Sunshade

Abstract

A face sunshade for sunbathing use. In order to reflect sunlight, the sunshade is formed of a lightweight nylon / polyester or metallic aluminum material. The lightweight material envelops a frame consisting of two metal rings that are connected on the top center of each ring by a thin flat metal rod, creating a self-support structure. The rings, connected by the thin metal rod, form a cylinder canopy shape, which supports the sunshade when open and in use. The sunshade can be folded into a small lightweight structure, and placed into a carrying bag for easy carrying and storage. The carrying bag also converts into a pillow for the user when the sunshade is in use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a shade that protects the face from the sun while sunbathing, and more particularly a shade that is foldable, easy to store, and provides full coverage with minimal adjustments. [0002] As more information is learned about the various harmful effects of sun exposure on skin, an assortment of sunshields and sun shelters have been formed to address concern the public has about dangerous UV sunrays. [0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,651,847 issued to Carole C. Casamassina on Mar. 28, 1972, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,349 issued to Betty D. Lawson on Apr. 12, 1983, shows devices that are both sunshields and tote bags, but unlike the present invention, these devices do not fold down to a simple flat compressed form when not in use. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,298 issued to Chen Y. Lin on Aug. 5, 1995, shows a sunshade arrangement containing several retractable posts, but unlike the present invention, the device includes many pieces. The leg p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention improves upon the various previous methods of sun protection and cited patents by being effortless to use, lightweight, convenient, portable, as well as containing features that enable comfortable air circulation and easy storage.

[0012] The sunshade is constructed of a lightweight material that does not permit bright sunrays to transmit by reflecting sunlight away. The covering is formed into a cylinder canopy shape by enveloping a frame consisting of two metal rings connected on the top center of each ring by a thin metal reinforcement rod. An alternative embodiment forms the cylinder shape with a frame consisting of two metal rings connected on the top center of each ring by a thin spiral metal reinforcement rod. Such a cylinder canopy shape provides for simple assembly as well as strengthens the firmness and sturdiness of the structure, without fastening it to the ground. Also, the diameter of the sunshade is spacious enough to encompass sufficient air circulation and allow the occupant, if they choose, to use a small pillow to rest their head on while sunbathing.

[0013] The thin metal reinforcement rod is attached to the metal rings so that it is free to rotate about the spot of attachment toward the top center of the rings. Thus, to open the sunshade for use, the metal rings are turned apart in opposite directions till the cylinder canopy shape is formed. The rings are turned inward to close the sunshade so that it forms a small compressed configuration, providing for easy storage or transport of the device.

[0014] In the alternative embodiment the thin spiral reinforcement rod is also attached to the metal rings. The thin spiral reinforcement rod operates like a slinky or accordion. Thus, to open the sunshade for use, the metal rings are pulled apart from one another until the cylinder canopy shape is formed. The rings are pushed together, causing the thin spiral reinforcement rod to compress and the sunshade to collapse into a small compact configuration for easy storage and transport.

[0015] The sunshade also is equipped with a small carrying bag to carry the compressed sunshade with more ease. The bag is constructed of a similar lightweight material as the sunshade and contains a shoulder carrying strap as well as a handle. Inside the bag, a small soft foam cushion is sewn in, so the user may employ the bag as a pillow while using the sunshade to sunbathe.

Problems solved by technology

The sunshade is constructed of a lightweight material that does not permit bright sunrays to transmit by reflecting sunlight away.

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