Vegetated canopy apparatus, system, and method

A system may include a support structure for providing a vegetated canopy including a soil container support and a plurality of ribs disposed along the support structure, where the plurality of ribs are structurally configured to support a vegetated canopy disposed thereon. The system may also include a modular canopy structurally configured to attach to the support structure, the modular canopy including a soil container structurally configured to engage with the soil container support, a plurality of substantially rigid external members structurally configured to engage with a rib of the support structure, and a connecting member disposed along a length of the substantially rigid external members and attaching at a substantially rigid external member to another substantially rigid external member. The plurality of substantially rigid external members and the connecting members may form a trellis structurally configured to support vegetation.

BACKGROUND

Vegetated canopies of the prior art often consist of hanging plants disposed on an elevated structure. Vegetated canopies of the prior art may also include climbing plants originating from soil containers disposed at or near a base of a structure for ease of access, e.g., for watering and maintenance. More complex vegetated canopies may include a trellis, e.g., a framework of light wooden or metal bars used to support climbing plants, attached to an elevated structure in a permanent manner. These vegetated canopies are often cumbersome for maintenance and care. For example, watering these vegetated canopies often requires climbing a ladder or otherwise accessing the elevated vegetation. Furthermore, it is often cumbersome or impossible for a user to move the vegetated canopy, or to exchange or replace the vegetated canopy for a different plant, e.g., due to a change in season, when a plant fails, or otherwise. There remains a need for improved apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods for providing vegetated canopies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices described herein generally provide for vegetated canopies and the like.

While implementations of the disclosure are susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the disclosure and not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals may be used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. Also, grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term “or” should generally be understood to mean “and/or” and so forth.

All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text.

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Also, the terms apparatus and device may be used interchangeably in this text.

As discussed herein, the disclosure may include methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for providing vegetated canopies and the like. In general, a “canopy” as described herein may include any covering (including full covering or partial covering), overhang, decoration, hanging structure, and the like. Thus, a “vegetated canopy” as described herein may include a canopy that utilizes one or more of vines, herbs, woody shrubs, woody trees, climbing plants, clinging plants, or other plant materials on a canopy.

A vegetated canopy may advantageously provide one or more of a naturally shaded environment, a naturally cooled environment, an environment with reduced volatile organic toxins, an environment with reduced noise levels, an environment with reduced ultraviolet radiation, and the like. In other words, a vegetated canopy may advantageously reduce the penetration of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light through the canopy, emanating from the sun, to provide a naturally designed aesthetic, reduce the use of artificial textile materials, offer a living, regenerative canopy, and allow for a cooler ambient temperature due to the evaporative cooling of vascular plant transpiration (i.e., water emitted from the leaf, which has an evaporative cooling effect).

Implementations may generally include a support structure for providing a vegetated canopy and a modular canopy structurally configured to attach to the support structure. The support structure and the vegetated canopy may combine to form a vegetated canopy system. Such a vegetated canopy system may be self-contained, e.g., allowing for mobility of the system, and self-sustaining, allowing for ease of maintenance. For example, the vegetated canopy system may include a self-contained irrigation system and rechargeable power supply, e.g., utilizing solar or wind power. The vegetated canopy system may also or instead be a modular system, where one or more modular vegetated canopies can be removed, replaced, rearranged, and so forth, by a user in a relatively easy manner.

As described herein, the support structure may take many forms, including without limitation umbrellas, awnings, tents, shades (e.g., sunshades, sail shades, and the like), sitting areas (e.g., picnic tables, park benches, and the like), waiting areas (e.g., bus stops, train stations, and the like), pergolas, canopy tents (e.g., tailgate canopies), storage structures, sidewalk sheds, freestanding structures, structures attached to a building, structures attached to a landform or geologic formation, and the like.FIGS. 1-4below generally illustrate one such structure—an umbrella—by way of example and not of limitation. One skilled in the art will recognize that many different structures are also or instead possible using the features and techniques described herein.

FIG. 1illustrates an apparatus including a vegetated canopy, in accordance with a representative embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the apparatus100for providing a vegetated canopy may include an umbrella as a structure for supporting the canopy, but, as stated throughout this disclosure, other apparatuses and structures are possible. In an embodiment including an umbrella, implementations can be thought of as a ‘living umbrella’ because of the vegetated canopy that may be included thereon.

The apparatus100may include a structural frame102. The structural frame102may include a base110, a post120, a soil container130, and a rib140or plurality of ribs140.

The base110may be disposed on a bottom end104of the structural frame102. The base110may include one or more plates (e.g., about 0.5 inch thick metal plates, where the plates may include dimensions of about 2 feet×2 feet) located at the bottom end104of the structural frame102. The base110may include a housing112, such as a hemispherical casing or the like that houses various electronics, mechanical components, and/or a water reservoir180.

The post120may be connected to the base110. The post120may extend from the bottom end104of the structural frame102to a top end106of the structural frame102. The post120may include a pathway122formed therein or thereon. The pathway122may be formed in a hollow core124of the post120. The pathway122may also or instead be located externally relative to the post120. The post120may be attached to the base110via a male receiver or the like on the base110(e.g., a cylindrical male receiver that extends vertically about 10 inches from the base110) that engages with a female end of the post120. Other configurations are possible, such as the post120attaching to the base110via a cylindrical female receiver or the like that extends vertically about18inches from the base110.

In an implementation, the post120may be adapted to contain one or more drain lines134for drainage from the soil container130, one or more supply lines160, and wiring or the like for a power supply178.

The soil container130may be connected to the post120at the top end106of the structural frame102. In this manner, the soil container130may be a raised container, e.g., disposed at or near the canopy of the umbrella-like structure. The soil container130may include a structure for receiving a pot of soil or the like, e.g., containing roots or seeds of a plant. The soil container130may also or instead itself integrally include a pot of soil or the like.

The soil container130may include a drain132or the like. The drain132may be in communication with the pathway122of the post120. In this manner, the drain132may be structurally configured to drain excess water from the soil container130through the pathway122. In an implementation, drainage may be provided by a drain line134disposed in the pathway122from the drain132of the soil container130to the bottom end104of the structural frame102. The drain line134may include a hose or tube disposed in the pathway122of the post120.

In an implementation, the soil container130may be a raised container made of metal or the like affixed to the top of the post120, where the connection between the soil container130and the post120maintains a drain132, e.g., for draining excess water from irrigation or rainfall. The post120may also or instead act as a conduit for wiring and a supply line160(e.g., for providing a water or nutrient supply). The soil container130may hold natural or engineered soil and the roots of a plant as well as a soaker hose and/or a drip irrigation tube.

As discussed above, the soil container130may include a housing or basin for receiving soil growing media, water, live vascular plants, and soil sensors. The soil container130may also or instead include a support (e.g., a housing or basin) for receiving an external soil container/potted plant therein or thereon. For example, the one or more vegetated canopies150may include a soil container/housing structurally configured to engage with a soil container support of the structural frame102(see, e.g.,FIG. 7).

The plurality of ribs140may project from the top end106of the structural frame102. For example, the plurality of ribs140may project from one or more of the soil container130, a vertex103of the structural frame102, and a support skeleton105disposed at the top end106of the structural frame102.

The plurality of ribs140may be structurally configured to support one or more vegetated canopies150disposed thereon. The plurality of ribs140may be sized, shaped, and/or arranged to receive one or more vegetated canopies150in one or more predetermined configurations. The ribs140may also or instead be adapted to support the limbs, leaves, and other parts of a vascular plant.

Thus, in an implementation, one or more vegetated canopies150may be disposed on the plurality of ribs140. The one or more vegetated canopies150may include one or more vascular plants selected such that the vegetated canopies150can perform one or more of: absorbing direct and indirect ultraviolet radiation; reducing noise by absorbing sounds in wave frequencies audible to a human ear; providing shade by absorbing and reflecting direct and indirect solar radiation; absorbing heat from its immediate surroundings via plant leaf transpiration; and removing volatile organic compounds from its immediate surroundings via plant leaf gas exchange. For example, the vegetated canopies150may absorb a majority of the direct and indirect ultraviolet radiation (e.g., A+B, 290-400 nm) from the sun and surrounding surfaces. Also, soil included as part of the soil container130or the vegetated canopies150may include a natural or engineered soil that removes volatile organic compounds from their immediate vicinity via the process of soil microbial metabolism.

The plurality of ribs140may be specifically tailored to be structural elements of an umbrella-like structure. For example, the plurality of ribs140may include members extending radially about a central axis. In other implementations, the plurality of ribs140may simply be elements of a structure (e.g., a non-umbrella structure such as an awning or the like) that are structurally configured to receive one or more vegetated canopies150thereon, e.g., structurally configured to receive or engage with substantially rigid external members of a vegetated canopy150. For example, the plurality of ribs140may include members extending substantially linearly along the length of a joining member or structure, where each of the plurality of ribs140may be substantially parallel to one another. The plurality of ribs140may thus include substantially linear structures. However, other shapes are also or instead possible, such as curved shapes, zig-zags, and the like.

The plurality of ribs140may include at least four ribs140affixed to a rim136of the soil container130, or otherwise affixed to the top end106of the structural frame102. One skilled in the art will recognize that more or less ribs140are possible. For example, while one implementation includes at least four ribs140, another implementation includes two or three ribs140, and yet another implementation includes at least five ribs140, and yet another implementation includes at least eight ribs140, and yet another implementation includes at least sixteen ribs140, and yet another implementation includes at least twenty-four ribs140, and so on and so forth. Other numbers are possible. Each rib140in the plurality of ribs140may be substantially equally spaced apart from one another.

Each rib140in the plurality of ribs140may be connected to the top end106of the structural frame102via a hinged connection that permits the plurality of ribs140to be lowered and raised by a user. For example, the apparatus100may include a hinged connection on the support skeleton105. The apparatus100may also or instead include a ring138or the like disposed at the top end of the structural frame102to which the ribs140are engaged when in a raised position. Releasing the ribs140from the ring138may permit the ribs140to be lowered, e.g., by a user. In an implementation, at least one rope, cable, or chain is secured to ends of the plurality of ribs140, where the mechanism formed by the ribs140and rope, cable, or chain is structurally configured to raise and lower the plurality of ribs140by engaging and disengaging the ribs140from the ring138. In an implementation, the ribs140include a spring-like member that automatically engages the ribs140with the ring138when the ribs140are raised, and where the pulling on the rope, cable, or chain compresses the spring to disengage the ribs140from the ring138. Other mechanisms are also or instead possible, such as those described below inFIG. 7andFIG. 13. For example, the ribs140may be hinged on the ring138and engage with the vertex103(or other finial or sub-finial structure) via a latching system or locking system such as that described below with reference toFIG. 13. In an implementation, the ring138may be rim of the soil container130or a structure that supports the soil container130.

The ribs140may be substantially cylindrical in shape, or they may include other shapes. The ribs140may include a diameter of about 0.5 inches, and/or a length of about 42 to 72 inches. As discussed herein, the ribs140may be affixed via hinges or the like, e.g., to the rim136of the soil container130or otherwise to the top end106of the structural frame102, at equally spaced distances along the rim136or other structure. The ribs140may be able to be lowered and raised to extend or contract the vegetated canopy150. As discussed above, when the ribs140are raised, the top ends of the ribs140may be clipped to a relatively small ring138or the like, which may be located above the post120, above the center of the soil container130, or around a circumference of the soil container130. To lower the vegetated canopy150into a contracted position, the top ends of the ribs140may be released from their clips and allowed to rise using ropes or the like that are secured to their ends. The rib-ropes may be attached to a central rope, which can be held stationary with a cam-cleat or the like, e.g., located on the upper portion of the post120near the soil container130.

The apparatus100may include a supply line160for providing water and/or nutrients to soil included in the soil container130and/or vegetation152included on the vegetated canopy150. The supply line160may be disposed in the pathway122of the post120from the bottom end104of the structural frame102to the top end106of the structural frame102to provide one or more of water and nutrients from the bottom end104of the structural frame102to the top end106of the structural frame102.

The apparatus100may further include an irrigation system170. The irrigation system170may be a ‘smart’ irrigation system that allows the apparatus100to be self-contained, e.g., where the apparatus100can maintain the health of vegetation152included on the vegetated canopy150without maintenance or interference from an outside source, or with relatively minimal maintenance or interference from an outside source. The irrigation system170may include a control system programmable to maintain soil water content within a targeted range based on desired levels of plant growth and to maintain a healthy plant.

The irrigation system170may include one or more of a pump172, a valve174, a controller190, and a power supply178.

The pump172and/or the valve174may be connected to the supply line160, where one or more of the pump172and the valve174are structurally configured to control an amount of water and/or nutrients supplied through the supply line160to the top end106of the structural frame102.

In an implementation, the valve174may be omitted and only the pump172may be present. For example, in an embodiment, the supply line160is in fluid communication with the pump172and a reservoir180containing water. In such an embodiment, the pump172may be controlled by the controller190to pump water (e.g., as needed or based on a schedule or the like) from the reservoir180to the top end106of the structural frame102for supplying one or more of water and nutrients from the bottom end104of the structural frame104to the top end106of the structural frame102. In an implementation, the base110houses the reservoir180and the pump172as shown in the figure.

In another implementation, the pump172may be omitted and only the valve174may be present. For example, in an embodiment, the supply line160is in fluid communication with at least one of a hose and a hose bibb182. In such an embodiment, the hose bibb182may supply adequate water pressure to provide water to the top end106of the structural frame102, where an amount of water supplied is controlled by the valve174. The valve174may thus include a solenoid valve or the like that can open and close based on a signal provided, e.g., an electrical signal sent by the controller190.

The irrigation system170may include a dispensing mechanism162for supplying water and/or nutrients to one or more of soil contained in the soil container130and a vegetated canopy150disposed on the structural frame102. In an implementation, the dispensing mechanism162may include one or more of a soaker hose and a drip irrigation tube disposed in the soil container130and connected to the supply line160. The dispensing mechanism162may also or instead be in engagement with the top end106of the structural frame102for supplying water and/or nutrients to the vegetated canopy150.

The irrigation system170may further include one or more sensors176. In an implementation, at least one sensor176is configured to detect a moisture level in soil contained in the soil container130. The controller190may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g., a first signal) and to control operation of one or more of the pump172and the valve174in response to the signal. The controller190may thus be configured to maintain a moisture level in soil contained in the soil container130within a predetermined range.

In an implementation, at least one of the sensors176is configured to detect a thermal property of one or more of soil contained in the soil container130and a vegetated canopy150disposed on the structural frame102. For example, at least one of the sensors176may include a thermistor or the like for detecting a temperature of one or more of soil contained in the soil container130and a vegetated canopy150disposed on the structural frame102. The controller190may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g., a second signal) and to control operation of one or more of the pump172and the valve174in response to the signal. The controller190may thus be configured to maintain a temperature of one or more of soil contained in the soil container130and a vegetated canopy150disposed on the structural frame102within a predetermined range.

Thus, in an implementation, at least one of the sensors176includes a soil moisture sensor, and at least one of the sensors176includes a thermal sensor. In this manner, the soil moisture sensor can be thought of as a first sensor that sends a first signal to the controller190, and the thermal sensor can be thought of as a second sensor that sends a second signal to the controller190. The controller190may thus be configured to receive one or more of the first signal and the second signal from the first and second sensor, respectively, and to control operation of one or more of the pump172and the valve174in response to at least one of the first signal and the second signal. One skilled in the art will recognize that more or less sensors are possible. For example, sensors can be included that sense thermal properties, atmospheric properties, contaminants, insects, fungus, pressure, humidity, and so forth. For example, the one or more sensors176may also or instead include one or more of ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, infrared sensors, temperature sensors, sound sensors, chemical sensors (e.g., oxygen, carbon-dioxide, and so on), motion and proximity sensors, flow sensors, radiation sensors, imaging sensors, pressure sensors, shock sensors, force sensors, and the like.

The controller190may be programmed to control operation of at least one of the pump172and the valve174. As discussed above, controlling operation of the pump172and the valve174may be based on signals received from one or more sensors176. Controlling operation of the pump172and the valve174may also or instead be based on a predetermined time interval or a predetermined schedule. Thus, implementations may include a controller190programmed to control an amount of water and/or nutrients supplied to at least one of the soil container130and a vegetated canopy150disposed on the structural frame102based on one or more of a predetermined time interval or a predetermined schedule.

The controller190may include a communications interface192, e.g., for connection to a computing device108through a network109. The controller190may also or instead include, or otherwise be in communication with, a processor194, a memory196, and any other hardware or software to perform its functions as described herein. In an implementation, the processor194may be programmable, e.g., by the computing device108of a user, to set a predefined or machine-learned sequence of actuation for the irrigation system170.

The controller190may be electrically coupled in a communicating relationship, e.g., an electronic communication, with any of the components of the apparatus100, or with one or more external devices such as the computing device108of a user. In general, the controller190may be operable to control the components of the apparatus100, such as the irrigation system170. The controller190may include any combination of software and/or processing circuitry suitable for controlling the various components of the apparatus100described herein including without limitation processors194, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable gate arrays, and any other digital and/or analog components, as well as combinations of the foregoing, along with inputs and outputs for transceiving control signals, drive signals, power signals, sensor signals, and the like. In one implementation, the controller190may include a microprocessor or other processing circuitry with sufficient computational power to provide related functions such as executing an operating system, providing a graphical user interface (e.g., to a display coupled to the controller190), set and provide rules and instructions for operation of the apparatus100, and operate a web server or otherwise host remote operators and/or activity through the communications interface192. The controller190may include a printed circuit board, an Arduino controller or similar, a Raspberry Pi controller or the like, a prototyping board, or other computer related components.

The computing device108may include a desktop computer workstation. The computing device108may also or instead be any device suitable for interacting with other devices over a network109, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant, a tablet, a mobile phone, a television, a set top box, a wearable computer, and the like. The computing device108may also or instead include a server or it may be disposed on a server. In certain implementations, the computing device108may be implemented using hardware (e.g., in a desktop computer), software (e.g., in a virtual machine or the like), or a combination of software and hardware. The computing device108may be a standalone device, a device integrated into another entity or device, a platform distributed across multiple entities, or a virtualized device executing in a virtualization environment.

The network109may include any network described herein or known in the art, e.g., data network(s) or internetwork(s) suitable for communicating data and control information among participants. This may include public networks such as the Internet, private networks, and telecommunications networks such as the Public Switched Telephone Network or cellular networks using third generation cellular technology (e.g., 3G or IMT-2000), fourth generation cellular technology (e.g., 4G, LTE. MT-Advanced, E-UTRA, etc.) or WiMax-Advanced (IEEE 802.16m)) and/or other technologies, as well as any of a variety of corporate area, metropolitan area, campus or other local area networks or enterprise networks, along with any switches, routers, hubs, gateways, and the like that might be used to carry data among participants. The network109may also include a combination of data networks, and need not be limited to a strictly public or private network.

The communications interface192may include any hardware and/or software for connecting the controller190in a communicating relationship with other resources through the network109. This may include remote resources accessible through the Internet, as well as local resources available using short range communications protocols using, e.g., physical connections (e.g., Ethernet), radio frequency communications (e.g., Wi-Fi), optical communications, (e.g., fiber optics, infrared, or the like), ultrasonic communications, or any combination of these or other media that might be used to carry data between devices. The communications interface192may, for example, include a router, a modem, a network card, an infrared transceiver, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, a near field communications interface, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, or any other data reading or writing resource or the like.

More generally, the communications interface192may include any combination of hardware and software suitable for coupling the components to other computing or communications resources. By way of example and not limitation, this may include electronics for a wired or wireless Ethernet connection operating according to the IEEE 802.11 standard (or any variation thereof), or any other short or long range wireless networking components or the like. This may include hardware for short range data communications such as Bluetooth or an infrared transceiver, which may be used to couple to other local devices, or to connect to a local area network or the like that is in turn coupled to a data network109such as the Internet. This may also or instead include hardware/software for a WiMax connection or a cellular network connection (using, e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE, or any other suitable protocol or combination of protocols).

The processor194may be any as described herein or otherwise known in the art. The processor194may be included on the controller190, or it may be separate from the controller190, e.g., it may be included on a computing device108in communication with the controller190. In one implementation, the processor194is included on or in communication with a server that hosts an application for operating and controlling the apparatus100.

The processor194may be any processor or other processing circuitry capable of processing instructions for execution of the techniques described herein, e.g., for ‘smart’ irrigation. The processor194may include a single-threaded processor, a multi-threaded processor, a multi-core processor and so forth. The processor194may be capable of processing instructions stored in the memory196or a data store of the computing device108.

The memory196may be any as described herein or otherwise known in the art. The memory196may contain computer code and may store data such as predefined or machine-learned sequences of actuation or other relevant data. The memory196may include any volatile or non-volatile memory or other computer-readable medium, including without limitation a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM), an Erasable PROM (EPROM), registers, and so forth. The memory196may store program instructions, program data, executables, and other software and data useful for operation of the controller190and configuring the apparatus100to perform functions for a user. The memory196may include a number of different stages and types of memory for different aspects of operation. For example, a processor194may include on-board memory and/or cache for faster access to certain data or instructions, and a separate, main memory or the like may be included to expand memory capacity as desired. All such memory types may be a part of the memory196as contemplated herein.

The memory196may, in general, include a non-volatile computer readable medium containing computer code that, when executed by the controller190or computing device108creates an execution environment for a computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of the foregoing, and/or code that performs some or all of the steps set forth in the various flow charts and/or other algorithmic descriptions set forth herein. The processor194and the memory196can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, logic circuitry.

The power supply178may be electrically coupled to one or more of the pump172, the valve174, and the controller190. In an aspect, the power supply178may also or instead be used to power a mechanism for raising and lowering the ribs140.

In an implementation, as shown in the figure, the power supply178includes a photovoltaic panel184and a rechargeable battery186. The photovoltaic panel184may be disposed on the top end106of the structural frame102and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery186(e.g., through a wired connection) to charge the rechargeable battery186. Thus, the power supply178may include a solar energy system adapted to collect solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy, where the solar energy system is conductively coupled to a rechargeable electrical power system for providing electrical power to one or more of the pump172, the controller190, and sensors176.

The structural frame102described above may include parts made from metal. For example, the structural frame102may include metallic parts including one or more of the base110, the reservoir180, the post120, the raised soil container130, the ribs140, and various hardware (e.g., cam-cleats, clutches, hinges, pins, roller furling, and the like). One or more of these parts may also or instead be made from other materials such as plastic, wood, ceramic, and the like.

The apparatus100described above may include components that house the battery186, a battery charger, the pump172, the controller190, and parts for raising and lowering the ribs140and vegetated canopies150.

The apparatus100described above may thus include a ‘living umbrella’—e.g., a garden or patio umbrella with a vegetated canopy that utilizes vines, herbs, woody shrubs, woody trees or other plant materials, growing in a raised container of natural or engineered soil, to provide one or more of a naturally shaded environment, a naturally cooled environment, a movable canopy, its own ‘smart’ irrigation system, a rechargeable power supply, an option for solar cells for power, an environment with reduced volatile organic toxins, an environment with reduced noise levels, and an environment with reduced ultraviolet radiation.

FIG. 2illustrates a close-up view of a top end of an apparatus for providing a vegetated canopy, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

The apparatus200ofFIG. 2may be the same or similar to that shown above, e.g., for an embodiment that includes an umbrella-like structure. Specifically, the figure shows a close-up view of the top end of a structural frame202.

FIG. 2clearly shows the post220, the pathway or hollow core224, the soil container230, the drain232, the drain line234, the ribs240, the supply line260, the dispensing mechanism262, the solar panel284, and wiring285for powering components or charging a battery or the like.

FIG. 3illustrates a close-up view of a bottom end of an apparatus for providing a vegetated canopy, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

The apparatus300ofFIG. 3may be the same or similar to that shown in the figures above, e.g., for an embodiment that includes an umbrella-like structure. Specifically, the figure shows a close-up view of the bottom end of a structural frame302.

FIG. 3clearly shows the base310, the housing312(e.g., a casing or the like that houses various electronics and/or a water reservoir380), the post320, the pathway or hollow core324, the drain line334, the supply line360, the pump372, the valve374, a power source386(e.g., a battery, which may also or instead be charged by a power source such as the sun through the use of a solar panel or the like), and associated wiring385.

FIG. 4illustrates a top view of an apparatus for providing a vegetated canopy, in accordance with a representative embodiment. The apparatus400may include a top end of an umbrella or the like that is structurally configured to support one or more living canopies thereon.

As shown in the figure, the apparatus400may include one or more ribs440structurally configured to support one or more vegetated canopies disposed thereon.

In an implementation, the apparatus400may include one or more connecting members442disposed along a length of one or more of the ribs440and attaching at least one of the ribs440to another one of the ribs440. The ribs440and the one or more connecting members442may form a trellis structurally configured to support vegetation. For example, in an implementation, vegetation may be placed directly on the ribs440and the one or more connecting members442. In another implementation, one or more modular vegetated canopies may be placed onto the ribs440and/or the one or more connecting members442, where the ribs440and/or the one or more connecting members442are structurally configured for engagement with modular vegetated canopies.

FIG. 4also clearly shows a solar panel484or the like, which may be disposed on the top end of the apparatus400.

FIG. 5illustrates a block diagram of an irrigation system, in accordance with a representative embodiment. In general, the block diagram outlines an irrigation method500using an irrigation system510, e.g., a ‘smart’ irrigation system, such as that described above.

The irrigation system510may include one or more sensors512, e.g., such as a soil moisture sensor (“SM Sensor” as shown in the figure) and/or a thermistor. The irrigation system510may further include a controller514, e.g., a programmable micro-controller or programmable logic controller (“PLC” as shown in the figure), or any of the controllers described herein or otherwise known in the art. The irrigation system510may further include a solar panel516(e.g., a photovoltaic panel), a rechargeable battery518(“18V Battery” as shown in the figure; other voltages are also possible), a water pump520(“18VDC Sub. Pump” as shown in the figure; other pumps/voltages are also possible), wiring, water supply tubing and nozzles, as well as a drain and drainage tubing.

The irrigation system510may use one or more of soil moisture and temperature measurements to control the water pump520. For example, an algorithm included on the controller514may turn the water pump520on and off (or otherwise control the flow of water502, e.g., as supplied from a reservoir522or other water source such as a hose or hose bibb) to supply water502in an amount needed to achieve desired conditions for plant health and maintenance. In this manner, the irrigation system510may reduce the demand for manual watering. Accordingly, an operator may only need to fill the water reservoir522periodically. The water reservoir522may also or instead be filled naturally, e.g., by rain water or condensate.

As shown in the figure, the irrigation method500may include creating a desired flow of water502from the water reservoir522or other water source through pump action524created by the water pump520. The water pump520may be activated by the controller514based on a sensed parameter of the plant528using the sensor512, e.g., based on a soil moisture level526of soil included in a soil container530. The irrigation system510may be powered by the sun504using a solar panel516or the like. In this manner, the irrigation system510may be relatively self-sufficient, e.g., without a need for external power.

Thus, as described herein, a ‘smart’ irrigation system may include a soil moisture sensor, a thermistor, a programmable micro-controller, a photovoltaic panel, a rechargeable battery, a water pump, wiring, water supply tubing and nozzles, a drain, and drainage tubing. Plants use water during transpiration as a means to control the temperature of their leaves and to extract nutrition from soil water. Transpiration is driven by the atmospheric vapor pressure, soil water availability, temperature, and solar radiation. Controlling the availability of soil moisture can help control the growth of a plant and its ability to transpire, which in turn affects its capacity for evaporative cooling. Different species have different growth responses to soil moisture. Controlling soil moisture within an acceptable range can promote the growth and health of a plant. In commercial plant nurseries, irrigation rates often err on the side of overwatering to promote maximum growth. The potential harmfulness of overwatering can be reduced by including built-in drainage at the bottom of growing containers. However, this is practice is not necessarily ‘smart’ irrigation, and can lead to the wasting of potable water. ‘Smart’ irrigation, on the other hand, may supply a plant with the right amount of water to meet its demands for maintaining health. Thus, an ingredient for ‘smart’ irrigation may be to irrigate a plant based on the existing and optimal soil water content. During plant transpiration, soil water content decreases. When it falls below a threshold, the plant may become stressed. Irrigation may be used to raise the soil water content to a targeted level. However, raising the soil water above the targeted level can lead to saturated soil that harms the plant. Thus, ‘smart’ irrigation should maintain soil water content within a given range, which can vary by species.

Thus, an irrigation system510as described herein may use an algorithm that implements the irrigation method500shown inFIG. 5. The algorithm may thus determine the amount of irrigation water to add to the soil container at various times throughout the day.

An irrigation algorithm may reside within a micro-controller, which receives analog signals on the soil moisture and temperature from sensors or probes located in the soil container. Based on the algorithm, the microcontroller may send digital signals to the pump to be turned on and off, or otherwise to control a flow rate of water. The pump may be electrically driven by a rechargeable battery located in a base housing or the like. The battery may be electrically charged by a solar photovoltaic panel located above the canopy and soil container. Solar electricity may be conducted to the battery via wires, e.g., located in a conduit inside the post.

FIG. 6illustrates a modular vegetated canopy, in accordance with a representative embodiment. The modular vegetated canopy600may be structurally configured to be placed in a cooperative arrangement with a support structure, such as any of the support structures described herein, e.g., an umbrella, an awning, a tent, a shade, a waiting area, a sitting area, a pergola, a canopy tent, and the like. The modular vegetated canopy600may be attached in a horizontal arrangement on a support structure, a vertical arrangement, or at various angles there between. It may also or instead be possible to attach a modular vegetated canopy600upside-down on a support structure, i.e., on the underside of a support structure.

In general, the modular vegetated canopy600may be part of a modular plant trellis pod system for use with a support structure, such as any described herein (e.g., the ‘living umbrella’ described above with reference toFIG. 1). For example, the modular vegetated canopy600may include a plant trellis with an attached soil container610for pre-growing a canopy of live plants that can be easily installed on the ribs and chassis of the ‘living umbrella’ described above with reference toFIG. 1. The soil container610may be a typical size for growing a plant in a container. Substantially rigid external members620of the modular vegetated canopy600may support one or more metal cables, non-metal cords, strings, ropes, or other cable-type materials, which can act as the trellis where plants, such as vining plants and climbing plants, can attach as they grow. The same rigid external members620may act as rib-connectors such that the modular vegetated canopy600may can be attached to the ribs of the support structure, such as the ‘living umbrella’ described above with reference toFIG. 1. The soil container610(or “pod”) may fit into a section of a bucket or other receiver of the support structure. The support structure and modular vegetated canopy600may be designed to have the same number of sections. In implementations, rib-connectors may include fasteners or the like that can be tightened or released to enable the addition or removal of the modular vegetated canopy600from the support structure.

The modular vegetated canopy600may allow for easy exchange of the plant canopy on the supporting structure. Such exchange may occur when a user desires to have a new type of plant, when a plant fails, at the end of the growing season, at the beginning of the growing season, and the like. The modular vegetated canopy600may also or instead be used to pre-grow a plant on the trellis so that a full canopy can be added to the supporting structure at a desired time, such as the beginning of the season, when a plant fails, when an owner wants a new type of plant, and the like.

As described herein, a modular vegetated canopy600may include a soil container610, one or more external members620(e.g., a plurality of substantially rigid external members620), and one or more connecting members630.

The soil container610may be structurally configured to engage with a soil container support formed on a support structure. By way of example, the soil container610shown inFIG. 6may be structurally configured to engage with the soil container130inFIG. 1, where the soil container130inFIG. 1can be thought of as more of a structure for supporting and/or aligning a soil container610such as that shown inFIG. 6. For example, the soil container610may be sized and shaped to fit within the soil container support in a predetermined configuration.

The soil container610may vary in size, e.g., depending on the dimensions of the trellis. The dimensions soil container610may be typical of soil potting containers used in the nursery plant trade. For example, in implementations, the soil container610may include a capacity between about one and twenty gallons. The soil container610may otherwise generally be sized and shaped to contain soil and plant roots.

The one or more external members620(e.g., a plurality of substantially rigid external members620) may extend from the soil container610, an anchoring structure640, or the like adjacent to or cooperating with the soil container610. In an implementation, once the vegetated canopy600is connected to a support structure, the external members620may no longer be physically attached to the soil container610or the like, but rather the external members620may be solely connected to the ribs of the support structure. As the name suggests, the external members620may be disposed on the perimeter of the modular vegetated canopy600. For example, a modular vegetated canopy600may include two external members620extending from the edges of the soil container610or anchoring structure640. However, in implementations, one or more external members620may also or instead be disposed within the perimeter of the overall modular vegetated canopy600. Thus, the term “external” when used to describe the external members620may be a word of convenience, and not necessarily meant to limit the external members620to a position on the perimeter of the modular vegetated canopy600. For example, a modular vegetated canopy600may include three external members620, with two extending from the edges/perimeter of the soil container610or an anchoring structure640, and one extending from a central portion (interior portion) of the soil container610or an anchoring structure640. Other configurations are possible as will be readily apparent based on this disclosure.

One or more of the substantially rigid external members620may be structurally configured to engage with one or more ribs formed on a support structure, such as the ribs140as described with reference toFIG. 1. To this end, each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620may be sized and shaped to fit onto one or more ribs formed on the support structure in a predetermined configuration. For example, an external member620may include a channel or the like for receiving a rib of the support structure within the channel. An external member620may instead simply fit on top of a rib of the support structure. Each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620may instead be sized and shaped to fit within the one or more ribs formed on the support structure in a predetermined configuration. For example, a rib may include a channel or the like for receiving an external member620within the channel. The engagement between the one or more ribs formed on the support structure and the external member620may be a snap-fit connection, friction fit connection, or similar.

In implementations, each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620may include one or more engagement features622structurally configured to cooperate with corresponding engagement features disposed on the support structure, e.g., to align the plurality of substantially rigid external members620in one or more predetermined configurations on the support structure. The one or more engagement features622may include a fastener that can be adjusted for tightening, loosening, or releasing a substantially rigid external member620from a rib formed on the support structure. The fastener may include without limitation one or more of a bolt, a clamp, a clip, a dowel, a hook and loop connector, a nail, a nut, a pin, a screw, a slider, and the like.

The one or more engagement features622may also or instead include a first hole on each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620that aligns with a second hole disposed on the support structure, e.g., on a rib of the support structure. In such an implementation, a fastener or the like (such as those described above) may be disposed through each of the first hole and the second hole to secure one or more substantially rigid external members620to the support structure. The one or more engagement features622may also or instead include one or more of protrusions, depressions, and holes, e.g., formed on one or more of the external members620and the ribs of the support structure. For example, an external member620may include a protrusion and a rib of the support structure may include a corresponding/cooperating depression or hole (or vice-versa), where the protrusion fits into the depression or hole.

The predetermined configuration of the external members620on the ribs of the support structure may ensure a correct or desired alignment of the modular vegetated canopy600on the support structure. A plurality of configurations may be possible, e.g., such that a plurality of modular vegetated canopies600can fit onto a support structure in a variety of patterns, shapes, and so on. In this manner, the modular vegetated canopies600may fit onto a support structure like puzzle pieces, e.g., to fill gaps or to leave gaps where such gaps may be desired.

The plurality of substantially rigid external members620may include one or more of aluminum, steel, plastic, bamboo, wood, and the like.

Each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620may include a cross-section of about 0.5 to 3 inches, and a length of about 48 to 72 inches. For example, the external members620may include a length of about 50 inches. In an implementation, the external members620are spaced apart at their widest point by about 53.50 inches.

The one or more connecting members630may be disposed along a length of one or more of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620. For example, each of the connecting members630may be equally spaced from one another along the length of an external member620.

The one or more connecting members630may attach at least one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620to another one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620. As shown in the figure, the plurality of substantially rigid external members620and the one or more connecting members630may thereby form a trellis structurally configured to support vegetation602thereon.

The one or more connecting members630may include one or more of a cable, a cord, a string, a rope, a monofilament (e.g., fishing line or the like), and the like. In an implementation, a connecting member630includes a metal material. For example, the connecting member630may include a stainless steel material. In an implementation, a connecting member630includes a non-metal material. For example, the connecting member630may include one or more of cotton, jute, nylon, hemp, and the like.

Each of the connecting members630may include a cross-section of about 1/32 to ¼ inches.

The modular vegetated canopy600may include one or more stakes604or the like attached to the soil container610or an anchoring structure640or the like adjacent to or cooperating with the soil container610. The stakes604may be structurally configured to engage with the plurality of substantially rigid external members620thereby aligning the plurality of substantially rigid external members620in a predetermined configuration relative to the soil container610or the anchoring structure640. The stakes604may also or instead be inserted into the soil container610in an embodiment. The stakes604may be made from a metal material or the like.

The modular vegetated canopy600may include an anchoring structure640adjacent to or cooperating with the soil container610. In an implementation, the external members620are connected to the anchoring structure640. The anchoring structure640may include a support block or the like, which may be configured to hold the trellis upright or otherwise in a predetermined or desired configuration. The support block may be attached to each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members620and the soil container610. The support block may be structurally configured to align the plurality of substantially rigid external members620in a predetermined configuration relative to the soil container610. The support block may include one or more of wood, concrete (e.g., concrete block or cinder block), metal, and/or other materials. The dimensions of the anchoring structure640may be suitable to support the trellis. In an implementation, the anchoring structure640is about 9.00 inches deep and about 24.00 inches wide.

The overall shape of modular vegetated canopies600may vary. For example, althoughFIG. 6shows a substantially triangular shape with the soil container610substantially disposed at the vertex of the substantially triangular shape, the modular vegetated canopies600may include other substantially polygonal or non-polygonal shapes including without limitation a substantially square shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially curved shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, or otherwise), a substantially pentagonal shape, and so on and so forth. To obtain a substantially triangular shape, the external members620may be configured so that they project from the anchoring structure640or soil container610at angles of about 60 degrees. Other angles, e.g., acute angles, are possible.

One of the advantages of a modular vegetated canopy600is that it may allow for a plant to be grown at a nursery prior to the modular vegetated canopy600being attached to a support structure. This may ensure that the support structure can be equipped with a fully grown plant canopy when it is placed into service at an establishment, e.g., a commercial establishment such as a restaurant. The modular vegetated canopies600may also allow for relatively easy removal and replacement of plant canopies on a support structure.

FIG. 7illustrates a vegetated canopy system, in accordance with a representative embodiment. In general, the vegetated canopy system700may include a support structure701and a modular canopy750. Specifically,FIG. 7illustrates how the modular canopy750may plug into/onto the support structure701.

The vegetated canopy system700may be used for placing a canopy of live plants (e.g., the modular canopy750) on a support structure701. In general, external members752of a modular canopy750may align with ribs740of a support structure701so that these components can be attached for extended periods of time. The attachment may be reinforced using, e.g., corresponding screw holes or the like that align so that these components can be bolted together or otherwise secured with a fastener.

The support structure701may be sized and shaped for providing a vegetated canopy therein or thereon. As shown in the figure, the support structure701may be part of an umbrella or an umbrella-like structure. However, it will be understood that the support structure701may also or instead include other structures including without limitation an awning, a tent, a shade, a waiting area, a sitting area, a pergola, a canopy tent, and the like. Thus, unless explicitly stated to the contrary or otherwise clear from the context, the support structure701as described herein can be an umbrella-like structure or a non-umbrella structure.

As stated above, in an implementation, the support structure701may include an umbrella-like structure. In such an implementation, the support structure701may include a base disposed on a bottom end of the support structure701(although the base is not shown in this figure,FIG. 1provides an example of a base110). The support structure701may include a post720connected to the base, where the post720extends from the bottom end of the support structure701to a top end706of the support structure701. The support structure701may include a soil container support730connected to the post720at the top end706of the support structure701. The support structure701may include a plurality of ribs740projecting from the top end706of the support structure701, where the plurality of ribs740are structurally configured to support one or more vegetated canopies disposed thereon—e.g., a modular canopy750disposed thereon.

As stated above, in an implementation, the support structure701may include a non-umbrella structure, such as an awning, a pergola, and the like. In such implementations, the support structure701may include a soil container support730, and a plurality of ribs740disposed along the support structure701, where the plurality of ribs740are structurally configured to support one or more vegetated canopies disposed thereon—e.g., a modular canopy750disposed thereon. Thus, the non-umbrella structure may lack a post720and/or a base. Alternatively, the post720may be the supports for an elevated structure that includes the soil container support730and plurality of ribs740, e.g., the legs of a pergola.

As stated above, the vegetated canopy system700may include a modular canopy750for attachment to the support structure701. The modular canopy750may include a soil container760structurally configured to engage with the soil container support730of the support structure701. As shown in the figure, the soil container support730may include a structure that is configured to receive the soil container760therein or thereon. For example, the soil container support730may receive the soil container760in the location shown by arrow770in the figure. The soil container760may sit wholly or partially within a cavity771of a structure that forms the soil container760(e.g., the box-like structure shown in the figure). Additionally or alternatively, the soil container support730may include a projection772or the like that receives an opening762or the like included on the soil container760. The projection772may be disposed on a surface of the soil container support730or within a cavity771of the soil container support730. Alternatively, the soil container760itself may include such a projection or the like that cooperates with an opening, depression, or the like on the soil container support730. As stated above and as shown in the figure, in an implementation, the soil container support730includes a cavity771, where the soil container760fits within the cavity771. The size and shape of the cavity771may cooperate with the size and shape of the soil container760in order to align and position the modular canopy750relative to the support structure701. For example, the soil container support730may include a box-shaped opening that receives a box-shaped soil container760. Other shapes are possible, where these shapes can dictate positioning of the modular canopy750relative to the support structure701.

The modular canopy750may include a plurality of substantially rigid external members752. Each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752may be structurally configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of ribs740of the support structure701. For example, each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752may be sized and shaped to fit onto at least one of the plurality of ribs740of the support structure701in a predetermined configuration. Each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752may also or instead be sized and shaped to fit within at least one of the plurality of ribs740of the support structure701in a predetermined configuration.

In implementations, each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752includes one or more engagement features722structurally configured to cooperate with corresponding engagement features724disposed on the plurality of ribs740of the support structure701to align the plurality of substantially rigid external members752in predetermined configurations on the support structure701. The engagement features722,724may include a first hole on each of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752that aligns with a second hole disposed on at least one of the plurality of ribs740of the support structure701. A fastener or the like may be disposed through each of the first hole and the second hole to secure one or more substantially rigid external members752to the support structure701. The engagement features722,724may also or instead include one or more of protrusions, depressions, and holes.

The modular canopy750may include one or more connecting members754disposed along a length of one or more of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752and attaching at least one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752to another one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members752. The plurality of substantially rigid external members752and the one or more connecting members754may thereby form a trellis, where the trellis is structurally configured to support vegetation702.

Similar to the embodiment described above with reference toFIG. 1, the post720may include a pathway formed therein or thereon.

The vegetated canopy system700may include a supply line as described herein. The supply line may be disposed in the pathway of the post720from the bottom end of the support structure701to the top end706of the support structure701, e.g., to provide one or more of water and nutrients from the bottom end of the support structure701to the top end706of the support structure701. Thus, the supply line may provide water and/or nutrients to one or more of the soil container760and vegetation702included on the modular canopy750.

In implementations, the supply line may be in fluid communication with a pump and a reservoir containing water. The supply line may also or instead be in fluid communication with at least one of a hose and a hose bibb.

The vegetated canopy system700may include an irrigation system as described herein. The irrigation system may include one or more of a pump and a valve connected to the supply line and structurally configured to control an amount of water and/or nutrients supplied through the supply line to one or more of the soil container760and vegetation702included on the modular canopy750. The irrigation system may also or instead include a controller programmed to control operation of one or more of the pump and the valve, and a power supply electrically coupled to one or more of the pump, the valve, and the controller.

The irrigation system may also or instead include one or more sensors. For example, the irrigation system may include a sensor configured to detect a moisture level in soil contained in the soil container760, where the controller is configured to receive a first signal from the sensor and to control operation of one or more of the pump and the valve in response to the first signal. The irrigation system may also or instead include a second sensor configured to detect a thermal property of one or more of soil contained in the soil container760and vegetation702included on the modular canopy750, where the controller is configured to receive a second signal from the second sensor and to control operation of one or more of the pump and the valve in response to at least one of the first signal and the second signal.

The controller of the irrigation system may be programmed to control an amount of water and/or nutrients supplied to at least one of the soil container760(e.g., soil included in the soil container760) and vegetation702included on the modular canopy750. The amount of water and/or nutrients supplied to the soil container760and/or vegetation702included on the modular canopy750may be based on one or more of a predetermined time interval or a predetermined schedule. For example, water may be supplied at certain times throughout a predetermined time period, e.g., certain times throughout the day, throughout the night, or throughout other specified time periods. Water may also or instead be supplied at other time intervals, which can be based on weather, climate, season, location, and so forth. Thus, the amount of water and/or nutrients supplied to the soil container760and/or vegetation702included on the modular canopy750may be based on a schedule, which can be set by a user, and which can vary depending upon certain factors/parameters.

The power supply of the irrigation system may include a photovoltaic panel and a rechargeable battery. For example, the photovoltaic panel may be disposed on the top end of the support structure701and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery to charge the rechargeable battery.

The irrigation system and/or the supply line may include one or more of a soaker hose and a drip irrigation tube disposed in the soil container760and connected to the supply line.

One or more of the soil container760and the soil container support730may include a drain in communication with a pathway included in the post720, where the drain is structurally configured to drain excess water from the soil container760through the pathway.

The vegetated canopy system700may include a mechanism for raising and lowering the ribs740of the support structure701, e.g., in an embodiment where the support structure701includes an umbrella or the like. The mechanism may include a locking feature (e.g., disposed on a vertex708or other finial or sub-finial structure disposed at the top end706of the support structure701) for securing the ribs740in place, and a hinge for the ribs740to pivot/swivel between a raised and a lowered position. The hinge may be disposed in an area709where the ribs740and the soil container support730meet, e.g., along a rim of the soil container support730. In an implementation, the locking feature may include a spring lock, an actuator, a slider, a clip, or the like, where the locking feature secures the ribs740in place when in a raised position, and where the locking feature can be activated by a trigger that releases the locking feature. The trigger may be activated by a cable or the like attached to the locking feature, e.g., where the cable runs through the rib740or the post720.

FIGS. 8-11illustrate various vegetated canopy systems, in accordance with representative embodiments. As explained throughout this disclosure, the vegetated canopy systems may include a vegetated canopy (e.g., a modular vegetated canopy) engaged with a support structure that may take many different forms.FIGS. 8-11illustrate various examples.

As shown inFIG. 8, the vegetated canopy system800may include a support structure in the form of an umbrella or the like.

As shown inFIG. 9, the vegetated canopy system900may include a support structure in the form of an awning or the like, e.g., covering a seating area901or the like.

As shown inFIG. 10, the vegetated canopy system1000may include a support structure in the form of a freestanding covering or the like, e.g., covering a seating area1001or waiting area such as a bus stop or the like.

As shown inFIG. 10the vegetated canopy system1000may include a support structure1002for providing a vegetated canopy, where the support structure1002includes a soil container support1030and a plurality of ribs1040disposed along the support structure1002. The plurality of ribs1040may be structurally configured to support one or more vegetated canopies disposed thereon.

The vegetated canopy system1000may further include one or more modular canopies1050structurally configured to attach to the support structure1002. The modular canopy1050may include a soil container1060structurally configured to engage with the soil container support1030of the support structure1002. The modular canopy1050may also include a plurality of substantially rigid external members1052, where one or more of the plurality of substantially rigid external members1052is structurally configured to engage with one or more of the plurality of ribs1040of the support structure1002. The modular canopy1050may further include one or more connecting members1054disposed along a length of one or more of the plurality of substantially rigid external members1052and attaching at least one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members1052to another one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members1052, where the plurality of substantially rigid external members1052and the one or more connecting members1054thereby form a trellis structurally configured to support vegetation thereon.

As shown inFIG. 11, the vegetated canopy system1100may include a support structure in the form of a freestanding covering or the like. As shown in this figure, modular vegetated canopies1102may be disposed on top of the support structure, and/or on the sides of the support structure.

Similar to the example embodiment described above inFIG. 1, the embodiments shown inFIGS. 8-11may include features for making the vegetated canopy systems self-contained. For example, similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the various vegetated canopy systems included inFIGS. 8-11may each include a structural frame comprising a soil container disposed at a first end of the structural frame, where the soil container is in communication with a pathway, and a plurality of ribs projecting from the first end of the structural frame, where the plurality of ribs are structurally configured to support one or more vegetated canopies disposed thereon. The various vegetated canopy systems included inFIGS. 8-11may also or instead include a supply line disposed in the pathway to provide one or more of water and nutrients to at least one of soil contained in the soil container and a vegetated canopy disposed on the structural frame. The various vegetated canopy systems included inFIGS. 8-11may also or instead include an irrigation system comprising one or more of a pump and a valve connected to the supply line and structurally configured to control an amount of water and/or nutrients supplied through the supply line to at least one of soil contained in the soil container and a vegetated canopy disposed on the structural frame. The various vegetated canopy systems included inFIGS. 8-11may also or instead include a controller programmed to control operation of one or more of the pump and the valve, and a power supply electrically coupled to one or more of the pump, the valve, and the controller. The various vegetated canopy systems included inFIGS. 8-11may also include a sensor configured to detect a moisture level in soil contained in the soil container, where the controller is configured to receive a first signal from the sensor and to control operation of one or more of the pump and the valve in response to the first signal. The various vegetated canopy systems included inFIGS. 8-11may further include a second sensor configured to detect a thermal property of one or more of soil contained in the soil container and a vegetated canopy disposed on the structural frame, where the controller is configured to receive a second signal from the second sensor and to control operation of one or more of the pump and the valve in response to at least one of the first signal and the second signal. In the various vegetated canopy systems included inFIGS. 8-11, the controller may also or instead be programmed to control an amount of water and/or nutrients supplied to at least one of the soil container and a vegetated canopy disposed on the structural frame based on one or more of a predetermined time interval or a predetermined schedule.

FIG. 12illustrates a flow chart of a method for providing a vegetated canopy, in accordance with a representative embodiment. In general, the method1200may include forming a vegetated canopy system through the cooperation of a modular canopy with a support structure. As described herein, the support structure may be one or more of a variety of structures including without limitation an umbrella, an awning, a tent, a shade, a pergola, a canopy tent, and the like.

As shown in block1202, the method1200may include providing a support structure. The support structure may include a soil container support and a plurality of ribs disposed along the support structure.

As shown in block1204, the method1200may include providing a modular canopy. The modular canopy may include a soil container, a plurality of substantially rigid external members, and one or more connecting members disposed along a length of one or more of the plurality of substantially rigid external members and attaching at least one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members to another one of the plurality of substantially rigid external members. The plurality of substantially rigid external members and the one or more connecting members may come together to form a trellis structurally configured to support vegetation.

As shown in block1206, the method1200may include engaging the soil container of the modular canopy with the soil container support of the support structure.

As shown in block1208, the method1200may include engaging at least one substantially rigid external member of the modular canopy with at least one rib of the support structure. Engagement of the soil container with the soil container support, and engagement of the at least one substantially rigid external member with the at least one rib, may thereby form a vegetated canopy system.

FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view of a top end of an apparatus for providing a vegetated canopy, in accordance with a representative embodiment. The apparatus1300may be the same or similar to one or more examples shown and described above, e.g., where the support structure includes an umbrella or the like.FIG. 13shows an example of how the ribs1340may be raised and lowered in an embodiment. To this end, the apparatus1300may include a mechanism for raising and lowering the ribs1340. In general, the mechanism may include a locking feature for securing the ribs1340in place, and a hinge or the like for the ribs1340to pivot/swivel between a raised and a lowered position. For example, the mechanism may include a spring lock1372or the like, where the spring lock1372secures the ribs1340in place when in a raised position, and where the spring lock1372can be activated by a trigger that releases the spring included in the spring lock1372(e.g., by compressing the spring) to release the ribs1340for lowering the ribs1340. The trigger may be activated by a pull cord1374or the like attached to the spring lock1372, e.g., where the pull cord1374is threaded through the rib1340or the post1320.

As shown in the figure, each rib1340in the plurality of ribs1340may be connected to the top end1306of the structural frame1302via a hinged connection1370that permits the plurality of ribs1340to be lowered and raised by a user. The hinged connection1370may include a pin or the like about which the rib1340can pivot. The hinged connection1370may be disposed at a rim of the soil container or adjacent thereto.

The apparatus1300may include a vertex1308disposed at the top end1306of the structural frame1302. The vertex1308may generally include a structure formed at a convergent point of the ribs1340at the top end1306of the structural frame1302. The vertex1308may include one or more apertures1310or cavities configured to receive a projection1344disposed on ends1342of the ribs1340for securing the ribs1340to the top end1306of the structural frame1302. In an implementation, the projection1344is movable to release the ribs1340such that the ribs1340can be lowered via the hinged connection1370. It is instead possible for apertures or cavities to be disposed on the ribs1340, where the vertex1308includes movable projections.

The projection1344may be connected to a spring lock1372or the like. In an implementation, movement of the spring lock1372may move the projection1344into and out of engagement with the one or more apertures1310on the vertex1308.

The apparatus1300may include a pull cord1374or the like, e.g., including at least one rope, cable, or chain secured to the spring lock1372. In an implementation, pulling of the pull cord1374may activate the spring lock1372by compressing the spring to disengage the projection1344from the one or more apertures1310on the vertex1308.

As shown in the figure, the vertex1308may include a polyhedral-type shape (e.g., a tetrahedron), where the number of surfaces/faces about an axis match the number of ribs1340, and where each surface/face includes an aperture1310or cavity for receiving a projection1344of the rib1340. However, the apparatus1300may also or instead include a clipping ring or the like (see, e.g., the ring138ofFIG. 1), e.g., on the vertex1308, on a soil container support, on a soil container, or otherwise disposed at the top end1306of the structural frame1302. Such a clipping ring may lock the ribs1340into place. Further, although the vertex1308is shown as a convergence point/area for the ribs1340, the vertex1308may also or instead include a finial structure or sub-finial structure of the apparatus1300.

It will be appreciated that the devices, systems, and methods described above are set forth by way of example and not of limitation. Absent an explicit indication to the contrary, the disclosed steps may be modified, supplemented, omitted, and/or re-ordered without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Numerous variations, additions, omissions, and other modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the order or presentation of method steps in the description and drawings above is not intended to require this order of performing the recited steps unless a particular order is expressly required or otherwise clear from the context.

It should further be appreciated that the methods above are provided by way of example. Absent an explicit indication to the contrary, the disclosed steps may be modified, supplemented, omitted, and/or re-ordered without departing from the scope of this disclosure.