Fastening a portable shade apparatus to a fence to provide shade

A portable shade apparatus includes a sheet of material, a set of cables, and a set of flexible rods coupled to the sheet of material and the set of cables. Each flexible rod has (i) a first end section which projects from the sheet of material, (ii) a second end section which fastens to a respective cable, and (iii) an inner section between the first end section and the second end section. The inner section provides support to the sheet of material.

BACKGROUND

A conventional transportable canopy kit includes a canvas canopy, a hinged aluminum frame attached to the canvas canopy, and a carrying case. While the conventional transportable canopy is in transit, the canvas canopy and the hinged aluminum frame remain in a folded state within the carrying case.

During setup, a human user removes the canvas canopy and the hinged aluminum frame from the carrying case. The human user then unfolds the hinged aluminum frame in an umbrella-like manner to fully open the canvas canopy. The human user then extends legs of the hinged aluminum frame to provide headroom underneath the canvas canopy.

SUMMARY

Unfortunately, there are deficiencies to the above-described conventional transportable canopy kit which has a hinged aluminum frame. Along these lines, the conventional transportable canopy kit is not well-suited for installation and operation over permanent bench adjacent a fence such as a fenced dugout area of a ballfield. For example, to use the kit in such an area, the kit may need to be setup away from the fenced dugout area and then moved while in the fully opened state (e.g., by multiple human users holding the multiple legs) to the fenced dugout area. Such operation may be awkward and burdensome on multiple users.

Additionally, while the kit is fully opened over the fenced dugout area, wind gusts may nevertheless lift one or more legs off the ground thus posing a nuisance to any humans sitting in the dugout area. Moreover, the canvas canopy may trap heat and unnecessarily darken the space underneath.

Furthermore, a conventional overhead canopy provides little to no protection from the sun while the sun is rising or setting. During these times of the day, sunlight may come in at an angle that still leaves humans under the conventional canopy in direct sunlight. Also, as the sun moves across the sky over time, the conventional canopy casts shadows in different directions and over different locations (forcing those underneath to keep moving) and, because of the size and shape of the conventional canopy, it is difficult to maneuver the conventional canopy into an optimal position.

In contrast to the above-described conventional transportable canopy kit which is poorly-suited for installation and operation over permanent bench adjacent a fence such as a fenced dugout area of a ballfield, improved techniques are directed to use of a portable shade apparatus which fastens to a fence (or fence-like structure) to provide shade. Such an apparatus can be installed and positioned by a single human over the immediate area to receive optimal and maximum shade from the apparatus. Additionally, since such an apparatus fastens to a fence, the apparatus receives support from the fence during wind gusts.

One embodiment is directed to a portable shade apparatus which includes a sheet of material, a set of cables, and a set of flexible rods coupled to the sheet of material and the set of cables. Each flexible rod has (i) a first end section which projects from the sheet of material, (ii) a second end section which fastens to a respective cable, and (iii) an inner section between the first end section and the second end section. The inner section provides support to the sheet of material.

In some arrangements, the inner section of each flexible rod bends in an arc to prop up the sheet of material as a shade when the first end section of that flexible rod fastens to a fence and the second end section of that flexible rod is pulled under tension by a respective cable.

In some arrangements, the first end section of each flexible rod projects from the sheet of material in a cantilevered manner to fasten to the fence.

In some arrangements, the first end section of each flexible rod of the set of flexible rods projects from the sheet of material by at least four inches while propping up the sheet of material as the shade.

In some arrangements, the fence is a chain link fence. In these arrangements, the first end section of each flexible rod is bendable to permit weaving of the first end section of that flexible rod through openings in the chain link fence to attach that flexible rod to the fence.

In some arrangements, each flexible rod is formed uniformly of a polymeric substance that provides elasticity while under tension. Suitable materials for the flexible rods include carbon fiber, fiberglass, and similar types of plastic material.

In some arrangements, each cable of the set of cables has (i) a rod end that attaches to the second end section of a respective flexible rod of the set of flexible rods and (ii) an anchor end which anchors to an anchor point.

In some arrangements, the anchor point is a portion of a fence. Here, the anchor end of each cable includes a mechanical coupler to anchor that cable to the portion of the fence.

In some arrangements, the fence is a chain link fence and the mechanical coupler of each cable is a metallic clasp that fits around a wire of the chain link fence to anchor that cable to the chain link fence. Such metallic clasps may be spring loaded for quick and simple attachment and detachment.

In some arrangements, the sheet of material has (i) a left edge which is supported by a first flexible rod and (ii) a right edge which is supported by a second flexible rod. Here, the left edge of the sheet of material may define a left sleeve that holds the first flexible rod and a right sleeve that holds the second flexible rod.

In some arrangements, at least a portion of the sheet of material is semitransparent allowing light to at least partially pass therethrough when the sheet of material is taut. Suitable materials include various translucent fabrics, plastics, and other types of textiles.

In some arrangements, the sheet of material includes a set of banner location areas for displaying a set of banners. For example, a central region of the sheet disposed between the left edge and the right edge may provide a presentation surface for banner display. As another example, an edge region of the sheet may provide places to hang or attach one or more banners.

In some arrangements, the portable shade apparatus further includes a lateral support member which extends between the left edge and the right edge to control lay of the sheet of material. Such a support member may provide support to the sheet particularly if the sheet covers a long bench.

In some arrangements, the portable shade apparatus further includes an elongated bag. Here, the sheet of material, the set of cables, and the set of flexible rods are constructed and arranged to fit within the elongated bag during transportation of the portable shade apparatus.

In some arrangements, each flexible rod is operative to separate into multiple rod sections. Such a feature enables convenient disassembly for storage and/or transport within a relatively small bag (e.g., the bag may fit easily into a trunk of a vehicle).

Another embodiment is directed to a method for installing a portable shade apparatus on a fence adjacent a bench area of an athletic field. The method includes unfurling the portable shade apparatus. The portable shade apparatus includes a sheet of material, a set of cables, and a set of flexible rods coupled to the sheet of material and the set of cables. Each flexible rod of the set of flexible rods has (i) a first end section which projects from the sheet of material, (ii) a second end section which fastens to a respective cable of the set of cables, and (iii) an inner section between the first end section and the second end section, the inner section providing support to the sheet of material. The method further includes, after the portable shade apparatus is unfurled, inserting the first end section of each flexible rod of the set of flexible rods through openings in the fence adjacent the bench area of the athletic field. The method further includes anchoring each cable of the set of cables to a respective anchor point to bend the set of flexible rods in a manner which holds the sheet of material taut in the form an arc while the sheet of material provides shade over the bench area.

In some arrangements, anchoring each cable of the set of cables includes attaching each cable to a respective original location on the fence. Additionally, the method may further include re-attaching each cable to a respective new location on the fence to maintain shade over the bench area.

Other embodiments are directed to components, kits, related equipment, and so on which involve the use of a portable shade apparatus which fastens to a fence or fence-like structure to provide shade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An improved technique is directed to fastening a portable shade apparatus to a fence to provide shade. Such an apparatus can be installed by a single human over the immediate area to receive shade. Additionally, since such an apparatus fastens to a fence, the apparatus receives support from the fence during wind gusts.

The various individual features of the particular arrangements, configurations, and embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in any desired manner that makes technological sense. Additionally, such features are hereby combined in this manner to form all possible combinations, variants and permutations except to the extent that such combinations, variants and/or permutations have been expressly excluded or are impractical. Support for such combinations, variants and permutations is considered to exist in this document.

FIG. 1shows a portable shade apparatus20which fastens to a fence (or fence-like structure) to provide shade. The portable shade apparatus20includes a sheet of material22, cables24(1),24(2),24(3),24(4) (collectively, cables24), flexible rods26(1),26(2) (collectively, rods26), and a bag28to carry the various components before and after installation.

As shown inFIG. 1, each flexible rod26(e.g., see the flexible rod26(2)) has (i) a first end section30which projects from the sheet of material22and which fastens to a respective cable24, (ii) a second end section32which fastens to a respective cable24, and (iii) an inner (or mid) section34between the first end section30and the second end section32. The inner section34provides support to the sheet of material22(e.g., controls how the sheet of material22lays, holds the sheet of material22taut, etc.).

In accordance with certain embodiments, each flexible rod26is constructed and arranged to bend in a spring like manner. That is, the normal bias for each flexible rod26is to remain in a straight orientation as shown inFIG. 1. If a flexible rod26is bent due to displacement force, the flexible rod26returns to the straight orientation once the displacement force is removed. Suitable materials for the flexible rods26include carbon fiber, fiberglass, molded plastic, and similar types of plastic material.

Additionally, in accordance with certain embodiments, the sheet of material22extends for the majority of the length of each flexible rod26. Example suitable coverage of the sheet of material along the flexible rods26includes 90%, 80%, 70% and so on. In some arrangements, less than a foot of each flexible rod26extends from the sheet of material22to maximize surface for shade while concurrently providing suitable rod sections for reliably attaching to a fence.

Furthermore, in accordance with certain embodiments, the sheet of material22is formed from a single contiguous material swatch. In other embodiments, the sheet of material22is formed from multiple material swatches or segments (e.g., two, three, etc.) arranged in a side-by-side or overlapping manner along the flexible rods26.

As further shown inFIG. 1, each cable24has (i) a rod end36that attaches to an end section30,32of a respective flexible rod26and (ii) an anchor end38which anchors to an anchor point. In some arrangements, the anchor end38of each cable24includes a mechanical coupler40(e.g., a clamp, a clasp, etc.) to anchor that cable24to a portion of a fence.

During operation, when the portable shade apparatus20properly fastens to a fence, the sheet of material22provides shade. In particular, the sheet of material22is supported by the flexible rods26to form a covering surface to cast a shadow over an area (e.g., a permanent bench area adjacent the fence).

In some arrangements, the sheet of material22has a left edge50(L) which is supported by a first flexible rod26(i.e., the rod26(1) inFIG. 1) and a right edge50(R) which is supported by a second flexible rod26(i.e., the rod26(2) inFIG. 1). In some arrangements, the left edge50(L) of the sheet of material22defines a left sleeve52(L) (i.e., a hollow tube) that holds the first flexible rod26and a right sleeve52(R) that holds the second flexible rod26.

In some arrangements, at least a portion of the sheet of material22is semitransparent (e.g., a mesh) allowing light to at least partially pass therethrough when the sheet of material22is taut. Suitable materials for the sheet22include various translucent fabrics, plastics, and other types of textiles. In some embodiments, the sheet of material22includes perforations that allow air to pass therethrough (i.e., breathe through) while nevertheless inhibiting at least some sunlight penetration.

In some arrangements, the sheet of material22includes a set of banner location areas60for displaying a set of banners62. For example, a central region of the sheet22disposed between the left edge50(L) and the right edge50(R) may provide a presentation surface for banner display. As another example, an edge region64of the sheet22may provide places to hang or attach one or more banners. It should be understood that a variety of techniques may be employed to provide the banners such as silk screening or other types of printing, inserting a banner into a built-in transparent pocket, attaching a banner using fasteners such as hook-and-loop materials, and so on. As a result, a team sitting and/or standing in the bench area is able to display team information (e.g., the team's home location, the team's name, the team's colors, logos, advertisements, combinations thereof, etc.).

In some arrangements, the portable shade apparatus20further includes a lateral support member70which extends between the left edge42(L) and the right edge42(R) to control lay of the sheet of material22. Such a support member60(e.g., a bar, a rod, etc.) may provide lateral or horizontal support to the sheet22particularly if the sheet22covers a long bench. Further details will now be provided with referenceFIG. 2.

FIG. 2shows the portable shade apparatus20fastened to a fence (or fence-like structure)100. In some arrangements, the fence100is a chain link (or wire mesh) fence having wires102that form openings104. In particular, the fence100extends perpendicularly from the ground and may be adjacent a permanent bench area120of an athletic field (e.g., a dugout of a ballfield, a permanent bench or dugout area for players to sit and watch a ballgame, etc.). Suitable alternative fence-like structures include vertical legs of decks, pavilions, canopy tents, and the like.

To install the portable shade apparatus20, a user inserts the first end sections30through the openings104in the fence100. In particular, the user threads the first end section30of each flexible rod26by weaving the first end section30through the fence openings104until that flexible rod26is supported by the fence100. Additionally, the user pulls the cable24which is attached to the first end section30taut and secures the cable24to the fence100using a clamp40(also seeFIG. 2). In some arrangements, the first end section30of each flexible rod26is provisioned with an extra locking feature that further secures the first end section30to the fence100(e.g., a groove, a notch, another fastener, etc.). Alternatively, the fence100may include holders (e.g., portions of pipe) through which the first end sections30insert.

As shown inFIG. 2, the inner section34of each flexible rod26bends from an original straight state into an arc to prop up the sheet of material22as a shade when the first end section30of that flexible rod26fastens to the fence100and the second end section32of that flexible rod26is pulled under tension by a respective cable24. In some arrangements, the cables24(1),24(2) not only pull the second end sections32(1),32(2) in the downward direction, the cables24also pull the second end sections32(1),32(2) away from each other to maintain tension in the sheet of material22.

In some arrangements, the first end section30of each flexible rod26projects from the sheet of material22in a cantilevered manner to fasten to the fence100. In some arrangements, the first end section30of each flexible rod26projects from the sheet of material22by a suitable length to receive stability from the fence100(e.g., by six inches, 10 inches, 14 inches, by 18 inches, by 24 inches, etc.) while propping up the sheet of material22as the shade. The flexible rods26can be formed uniformly of a polymeric substance that provides plasticity and elasticity while under tension. Due to such features, a user is able to easily maneuver (e.g., sew) the first end sections30through openings104between the wires102of the fence100.

Additionally, in some arrangements, the flexible rods26can be formed from separate rod sections that attach at their ends (e.g., where one rod end inserts into another rod end) thus enabling disassembly and compact storage. Along these lines, the various components of the portable shade apparatus20are then able to fit within a smaller (e.g., shorter) bag28(also seeFIG. 1) for more convenient transport. For example, the bag28may then be approximately 3.5 feet long (or less) similar to a portable chair bag.

As further shown inFIG. 2, the fence100is, by way of example, a chain link fence and the mechanical coupler40of each cable24is a connector that connects the cable end38to the fence100. In some arrangements, the coupler40is a metallic clasp that fits around a wire102of the chain link fence to anchor that cable to the chain link fence. Such metallic clasps may be spring loaded for quick and simple attachment and detachment (e.g., also seeFIG. 2Ashowing an example coupler40which is spring biased in a direction103). Other types of fasteners are suitable for use as well such as clamps, hooks, and so on. In some arrangements, the portable shade apparatus20includes tubes that initially fasten to vertical supports (e.g., fence posts, legs, etc.) and then the ends30of the flexible rods26insert into the tubes thereby fastening to another fence-like structure.

With the portable shade apparatus20installed on the fence100as shown inFIG. 2, the sheet of material22casts a shadow over the bench area120. The locations of the anchor ends38of the cables24control the amount of arc or curvature in the rods26and thus how the sheet of material22casts a shadow over the bench area120. The user can change the locations of the anchor ends38to change the amount of curvature so that the shadow is maintained over the bench area120as the sun moves across the sky.

It should be understood that, in some arrangements, the sheet of material22is at least partially see thru thus enabling humans sitting or standing in the bench area120to at least partially view the sky and/or plays in the field. Further details will now be provided with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3is a flowchart of a procedure200which is performed by a user (or multiple users) when installing the portable shade apparatus20on a fence100adjacent a bench area of an athletic field. At202, the user unfurls (or opens up for installation) the portable shade apparatus20which, as mentioned earlier, includes a set of cables, and a set of flexible rods coupled to the sheet of material and the set of cables (also seeFIGS. 1and2).

At204, after the portable shade apparatus20is unfurled, the user inserts the first end section of each flexible rod through openings in the fence adjacent a bench area of an athletic field. There are alternative ways to supporting the flexible rods from the fence such as inserting the ends of the rods into portions of pipe that are secured to the fence, and so on.

At206, the user anchors each cable to a respective anchor point to bend the set of flexible rods in a manner which holds the sheet of material taut in the form an arc while the sheet of material provides shade over the bench area. Such activity may involve operating clasps or similar types of fasteners at the ends of the cables to the fence.

At208, the user optionally re-attaches at least one cable to a respective new location on the fence to maintain shade over the bench area. Here, the user may change the amount of arc or curvature based on the angle of the sun in order to maintain shade over the bench area. For example, the user may move the fastening locations of the cables24(1),24(2) (i.e., where the clamps40attach to the fence100, also seeFIGS. 5 through 7) to change the orientation of the shade.

As described above, improved techniques are directed to fastening a portable shade apparatus20to a fence100to provide shade. Such an apparatus20can be installed by a single human over the immediate area to receive shade. Additionally, since such an apparatus20fastens to a fence100, the apparatus20receives support from the fence100during wind gusts.

For example, it should be understood that the fence100to which the portable shade apparatus20attaches does not need to be in a single plane. Rather, the fence100may be formed by various angles and different fence portions to form a bench area or player area. Along these lines, the fence100may form a room with one or more openings for players to walk through. The various portions of the fence may intersect each other at any angle (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.).

FIG. 4shows a bench area120with an example portable shade apparatus20in a partially or fully installed state. Here, the sheet of material22is tied to a fence100as a precaution, but none of the flexible rods24currently engage the fence100.

As shown inFIG. 4, the sheet of material22is somewhat see-thru (e.g., a thin woven mesh). That is, the sheet22allows humans to see through the material but nevertheless blocks at least some amount of sunlight to provide shade. Moreover, the material breathes (e.g., via holes through the weavings) thus preventing heat buildup and providing less resistance to wind gusts than solid canvas material.

While the portable shade apparatus20is in this partially or fully installed state, the flexible rods26are no necessary. Likewise, the lateral support member70may be omitted from use.

FIG. 5shows the bench area120from a different angle and with the example portable shade apparatus20in a fully installed state. Here, the first end sections30of the flexible rods24are inserted through the fence holes104to secure the lower portion of the portable shade apparatus20to the fence100. Additionally, the cables26pull down the second end sections32of the flexible rods24to form an arc and secure the upper portion of the portable shade apparatus20to the fence100.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8show the example portable shade apparatus20with the cables26holding down the upper portion of the portable shade apparatus20in a manner which is different than that shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.FIG. 6shows the example portable shade apparatus20from one angle.FIG. 7shows the example portable shade apparatus20from a different angle.FIG. 8shows the example portable shade apparatus20from yet a different angle.

In particular, the cables26connect to a back portion of the fence100. Such a situation may be well-suited if the sun is immediately overhead and can be the installation configuration before, after or in the alternative to that ofFIGS. 4 and 5. Along these lines, the sheet of material22is more horizontal than that of the orientation shown inFIGS. 4and5. With such adjustments to the portable shade apparatus20in mind, it is unnecessary for people that receive shade from the portable shade apparatus20to move to a new location. Rather, the people may continue to reside in the same location (e.g., sit on an adjacent bench) since the portable shade apparatus20is adjusting to provide continuous shade.

As shown inFIG. 8, the cables26pull the second end sections32of the flexible rods24away from each other thus enabling the sheet of material22to remain taut. In some arrangements, the example portable shade apparatus20further includes a lateral support member (also seeFIG. 1) that prevents the middle section of the sheet of material22from excessively sagging.

It should be understood that other embodiments exist for the portable shade apparatus20as well.FIGS. 9 and 10show particular details of an alternative embodiment in which one side of the sheet of material22fastens to a fence, and the opposite side is supported by legs. In such an embodiment, the sheet of material22provides shade over a bench area. Additionally, the sheet of material22provides locations on which to display banners containing team information, logos, colors, etc. Moreover, the portable shade apparatus20is easily packed into a carrying bag/carrier28for mobility.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 9 and 10, the portable shade apparatus20includes components140such as a set of fasteners142, a set of legs144, and a sheet of material146coupled to the set of fasteners142and the set of legs144. At least a portion of the sheet of material146is at least partially transparent (e.g., includes a weave or mesh-like material, etc.). Each fastener142of the set of fasteners142(e.g., hooks, clasps, connectors, combinations thereof, etc.) is constructed and arranged to fasten the sheet of material146to a fence or fence-like structure150. Each leg144of the set of legs144is constructed and arranged to support the sheet of material146over a bench area152adjacent the fence150.

In certain embodiments, the components140include hooks160to attach to a fence or fence-like structure, a bar member162that telescopes/shrinks to provide lateral support to the sheet of material146. Additionally, the sheet of material146includes a portion170that supports a team artifact (e.g., a logo, a banner, etc.). Furthermore, the legs144are able to telescope into smaller lengths and/or fold (see arrows inFIG. 10) in order to fit into a bag180for storage and/or transport.

FIG. 11shows, in accordance with certain embodiments, another portable shade apparatus20that includes a sheet of material22that is formed by one or more sections200(A),200(B), . . . (collectively, sections200). The sections200may be able to completely detach from each other, or attach intermittently, e.g., see area210. As a result, the portable shade apparatus20provides one or more openings220for additional functionality. For example, such openings220enable wind to more easily pass through thus enabling the portable shade apparatus20to withstand stronger wind gusts without sustaining damage. Additionally, when the portable shade apparatus20is flush with the fence100(e.g., seeFIG. 4), players are able to fasten (e.g., hook) equipment bags to the fence100through an opening220while still enjoying sun protection (e.g., against strong sunlight while at sunrise or sunset when sunlight approaches at a substantially horizontal angle).

It should be understood that, each opening220within the sheet of material22may be a simple slot (e.g., a gap, a hole, etc.) to enable easy passage of air (e.g., easy release of trapped hot air). Alternatively, one or more of the openings220may be formed by overlapping material (e.g., a flap) to provide maximum shade.

As further shown inFIG. 11, each flexible rod26may separate (or hinge) into multiple rod sections thus enabling disassembly into smaller pieces for smaller compaction and easier transport. Along these lines, the rod sections then may be stored within a small bag28which may fit easily into a trunk of a vehicle. To facilitate access to the mid portions of the flexible rods26for disassembly, the sheet of material22may provide access openings230.

Likewise, the lateral support member70may separate or hinge at one or more locations240. Furthermore, these connection points240for the lateral support member may be directly accessible via access openings250.

In certain embodiments, one rod section nests within another rod section (e.g., insert, engage, telescope from, etc.). Additionally, in accordance with certain embodiments, the rod sections may twist relative to each other to provide robust and reliable locking together. Furthermore, in accordance with certain embodiments, each flexible rod26may connect via an elastic cord or rope that pulls the ends of the rod sections together thus preventing the rod sections from inadvertently disconnecting from each other.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the portable shade apparatus20was described above as being operative to fasten to a fence100. In certain embodiments, the portable shade apparatus20is constructed and arranged to fasten to other structures such as to a tent, the back of a deck, an awning, or other fence-like structure. In some arrangements, the portable shade apparatus20is able to attach the side of a standing tent to block sun as well as provide some privacy. However, in contrast to a conventional tent that may have a side that attaches via Velcro®, the portable shade apparatus20is made of a lighter material perhaps with some transparency and may simply clip on to two legs of the standing tent. Moreover, if the legs of the standing tent taper, the portable shade apparatus20may easily taper as well to fit uniformly along the legs of the standing tent. Such modifications and enhancements are intended to belong to various embodiments of the disclosure.