Foldable Shade Device

Abstract

A foldable shade device is disclosed herein. The shade device includes a collapsible disc, a telescopic rod, a mechanical joint, and a handle. The handle is secured to the bottom segment of the telescopic rod for grip and durability. The collapsible disc is attached to the telescoping rod, on the end opposing the handle, by the mechanical joint. When in use, the fabric screen across the expanded disc offers sun protection and shade to the user. The user can position the device as desired by extending the telescoping rod and adjusting the angle of the disc. When not in use, the collapsible disc folds into itself, the telescoping rod retracts, and the mechanical joint can be closed. The user can place the folded device into a storage bag for convenient storage and portability. The device offers users protection from the sun during extended periods outdoors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of copending U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/843,477, filed on May 5, 2019, which is incorporated herein by this reference as if set forth in full below.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of sun-shades and more specifically the field of personal, hand-held sun shades. With greater particularity, this invention relates to an apparatus used as a foldable, hand-held shade device, designed to provide protection from the sun and other bright lights.

II. General Background

[0003] Sun exposure is both a nuisance and a concern for people spending extended periods of time outdoors. This is especially the case for individuals spending long periods of time in the hot sun at outdoor events such as music festivals. There is a need for a small portable device that provides shade and sun protection for these individuals. This invention eliminates the need to use "the hand as a visor or to squint into the sun", and is capable of folding and collapsing for easier storage and transport. For these individuals, having a portable sun protection device would be both convenient and minimize the impact of extended exposure to harsh sun rays, allowing them to remain outdoors for long periods of time more comfortably. This application incorporates by reference U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2019/0053587 and 2007/0012344 as if set forth in full below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a foldable, hand-held shade device, which provides the user protection from the sun or other bright lights. The core components of the invention are a collapsible disc, a telescopic rod, a mechanical joint, and a handle, which, generally speaking, are configured as follows:

[0005] The telescopic rod has a handle attached to one end. The opposite end of the telescopic rod is connected to the collapsible disc by the mechanical joint. When not in use, the telescopic rod and collapsible disc can each be collapsed into a smaller size, and the mechanical joint pivots closed, allowing the device to fold together for storage and transport. When in use, the telescopic rod is extended up to its full length, the collapsible disc is unfolded, and the mechanical joint is pivoted open, allowing the user to hold the device by the handle and position the disc to shield him or her from the sun.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and, wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the use of one embodiment of the foldable shade device during an `in-use` condition.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable shade device during an `in-use` condition.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable shade device during a closed and recessed condition.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable shade device during a `not-in-use` condition.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable shade device during an `in-use` condition.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the storage bag component used with the foldable shade device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a three dimensional perspective view of the mechanical joint component of the foldable shade device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view of the mechanical joint component of the foldable shade device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a top view of the mechanical joint component of the foldable shade device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a front view of the mechanical joint component of the foldable shade device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the recessed telescoping handle component of the foldable shade device according to one embodiment.

[0018] The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional) on the invention.

[0019] The appended drawings illustrate exemplary configurations of the invention and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention that may admit to other equally effective configurations. It is contemplated that features of one configuration may be beneficially incorporated in other configurations without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations or be entirely separate. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the device and method of the disclosure, as represented in the Figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the foldable shade device 1 during an `in-use` condition 2 according to one embodiment. The device 1 may be used as demonstrated to block direct exposure to sunlight. The device 1 stops sun rays from directly reaching the user's face, providing shade.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable shade device 1 during an `in-use` condition 2. The device 1 includes a collapsible disc 3 and a telescoping handle 5. When `in-use` the telescoping handle 5 can be extended to the desired length and the collapsible disc 3 expanded to block sunlight. A mechanical joint 6 connects the telescoping handle 5 and the collapsible disc 3 and is configured to accept each piece it is intended to connect. The telescoping handle 5 and the collapsible disc 3 are interchangeable. Both components can be connected via threads and assembled components to the mechanical joint 6 and can be easily removed and replaced with other styles of the same component.

[0023] In one embodiment, adjustable clips to lock the opened disc 3 into various positions are also available. These adjustable clips connect to one side of the collapsible disc 3 and back to the telescoping handle 5 preventing unwanted movement of the disc due to external forces. The clips are removable and can be stored in the same storage bag as the device 1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the foldable shade device 1 during a closed and recessed condition 7. In this embodiment, the telescoping handle 5 is retracted and rotated into a `closed` position using the mechanical joint 6 so that the telescoping handle 5 is folded against the fabric screen 8.

[0025] The collapsible disc 3 includes a flat metal ring 9 and fabric screen 8. The collapsible disc 3 can be made of a type of flat spring metal fashioned into a ring and mechanically held together at the point where it connects to the mechanical joint 6. The flat metal ring 9 forms the perimeter of the fabric screen 8. At any time, the user can rotate opposite sides of the disc 3 in opposite directions, as indicated by arrows A and B, to collapse the disc 3 onto itself. As the disc 3 collapses, the user tucks the folding disc into itself such that it decreases to approximately 1/3 the size of the total area and dimensions.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the ring 9 can be made of a variety of spring steel that allows for the folding and collapsing of the collapsible disc 3. The ring 9 can comprise a diameter between approximately 6 and 16 inches and can range in dimension from approximately 1-2 mm thick to approximately 3-5 mm in width.

[0027] The fabric screen 8 is sewn around the edge of the ring 9 to fully enclose the metal from view and direct touch except at the connection to the mechanical joint 6. The fabric screen 8 can be made with various types of fabric varying in thickness, style, color, pattern, chemicals added, and thread count. One possible fabric offers UV protection and is readily available commercially. In another embodiment, the fabric is thinner for easier folding and unfolding but doesn't offer UV protection. Other fabrics with and without UV protection are customizable in terms of appearance.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the foldable shade device 1 during a `not-in-use` condition 11. In the `not-in-use` condition 11, the collapsible disc 3 is folded into itself, such that it is decreased to approximately 1/3 of the total area and dimensions, allowing for easy storage and transport. The telescoping handle 5 can be retracted and rotated into a `closed` position using the mechanical joint 6 so that the handle 5 is folded against the fabric screen 8. In this condition 11, the device 1 is roughly an oblong oval-like shape that is approximately the thickness of the fabric screen 8 plus the thickness of the recessed telescoping handle 5.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the foldable shade device 1 during an `in-use` condition 10. In the `in-use` condition 10, the mechanical joint 6 can pivot into position at a variety of angles, allowing the collapsible disc 3 to be held in place at a variety of angles for sun protection. The collapsible disc 3 can snap and hold into the expanded position when removed from the storage bag 12.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the storage bag component 12 used with the foldable shade device 1 according to one embodiment. During a `not-in-use` condition 11, depicted in FIG. 4, the device 1 is ready for storage and can slip inside the storage bag 12 for transport and safekeeping. The storage bag 12 can be made of the same material as the fabric screen 8 and fashioned into a pouch or bag to hold the collapsed device 1.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, the storage bag 12 may be approximately 1/4 of the diameter of the expanded collapsible disc 3 in width and 1/4 of the diameter of the expanded collapsible disc 3 in length. Both of these dimensions can range +/-1/4-1/3 the diameter of the expanded collapsible disc 3. The storage bag 12 may be approximately 3-4 times the diameter of the mechanical joint arms 14 & 15 diameter, but can vary +/-1-2 times the diameter of the mechanical joint arms 14 & 15.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a three dimensional perspective view 18 of the mechanical joint 6 component of the foldable shade device 1 according to one embodiment. The mechanical joint 6 connects the telescoping handle 5 to the collapsible disc 3. The mechanical joint 6 permits the open and close function of the collapsible disc 3 from the telescoping handle 5. The joint 6, when in the `closed` position, has a first arm and a second arm 14 & 15 where connection to adjacent components is made, parallel to each other.

[0033] The mechanical joint 6, when expanded, has the arms 14 & 15 at -135 degrees (+15/-45 degrees) apart on the axis along which the arm travels. The arms 14 & 15 secure into position in both the `open` and `closed` position such that movements are intentional and the joint angle position is unlikely to be accidentally shifted due to transport, handling, exterior conditions, etc. These movements back and forth allows for the device 1 to be adjusted so the user can hold it in numerous positions and angles and still obtain sun protection. The joint 6 rotates about a single fixed point along the plane that the device 1 opens and closes. The joint 6 is comprised of a first arm and a second arm 14 & 15 that are connected by hardware at an attachment point 16. Each arm 14 & 15 is designed to accept the connection of the piece to which it is intended to connect. The first and second arms 14 & 15, one or both, may have additional parts/components that allow for improved connection to the adjacent components. The arms 14 & 15 are roughly 10 mm in diameter but can vary in diameter +/-5-10 mm. The arms 14 & 15 are roughly 25 mm in overall length but can vary in length by +/-5-15 mm. The arms 14 & 15 are primarily cylindrical in construction but can be made of other shapes at connection points to adjacent components and to each other.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a side view 19 of the mechanical joint 6 component of the foldable shade device 1 according to one embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the first and second arms 14 & 15 are approximately 3/8 of an inch. The arm 15 is wedged in-between a slot approximately 1/8 of an inch wide and 7/8 of an inch long that is formed by two prongs, each approximately 1/8 of an inch thick and 7/8 of an inch long at the end of arm 14. A bolt in the hardware at the attachment point 16 is placed in a hole approximately 1/8 of an inch in diameter, and holds the first and second arms 14 & 15 in place. This configuration allows arm 15 to freely pivot in that plane. Once the desired position for arm 15 is reached, the bolt in the hardware at the attachment point 16 can be tightened to secure the arm 15 in position. There are two retention plates, each approximately 1-inch square, placed on either side of the hardware at the attachment point 16 that are used to clamp the arms 14 & 15 in place.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a top view 20 of the mechanical joint 6 component of the foldable shade device 1 according to one embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment the retention plates in the hardware at the attachment point 16 are each approximately 1/8 of an inch thick and spaced 3/8 of an inch apart.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a front view 21 of the mechanical joint 6 component of the foldable shade device 1 according to one embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment the diameter of the first and second arms 14 & 15 is approximately 3/8 of an inch. The arm 15 is angled and comprised of a shorter portion approximately 10/8 of an inch long and a longer portion approximately 11/8 of an inch long.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the recessed telescoping handle 5 component of the foldable shade device 1 according to one embodiment. The telescoping handle 5 consists of a telescoping rod 17 and a gripping handle 4.

[0038] The telescoping rod 17 can be comprised of 4-7 sections of hollow stainless steel tubing nested inside one another that collapse to roughly the length of the largest section, A "V" groove can be fashioned into each section of the telescoping rod 17 to prevent the telescoping rod 17 from spinning around itself in the wind, however, the telescoping rod 17 can also be built without this groove and still provide the necessary functionality. The largest section of the telescoping rod 17, or the first end, is at the bottom of the device and the smallest section, or the second end, is at the top, or connection to the mechanical joint 6 of the device. The telescoping rod 17 can also be inverted so the larger diameter sections are farther from the collapsible disc 3 than the smaller diameter sections. The telescoping rod 17 varies in length but can be 3-6 inches when collapsed and 18-32 inches when expanded. The diameter of the telescoping rod 17 can vary from 5 to 20 mm, but is usually roughly the same diameter as the mechanical joint arms 14 & 15. The telescoping rod 17 can have a 1/4.times.20 male thread 13 attached to the smallest tubing section, or second end, for attachment to the mechanical joint 6.

[0039] In one embodiment, the smallest tube of the telescoping rod 17 can be 5 mm while the largest tube is 10 mm. In another embodiment, the smallest tube of the telescoping rod 17 can be 6 mm while the largest tube is 11 mm.

[0040] The telescoping handle 5 includes a gripping handle 4 around the first end of the telescoping rod 17 that can be made with a variety of features including a coating of rubber, leather or other similar material that promotes grip and durability. The diameter of the gripping handle 4, varies depending on the telescoping rod 17 being used, but is roughly 10-20% greater in diameter than the largest section of the telescoping rod 17. The telescoping handle 5 can include an eyelet 22 at the very tip that is 2 mm in diameter, to allow for a string to be connected for easier carrying, access or other ease of use or expanded functionality.

Claims

1. A foldable shade device comprising: a collapsible disc, said collapsible disc comprising a flat metal ring and a fabric screen, wherein said fabric screen is pulled across and attached to said flat metal ring, and wherein said collapsible disc is operable to fold and collapse; a telescoping handle, said telescoping handle comprising a telescoping rod and a gripping handle, said telescoping rod comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said gripping handle is attached to said first end of said telescoping rod; and a mechanical joint, said mechanical joint comprising a first arm, a second arm, and an attachment point; wherein said first arm is connected to said attachment point and to said second end of said telescoping rod, and wherein said second arm is connected to said attachment point and to said collapsible disk; and wherein said first arm and said second arm are operable to be positioned at various angles relative to one another around said attachment point.

2. The foldable shade device of claim 1, wherein said first arm and said second arm are operable to detach from said collapsible disk and said telescoping rod, and wherein each of said first arm and said second arm are operable to interchangeably connect with said collapsible disc and said telescoping rod.

3. The foldable shade device of claim 2, wherein said collapsible disc is operable to fold in upon itself such that its folded area is at least one-third of its unfolded area.

4. The foldable shade device of claim 2, wherein said fabric screen is translucent.

5. The foldable shade device of claim 2, wherein said fabric screen is opaque.

6. The foldable shade device of claim 2, wherein said fabric screen blocks ultraviolet light.

7. The foldable shade device of claim 2, wherein said telescoping rod comprises a plurality of nested segments that extend and collapse into one another.

8. The foldable shade device of claim 2, wherein said telescoping handle further comprises an eyelet, wherein said eyelet is located at said first end of said telescoping rod.

9. A foldable shade device comprising: a foldable means for providing shade; an extendable means for holding said shade-providing means at a desired distance; and a means for adjustably attaching said shade-providing means to said holding means.

10. The foldable shade device of claim 9, wherein said shade-providing means is opaque.

11. The foldable shade device of claim 9, wherein said shade-providing means blocks ultraviolet light.

12. The foldable shade device of claim 9, wherein said holding means further comprises an eyelet.

13. A foldable shade device comprising: a collapsible disc, said collapsible disc comprising a flat metal ring and a fabric screen, wherein said fabric screen is pulled across and attached to said flat metal ring, and wherein said collapsible disc is operable to fold and collapse; a telescoping handle, said telescoping handle comprising a telescoping rod and a gripping handle, said telescoping rod comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said gripping handle is attached to said first end of said telescoping rod; a mechanical joint, said mechanical joint comprising a first arm, a second arm, and an attachment point; and a storage bag; wherein said first arm is connected to said attachment point and to said second end of said telescoping rod, and wherein said second arm is connected to said attachment point and to said collapsible disk; wherein said first arm and said second arm are operable to be positioned at various angles relative to one another around said attachment point; and wherein said collapsible disc and said telescoping handle are operable to fit within said storage bag when fully folded and collapsed.

14. The foldable shade device of claim 13, wherein said first arm and said second arm are operable to detach from said collapsible disk and said telescoping rod, and wherein each of said first arm and said second arm are operable to interchangeably connect with said collapsible disc and said telescoping rod.

15. The foldable shade device of claim 13, wherein said collapsible disc is operable to fold in upon itself such that its folded area is at least one-third of its unfolded area.

16. The foldable shade device of claim 13, wherein said fabric screen is translucent.

17. The foldable shade device of claim 13, wherein said fabric screen is opaque.

18. The foldable shade device of claim 13, wherein said fabric screen blocks ultraviolet light.

19. The foldable shade device of claim 13, wherein said telescoping rod comprises a plurality of nested segments that extend and collapse into one another.

20. The foldable shade device of claim 13, wherein said telescoping handle further comprises an eyelet, wherein said eyelet is located at said first end of said telescoping rod.

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