US20170234027A1 - Collapsible shade device - Google Patents
Collapsible shade device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170234027A1 US20170234027A1 US15/337,977 US201615337977A US2017234027A1 US 20170234027 A1 US20170234027 A1 US 20170234027A1 US 201615337977 A US201615337977 A US 201615337977A US 2017234027 A1 US2017234027 A1 US 2017234027A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame support
- support member
- pivot
- leg
- bracket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
- E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/003—Bathing or beach cabins
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/02—Tents combined or specially associated with other devices
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/02—Tents combined or specially associated with other devices
- E04H15/06—Tents at least partially supported by vehicles
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/36—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type
- E04H15/38—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type expansible, e.g. extensible in a fan type manner
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/54—Covers of tents or canopies
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/64—Tent or canopy cover fastenings
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a shade device.
- the vacationer may need the assistance of a resort employee to aid in the set up and assembly of these devices at the particular location desired by the vacationer.
- Motorized vehicles may have to be used to pull the prior art shade device to the particular location desired by the vacationer.
- a group of friends or individuals will park at a destination and share food, drinks and companionship before an event (e.g., football, soccer, etc.).
- the party will occur on the back of a pickup truck.
- the bed of the pickup truck provides the staging area upon which the food may be laid out and the drinks may be placed.
- the truck bed may provide an area that people can set up a lawn chair to sit and lounge during the party.
- the harsh sunrays beat down on the participants and expose the food and drinks to the warm rays of the sun.
- a first embodiment of the shade device may be set up on a flat generally horizontal surface such as the beach, grass, etc. to provide protection from the harsh sunrays of the sun.
- the shade device When the shade device is set up on the ground, the shade device provides a seat portion upon which the user may sit to protect the user from the dirty ground.
- the seat portion may be part of a fabric layer that is extended upon a frame of the shade device to block the sun's rays and protect the person sitting on the seat portion from the harmful sunrays.
- a frame support member is pushed past nubs that hold up the shade device.
- the shade device may have two or more frame support members (i.e., collectively, the frame) that are collapsible upon each other.
- the shade device may be collapsed by an easy push release system.
- One of the frame support members is held in place by nubs.
- the frame support member is pushed over or past the nubs.
- legs of the frame support members are folded inward at joints.
- the seat portion can be wrapped around the legs and top support members of the frame support members to prevent the legs from unfolding or flopping around during transport, storage, etc.
- a strap may be engaged to secure the seat portion around the legs and the top support members.
- the straps may also have a shoulder strap such that the user may conveniently carry the folded or collapsed shade device on his/her shoulder.
- the shade device may be fabricated from lightweight material and hollow tubular construction to further reduce the weight of the overall shade device for easy transport (e.g., shoulder carry).
- the straps are disengaged.
- the seat portion is unwrapped from the legs and the top support members.
- the legs are folded outward at the joints.
- the frame support members are erected.
- the legs or frame support member is pushed over or past nubs. Since a fabric layer which provides the means for protecting the user from the harsh sunrays are attached to the top support members of the frame support members, the fabric layer is extended out when the frame support members are disposed or traversed to the erected position.
- legs of the frame support member may be held in position by the nubs formed in a bracket that pivotally attaches all of the legs of the frame support members.
- the shade device requires no additional tools to set up or tear down.
- the shade device is lightweight due to its construction and minimal parts. It is also intuitive in its set up and tear down.
- a shade device In a second embodiment of a shade device, the same may be mounted to a truck bed to provide shade and protection from harmful sunrays during a tailgating party.
- the shade device may have a central and stationary frame support member.
- Two pivoting support members, one disposed on each side of the fixed central support member may be disposed on each side of the fixed support member.
- the two pivoting support members are biased to the erected position due to gravity.
- the two pivoting support members may optionally be held or maintained in the erected position due to nubs.
- the same is initially wrapped in a rear portion of a fabric layer with straps securing the rear portion and a shoulder strap for convenient carry and transport.
- the straps are disengaged such that the rear portion of the fabric layer can be unwrapped and expose legs of the frame support members.
- the legs of the frame support members are pivoted outward.
- Protrusions formed on a bottom side of the brackets which pivotally attach the frame support members are inserted into stake bed holes. Once the brackets are inserted into the stake bed holes, a central or stationary frame support member is oriented generally straight upward.
- One or more pivoting support members are disposed adjacent the stationary frame support member.
- one pivoting support member may be attached to the bracket and extend over the tailgate or toward the tailgate of the bed.
- another pivoting support member is disposed on the other side of the central support member. Gravity is allowed to pivot the one or more pivoting support members to an extended position. It is also contemplated that nubs may be formed in the bracket to hold the one or more pivoting support members in position.
- At least one of the one or more pivoting support members and/or the stationary frame support member may have a telescoping leg for configuring the fabric layer disposed on the top support members of the frame support members as desired.
- Bungee cords, tie downs or elastic members may be used to secure the shade device to the bed of the truck in the event wind attempts to blow the shade device off of the truck bed.
- the brackets may also have clips to hold the shade device to the truck bed.
- the straps, tie downs, or bungee cords are removed from the shade device.
- the pivoting frame support members are folded toward the central fixed support member. To do so, the pivoting support members are pushed past the nubs.
- the shade device is removed from the stake bed holes.
- the legs of the frame support members are pivoted inward.
- the rear portion of the fabric layer is used to wrap the legs and the top support members of the frame support members.
- a strap is engaged to secure the rear portion about the legs and the top support members of the frame support member. Shoulder straps are attached to the fabric layer or the securing straps to aid in convenient shoulder carry or transport of the shade device.
- the fabric layer used in both the first and second embodiments of the shade device may have an SPF protective coating or feature.
- the legs and top support member of the frame support members may be fabricated so as to be lightweight.
- the legs and top support member may have a tubular construction, be fabricated from lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, titanium, wood, etc.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible shade device.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 1 with an awning in a collapsed position.
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 1 with frame support members and the awning in a collapsed position.
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 1 with legs of the support members folded in.
- FIG. 5 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 1 in a wrapped or carry configuration.
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a bracket of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6A is a view from an upper view of the bracket shown in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of a joint of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 1 for pivoting legs of the support member inward.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of a sliding knuckle of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8A is a top view of the sliding knuckle shown in FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 9 is an environmental view of a second embodiment of the collapsible shade device for a truck bed.
- FIG. 10 is an illustration of a bracket for the second embodiment of the collapsible shade device shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a side view oft he bracket shown in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 11A is a side view taken along the line 11 A- 11 A of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a fabric layer and top support member shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a telescoping leg shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 14 is an illustration depicting the first and second embodiments of the shade device employable on a lounge chair or a bench.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of a bracket for the second embodiment of the collapsible shade device having a retractable clip.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bracket shown in FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 is a side view of a first embodiment of the collapsible shade device having a protrusion with a retractable clip.
- FIG. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of the retractable clip.
- FIG. 19 is a side view of another embodiment of the retractable clip.
- FIG. 20 is a side view of a bracket according to an embodiment, shown in a collapsed position.
- FIG. 21 is an end view of the bracket of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket of FIG. 20 , taken along line A-A in FIG. 21 .
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket of FIG. 20 , taken along line B-B in FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 24 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 20 shown in an erected position.
- FIG. 25 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 24 , shown in the erected position.
- FIG. 26 is an end view of the bracket of FIG. 24 , shown in the erected position.
- FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 24 .
- FIG. 28 is a side view of a first side plate of the bracket of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the first side plate of FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 30 is an end view of the first side plate of FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 31 is a side view of a second side plate of the bracket of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the second side plate of FIG. 31 .
- FIG. 33 is an end view of the second side plate of FIG. 31 .
- FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a first pivot member of the bracket of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 35 is a side view of the first pivot member of FIG. 34 .
- FIG. 36 is a top view of the first pivot member of FIG. 34 .
- FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a second pivot member of the bracket of FIG. 20 .
- FIG. 38 is a side view of the second pivot member of FIG. 37 .
- FIG. 39 is a top view of the second pivot member of FIG. 37 .
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a corner joint member, according to an embodiment, shown in an erected position.
- FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the corner joint ember of FIG. 40 taken along line E-E in FIG. 41 .
- FIG. 43 is a side view of a first hinge member of the corner joint member of FIG. 41 .
- FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the first hinge member of FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 45 is an end view of the first hinge member of FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the first hinge member of FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 47 is a side view of a second hinge member of the corner joint member of FIG. 41 .
- FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the second hinge member of FIG. 47 .
- FIG. 49 is an end view of the second hinge member of FIG. 47 .
- FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the second hinge member of FIG. 47 .
- the collapsible shade device 10 may have a plurality of frame support members 12 a - c that are traversable between an erected position (see FIG. 1 ) and a collapsed position (see FIG. 3 ). To traverse the frame support members to the collapsed position, one of the frame support members may be held up by nubs as will be discussed below. The frame support member is pushed past the nub to allow the frame support members to be collapsed upon each other. This provides for a simple push release system. Once the frame members 12 are in the collapsed position, legs 14 of the frame support members 12 may be pivoted inward (see FIG.
- a fabric layer 18 may be attached to top support members 16 of the frame support members 12 and may be sufficiently long such that the fabric layer 18 provides a seat portion 20 that can be spread out on the ground upon which the collapsible shade device 10 is erected, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the seat portion 20 may be used to wrap the legs 14 and the top member 16 of the frame support members 12 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the seat portion 20 serves a dual purpose, namely, 1) protecting the user while sitting and 2) wrapping for forming a package.
- the user may roll the top support members 16 and legs 14 within the fabric layer 18 , and more particularly, within the seat portion 20 of the fabric layer 18 .
- securing straps 22 may be wrapped around the collapsed shade device 10 and tied or secured to prevent loosening and unwrapping of the various members 12 , 14 , 16 during transport or storage.
- the securing straps 22 may also have a shoulder strap 23 for convenient transport of the collapsed shade device 10 .
- the securing strap 23 may be attached to the fabric layer 18 .
- the securing straps 22 are disengaged.
- the above steps are reversed.
- one or more of the frame support members 12 may pivot within a bracket 24 and be pushed past nubs to lock the shade device in the erected position, as discussed herein.
- the collapsible shade device 10 a may also be implemented to provide shade for a truck bed during tailgating, as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the collapsible shade device 10 a may be deployable on sand, grass, or any other flat surface 36 upon which a person or other animal may sit or rest.
- the collapsible shade device 10 provides shade from the sun such that the user is protected from harmful and harsh sunrays.
- the collapsible shade device 10 may have left and right brackets 24 a, b which may be identical to each other or a mirror configuration with each other. For the purposes of simplicity, a discussion of the brackets 24 a, b will focus on the left bracket 24 a . However, it is understood that the right bracket 24 b may be identical or a mirror configuration of the left bracket 24 a.
- the left bracket 24 a may be fabricated from a generally rigid and lightweight material such as plastic, metal, carbon fiber, composite, etc.
- the left bracket 24 a may have a through hole 26 (see FIG. 6 ) that snugly receives a distal end portion 28 of a left leg 14 a of a first frame support member 12 a (see FIG. 1 ).
- the distal end portion 28 may be fixedly secured to the through hole 26 of the bracket 24 by way of adhesive, pin 25 , or other attachment methods.
- a leg 14 b (see FIG. 6 ) of a second frame support member 12 b may be pivotally attached to the left brackets 24 a .
- a distal end portion 28 of the leg 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b may be pivotally pinned to side plates 32 a, b of the left bracket 24 a with pin 25 .
- One or more additional frame support members 12 c - n may be pivotally attached to the left and right brackets 24 a, b between the first and second frame support members 12 a, b , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- one additional support member 12 c is pivotally attached to the left and right brackets 24 a, b between the first and second frame support members 12 a, b .
- the second frame support member 12 b and the one or more additional frame support members 12 c - n may be collapsed or laid upon the first frame support member 12 a , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the second frame support member 12 b When erecting the shade device 10 , the second frame support member 12 b may be pivoted to the erected position, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the fabric layer 18 which is attached to the top support members 16 of the frame support members 12 a, b, e - n pulls the one or more additional frame support members 12 upward.
- the fabric layer 18 remains taut between the second frame support member 12 b and the one or more additional frame support members 12 c - n .
- the fabric layer 18 is taut between the second frame support member 12 b and the additional frame support member 12 c .
- the second frame support member 24 b may be pivoted so as to be parallel with the first frame support member 12 a when the shade device 10 is collapsed.
- the second frame support member 12 c may be rotated toward the erected position one-hundred degrees (100°) or past the vertical plane until the second frame support member 12 b is locked into position as discussed herein. It is also contemplated that the maximum angle of pivot for the second frame support member 12 b may be within about forty degrees (40°) to one-hundred-eighty degrees (180°).
- the side plates 32 a, b of the left and right brackets 24 a, b form a channel 33 through which the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b and the legs 14 c - n of the one or more additional frame support members 12 c - n may traverse as they 12 b, e - n pivot.
- the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b traverse within the channel 33 formed by the side plates 32 a, b .
- legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b may be pushed over or ride over nubs 34 (see FIGS. 6 and 6A ) and may be snapped into place.
- a distance 35 between the nubs 34 may be less than a width 37 of the legs 14 of the frame support member 12 b .
- the side plates 32 a, b may flex slightly outward, (2) the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b may bend slightly inward or (3) both actions may occur.
- the rigidity of the side plates 32 a, b as well as the rigidity of the legs 14 of the second frame support member 12 b may be designed so that the second frame support member 12 b remains in the upright position and locked in place by the nubs 34 during use.
- the seat portion 20 of the fabric layer 18 is spread about the ground 36 such that the user can lay down or rest on the seat portion 20 and be protected from dirt or undesirable contaminants disposed on the ground 36 .
- the fabric layer 18 attached to the top members 16 of the second frame support member 12 b and the one or more additional frame support members 12 c - n provide shade to the user and protects the user from harmful and harsh sunrays.
- the fabric layer 18 may be attached to the top member 16 of the frame support members 12 by forming a loop as will be discussed below in relation to a second embodiment of the shade device 10 a.
- the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b are traversed beyond the vertical plane such that the second frame support member 12 b is pulled down on the opposite side due to gravity.
- This assists in holding the position of the second frame support member 12 b in the erect position by the nubs 34 since gravity and the nubs 34 are holding the second frame support member 12 b in the erect position.
- nubs 34 may be formed in the brackets for each of the legs 14 c - n such that the nubs 34 for the second frame support member do not do all of the work to hold up the shade device. Rather, each of the nubs 34 for each of the legs 14 c - n carry its own weight. This also enables the second frame support member 12 b to be partially opened.
- the second frame support member 12 b is pushed such that the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b is pushed over or ride over nubs 34 .
- This allows the second frame support member 12 b and the one or more additional frame support members 12 c - n to be collapsed upon the first frame support member 12 a .
- the shade device 10 may then be folded as discussed herein.
- the nubs 34 , side plates 32 a, b and the legs 14 define a push release mechanism that allows easy and convenient collapse of the shade device 10 which requires no assembly to erect or collapse the shade device 10 .
- the shade device 10 may additionally have an optional awning 38 which fits the profile of the second frame support member 12 b when not in use, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- a sliding knuckle 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 8 ) attaches the distal end portions 42 of legs 44 of an awning support member 46 to legs 14 of the second frame support member 12 b .
- the legs 44 of the awning support member 46 may pivot about the sliding knuckle 40 .
- the sliding knuckle 40 may slide up and down a length of the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b .
- the sliding knuckles 40 a, b may be loosened via a knob 48 .
- Loosening the knob 48 allows the sliding knuckles 40 a, b to slide up and down the length of the legs 14 of the second frame support member 12 b and also allows the awning support member 46 to pivot about the sliding knuckle 40 .
- the sliding knuckles 40 a, b may each have a strap 50 disposed about the circumference of the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b .
- the strap 50 is tightened about (i.e., frictionally engages) the leg 14 b to prevent sliding of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b along the length of the legs 14 b .
- the fabric layer 18 may extend from the top member 16 of the second frame support member 12 b to the top member 52 of the awning support member 46 .
- the knobs 48 of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are loosened.
- the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are slid up along the legs 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b as desired.
- the awning support member 46 is rotated as shown by arrows in FIG. 2 .
- the fabric layer 18 disposed between the top members 16 , 52 of the second frame support member 12 b and the awning support member 46 begins to stretch or extend out to provide additional shade to the user under the collapsible shade device 10 .
- the angle of the awning support member 46 may be adjusted as desired by the user.
- the knob 48 of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are now tightened to set the awning 38 .
- the weight of the awning 38 also assists in maintaining the shade device in the erect position.
- the awning 38 is pulled down by gravity toward the front of the shade device.
- the knobs 48 of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are loosened.
- the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are slid down (see arrow in FIG. 1 ) the legs 14 of the second frame support member 12 b .
- the top member 52 of the awning support member 46 is rotated (see arrow in FIG. 1 ) and disposed closely adjacent to the top member 16 of the second frame support member 12 b , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the fabric layer 18 disposed between the top members 16 and 52 may be lifted up and on top of the fabric layer 18 between the top member 16 of the second frame support member 12 b and the top member 16 of the one or more additional frame support members 12 c - n .
- the fabric layer 18 may hang in front of the shade device 10 to provide additional protection to the user resting under the shade device 10 .
- the seating portion 20 may be attached to the underside of the legs 14 a of the first frame support member 12 a such as with hooks and loops, adhesive, snaps, etc. and other fastening means.
- the left and right edges 60 a, b of the seating portion 20 may extend beyond the width of the first frame support member 12 a , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the pouches 62 a, b may be filled with sand or other heavy material to mitigate the shade device 10 from blowing away.
- the pouches 62 a, b may be disposed at the front side of the shade device 10 , may extend along the entire length of the left and right side edges 60 a, b of the seat portion 20 and/or may extend along the rear of the seat portion.
- the pouches 62 a, b may be opened and closed with a zipper, hooks and loops, buttons and other closure means to fill or empty the pouches 62 a, b with sand or other heavy objects.
- the pouches 62 a, b may be emptied. Once the shade device 10 is set up at the desired location, heavy objects such as sand, rocks, etc. in the local area may be gathered and placed inside of the pouches 62 a, b.
- Each of the frame support members 12 a - c and the awning support member 46 has legs 14 a, b, c , 44 that are attached to and pivotable with opposed distal end portions of a top member 16 , 52 via a joint 54 (see FIGS. 1 and 7 ).
- the joint 54 is attached to both the legs 14 , 44 and the top members 16 , 52 .
- the joint 54 may comprise first and second hinges 56 , 58 which are pivotable about each other.
- the first and second hinges 56 , 58 may have a maximum pivot angle of ninety degrees (90°) although other angles (e.g., 45° to 270°) are also contemplated.
- the first and second hinges 56 , 58 may allow only limited angular displacement (e.g., 90°). Preferably, at most, the first and second hinges cannot be rotated more than one-hundred-eighty degrees (180°) with respect to each other.
- the first and second hinges 56 , 58 may be pinned to each other with a pin 64 .
- the second hinge 58 may have an L-shaped ninety degrees (90°) angle 78 . Other angles 78 for the L-shaped second hinge 58 are also contemplated, such as up to one-hundred-forty-five degrees (145°).
- a first distal end portion 66 of the second hinge 58 may be attached to the top support member 16 , 52 via any fastening means such as pinned connection, adhesive, screws, nuts and bolts, etc.
- the second distal end portion 68 may be attached to the first distal end portion 70 of the first hinge 56 .
- a second distal end portion 72 of the second hinge 58 may be attached to the legs 14 a - c , 44 via any fastening means such as adhesive, welding, pin connection, etc.
- the legs 14 a - c , 44 are pivotable with respect to the top support members 16 , 52 due to the rotation of the first and second hinges 56 , 58 .
- the first hinge 56 rotates in the counterclockwise direction shown in FIG. 7 .
- the legs 14 a - c , 44 are generally parallel or in the folded configuration with respect to the top support members 16 , 52 .
- a first stopping surface 74 of the first hinge 56 contacts a second stopping surface 76 of the second hinge 58 .
- the legs 14 a - c, 44 no longer extend away from the top support members 16 , 52 , they are fully extended.
- the second hinge 58 has an L-shaped configuration.
- the first and second distal end portions 66 , 68 of the second hinge 58 are oriented approximately ninety degrees (90°) from each other.
- the angle 78 may be increased to greater than ninety degrees (90°) such that the left and right legs 14 a - c of the frame support members 12 a - c - n are splayed outwardly.
- the other components such as the seat portion 20 are also enlarged as appropriate.
- a telescoping arm 176 may be attached to legs 14 a and c.
- one telescoping arm 176 may be attached to the left legs 14 a, c and one telescoping arm 176 may be attached to the other side of the frame support members 12 a, c on the legs.
- the telescoping arms 176 may each have first and second tubes 178 , 180 .
- the first tube 178 may slide within the second tube 180 to vary an overall length of the telescoping arm 176 .
- the length of the telescoping arm 176 may be fixed by tightening a threaded lock knob 182 .
- the knob 182 may be threaded into the second tube 180 and butt up frictionally against the first tube 178 .
- the knob 182 is loose and the first and second tubes 178 , 180 are extended.
- the knob 182 is tightened.
- the telescoping arm 176 assists in holding up the frame support member 12 c above the ground.
- the telescoping arms 176 are optional and not required.
- the knob 182 is loosened and the frame support members 12 a, c are collapsed which also compresses the telescoping arms 176 .
- the shade device 10 can be employed as discussed herein with or without the telescoping arms 176 .
- Other configurations of the arms are also contemplated such as telescoping arms that snap into place at preset intervals.
- Multiple telescoping arms 176 can be attached to the frame support member 12 a and e - n as needed when additional frame support members 12 d - n are incorporated into the shade device.
- the shade device 10 may be mounted to a bed 80 of a truck 82 to provide shade to users such as during a tailgating party.
- the collapsible shade device 10 a may have left and right brackets 84 a, b that function similarly to brackets 24 a, b .
- the left and right brackets 84 a, b may have a protrusion 86 that may be snuggly received into a stake pocket 88 .
- the protrusion 86 is insertable into the stake pocket 88 and a bottom surface 90 of a body 92 of the bracket 84 rests on top of the truck bed sidewall 94 .
- mount (not shown) with holes may be attached to the truck bed sidewall 94 .
- the protrusions of the brackets 84 a, b may be inserted into the holes of the mounts.
- the mount version may be used for those trucks that do not include stake pockets 88 .
- the bracket 84 may have the following structure.
- the body 92 may have a central aperture 96 that extends vertically upward.
- a leg 98 a of a first frame support member 100 a may be inserted into the central aperture 96 and fastened thereto with any fastening means such as adhesive, welding, pinned joint, etc. Alternatively, the leg 98 a may merely be pinned to the bracket 84 .
- the first frame support member 100 a is oriented generally straight up and down when the protrusion 86 of the bracket 84 is disposed within the stake pocket 88 .
- the shade device 10 a may have one or more collapsible frame support members b - n pivotally attachable to the brackets 84 .
- second and third frame support members 100 b, c have legs 98 b,c that can be pivoted within channels 102 formed in the bracket 84 .
- the legs 98 b,c may be pivotally pinned to first and second sidewalls 104 a, b of the bracket 84 with pins 106 .
- the second and third legs 98 b, c may be pivoted to the expanded position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 or to the folded configuration wherein the legs 98 b, c are generally parallel with the leg 98 a (see dash lines in FIG. 11 ).
- the pivot angle 106 of the legs 98 b, c may be limited by a bottom surface 108 of the channels 102 .
- the legs 98 b, c may rest on the bottom surface 108 when the legs 98 b, c are pivoted to the maximum extent.
- the pivot angle 106 may be limited by the fabric layer 110 attached to top support members 112 a - c and draped over one or more sides.
- the top support members 112 a - c may be secured to the bottom side of the fabric layer 110 by any means.
- the fabric layer 110 may have a loop 114 formed on the underside of the fabric layer 110 .
- the loop 114 may be formed with a strap 116 which may be sewed to the fabric layer 110 at two different regions 118 .
- the top support member 112 a is fed through a series of loops 114 formed on the underside of the fabric layer 110 . The same may also be true for the top support members 112 b - c .
- the fabric layer 110 is pulled taut prior to the legs 98 b, c contacting the bottom surfaces 108 .
- first frame support member 100 a is rigidly fixed to the bracket 84 and the second and third frame support members 100 b, c may generally be equally weighted, there is a balance in the weights and minimal stresses imposed on the system. Gravity also holds the shade device 10 a in the open configuration without the need for nubs or pins although nubs and pins may be incorporated into the shade device 10 a to maintain the open position of the legs 98 b,c.
- the sidewalls 104 a, b may optionally incorporate nubs 132 which may hold the position of the leg 98 b in the open position.
- the leg 98 b may be pushed over or ride over the nubs 132 in a similar fashion as compared to the prior embodiment discussed in relation to FIGS. 6 and 6A .
- the leg 98 b may flex inwardly.
- the sidewalls 104 a, b may also flex outwardly.
- the leg 98 b and the sidewalls 104 a, b may flex to allow the leg 98 b to ride over the nubs 132 .
- the leg 98 b is pushed past the nubs 132 in the left direction as shown in FIG. 11A .
- the leg 98 b may be pushed over the nubs 132 and snap into place in the right direction as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11A .
- the nubs 132 may also be employed on the other side of the bracket 84 in relation to leg 98 c.
- the leg 98 b may comprise first and second telescoping members 118 , 120 .
- the first telescoping member 118 may have an outwardly biased push button 122 .
- the second telescoping member 120 may have a plurality of holes 124 sized and configured to receive the button 122 .
- the second leg 98 b can be lengthened or shortened by depressing the button 122 and engaging the button 122 with one of the plurality of holes 124 .
- the fabric layer 110 may extend behind the top support member 112 c toward the cab 123 of the truck 82 . To this end, the fabric layer 110 may be secured to the truck bed 80 with a bungee cord or other fastening device 126 . Additionally, the second frame support member 100 b may be biased toward the open position with bungee cords 126 .
- the telescoping member 118 is implemented in both legs 98 b of the second frame support member 100 b . It is also contemplated that the telescoping member 118 may be employed in the first, third and any additional frame support members 100 a, e - n that make up the shade device 10 a . It is also contemplated that the telescoping member 118 may be implemented in the legs 14 a, b, e - n of the frame support members 12 a - n and the legs 44 of the awning support member 46 of the shade device 10 discussed in relation to FIGS. 1-8 .
- the collapsible shade device 10 a is easily collapsible and foldable without the need of any assembly.
- a rear portion 130 of the fabric layer 110 may be attached generally horizontally to a back side of the cab 123 of the truck 82 by way of suction cups 184 .
- the bungee cords, tie downs, or fastening devices 126 are removed from the set up.
- the second and third frame support members 100 b, c may be pivoted upward such that the legs 98 b, c are generally parallel to leg 98 a .
- the legs 98 b, c are pushed past the nubs 132 .
- the top support members 112 b, c are disposed immediately adjacent the top support member 112 a . If needed, the length of the leg 98 b is adjusted to be equal to the length of the legs 98 a, c. The user may then pull upward on the top support members 112 a - c to pull the protrusion 86 of the bracket 84 out of the stake pockets 88 . The shade device 10 a is then laid on the ground and the legs 98 a - c are folded inward at joints 128 to allow pivotal movement of the legs 98 a - c to the top support members 112 a - c .
- the joints 128 may be identical to the joints 54 discussed above.
- the rear portion 130 of the fabric layer 110 may be used to wrap the legs 98 a - c and the top support members 112 a - c such that the legs 98 a - c do not move or flop around during transport and storage of the collapsible shade device 10 a .
- Straps may be used to maintain the rear portion 130 around the legs 98 a - c and top support members 112 a - c .
- a carrying strap may be attached to the straps to allow convenient carry of this lightweight, easy to transport and carry shade device. To erect the collapsible shade device 10 a , the steps discussed above are performed in reverse order.
- the shade device 10 or the shade device 10 a may be employed on a lounge chair 132 .
- the shade device 10 a may be mounted to the lounge chair 132 by inserting the protrusions 86 into corresponding pockets 134 of the lounge chair 132 .
- the lounge chair 132 may be a doublewide lounge chair 132 with an adjustable back rest 138 that can be raised or lowered as desired by the user.
- the shade device 10 a may also be employed on a bench 139 . Similar to the lounge chair 132 , the bench 139 may have pockets 134 for receiving the protrusions 86 of the shade device 10 a.
- the shade device 10 may also be employed on the lounge chair 132 or the bench 139 .
- the shade device 10 may be rested on the upper surface 136 of the lounge chair 132 .
- the brackets 24 of the shade device 10 may be formed with protrusions 86 that can be received into the pockets 134 of the lounge chair 132 or the pockets 134 of the bench 139 .
- the back rest 138 may provide the horizontal support to the first frame support member 12 a .
- a dedicated arm rest 140 may support the first frame support member 12 a while allowing the backrest 138 to be raised or lowered as desired by the user.
- the shade device 10 may also be employed on the bench 139 .
- the arm rest 142 supports the first frame support member 12 a.
- FIGS. 15-17 a retractable clip for preventing pullout of the brackets 24 and 84 when protrusions 86 are inserted into pockets 134 or stake bed holes 88 or any other type of aperture for receiving the protrusions 86 are shown.
- the protrusions 86 are aligned to the aperture 156 .
- the user pushes a handle 146 downward in direction of arrow 148 to retract a hook portion 150 into a body of the bracket 84 , 24 .
- An opposite side of the bracket 84 , 24 has a stationary hook portion 152 although it is contemplated that the hook portion 152 may also be retractable.
- the user When inserting the protrusions 86 into the aperture, the user must lower the brackets 24 , 84 into the aperture such that the stationary clip 152 is received under a lip 154 that defines the aperture 156 .
- a width 158 between a distal end of the protrusion 152 and a side of the protrusion 86 is equal to or less than a width 160 of the aperture 156 .
- the hook portion 150 is biased to the out position via a spring 168 .
- the clip 144 is attached to a body of the bracket 24 , 84 with a pin 164 .
- a bushing 166 rotates about the pin 164 .
- the handle 146 is attached to the bushing 166 .
- the hook portion 150 is also attached to the bushing 166 .
- a resilient but flexible spring 168 slides on a earning surface 170 .
- the spring 168 is similar to a leaf spring. Due to the curvature of the earning surface 170 , the hook portion 150 is biased to the outward position.
- a flange 172 may rest on the lip 154 , 162 .
- the flange 172 may be split or gapped away 174 to allow handle 146 to be traversed downward and retract the hook portion 150 into the body of the bracket 84 .
- the bracket 24 may also have a split to allow movement of the handle 146 .
- the retractable clip may have a handle 146 a that retracts a latch 186 into the protrusion 86 a .
- a spring 192 biases the latch 186 to the extended position.
- the latch 186 may have a beveled tip surface 188 which contacts an edge 190 of the aperture 156 , 134 , 88 . When the beveled tip surface 188 contacts the edge 190 of the aperture 156 , 134 and 88 the edge 190 pushes the latch 186 into the protrusion 86 a so that the protrusion 86 a can now be inserted into the aperture 156 , 134 and 88 .
- the spring 192 pushes the latch 186 back out.
- the first and second lips 154 , 162 are trapped between the latch 186 I stationary hook portion 152 a and the flange 172 a or the body of the brackets 24 .
- the user pushes the handle 146 a in direction of arrow 194 to retract the latch 186 back into the protrusion 86 a .
- the protrusions 86 a are removed from the apertures 156 , 134 , 88 .
- a width 196 of the aperture 156 , 134 and 88 may be smaller than a width 198 of the protrusion 86 a when the latch 186 is in the extended position. Also, the width 198 of the protrusion 86 a when the latch 186 is in the retracted position, may be less than the width 196 so that the protrusion 86 a may be removed from and inserted into the aperture 156 , 134 , 88 .
- the retractable clip includes a stationary hook portion 152 b and a retractable latch 186 a .
- the retractable latch 186 a is disposed within protrusion 86 b .
- a width 198 a of the protrusion 86 b is less than the width 196 of the aperture 156 , 134 , 88 .
- the protrusion 86 b can be inserted into aperture 156 , 134 , 88 .
- the leg 98 c can be rotated out as shown by solid lines. When the leg 98 c is rotated to the extended position as shown in solid lines in FIG.
- the retractable latch 186 a is extended out.
- the first and second lips 154 , 156 are trapped between the latch 186 a I stationary hook portion 152 b and flange 172 b or the body of the brackets 24 .
- the leg 98 c is rotated inward to traverse the latch 186 a back into the protrusion 86 b .
- the protrusion 86 b can now be removed from the aperture 156 , 134 and 88 .
- the shade device 10 , 10 a may be held up in the erected position by nubs 34 , 132 .
- the frame support member 12 b may be held up with a pin 39 as shown in FIG. 6A .
- the legs 98 b, c may be held in its expanded position by pin 39 that is inserted in front of the legs 98 b, c as shown in FIG. 11A .
- FIGS. 20-39 illustrate an embodiment of a bracket 224 that can be used for example, in place of brackets 24 a and 24 b in collapsible shade device 10 .
- a bracket 224 can be used on both the right side and the left side of the collapsible shade device 10 , or bracket 224 can include a right hand version and a left hand version (e.g., a mirror image of the right hand version).
- the bracket 224 is described below with respect to only one side (e.g., the left side) of the collapsible shade device 10 , but it should be understood that the collapsible shade device 10 can also include a bracket 224 on the right side that can be coupled to the frame support members of the collapsible shade device 10 in the same or a similar manner.
- the bracket 224 can be fabricated from a generally rigid and lightweight material such as plastic, metal, carbon fiber, composite, etc. as described above for previous embodiments.
- the bracket 224 includes a first side plate 232 a and a second side plate 232 b that can be coupled together to form a housing of the bracket 224 .
- the first side plate 232 a includes a first coupling portion 225 a and the second side plate 232 b includes a second coupling portion 225 b (see, e.g., FIG. 27 ) that collectively define a channel 226 when the first side plate 232 a and the second side plate 232 b are coupled together, as shown, for example in FIGS. 21 and 26 .
- the channel 226 defines an axis E-E that can be substantially parallel to a support surface S when the collapsible shade device 10 is in use.
- the channel 226 can receive the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 a of the first frame support member 12 a .
- the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 a can be coupled to the bracket 224 such that the left leg 14 a is stationary (e.g., does not pivot) relative to the bracket 224 when coupled thereto.
- the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 a can be coupled to the bracket 224 within the channel 226 , for example, using an adhesive, a pin, a friction fit, or other coupling methods.
- the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 a can be removably or fixedly coupled to the bracket 224 within the channel 226 .
- the first side plate 232 a also defines a pair of openings 247
- the second side plate 232 b defines a pair of openings 248 .
- the openings 247 and the openings 248 can be used, for example, to remove or drain sand and/or other debris that may enter into the housing of the bracket 224 during use.
- the bracket 224 also includes a first pivot member 227 and a second pivot member 229 .
- the first pivot member 227 can be pivotally and slidably coupled to the first side plate 232 a and the second side plate 232 b with a first pin 230 and a first nut 231 (see, e.g., FIG.
- the first pivot member 227 has a longitudinal range of motion and a pivotal range of motion
- the second pivot member 229 has a pivotal range of motion.
- the first pivot member 227 can be used to pivotally couple the distal end portion 28 of the leg 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b
- the second pivot member 229 can be used to pivotally couple the distal end portion 28 of the third leg 14 c of the third frame support member 12 c
- the first pivot member 227 defines a channe 1234 that can receive the distal end portion 28 of the leg 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b
- the second pivot member 229 defines a channel 235 that can receive the distal end portion 28 of the third frame support member 12 c .
- the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b and the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 c of the third frame support member 12 c can each be coupled within their respective channels 234 and 235 , with for example, an adhesive, a pin, a friction fit, or other coupling methods.
- the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 b of the second frame support member 12 b and the distal end portion 28 of the left leg 14 c of the third frame support member 12 c can each be removably or fixedly coupled within their respective channels 234 and 235 .
- the first pivot member 227 can be moved between a first position as shown in FIGS. 20-23 and a second position as shown in FIGS. 24-27 .
- an axis C-C of the channel 234 of the first pivot member 227 is disposed substantially horizontal or parallel with a support surface S on which bracket 224 and the collapsible shade device 10 is disposed.
- the axis C-C of the channel 234 is disposed at an angle transverse to the support surface S, as shown for example, in FIG. 24 .
- the first pivot member 227 can be pivoted relative to the housing (i.e., side plates 232 a and 232 b ) via the first pin 230 and can slide downward within the housing until the pin 230 is disposed at a first end portion 244 of a slot 233 defined by the first pivot member 227 (see, e.g., FIGS. 34 and 35 ).
- the slot 233 defines the longitudinal range of motion of the first pivot member 227 .
- the second pivot member 229 can also be moved between a first position as shown in FIGS. 20-23 and a second position as shown in FIGS. 24-27 .
- an axis D-D of the channel 235 of the second pivot member 229 is disposed substantially horizontal or parallel with the support surface S and substantially parallel to the channe 1234 of the first pivot member 227 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 20 ).
- the channel 235 is disposed at an angle transverse to the channel 234 of the first pivot member 227 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 24 .
- the second pivot member 229 can be pivoted relative to the housing (i.e., side plates 232 a and 232 b ) via the second pin 230 ′.
- the bracket 224 can be used to move the collapsible shade device 10 between its collapsed position (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3 ) and its erected position (as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 ).
- the first pivot member 227 can be moved from its first position to its second position
- the second pivot member 229 can be moved from its first position to its second position, as described above.
- a surface 240 of the second pivot member 229 engages or contacts or abuts a surface 242 of the first pivot member 227 , as shown in FIGS. 25 and 27 .
- the surface 240 can have a contour or shape that mates with, cooperates with or complementarily fits with the surface 242 .
- the surfaces 240 and 242 are substantially flat, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, the surfaces 240 and 242 can have other shapes and/or contours.
- the surface 240 can be convex and the surface 242 can be a corresponding or cooperating concave shape, or vice versa.
- first pivot member 227 With the first pivot member 227 slid downward within the bracket housing via the slot 233 , the weight of the first frame support member 12 a and the related portion of the fabric layer of the collapsible shade device 10 temporarily maintains the first pivot member 227 in its second position, and the orientation of the second pivot member 229 and engagement of the surfaces 241 and 242 can temporarily maintain the second pivot member 229 in its second position.
- first pivot member 227 and the second pivot member 229 are each in their respective second positions, a gravity lock is formed, and the collapsible shade device 10 will be maintained in its erected position.
- the first pivot member 227 and the second pivot member 229 can be moved to their respective first positions. Specifically, the first pivot member 227 can be slid upward until the first pin 230 is disposed at or near a second end portion 243 (see e.g., FIGS. 34 and 35 ) of the slot 233 , which will provide clearance to the second pivot member 229 to be pivoted about second pin 230 ′ to its first position. The first pivot member 227 can then be pivoted about pin 230 ′ to be placed back in its first position, as shown in FIGS. 20-22 .
- FIGS. 40-50 illustrate an embodiment of a corner joint member 354 that can be used, for example, in place of joint 54 , in a collapsible shade device (e.g., collapsible shade device 10 ) described herein.
- corner joint members 354 can be used in a similar manner as the joints 54 to pivotally couple the legs 14 a , 14 b , 14 c of the frame support members 12 a , 12 b , 12 c to the top members 16 , and to couple the legs 44 to the top member 52 of the awning support member 46 .
- the corner joint member 354 includes a first hinge member 356 and a second hinge member 358 pivotally coupled together with a pin 330 and nut 331 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 42 .
- the corner joint member 354 can be moved between a collapsed position (not shown) and an erected position (as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 ) by moving (e.g., pivoting) the first hinge member 356 and the second hinge member 358 relative to each other.
- an axis C-C defined by the first hinge member 356 is disposed at an angle ⁇ from an axis D-D defined by the second hinge member 358 .
- the angle ⁇ between the first hinge member 356 and the second hinge member 358 can be ninety-five degrees (95°).
- the interior region defined by the collapsible shade device 10 can be increased.
- the frame support members e.g., 12 a , 12 b , 12 c
- the support members can be curved or non-linear
- the angle ⁇ can be any angle between 45° and 270°.
- the first hinge member 356 includes a first mount portion 359 and an elongate portion 360 , as shown in FIGS. 43-46 .
- the elongate portion 360 defines a channel 361 that can receive one of the legs 14 a , 14 b . 14 c , 44 therein.
- the legs 14 a , 14 b . 14 c , 44 can be coupled to the elongate portion 360 with, for example, an adhesive, welding, a pin connection, friction fit, etc.
- the second hinge member 358 includes a second mount portion 362 and an elongate portion 363 .
- the elongate portion 363 defines a channel 364 that can receive one of the top members 16 , 52 .
- the top members 16 , 52 can be coupled to the elongate portion 363 with, for example, an adhesive, welding, a pin connection, friction fit, etc. It should be understood, that in alternative embodiments, the channel 361 of the first hinge member 356 can receive the top members 16 or 52 , and the channel 364 can receive the legs 14 a , 14 b , 14 c , 44 .
- the first mount portion 359 of the first hinge member 356 includes a pair of ramps 365 and the second mount portion 362 of the second hinge member 358 includes a pair of ramps 366 (also referred to as “stops”, “protrusions” and “projections”).
- the second mount portion 362 of the second hinge member 358 also includes a pair of nubs or detents 367 .
- the ramps 365 and the ramps 366 can be used to control the range of motion of the first hinge member 356 and second hinge member 358 relative to each other.
- the radial position of the ramps 365 and the radial position of the ramps 366 are such that they can provide a stop to prevent over rotation of the first hinge member 356 and the second hinge member 358 when the corner joint member 354 is moved from its collapsed position to its erected position and/or when the corner joint member 354 is moved from its erected position to its collapsed position.
- the nubs 367 can provide a friction lock to temporarily maintain the corner joint member 354 in the erected position.
- the ramps 365 of the first hinge member 356 can be moved past the nubs 367 to temporarily lock the first hinge member 356 and the second hinge member 358 at the desired angle 8 relative to each other. While in the erected position, the ramps 365 of the first hinge member 356 are disposed between the nubs 367 and the ramps 366 of the second hinge member 358 .
- corner joint members 354 can be used in conjunction with the brackets 24 or brackets 224 (whichever are being used) to move the collapsible shade device 10 between its collapsed position and its erected position.
- a collapsible shade device (e.g., 10 , 10 a ) as described herein can include a fabric member (e.g., fabric layer 18 ) that is removably coupled to the frame support members.
- the fabric member can be coupled to the frame support members using a Velcro attachment.
- the fabric member is oversized such that the frame support members can be placed within a fold or overlap portion of the fabric member.
- the fabric member can be formed as a single unitary piece that is coupled to the frame support members.
- the floor or seat portion of the fabric member e.g., seat portion 20
- the fabric member can include a window or screen portion, for example, on a back portion of the fabric member to allow a user to see out of the collapsible shade device.
- the legs (e.g., 14 a , 14 b , 14 c , 44 , 112 a , 112 b , 112 c ,) of the frame support members (e.g., 12 a , 12 b , 12 c , 112 ) and awning support member (e.g., 46 ) described herein can be formed from a variety of different materials.
- the legs can be formed with bamboo, wood, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, extruded ABS, and/or a variety of different types of suitable plastic materials, etc.
Abstract
A shade device for protecting a user from harmful sunrays is provided. The shade device may be held in the erected position with nubs such that to erect the shade device, frame support members are pushed to the erected position. To collapse the shade device, the frame support members are pushed past nubs. Accordingly, the shade device incorporates a simple push release mechanism to erect and collapse the shade device such that no assembly or disassembly of the shade device is required for tear down or set up.
Description
- This utility application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/166,266, entitled “Collapsible Shade Device,” filed Jun. 22, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/640,959, filed Dec. 17, 2009. All of these related applications are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application. Moreover, any and all U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other documents, hard copy or electronic, cited or referred to in this application are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application.
- Not Applicable
- The present invention relates to a shade device.
- In tropical resort areas vacationers seek solitude and isolation from the crowds. Vacationers seek isolated beach areas away from the crowds and modem society in order to relax in a stress free environment. In these isolated areas, the vacationer wants to be shielded or protected from the harmful and harsh sunrays. The sunrays may damage the vacationer's eyes and skin. Sun block and sunglasses may be inadequate since direct contact with the sunrays may cause the person's skin temperature to be elevated beyond a comfortable range. The sunrays may cause the vacationer to squint. As a solution, resorts and beach communities have provided lounge chairs with sun umbrellas, canopies, etc. that block the sun's rays and protect the vacationer. Unfortunately, these prior art shade devices may be very bulky and heavy. In order to maneuver these prior art shade devices, the vacationer may need the assistance of a resort employee to aid in the set up and assembly of these devices at the particular location desired by the vacationer. Motorized vehicles may have to be used to pull the prior art shade device to the particular location desired by the vacationer. These interruptions are unwanted intrusions by resort employees. The sound of motorized vehicles takes away from the relaxing atmosphere of these beach communities.
- In a different scenario, during tailgating, a group of friends or individuals will park at a destination and share food, drinks and companionship before an event (e.g., football, soccer, etc.). The party will occur on the back of a pickup truck. The bed of the pickup truck provides the staging area upon which the food may be laid out and the drinks may be placed. Also, the truck bed may provide an area that people can set up a lawn chair to sit and lounge during the party. Unfortunately, during the daytime, the harsh sunrays beat down on the participants and expose the food and drinks to the warm rays of the sun.
- Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved shade device.
- The various embodiments and aspects of the shade device disclosed herein address the needs discussed above, discussed below and those that are known in the art.
- A first embodiment of the shade device may be set up on a flat generally horizontal surface such as the beach, grass, etc. to provide protection from the harsh sunrays of the sun. When the shade device is set up on the ground, the shade device provides a seat portion upon which the user may sit to protect the user from the dirty ground. The seat portion may be part of a fabric layer that is extended upon a frame of the shade device to block the sun's rays and protect the person sitting on the seat portion from the harmful sunrays. To fold the shade device for easy carry and compact storage, a frame support member is pushed past nubs that hold up the shade device. In particular, the shade device may have two or more frame support members (i.e., collectively, the frame) that are collapsible upon each other. From the erected position, the shade device may be collapsed by an easy push release system. One of the frame support members is held in place by nubs. To initiate the collapse of the shade device, the frame support member is pushed over or past the nubs. After the frame support members are collapsed upon each other, legs of the frame support members are folded inward at joints. The seat portion can be wrapped around the legs and top support members of the frame support members to prevent the legs from unfolding or flopping around during transport, storage, etc. Once the seat portion is wrapped around the legs of the top support members, a strap may be engaged to secure the seat portion around the legs and the top support members. The straps may also have a shoulder strap such that the user may conveniently carry the folded or collapsed shade device on his/her shoulder. The shade device may be fabricated from lightweight material and hollow tubular construction to further reduce the weight of the overall shade device for easy transport (e.g., shoulder carry).
- To erect the shade device, the straps are disengaged. The seat portion is unwrapped from the legs and the top support members. The legs are folded outward at the joints. The frame support members are erected. To this end, the legs or frame support member is pushed over or past nubs. Since a fabric layer which provides the means for protecting the user from the harsh sunrays are attached to the top support members of the frame support members, the fabric layer is extended out when the frame support members are disposed or traversed to the erected position. At the erected position, legs of the frame support member may be held in position by the nubs formed in a bracket that pivotally attaches all of the legs of the frame support members. The shade device requires no additional tools to set up or tear down. The shade device is lightweight due to its construction and minimal parts. It is also intuitive in its set up and tear down.
- In a second embodiment of a shade device, the same may be mounted to a truck bed to provide shade and protection from harmful sunrays during a tailgating party. The shade device may have a central and stationary frame support member. Two pivoting support members, one disposed on each side of the fixed central support member may be disposed on each side of the fixed support member. The two pivoting support members are biased to the erected position due to gravity. The two pivoting support members may optionally be held or maintained in the erected position due to nubs.
- To erect the second embodiment of the shade device, the same is initially wrapped in a rear portion of a fabric layer with straps securing the rear portion and a shoulder strap for convenient carry and transport. To erect the second embodiment of the shade device, the straps are disengaged such that the rear portion of the fabric layer can be unwrapped and expose legs of the frame support members. The legs of the frame support members are pivoted outward. Protrusions formed on a bottom side of the brackets which pivotally attach the frame support members are inserted into stake bed holes. Once the brackets are inserted into the stake bed holes, a central or stationary frame support member is oriented generally straight upward. One or more pivoting support members are disposed adjacent the stationary frame support member. For example, one pivoting support member may be attached to the bracket and extend over the tailgate or toward the tailgate of the bed. Optionally, another pivoting support member is disposed on the other side of the central support member. Gravity is allowed to pivot the one or more pivoting support members to an extended position. It is also contemplated that nubs may be formed in the bracket to hold the one or more pivoting support members in position.
- At least one of the one or more pivoting support members and/or the stationary frame support member may have a telescoping leg for configuring the fabric layer disposed on the top support members of the frame support members as desired. Bungee cords, tie downs or elastic members may be used to secure the shade device to the bed of the truck in the event wind attempts to blow the shade device off of the truck bed. The brackets may also have clips to hold the shade device to the truck bed.
- To collapse the shade device, the straps, tie downs, or bungee cords are removed from the shade device. The pivoting frame support members are folded toward the central fixed support member. To do so, the pivoting support members are pushed past the nubs. The shade device is removed from the stake bed holes. The legs of the frame support members are pivoted inward. The rear portion of the fabric layer is used to wrap the legs and the top support members of the frame support members. A strap is engaged to secure the rear portion about the legs and the top support members of the frame support member. Shoulder straps are attached to the fabric layer or the securing straps to aid in convenient shoulder carry or transport of the shade device.
- The fabric layer used in both the first and second embodiments of the shade device may have an SPF protective coating or feature. The legs and top support member of the frame support members may be fabricated so as to be lightweight. By way of example and not limitation, the legs and top support member may have a tubular construction, be fabricated from lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, titanium, wood, etc.
- These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible shade device. -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 1 with an awning in a collapsed position. -
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 1 with frame support members and the awning in a collapsed position. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 1 with legs of the support members folded in. -
FIG. 5 is an illustration of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 1 in a wrapped or carry configuration. -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a bracket of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6A is a view from an upper view of the bracket shown inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of a joint of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 1 for pivoting legs of the support member inward. -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of a sliding knuckle of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8A is a top view of the sliding knuckle shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 9 is an environmental view of a second embodiment of the collapsible shade device for a truck bed. -
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a bracket for the second embodiment of the collapsible shade device shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a side view oft he bracket shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 11A is a side view taken along theline 11A-11A ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a fabric layer and top support member shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a telescoping leg shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 14 is an illustration depicting the first and second embodiments of the shade device employable on a lounge chair or a bench. -
FIG. 15 is a side view of a bracket for the second embodiment of the collapsible shade device having a retractable clip. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bracket shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 is a side view of a first embodiment of the collapsible shade device having a protrusion with a retractable clip. -
FIG. 18 is a side view of another embodiment of the retractable clip. -
FIG. 19 is a side view of another embodiment of the retractable clip. -
FIG. 20 is a side view of a bracket according to an embodiment, shown in a collapsed position. -
FIG. 21 is an end view of the bracket ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket ofFIG. 20 , taken along line A-A inFIG. 21 . -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket ofFIG. 20 , taken along line B-B inFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 24 is a side view of the bracket ofFIG. 20 shown in an erected position. -
FIG. 25 is a top view of the bracket ofFIG. 24 , shown in the erected position. -
FIG. 26 is an end view of the bracket ofFIG. 24 , shown in the erected position. -
FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket ofFIG. 24 . -
FIG. 28 is a side view of a first side plate of the bracket ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the first side plate ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 30 is an end view of the first side plate ofFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 31 is a side view of a second side plate of the bracket ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the second side plate ofFIG. 31 . -
FIG. 33 is an end view of the second side plate ofFIG. 31 . -
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a first pivot member of the bracket ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 35 is a side view of the first pivot member ofFIG. 34 . -
FIG. 36 is a top view of the first pivot member ofFIG. 34 . -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a second pivot member of the bracket ofFIG. 20 . -
FIG. 38 is a side view of the second pivot member ofFIG. 37 . -
FIG. 39 is a top view of the second pivot member ofFIG. 37 . -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a corner joint member, according to an embodiment, shown in an erected position. -
FIG. 41 is a side view of the corner joint member ofFIG. 40 , shown in the erected position. -
FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the corner joint ember ofFIG. 40 taken along line E-E inFIG. 41 . -
FIG. 43 is a side view of a first hinge member of the corner joint member ofFIG. 41 . -
FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the first hinge member ofFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 45 is an end view of the first hinge member ofFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the first hinge member ofFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 47 is a side view of a second hinge member of the corner joint member ofFIG. 41 . -
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the second hinge member ofFIG. 47 . -
FIG. 49 is an end view of the second hinge member ofFIG. 47 . -
FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the second hinge member ofFIG. 47 . - Referring to the drawings, a
collapsible shade device 10 is shown. Thecollapsible shade device 10 may have a plurality offrame support members 12 a-c that are traversable between an erected position (seeFIG. 1 ) and a collapsed position (seeFIG. 3 ). To traverse the frame support members to the collapsed position, one of the frame support members may be held up by nubs as will be discussed below. The frame support member is pushed past the nub to allow the frame support members to be collapsed upon each other. This provides for a simple push release system. Once theframe members 12 are in the collapsed position,legs 14 of theframe support members 12 may be pivoted inward (seeFIG. 4 ) wherein the left andright legs 14 of theframe support members 12 are generally parallel with atop member 16 of theframe support members 12. Afabric layer 18 may be attached totop support members 16 of theframe support members 12 and may be sufficiently long such that thefabric layer 18 provides aseat portion 20 that can be spread out on the ground upon which thecollapsible shade device 10 is erected, as shown inFIG. 1 . Also, theseat portion 20 may be used to wrap thelegs 14 and thetop member 16 of theframe support members 12, as shown inFIG. 5 . Theseat portion 20 serves a dual purpose, namely, 1) protecting the user while sitting and 2) wrapping for forming a package. - The user may roll the
top support members 16 andlegs 14 within thefabric layer 18, and more particularly, within theseat portion 20 of thefabric layer 18. After wrapping, securing straps 22 (seeFIG. 5 ) may be wrapped around thecollapsed shade device 10 and tied or secured to prevent loosening and unwrapping of thevarious members shoulder strap 23 for convenient transport of thecollapsed shade device 10. The securingstrap 23 may be attached to thefabric layer 18. - Conversely, to erect the
shade device 10, the securingstraps 22 are disengaged. The above steps are reversed. To traverse theframe support members 12 to the erected position, one or more of theframe support members 12 may pivot within abracket 24 and be pushed past nubs to lock the shade device in the erected position, as discussed herein. Based on the foregoing discussions, it is apparent that thecollapsible shade device 10 provides for an easy to erect and collapse which does not require assembly and/or disassembly and a lightweight device for convenient and easy carry and transport. - In a further embodiment, the
collapsible shade device 10 a may also be implemented to provide shade for a truck bed during tailgating, as shown inFIG. 9 . - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , thecollapsible shade device 10 a may be deployable on sand, grass, or any otherflat surface 36 upon which a person or other animal may sit or rest. Thecollapsible shade device 10 provides shade from the sun such that the user is protected from harmful and harsh sunrays. - The
collapsible shade device 10 may have left andright brackets 24 a, b which may be identical to each other or a mirror configuration with each other. For the purposes of simplicity, a discussion of thebrackets 24 a, b will focus on theleft bracket 24 a. However, it is understood that theright bracket 24 b may be identical or a mirror configuration of theleft bracket 24 a. - The
left bracket 24 a (seeFIG. 6 ) may be fabricated from a generally rigid and lightweight material such as plastic, metal, carbon fiber, composite, etc. Theleft bracket 24 a may have a through hole 26 (seeFIG. 6 ) that snugly receives adistal end portion 28 of aleft leg 14 a of a firstframe support member 12 a (seeFIG. 1 ). Thedistal end portion 28 may be fixedly secured to the throughhole 26 of thebracket 24 by way of adhesive,pin 25, or other attachment methods. Aleg 14 b (seeFIG. 6 ) of a secondframe support member 12 b (seeFIG. 1 ) may be pivotally attached to theleft brackets 24 a. By way of example and not limitation, adistal end portion 28 of theleg 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b may be pivotally pinned to side plates 32 a, b of theleft bracket 24 a withpin 25. - One or more additional
frame support members 12 c-n may be pivotally attached to the left andright brackets 24 a, b between the first and secondframe support members 12 a, b, as shown inFIG. 1 . InFIG. 1 , oneadditional support member 12 c is pivotally attached to the left andright brackets 24 a, b between the first and secondframe support members 12 a, b. The secondframe support member 12 b and the one or more additionalframe support members 12 c-n may be collapsed or laid upon the firstframe support member 12 a, as shown inFIG. 3 . When erecting theshade device 10, the secondframe support member 12 b may be pivoted to the erected position, as shown inFIG. 1 . At the erected position, thefabric layer 18 which is attached to thetop support members 16 of theframe support members 12 a, b, e-n pulls the one or more additionalframe support members 12 upward. Thefabric layer 18 remains taut between the secondframe support member 12 b and the one or more additionalframe support members 12 c-n. As such, thefabric layer 18 is taut between the secondframe support member 12 b and the additionalframe support member 12 c. The secondframe support member 24 b may be pivoted so as to be parallel with the firstframe support member 12 a when theshade device 10 is collapsed. The secondframe support member 12 c may be rotated toward the erected position one-hundred degrees (100°) or past the vertical plane until the secondframe support member 12 b is locked into position as discussed herein. It is also contemplated that the maximum angle of pivot for the secondframe support member 12 b may be within about forty degrees (40°) to one-hundred-eighty degrees (180°). - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , the side plates 32 a, b of the left andright brackets 24 a, b form achannel 33 through which thelegs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b and thelegs 14 c-n of the one or more additionalframe support members 12 c-n may traverse as they 12 b, e-n pivot. As the secondframe support member 12 b is traversed from the collapsed position to the erected position, thelegs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b traverse within thechannel 33 formed by the side plates 32 a, b. At the end of the pivot stroke for theframe support member 12 b,legs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b may be pushed over or ride over nubs 34 (seeFIGS. 6 and 6A ) and may be snapped into place. To this end, adistance 35 between thenubs 34 may be less than awidth 37 of thelegs 14 of theframe support member 12 b. To allow thelegs 14 of the secondframe support member 12 b to ride over thenubs 34, (1) the side plates 32 a, b may flex slightly outward, (2) thelegs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b may bend slightly inward or (3) both actions may occur. The rigidity of the side plates 32 a, bas well as the rigidity of thelegs 14 of the secondframe support member 12 b may be designed so that the secondframe support member 12 b remains in the upright position and locked in place by thenubs 34 during use. Theseat portion 20 of thefabric layer 18 is spread about theground 36 such that the user can lay down or rest on theseat portion 20 and be protected from dirt or undesirable contaminants disposed on theground 36. Thefabric layer 18 attached to thetop members 16 of the secondframe support member 12 b and the one or more additionalframe support members 12 c-n provide shade to the user and protects the user from harmful and harsh sunrays. Thefabric layer 18 may be attached to thetop member 16 of theframe support members 12 by forming a loop as will be discussed below in relation to a second embodiment of theshade device 10 a. - Preferably, the
legs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b are traversed beyond the vertical plane such that the secondframe support member 12 b is pulled down on the opposite side due to gravity. This assists in holding the position of the secondframe support member 12 b in the erect position by thenubs 34 since gravity and thenubs 34 are holding the secondframe support member 12 b in the erect position. The further the secondframe support member 12 b is traversed past the vertical plane (e.g., 90°), the more gravity assists in holding the position of the secondframe support member 12 b in the erect position. - Additionally,
nubs 34 may be formed in the brackets for each of thelegs 14 c-n such that thenubs 34 for the second frame support member do not do all of the work to hold up the shade device. Rather, each of thenubs 34 for each of thelegs 14 c-n carry its own weight. This also enables the secondframe support member 12 b to be partially opened. - To traverse the
shade device 10 to the collapsed position from the erected position, the secondframe support member 12 b is pushed such that thelegs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b is pushed over or ride overnubs 34. This allows the secondframe support member 12 b and the one or more additionalframe support members 12 c-n to be collapsed upon the firstframe support member 12 a. Theshade device 10 may then be folded as discussed herein. Thenubs 34, side plates 32 a, b and thelegs 14 define a push release mechanism that allows easy and convenient collapse of theshade device 10 which requires no assembly to erect or collapse theshade device 10. - The
shade device 10 may additionally have anoptional awning 38 which fits the profile of the secondframe support member 12 b when not in use, as shown inFIG. 2 . To deploy theawning 38, a sliding knuckle 40 (seeFIGS. 2 and 8 ) attaches thedistal end portions 42 oflegs 44 of anawning support member 46 tolegs 14 of the secondframe support member 12 b. Thelegs 44 of theawning support member 46 may pivot about the slidingknuckle 40. Additionally, the slidingknuckle 40 may slide up and down a length of thelegs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b. The sliding knuckles 40 a, b may be loosened via aknob 48. Loosening theknob 48 allows the sliding knuckles 40 a, b to slide up and down the length of thelegs 14 of the secondframe support member 12 b and also allows theawning support member 46 to pivot about the slidingknuckle 40. The sliding knuckles 40 a, b may each have astrap 50 disposed about the circumference of thelegs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b. When theknob 48 is tightened, thestrap 50 is tightened about (i.e., frictionally engages) theleg 14 b to prevent sliding of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b along the length of thelegs 14 b. Additionally, when theknob 48 is tightened, theknob 48 squeezes down on thedistal end portions 42 of thelegs 44 of theawning support member 46 to prevent pivoting of theawning support member 46. Thefabric layer 18 may extend from thetop member 16 of the secondframe support member 12 b to thetop member 52 of theawning support member 46. - To deploy the
awning 38, theknobs 48 of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are loosened. The sliding knuckles 40 a, b are slid up along thelegs 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b as desired. Also, theawning support member 46 is rotated as shown by arrows inFIG. 2 . Thefabric layer 18 disposed between thetop members frame support member 12 b and theawning support member 46 begins to stretch or extend out to provide additional shade to the user under thecollapsible shade device 10. The angle of theawning support member 46 may be adjusted as desired by the user. Theknob 48 of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are now tightened to set theawning 38. The weight of theawning 38 also assists in maintaining the shade device in the erect position. Theawning 38 is pulled down by gravity toward the front of the shade device. Conversely, to collapse theawning 38, theknobs 48 of the sliding knuckles 40 a, b are loosened. The sliding knuckles 40 a, bare slid down (see arrow inFIG. 1 ) thelegs 14 of the secondframe support member 12 b. Thetop member 52 of theawning support member 46 is rotated (see arrow inFIG. 1 ) and disposed closely adjacent to thetop member 16 of the secondframe support member 12 b, as shown inFIG. 2 . Thefabric layer 18 disposed between thetop members fabric layer 18 between thetop member 16 of the secondframe support member 12 b and thetop member 16 of the one or more additionalframe support members 12 c-n. Alternatively, thefabric layer 18 may hang in front of theshade device 10 to provide additional protection to the user resting under theshade device 10. - The seating
portion 20 may be attached to the underside of thelegs 14 a of the firstframe support member 12 a such as with hooks and loops, adhesive, snaps, etc. and other fastening means. The left andright edges 60 a, b of theseating portion 20 may extend beyond the width of the firstframe support member 12 a, as shown inFIG. 1 . Moreover, there may bepouches 62 a, b attached to theedges 60 a, b of theseating portion 20. Thepouches 62 a, b may be filled with sand or other heavy material to mitigate theshade device 10 from blowing away. Thepouches 62 a, b may be disposed at the front side of theshade device 10, may extend along the entire length of the left and right side edges 60 a, b of theseat portion 20 and/or may extend along the rear of the seat portion. Thepouches 62 a, b may be opened and closed with a zipper, hooks and loops, buttons and other closure means to fill or empty thepouches 62 a, b with sand or other heavy objects. During transport, thepouches 62 a, b may be emptied. Once theshade device 10 is set up at the desired location, heavy objects such as sand, rocks, etc. in the local area may be gathered and placed inside of thepouches 62 a, b. - Each of the
frame support members 12 a-c and theawning support member 46 haslegs 14 a, b, c, 44 that are attached to and pivotable with opposed distal end portions of atop member FIGS. 1 and 7 ). To pivot thelegs top members legs top members pin 64. Thesecond hinge 58 may have an L-shaped ninety degrees (90°)angle 78.Other angles 78 for the L-shapedsecond hinge 58 are also contemplated, such as up to one-hundred-forty-five degrees (145°). A firstdistal end portion 66 of thesecond hinge 58 may be attached to thetop support member first hinge 56. A seconddistal end portion 72 of thesecond hinge 58 may be attached to thelegs 14 a-c, 44 via any fastening means such as adhesive, welding, pin connection, etc. Thelegs 14 a-c, 44 are pivotable with respect to thetop support members legs 14 a-c, 44 are folded in, thefirst hinge 56 rotates in the counterclockwise direction shown inFIG. 7 . Thelegs 14 a-c, 44 are generally parallel or in the folded configuration with respect to thetop support members legs 14 a, b, c, 44 are extended back out, a first stoppingsurface 74 of thefirst hinge 56 contacts a second stoppingsurface 76 of thesecond hinge 58. When the first and second stopping surfaces 74, 76 of the first and second hinges 56, 58 contact each other, thelegs 14 a-c, 44 no longer extend away from thetop support members second hinge 58 has an L-shaped configuration. The first and seconddistal end portions 66, 68 of thesecond hinge 58 are oriented approximately ninety degrees (90°) from each other. To further stabilize theshade device 10, theangle 78 may be increased to greater than ninety degrees (90°) such that the left andright legs 14 a-c of theframe support members 12 a-c-n are splayed outwardly. In this event, the other components such as theseat portion 20 are also enlarged as appropriate. - Referring now back to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , atelescoping arm 176 may be attached tolegs 14 a and c. By way of example and not limitation, onetelescoping arm 176 may be attached to theleft legs 14 a, c and onetelescoping arm 176 may be attached to the other side of theframe support members 12 a, c on the legs. Thetelescoping arms 176 may each have first andsecond tubes first tube 178 may slide within thesecond tube 180 to vary an overall length of thetelescoping arm 176. The length of thetelescoping arm 176 may be fixed by tightening a threadedlock knob 182. Theknob 182 may be threaded into thesecond tube 180 and butt up frictionally against thefirst tube 178. When theframe support members 12 a, care being spread apart to erect theshade device 10, theknob 182 is loose and the first andsecond tubes frame support members 12 a, c are erected, theknob 182 is tightened. Thetelescoping arm 176 assists in holding up theframe support member 12 c above the ground. Thetelescoping arms 176 are optional and not required. To collapse theshade device 10, theknob 182 is loosened and theframe support members 12 a, c are collapsed which also compresses thetelescoping arms 176. Theshade device 10 can be employed as discussed herein with or without the telescopingarms 176. Other configurations of the arms are also contemplated such as telescoping arms that snap into place at preset intervals.Multiple telescoping arms 176 can be attached to theframe support member 12 a and e-n as needed when additional frame support members 12 d-n are incorporated into the shade device. - Referring now to
FIGS. 9-13 , a second embodiment of acollapsible shade device 10 a is shown. Theshade device 10 may be mounted to abed 80 of atruck 82 to provide shade to users such as during a tailgating party. Thecollapsible shade device 10 a may have left andright brackets 84 a, b that function similarly tobrackets 24 a, b. To attach theshade device 10 a to thebed 80 of thetruck 82, the left andright brackets 84 a, b may have aprotrusion 86 that may be snuggly received into astake pocket 88. Theprotrusion 86 is insertable into thestake pocket 88 and abottom surface 90 of abody 92 of thebracket 84 rests on top of thetruck bed sidewall 94. Alternatively, mount (not shown) with holes may be attached to thetruck bed sidewall 94. The protrusions of thebrackets 84 a, b may be inserted into the holes of the mounts. The mount version may be used for those trucks that do not include stake pockets 88. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , thebracket 84 may have the following structure. In particular, thebody 92 may have acentral aperture 96 that extends vertically upward. A leg 98 a of a first frame support member 100 a may be inserted into thecentral aperture 96 and fastened thereto with any fastening means such as adhesive, welding, pinned joint, etc. Alternatively, the leg 98 a may merely be pinned to thebracket 84. The first frame support member 100 a is oriented generally straight up and down when theprotrusion 86 of thebracket 84 is disposed within thestake pocket 88. Theshade device 10 a may have one or more collapsible frame support members b-n pivotally attachable to thebrackets 84. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9-11A , second and thirdframe support members 100 b, c havelegs 98 b,c that can be pivoted withinchannels 102 formed in thebracket 84. Thelegs 98 b,c may be pivotally pinned to first andsecond sidewalls 104 a, b of thebracket 84 withpins 106. - The second and
third legs 98 b, c may be pivoted to the expanded position shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 or to the folded configuration wherein thelegs 98 b, c are generally parallel with the leg 98 a (see dash lines inFIG. 11 ). - The
pivot angle 106 of thelegs 98 b, c may be limited by abottom surface 108 of thechannels 102. Thelegs 98 b, c may rest on thebottom surface 108 when thelegs 98 b, c are pivoted to the maximum extent. Alternatively, thepivot angle 106 may be limited by thefabric layer 110 attached to top support members 112 a-c and draped over one or more sides. In particular, the top support members 112 a-c may be secured to the bottom side of thefabric layer 110 by any means. By way of example and not limitation, as shown inFIG. 12 , thefabric layer 110 may have aloop 114 formed on the underside of thefabric layer 110. Theloop 114 may be formed with astrap 116 which may be sewed to thefabric layer 110 at twodifferent regions 118. Thetop support member 112 a is fed through a series ofloops 114 formed on the underside of thefabric layer 110. The same may also be true for thetop support members 112 b-c. When the second and thirdframe support members 100 b, c are traversed from the folded configuration to the expanded position, thefabric layer 110 is pulled taut prior to thelegs 98 b, c contacting the bottom surfaces 108. Since the first frame support member 100 a is rigidly fixed to thebracket 84 and the second and thirdframe support members 100 b, c may generally be equally weighted, there is a balance in the weights and minimal stresses imposed on the system. Gravity also holds theshade device 10 a in the open configuration without the need for nubs or pins although nubs and pins may be incorporated into theshade device 10 a to maintain the open position of thelegs 98 b,c. - Referring now to
FIG. 11A , an upper view of thebracket 84 shown inFIG. 11 is shown. Thesidewalls 104 a, b may optionally incorporatenubs 132 which may hold the position of theleg 98 b in the open position. Theleg 98 b may be pushed over or ride over thenubs 132 in a similar fashion as compared to the prior embodiment discussed in relation toFIGS. 6 and 6A . Theleg 98 b may flex inwardly. Thesidewalls 104 a, b may also flex outwardly. Alternatively, theleg 98 b and thesidewalls 104 a, b may flex to allow theleg 98 b to ride over thenubs 132. To collapse theshade device 10 a, theleg 98 b is pushed past thenubs 132 in the left direction as shown inFIG. 11A . To open and maintain theshade device 10 a in the open position, theleg 98 b may be pushed over thenubs 132 and snap into place in the right direction as shown by the arrow inFIG. 11A . Thenubs 132 may also be employed on the other side of thebracket 84 in relation toleg 98 c. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , an enlarged view of theleg 98 b of the secondframe support member 100 b is shown. Theleg 98 b may comprise first andsecond telescoping members first telescoping member 118 may have an outwardlybiased push button 122. Thesecond telescoping member 120 may have a plurality ofholes 124 sized and configured to receive thebutton 122. Thesecond leg 98 b can be lengthened or shortened by depressing thebutton 122 and engaging thebutton 122 with one of the plurality ofholes 124. In this manner, the front of theshade device 10 a can be adjusted such that occupants can move into and out of thetruck bed 80 more conveniently and to also adjust the amount of shade created by theshade device 10 a. Thefabric layer 110 may extend behind thetop support member 112 c toward thecab 123 of thetruck 82. To this end, thefabric layer 110 may be secured to thetruck bed 80 with a bungee cord orother fastening device 126. Additionally, the secondframe support member 100 b may be biased toward the open position withbungee cords 126. - The
telescoping member 118 is implemented in bothlegs 98 b of the secondframe support member 100 b. It is also contemplated that thetelescoping member 118 may be employed in the first, third and any additional frame support members 100 a, e-n that make up theshade device 10 a. It is also contemplated that thetelescoping member 118 may be implemented in thelegs 14 a, b, e-n of theframe support members 12 a-n and thelegs 44 of theawning support member 46 of theshade device 10 discussed in relation toFIGS. 1-8 . - During use, the
collapsible shade device 10 a is easily collapsible and foldable without the need of any assembly. In the open position, arear portion 130 of thefabric layer 110 may be attached generally horizontally to a back side of thecab 123 of thetruck 82 by way ofsuction cups 184. From the open position shown inFIG. 9 , the bungee cords, tie downs, orfastening devices 126 are removed from the set up. Thereafter, the second and thirdframe support members 100 b, c may be pivoted upward such that thelegs 98 b, c are generally parallel to leg 98 a. At this time, thelegs 98 b, c are pushed past thenubs 132. Also, thetop support members 112 b, care disposed immediately adjacent thetop support member 112 a. If needed, the length of theleg 98 b is adjusted to be equal to the length of the legs 98 a, c. The user may then pull upward on the top support members 112 a-c to pull theprotrusion 86 of thebracket 84 out of the stake pockets 88. Theshade device 10 a is then laid on the ground and the legs 98 a-c are folded inward atjoints 128 to allow pivotal movement of the legs 98 a-c to the top support members 112 a-c. Thejoints 128 may be identical to thejoints 54 discussed above. Therear portion 130 of thefabric layer 110 may be used to wrap the legs 98 a-c and the top support members 112 a-c such that the legs 98 a-c do not move or flop around during transport and storage of thecollapsible shade device 10 a. Straps may be used to maintain therear portion 130 around the legs 98 a-c and top support members 112 a-c. Also, a carrying strap may be attached to the straps to allow convenient carry of this lightweight, easy to transport and carry shade device. To erect thecollapsible shade device 10 a, the steps discussed above are performed in reverse order. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , theshade device 10 or theshade device 10 a may be employed on alounge chair 132. In particular, theshade device 10 a may be mounted to thelounge chair 132 by inserting theprotrusions 86 into correspondingpockets 134 of thelounge chair 132. Thelounge chair 132 may be adoublewide lounge chair 132 with anadjustable back rest 138 that can be raised or lowered as desired by the user. Alternatively, theshade device 10 a may also be employed on abench 139. Similar to thelounge chair 132, thebench 139 may havepockets 134 for receiving theprotrusions 86 of theshade device 10 a. - With respect to the
shade device 10, the same may also be employed on thelounge chair 132 or thebench 139. In particular, when theback rest 138 is traversed to the lowered and flat position as shown inFIG. 14 , theshade device 10 may be rested on the upper surface 136 of thelounge chair 132. To stabilize theshade device 10 on thelounge chair 132, thebrackets 24 of theshade device 10 may be formed withprotrusions 86 that can be received into thepockets 134 of thelounge chair 132 or thepockets 134 of thebench 139. Theback rest 138 may provide the horizontal support to the firstframe support member 12 a. Alternatively, adedicated arm rest 140 may support the firstframe support member 12 a while allowing thebackrest 138 to be raised or lowered as desired by the user. Theshade device 10 may also be employed on thebench 139. Thearm rest 142 supports the firstframe support member 12 a. - Referring now to
FIGS. 15-17 , a retractable clip for preventing pullout of thebrackets protrusions 86 are inserted intopockets 134 or stake bed holes 88 or any other type of aperture for receiving theprotrusions 86 are shown. To insert theprotrusions 86 of thebrackets protrusions 86 are aligned to theaperture 156. The user pushes ahandle 146 downward in direction ofarrow 148 to retract ahook portion 150 into a body of thebracket bracket stationary hook portion 152 although it is contemplated that thehook portion 152 may also be retractable. When inserting theprotrusions 86 into the aperture, the user must lower thebrackets stationary clip 152 is received under alip 154 that defines theaperture 156. Awidth 158 between a distal end of theprotrusion 152 and a side of theprotrusion 86 is equal to or less than awidth 160 of theaperture 156. Once theprotrusion 86 is fully inserted into theaperture 156, the user releases thehandle 148. Theclip 144 is biased such that thehook portion 150 protrudes outwardly. Once thehandle 146 is released, thehook portion 150 is disposed under asecond lip 162. Accordingly, when wind blows, thebrackets aperture 156. - The
hook portion 150 is biased to the out position via aspring 168. In particular, theclip 144 is attached to a body of thebracket pin 164. Abushing 166 rotates about thepin 164. Thehandle 146 is attached to thebushing 166. Also, thehook portion 150 is also attached to thebushing 166. On an opposite side of thehook portion 150, a resilient butflexible spring 168 slides on a earningsurface 170. Thespring 168 is similar to a leaf spring. Due to the curvature of the earningsurface 170, thehook portion 150 is biased to the outward position. - Referring now to
FIG. 16 , theprotrusion 86 is inserted into theaperture 156, aflange 172 may rest on thelip flange 172 may be split or gapped away 174 to allowhandle 146 to be traversed downward and retract thehook portion 150 into the body of thebracket 84. Although not shown, thebracket 24 may also have a split to allow movement of thehandle 146. - Referring now to
FIG. 18 , another embodiment of the retractable clip is shown. The retractable clip may have ahandle 146 a that retracts alatch 186 into the protrusion 86 a. Aspring 192 biases thelatch 186 to the extended position. Thelatch 186 may have abeveled tip surface 188 which contacts anedge 190 of theaperture beveled tip surface 188 contacts theedge 190 of theaperture edge 190 pushes thelatch 186 into the protrusion 86 a so that the protrusion 86 a can now be inserted into theaperture aperture spring 192 pushes thelatch 186 back out. The first andsecond lips stationary hook portion 152 a and theflange 172 a or the body of thebrackets 24. To remove the protrusion 86 a from theaperture handle 146 a in direction ofarrow 194 to retract thelatch 186 back into the protrusion 86 a. The protrusions 86 a are removed from theapertures width 196 of theaperture width 198 of the protrusion 86 a when thelatch 186 is in the extended position. Also, thewidth 198 of the protrusion 86 a when thelatch 186 is in the retracted position, may be less than thewidth 196 so that the protrusion 86 a may be removed from and inserted into theaperture - Referring now to
FIG. 19 , another embodiment of the retractable clip is shown. The retractable clip includes a stationary hook portion 152 b and a retractable latch 186 a. When theleg 98 c is rotated inward as shown by the hidden lines inFIG. 19 , the retractable latch 186 a is disposed within protrusion 86 b. A width 198 a of the protrusion 86 b is less than thewidth 196 of theaperture aperture leg 98 c can be rotated out as shown by solid lines. When theleg 98 c is rotated to the extended position as shown in solid lines inFIG. 19 , the retractable latch 186 a is extended out. The first andsecond lips brackets 24. To remove the protrusion 86 b from theaperture leg 98 c is rotated inward to traverse the latch 186 a back into the protrusion 86 b. The protrusion 86 b can now be removed from theaperture - The
shade device nubs frame support member 12 b may be held up with apin 39 as shown inFIG. 6A . Also, thelegs 98 b, c may be held in its expanded position bypin 39 that is inserted in front of thelegs 98 b, c as shown inFIG. 11A . -
FIGS. 20-39 illustrate an embodiment of abracket 224 that can be used for example, in place ofbrackets collapsible shade device 10. Abracket 224 can be used on both the right side and the left side of thecollapsible shade device 10, orbracket 224 can include a right hand version and a left hand version (e.g., a mirror image of the right hand version). Thebracket 224 is described below with respect to only one side (e.g., the left side) of thecollapsible shade device 10, but it should be understood that thecollapsible shade device 10 can also include abracket 224 on the right side that can be coupled to the frame support members of thecollapsible shade device 10 in the same or a similar manner. Thebracket 224 can be fabricated from a generally rigid and lightweight material such as plastic, metal, carbon fiber, composite, etc. as described above for previous embodiments. - The
bracket 224 includes afirst side plate 232 a and asecond side plate 232 b that can be coupled together to form a housing of thebracket 224. Thefirst side plate 232 a includes afirst coupling portion 225 a and thesecond side plate 232 b includes a second coupling portion 225 b (see, e.g.,FIG. 27 ) that collectively define achannel 226 when thefirst side plate 232 a and thesecond side plate 232 b are coupled together, as shown, for example inFIGS. 21 and 26 . Thechannel 226 defines an axis E-E that can be substantially parallel to a support surface S when thecollapsible shade device 10 is in use. Thechannel 226 can receive thedistal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 a of the firstframe support member 12 a. In some embodiments, thedistal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 a can be coupled to thebracket 224 such that theleft leg 14 a is stationary (e.g., does not pivot) relative to thebracket 224 when coupled thereto. Thedistal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 a can be coupled to thebracket 224 within thechannel 226, for example, using an adhesive, a pin, a friction fit, or other coupling methods. Thedistal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 a can be removably or fixedly coupled to thebracket 224 within thechannel 226. - The
first side plate 232 a also defines a pair ofopenings 247, and thesecond side plate 232 b defines a pair ofopenings 248. Theopenings 247 and theopenings 248 can be used, for example, to remove or drain sand and/or other debris that may enter into the housing of thebracket 224 during use. Thebracket 224 also includes afirst pivot member 227 and asecond pivot member 229. Thefirst pivot member 227 can be pivotally and slidably coupled to thefirst side plate 232 a and thesecond side plate 232 b with afirst pin 230 and a first nut 231 (see, e.g.,FIG. 27 ) such that thefirst pivot member 227 is movably disposed at least partially between thefirst side plate 232 a and thesecond side plate 232 b. Thesecond pivot member 229 can be pivotally coupled to thefirst side plate 232 a and thesecond side plate 232 b with asecond pin 230′ andsecond nut 231′ (see, e.g.,FIG. 27 ) such that thesecond pivot member 229 is movably disposed at least partially between thefirst side plate 232 a and thesecond side plate 232 b. Thus, thefirst pivot member 227 has a longitudinal range of motion and a pivotal range of motion, and thesecond pivot member 229 has a pivotal range of motion. - The
first pivot member 227 can be used to pivotally couple thedistal end portion 28 of theleg 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b, and thesecond pivot member 229 can be used to pivotally couple thedistal end portion 28 of thethird leg 14 c of the thirdframe support member 12 c. Specifically, thefirst pivot member 227 defines a channe1234 that can receive thedistal end portion 28 of theleg 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b. Similarly, thesecond pivot member 229 defines achannel 235 that can receive thedistal end portion 28 of the thirdframe support member 12 c. Thedistal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b and thedistal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 c of the thirdframe support member 12 c can each be coupled within theirrespective channels distal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 b of the secondframe support member 12 b and thedistal end portion 28 of theleft leg 14 c of the thirdframe support member 12 c can each be removably or fixedly coupled within theirrespective channels - The
first pivot member 227 can be moved between a first position as shown inFIGS. 20-23 and a second position as shown inFIGS. 24-27 . When in its first position, an axis C-C of thechannel 234 of thefirst pivot member 227 is disposed substantially horizontal or parallel with a support surface S on whichbracket 224 and thecollapsible shade device 10 is disposed. When in its second position, the axis C-C of thechannel 234 is disposed at an angle transverse to the support surface S, as shown for example, inFIG. 24 . To move thefirst pivot member 227 from its first position to its second position thefirst pivot member 227 can be pivoted relative to the housing (i.e.,side plates first pin 230 and can slide downward within the housing until thepin 230 is disposed at afirst end portion 244 of aslot 233 defined by the first pivot member 227 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 34 and 35 ). Thus, theslot 233 defines the longitudinal range of motion of thefirst pivot member 227. - The
second pivot member 229 can also be moved between a first position as shown inFIGS. 20-23 and a second position as shown inFIGS. 24-27 . When in its first position, an axis D-D of thechannel 235 of thesecond pivot member 229 is disposed substantially horizontal or parallel with the support surface S and substantially parallel to the channe1234 of the first pivot member 227 (as shown, for example, inFIG. 20 ). When in its second position, thechannel 235 is disposed at an angle transverse to thechannel 234 of thefirst pivot member 227, as shown, for example, inFIG. 24 . To move thesecond pivot member 229 from its first position to its second position, thesecond pivot member 229 can be pivoted relative to the housing (i.e.,side plates second pin 230′. - When the first
frame support member 12 a, the secondframe support member 12 b and the thirdframe support member 12 c are each coupled to thebracket 224 as described above, thebracket 224 can be used to move thecollapsible shade device 10 between its collapsed position (as shown, for example, inFIG. 3 ) and its erected position (as shown, for example, inFIG. 1 ). In use, to move thecollapsible shade device 10 from its collapsed configuration to its erected position, thefirst pivot member 227 can be moved from its first position to its second position, and thesecond pivot member 229 can be moved from its first position to its second position, as described above. When thefirst pivot member 227 and thesecond pivot member 229 are each in their second positions, asurface 240 of thesecond pivot member 229 engages or contacts or abuts asurface 242 of thefirst pivot member 227, as shown inFIGS. 25 and 27 . Thus, thesurface 240 can have a contour or shape that mates with, cooperates with or complementarily fits with thesurface 242. As shown inFIGS. 25 and 27 , thesurfaces surfaces surface 240 can be convex and thesurface 242 can be a corresponding or cooperating concave shape, or vice versa. - With the
first pivot member 227 slid downward within the bracket housing via theslot 233, the weight of the firstframe support member 12 a and the related portion of the fabric layer of thecollapsible shade device 10 temporarily maintains thefirst pivot member 227 in its second position, and the orientation of thesecond pivot member 229 and engagement of thesurfaces second pivot member 229 in its second position. Thus, whenfirst pivot member 227 and thesecond pivot member 229 are each in their respective second positions, a gravity lock is formed, and thecollapsible shade device 10 will be maintained in its erected position. - To move the
collapsible shade device 10 to its collapsed position from the erected position, thefirst pivot member 227 and thesecond pivot member 229 can be moved to their respective first positions. Specifically, thefirst pivot member 227 can be slid upward until thefirst pin 230 is disposed at or near a second end portion 243 (see e.g.,FIGS. 34 and 35 ) of theslot 233, which will provide clearance to thesecond pivot member 229 to be pivoted aboutsecond pin 230′ to its first position. Thefirst pivot member 227 can then be pivoted aboutpin 230′ to be placed back in its first position, as shown inFIGS. 20-22 . -
FIGS. 40-50 illustrate an embodiment of a cornerjoint member 354 that can be used, for example, in place of joint 54, in a collapsible shade device (e.g., collapsible shade device 10) described herein. For example, cornerjoint members 354 can be used in a similar manner as thejoints 54 to pivotally couple thelegs frame support members top members 16, and to couple thelegs 44 to thetop member 52 of theawning support member 46. The cornerjoint member 354 includes afirst hinge member 356 and asecond hinge member 358 pivotally coupled together with apin 330 andnut 331, as shown, for example, inFIG. 42 . - The corner
joint member 354 can be moved between a collapsed position (not shown) and an erected position (as shown inFIGS. 40 and 41 ) by moving (e.g., pivoting) thefirst hinge member 356 and thesecond hinge member 358 relative to each other. As shown inFIG. 41 , when the cornerjoint member 354 is in the erected position, an axis C-C defined by thefirst hinge member 356 is disposed at an angle Θ from an axis D-D defined by thesecond hinge member 358. In some embodiments, the angle Θ between thefirst hinge member 356 and thesecond hinge member 358 can be ninety-five degrees (95°). By extending thefirst hinge member 356 and thesecond hinge member 358 at an angle of 95°, the interior region defined by the collapsible shade device 10 (and fabric layer 18) can be increased. In addition the frame support members (e.g., 12 a, 12 b, 12 c) can be flared outward (e.g., the support members can be curved or non-linear) providing additional strength to thecollapsible shade device 10. In alternative embodiments, other angles are also possible. For example, the angle Θ can be any angle between 45° and 270°. To move the cornerjoint member 354 from its erected position to its collapsed position, thefirst hinge member 356 and thesecond hinge member 358 are moved or folded toward each other in the direction of arrows B shown inFIG. 41 . - The
first hinge member 356 includes afirst mount portion 359 and anelongate portion 360, as shown inFIGS. 43-46 . Theelongate portion 360 defines achannel 361 that can receive one of thelegs legs elongate portion 360 with, for example, an adhesive, welding, a pin connection, friction fit, etc. Thesecond hinge member 358 includes asecond mount portion 362 and anelongate portion 363. Theelongate portion 363 defines achannel 364 that can receive one of thetop members top members elongate portion 363 with, for example, an adhesive, welding, a pin connection, friction fit, etc. It should be understood, that in alternative embodiments, thechannel 361 of thefirst hinge member 356 can receive thetop members channel 364 can receive thelegs - The
first mount portion 359 of thefirst hinge member 356 includes a pair oframps 365 and thesecond mount portion 362 of thesecond hinge member 358 includes a pair of ramps 366 (also referred to as “stops”, “protrusions” and “projections”). Thesecond mount portion 362 of thesecond hinge member 358 also includes a pair of nubs ordetents 367. Theramps 365 and theramps 366 can be used to control the range of motion of thefirst hinge member 356 andsecond hinge member 358 relative to each other. For example, when thefirst hinge member 356 is coupled to thesecond hinge member 358, the radial position of theramps 365 and the radial position of theramps 366 are such that they can provide a stop to prevent over rotation of thefirst hinge member 356 and thesecond hinge member 358 when the cornerjoint member 354 is moved from its collapsed position to its erected position and/or when the cornerjoint member 354 is moved from its erected position to its collapsed position. Thenubs 367 can provide a friction lock to temporarily maintain the cornerjoint member 354 in the erected position. For example, when thefirst hinge member 356 and thesecond hinge member 358 are pivoted away from each other to move the cornerjoint member 354 from its collapsed position to its erected position, theramps 365 of thefirst hinge member 356 can be moved past thenubs 367 to temporarily lock thefirst hinge member 356 and thesecond hinge member 358 at the desired angle 8 relative to each other. While in the erected position, theramps 365 of thefirst hinge member 356 are disposed between thenubs 367 and theramps 366 of thesecond hinge member 358. - In a similar manner as described above for
collapsible shade device 10, when thelegs top members joint members 354, the cornerjoint members 354 can be used in conjunction with thebrackets 24 or brackets 224 (whichever are being used) to move thecollapsible shade device 10 between its collapsed position and its erected position. - In some embodiments, a collapsible shade device (e.g., 10, 10 a) as described herein can include a fabric member (e.g., fabric layer 18) that is removably coupled to the frame support members. For example, in some embodiments, the fabric member can be coupled to the frame support members using a Velcro attachment. In some embodiments, the fabric member is oversized such that the frame support members can be placed within a fold or overlap portion of the fabric member.
- In some embodiments, the fabric member can be formed as a single unitary piece that is coupled to the frame support members. In some embodiments, the floor or seat portion of the fabric member (e.g., seat portion 20) can be a separate component from the remaining portion of the fabric member and removably attachable to the remaining portion of the fabric member. In some embodiments, a collapsible shade device as described herein may not include a floor or seat portion. In some embodiments, the fabric member can include a window or screen portion, for example, on a back portion of the fabric member to allow a user to see out of the collapsible shade device.
- The legs (e.g., 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 44, 112 a, 112 b, 112 c,) of the frame support members (e.g., 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 112) and awning support member (e.g., 46) described herein can be formed from a variety of different materials. For example, the legs can be formed with bamboo, wood, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, extruded ABS, and/or a variety of different types of suitable plastic materials, etc.
- The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of telescoping the legs. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
Claims (11)
1. A collapsible shade device comprising:
a plurality of frame support members connected together to be traversable between an erected position and a collapsed position,
said frame support members including
a top frame support member including a first leg and a second leg;
a bottom frame support member including a first leg and a second leg;
an intermediate frame support member including a first leg and a second leg, said intermediate frame support member between said top frame support member and bottom frame support member;
the first leg of the frame support members attached to a first bracket and the second leg of the frame support members attached to a second bracket,
said brackets having a channel therein and the legs of the top frame support member and legs of the intermediate frame support member having terminal ends in the channels and connected to the brackets to pivot,
a push release system including a nub along the channel, and
a fabric layer attached to the top member of the frame support members that is sufficiently long to cover the frame supports members upon erection of the device and to provide a seat portion that can be spread out on the ground upon which the device is erected.
2. An apparatus comprising:
a first frame support member including a first leg and a second leg;
a second frame support member including a first leg and a second leg;
a third frame support member including a first leg and a second leg;
a bracket having a first pivot member and a second pivot member, said bracket defining a channel,
the first pivot member having a longitudinal range of motion along a first pivot point of the bracket and a pivotal range of motion about the first pivot point, the second pivot member having a pivotal range of motion about a second pivot point of the bracket,
the first leg of the first frame support member being coupled to the first pivot member of the bracket and the first leg of the second frame support member being coupled to the second pivot member of the bracket; and
a fabric member coupled to the first frame support member and coupled to the second frame support member;
the first pivot member being movable between a first position in which the first frame support member is in an erected position and the fabric member is in an erected position, and a second position in which the first frame support member is in a collapsed position and the fabric member is in a collapsed position,
the second pivot member being movable between a first position in which the second frame support member is in an erected position and a second position in which the second frame support member is in a collapsed position,
wherein when the first pivot member is in its first position and the second pivot member is in its second position,
the first leg of the first frame support member is disposed transverse to the first leg of the second frame support member,
when the first pivot member is in its second position and the second pivot member is in its second position, the first leg of the first frame support member is disposed substantially parallel to the first leg of the second frame support member, and
wherein an end portion of the first leg of the third frame support member is disposed within the channel.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 where the first pivot member defines a surface, the second pivot member defines a surface, the surface of the first pivot member complimentarily fitting with the surface of the second pivot member when the first frame support member and the second frame support member are in their erected positions.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 including a second bracket coupled to the first frame support member and coupled to the second frame support member, the second leg of the first frame support member being coupled to a first pivot member of the second bracket and the second leg of the second frame support member being coupled to a second pivot member of the second bracket.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 where when the fabric member is in its erected position the fabric member defines a first portion configured to be disposed on a support surface and a second portion, at least a portion of the second portion being disposed above the first portion.
6. An apparatus comprising:
a bracket having a first pivot member defining a flat surface and a second pivot member defining a flat surface, the first pivot member of the bracket configured to be coupled to a first frame support member, the second pivot member of the bracket configured to be coupled to a second frame support member,
the first pivot member having a longitudinal range of motion along a first pivot point of the bracket, the first pivot member having a pivotable range of motion about the first pivot point,
the second pivot member having a pivotable range of motion about a second pivot point of the bracket,
the surface of the first pivot member complimentarily fitting with the surface of the second pivot member when the first frame support member and the second frame support member are in their erected positions,
the surface of the first pivot member abutting the surface of the second pivot member when the first frame support member and the second frame support member are in their erected positions.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 where the longitudinal range of motion of the first pivot member includes a first end point and a second end point, the first pivot member being located at the first end point of the longitudinal range of motion when the first frame support member is in an erected position, the first pivot member being located at the second end point of the longitudinal range of motion when the first frame support member is in its collapsed position.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 where
the first pivot member being movable between a first position in which the first frame support member is in an erected position, and a second position in which the first frame support member is in a collapsed position,
the second pivot member being movable between a first position in which the second frame support member is in an erected position and a second position in which the second frame support member is in a collapsed position.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 where
the first frame support member moves from the collapsed position to the erected position upon pivotally and slidingly moving the first pivot member of the bracket coupled to the first frame support member from a first position to a second position, and
the second frame support member moves from the collapsed position to the erected position upon pivotally moving the second pivot member of the bracket from the first position to the second position in which the surface of the second pivot member complementarily fits with the surface of the first pivot member.
10. A collapsible shade device manually moveable between a collapsed position and an erect position, comprising:
a first frame support member including a first pair parallel legs, said legs being opposed to each other and each leg of the pair having a terminal end;
a second frame support member including a second pair parallel legs, said legs being opposed to each other and each leg of the pair having a terminal end;
a third frame support member including a third pair parallel legs, said legs being opposed to each other and each leg of the pair having a terminal end;
a pair of bracket assemblies, said terminal ends of the legs connected to the bracket assemblies so that the terminal end of one leg of one support member of the first frame support member, the second frame support member, and the third frame support member is connected to one bracket assembly of the pair of bracket assemblies and the terminal end of the other leg of said one support member is connected to the other bracket assembly of the pair of bracket assemblies;
both said bracket assemblies including a pair of side plates forming between said plates a channel that receives therein the terminal ends of the legs of the second and third frame support members;
said first frame support member, the second frame support member and the third frame support member having legs of substantially the same length enabling the device and positioned with respect to each other,
the legs of the first frame support member are stationary with respect to the bracket assemblies to which attached, and during use, are parallel to the support surface for the device when the device is in the erect position,
the legs of the second and third frame support members are mounted to pivot at spaced apart pivot points with respect to the bracket assemblies to which attached, and are adapted move along the channel when the device is moved between the erect position and the collapsed position;
in both bracket assemblies the terminal ends of the legs of the third frame support member are between the terminal ends of the legs of the first and second frame support members; and
holding structure within the channel that is interactive only with a leg of the second frame support member to maintain the second frame support member in an extended upright condition until the device is moved from the erect position to the collapsed position.
11. The collapsible shade device according to claim 10 where the holding structure comprises nubs for maintaining the second frame support member in the erected position, said nubs facing opposed to each other wherein a distance between the nubs is less than a width of the legs of the second frame support member so that the second frame support member is held at the erected position when the legs of the second frame support member traverse past the opposite facing nubs.
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US15/337,977 US20170234027A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2016-10-28 | Collapsible shade device |
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US13/166,266 US9506269B2 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2011-06-22 | Collapsible shade device |
US15/337,977 US20170234027A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2016-10-28 | Collapsible shade device |
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AUPN986896A0 (en) | 1996-05-15 | 1996-06-06 | Viglione, Guiseppe | Tent frame |
US5842495A (en) | 1996-11-07 | 1998-12-01 | Shelter Pro, Llc | Concealment shelter |
US5690134A (en) | 1996-12-23 | 1997-11-25 | Mccauley; William E. | Portable sunshade canopy |
US6123091A (en) | 1997-09-30 | 2000-09-26 | Cosco Management, Inc. | Playyard canopy |
US6095172A (en) | 1998-12-18 | 2000-08-01 | Trapp; Carl P. | Sunshade for outdoor furniture |
US6478038B1 (en) | 2000-08-04 | 2002-11-12 | Gray Matter Holdings, Llc | Collapsible shade for a towel mat |
US20030066550A1 (en) | 2001-10-09 | 2003-04-10 | Al-Ghamdi Mohammed Saeed Rafe | Collapsible privacy shelter |
US7051481B2 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2006-05-30 | Diana Delavega | Folding collapsible shelter |
CA2534752A1 (en) | 2003-08-15 | 2005-02-24 | Ole Jeppe Fjord Larsen | A foldable mosquito-free patio |
US7178540B2 (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2007-02-20 | Fred Eder | Cabana canopy and hub |
DE202004013465U1 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2004-12-30 | GLAESER Möbelbau AG | pavilion |
US20060162758A1 (en) | 2005-01-21 | 2006-07-27 | Gerald Painchaud | Dome structure and installation apparatus therefor |
US7591032B2 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2009-09-22 | James Harrison | Beach cabana |
US7938134B2 (en) | 2008-03-28 | 2011-05-10 | Paul Adams | Protective shelter |
US20110146737A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2011-06-23 | Robert Friedman | Collapsible Shade Device |
-
2011
- 2011-06-22 US US13/166,266 patent/US9506269B2/en active Active
-
2012
- 2012-06-12 WO PCT/US2012/041979 patent/WO2012177435A1/en active Application Filing
-
2016
- 2016-10-28 US US15/337,977 patent/US20170234027A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012177435A1 (en) | 2012-12-27 |
US9506269B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 |
US20120042920A1 (en) | 2012-02-23 |
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Legal Events
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---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FRIEDMAN, STEVE, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AMERICAN QUALITY HOUSING, LLC;REEL/FRAME:042752/0369 Effective date: 20170530 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |