FIELD

[0001] The embodiments relate to canopies and, more specifically, relate to canopies and similar temporary and/or permanent structures having luminary components.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Businesses often utilize customized canopies and similar temporary structures to advertise their business while sheltering individuals from the elements. Canopies may be permanent or collapsible and constructed of metal or wood. Collapsible canopies include a metal frame with a fabric roof. The frame is universal while the fabric is customized with colors and signage for the particular business. Similar structures such as umbrellas also use a standard frame with a customizable fabric cover.

[0003] Most canopies offer few options for users to customize the appearance of their components. Further, no canopies exist which integrate with a user’s computing device to allow for on-demand customization of the appearance of the canopies to help businesses stand out from their competitors.

[0004] Similarly, businesses and individuals alike utilize temporary structures including folding tables, folding chairs, umbrellas, etc. These items are often easily transportable and may be applied to various settings; however, few of these items are customizable to allow the individual to customize the item to their home, business logo, mood, surrounding environment, or other preferences.

[0005] Advances in light-emitting diode (LED) technology have allowed their disposal in various structures. LED’s are easily programmable to emit visible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths and have a low energy consumption, longer lifespan, smaller size, and fast switching making them ideal for portable items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] The embodiments disclosed herein provide an illuminated structure comprising a plurality of lighting elements disposed within a transparent or semi-transparent frame, configured as a portable item. A microcontroller controls the light emitted by the plurality of lighting elements, and a memory is in operable communication with the microcontroller. The memory is configured to store operational instructions transmitted to the microcontroller to customize the output of each of the plurality of lighting elements.

[0008] The embodiments provide a means for customizing a structure using programmable light emitting diodes to allow the user to adjust various aspects of the appearance of the structure. For example, a business may utilize the illuminated structure by matching the color of the lighting elements to the business colors in order to draw attention to the business. In another example, the structure may be illuminated to provide light to the surrounding environment of the structure.

[0009] In one aspect, the transparent or semi-transparent frame and lighting elements therein allow for users to customize the appearance and direct attention to their structure.

[0010] In other aspects, the structure may be configured as a canopy, a tent, an awning, an umbrella, or similar structure providing shelter to an area. [0011] In one aspect, the roof of the structure includes customized advertising materials. The roof may be removably engaged with the frame to allow for the exchange of roofs having various customized designs, markings, patterns, or insignia thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the illuminated canopy, according to some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the illuminated canopy frame, according to some embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a detail view of the illuminated frame including the lighting elements, according to some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an illuminated patio umbrella, according to some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an illuminated folding table, according to some embodiments; and

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic of the system infrastructure, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

[0021] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it i s noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0022] In general, the embodiments presented include a structure having a frame. The frame may be provided as a permanent structure having rigid legs supporting a fabric canopy. The frame can also be collapsible to facilitate storage and transportation of the canopy. A plurality of supports extend between the frame to provide rigidity to the structure and support the roof.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates the illuminated structure 100 having a frame 105 arranged as a canopy

110. The frame 105 is a semi-transparent frame 105 to provide support to a roof 115. A plurality of lighting elements 120 are disposed within the semi-transparent frame 105, which permits the emission of light from the plurality of lighting elements 120 through the semi-transparent frame

105 to allow the customization of the appearance of the structure 100 via a microcontroller in communication with the plurality of lighting elements 120. [0024] In some embodiments, the lighting element elements 120 are a light-emitting diodes (LED’s) to provide a modular light source which may be programmable by a user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the frame 105 is a fully transparent frame 105.

[0026] In some embodiments, the frame includes a power source to supply power to a plurality of lights positioned in the frame. The power source can include a rechargeable battery or a power supply adapter as is known in the arts. A high current converter may be provided to reduce the voltage from 12V if light emitting diodes (LED's) are used.

[0027] In some embodiments, the illuminated structure 100 may comprise a plurality of power outlets and/or USB ports to provide a means for receiving power from the illuminate structure for charging computing devices or other electronic devices.

[0028] In some embodiments, the frame 105 of the illuminated structure 100 may further comprise a WiFi router or other wireless or wired communication technology known in the arts for providing permitted users a means to connect to the internet or a local network within a proximity of the structure 100.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the semi-transparent frame 105 configured as an illuminated canopy comprising a plurality of supports 205, 210, 215, 220 each comprising a base 225, 230, 235, 240 and a receiver 245, 250, 255, 260 to receive the roof frame 265. The roof frame is comprised of a plurality of lateral supports 270. Each lateral support 270 may be semi-transparent and configured to receive one or more lighting elements therein such that the lateral supports 270 may be illuminated. [0030] In some embodiments, the lateral supports 270 and the supports 205, 210, 215, 220 may be programmable to emit different light colors, patterns, or intensities.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a detail view of the semi-transparent frame 105 and the lighting elements 120 therein. The semi-transparent frame 105 comprises a plurality of sidewalls 300 to form an interior 310 which may be configured in various shapes including cuboid structures, cylinders, or similar shapes to retain a plurality of lighting elements 120. The semi-transparent frame 105 provides a suitably protective barrier between the lighting elements 120 and the external environment. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the semi-transparent frame may be configured in various sizes, shapes, and configurations to be utilized for various illuminated items. The items may include chairs, umbrellas, gazebos, tables, and similar structures which are commonly portable, while the embodiments are not constrained by portability.

[0032] In some embodiments, the semi-transparent frame 105 may be extendable and retractable as is known in the arts. For example, the semi-transparent frame 105 may include telescoping members to allow the supports to extend and raise the height of the canopy.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an illuminated umbrella 400 comprising an illuminated pole 410 extending from an umbrella base 420 to an umbrella canopy 430. FIG. 5 illustrates an illuminated table 500 comprising a plurality of semi-transparent legs 510, 520, 530, 540. Both the illuminated umbrella 400 and the illuminated table may be in communication with a computing device to modify the appearance of the structure.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a microcontroller 600 and processor 630 in communication with the lighting elements 120 of the illuminated structure 100. The microcontroller 600 can operate using open source hardware programmed to have various color, intensity, or light pattern. The microcontroller 600 is in communication with a computing device 620 having an input/output device to provide an interface 627 and commands to the microcontroller 600. The interface 627 is provided via an application system 625 downloaded to the computing device 620. A processor executed instructions stored in a memory module. The computing device 620 can include a personal electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet. The microcontroller 600 is in communication with a memory 635 of stored commands executed by the processor 130. Each command can be preprogrammed using various user settings input on the computing device. The memory 635 stores a plurality of operational modes to change the color, intensity, and pattern of light emitted by the lighting elements 120. Further one or more audio elements 629 are attached to the illuminated structure 100 and in communication with the microcontroller 600 to provide programmable sound to the illuminated structure 100. The memory 635 may be configured to store audio information which may be transmitted to the audio elements 629.

[0035] In some embodiments, the structure is comprised of one or more transparent surfaces configured as a housing for the plurality of lighting elements 120 and electrical components thereof. The lighting elements 120 are powered via a power source. The transparent surfaces allow for light to pass therethrough and illuminate the frame of the structure. The color, intensity, light pattern, and routine can be selectively programmed using the computing device 620 in wireless communication with the microcontroller 600. [0036] In some embodiments, the frame is constructed having one or more semi-transparent surfaces which may include plastics, metals, polymers, organic materials, and combinations thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, the structure may be configured as a canopy, a tent, an awning, an umbrella, or similar structure providing shelter to an area. Each configuration may be permanent, collapsible, and/or portable.

[0038] In some embodiments, the roof of the structure includes customized advertising materials.

The roof may be removably engaged with the frame to allow for the exchange of roofs having various customized designs, markings, patters, or insignia thereon. The computing device may change the lighting elements to correspond to the roof.

[0039] The memory module may include a computer readable medium storing the application, which may include instructions. In an embodiment, the memory module may contain different components for retrieving, presenting, changing, and saving data and may include computer- readable media. The memory module may include a variety of memory devices, for example,

Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), flash memory, cache memory, and other memory devices. Additionally, for example, a memory module and processors may be distributed across several different computing devices that collectively comprise a system. The memory module is capable of storing each user-generated information to be displayed on the computing device display.

[0040] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0041] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.