Patent Abstract:
A generally V-shaped, foldable structure that protects the user from wind and can easily be erected and dismantled for storage and transport. In certain embodiments of the invention, covers are provided to further protect the user from sun and wind.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a Non-Provisional Application based on Provisional Application No. 61/611,212 filed Mar. 15, 2012. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to windbreak type structures. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel, generally V-shaped, foldable structure that protects the user from wind and one that can be easily erected and easily dismantled for storage and transport. 
         [0006]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0007]    A number of different types of windbreak structures have been suggested in the past. These structures range from very simple to unduly complex constructions and typically involve a plurality of hingedly interconnected panels. Exemplary of the typical prior art windbreak structures are those illustrated and described in the following patents: 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,147 issued to Butler et al. This patent describes a windbreak comprising a pair of rigid panels, means pivotally interconnecting the panels, collapsible means for bracing the panels in a predetermined angular relation and including a seat portion disposed between the panels. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,525 issued to Snow et al. discloses a barrier shield device, foldable and easily portable, for outdoor use in providing wind-protection or other shielding effects, particularly for use on a sandy beach. A plurality of panels are hinged for a composite shield-effect when folded outwardly for use; and a plurality of spikes, which are supportingly connected to the panels, are movable between an upper position for ease of transport and a lower position in which they are pushed into the ground to hold the panel assembly stable. The connectors for connecting the spikes to the panels, but permitting the movement of the spikes into the sand or ground, are advantageously provided integrally from portions of the panels themselves, and they are located sufficiently low with respect to the bottom edge of the panels so that the spikes are supported in and between both their transport position and their ground-engaging position; and the connectors for the spike or spikes inwardly of the end spikes are formed from the panel-portions adjacent the hinges of the panels, thus achieving the opening for accommodation of the spike by the panel material which would be an outside corner of the panel assembly whether in folded condition for transport or open condition for shield-effect use. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,939 issued to McGee discloses a portable and foldable shelter for use by ice fishermen and other outdoorsmen. A tripod of pole members, hingedly interconnected at one end, is covered with a canvas or plastic cover. A hinged tang is provided on the central pole member which can be secured to the ice and about which the erected shelter can be rotated to keep the open side thereof directly downwind in the event of a wind shift. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a windbreak type structure for protecting the user from wind that can be easily erected for outdoor use and can be easily dismantled for storage and transport. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the aforementioned character that can be safely secured in the erected, operable configuration. 
         [0013]    Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the character described in the preceding paragraphs that, when in the erected operable configuration, is quite stable. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the character described that is lightweight and easily portable. 
         [0015]    Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the class described that not only protects the user from the wind, but also protects the user from the sun. 
         [0016]    Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure in which the foldable panels that make up the sides of the structure can be releasably secured in a coplanar configuration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a generally perspective view of one form of the windbreak structure of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the windbreak structure shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a fragmentary top view illustrating the manner in which one side of the windbreak structure is folded into a transport, storage configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a fragmentary top view further illustrating the manner in which the sides of the windbreak structure are folded into a transport, storage configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary top view illustrating the operation of the leg brace locking assembly that interconnects the side panels of the windbreak structure and maintains them in an open, erected configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary view of the surface bolt assembly that releasably locks the side panels of the windbreak structure in a coplanar relationship. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a generally perspective, exploded view of an alternate form of the windbreak structure of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a greatly enlarged generally perspective fragmentary, exploded view of the area designated in  FIG. 5  as  5 A- 5 A. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  is an enlarged view taken along lines  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5C  is a generally perspective fragmentary view similar to  FIG. 5A , further illustrating the operation of the cover connecting assembly to interconnect the cover with the upper portion of the windbreak structure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a generally perspective view of the alternate form of the windbreak structure showing the cover interconnected with the upper portion of the windbreak structure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a generally perspective view of still another form of the windbreak structure of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a side view of still another form of the windbreak structure of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side view of one of the conventional hinges that interconnect the four segments of each of the side panels of the windbreak structure and then maintains them in an open, erected configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a side view of yet another form of the windbreak structure of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one form of the windbreak structure of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  14 . The windbreak structure  14 , which is specially designed for outdoor use to protect the user from the wind, here comprises a first side  16  that comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected uniquely shaped first panels  18 ,  20  and  22 . As indicated in  FIG. 1 , windbreak structure  14  also comprises a second side  24 , which is hingedly connected to first side  16  by a hinge assembly  26  ( FIG. 3 ), and is movable between a first collapsed position and a second operable position. More particularly, second side  24  is pivotally movable between a first position proximate first side  16  and a second position wherein the second side extends from the first side at an acute angle of between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees. First panel  18  is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels  20  and  22  are generally trapezoid-shaped. Second side  24  also comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected, second panels  28 ,  30  and  32 . Second panel  28  is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels  30  and  32  are generally trapezoid-shaped. A polygon can be defined as a plane shape having straight sides, while a trapezoid can be defined as a four-sided polygon having exactly one pair of parallel sides. The sum of the angles of a trapezoid is 360 degrees. Panels  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  28 ,  30  and  32  can be constructed from various materials, including metal, wood and plastic. Additionally the panels can be colored, opaque, translucent or transparent as may be desired by the user. 
         [0033]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3  of the drawings, the first and second sides are releasably locked in the operable position by a leg brace locking, or securement assembly  34 . Both hinge  26  and securement assembly  34  are of conventional construction and are readily commercially available from several sources, including National Manufacturing of Lake Forest, Calif. 
         [0034]    Side panel  22  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  36  and  38  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  40  and an upper member  42 . Upper member  42  extends angularly from leg  38  at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees. Side panel  20  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  36   a  and  38   a  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  40   a  and an upper member  42   a . Upper member  42   a  extends angularly from leg  38   a  at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees. 
         [0035]    Side panel  30  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  44  and  46  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  48  and an upper member  50 . Upper member  50  also extends angularly from leg  46  at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees ( FIG. 1 ). Side panel  32  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  44   a  and  46   a  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  48   a  and an upper member  50   a . Upper member  50   a  also extends angularly from leg  46   a  at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in the present form of the invention, the panels of each of the first and second sides  16  and  24  are hingedly interconnected by conventional hinges  54  and for ease of storage and transport are movable from the first generally coplanar position shown in  FIG. 2A  to the second folded position shown in  FIG. 2B . In order to releasably hold the panels of each of the first and second sides  16  and  24  of the structure in a coplanar position as shown in  FIG. 1 , a panel lock assembly, shown here as a conventional surface bolt  56 , is connected to and spans each of the adjoining panel members. Both, hinges  54  and securement assembly, or surface bolts  56 , are of conventional construction and are readily commercially available from several sources, including National Manufacturing of Lake Forest, Calif. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  of the drawings, an alternate form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  64 . This structure is somewhat similar, in construction and operation, to the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4  of the drawings, and like numerals are used in  FIG. 5  to identify like components. 
         [0038]    The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and the earlier described embodiment resides in the fact that the windbreak structure is somewhat longer, having three, rather than two, interconnected trapezoid shaped panels. Additionally, this latest embodiment of the invention is uniquely provided with a flexible cover that covers a portion of the structure and provides protection to the user from rain and from the sun. 
         [0039]    Windbreak structure  64  here comprises a first side  66  that comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected first panels  68 ,  70 ,  72  and  74 . First panel  68  is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels  70 ,  72  and  74  are generally trapezoid-shaped. Windbreak structure  64  also comprises a second side  76 , which is hingedly connected to first side  66  by a conventional hinge  26  ( FIG. 3 ) for movement between a first collapsed position and a second operable position. More particularly, second side  76  is pivotally movable between a first position proximate first side  66  and a second position wherein the second side extends from the first side at an acute angle of between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees. Second side  76  also comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected second panels  78 ,  80 ,  82  and  84 . Second panel  78  is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels  80 ,  82  and  84  are generally trapezoid-shaped. 
         [0040]    As in the earlier described embodiment, first and second sides  66  and  76  are releasably locked in the operable position by a leg brace locking or securement assembly  34 . 
         [0041]    Side panel  70  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  86  and  88  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  90  and an upper member  92 . Upper member  92  extends angularly from leg  86  at an angle of between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees. Side panel  72  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  86   a  and  88   a  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  90   a  and an upper member  92   a . Side panel  74  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  86   b  and  88   b  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  90   b  and an upper member  92   b . Upper member  92   b  extends angularly from leg  86   b  at an angle of between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees. Side panel  80  of second side  76  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  94  and  96  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  98  and an upper member  100 . Upper member  100  extends angularly from leg  94  at an angle of about 20 degrees. Side panel  82  of second side  76  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  94   a  and  96   a  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  98   a  and an upper member  100   a . Upper member  100   a  extends angularly from leg  94   a  at an angle of about 20 degrees. Side panel  84  of second side  76  has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  94   b  and  96   b  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member  98   b  and an upper member  100   b . Upper member  100   b  extends angularly from leg  94   b  at an angle of about 20 degrees. 
         [0042]    As in the previously described embodiment and as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and as previously described, in this latest form of the invention, the panels of each of the first and second sides  66  and  76  are also hingedly interconnected by conventional hinges  54  and for ease of storage and transport are movable from the first generally coplanar position shown in  FIG. 2A  to the second folded position shown in  FIG. 2B . In order to releasably hold the panels of each of the first and second sides of the structure in a coplanar position as shown in  FIG. 5 , a panel-lock assembly shown there as a conventional surface bolt  62 , is connected to and spans each of the adjoining panel members. 
         [0043]    As depicted in  FIG. 5  of the drawings, this latest embodiment of the invention uniquely includes a flexible cover  104  having edges  104   a  and  104   b  that are connected to the upper members of each of the panels of the first and second sides  66  and  76  by uniquely configured connector elements  106 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C, each of the generally T-shaped connector elements  106  comprises a locking leg  106   a  and a connector leg  106   b  that is connected to and extends from the locking leg at an angle of about 90 degrees ( FIG. 5B ). Attached to each connector leg  106   b  is a connector cord  107  that interconnects the connector element with the edges of the cover  104  (see  FIGS. 5B and 5C ). 
         [0044]    In order to connect the cover  104  with the windbreak structure to form the structure illustrated in  FIG. 6  of the drawings, each of the connector legs of each of the connector elements is inserted into a selected one of a plurality of generally vertically extending slots  109  that are formed in the upper members of the panels of the first and second sides  66  and  76  and then turned in the manner depicted in the right hand portion of  FIG. 5C . In this manner, cover  104  can be readily removably interconnected with the upper portion of the windbreak structure in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 7  of the drawings, still another form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  114 . This structure is somewhat similar in construction and operation to the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  of the drawings and like numerals are used in  FIG. 7  to identify like components. 
         [0046]    The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  of the drawings resides in the fact that the windbreak structure includes not only a flexible cover that covers a portion of the structure, but also includes a flexible cover that covers portions of the sides of the structure. 
         [0047]    Windbreak structure  114  here comprises a first side  66  that comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected first panels  68 ,  70 ,  72  and  74 . Windbreak structure  114  also includes a second side  76 , which is hingedly connected to first side  66  by a conventional hinge  26  ( FIG. 3 ) for movement in the manner previously described, between a first collapsed position and a second operable position. Second side  76  also comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected second panels  78 ,  80 ,  82  and  84 . As in the earlier described embodiment, first and second sides  66  and  76  are releasably locked in the operable position by a leg brace locking or securement assembly  34 . 
         [0048]    As depicted in  FIG. 7  of the drawings, this latest embodiment of the invention uniquely includes a flexible cover  118  having edges  118   a  and  118   b  that are, in the manner previously described, connected to the upper members of each of the panels of the first and second sides  66  and  76  by uniquely configured connector elements  106 . 
         [0049]    This latest embodiment of the invention also uniquely includes a flexible side cover  126  having edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel  82  of the second side  76  in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements  106  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). Additionally, a flexible side cover  130  has edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel  84  of the second side in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements  106  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). This latest embodiment of the invention also uniquely includes a flexible side cover  134  having edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel  72  of the first side in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements  106  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). Similarly, a flexible side cover  136  has edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel  74  of the first side in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements  106  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). With this novel construction, when the user is inside the windbreak structure, cover  118  provides protection from the sun, while side-covers  126 ,  130 ,  134  and  136 , provide protection from the wind and other outside elements. 
         [0050]    Turning to  FIGS. 8 and 9  of the drawings, a side view of yet another form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  144 . This structure is also somewhat similar in construction and operation to the earlier described embodiments of the invention. The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and the earlier described embodiments resides in the fact that the windbreak structure  144  comprises first and second interconnected sides, each side comprising four hingedly connected segments which together cooperate to define a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle  146 , having a first generally perpendicularly extending side  148 , a second angularly extending side  150 , a top  152  and a bottom  154 . Each four-sided polygonal side comprises a first segment  156 , a second segment  158 , a third segment  160  and a fourth segment  162 . 
         [0051]    The four segments  156 ,  158 ,  160  and  162  are interconnected in the manner shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  of the drawings by a conventional hinge  164 . This novel construction permits a folding movement of the segments about fold axes  166 ,  168  and  170  ( FIG. 8 ) between a first operable position and a second collapsed position. In order to releasably hold the segments of each of the first and second sides of the structure in a coplanar position, a panel lock assembly, shown here as a conventional surface bolt  56 , is connected to and spans each of the adjoining segments in the manner shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0052]    Each side of the windbreak structure is covered with a substantially transparent, flexible covering  174  so that users of the structure have an uninterrupted view through the sides of the structure. Because of the absence of spaced apart vertical support members between the top and bottom members, the fold lines about which the segments fold, advantageously cannot be seen. 
         [0053]    Referring next to  FIG. 10  of the drawings, a side view of still another form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  178 . This structure is also somewhat similar in construction and operation to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and that illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  resides in the fact that the windbreak structure  178  comprises first and second hingedly interconnected sides (not shown—see  FIG. 1 ), each side comprising first and second interconnected segments  180  and  182 , which together cooperate to define a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle  184 . As before, the first and second hingedly interconnected sides are connected by a hinge  26  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) and are movable in the manner previously described, between a first collapsed position where the sides are adjacent and a second operable position where the sides extend angularly with respect to each other. 
         [0054]    First segment  180 , which is general trapezoid in shape, has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs  186   a  and  188   a  that are interconnected by a ground engaging base assembly  190   a  and an upper member assembly  192   a . Second segment  182  has a first generally perpendicularly extending side  192 , a second angularly extending side  194 , a top assembly  196  and a bottom assembly  198 . Second side  194  extends angularly from bottom assembly  198  at an angle of between about 70 degrees and about 80 degrees. 
         [0055]    Each of the first and second segments  180  and  182  comprise two foldable panels. More particularly, first segment  180  has first and second panels  200  and  202  that are interconnected by hinges  164  and are foldable about a fold axes  204  between a first operable position and a second collapsed position. Similarly, second segment  182  has first and second panels  206  and  208  that are interconnected by hinges  164  and are foldable about a fold axes  210  between a first operable position and a second collapsed position. As before, in order to releasably hold the panels of each of the first and second segments of the structure in a coplanar position, a panel lock assembly, shown here as a conventional surface bolt  56 , is connected to and spans each of the adjoining panels. 
         [0056]    Each of the first and second segments  180  and  182  of each side of the windbreak structure is covered with a substantially transparent, flexible covering  212  so that users of the structure have an uninterrupted view through the sides of the structure. Because of the absence of spaced apart vertical support members between the top and bottom members of each of the first and second segments  180  and  182 , the fold lines about which the panels thereof fold, advantageously cannot be seen. 
         [0057]    Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4