The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a self-adjusting sun shade assembly and to methods of making and the using the same.
Beach umbrellas are used to create an area shaded from the sunlight beneath the umbrella canopy. They are particularly useful at the beach where there is generally a lack of trees or roofed structures to provide shade. Because the skin of the beachgoer is largely exposed at the beach, there is a greater need to provide protection from harmful ultraviolet rays, which may cause sunburn or melanomas. Many beachgoers also require some form of shade to minimize heat discomfort. The shade and shelter provided by a beach umbrella is also useful in protecting the user's valuables and shielding perishable items from direct sunlight. Conventional beach umbrellas include a single central support pole with a pointed lower end that is inserted directly into the sand. Conventional umbrellas further include an overhead fabric covering attached to the support pole. However, the main problem with the canopy design of traditional umbrellas is that the position of the umbrella constantly shifts in response to wind gusts. As a result, the user must frequently readjust the umbrella to compensate for the shifts in movement. In addition, conventional umbrellas can easily tip over or be blown down the beach where they can cause hassle to the owner as well as injury to other beachgoers. Conventional umbrellas are also prone to wind breakage. It would therefore be beneficial to provide an umbrella with improved stability in response to the wind blowing. It would further be beneficial if the umbrella self-adjusted to the wind to prevent or reduce the likelihood of tipping over.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a sun shade assembly (e.g., an assembly that provides shade from the sun). The assembly comprises a pair of ribs defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each rib is attached to a pivot cap. The assembly further includes a sail with a front edge comprising a channel sized and shaped to house each rib such that the ribs extend across the edge. The assembly includes a mast comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is operably connected to the pivot cap, wherein the pivot cap can freely rotate about the mast. The assembly comprises at least one support arm with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the support arm is attached to a rib and the second end of the support arm is attached to a slider configured to move up and down the mast. The assembly comprises a tension adjuster that adjusts rotation of the pivot cap about the mast. The assembly comprises an anchor operably connected to the second end of the mast. The pivot cap, ribs, slider, and support arms are configured to rotate about the mast in response to blowing of the wind.
In some embodiments, the pivot cap rotates about the mast at an angle of about 0-360 degrees. In some embodiments, the pivot cap rotates about a top end of the mast (e.g., is configured to rotate about the top end of the mast).
In some embodiments, the ribs are configured at an angle of greater than 180 degrees relative to each other.
In some embodiments, one face of the pivot cap comprises a lock defined by a bridge comprising an opening and a slidable arm that moves to cover and expose the opening. A portion of sail material can be locked in between the bridge and slidable arm to lock it into position.
In some embodiments, the slider is configured as a collar that fits around the exterior circumference of the mast.
In some embodiments, the mast length is adjustable.
In some embodiments, the anchor is releasably attached to the second end of the mast.
In some embodiments, the anchor comprises an auger. The term “auger” refers to a member in which a spiral vane or multiple parallel vanes are provided about the perimeter of a shaft.
In some embodiments, the tension adjuster is configured to permit the pivot cap, slider, ribs, and support arms to freely rotate about the mast, not rotate about the mast, or any level of rotation therebetween. The pivot cap, slider, ribs, and support arms rotate as a single, attached unit.
In some embodiments, the sail channel comprises one or more apertures to facilitate insertion of the ribs into the channel.
In some embodiments, the sail channel comprises one or more apertures to allow direct contact between each rib and a corresponding support arm.
In some embodiments, the sail has a top face and a bottom face, and wherein the bottom face includes at least one conduit configured as a channel with an open mouth positioned adjacent to the channel, a closed back end, and a length parallel with the length of the sail.
In some embodiments, the sail has a top face and a bottom face and wherein at least one of the top or bottom faces comprises a coating.
In some embodiments, the sail has an opposed rear edge comprising an adjacent hem constructed from a durable material.
In some embodiments, the mast comprises at least one handle.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of using a sunshade. Particularly, the method comprises positioning the anchor of a sun shade assembly in a support surface. The sun shade assembly comprises: a pair of ribs defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each rib is attached to a pivot cap; a sail with a front edge comprising a channel sized and shaped to house each rib such that the ribs extend across the edge; a mast comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is operably connected to the pivot cap, wherein the pivot cap can freely rotate about the mast; at least one support arm with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the support arm is attached to a rib and the second end of the support arm is attached to a slider configured to move up and down the mast; a tension adjuster that adjusts rotation of the pivot cap about the mast; and an anchor operably connected to the second end of the mast. The method further includes adjusting the tension adjuster to achieve a desired amount of rotation of the pivot cap, ribs, support arms, slider, and sail relative to the non-movable mast. The sun shade assembly self-adjusts in response to the blowing of the wind.
In some embodiments, the tension adjuster can be adjusted to allow the pivot cap, slider, ribs, and support arms to freely rotate about the mast, not rotate about the mast, or any level of rotation therebetween.
In some embodiments, the sail has a top face and a bottom face, and wherein the bottom face includes at least one conduit configured as a channel with an open mouth positioned adjacent to the channel, a closed back end, and a length parallel with the length of the sail.
In some embodiments, one face of the pivot cap comprises a lock defined by a bridge comprising and opening and a slidable arm that moves to cover and expose the opening.
In some embodiments, the sail has an opposed rear edge comprising an adjacent hem constructed from a durable material.
The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.
As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments+/−20%, in some embodiments+/−10%, in some embodiments+/−5%, in some embodiments+/−1%, in some embodiments+/−0.5%, and in some embodiments+/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.
As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures.
The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.
The term “living hinge” refers to a hinge integrally formed with two opposite portions of the same material. The term “barrel hinge” refers to a sectional barrel secured by a pivot. The term “spring hinge” refers to a spring-loaded hinge that applies force to secure the hinge in an open or closed configuration. “Butterfly hinge” refers to dovetail or parliament hinges. The term “flag hinge” refers to hinges that can be taken apart with a fixed pin on one leaf, manufactured in a right-hand or left-hand configuration. An “H hinge” refers to a hinge shaped like an “H.”
However, in some embodiments, the ribs are non-foldable and remain in the fully extended state, even during storage.
The ribs can be slightly offset relative to each other (e.g., are not 180 degrees apart). The offset nature allows the ribs to compensate for stretching of the sail. For example, in some embodiments, the angle 16 between ribs 10 can be about 180-300 degrees, as shown in
In some embodiments, rib 10 can include extension 14 as shown in
Ribs 10 can have any desired length. For example, suitable lengths can include (but are not limited to) about 3-10 feet. Thus, the ribs can have a length of at least about (or no more than about) 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 feet. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited the length of each rib can be larger or smaller than the range given herein.
The ribs are joined using pivot cap 40, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, one face of pivot cap 40 includes bridge 94 comprising opening 93 and slidable arm 95 that can be used to releasably lock the sail into proper position, as shown in
As shown in
Slider 45 can move along mast 30 to fold or unfold the ribs and support arms. In some embodiments, the slider can be configured as a collar that fits about the outer circumference of mast 30, as shown in
The slider can include retention element 2 to keep it from sliding down the length of the mast. The retention element can include any device that retains the slider in a desired position on the mast, such as (but not limited to) a removable ledge with an outer circumference larger than the inner circumference of the slider, clips, pins, clasps, and the like. The retention element therefore locks the slider at a desired location along the mast. In this way, the ribs and support arms can be maintained in the open configuration without the slider slipping to a lower position. Likewise, the slider can also be locked in a lower “storage” configuration along the mast (or any location therebetween).
The slider can also be used to fold the ribs and support arms, such as when the assembly is transitioned to a storage configuration (e.g., not in use). When the slider is in an upper position on the mast, the support arms and ribs are unfolded outward and thus sail 20 is unfolded, as shown in
Ribs 10 and support arms 15 can have any desired cross-sectional shape. For example, the ribs and support arms can be configured with a circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, heart, diamond, or abstract cross-sectional shape.
As set forth above, assembly 5 comprises mast 30 that reinforces ribs 10 and support arms 15, as well as provides height to the assembly, as shown in
The pivot cap is attached to mast first end 31 using any known method. For example, a screw, bolt, or other element 33 can be threaded through the pivot cap, extending into the mast as shown in
Mast 30 includes length 51 that in some embodiments can be adjusted as desired by the user. For example, the mast can include telescoping inner and outer tubes 41, 42. The term “telescoping” refers to a mechanical action of at least two longitudinal bodies of congruent cross-sections sliding relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis. As shown in
It should further be appreciated that the length of the mast can be adjusted using any known mechanism and is not limited to a telescoping arrangement. For example, the mast can include a plurality of segments that can be added or removed as desired to achieve a suitable height. In other embodiments, the length of mast 30 is not adjustable.
Mast 30 can have any desired cross-sectional shape. For example, the mast can be configured with a circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, heart, diamond, or abstract cross-sectional shape.
Second end 32 of the mast is operatively connected to anchor 35. The term “anchor” broadly refers to any element that provides weight and/or a mechanism by which to secure assembly 5 into a support surface (e.g., sand). The anchor can be permanently attached to mast 30 using adhesives, welding, and the like. Alternatively, the anchor can be releasably attached to the mast using any of a wide variety of mechanical elements (e.g., screw knob 37). A releasably attached anchor allows for the replacement of the anchor depending on use conditions (e.g., beach sand versus grass or rock).
The disclosed assembly further includes tension adjuster 25 that allows a user to adjust the tension on the pivot cap relative to the mast easily and safely. In this way, a user can alter the amount of rotation ribs 10, support arms 15 and slider 45 have about mast 30 in response to wind conditions. The tension adjuster can be generally located adjacent to the pivot cap. The tension adjuster is also attached to mast 30 using any known mechanism (e.g., screws, bolts, clips, etc.).
As described above, the pivot cap (and attached ribs, slider, and support arms) can freely rotate about the mast in response to the wind blowing. The tension adjuster can be tightened as desired by the user (e.g., when the wind is shifting back and forth) to stop or limit rotation of the pivot cap (and ribs, support arm, and slider) about the mast to maintain a more balanced assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the tension adjuster can be loosened to allow the pivot cap, ribs, support arms, and slider to freely rotate (e.g., 360 degrees) about the mast. In other embodiments, the pivot cap, ribs, slider, and support arms have a more limited freedom to rotate (e.g., it takes a stronger gust of wind to rotate). In some embodiments, the tension adjuster can be fully tightened such that the ribs, slider, and support arms cannot rotate relative to the mast. Tension adjuster 25 can have any desired configuration that allows a user to control the level of movement of the tension cap relative to the mast. For example, in some embodiments, the tension adjuster can include passageway 60 with actuator 65 (e.g., lever or screw) capable of contacting pivot cap 40, as shown in
The tension adjuster can have any known configuration and is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the tension adjuster can apply a force parallel, at an angle, or perpendicular to the tension it creates. The force can be generated by any known method, such as fixed displacement, stretching/compression of a spring, changing the volume of a gas, hydraulic pressure, or gravity. Tension adjuster 25 can therefore include any device that applies a force to create or maintain tension.
Further, actuator 65 can have any known configuration, such as (but not limited to) a lever, wrench, key, screw, handle, knob, bolt, and the like.
The ribs, mast, support arms, pivot cap, tension adjuster, and anchor can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, brass, stainless steel, copper), plastic, wood, stone, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, each element is constructed from the same material. In other embodiments, one element can be constructed from a material that differs from at least one other element.
Assembly 5 further includes sail 20 that cooperates with ribs 10. As shown in
Front edge 61 comprises channel 65 sized and shaped to house each rib 10, as shown in
Optionally, bottom face 71 of the sail can include at least one closed conduit 72 that provides a passageway for the flow of the wind during use.
In some embodiments, the length of the conduit is the same as the length of the sail (i.e., the conduit extends the full length of the sail). In other embodiments, the conduit is configured to be shorter than the length of the sail, as shown in
The conduit can have any cross-sectional shape, such as (but not limited to) square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, and the like.
In some embodiments, the sail can be formed as a single portion of material. In other embodiments, the sail can be constructed from two or more pieces of material joined together, such as by welding or sewing.
The sail can be configured in any desired shape, such as square, rectangular, rounded, oval, triangular, pentagonal, abstract, and the like. In some embodiments, the sail can include at least one straight edge to accommodate the channel.
The sail can further have any desired dimensions, such as length 77 and/or width 76 of about 3-20 feet (e.g., at least/no more than about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 feet). In some embodiments, the sail can have an area of about 10-100 ft2 (e.g., at least/no more than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 ft2). However, the sail can be configured with dimensions outside the range given above. The term “length” refers to the distance in the longitudinal direction. The term “width” refers to the dimension perpendicular to the length.
Sail 20 can have any desired thickness, such as about 1 inch or less. Thus, the sail can have a thickness of about 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 inches or less. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the sail can have thickness of greater or less than the range given above.
Sail 20 can be constructed from any desired lightweight material. The term “lightweight material” refers to any material that is able to be lifted and carried by the wind (e.g., a wind speed of at least about 2-3 mph). Suitable materials can therefore include (but are not limited to) nylon, polyester, vinyl, rayon, canvas, acrylic fabric, cotton, or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the material(s) used to construct the sail can have a UPF (ultraviolet protection coefficient) rating of about 30 or more in accordance with ASTM D6544, incorporated by reference herein.
As shown in the cross-sectional views of
In addition to coating 21, the sail can optionally be calendared and/or treated with the application of heat/pressure to aid in the reduction of noise. The term “calendaring” refers to a method of passing the sail between calendar rolls at high temperature and/or pressure.
Coating 21 can comprise any material that would serve to reduce the amount of noise and/or movement of sail 20. Suitable materials can therefore include (but are not limited to) urethane polyurethane, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), or combinations thereof. Coating 21 can have any thickness, such as about 0.0001 inches to about 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the coating can impart a waterproof or water-resistant quality to sail 20. The term “waterproof” refers to a material that is impervious to water. The term “water-resistant” refers to the ability of a material to resist the entry of water to some degree but not entirely.
In some embodiments, sail 20 can include hem 82 sewn or otherwise applied at or adjacent to rear edge 62, as shown in
In use, the disclosed umbrella assembly can be used to provide shade to one or more users. Anchor 35 is positioned in a support surface, such as sand at the beach. The anchor can be inserted into the ground using a twisting motion, which allows the auger to be easily buried, as shown in
Mast 30 can then be extended to a desired length to accommodate one or more users and their belongings. For example, inner and outer tubes 41 and 42 can be adjusted as needed to a desired length. In other embodiments, the mast is of a single length and need only be positioned and attached to the anchor.
Ribs 10 can then be inserted into channel 65 of the sail. In some embodiments, each rib is inserted into channel aperture 91 for proper placement in the channel. It should be appreciated that aperture 91 can be positioned at any location in channel 65. For example, in some embodiments, each aperture 91 is positioned adjacent to the center of the channel (e.g., about 1-10 inches from the center point of the channel). Once the ribs are inserted into channel 65, apertures 92 are properly positioned to allow support arms 15 to be attached to the ribs, as shown in
The sail can then be secured into position via bridge 94 and arm 95 on the pivot cap, as shown in
The support arms can then be attached to the ribs through channel apertures 92, as shown in
It should be appreciated that the steps included above can be performed in any order.
If desired by the user, the tension adjuster can be set to lock the position of the ribs (e.g., no movement relative to the mast) or to limit movement. As the wind blows, the sail will move in response, blowing and extending outward providing shade to the user, as shown in
Because the support can rotate and adjust in response to the wind, the assembly has a reduced likelihood of falling over as a result heavy winds and/or when the wind shifts directions. Specifically, when the wind shifts direction, the sail will self-adjust (e.g. the pivot cap, ribs, sail, support arm, and slider rotate about the non-movable mast in response to the wind blowing and changing direction). In addition, because the sail rotates relative to the mast it prevents loosening the auger position and thereby causing failure of the assembly.
The disclosed assembly therefore offers many advantages over prior art systems. For example, because the sail consistently blows in response to the wind, the user's views are not blocked as is common with prior art umbrellas. As a result, users can keep an eye on children and the water at all times.
Further, the disclosed assembly allows the wind to self-adjust the direction of ribs 10 and sail 20, saving the user the time and hassle of manually adjusting the assembly.
In addition, the assembly frame is designed to not fall over if the wind stops or changes direction by more than 90 degrees.
The frame of the assembly (e.g. mast) does not catch the wind. If the mast falls over, it typically falls straight to the ground and does not tumble down the beach. The disclosed assembly is capable of being quickly assembled. Users can easily set up the umbrella assembly in about 40 seconds or less. Likewise, the assembly can be quickly and easily disassembled in about 40 seconds or less.
Current assemblies commonly make use of sandbags, requiring users to fill the bags with sand to weigh down the umbrella, which is messy, time consuming, and can be hazardous if no shovel is available. Further, if wet sand is used, it is even more difficult to fill the bags.
Assembly 5 comprises a single mast, so it is universally permitted on beaches where tents are not.
The mast is typically not in the middle of the umbrella sitting area, thereby providing adding convenience to the user.
The disclosed assembly is quiet compared to other umbrellas and sun shades. Specifically, sail 20 does not loudly flap in the wind. Rather the sail stays extended by consistently floating in the direction of the wind.
Further, the disclosed system acts as an effective seagull deterrent. Because the sail is constantly changing directions in response to the wind, birds are deterred and tend to keep their distance.
As described above, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/892,700, filed Aug. 28, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US20/38920 | 6/22/2020 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62892700 | Aug 2019 | US |