Patent Publication Number: US-2007107858-A1

Title: Collapsible auto shade

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/735,967, filed Dec. 15, 2003, which is a continuation in part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/610,848, filed Jun. 30, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/307,482 filed Dec. 2, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/116,946 filed Apr. 8, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/766,557 filed Jan. 19, 2001, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed Oct. 13, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,967, which claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/104,703, filed Oct. 19, 1998. application Ser. No. 10/307,482, noted above, is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/118,549 filed Apr. 8, 2002, which claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/284,967 and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/766,557 filed Jan. 19, 2001, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/417,277, filed Oct. 13, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,967, which claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/104,703, filed Oct. 19, 1998. All of the above noted applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
      Not Applicable.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to collapsible shades designed for use in windows, such as automobile windows, so as to protect the interior by preventing the entrance of damaging sunrays and the generation of damaging heat.  
      Numerous styles of window screens and shades adapted for use in automobiles have long been available in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,460 for an automobile window protector, which is incorporated herein by reference, shows the fabrication of such a screen, made of flexible material, which could be applied to either the interior or the exterior of the window of an automobile. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,262, and which is incorporated herein by reference, shows a compactly foldable automobile sunshade, which provides for inherent resiliency, at least around its perimeter loop, to hold the shade in an opened configuration, and to provide sunlight protection at the vicinity of the automobile window, but which is capable of significant reduction in size through the folding of the frame into a more compact arrangement for suitable for storage.  
      During use, an automobile windows shade is typically installed adjacent an automobile window, to block incoming sunlight or provide interior privacy. However, if the automobile window and the shade do not have exactly the same dimensions, the shade may not function as desired. For example, if the window shade is smaller than the window in which it is installed, it may not stay in place without the aid of mounting elements or ties to hold it to the window. Alternatively, if the shade is larger than the window in which it is installed, the shade may bow or wrinkle when fitted into the perimeter of the window, leaving gaps or causing damage to the shade.  
      Accordingly, there is a need for an automobile window shade support assembly which allows a collapsible or folding automobile window shade to securely fit within a wide variety of automobile windows of varying shapes and sizes which are larger than the shade without bowing, wrinkling, or experiencing damage, and without the need for mounting elements or ties.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly stated, and in one aspect, the present invention comprises a collapsible shade comprising at least one material portion having an outer edge defining a perimeter boundary and at least one compressible member attached to the outer edge of the at least one material portion and extending beyond the perimeter boundary of the at least one material portion, wherein the at least one compressible member comprises a first and a second opposed end attached to the outer edge of the at least one material portion, wherein the compressible member forms at least one arc between the first and second opposed ends when attached to the outer edge of the material portion, wherein the at least one compressible member has an open configuration associated with an open state of the shade, and a collapsed configuration associated with a collapsed state of said shade, and wherein the at least one compressible member in the open configuration is adapted to transfer compressive forces to the outer edge of the material portion.  
      The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:  
       FIG. 1  is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly integrated with a generally rectangular screen;  
       FIG. 1A  is an enlarged view of the mounting of the screen to the frame of the shade.  
       FIG. 2  is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly integrated with a generally square screen;  
       FIG. 3  is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a compressible member support assembly disposed adjacent one edge of a rectangular screen;  
       FIG. 4  illustrates the flexible support member of  FIG. 3  secured to the edge of the rectangular screen, defining a pair of compressible bulges;  
       FIG. 5  is front view of one embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a circular support assembly secured to a generally rectangular screen;  
       FIG. 6  is a front view of one embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly comprising a plurality of compressible members secured adjacent to the corners of a generally rectangular screen;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly comprising a plurality of opposing compressible members secured to the perimeter of a circular screen;  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a three-piece folding shade, with each piece including the flexible support member of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a multi-piece folding shade, with a pair of pieces including the flexible support member of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an automobile with various embodiments of the collapsible shades of the invention installed in the front and side windows;  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an automobile with the embodiment of the collapsible shade of  FIG. 6  installed in the rear window;  
       FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of a sliding clamp assembly utilized to secure a flexible support member of the present invention to a shade perimeter;  
       FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the sliding clamp assembly of  FIG. 12 ;  
       FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly;  
       FIG. 15  is a perspective of the alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly of  FIG. 14 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment sliding clamp assembly;  
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a rigid mounting element utilized to secure a shade to a vehicle window perimeter;  
       FIG. 18  is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible shade of the present invention with a plurality of rigid mounting elements of  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 19  is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible shade of the present invention with the pair of rigid mounting elements of  FIG. 17  disposed on a flexible support member of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 20  is a front view of one embodiment of a collapsible shade of the present invention with the pair of rigid mounting elements of  FIG. 17  disposed on a flexible support member of  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 21  is a front view of one embodiment of a folding shade of the present invention with a pair of rigid mounting elements of  FIG. 17  disposed on either end of an expanding support shaft;  
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternative shade, similar to the shade of  FIG. 1 , but provided with a pocket;  
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view-of an alternative shade, similar to the shade of  FIG. 3 , but provided with a pocket and showing that a sign can be placed in the pocket;  
       FIGS. 24 and 25  are plan views showing alternative manners of applying the compressible member to the shade;  
       FIG. 26  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly comprising a plurality of compressible members secured about various positions to a generally rectangular screen;  
       FIG. 27  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly comprising a plurality of compressible members secured to the top and bottom of a generally rectangular screen;  
       FIG. 28  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly comprising a plurality of compressible members secured to the sides of a generally rectangular screen; and  
       FIG. 29  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the collapsible shade of the present invention, illustrating a support assembly comprising a generally curved compressible member. 
    
    
      Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.  
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.  
      With reference to the drawings, the collapsible shade  12  of the invention comprises at least one material or shade portion  14  having an outer edge  16  defining a perimeter boundary and at least one compressible member  18  attached to the outer edge  16  of the at least one material portion  14  and extending beyond the perimeter boundary of the at least one material portion  14 , wherein the at least one compressible member  18  comprises a first and a second opposed end attached to the outer edge  16  of the at least one material portion  14 , wherein the compressible member  18  forms at least one arc (shown generally at  22  (FIG. 3 )) between the first and second opposed ends when attached to the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 , wherein the at least one compressible member  18  has an open configuration associated with an open state of the shade  14 , and a collapsed configuration associated with a collapsed state of the shade  14 , and wherein the at least one compressible member  18  in the open configuration is adapted to transfer compressive forces to said outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 .  
      The material or shade portion  14  may be stretchable. Preferably, the material portion  14  is stretchable in two opposed directions. This may be accomplished by the utilization of stretchable fabric. Therefore, and in one embodiment of the invention, the shades comprise a stretchable fabric. It should be noted, however, that the shades might comprise a material that is not stretchable. The material portion may be pleated or adapted to be folded in accordance with the invention.  
      In accordance with the invention, at least one compressible member  18  is attached to material portion  14 . The compressible member  18  of the invention extends beyond the perimeter or outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  and is adapted to conform to an edge or perimeter of a window, door, or other similar structure in which the shade is to be installed, while maintaining the material portion  14  in an open position and supplying an expansive force to hold the shade  12  in place in the open position.  
      With reference to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the support structure  10  associated with a collapsible shade  12  is disclosed. The collapsible shade  12  includes a material portion  14  of fabric-like material, which may be cloth, mesh, polymer, or even Mylar®. Preferably, the material easily deforms into any shape without a memory. When the shade  12  is expanded, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the material portion  14  is held in an open configuration, in this particular instance being generally rectangular, and which can be used as a sunshade or privacy screen, internally of an automobile windshield, door, or window. As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the shade  12  of the invention may be used as a shade, or a shade for a window or a door of a house or other structure. The invention is not limited to shades. The outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  defines a perimeter boundary or border, which in this illustrative embodiment is made from simply rolling the outer edge back on itself and securing the edge by sewing.  
      It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that the particular shape for the material portion  14  may undertake various configurations, and such shapes may include the rectangular form as shown in  FIG. 1 , a square form as shown in  FIG. 2 , or an oval, circular, or truncated configuration, depending upon the particular window or opening automobile make and model for which the screen  12  is intended for use.  
      As seen in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the support structure  10  comprises a spring-like compressible member  18  extending beyond a portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 . The compressible member  18  is a single continuous length of spring-like or resiliently compressible material, such as a thin metal or plastic band having an inherent shape memory, forming a circular framework for supporting the material portion  14  in an open configuration. The spring-like or resilient nature of the compressible member  18  permits the collapsible shade  12  to be reversibly twisted in upon itself in a conventional manner, into a compact and overlapping collapsed configuration suitable for storage. The compressible members comprising the support assembly are adjustable to alter the extension of each of the compressible members beyond the perimeter of the shade material. A slide clasp is configured to permit each compressible member to slide along the perimeter of the shade, between a fully extended position having maximum displacement from the perimeter of the shade material, and a retracted position adjacent the perimeter of the shade material. Each compressible member is configured to adjust as required to facilitate the installation of the shade in automobile windows of varying shapes and sizes.  
      Preferably, the compressible member  18  and the material portion  14  are coupled by incorporating the compressible member  18  into the outer edge  16  or border of the material portion  14 .  
      In a third embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , a single compressible member  18  forms an arcuate framework  22  for supporting the material portion  14  in an open configuration. The arcuate framework  22  is secured to the perimeter boundary of the material portion  14  in a conventional manner at two fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B, such as by the use of fasteners adapted for crimping or clamping. The fastener could also be a releasable attachment in accordance with the invention. A hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro®, which is commercially available from Velcro Industries B.V., may be used in accordance with the invention for a releasable attachment. Alternatively, as shown by a variation of the third embodiment in  FIG. 4 , the arcuate framework  22  may include a centrally disposed third fixed attachment point  24 C, forming a pair of arcuate elements  22 A,  22 B adjacent one edge of the material portion  14  from the single compressible member  18 .  
      In a fourth embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a single compressible member  18  is disposed in a generally circular configuration  26  about the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 , in an open configuration. Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the material portion  14  in this embodiment is secured to the compressible member  18  by a plurality of fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B,  24 C, and  24 D in spaced relationship about the perimeter boundary of the material portion  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , and in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the compressible member  18  may or may not be parallel to the side portions of the material portion  14 , when disposed in a circular configuration  26  about the outer edge  16  of the material portion in an open configuration.  
      In a fifth embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a single compressible member  18  is disposed about the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  in an open configuration. The compressible member  18  is secured to the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  by a plurality of fixed attachment points  24 A- 24 H, such that portions  30  of the compressible member  18  adjacent corner regions  29  of the material portion  14  are spaced apart therefrom and, as shown, form segments of circles, while portions  32  of the compressible member  18  adjacent the elongated sides of the material portion  14  are substantially parallel thereto.  
      It should be noted, however, that variations to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are within the scope of the present invention. With reference to FIG.  29 , the first and second opposed ends of the at least one compressible member  18  may be attached to either the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 , thereby forming a single arc between the first and second opposed ends on the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 , or the lower portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 , thereby forming a single arc between the first and second opposed ends on the lower portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 . The material portion  14  includes an upper and a lower portion. A division along a horizontal line, which bisects the material portion  14 , defines the portions. The material portion  14  may also be divided into two side portions. A vertical line that bisects the material portion  14  defines the side portions. These portions are illustrative only, and meant to aid in the description of the material portion  14 . Accordingly, these portions are approximations and may overlap one another. A single arc may also be formed between the first and second opposed ends on both the lower and upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  in accordance with the invention.  
      The shade  12  of the invention may comprise at least one compressible member  18  that is attached to the outer edge  16  of either the upper or lower portion of the material portion  14  at the first and second opposed ends and at a midline of the compressible member  18 , as seen in  FIG. 26 , thereby forming two arcs  22 A and  22 B between the first and second opposed ends on either the upper or lower portion of the material portion and a second compressible member  18  attached to the outer edge  16  of either the upper or lower portion of the material portion  14  at the first and second opposed ends, thereby forming a single arc  22 C between the first and second opposed ends on either the upper or lower portion of the material portion  14 . In this embodiment, the first and second compressible members  18  are not attached to the same portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 . However, in an alternative embodiment, both a first and second compressible member  18  form two arcs  22 A and  22 B, between the first and a second opposed ends on both the lower portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  and the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 . This alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 27 .  
      In one alternative embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 26 , a single compressible member  18  is disposed in an arced configuration  26  about the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 , in an open configuration. The compressible member may be attached to the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  at the first and second opposed ends, and at a midline or center of the compressible member, thereby forming two arcs  22 A and  22 B between the first and second opposed ends on the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  in accordance with the invention. Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , however, the material portion  14  in this embodiment is secured to the compressible member  18  by a plurality of fixed attachment points  24 A and  24 B in spaced relationship about the bottom portion of the perimeter boundary  16  of the material portion  14 . Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , however, the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  is secured to the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  by a plurality of fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B and  24 C, such that portions of the compressible member  18  adjacent the top portion of the material portion  14  form two arches  22 A and  22 B.  
      In accordance with the invention, and with reference to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the compressible member  18  may be attached to the lower portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  at the first and second opposed ends and at a midline or center of the compressible member  18 , thereby forming two arcs  22 A and  22 B between the first and second opposed ends on the lower portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 . The shade  12  of the invention may comprise a first compressible member  18  that is attached to the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  at the first and second opposed ends and at a midline of the compressible member  18  and a second compressible member  18  that is attached to the lower portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  at the first and second opposed ends and at a midline of the compressible member  18 , thereby forming two arcs  22 A and  22 B between the first and second opposed ends on the lower portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  and on the upper portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 .  
      In one embodiment of the invention, the segments of arches  22 A and  22 B may be formed adjacent the side portions of the material portion  14 , as seen in  FIG. 28 . In this embodiment of the invention, the shade  12  comprises a compressible member  18  that is attached to a first side portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  and a second compressible member  18  that is attached to a second side portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 . In alternative embodiments, the collapsible shade  12  comprises a compressible member  18  that is attached to the first side portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  at its opposed ends and at a midline or center of the compressible member. Compressible member  18  may also be attached to both side portions, in accordance with the invention and as illustrated in  FIG. 28 , thereby forming two arcs  22 A and  22 B between the first and second opposed ends on the first side portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  16  and the second side portion of the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 .  
      In a sixth embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , a pair of compressible members  18  are disposed in spaced relationship about the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  in an open circular configuration. Each compressible member  18  forms an arcuate framework  34  spaced apart from the outer edge  16  for supporting the material portion  14  in an open configuration. The compressible members can be formed from either one section or two sections of metal or plastic bands. If formed from two sections, then the two metal or plastic bands can be joined together by appropriate means, such as a clamp. Each arcuate framework  34  is secured to the perimeter boundary of the material portion  14  at two fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B and  24 C,  24 D, respectively.  
      In a seventh embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the support structure  10  is adapted for use with a conventional folding shade  40  comprising a number of rigid shade panels  50 A,  50 B, and  50 C. The shade  40  is configured to fold in a conventional manner along seams  52  disposed between each shade panel  50 A,  50 B, and  50 C, from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The adapted support structure  10  includes a compressible member  18  associated with each rigid shade panel  50 A,  50 B, and  50 C. Each compressible member  18  forms an arcuate framework for supporting the associated rigid shade panel  50 A,  50 B, and  50 C in an open configuration, and is secured to an outer edge of the associated rigid shade panel at two or more fixed attachment points  56 .  
      In a variation of the seventh embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , only a limited number of the individual rigid shade panels  60 A- 60 E comprising a conventional folding shade  60  are provided with associated compressible members  18  of the support structure  10 .  
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the use and operation of the support structure  10  of the present invention to secure a collapsible shade  12  in an automobile window  100 . The collapsible shade  12  is initially unfolded or expanded to a fully open configuration such as shown in  FIGS. 1-9 . One side of the compressible member  18  is first placed into the window frame. Generally, the portion of the compressible member  18  that is adjacent to the upper portion of the material portion  14  is placed into the window frame. The other portion of the compressible member  18 , generally the lower portion, is then manipulated by pulling or pushing, such that the opposite portion of the shade  12  is able to fit into the desired window. The compressible member  18  is then released and the shade  12  is secured in the window by tension force. As one skilled in the art can readily appreciate, the shade  12  of the invention may be installed by placing the portion of the compressible member  18  that is adjacent to the end of the screen  14  into the window first. Then, the portion of the compressible member  18  that is adjacent to the other end of the screen  14  is placed into the window frame by bending or otherwise manipulating compressible member  18 .  
      Preferably, the shade  12  is selected to include a material portion  14  having overall dimensions equal to or smaller than those of the frame  102  of the window  100  or opening in which it is to be installed, and to include a compressible member  18  having the combined maximum dimensions of the support structure  10  and the material portion  14  that are greater than at least one corresponding dimension of the window  100 , or opening. For example, it is preferable that for an automobile window having a 20.0-inch height dimension, collapsible shade  12  has a height of the material portion  14 , combined with that of the compressible member  18 , which exceed 20.0 inches.  
      The shade of the invention may also be installed in an automobile widow by using the car&#39;s visor, widow frame, sunroof, moon roof or dashboard to hold the shade in place. When installed against the automobile window  100 , the components of the support structure  10  are reversibly deformed and compressed to fit within the frame  102 , providing tensioned support for the material portion  14  by transferring the compressive loads to the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14 . For example, turning to  FIG. 10 , an embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  is shown installed in the automobile window  100  of a rear door  104 . It should be noted that in circumstances where the outer edge  16  of the material portion  14  is not able to come into operable contact with hardware that provides enough tensioned support to enable use of the material portion, all or one of the fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B,  24 C and  24 D may be released to enable compressible member  18  come into operable contact with the a structure that is capable of providing a sufficient level of tensioned support for the material portion  14 . In addition, when the fixed attachment points  24 A,  24 B,  24 C and  24 D are released, the material portion  14  may be used on a larger window.  
      A pair of similar shades  12  is seen installed in the windshield  100 A. The compressible member  18 , initially defining a circular framework within which the material portion  14  is held, is deformed and compressed by the frame  102  into a substantially rectangular configuration, reducing the spacing between the material portion  14  and the compressible member  18  above and below the material portion  14 . The inherent shape memory of the spring-like compressible member  18  resists compression by the window frame  102 , exerting an outwardly directed holding force against the window frame  102 , maintaining the shade  12  in position against the window  100 .  
      Each embodiment of the support structure  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-9  is utilized in a similar manner to that described above. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 6  is illustrated in use to secure a shade  12  in an open configuration against a rear window  100 B of an automobile. Specifically, each of the portions  30  of the compressible member  18  adjacent corner regions  29  of the material portion  14  are compressed against the corresponding corners of the rear window frame  102 B, providing a tensioning support to maintain the shade  12  in place against the rear window  100 B.  
      For some applications of the support structure  10 , it is desirable to alter the spacing between the compressible members  18  and the shade material  14 , so as to permit a shade  12  including the support structure  10  to be utilized in automobile windows  100  having a wide range of dimensions. Turning to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an alternate embodiment of the support structure  10  is shown to include a slide coupler  200  utilized in place of a fixed attachment point to secure the compressible member  18  to the outer edge  16  of the shade material  14 . The slide coupler  200  comprises a coupler body  202 , which is secured to one end of the compressible member  18 , preferably by a locking dowel  204  or other conventional attachment means passing through the compressible member  18  seated in a recess  206 , and engaging the coupler body  202 . The coupler body  202  further includes a channel  208  into which the outer edge  16  of the shade  12  is seated. A release button  210 , biased by a spring  212  is seated in a bore  214  intersecting the channel  208 . The release button  210  includes a second channel  211  aligned parallel with the channel  208 , and is biased by spring  212  to exert a locking pressure against the outer edge  16 , securing the slide coupler  200  against sliding movement relative to the outer edge  16 . When in the biased (locking) position, a portion of the release button  210  protrudes from the bore  214 , beyond the face of coupler body  202 .  
      When depressed inward towards the coupler body  202 , the release button  210  compresses the spring  212 , and shifts the second channel  211  into longitudinal alignment with the channel  208 . When channel  208  and the second channel  211  are in longitudinal alignment, the slide coupler  200  is capable of sliding movement along the outer edge  16 . When released, the release button  210  is biased outward from the coupler body  202  by the spring  212 , moving the second channel  211  into parallel alignment with the channel  208 , and trapping a portion of the outer edge  16  therebetween. The trapped portion of the outer edge  16  resists sliding movement by the slide coupler  200 , securing the compressible member  18  in a fixed location relative thereto.  
      Using the slide coupler  200  it is possible to alter the spacing between the compressible members  18  and the shade material  14 , so as to permit a shade  12  including the support structure  10  to be utilized in automobile windows  100  having a wide range of dimensions. Specifically, by sliding the slide coupler  200 , and accordingly, the compressible member  18  along the outer edge  16  of the shade  12 , the displacement of portions of the compressible member  18  from the outer edge  16  will either increase or decrease, permitting use of the shade and support structure  10  in either larger or smaller windows.  
      Turning to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a first alternate embodiment of the slide coupler suitable for use on a shade  12  having a rigid outer edge  16  is shown. The slide coupler  300  includes an upper clamp plate  302 , a lower clamp plate  304 , and a faceplate  306 . One end of a compressible member  18  is secured between the upper clamp plate  302  and the lower clamp plate  304  by a pair of locking dowels  308  passing through aligned bores in the clamp plates and the compressible member  18 . The faceplate  306  is bonded to an edge of the upper clamp plate  302 , and provides a pivot  310  for a cam lever  312 . The cam lever  312  includes a cam surface  314  in alignment with an opening  316  in the faceplate  306 .  
      As best seen in  FIG. 15 , when installed as part of a support structure  10 , the slide coupler  300  is secured to a rigid outer edge  16  of a shade by the lower retaining lip on the upper clamp plate  302  and the face plate  306 . The rigid outer edge  16  is further aligned with the opening  316  in the faceplate  306 , such that the cam surface  314  is engaged thereto. Depressing the cam lever  312  rotates the cam surface  314  about the pivot  310 , away from the outer edge  16 , permitting the slide coupler  300  and attached compressible member  18  to slide along the outer edge  16 . When a desired position is reached, the cam lever  312  is released, and the cam surface  314  again engages the outer edge  16  through the opening  316 , securing the slide coupler  300  in a fixed position relative to the outer edge  16 .  
      Turning to  FIG. 16 , a variation of the slide coupler  300  is shown to include a second cam lever  320  in place of the locking dowels  308 . The second cam lever  320  operates identically to the cam lever  312 , but instead engages an edge of the compressible member  18  through a correspondingly positioned opening. Absent the engagement of the second cam lever  312 , the compressible member  18  is free to slide through the slide coupler  300 . When engaged by the second cam lever  312 , the compressible member  18  is fixed in place relative to the slide coupler  300 . By providing a pair of cam levers  312 ,  320 , the slide coupler location may be moved about the outer edge  16  of the shade  12 . The length of the compressible member  18  may be adjusted by controlled movement through the slide coupler  300 .  
      To facilitate holding a shade  12  in a vehicle window, one or more rigid mounting elements  400 , such as shown in  FIG. 17  through  FIG. 21  may be utilized. The support assembly includes one or more rigid mounting elements, or mounting elements, spaced about the perimeter of the collapsible shade. Each rigid mounting element is configured to grip or seat on an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, supplying a holding force to secure the shade in place in the open position. The mounting elements are disposed at the corners of the collapsible shade, and are interconnected by the compressible members, which provide an expansive force to seat the rigid mounting elements against the edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed in an open position. Preferably, a plurality of rigid mounting elements  400  is disposed in a spaced relationship about the perimeter of the shade  12 , at each corner of the shade material  14  or support structure  10 . Each rigid mounting element  400  is secured to either a framework  402  incorporated into the outer edge  16  of the shade material  14 , or to elements of the support structure  10 , such as a compressible member  18 . Preferably, each rigid mounting element  400  includes an L-shaped body  404  defining a pair of extensions  405 A,  405 B, and having a friction surface  406  disposed at the apex. Each extension  405 A and  405 B is configured to receive either a portion of the framework  402  as shown in  FIGS. 17, 18 , and  21 , or elements of the support structure  10  as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , in a fixed relationship.  
      During use, when the shade  12  is in an open configuration such as shown in  FIG. 21 , and placed in a window  100  of an automobile, the friction surface  406  on each rigid mounting element  400  seats against the framework  102  surrounding the window  100 , to provide a positive contact against which the shade  12  and/or support structure  10  can exert a holding force to maintain the shade  12  in place adjacent the window  100 .  
      An alternative shade  500  is shown in  FIG. 22 . The shade  500  is similar to the shade  10  of  FIG. 3 , but which is provided with a pocket  502 . The shade  500 , like the shade  10 , includes a screen  504 . To form the pocket  502 , the shade is provided with a second layer  506  of material, which overlies the first layer  504  of screening material. The second layer  506  of material is preferably as wide as the first layer of screening material  504 , so that the two layers of material can be joined at their periphery. Additionally, the lower edge of the second layer  506  is joined to the lower edge of the first layer  504 , to form a bottom of the pocket  502 . Although the layer  506  is shown to have a height equal to the height of the layer  504 , the second layer can have a height less than the height of the first layer, in which case, the pocket  502  will have a depth less than the height of the screen  504 . Additionally, the second layer  506  can be mounted to the first layer  504 , such that the bottom of the second layer (and hence the bottom of the pocket  502 ) is above the bottom of the first layer  504 .  
      A second pocketed shade  510  is shown in  FIG. 23 . The shade  510  is constructed similarly to the shade of  FIG. 3  and is provided with a pocket in the same manner as discussed above in conjunction with the shade  500 . The shade  510  is shown to be able to receive a plaque or sign  512 . This sign  512  can simply be decorative. Alternatively, the sign  512  can contain a message, such as “Send Help”. To facilitate insertion of the sign  512  into the pocket  514  of shade  510 , the first and second layers  516  and  518  are preferably made from stretchable material. Further, the material from which the layers are made can stretch along two axes so that the material can be stretched in two opposing directions (i.e., widthwise and height wise). Additionally, to enable the plaque  512  to be seen, the second layer  518  of material is preferable transparent or made from an open mesh.  
      In view of the usage of the pocket or pouches that can be formed into the shades, as shown in these  FIGS. 22 and 23 , it is also likely that a clip, such as shown at  508 , could be added to the margin of the shown pocket, and hold a sign, plaque, or even a cautionary message, as previously reviewed, externally of the pocket, to provide for means for holding such signage in position during its installation.  
      In  FIGS. 24 and 25 , a shade  600  is shown which is similar to the shade  10  of  FIG. 3 . However, in the shade  600 , the perimeter of the screen forms pockets or openings  602 , there being two opposed openings  602  along the top edge of the screen and two opposed openings  602  along the bottom edge of the screen. The compressible member  18  is then received in opposed openings  602 , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . As seen in  FIG. 24 , the compressible member  18  can be formed from a single piece, in which case, the member  18  has a length greater than the length of the edge of the shade  600 , such that the compressible member will bow or bend outwardly from the screen of the shade. As seen in  FIG. 25 , the compressible member can be comprised of a pair of shorter members  18   a, b,  which have a combined length greater than that of the edge of the shade. The ends of the two members  18   a, b  are then joined together by an appropriate connector.  
      In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.