WO2020089599A1

WO2020089599A1 - Portable sun shades

Info

Publication number: WO2020089599A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/053047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Osborne
Original assignee: Mark Osborne
Priority date: 2018-10-29
Filing date: 2019-10-29
Publication date: 2020-05-07
Also published as: GB201817615D0; GB2573353B; GB2573353A

Abstract

A portable sun shade is disclosed having an arched pole and a canopy; the canopy comprising a first sheet (16) and a support; the support and the arched pole forming a frame which is connected to the first sheet (16) at substantially one edge of the sheet; the sun shade further comprising at least one anchor (20); and at least one edge of the canopy being raised from the ground on which the portable sun shade is placed, canopy comprising at least one further sheet (28), arranged substantially in parallel to the first sheet (16), and at least two ribs (30) connected between the first sheet (16) and further sheet (28), wherein the ribs (30) are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the sheets in use to form a parafoil.

Description

PORTABLE SUN SHADES

Technical Field

The invention relates to a portable sun shade.

Background Art

Tents, parasols, umbrellas and the like are often utilised by beach- and park-goers to provide shade. However, it is a well-known issue that wind can hinder the usefulness or comfort of these devices. Even assembling or dismantling these known devices can be extremely tricky if even a moderate wind is blowing.

For example, tents are notoriously difficult to put up in wind and can be buffeted by wind once erected, which can undermine the structural integrity of the tent. Parasols and the like are also made less sturdy by wind and usually need to be adjusted frequently to keep them from toppling or inverting.

US 2012/0291830 of Crimi describes a canopy with a stanchion and sunshade, in which wind blows the canopy up to a horizontal position. This arrangement thus requires wind to maintain its preferred shape. In a low wind, the canopy is likely to drop down, rendering it less useful. Furthermore, that arrangement is likely to require regular repositioning to reflect changing wind direction. US 3285546 of Jalbert discloses a parafoil, shaped to provide lift so as to provide a means to suspend equipment above ground. US 2015/0354244 of Fernandez Gonzalez discloses a sun shade which applies the disclosure of Jalbert to the sun shade filed. However, the arrangement of Fernandez Gonzalez appears to require an incident wind to maintain its function as a sun shade because, absent a suitable wind, the device is likely to drop to the ground. Furthermore, the arrangement is likely to require regular repositioning to reflect changing wind direction. Thus, an improved sun shade is sought.

Disclosure of Invention

The present inventive concept is directed to a portable sun shade having an arched pole and a canopy; the canopy comprising a first sheet and a support; the support and the arched pole forming a frame which is connected to the first sheet at substantially one edge of the sheet; the sun shade further comprising at least one anchor; and at least one edge of the canopy being raised from the ground on which the portable sun shade is placed, canopy comprising at least one further sheet, arranged substantially in parallel to the first sheet, and at least two ribs connected between the first sheet and further sheet, wherein the ribs are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the sheets in use.

This configuration provides a portable sun shade which has improved stability in normal environmental conditions such as wind, as well as under low wind conditions. Adjustment of the sun shade’s orientation, such as due to changes of wind direction, is also reduced. This configuration also provides a sun shade with improved ventilation for a user because air can pass underneath the canopy. The or each region bounded by sheets and ribs forms a cell. A cell has a finite depth. Air flow through a cell may cause the cell to inflate and thus become relatively rigid. Such an arrangement is often referred to as a parafoil.

Preferably the cells are substantially closed at one end. Preferably, the parafoil is positioned in use so that the or each closed end is arranged approximately down-wind from an open end. Alternatively, one or more cells may be open at both ends, which may be suitable for high-wind situations. The cross-sectional area of the cells preferably reduces from the front (i.e. open) end towards the rear (i.e. closed) end. This provides the advantage that air pressure within the cells is increased as wind blows into the or each cell. The reduced cross-sectional area towards the rear of the cells improves stability of the canopy. Incident breeze or wind will act to inflate the or each cell increasing the strength of the canopy. However, when there is little or no wind, the frame comprising the support and arched pole holds the canopy in position.

At least one of the ribs may have an aperture formed therein. Air pressure may thus be approximately balanced between adjacent cells. This aims to provide for improved stability. Preferably, each rib has at least one aperture. Thus, air pressure between all cells may be approximately balanced, with the aim of maximising stability of the canopy, in use.

The canopy may further comprise a compartment which is perpendicular to each cell and located towards the rear end of the cells. The compartment may be common to each cell. The compartment may be in air communication with each cell. The compartment may comprise a wall separating the compartment and an adjacent cell. The wall may comprise an aperture. The wall may comprise an aperture at each cell. Thus, air pressure between the cells and the compartment may be approximately balanced, with the aim of maximising stability of the canopy, in use. The parafoil may have a smaller total area than the canopy as a whole. The canopy may further comprise a deflecting region which is arranged to direct air into the parafoil. The canopy has a rear end which is typically downwind in use and a front end which is typically upwind in use. The rear end of the canopy may be positioned at a greater height than the front end of the canopy. The stability of the sun shade is thus improved. The parafoil may therefore be inclined towards the rear of the canopy.

The sun shade will usually be positioned with the arched pole approximately perpendicular to prevailing wind, and thus the sun shade will usually in use have a front part which is generally up-wind from a back part which is generally down-wind thereof.

At least one anchor is attached to substantially the front part of the sun shade. The sun shade may further comprise a plurality of anchors. Anchors stabilise the frame and prevent the frame from toppling.

Preferably when more than one anchor is used, they are arranged approximately equally spaced around the sun shade in respect of one another. This provides further balance and stability to the sun shade. Each anchor may comprise a fillable bag. A bag may be filled with material such as sand or a fluid such as water to increase the weight of the bag. Suitable materials might be found at or near a site where the sun shade is to be used. Thus, bags need not be heavy when not in use, with the aim of minimising the overall weight of the sun shade when not in use. In use the bags can be straightforwardly filled to increase their weight. A filled bag may weigh at least 2.5 kilograms. A filled bag may weigh at least 5 kilograms. Alternatively, one or more anchor may comprise a peg intended to be driven into soft ground. Preferably, the arched pole and the anchors are the only parts of the sun shade which directly contact the ground. The arched pole and anchors may form a substantially polygonal base which contacts the ground and stabilises the sun shade. Thus, no central poles or other supporting means are necessary between the polygonal base formed by the arched pole and anchors. Therefore, the useable ground space under the canopy is maximised. Preferably, the canopy is slidably connected to the arched pole. This provides the advantage that the canopy can be re-positioned according to preference – for example as the sun moves across the sky over time - without the need to adjust the position of the arched pole and/or anchors.

Preferably, the frame is connected to the first sheet in more than one place. Preferably, the frame and the first sheet are sized and configured to maintain the first sheet relatively taut, in use. A taut first sheet is preferred because such an arrangement will tend to allow wind to pass across the canopy with minimal interference.

As the canopy is raised from the ground and the first sheet is relatively taut, wind may flow under and over and across the canopy with minimal net force being applied to the canopy. The frame may be connected to the canopy at more than one edge thereof. The canopy may be tightly extended or stretched over the frame. This provides the advantage that parts of the canopy do not cause drag or lift as wind blows across the sun shade. The frame may be further connected to the canopy at a relatively central portion of the canopy. The canopy is therefore held by the frame more securely.

The canopy may have a substantially polygonal shape and the frame may be connected to the canopy at a plurality of corners thereof. A taut connection between the frame and canopy may thus be achieved by connecting the canopy to the frame at the plurality of corners of the canopy. A polygonal canopy also provides a greater number of leading edges so that the sun shade is more aerodynamic. The arched pole may be resiliently flexible. The support may be resiliently flexible. The resilient flexibility of the arched pole and/or support improves the resilience of the sun shade because the frame can flex to a degree in wind. The canopy is thus less likely to tear or break. The resilient flexibility of the arched pole also urges the canopy into a tauter configuration so that drag, lift or other disruption of air flow is minimised. Preferably the arched pole has a substantially straight inherent shape. In other words, when the arched pole is not restricted it will return to a substantially straight shape. Thus, when arched the arched pole may be naturally urged towards a straight configuration to form a taut connection between the frame and canopy. Alternatively, the arched pole may be naturally arched. For example, the arched pole may be moulded as an arch shape. The canopy preferably comprises one arched pole only. 6 The arched pole and/or the or each support may be segmented. A segmented pole or support comprises a plurality of segments having adjacent ends which are arranged to slot together. The segments may be held together by an elastic thread. A segmented element 5 takes up less space when not in use. Each segment of the arched pole or support may be no more than 0.5 meters in length. Thus, the frame can be compactly stored and carried when not in use. The sun shade may further comprise a restraining means which extends between the two regions of the arched pole, preferably near each end of the arched pole. The restraining means counters resilience of the arched pole which might otherwise cause the arched pole to straighten out in an unwanted way. This provides the sun shade with improved structural integrity. The restraining means may comprise a strap, preferably attached to the end regions of the arched pole. The strap may be adjustable in length. This may provide for an increase or decrease of the tension applied by the arched pole on the canopy and/or to adjust the height of the canopy. The restraining means may comprise two sockets for receiving the ends of the arched pole. Thus, the arched pole is held more securely in position and is more effectively adjusted through adjustment of the restraining means. The sockets may each comprise a foot having a channel for receiving the end of a pole. The support may comprise at least one spine. The support may comprise a plurality of spines. The spines improve the structural integrity of the sun shade in wind and also keep the canopy in position when there is little or no wind. The support may extend substantially from the arched pole to a front of the canopy. The spines may extend from the arched pole and may extend in substantially the same direction (i.e. substantially parallel) as one another. The support may comprise two spines arranged non-parallel, with corresponding ends thereof at different distances therebetween. In other words, the two spines may be convergent towards the front of the canopy (and divergent towards the rear) or divergent towards the front of the canopy (and convergent towards the rear). The spines may each have a slightly curved profile formed by 7 a taut connection between the support and the canopy. The spines maintain the shape and structure of the canopy in low wind situations. The canopy may be fairly shallow in depth; in other words, the vertical displacement between edges and centre may be fairly small in comparison with its width and/or length. Thus the canopy may have a relatively flat appearance. The edges of the canopy do not in normal use extend to the ground on which the sun shade is placed. This arrangement allows wind to flow through the sun shade without imparting so much force by horizontal drag and/or vertical lift on the canopy that might risk toppling of the sun shade

The frame and the sheet may be connected to one another by a connecting means. The connecting means may comprise one or more sleeves which are arranged to receive one or more parts of the frame. The connecting means may comprise one or more of ties, sockets, straps, clips, poppers or other the like. The connecting means may comprise a sleeve for receiving an end of a pole or spine. There may be more than one type of connecting means selected. For example there may be a sleeve to receive the arched pole and sockets to receive ends of one or more spines. Certain types of connecting means - such as ties or the like – allow a pole or spine to move along an axis of the said pole or spine while in situ. Thus the canopy may be slidably connected to the arched pole via such connecting means. This provides the advantage that the canopy can be re-positioned according to preference – for example as the sun moves across the sky over time - without the need to adjust the frame. The canopy may comprise a number of adjustable straps which extend between the canopy and the arched pole. The or each adjustable strap may be comprised of nylon. The canopy may further comprise adjustment means for adjusting the profile of the canopy. The adjustment means may comprise a loop which is arranged to receive an adjustable strap of the canopy. The profile of the canopy may therefore be changed when the adjustable strap is placed through the loop and the length of the adjustment strap is altered. The adjustment means may be configured to adjust the height of the rear end (i.e. the end which is relatively downwind in use) of the canopy. Thus, the profile of the canopy can be 8 adjusted to maximise the area of shade cast by the sun shade when, for example, the sun is substantially above and behind the sun shade, without the need to adjust the orientation of the sun shade. The canopy may comprise a polymer-based fabric such as polyester or nylon. The sun shade may comprise three anchors which are arranged to provide a substantially triangular footprint. This provides the advantage of further improving the stability of the sun shade against wind coming from several possible directions.

A first anchor may be attached to a portion of the canopy which forms a leading “front” edge; intended to be positioned approximately facing into oncoming wind. Second and third anchors may be attached to the arched pole and may be disposed to form a substantially triangular footprint with said first anchor. The first anchor may be larger in size and weight than the second and third anchors. The anchors may be each connected to the canopy or frame by an adjustable rope. The or each adjustable rope may be a guy rope. This gives the advantage that the position of the anchors in relation to the canopy and frame may be adjusted for optimum anchoring effect. The or each adjustable rope may be comprised of nylon woven cord. The rope may have a thickness of approximately 3mm. The sun shade may further comprise a joining means between the canopy or frame and the rope of each anchor. The joining means may comprise a clip and ring mechanism.

The frame may be comprised of aluminium, plastic, fibreglass, steel or a combination thereof. The canopy may comprise a number of carry handles. The carry handles may be integral with the sheet of the canopy. The canopy may comprise a number of storage pockets for holding the belongings of a user. The canopy may comprise means for attaching items such as bags, clothing or towels to the canopy. 9 In use, the canopy is laid flat and the arched pole and support poles are attached to the canopy. The arched pole may be the only pole which is received within a sleeve of the canopy. The canopy may comprise a plurality of sockets for receiving the ends of one or more of the poles. Means, such as a finger loop, may be provided in the region of one or more of the sockets for assisting insertion of an end of a pole. The erected height of the canopy may be approximately 1 to 1.2 meters at its highest point. The length of the canopy may be approximately 1.4 meters. The width of the canopy may be approximately 1.7 meters.

The present inventive concept is also directed to a kit of parts suitable for a portable sun shade as described, comprising a pole suitable for forming an arch, a first sheet suitable for forming a canopy, at least one further sheet connected thereto, arranged substantially in parallel to the first sheet, and at least two ribs connected between the first sheet and further sheet, wherein the ribs are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the sheets in use, further comprising a support at least one anchor and at least one fillable bag. The first sheet may have a substantially polygonal shape. The or each pole may be segmented. A segmented pole comprises a plurality of pole segments having adjacent ends which are arranged to slot together. Segments of a pole may be joined by an elastic thread. Each segment of a pole may be no more than 0.5 meters in length. The at least one bag may be arranged to carry substantially the kit. When packed, the bag carrying the kit may have a length of approximately 0.5 m. One or more of the bags may be arranged as a substantially flat disk and may comprise a rope located in a sleeve at substantially a periphery of the disk. Thus, the disk may be loaded with a material such as sand, and the rope may be pulled to close the disk and contain the material for anchoring the sun shade. This configuration is particularly advantageous because material can be straightforwardly loaded on to the flat disk and then contained by simply pulling the rope out of the sleeve.

One or more of the bags may comprise a hood. The hood may be arranged as a bowl for filling with sand or similar, which is subsequently tipped into the bag. The kit may further comprise a restraining means. The kit may further comprise one or more connecting means. The kit may weigh approximately 1 kilogram.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of a portable sunshade constructed according to the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view, from the front, right and above, of a first embodiment in a first configuration;
Figure 2 shows a front elevation;
Figure 3 shows a rear elevation;
Figure 4 shows a right elevation;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment in an inclined configuration; Figure 6 shows a further front elevation;
Figure 7 shows a plan view of a packed kit for a portable sun shade;
Figure 8 shows a plan view of the canopy and frame
Figures 9 to 13 show connecting means;
Figure 14 shows an assembled sun shade;
Figure 15 shows a bag suitable to provide an anchor (20);
Figure 16 shows the bag of Figure 15 in a fully closed configuration;
Figures 17 and 18 show means for connecting the anchor (20)s to the canopy;
Figure 19 shows the canopy having two carry handles;
Figure 20 shows the slidable connection of the canopy to the arched pole;
Figure 21 shows the canopy adapted to use as a kite; and
Figure 22 shows the portable sunshade adapted for use as a wind shelter.

Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

Turning to Figure 1, a portable sun shade 10 has an arched pole 12 and a canopy 14. The canopy 14 comprises a sheet 16 and two spines 18 which act as a support. The two spines 18 together with the arched pole 12 form a frame which is connected to the sheet 16 of the canopy 14. The frame is connected to the sheet 16 at several edges and corners of the sheet so that the sheet is stretched over the arched pole 12 and by the spines 18 to provide a relatively taut connection therebetween. As shown in Figure 8, the sheet 16 has a relatively polygonal shape and the arched pole 12 and spines 18 are attached to the sheet 16 at the corners of the sheet 16. The canopy 14 has a front end 22 and a rear end 24 which is intended to be substantially downwind of the front end 22 in use. The sun shade 10 is ideally positioned in use so that the front end 22 is facing into oncoming wind. The edges of the canopy 14 are spaced from the ground by the arched pole 12. The frame formed by the arched pole 12 and spines 18 holds the canopy in a raised position even in low wind situations. The sun shade 10 further comprises three anchors 20 (one not shown) in the form of filled bags. The bags, which are described below in greater detail with reference to Figures 15 and 16, are filled with sand or a fluid such as water. Referring to Figure 2, which shows the sun shade 10 from the front, a first anchor is attached at the front end 22 of the canopy 14 at a substantially midway point along the width of the canopy 14. Second and third anchors are attached to the arched pole 12 are located away from the canopy 14 so that the three anchors together provide a substantially triangular shaped footprint. As shown by Figures 2 and 3, the anchors are substantially equally spaced from one another. The first anchor 20, attached to the front of the canopy 14, is larger than the second and third anchors due to the greater forces it will likely need to withstand when the front end 22 of the canopy 14 is directed into wind.

Each of the anchors 20 is connected to the canopy 14 or arched pole 12 by a guy line rope 26. Each rope 26 is comprised of nylon woven cord. Joining means in the form of clips 64, which are shown in greater detail in Figures 29 and 30, are located at the end of each rope 26 and 13 attach each rope 26 to the arched pole 12 or canopy 14. The arched pole 12 and canopy 14 comprise D-rings for connecting to the clips 64. The anchors 20 and the arched pole 12 are the only parts of the sun shade 10 which are in contact with the ground and together they form a substantially polygonal base. The canopy 14 comprises a further sheet 28 which is substantially parallel to the first sheet 16. A plurality of ribs 30 extend between and are substantially perpendicular to the two

sheets

16, 28. The

sheets

16,28 and ribs 30 form cells 32 therebetween. Each cell is open at a front end, the front end of the cell being the end closest to the front end 22 of the canopy 14. Each cell is relatively closed at the substantially opposite, downwind rear end to slow or block the flow of air through the cell. In use, air flows into the cells and inflates the canopy 14 to stabilise the sun shade 10. The arrangement of the sheets and ribs forms a parafoil. Each of the sheets and ribs is comprised of a flexible polymer-based fabric. Figure 2 shows the parafoil in an inflated position. The cross-sectional area of each cell 32 reduces from the front end towards the rear end. Each of the ribs 30 comprises means so that air pressure may balance between adjacent cells 32. The means may comprise an aperture 102 or fabrication from an air permeable membrane or mesh. The canopy 14 further comprises a compartment (not shown) located towards the rear of the cells and which is perpendicular to the cells 32. The compartment is also in air communication with each cell 32 to balance air pressure between the cells 32 and the compartment.

Turning to Figures 3 and 4, the rear end of the canopy 14 is positioned at a greater height than the front end of the canopy 14, and the parafoil is thus inclined towards the rear of the canopy 14. The parafoil has a smaller total area than the canopy 14 as a whole. The canopy 14 further comprises a deflecting region 34 located at the front end of the canopy 14 which is arranged to direct air into each of the cells 32. The deflecting region 34 is an extension of the first sheet 16 of the canopy 14. Thus, because the cells 32 are located above the first sheet 16, the lower height of the front end of the canopy 14 relative to the rear end assists to direct air into the cells 32. The canopy 14 is tightly stretched over the frame comprising the arched pole 12 and the spines 18 so that the canopy 14 does not cause excessive drag or lift as wind blows across the sun shade 10. As well as being connected to the frame at several edges and/or corners of the canopy 14, the canopy 14 is connected to the arched pole 12 at a relatively central portion of the canopy 14. The canopy 14 comprises a sleeve 44 at the relatively central portion for receiving the arched pole 12.

The arched pole 12 and spines 18 forming the canopy support are both resiliently flexible. In other words, the frame is flexible and returns to its original shape after buffeting by wind. The arched pole 12 is formed into an arch shape by a restraining means 36. The restraining means 36 is an adjustable strap which is connected to the arched pole 12 at substantially opposite ends of the arched pole 12. The restraining means 36 maintains a distance between the two opposing ends of the arched pole 12. When the arched pole 12 is not connected to the restraining strap 36 it assumes a substantially straight shape. In other words, the arched pole is inherently straight in nature but is sufficiently flexible to assume an arched shape when connected to the restraining strap 36. The restraining strap 36 counters the resilience of the arched pole 12. The two spines 18 extend across the arched pole between a front edge of the deflecting region 34 and corners of the first sheet 16 of the canopy 14. The two spines 18 occupy substantially the same plane as one another, but are non-parallel i.e. the corresponding ends of the spines 18 are at different distances therebetween. The spines 18 are thus convergent towards the front of the canopy 14. Referring to Figure 3, the spines 18 have a slightly curved profile.

Figure 5 shows how, the canopy 14 is slidably connected to the arched pole 12 so that the canopy 14 can be repositioned without the need to adjust the position of the arched pole or anchors. The canopy 14 is slidably connected to the arched pole 12 by a sleeve 44. The sun shade 10 further comprises adjustable straps 38 which can be adjusted in length. Each end of the arched pole 12 is connected to a foot 40. Each foot 40 comprises a socket for receiving the end of the arched pole 12. The adjustable straps 38 are connected one each to each foot 40 and a front corner of the canopy 14. Shortening the right adjustable strap 38 and correspondingly lengthening the left adjustable strap 38 urges the canopy 14 to slide around the arched pole 12 towards the corresponding right foot 40 and further from the left foot 40 as shown in figure 5. Adjustment of the straps may be by means of a buckle or cleat so that after adjustment the canopy is fixed into the new position.

Each foot 40 is fabricated of plastics and comprises a substantially domed bottom surface.

Figure 6 shows the sun shade 10 in a low wind situation, where the frame formed by the arched pole 12 and spines 18 continue to hold the canopy 14 up.

Figure 7, shows a kit of parts for the portable sun shade 10, the arched pole 12 and spines 18 are segmented, having adjacent ends which are arranged to slot together. The segmented arrangement of the arched pole 12 and spines 18 reduces the size of the kit when dismantled. The segments of the respective arched pole 12 and/or spines 18 can be tubular and threaded on to shock cord whereby they are held together.

The kit further comprises fillable bags 20 forming anchors, the adjustable restraining strap 36 and the canopy 14. The arched pole 12 and spines 18 are connected to the canopy 14 as shown in Figure 8. The arched pole 12 is connected to the canopy 14 by being received within the sleeve 44. One of the fillable bags 20 forms a carry bag for carrying the remaining parts of the kit when not in use. Turning to Figures 9 to 12, as the kit is assembled into the sun shade 10, the ends of the spines 18 are inserted into sockets 46 which are located at corners of the canopy 14 towards the rear of the canopy 14. A finger loop 54 is provided at each socket to aid insertion of a spine 18 into a corresponding socket 46.

A clip or buckle arrangement 48 is shown in Figure 13 which connects a corner of the canopy 14 to strap 38.

Figure 14 shows the assembled sun shade 10 upside down, with a top surface of the canopy 14 in contact with the ground.

Figures 15 shows a fillable bag 20 the bag is filled with a flowable material such as water or sand to form an anchor. The bag 20 may also serve as a carrier for the remainder of the kit when not in use. The bag comprises a hood 50 for loading with sand, which is subsequently poured into the bag 20. Two tabs 52 are provided to assist with loading the bag 20. A drawstring arrangement is provided to close the open end of the bag 20 before it is attached to the sun shade 10 to act as an anchor. The anchor 20 is attached to the deflecting region 34 of the canopy 14. Figure 16 shows a a bag for one of the other two anchors 20. The bag is formed from a fabric disc and a drawstring sleeved about its periphery. Once loaded with sand, the drawstring is pulled to close the bag and contain the sand. The drawstring forms the rope 26 for attaching the anchor to the sun shade 10. Each of the anchors formed from the disc are attached to the arched pole 12 via a clip 64.

Figures 17 and 18 show clips 64 for attaching ropes 26 of the anchors 20 to the arched pole 12 or canopy 14. The clips comprise snap hooks. With reference to Figure 18, the canopy 14 comprises a number of loops 54 through which the clip and rope 26 are thread. The clip then connects to the rope to connect the anchor 20 and canopy 14. In Figure 17, the clip connects to a metal ring attaching the canopy 14 to the arched pole 12. Figure 19 shows a top surface of the canopy 14 where two carry handles 56 are located. The carry handles 56 may be utilised to hang items such as beach towels or clothes therefrom.

Figure 20 shows a pocket 66 which is located on an inner surface of the canopy 14. 17 Figures 34 to 36 show an arrangement for adjusting the profile of the canopy 14. The canopy 14 comprises a loop 58 through which the adjustable strap 38 can be threaded. The adjustable strap 38 is comprised of two parts so that a first part of the strap 38 is threaded through the loop 58 and then connected to a second part of the strap 38. The first and second parts of the strap 38 are connected by a quick snap buckle. This arrangement pulls the canopy 14 downwards to adjust the profile of the canopy 14.

Figure 21 illustrates a variant of the canopy which is modified to allow the canopy to serve as a kite, usable when the sunshade application is not required. The canopy 14 retains the features described for the sunshade above but has means to attach a shroud 68 of flexible control lines to the leading (upwind) and trailing (downwind) edge of the canopy. The means for attachment of the shroud may consist of loops of fabric 70 for attachment of clips and D-rings which are secured to the sheet 16 of the canopy 14 and capture the deflection region fabric in a rolled up state. The spines 18 are removed to facilitate rolling the deflection region. Triangular primary shroud lines 72 attach to the canopy at the leading edge by means of said fabric loops 70 and further attach downstream of the leading edge at downstream attachment point 74. Primary shroud lines 72 are attached one each to each alternate rib 30. Each primary shroud line 72 attaches a left secondary shroud line 76 and a right secondary shroud line 78. Each of the left secondary shroud lines extends to a left control line 80 to which it is connected by a shroud ring 82, similarly the right secondary shroud lines extend to a right control line 84 to which it is connected via a right shroud ring 86. Left and right trailing

shroud lines

88, 90 extend from the respective left and right shroud rings 82, 86 to connect to the trailing edge of the canopy 14. Auxiliary

side shroud lines

92, 94 extend from the respective left and right shroud rings to attachment points on the side trailing edges of the canopy 14. All the shroud lines are of fixed length so that when held facing into wind by the shroud rings the canopy takes up an angle of attack which will generate lift and fly the kite. The left and

right control lines

80, 84 can then be manipulated by the pilot to alter the attitude of the canopy and allow some steering of the kite.

Figure 22 shows a second variant of the sun shade 10 adapted to provide a shelter. In this variant, which may also have the features of the kit variant described above, the canopy rear end edge 24 is modified to be stiffened. Stiffening may be achieved by the provision of a passage formed by a rear sleeve 96 extending transversely through the rear edge 24. The rear sleeve is in fluidic communication with the cells.

The rear edge of the canopy is attached to the arched pole 12 by sleeving it through one or more attachment means in the form of loops or a sleeve of fabric at the rear of the canopy. The rear of the arched pole is then arched by application of the ground strap. The feet 40, by means of which the ground strap is attached, are placed in contact with the ground and anchor 20 are attached to the front edge 30 and deployed on the ground upwind so that the wind deflection region 34 supported by spines 18 is urged into contact with the ground and deflects wind into the cells inflating the canopy and the rear compartment 96. In an alternative arrangement the rear sleeve may be stiffened by a batten received into the compartment. A pair of guy lines 98 are arranged to apply tension between each end of the compartment 96 and the adjacent foot 40 to prevent the ends of the sleeve fluttering. A strap 100 extends one on each side of the canopy, from each foot 40 to the corresponding corner 102 of the front edge of the canopy.

Reference Signs List

Table 1

Integer	reference
10	portable sunshade
12	arched pole
14	canopy
16	sheet
18	spines
20	anchors
22	canopy front end
24	canopy rear end
26	rope
28	further sheet
30	rib
32	cell
34	deflecting region
36	restraining means
38	adjustable strap
40	foot
42	D-rings
44	sleeve
46	socket (for spine)
54	finger loop
56	carry handles
58	loop
64	clip
66	pocket
68	shroud
70	loops of fabric
72	primary shroud lines
74	downstream attachment points
76	left secondary shroud line
78	right secondary shroud line
80	left control line
82	left shroud ring
84	right control line
86	right shroud ring
88	left trailing shroud line
90	right trailing shroud line
92	left auxiliary shroud line
94	right auxiliary shroud line
96	rear compartment
98	guy line
100	strap
102	aperture

Claims

A portable sun shade (10) having an arched pole (12) and a canopy (14); the canopy (14) comprising a first sheet (16) and a support; the support and the arched pole (12) forming a frame which is connected to a first sheet (16) at substantially one edge of the sheet; the sun shade (10) further comprising at least one anchor (20); and at least one edge of the canopy (14) being raised from the ground on which the portable sun shade (10) is placed, canopy (14) comprising at least one further sheet (28), arranged substantially in parallel to the first sheet (16), and at least two ribs (30) connected between the first sheet (16) and further sheet (28), wherein the ribs (30) are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the sheets in use to form a parafoil.
A portable sun shade (10) according to claim 1, wherein the parafoil comprises cells and the cells are closed at one end.
A portable sun shade (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the ribs (30) has an aperture (102) formed therein.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy (14) comprises a compartment (96).
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein canopy (14) comprises a deflecting region (34) which is arranged to direct air into the parafoil.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of anchors (20).
A portable sun shade (10) according to claim 6, wherein anchors (20) are connectable to the points around the canopy to be arrangeable approximately equally spaced around the sun shade (10) in respect of one another.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the anchors (20) comprises a fillable bag.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy (14) is slidably connected to the arched pole (12).
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is connected to the first sheet (16) in more than one place.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is connected to the canopy (14) at more than one edge thereof.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy (14) has a substantially polygonal shape and the frame is connected to the canopy (14) at a plurality of corners thereof
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the arched pole (12) is resiliently flexible.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the canopy (14) comprises one arched pole (12) only.
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising a restraining means which extends between two regions of the arched pole (12).
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises at least one spine (18).
A portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame and the sheet (16) are connected to one another by a connecting means.
A portable sunshade (10) according to any one of the preceding claims having a canopy (14) with shroud attachment means, whereby a shroud can be attached to the canopy (14) and a pair of control lines attached to the shroud so that the canopy (14) can act as a kite.
A portable sunshade (10) according to any one of the preceding claims having: attachment mean whereby the rear end (24) of the canopy (14) can be attached to the arched pole (12) such that when the arched pole (12) is arched by application of the ground strap, the resulting arched structure can support the rear edge of the canopy (14) in a position elevated above the ground, attachment means to attach one or more of the ground anchors (20) to the front end (22), whereby the canopy (14) can be deployed with the front end (22) and spines (18) engaged with the ground and upwind of the elevated rear end (24) and stiffened compartment (96) whereby the portable sunshade (10) is adaptable to serve as a wind shelter.
A portable sunshade (10) according to claim 19 having a batten received into the compartment to stiffen the rear edge of the canopy (14).
A portable sunshade (10) according to claim 20 having a guy line (98) attachable in tension between a foot (40) of the arched pole (12) and an end of the compartment (96) to prevent the rear end fluttering.
A portable sunshade (10) according to claim 21 having a tension strap extending from the foot (40) of the arched pole (12) to a corner of the front edge of the canopy (14).
A kit of parts for a portable sun shade (10) according to any preceding claim comprising a pole suitable for forming an arch, a first sheet (16) suitable for forming a canopy (14), at least one further sheet (28) connected thereto, arranged substantially in parallel to the first sheet (16), and at least two ribs (30) connected between the first sheet (16) and further sheet, wherein the ribs (30) are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the sheets in use, further comprising a support at least one anchor (20) and at least one fillable bag.