U.S. patent application number 11/333496 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for facetent for avoiding solar radiation.
Invention is credited to Catherine Baek, Devyn Baek, Jennie Baek.
Application Number | 20070028358 11/333496 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37595708 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028358 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baek; Catherine ; et
al. |
February 8, 2007 |
Facetent for avoiding solar radiation
Abstract
The present invention discloses a collapsible shade for avoiding
solar radiation. The shade includes a first oblong segment of
material which forms the base of the apparatus. In one aspect, the
first oblong segment of material includes, situated around its
perimeter, a first malleable element, such as a wire, to expand the
segment of material to an expanded shape when uncollapsed. The
shade further includes a second oblong segment of material which
forms the dome of the apparatus. The second oblong segment contains
a second malleable element disposed around its perimeter to enable
the apparatus to form a dome-like configuration when uncollapsed. A
user can then shade his or her face or other objects under the
dome. The apparatus also includes a flap attached to a longer end
of the second oblong segment, which can be rolled up and attached
to the second oblong segment when not in use. The apparatus is
collapsible for easy and convenient storage and transport, and can
be placed into a circular pouch or similar containment
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Baek; Catherine; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Baek; Jennie; (Los Angeles, CA)
; Baek; Devyn; (Ladera Ranch, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP
2049 CENTURY PARK EAST
34TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067-3208
US
|
Family ID: |
37595708 |
Appl. No.: |
11/333496 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60692130 |
Jun 20, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/171 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 23/00 20130101;
A45B 2023/0006 20130101; A45B 2023/0093 20130101; E04H 15/40
20130101; A45B 11/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/171 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/04 20060101
A42B001/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for avoiding solar radiation on objects such as a
face and adjacent body parts of a user, comprising: (1) a solar
shade, comprising: (a) a first oblong disk forming a base of the
solar shade, the first oblong disk comprising a first malleable
element disposed across a perimeter of the first oblong disk; (b) a
second oblong disk forming a dome of the solar shade, wherein
non-elongated ends of the second oblong disk are coupled,
respectively, to non-elongated ends of the first oblong disk, the
second oblong disk further comprising a second malleable element
disposed across a perimeter of the second oblong disk; and (2)
solar shade containment means; wherein the solar shade is
collapsible for insertion into the containment means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flap disposed
across at least a portion of an elongated end of the second oblong
disk, the flap comprising attachment means to enable a user to
secure the flap near the top of the elongated disk.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first oblong disk
comprises supporting material.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first oblong disk
comprises a pillow.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first oblong disk
comprises an air bladder.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second malleable
elements comprise metal wires.
7. A collapsible shade for avoiding solar radiation, comprising: a
first segment of stretchable material in a substantially oblong
shape, the first segment used for placement on a surface; a second
segment of stretchable material in a substantially oblong shape,
wherein shorter ends of the second segment are attached,
respectively, to shorter ends of the first segment; a malleable
wire attached substantially around the perimeter of the second
segment; and a containment pouch; wherein the first and second
segments are collapsible by a user for insertion into the
pouch.
8. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the first segment further
comprises a separate malleable wire attached substantially around
its perimeter.
9. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the first segment further
comprises an air bladder.
10. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the first segment further
comprises a pillow.
11. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the second segment further
comprises a flap of material appended to a longer end of the second
segment.
12. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the second segment further
comprises a flap of material appended to a longer end of the second
segment; and wherein the second segment and the flap comprise
attachment means for rolling up and securing the flap at an area
adjacent the longer end.
13. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the first and second
segments comprise stretchable nylon.
14. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the first and second
segments comprise the same material.
15. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the pouch is substantially
circular.
16. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the pouch is less than
twenty-four inches in diameter.
17. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the malleable wire is sewn
into the second segment.
18. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the first and second
segments are sewn together.
19. The solar shade of claim 7, wherein the malleable wire is
contained within the perimeter of the second segment in a sewn
pocket.
20. A collapsible apparatus for avoiding solar radiation,
comprising: first disk means for use as a base for a user; second
disk means coupled to the first disk means, the second disk means
for use as ,dome for shading, wherein the first and second disk
means are collapsible; and containment means for maintaining the
collapsible form of the first and second disk means.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising flap means
coupled to the second disk means.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent
Application No. 60-692130, filed Jun. 20, 2005, and which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This application is related to mechanisms for avoiding solar
radiation in general, and a compact dome-like device for
accomplishing the same in particular.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various portable mechanisms for providing shade from solar
radiation have been proposed in the literature. One illustration of
such a mechanism is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,852, issued to
Dean. The combined sunbather shade and carrying case therein may be
used for providing shade to a selected bodypart for a user lying on
a flat surface, or a lawn chair.
[0006] One disadvantage of the shading mechanism as taught in Dean
is that, while allowing for a compact means of transporting a
sunshade, Dean provides no separation between the surface upon
which the user is situated and the body part sought to be shaded.
In addition, the "substantially C-shaped configuration" of Dean
limits its flexibility in terms of how it can be positioned to
avoid solar radiation from various angles as the position of the
sun changes relative to the user.
[0007] Another problem with the apparatus as described in Dean
relates to the complexity with which one is required to use the
mechanism. For example, using the apparatus in Dean for avoiding
solar radiation requires one to "remove flexible wire component 14
from within the pouch formed by panels 4 and position tubing 12
between panels 4 so that the joined arcurate perimeters of panels 4
snugly fit against tubing 12." After this step, the user must next
situate the mechanism in an appropriate manner to perform its
intended shading function. Thereupon, to return the device to a
condition suitable for use as a carrying case, the reverse steps
need to be taken. Accordingly, to achieve the objective of solar
shading via the use of a compact device, the Dean apparatus
presents an unduly complicated solution.
[0008] These and other problems with prior art shading systems are
addressed in the context of the present invention, described in
further detail below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A collapsible solar shade is disclosed for conveniently and
effectively avoiding solar radiation on a user's body parts (or
other objects) including, for example, the face, neck, and
decollete. The present invention includes a bottom disk, preferably
oblong, which forms the base of the solar shade. Disposed along the
perimeter of the bottom disk is a first malleable element, such as
a wire, that may be collapsed as shown herein, but otherwise is
situated to maintain the dome-like shape of the mechanism. The
bottom disk provides separation between an object or body part
sought to be shaded on one hand, and a surface upon which the solar
shade may be placed on the other hand. The present invention
further includes a top panel oblong disk, with the respective
shorter edges of the top oblong disk attached to the respective
shorter edges of the bottom oblong disk. Also disposed along the
perimeter of the top panel oblong disk is a second malleable
element, such as a wire, that may be collapsed as shown herein,
but, like the bottom disk, is otherwise is situated to maintain the
dome-like shape of the mechanism. In an alternative configuration,
the bottom disk is formed without using a malleable element. In
either implementation, the result is that the top panel oblong disk
forms a convex dome-like shape.
[0010] In another embodiment, an additional shading flap is
attached substantially along the perimeter of one of the longer
edges of the top panel oblong disk. The flap optionally contains a
Velcro or similar attachment, with a corresponding Velcro
attachment disposed at the top edge of the top panel oblong disk.
The flap can then be placed in a "rolled-up" configuration using
the corresponding Velcro attachment when not in use.
[0011] The present invention provides, by a simple twisting and
pressing means, for collapsing of the solar shading mechanism as
described herein. The collapsed mechanism may then be placed in a
suitable containment mechanism, such as a simple circular fabric
pouch, for easy transportation and access thereto.
[0012] Yet other advantages and features of the present invention
are set forth in the Detailed Description, Figures, and claims to
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a three-quarter view of an embodiment of
the apparatus according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 represents a view of an embodiment of the apparatus
according to the present invention with the flap down.
[0017] FIG. 5A represents a view of a first step of an embodiment
of the apparatus according to the present invention being
collapsed.
[0018] FIG. 5B represents a view of a second step of an embodiment
of the apparatus according to the present invention being
collapsed.
[0019] FIG. 5C illustrates a view of a third step of an embodiment
of the apparatus according to the present invention being
collapsed. front view of the apparatus according to the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 5D illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus according
to the present invention in its collapsed state.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a pouch according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] In general, in one aspect, the present invention includes a
collapsible solar shade for conveniently and effectively avoiding
solar radiation on a user's body parts (or other objects)
including, for example, the face, neck, hands, feet, and decollete.
In another aspect, the collapsible solar shade may include an
adjustable pull down flap for additional shading. In still another
aspect, the collapsible solar shade may be efficiently stored in a
compact containment means such as a pouch for the convenience of
the user.
[0023] FIG. 1 represents a front-view of the mechanism for solar
shading in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 is not collapsed, but rather has
been removed from the pouch or other containment device which with
it is associated. The solar shading mechanism in accordance with
this configuration includes a bottom disk 1, top disk 2, and a
rolled-up flap of material 3 affixed to an attachment 4, the
attachment 4 disposed substantially in the center of one of the
elongated sides of the mechanism.
[0024] The two disks 1 and 2 as depicted in FIG. 1 are preferably
oblong in the sense that they are each elongated in one direction.
Each disk 1 and 2 constitutes a section or segment of material.
Preferably, the segments of material are stretchable and employ
stretchy nylon, umbrella material, lightweight tent material, or
another suitable fabric. At least the top disk 2 and the (rolled
up) flap should also be substantially opaque so as to accomplish
the intended objective of providing a user or object protection
from solar radiation. In a typical configuration, the top disk 2 is
slightly larger than the bottom disk 1.
[0025] The solar shade in FIG. 1 is in its natural, uncollapsed
state. When uncollapsed, the mechanism is configured such that the
bottom disk 1 creates the base of the solar shade. The top disk 2
forms a convex-like dome shape. The non-elongated sides of the top
disk edges are affixed, respectively, to the non-elongated sides of
the bottom disk 1. The disks 1 and 2 may be attached by various
means, including, for example, simply sewing the material together.
Other attachment means may be equally suitable.
[0026] The rigidity of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is achieved by
the use of a first malleable wire 7 that is embedded in and
disposed around the perimeter of bottom disk 1, and a second
malleable wire 6 that is embedded in and disposed around the
perimeter of top disk 2. (In the embodiment shown, the fabric at
the perimeter of oblong disks 1 and 2 is covering the wires.) The
malleable wires 7 and 6 may be sewn into the fabric, or otherwise
may reside in designated pockets of the fabric associated with the
respective top disks 1 and 2. The wire 7 may form a "loop" which
extends around the perimeter of disk 1. Similarly, the wire 6 may
form a "loop" which extends around the perimeter of disk 2. One end
of the wires 7 and 6 may be attached to their other respective end
by any suitable means, such as through the use of glue, crimping, a
circular plastic attachment, etc. The malleable wires 7 and 6
should be composed of material (e.g., bendable metal or plastic)
that enables them to stretch to their maximum capabilities given
the constraints of oblong disks 1 and 2 when in uncollapsed form as
shown in FIG. 1. Provided the wires are malleable in that, among
other things, they expand to the largest shape within their
constraints (namely, the respective perimeters of the disks 1 and
2), the wires themselves need not be limited to having circular
diameters; their diameters may be flat, or another shape.
[0027] In this manner, the material used in the present invention
may be structured such that the domed tent is substantially
effortlessly collapsible for easy and efficient storage in a pouch
or other containment mechanism. Conversely, when a user is ready to
use the solar shade, he or she can simply remove it from the
containment pouch and the shade will automatically pop up to its
full domed-tent like position for immediate use. An embodiment of
the collapsing technique is further discussed with reference to
FIGS. 5A-D, below.
[0028] Other configurations may contemplate the use of multiple
segments of malleable wire 7 or of wire 6, with each end preferably
coupled together, to comprise the wire 7 or the wire 6 in FIG.
1.
[0029] Shown in FIG. 2 is a "three-quarter" view of an embodiment
of the present invention. As previously described, malleable wire 7
and malleable wire 6 are situated respectively across the
perimeters of bottom disk 1 and top disk 2 such that, when
uncollapsed, a "dome like" effect is created. Flap 3 is also
depicted as rolled up and connected to the top of disk 2.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
segment of malleable wire 7 is not used. Instead, the rigidity and
malleable nature of the wire 6 is used by itself to maintain the
solar shade in its uncollapsed, dome-like structure. In this
alternative embodiment, the non-elongated edges of bottom disk 1
are connected to the respective non-elongated edges of top disk 2,
such as through standard sewing or equivalent techniques, similar
to that described in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0031] The embodiment as described in FIGS. 1 and 2 may, in some
instances, be more durable than the alternative embodiment
referenced immediately above. Selection of this embodiment may
depend, for example, on cost factors, or the specific shape of the
disks and the relative ease with which the solar shade will
seamlessly expand when uncollapsed.
[0032] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the present
invention. As can be seen, like in the other embodiments, the
smaller edge of bottom disk 1 is connected (e.g., sewn) to the top
disk 2. Wire 6, which also may be sewn into the fabric or otherwise
attached at the edges, encompasses the perimeter of top disk 2. The
flap 3 is in its folded state, connected to the top of disk 2.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a view of the solar shading apparatus with the
flap 3 down. FIG. 4 also shows the top disk and wire 6 disposed
along the perimeter of the disk. Obscured from view is the bottom
disk 1 by the extended flap 3. Arranged substantially in the center
of flap 3 is a strip of Velcro. Likewise, placed substantially in
the center of the front edge of disk 2 is a corresponding strip of
Velcro 4. The strips 4 and 5 in this embodiment are used to secure
the flap at the top of the solar shade (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) when
it is not desired for use or when the user intends to collapse the
mechanism. Uses of the flap 3 are discussed further, below. In
other embodiments, a drawstring or snap button may be used in place
of the Velcro mechanism to secure the flap when it is not in
use.
[0034] FIG. 5A shows an example of the solar shade in its initial
stages of being collapsed, for purposes of convenient storage and
transport. The material and wires used in the present invention are
structured so that the solar shade may be substantially
effortlessly collapsed for easy and efficient storage. A user (not
shown) may hold the solar shade by its sides (i.e., in or around
the area, such as shown in FIG. 2, where the respective
non-elongated sides of disk 1 and disk 2 are attached). The user
then twists the solar shade. FIG. 5A represents an illustration of
the state of the shade when being held and twisted in its initial
stages of being collapsed. Thereupon, the user continues to twist
the solar shade until the oblong disk 2 and associated malleable
wire 6 is substantially in the form of a "figure eight", and the
malleable wire 7 is concurrently also compressed into substantially
the form of a "figure eight" by virtue of the user's twisting of
the mechanism. FIG. 5B depicts a representation of the further
collapsed shade with the disk 2 and wire 6 (and disk 1 and wire 7)
pressed into this substantially "figure eight" form.
[0035] Finally, the user folds over one segment of the "figure
eight" over the other segment, and uses his or her hands to
compress the apparatus. FIG. 5C depicts an illustration of the
solar shade after being folded over, pressed down and substantially
collapsed. The malleable nature of the wires used in connection
with the present invention make it easy to collapse the solar shade
without compromising its structural integrity.
[0036] FIG. 5D shows the solar shade in its collapsed form. Note
that if the user (not shown) removes his or her hands from the
collapsed shade in FIG. 5D, the shade will revert to its original
dome-like position, illustrating one of the numerous advantages of
the apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a simple pouch for storing the collapsed
mechanism, substantially circular in nature, into which the
collapsed shade can be inserted in a compact and efficient manner.
The pouch is designed to have size proportions that are
commensurate with a snug storage of the solar shade in its
collapsed form. The pouch can then be compactly stored away or
transported as the user sees fit. Thereafter, as noted above, when
the user wishes to set up the solar shade, the user may simply
remove the shade from its storing pouch and it will automatically
reform to its working position upon removal.
[0038] It should be noted that, while FIG. 6 presents the storage
mechanism in the context of a simple pouch, other containment
mechanisms, such as a clip with a handle, may be equally suitable
and contemplated by those skilled in the art.
[0039] Various applications and embodiments of the solar shade are
now discussed. The size of the solar shade may vary depending on
the particular application, but in general, to further the benefits
of ease of transport, collapsibility and use, the solar shade may
be compact and not bigger than the specific application for which
it is designed. One typical application of the solar shade is with
respect to a sunbather who wishes to protect his or her face and
neck from exposure to the sun. In this application, the user may
place the dome-like structure on a substantially leveled surface
such as a floor, sunbathing chair, recliner, the ground, sand, and
the like. The user may then situate himself or herself by placing
the head underneath the shaded surface and on top of the disk 1
(e.g., FIG. 1).
[0040] In the above-described configuration, the solar shade may,
by way of example, be 20 inches high at its peak, and approximately
16 inches in length at the base. These figures are for illustrative
purposes only, as it may be contemplated by those in the art that
the specific dimensions are dependent upon design detail and not
critical to the present invention.
[0041] The benefits of the flap 3 illustrated with respect to FIG.
4 are particularly evident in the foregoing application.
Advantageously, to provide additional protection to the lower part
of the face and the neck or upper chest, the user may elect to pull
down the adjustable flap and thereby avoid excessive exposure to
solar radiation. The flap thereby provides versatility, unlike
other existing solutions, in enabling the user to control the
amount of desired solar exposure. The specific height of the flap,
again, represents a design detail not critical to the
implementation of the invention. However, in the example given
above relative to the use of the solar shade as a mechanism for
protecting the face and neck areas, an appropriate dimension for
the height of flap 3 may be 24 inches.
[0042] As noted above, the size of the solar shade may accordingly
vary depending on the needs of the user and the desired
application. As another illustration, another solar shade that may
be used to cover larger or smaller objects (whether a user's body
parts or other objects or materials such as a cooler) may be
constructed larger or smaller, respectively, to accommodate the
variations in possible applications.
[0043] As described above, the user or recreational sunbather may
rest the head on the base disk 1 (FIGS. 1-3). This disk provides a
foundational support to enable the user to separate the head from
the underlying surface upon which the collapsible solar shade is
placed, while the top disk 2 (FIGS. 1-4) provides shade from the
sun.
[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the base
disk 1 (FIGS. 1-3) of the solar shade may be augmented with an
extra level of thickness, including padding or stuffing to increase
the comfort level of the user. In effect, disk 1 may include a
"pillow", particularly if the user wishes to rest his head on a
particularly uneven, course, or grainy surface below. In yet
another embodiment of the invention, the extra thickness or
addition of a pillow may be constructed to maintain sufficient
"stretchiness", if required, so as not to compromise the ability of
the user to collapse the solar shade in the manner previously
discussed.
[0045] In still another embodiment, the base disk 1 may incorporate
an "air bladder" and a corresponding standard plug that the user
can inflate as desired. Thereafter, when the user wishes to
recollapse the solar shade (for example, for reinsertion into the
circular pouch), the user can simply open the plug to release the
air) and then perform the standard procedures discussed above for
collapsing the pouch.
[0046] Further, other materials may be equally suitable for forming
the perimeters or edges of the disks such as, for example,
malleable plastic rods, rubber tubing, or another appropriate
structure that enables the solar shade to maintain its natural,
open position and, where appropriate, to collapse for insertion
into the pouch.
[0047] Still different embodiments may be contemplated wherein the
present invention can be constructed using additional material. For
example, it may be appropriate to insert an additional flap or
partially-removable disk at the back side of the solar shade,
creating in effect a closed environment. This additional fabric may
act as an extra shield to prevent excessive exposure to the sun,
particularly as the angle of the sun moves with respect to the
sunbather. In these embodiments, the extra cloth or disk should be
constructed in a way so as not to restrict the naturally
collapsible form of the solar shade (See, for example, FIG. 4).
[0048] In the manufacturing of the solar shade, the oblong disks
that comprise the apparatus in this disclosure preferably
constitute discrete segments of material attached together by an
appropriate means as described above. In some instances, they may
actually originate from a single piece of material to form what is
in effect the equivalent of two oblong disks and a flap. In this
alternative configuration, the malleable metal wires may then be
inserted at the appropriate locations via a standard sewing process
or other known methods.
[0049] The color of the apparatus according to the present
invention may be varied in any color spectrum or combination
thereof, and appropriate designs and logos may be placed on the
apparatus and accompanying pouch. In addition, clamps or similar
materials may be included to secure the solar shade onto a
sunbathing chair or other surface, such that the solar shade will
remain firmly in place.
[0050] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this
detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *