a mobile shelter 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shelter 10 comprises a plurality of foundation modules 12 and a cover 14. The cover 14 modifies the environmental exposure of an area of land under the cover 14. The cover 14 is able to be mounted to the foundation modules 12 such that the foundation modules 12 anchor and support the cover 14 in a standing position when coupled with the foundation modules 12. The cover 14 is also able to be detached from the foundation modules to facilitate relocation of the mobile shelter. The foundation modules 12 are formed to contain a ballast material for anchoring and supporting the cover 14 and to enable removal of the ballast material to facilitate transport of shelter 10.

A significant advantage of the shelter 10 is that it is relocatable. More specifically, the shelter 10 can be transported in a number of ways. For example, the shelter 10 can be transported in deconstructed form, by detaching the cover 14 from the modules 12, releasing or removing the ballast material from the modules 12 and moving individual modules 12 and the cover 14 separately. In another example, the ballast material can first be released from the modules 12, and when the modules 12 are empty, the whole shelter 10 can be relocated with the cover 14 still attached to the modules 12. These transportability aspects of the shelter 10 will be described in more detail later on.

To provide context, it is contemplated that the shelter 10 will be particularly useful for (but not limited to) growing plants, or studying the growth of plants. For example, a research crop may be planted in a desired plot of land over which the shelter 10 can be set up. When it is desired to break fresh ground, the shelter 10 can be relocated to a new plot of land. In another example, it may be desirable to provide a temporary shelter to plants, so that the shelter 10 can be moved for environmental or other reasons. In this regard, the shelter 10 may be configured as a transportable greenhouse. It will nevertheless be appreciated that the shelter 10 can be suitable for other uses not involving plant growth.

To give a general idea of one possible construction of the shelter 10, with reference to Figure 1, the foundation modules 12 are arranged in two rows, 13a and 13b

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(collectively, "rows 13"). The cover 14 comprises opposing sides having primary support members, in the form of posts 15, which bear against the rows 13. The bulk of the cover 14 stretches between the primary support members 15, thus covering an area of land underneath. The primary support members 15 support secondary support members, in the form of a framework 17 on which a covering material of the cover 14 is disposed. The modules 12 are provided with bearers 19 that contact the primary support members 15 of the cover 14, thus facilitating the detachable coupling of the cover 14 to the modules 12.

Preferably, when the modules 10 are filled with ballast material and the cover 14 is coupled to the modules 10, the cover 14 is supported in a standing position, without the need of additional support means anchoring the modules 12 to the ground. It is also contemplated that the shelter 10 according to certain embodiments of the present invention is capable of withstanding wind speeds in the order of 42m/s whilst maintaining a standing position.

The foundation modules 10 will now be described with reference to a specific embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3. The foundation modules 12 each have the same shape and configuration. The modules 12 are intended to be arranged with respect to one another to form a suitable foundation for the cover 14. The modules 12 each comprise a body 16 in the form of a shell housing a cavity to be filled with ballast material, typically water. The body 16 comprises a generally planar bottom wall 18 at a base region 20. The body 16 also comprises a generally planar top wall 22 at a top region 24. The footprint of the bottom wall 18 is larger than that of the top wall 22, which adds stability to the modules 12.

The body 16 also comprises opposite side walls 26a and 26b (collectively, "side walls 26") and end walls 28a and 28b (collectively, "end walls 28"). The side walls 26 and end walls 28 extend between the bottom wall 18 and top wall 22. The end walls 28 are generally parallel to each other. On the other hand, although the side walls 26 are generally parallel to each other at a top region 24 and base region 20, the difference in the spacing of these portions of the side walls 26 from each other (due to the wider bottom wall 18) is resolved by an inclined shoulder 30. The side walls 26 also comprise one or more recessed sections 32, which may strengthen the side walls 26.

The modules 12 also comprise fastening portions, which may serve as anchoring points to secure other components of the shelter 10, such as the bearers 19. In this

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20 embodiment, the fastening portions are through-holes 33a and 33b (collectively, "through-holes 33") that extend from one side wall 26a to the other 26b. The through holes 33 may also contribute to strengthening the side walls 26. It will be appreciated that the through-holes 33 comprise a surrounding wall extending from one side wall 26a to the other 26b, which isolates the through-holes 33 from the ballast material to be contained in the modules 12. In this embodiment, a set of through-holes 33a and 33b are provided in each recessed section 32. Another set 33a and 33b is also provided in a raised area between the recessed sections 32. The through-hole 33a of the set is located in a top region 24 of the modules 12, and the through-hole 33b is located closer to the base region 20.

The modules 12 are configured to be arranged end-to-end, such that each end wall 28a of a module 12 faces the other end wall 28b of an adjacent module 12. The modules 12 are also connectable with each other via co-operable formations 34 for linking adjacent modules 12 to form a stable foundation for the cover 14. A person skilled in the art will understand that the end walls 28 and formations 34 may be configured in a variety of ways to suit a desired purpose. For example, the end walls 28 and formations 34 may be configured so that any two modules 12 can be linked together at 90, 180, and acute or an obtuse angle. Thus, the foundation for the shelter 10 formed by the foundation modules 12 can take a variety of shapes to suit a number of possible constructions of the cover 14.

In a specific embodiment, which can be seen in Figure 1 to 3, the modules 12 are configured to be arranged linearly. The formations 34 comprise portion 34a extending from end wall 28a, and complementary formations 34b and 34c extending from end wall 28b. The portions 34b and 34c are vertically aligned on the end wall 28b and spaced apart from each other. The portion 34a is positioned on end wall 28a such that when the end wall 28a of one module 12 is juxtaposed against the end wall 28b of another module 12, the portion 34a fits between the portions 34b and 34c, and all three portions are vertically aligned. The portions 34a, 34b and 34c each include a channel parallel to the end walls 28. When the portion 34a of one module is fitted with portions 34b and 34c of another module, the respective channels are aligned such that a bar or rod can be inserted through the channel in each portion 34a, 34b and 34c, thus connecting the modules 12 together. The bar or rod may also be extended into the ground to facilitate positioning of the modules 12 as the foundation is set up.

When aligned in the above-described manner, the top wall 22 and top region 24 of the

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20 linked modules 12 provide a bar structure having substantially more length than width. The cover 14 is configured to be detachably coupled to the modules 12 by engaging with the bar structure. To facilitate this engagement, bearers 19 are configured to connect to and support the primary support members 15 of the cover 14, whereby the load of the cover 14 is transferred to the modules 12 by the bearers 19. The bearers 19 are demountably couplable to the top region 24 of the modules 12 along the length of the bar structure.

Possible dimensions of the modules 12 will now be described according to a specific example with particular reference to Figures 2 to 4. This is exemplary only and embodiments of the present invention are by no means limited to these dimensions. The modules 12 may have a length "L" from one end wall 28a to the other end wall 28b in the order of 1.5m, and a base width "B" from one side wall 26a to the other 26b of approximately one half to two-thirds its length "L". A width "T" of the top region 24 may be approximately one third the width "B" of the base region 20. From the top wall 22 to the bottom wall 18, the modules 12 may have a height "H" in the order of 80-100cm. The body 16 of the modules 12 can be made of plastics material such as medium or high density polyethylene, in the order of 4 - 8mm, preferably 5mm. The through-holes 33 may have a diameter in the order of 50mm.

The bearers 19 according to one embodiment are shown in Figures 4 and 5. The bearers 19 have web portion 37 that overlies the top wall 22 of the modules 12 and may be joined end-to-end to span the length of the bar structure. Means for securing the bearers 19 to the modules 12 may also be provided integrally or attachable to the bearers 19. In this embodiment, such means is in the form of straps 38 configured to engage the side walls 26 of the modules 12. The straps 38 have apertures 40a and 40b (collectively, "apertures 40") positioned to register with the through-holes 33a and 33b of the modules 12, respectively. In one example, the straps 38 (and thus the bearers 19) may be secured to the modules 12 by inserting a sleeve having threaded inner end portions into each through-hole 33. Then, the apertures 40 of the straps 38 may be aligned with respective through-holes 33, and a threaded rod 42 may be inserted through the apertures 40 and through-holes 33 to threadingly engage with the threaded inner portions of the sleeve. The bearers 19 and straps 38 may comprise galvanised steel.

With particular reference to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the bearers 19 also comprise a coupling component or coupler 44. The coupler 44 is a part of the bearer 36 that

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20 couples to the primary support members 15 of the cover 14. In one embodiment, the coupler 44 may simply be provided as a catch, which the primary support members 15 of the cover 12 can bear against.

Alternatively, according to a specific embodiment shown in Figure 4, the coupler 44 comprises a rail, which spans the length of the bearers 19 and hence the bar structure when the bearers 19 are mounted to the modules 12. Rail transfer members in the form of rollers 46 are co-operable with the rail 44 to allow the cover 14 to travel along the rails. The rail 44 comprises a downward facing C-shaped cross-section configured to receive the rollers 46. The downward facing orientation of the C-shaped cross section avoids the accumulation of dust, dirt or other undesirable materials in the rails 44. The rollers 46 connect the primary support members 15 to the rails 44 and thus to the bearers 19. The rollers 46 are configured to move along the rails 44, so that the cover 14 is advanceable along the rails 44 to shift the location of the cover 14. The rollers 46 may be provided in similar form to a sliding door carriage. The rollers 46 may be integrally formed with the primary support members 15, or detachably couplable to the primary support members 15.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the rails 44 are shown disposed towards one side of modules 12. However, rails 44 may also be provided towards the other side of the modules 12, so that the bearers 19 comprise two rail lines on either side of top region 24. The two rail lines may be symmetrical. This facilitates the mounting of two covers 14 adjacent to one another, which share a common row of modules 12, as shown in Figure 6.

To protect the coupler or rails 44 and rail transfer members 46 from rain, flashing 45 may be provided on or near the primary support members 15. With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the flashing 45 extends from the primary support members 15 and channels rain away from the coupler 44, for example, towards the web portion 37 of the bearers 19. Further, the web portions 37 may comprise raised edges 47 along a length of the bearers 19, so that the web portions 37 may additionally function as gutters. The gutters can drain water to one end of the row of modules 12 and/or drainage points may be provided in the gutters at certain intervals along a row of modules 12, for example, at every four modules 12.

In one embodiment, the ballast material is water. In this regard, with particular reference to Figure 2, each module 12 comprises an inlet 48 and an outlet 50 such that

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20 the modules 12 can be selectively filled or drained of water. The inlet 48 is located on the body 16 of the module 12 at a position above the outlet 50. Specifically, the inlet 48 is located on the inclined shoulder 30 of one of the side walls 26. The outlet 50 is also located on one of the side walls 26 but at the base region 20 of the modules 12. This arrangement allows the modules 12 to be easily filled with water and drained while the modules 12 are in a standing position. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that the inlet 48 and outlet 50 may be provided at any suitable location on the body 16.

The cover 14 will now be described in more detail with reference to a specific embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 7. As previously mentioned, the cover 14 comprises secondary support members 17 supportable on primary support members 15. The members 17 may be in the form of truss members 52, as shown in Figures 1 and 7. A plurality of truss members 52 are joined together to form a framework or truss on which a covering material of the cover 14 is spread. In this embodiment, the truss comprises identical portions 54, wherein the members 52 in each portion are joined together substantially in one plane. The portions 54 are then joined together by transverse members 56 to form the truss. The truss members 52 may be joined by welding or detachable coupling, or a combination thereof.

In a specific embodiment, the truss further comprises two or more components or sub frames that are detachably couplable to each other, wherein each sub-frame consists of welded truss members 52. Each sub-frame may comprise one or more portions 54 or part thereof. Thus, the sub-frames can be assembled with each other to form the overall framework or truss for the cover 14, and disassembled to facilitate relocation of the shelter 10. The sub-frames can be assembled together, for example, by providing respective registering holes on the sub-frames, and bolts to detachably couple the sub frames to each other. In one example, the cover 14 may comprise a 3-part truss that can be assembled using 6 bolts. The covering material 54, which can be seen in Figure 6, is also removably mountable on the truss.

With particular reference to Figure 1, when the shelter 10 is assembled, a load of the cover 14 is spread between the two rows 13a and 13b of modules 12 herein described. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the cover 14 is substantially in the form of an arch. As previously mentioned, the cover 12 can also slide along the rails 44 provided on each row 13a and 13b of modules 12, and move to any position along the length of the rows. Of course, the length of the rows 13a and 13b can be varied as desired.

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Possible dimensions of the assembled shelter 10 will now be described according to a specific example with particular reference to Figures 1 and 7. This is exemplary only and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this example. The two rows 13a and 13b of modules 12 may be spaced apart by a width "W" in the order of 9 - 12m, preferably around 10.6m. A length "C" of the cover 14 may be 18 - 23m, preferably around 22m. A clearance of around 3.2m may be provided under the truss. The covering material 54 may be liquid impermeable, and may comprise 180pm thick polyethylene. The truss can be made of metal, such as steel.

As previously mentioned, a significant advantage of the shelter 10, according to various embodiments of the present invention, is its transportability. Thus, in another aspect there is provided a method of relocating the shelter 10. In one embodiment, the method comprising the following steps: detaching the cover 14 from the foundation modules 12; removing or releasing the ballast material from the modules 12; and, moving the cover 14 and modules 12 separately to another location.

In a further embodiment, the method may comprise disassembling the cover 14 to two or more detachably couplable parts prior to moving the cover 14 and modules 12 separately to another location. For example, the detachably couplable parts of the cover 14 may be the cover material and/or multiple sub-frames previously described. Furthermore, after detaching the cover 14 from the foundation modules 12, the method may further comprise removing the bearers 19 from the modules 12. Also, after removing the ballast material from the modules 12, the method may further comprise disconnecting the modules 12 from each other.

In yet a further embodiment, the method may then comprise packing the cover 14 (or disassembled parts thereof) and bearers 19 into about four transporting containers; and, packing the modules 12 into about three or four transporting containers. The disassembled shelter 10 can then be relocated in the transporting containers to another location and reassembled.

In another aspect, there is provided another method of relocating the shelter 10. The method according to this aspect comprises the steps of: draining the foundation modules 12 in situ; and, lifting and moving the shelter 10 to another location while the cover is coupled to the foundation modules. The lifting and moving of the shelter 10 may be done using a crane or any other suitable transporting machinery. The method may comprise moving the shelter 10 to a location about 50 - 100m from its previous

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20 location.

As previously mentioned, it is contemplated that the shelter 10 will be useful as a mobile research facility. Thus, in another embodiment there is provided an environment simulation system for growing plants. The system comprises the shelter 10 according to embodiments of the invention in which the cover 14 is advanceable along the rails 44 to shift the location of the cover 14 relative to the foundation modules 12, for example, as shown in Figure 1. Research crops may be planted in an area of land between the two rows 13a and 13b of modules 12 so that the cover 14 can selectively cover the crops. Thus, plants or crops may be planted in natural ground as opposed to soil-filled pots or trays. Also, the environmental exposure of the research crops can be selectively modified. Such research may contribute to investigating the effects of global warming.

The system may further comprise a rain sensor or a rain switch device in electronic communication with the cover 14. The rain sensor is capable of triggering the cover 14 to slide between a first position and a second position in response to rain. In one embodiment, the system is configured to simulate drought conditions, such that when it rains, the rain sensor causes the cover 14 to travel or advance to a position which covers the crops. Conversely, when it stops raining, the sensor causes the cover 14 to move or return to a position which exposes the crops to direct sunlight when the sun is not obscured by cloud. The system may comprise a microcontroller to control movement of the cover in response to communication with the rain sensor and potentially also a memory to log data associated with the rain switch operation. The system may also comprise a motor and power supply. As such, the rain switch operation may be fully automated. Solar panels may be provided in connection with the system in order to power the motor. In one example, it is contemplated that the system may be solar powered with a capacity to move 10-20 times per day. The system may also comprise a camera and remote control access, for example by radio transmission, so that movement of the cover 14 can be controlled from a remote location.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the mobile shelter 1Os fully assembled. Figure 9 shows in more detail one side of the mobile shelter 1Os (without the cover material), specifically, one of the rows 13s of foundation modules 12s. In this embodiment, support elements 58 attached to the bearers 19s and/or the foundation modules 12s assist in stabilising the foundation modules 12s and thus the shelter 1Os. The support elements 58 are elongate and attach at one end to the bearers 19s and/or the

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20 foundation modules 12s, and at an opposite end comprises a hole. Anchoring members in the form of star pickets 60 extend through a hole in the support elements 58 and into the ground. This arrangement of support elements and start pickets 60 is provided on both sides of the foundation modules 12s.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, even though in specific embodiments the cover 14 is substantially in the form of an arch, the cover 14 may be configured in other shapes, such as a dome supported on foundation modules 12 arranged in a circular manner. Other shapes are also contemplated. In another example, the foundation modules may be equipped with wheels to facilitate transportability.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

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Claims

1. A mobile shelter comprising: a plurality of foundation modules releasably connectable to each other to form a first row and a second row of foundation modules, each foundation module associated with a coupling component alignable with another coupling component of an adjacent foundation module when the foundation modules of each row are connected to each other; a cover configured to modify the environmental exposure of an area of land under the cover, the cover detachably mountable to the foundation modules such that: (a) when the cover is mounted to the foundation modules, the foundation modules anchor and support the cover in a standing position and the cover is advanceable along the first and second rows of foundation modules via the coupling components; and (b) the cover is able to be detached from the foundation modules to facilitate relocation of the mobile shelter, and wherein the foundation modules are formed to contain a ballast material for anchoring and supporting the cover, and to release the ballast material to facilitate transport of shelter.

2. The mobile shelter of claim 1, wherein the foundation modules comprise co operable formations for releasably connecting adjacent modules with each other to form the first and second row of foundation modules.

3. The mobile shelter of claim 2, wherein the formations comprise complementary portions.

4. The mobile shelter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises primary support members that support secondary support members on which a covering material of the cover is spread.

5. The mobile shelter of claim 4, wherein the foundation modules are configured with fastening portions for securing the cover to the foundation modules.

6. The mobile shelter of claim 5, wherein each foundation module is associated with a bearer detachably couplable to the fastening portions of the foundation modules, the bearer configured to connect to and support the primary support members, wherein

12613427_1 (GHMatters) P98211.AU 30/06/20 the load of the shelter is transferred to the foundation modules by the bearers.

7. The mobile shelter of claim 6, wherein each bearer comprises a respective coupling component connectable to the primary support members via rail transfer members such that the cover is advanceable along the coupling components to shift the location of the cover.

8. The mobile shelter of claim 7, wherein the coupling components are rail components alignable to form a rail.

9. The mobile shelter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ballast material is water and each foundation module comprises an inlet and an outlet for water such that the modules can be selectively filled or drained of water.

10. The mobile shelter of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover can disassemble into two or more cover components to facilitate transport of the shelter, wherein the cover components are detachably couplable to each other.

11. The mobile shelter of any one of the preceding claims, capable of being relocated with the cover coupled to the foundation modules when the ballast material is released from the foundation modules.

12. The mobile shelter of any one of the preceding claims, capable of being relocated in a manner wherein the cover and foundation modules are moved separately to another location.

13. A method of relocating the mobile shelter of any one of the preceding claims, comprising: removing ballast material from the foundation modules in situ; and lifting and moving the mobile shelter to another location while the cover is coupled to the foundation modules.

14. A method of relocating the mobile shelter of any one of claims 1-12, comprising: detaching the cover from the foundation modules; removing the ballast material from the foundation modules; and moving the cover and emptied foundation modules separately to another location.

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15. An environment simulation system for growing plants, comprising: the mobile shelter of any one of claims 7 to 12; and a rain sensor in electronic communication with the cover, wherein the rain sensor is capable of triggering the cover to travel between a first position and a second position in response to rain.

16. The environment simulation system of claim 15, configured to simulate drought conditions, such that when it rains, the rain sensor causes the cover to travel to the second position to cover the plants, and when it stops raining the cover returns to the first position to expose the plants.

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