AU2014201985B2 - Sunshade type of device with a transparent or translucent film which allows sunlight to pass but filters out ultraviolet rays - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a sunshade type device that has the distinctive feature of allowing sunlight and heat to pass but prevents the passage of ultraviolet rays. The device, of conventional sunshade configuration, has a film (1) consisting of three layers. Each layer (1-a) (1-b) and (1-c) consists of copolymers. To these layers are added additives to absorb and stabilize the ultraviolet rays. The invention allows the user, at the beach for example, to sunbathe and feel its warmth, while being protected from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. nR/04/14 21675 -n-i 6 (-% ** So eSv I-a1-1c Fig. 3

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to sunshade type devices which reduce or block out harmful ultraviolet rays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to a sunshade type device that has the distinctive feature of allowing almost all of the sunlight to pass through but blocks most of the ultraviolet rays.

[0003] Almost paradoxically, it is not a sunshade in the technical sense. In fact, the invention does not block the sun in the sense of producing a shadow.

[0004] The practical use of the invention lies in the fact that its user can be on the beach, enjoy sun bathing, and feel the warmth without, however, being subject to harmful ultraviolet rays.

[0005] The invention uses a sheet of film - which will take the place of the usual fabric found in conventional beach umbrellas (sunshades) - made up of several layers that will incorporate substances known to filter or absorb ultraviolet rays.

[0006] Essentially, it is the application of a film, instead of fabric, to the conventional structure of the beach umbrella, at the manufacturing phase. A transparent or translucent film capable of absorbing ultraviolet rays and preventing them from reaching whoever is under its protection, allowing its user to enjoys the warmth of the sun.

[0007] The films for filtering ultraviolet and other types of radiation are already well known.

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2014201985 08 Apr 2014 [0008] The inventor has absolutely no knowledge of any type of transparent or translucent film with radiation filtering or absorption features being applied to a conventional sunshade instead of fabric, allowing sunlight and heat to pass through but preventing the passage of harmful radiation.

[0009] Naturally, this technique acknowledges that there are similar devices using plastic film. Moreover, they have the same characteristic of transparency. These are ordinary umbrellas. They have, of course, none of the features related to protection against any kind of solar radiation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a sunshade type device with a transparent or translucent film which allows sunlight to pass but filters out ultraviolet rays, including a covering, which instead of woven material, includes a transparent or translucent film consisting of at least three layers of copolymers joined through co-extrusion into a single film, the sunshade type device further including sun protection additives which are added to the at least three layers of copolymers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a transparent film (1) being applied to a structure of a sunshade;

[0012] Fig. 2 depicts the structure of a conventional sunshade, with the transparent film (1) of the present invention already applied thereto; and [0013] Fig. 3 shows a detailed, cross section of the transparent film (1) of the present invention having three layers consisting of: outer layers (1-a) and (1-c) comprised of polyethylene, and a core layer (1-b) comprised of a copolymer (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, commonly known as EVA.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0014] The invention starts with a conventional umbrella structure (Fig.2).

However, instead of using fabric during the manufacturing stage to perform its traditional function - i.e. providing shade - the cover consists of a transparent or translucent film 1.

[0015] As depicted in Fig.l, this film 1 is stitched into sections, like conventional fabric for this type of sunshade.

[0016] Given that the purpose of the invention is to provide the user protection against the harmful effects of the sun - in the form of ultraviolet radiation - while allowing that person to enjoy the sun and its warmth, it is necessary to replace the traditional fabric with a material that has in fact features of filtration or absorption of ultraviolet rays.

[0017] There are many products and substances on the market capable of significantly reducing, either by filtration or absorption, the impact of ultraviolet rays.

[0018] The solution is to use a film 1 composed of three layers (1-a, 1-b and 1-c) of polymers (Fig. 3. this film 1 is obtained through a process of co-extruding that combines three layers (1-a, 1-b and 1-c) of different polymers into a single film 1).

[0019] The exterior layers of the film, (1-a) and (1-c), are preferably polyethylene.

This is responsible for preventing the viscosity of the film.

[0020] The core layer (1-b) is preferably a copolymer (preferably Ethylene Vinyl

Acetate), commonly known as EVA, and is responsible for the film’s elasticity and absorption of infrared radiation. This type of copolymer is well known, and permits a wide variety of applications, being light and easily shaped (with memory effect).

[0021] Added to all layers (1-a, 1-b and 1-c) of the film 1 are additives, preferably of the SHA type (sterically hindered amines), which are used as stabilizers against UV radiation and its absorption, and benzophenone, one of the most widely used sunscreens. The greater or lesser amount of additives will determine the greater or lesser protection against ultraviolet radiation (the known protective factors of sunscreens).

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2014201985 08 Apr 2014 [0022] This solution allows the possibility of using - and not just on the beach sunshade type devices with different degrees or types of protection, making it possible, for example, to choose a device with protection factor of X or Y.

[0023] As a result of the application of the three layers (1-a, 1-b, 1-c) in the film 1, the film 1 will exhibit the following features, in summary:

[0024] - Transparency (or translucency), which allows the passage of sunlight and its warmth;

[0025] - Flexibility (which facilitates its sewing and placement on the structure of the sunshade;

[0026] - Protection against ultraviolet radiation, and this protection may be more or less intense.

[0027] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0028] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

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Claims (3)

1. A sunshade type device with a transparent or translucent film which allows sunlight to pass but filters out ultraviolet rays, including a covering, which instead of woven material, includes a transparent or translucent film consisting of at least three layers of copolymers joined through co-extrusion into a single film, the sunshade type device further including sun protection additives which are added to the at least three layers of copolymers.

2. The sunshade type device according to claim 1, wherein a first layer and a third layer of the at least three layers of copolymers, the first and the third layers being exterior layers, include polyethylene, while a second layer, being an interior layer, includes Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.

3. The sunshade type device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further including the addition of sterically hindered amines and benzophenone derivatives to the at least three layers, and that form the film.

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2014201985 08 Apr 2014