Element-Shielding Device

Abstract

An element-shielding device includes a first rod including a first stake configured for insertion into the ground; a second rod including a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; and a barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod. The barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod. An element-shielding system includes a plurality of element-shielding devices.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure is directed to an element-shielding device, an element-shielding system, and a method for shielding an area.

2. Technical Considerations

Environmental elements, such as wind, rain, hail, snow, and the like often gust or otherwise move around an outdoor area in which a user is positioned, creating an uncomfortable environment for the user.

As one non-limiting example, on the beach, gusts of wind or nearby pedestrians can kick up sand on a beachgoer and/or his/her belongings. Not only can this be uncomfortable and frustrating, but it is also very difficult to avoid. Additionally, large gusts of wind can whip around even more sand, such that the sand contacts a beachgoer lying or sitting on the sand. Gusts can further blow away unsecured belongings, like food wrappers, towels, clothing, and more. Gusts can also make it chilly and uncomfortable on cooler days.

In another non-limiting example a hunter may remain stationary in the same area of the woods for hours in conditions that can include gusting wind or precipitation, making it uncomfortable for the hunter.

Accordingly, a device that is configured to prevent wind, sand, precipitation, and the like from penetrating therethrough, thereby providing a more comfortable environment for a user thereof, is desired.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, and generally, provided is an element-shielding device, an element-shielding system, and a method for shielding an area.

The disclosure relates to an element-shielding device, including: a first rod including a first stake configured for insertion into the ground; a second rod including a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; and a barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, where the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

A shielded area may be formed with the first stake and the second stake inserted into the ground and the barrier material at least partially exposed between the first rod and the second rod. The barrier material may include a fabric. The first rod may define a first hollow cavity, and the first stake may be disposed in the first hollow cavity. The second rod may define a second hollow cavity, and the second stake may be disposed in the second hollow cavity. The first stake may be extendable and retractable from the first hollow cavity, and the second stake may be extendable and retractable from the second hollow cavity. The first stake and the second stake may each define a point at an end configured for insertion into the ground. At least one of the first rod and the second rod may define a channel, where the barrier material may be disposed within the channel.

The element-shielding device may further include a reel including an axis, where the barrier material may be extendable and retractable by being wound around the axis of the reel. The reel may be attached to the first rod, where the barrier material may be extendable and retractable by moving at least one of the second rod and the reel away from the other of the second rod and the reel. At least one of the first rod and the second rod may include at least one clip. The at least one clip may be configured to engage with a third rod. The third rod may be a component of another element-shielding device or an accessory. The barrier material may include a camouflage pattern. The barrier material may include an advertisement.

The disclosure also relates to an element-shielding system, including: a plurality of element-shielding devices, each element-shielding device including: a first rod including a first stake configured for insertion into the ground; a second rod including a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; and a barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, where the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

The plurality of element-shielding devices may be arranged to form a shielded area. The plurality of element-shielding devices may include a first element-shielding device and a second element-shielding device, where the first element-shielding device may be attached to the second element-shielding device and the first element-shielding device may form an angle with the second element-shielding device. The first element-shielding device may be clipped to the second element-shielding device. Each element-shielding device may further include a reel comprising an axis, where the barrier material may be extendable and retractable by being wound around the axis of the reel.

The disclosure also relates to a method for shielding an area, including: providing an element-shielding device including: a first rod including a first stake configured for insertion into the ground; a second rod including a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; and a barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, where the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

Further embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1: An element-shielding device, comprising: a first rod comprising a first stake configured for insertion into the ground; a second rod comprising a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; and a barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

Clause 2: The element-shielding device of clause 1, wherein a shielded area is formed with the first stake and the second stake inserted into the ground and the barrier material at least partially exposed between the first rod and the second rod.

Clause 3: The element-shielding device of clause 1 or 2, wherein the barrier material comprises a fabric.

Clause 4: The element-shielding device of any of clauses 1-3, wherein: the first rod defines a first hollow cavity and the first stake is at least partially disposed in the first hollow cavity; and the second rod defines a second hollow cavity and the second stake is at least partially disposed in the second hollow cavity.

Clause 5: The element-shielding device of clause 4, wherein: the first stake is extendable and retractable from the first hollow cavity; and the second stake is extendable and retractable from the second hollow cavity.

Clause 6: The element-shielding device of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first stake and the second stake each define a point at an end configured for insertion into the ground.

Clause 7: The element-shielding device of any of clauses 1-6, wherein at least one of the first rod and the second rod define a channel, wherein at least a portion of the barrier material is disposed within the channel.

Clause 8: The element-shielding device of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising a reel comprising an axis, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable by being wound around the axis of the reel.

Clause 9: The element-shielding device of clause 8, wherein the reel is attached to the first rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable by moving at least one of the second rod and the reel away from the other of the second rod and the reel.

Clause 10: The element-shielding device of any of clauses 1-9, wherein at least one of the first rod and the second rod comprises at least one clip.

Clause 11: The element-shielding device of clause 10, wherein the at least one clip is configured to engage with a third rod.

Clause 12: The element-shielding device of clause 11, wherein the third rod is a component of another element-shielding device or an accessory.

Clause 13: The element-shielding device of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the barrier material comprises a camouflage pattern.

Clause 14: The element-shielding device of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the barrier material comprises an advertisement.

Clause 15: An element-shielding system, comprising: a plurality of element-shielding devices, each element-shielding device comprising: a first rod comprising a first stake configured for insertion into the ground; a second rod comprising a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; and a barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

Clause 16: The element-shielding system of clause 15, wherein the plurality of element-shielding devices are arranged to form a shielded area.

Clause 17: The element-shielding system of clause 15 or 16, wherein the plurality of element-shielding devices comprises a first element-shielding device and a second element-shielding device, wherein the first element-shielding device is attached to the second element-shielding device, wherein the first element-shielding device forms an angle with the second element-shielding device.

Clause 18: The element-shielding system of clause 17, wherein the first element-shielding device is clipped to the second element-shielding device.

Clause 19: The element-shielding system of any of clauses 15-18, wherein each element-shielding device further comprises a reel comprising an axis, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable by being wound around the axis of the reel.

Clause 20: A method for shielding an area, comprising: providing an element-shielding device comprising: a first rod comprising a first stake configured for insertion into the ground; a second rod comprising a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; and a barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional advantages and details of the disclosure are explained in greater detail below with reference to the non-limiting exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an element-shielding device in a retracted position according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an element-shielding device in an at least partially exposed position according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an element-shielding device in a retracted position and an at least partially exposed position according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects and a carrier for the element-shielding device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an element-shielding device having a plurality of stakes according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a stake of an element-shielding device inserted into the ground according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an element-shielding system having a plurality of element-shielding devices according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects; and

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an element-shielding system having a plurality of element-shielding devices having clips according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an element-shielding device 10 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects is shown. The element-shielding device 10 may include a first rod 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. A cap 18 may be disposed over the first end 14, and the cap 18 may be made of a plastic material. The first rod 12 may include a first hollow portion. At least one rod hole 20 may be defined in the first rod 12, and a plurality of rod holes may be defined along at least a portion of the length of the first rod 12. The first rod 12 may be made of a metal, and the metal may be aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and the like. The metal may be oxidized.

In some non-limiting examples, the first rod may have a length of from 1-5 feet long, such as from 2-4 feet long, or from 3-4 feet long.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, the first rod 12 may include a first stake 22, and the first stake 22 may define a point. The point may be welded. The first stake 22 (e.g., the point thereof) may be configured for insertion into the ground 52 and may function to anchor the element-shielding device 10. The first stake 22 may be made of a metal, and the metal may be aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and the like. The metal may be oxidized.

The first stake 22 may be movable relative to the first rod 12 so as to be extendable and retractable relative to the second end 16 of the first rod 12. The first stake 22 may have a length extending from the second end 16 of the first rod 12 that may be adjustable.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first stake 22 may be at least partially disposed in the first hollow portion of the first rod 12. The first stake 22 may be extendable and retractable from the first hollow portion, such that the first stake 22 may be configured to protrude from the second end 16 of the first rod 12 a predefined distance. The distance at which the first stake 22 may protrude from the first end 16 of the first rod 12 may be adjustable by a user. In some non-limiting examples, the first stake 22 may have a length of from 1-3 feet long, such as 1.5-2.5 feet long. In some non-limiting examples, the first stake 22 may extend up to 1-3 feet from the second end 16 of the first rod 12, such as up to 1-2 feet, such as up to 16-18 inches. In some positions, the first stake 22 may be retracted so as to extend less than 1 foot from the second end 16 of the first rod 12, such as less than 8 inches, less than 6 inches, less than 4 inches, less than 2 inches, less than 1 inch, or 0 inch.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the first stake 22 may be extended and/or retracted from the second end 16 of the first rod 12 using the telescoping arrangement shown therein. At least one of the first stake 22 and the first rod 12 may include a button, and at least one of the first stake 22 and the first rod 12 may include a hole to engage the button to stop movement of the first stake 22 relative to the first rod 12 (an extendable/retractable pushpin mechanism). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the first rod 24 may include at least one rod hole 20 for engaging a button 54 disposed on the first stake 22 and/or the first stake 22 may include at least one stake hole 56a, 56b, 56c for engaging a button (not shown) disposed on the first rod 12. However, other arrangements for adjusting the length at which the first stake 22 protrudes from the second end 16 of the first rod 12 may be used.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first stake 22 may be configured to be inserted into the ground 52. The length at which the first stake 22 protrudes from the second end 16 of the first rod 12 may be selected to more or less securely anchor the first rod 12 into the ground 52 (e.g., allowing the first stake 22 to protrude further from the second end 16 of the first rod 12 to more securely engage the ground 52).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, the element-shielding device 10 may include a second rod 24 having a first end 26 and a second end 28. A cap 32 may be disposed over the first end 26. The second rod 24 may include a second hollow portion. At least one rod hole 30 may be defined in the second rod 24, and a plurality of rod holes may be defined along at least a portion of the length of the second rod 24. The second rod 24 may include a second stake 34. The second rod 24 and the second stake 34 may have the same features as described above with respect to the first rod 12 and the first stake 22.

Referring to FIG. 4, the second rod 24 and the second stake 34 may each include a guide line 50a, 50b, respectively. The guide line 50a on the second rod may align with the guide line 50b on the second stake 34. The guide lines 50a, 50b may indicate that the second rod 24 is oriented correctly or incorrectly relative to the second stake 34, based on whether the guide lines 50a, 50b are aligned or not aligned. The second rod 24 and/or the second stake 34 may be rotatable relative to one another to realign the guide lines 50a, 50b should they not be aligned, such as when the second stake 34 is extended and/or retracted relative to the second rod 24. The first rod 12 and the first stake 22 may additionally and/or alternatively include such an arrangement having guide lines.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the element-shielding device 10 may include a barrier material 44 disposed between the first rod 12 and the second rod 24. The barrier material 44 may be extendable and retractable between the first rod 12 and the second rod 24. The barrier material 44 may include a fabric. The barrier material 44 may include a plastic, such as nylon, polyester, and the like, and combinations thereof. The barrier material 44 may include 210D Oxford fabric. The barrier material 44 may be configured to block wind, precipitation (rain, hail, sleet, snow, etc.), and debris that contacts the barrier material 44. The barrier material 44 may be in contact (direct or indirect) with at least one of the first rod 12 and the second rod 24.

Referring to FIG. 3, the element-shielding device 10 may be transitionable between a retracted position (right) and an exposed position (left). In the retracted position, the barrier material 44 may be retracted such that the second rod 24 and the first rod 12 (or the reel 35 as described hereinafter) are in contact. In the exposed position, the barrier material 44 may be at least partially exposed to the environment. The amount of barrier material 44 exposed to the environment may be adjustable by extending and/or retracting the barrier material 44 to the desired length.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, a carrier 48 may be provided to contain the element-shielding device 10. The carrier 48 may include a bag into which the element-shielding device 10 may be placed or from which the element-shielding device 10 may be removed. The element-shielding device 10 in the retracted position may be placed in the carrier 48. Other carriers 48, such as a tube or other arrangement, may be used to contain the element-shielding device 10 to allow the element-shielding device 10 to be more easily transported and/or stored.

Referring again to FIG. 2, at least one of the first rod 12 and the second rod 24 may define a channel into which at least a portion of the barrier material 44 may be disposed (to attach the barrier material 44 to the first and/or second rod 12, 24). In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2, the barrier material 44 is disposed in a channel defined by the second rod 24 so as to be attached to the second rod 24. The barrier material 44 may be attached to the first rod 12 or the second rod 24 in this arrangement or both the first rod 12 and the second rod 24 in this arrangement. Other arrangements for attaching the barrier material 44 to the first rod 12 and/or the second rod 24 may be used to enable the barrier material 44 to be extendable and retractable.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the element-shielding device 10 may include a reel 35. The reel 35 may include a housing 36 having a first end 38 and a second end 40. The first end 38 and/or the second end 40 may include a cap 42, and the cap may be made of plastic. The reel 35 may include an axis 46 disposed within the housing 36. The barrier material 44 may be wound around the axis 46 and at least partially disposed within the housing 36 such that the barrier material is extendable and retractable by winding the barrier material 44 around the axis 46. In the exposed position, at least a portion of the barrier material 44 may be positioned outside the housing 36. The amount (e.g., length of) the barrier material 44 within and outside of the housing 36 may be adjusted by the user by winding the barrier material 44 around the axis 46 to expose more or less barrier material 44. The barrier material 44 may be wound around the axis 46 by changing the distance between the second rod 24 and the first rod 12.

The reel 35 may be attached to the first and/or the second rod 12, 24, and the reel 35 may be attached thereto using any arrangement. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the reel 35 may be welded to the first rod 12 (as in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) and/or the second rod 24.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the reel 35 may be attached to the first rod 12. The barrier material 44 disposed in the reel 35 and wound around the axis 46 may be extendable and retractable by moving at least one of the second rod 24 and the reel 35 away from the other of the second rod 24 and the reel 35. By increasing the distance between the second rod 24 and the reel 35, the barrier material may be extended from the reel 35 (releasably wound around the axis 46) to extend the length of the element-shielding device 10. By decreasing the distance between the second rod 24 and the reel 35, the barrier material 44 may be retracted into the reel 35 (receivably wound around the axis 46) to retract the length of the element-shielding device 10.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the element-shielding device 10a may form a shielded area. FIGS. 6 and 7 show a plurality of element-shielding devices 10a, 10b arranged together to form an element-shielding system 60 forming a shielded area 64, but it will be a appreciated that the shielded area 64 may be formed using a single element-shielding device or more than 2 element-shielding devices.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the shielded area 64 may be formed with at least one element-shielding device 10a in an exposed position. In the exposed position, the first stake 22 and the second stake 34 (FIG. 1) may be inserted into the ground 52 (FIG. 5) with the barrier material 44 (FIG. 2) exposed therebetween. The element-shielding device 10a inserted into the ground 52 and having the barrier material 44 exposed may form the shielded area 64 on a lee side of the barrier material 44. The shielded area 64 may be at least partially protected from environmental conditions. In some non-limiting examples, the barrier material 44 may block wind, precipitation, sunlight, and the like from reaching the shielded area 64. In some non-limiting examples, the barrier material 44 may block surrounding materials from reaching the shielded area, such as sand, dirt, and other debris from the surroundings that may be kicked up by the elements or pedestrians in the area.

The shielded area 64 may be formed by arranging a plurality of element-shielding devices 10a, 10b (an element-shielding system 60) (first element-shielding device 10a and second element-shielding device 10b), such that the element-shielding devices 10a, 10b inserted into the ground 52 and having the barrier material 44 exposed may form the shielded area 64 on a lee side of the barrier materials 44. The first element-shielding device 10a may be arranged at an angle relative to the second element-shielding device 10b. The angle between the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b may be between 0° and 180°. In some non-limiting examples, the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b may be arranged at a right angle (90°), as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to form an L-shape. In some non-limiting examples, the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b may be arranged as a straight line (at a 180°). In some non-limiting examples, the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b may form an acute or obtuse angle.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b arranged in the element-shielding system 60 may be attached to one another using any suitable arrangement. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first element-shielding device 10a may be clipped to the second element-shielding device 10b. At least one of the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b may include at least one clip 66 to engage the other of the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b so as to attach the first element-shielding device 10a to the second element-shielding device 10b. The at least one clip 66 may be positioned on at least one of the first rod 12 and the second rod 24 of the first element-shielding device 10a and/or the second element-shielding device 10b. A single clip or a plurality of clips 66 may be positioned on at least one of the first rod 12 and the second rod 24 of the first element-shielding device 10a and/or the second element-shielding device 10b. The at least one clip 66 may engage at least one of the first rod 12 and the second rod 24 of the other of the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b to attach the first element-shielding device 10a and the second element-shielding device 10b to one another.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the at least one clip 66 may engage a third rod 63 different from the first rod 12 and the second rod 24 of an element-shielding device 10a. The third rod 63 may be a component of an accessory. The accessory may be, for example, an umbrella 62 or other personal item. The at least one clip 66 may secure the third rod 63 to the element-shielding device 10a.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the barrier material 44 may be made of a clear material, a translucent material, and/or an opaque material. The barrier material 44 may have a pattern. The pattern may be ornamental. The pattern may include a camouflage pattern relative to the surroundings of the element-shielding device 10. The barrier material 44 may include an indicia thereon, such as a trademark, a logo, a design, a photograph, text, and the like. The barrier material 44 may include an advertisement thereon.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a method for shielding an area from the elements may include providing at least one element-shielding device as described herein. The shielded area may be formed by extending the element-shielding device to the exposed position and inserting the first and second stakes thereof into the ground. In some non-limiting examples, the ground may be a beach, such that the shielded area is shielded from the surroundings of the beach (e.g., wind, precipitation, blowing water, blowing sand, and the like). In some non-limiting examples, the ground may be a hunting area (e.g., woods), such that the shielded area is shielded from the surroundings of the hunting area; optionally, the element-shielding device may have barrier material having a camouflage pattern. In some non-limiting examples, the element-shielding device may include a barrier material having an advertisement thereon, such that the element shielding device may be an advertisement sign inserted into the ground in its exposed position.

Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. An element-shielding device, comprising: a first rod comprising a first stake configured for insertion into the ground;a second rod comprising a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; anda barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

2. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein a shielded area is formed with the first stake and the second stake inserted into the ground and the barrier material at least partially exposed between the first rod and the second rod.

3. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein the barrier material comprises a fabric.

4. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein: the first rod defines a first hollow cavity and the first stake is at least partially disposed in the first hollow cavity; andthe second rod defines a second hollow cavity and the second stake is at least partially disposed in the second hollow cavity.

5. The element-shielding device of claim 4, wherein: the first stake is extendable and retractable from the first hollow cavity; andthe second stake is extendable and retractable from the second hollow cavity.

6. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein the first stake and the second stake each define a point at an end configured for insertion into the ground.

7. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first rod and the second rod define a channel, wherein at least a portion of the barrier material is disposed within the channel.

8. The element-shielding device of claim 1, further comprising a reel comprising an axis, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable by being wound around the axis of the reel.

9. The element-shielding device of claim 8, wherein the reel is attached to the first rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable by moving at least one of the second rod and the reel away from the other of the second rod and the reel.

10. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first rod and the second rod comprises at least one clip.

11. The element-shielding device of claim 10, wherein the at least one clip is configured to engage with a third rod.

12. The element-shielding device of claim 11, wherein the third rod is a component of another element-shielding device or an accessory.

13. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein the barrier material comprises a camouflage pattern.

14. The element-shielding device of claim 1, wherein the barrier material comprises an advertisement.

15. An element-shielding system, comprising: a plurality of element-shielding devices, each element-shielding device comprising: a first rod comprising a first stake configured for insertion into the ground;a second rod comprising a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; anda barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.

16. The element-shielding system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of element-shielding devices are arranged to form a shielded area.

17. The element-shielding system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of element-shielding devices comprises a first element-shielding device and a second element-shielding device, wherein the first element-shielding device is attached to the second element-shielding device,wherein the first element-shielding device forms an angle with the second element-shielding device.

18. The element-shielding system of claim 17, wherein the first element-shielding device is clipped to the second element-shielding device.

19. The element-shielding system of claim 15, wherein each element-shielding device further comprises a reel comprising an axis, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable by being wound around the axis of the reel.

20. A method for shielding an area, comprising: providing an element-shielding device comprising: a first rod comprising a first stake configured for insertion into the ground;a second rod comprising a second stake configured for insertion into the ground at a distance from the first stake; anda barrier material disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the barrier material is extendable and retractable between the first rod and the second rod.