Abstract:
The invention features a shade apparatus adapted to provide shade to an individual or individuals while they are outside and in need of shade from sunlight. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention contemplate a shade apparatus that is easily portable and easily adapted to the sun&#39;s changing positions, thereby providing the individual/user with shade from sunlight.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of, and is related to, Applicant&#39;s following provisional patent application: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/278,793 titled “SHADE APPARATUS” filed Jan. 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, in general, to an adjustable shade apparatus having multiple applications such as sports, gardening, work outdoors etc. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The inability to provide adequate shade while one is outside, is a reason why a good number of people do not engage in certain outdoor activities. The lack of shade also affects sporting performance of athletes and sportsmen as they engage in their respective sports. Existing shade systems such as umbrellas fail to address the ever changing needs of people working outside as the sun is constantly moving thus requiring a shade system that adapts with the changing position of the sun. As such, there is a need for an apparatus which is easily adaptable for providing shade to a person regardless of the sun&#39;s position. In addition, there is a need for a shade apparatus that is portable and adaptable for use and/or installation onto existing devices, structures and/or apparatuses. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention contemplates a shade apparatus which is configured to provide an individual with shade regardless of the sun&#39;s position or the direction of its rays. The apparatus contemplates being able to be set at angles or positions at varying heights, angles, sides etc. all in an effort to shield the individual from the sun. As such, the sun&#39;s position would not matter as the apparatus may be easily adjusted to shield the individual. 
         [0005]    An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention contemplates a shade apparatus which may include a tripod arrangement having three legs connect at a tripod base, a first junction connected with the tripod base, a first pole having a first end extending from the first junction and having a second end extending into a second junction, a second pole having a first end extending from the second junction, the second pole further comprises of a second end extending into a first point of a third junction, and a shade producing canvas or shade canvas structure, extending from a second point of the third junction. 
         [0006]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the first junction may be multi directional, multi axial, multi angular and multi rotational. As such, the first junction may be capable of moving in multiple directions about different axes. 
         [0007]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the second junction may be multi directional, multi axial multi angular and multi rotational. As such, the second junction may be capable of moving in multiple directions about different axes. 
         [0008]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the third junction may be multi directional, multi axial, multi angular and multi rotational. As such, the third junction may be capable of moving in multiple directions about different axes. 
         [0009]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the first pole may be enabled to slide in or slide out of the first junction. 
         [0010]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the second pole may be enabled to slide in or slide out of the second junction. 
         [0011]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the third junction may be structurally configured to enable spin of the shade canvas structure and the second pole. 
         [0012]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the first junction may have a locking mechanism. In another aspect, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the junction and/or the first pole in position. 
         [0013]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the second junction has a locking mechanism. In another aspect, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the junction and/or the second pole in position. 
         [0014]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the shade apparatus may include a hook extending downward from the tripod base. 
         [0015]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second poles may be enabled to twist about an axis. 
         [0016]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, each of the tripod legs of the shade apparatus may include a rubber foot at the base. 
         [0017]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, each first end of the first and second poles may have a rubber grip handle. 
         [0018]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second junctions may include any one or a combination of: collar locks, lever cam locks, flat cam locks, rotational angle piece. 
         [0019]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the shade apparatus may include tripod leg pivot caps. 
         [0020]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the poles and tripod are foldable onto one another. 
         [0021]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the shade canvas structure is enabled to block harmful rays from the sun. 
         [0022]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the shade canvas structure is enabled to produce shade that is 10-30 degrees cooler than surrounding un-shaded areas. This may be made possible by way of structural, positional and/or material design of the canvas. 
         [0023]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the shade canvas structure is enabled to lower the relative feel of the area(s) under its shade. This may be made possible by way of structural, positional and/or material design of the canvas. 
         [0024]    Additional aspects, objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates a shade apparatus, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a shade apparatus, having an additional pole, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 2B-2D  illustrate elements of the shade apparatus junctions, according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 2E-G  illustrate further details of the junctions according to aspect(s) of embodiment(s) of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a shade apparatus, according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a top perspective view of a tripod base according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B  illustrate views of a canvas structure and junction according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  a shade apparatus  100  is shown according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. Shade apparatus  100  is shown being used by player/user  102  engaged in an activity using shade apparatus  100  to generate shade. Shade apparatus  100  may include tripod legs  104 A- 104 C which are used to position and stabilize shade apparatus  100  on the ground. Tripod legs  104 A- 304 C may be connected to tripod base  106 . In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the connection of each of tripod legs  104 A- 304 C may be characterized by a movable, adjustable, swivel joint at each connection enabling the folding of each leg for transport of shade apparatus  100  after use. 
         [0033]    Tripod base  106  may further be connected to first junction  108 . First junction  108  may, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, serve as the holding or attachment mechanism for first pole  110 . In an aspect, pole  110  may be slidably positioned within a sleeve of junction  108 . This arrangement enables pole  110  to slide to a desired length within the sleeve of junction  108  when the user adjusts the height and/or angle of the shade produced by shade apparatus  100 . Junction  108  may include locking mechanism  120 A for locking pole  110  in place. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, pole  110  may be rotatable about its axis. 
         [0034]    One end of pole  110  extends away from junction  108  to connect with second junction  112 . Second junction  112  also acts as a connection junction for second pole  114  of canvas structure  116 . Second junction  112  may also, in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, include a locking mechanism  120 B for enabling the sliding and adjustment of pole  114  within junction  112 . Pole  114  may, in one aspect, be slidably positioned within a sleeve of junction  112 , with the arrangement enabling pole  114  slid to a desired length for adjusting the angle of the shade produced by canvas structure  116 . 
         [0035]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the end of pole  110  unconnected with junction  108  may feature rubber grip for ease of use and handling. 
         [0036]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, canvas structure  116  may include a canvas of any shape and rods used to maintain the desired shape of the canvas. 
         [0037]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a hook  118  may extend downward from the base of tripod base  106 . Hook  118  may be used for a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, hanging sporting bags, sporting accessories etc. 
         [0038]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, junctions  108  and  112  may be multi directional, multi axial, multi angular and multi rotational. As such, junctions  108  and  112  may be capable of moving in multiple directions about different axes. In another aspect, each or any one of junctions  108  and  112  may include a ball rotation joint connected to the elements of each junction in connection with poles  110  and  114 . 
         [0039]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, locking mechanisms  120 A and  120 B may include any one or more of: collar locks, lever cam locks, flat cam locks, or a rotational angle piece. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2G , a shade apparatus  200  having an additional pole  214  and detailed renderings of shade apparatus junctions  222 A and  222 B, are shown according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention. As with shade apparatus  100  above, shade apparatus  200  is shown being used by player/user  202  who seeks to play or engage in an activity using shade apparatus  200  to generate shade. Shade apparatus  200  may include tripod legs  204 A- 204 C which are used to position and stabilize shade apparatus  200  on the ground. Tripod legs  204 A- 204 C may be connected to tripod base  206 . In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the connection of each of tripod legs  204 A- 204 C may be characterized by a movable, adjustable joint at each connection enabling the folding of each leg for transport of shade apparatus  200  after use. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, legs  204 A- 204 C may be telescopic, thereby enabling the shortening of each leg when user  202  takes down and transports shade apparatus  200 . 
         [0041]    Tripod base  206  may further be connected to first junction  208 . First junction  208  may, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, serve as the holding or attachment mechanism for first pole  210 . In an aspect, pole  210  may be slidably positioned within a sleeve of junction  208 . This arrangement enables pole  210  to slide to a desired length within the sleeve of junction  208  when user adjusts the height and/or angle of the shade produced by shade apparatus  200 . Junction  208  may include locking mechanism  222 A for locking pole  210  in place. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, pole  210  may be rotatable about its axis. 
         [0042]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a hook  220  may extend downward from the base of tripod base  206 . Hook  220  may be used for variety of purposes, including, without limitation, hanging sporting bags, accessories etc. 
         [0043]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, pole  210  may be telescopic, having two parts that may be in a telescopic relationship with one another. This configuration aids in the adjustment of pole  210  by user  202  to attain the desired angle and/or height for pole  210 . 
         [0044]    One end of pole  210  extends away from junction  208  to connect with second junction  212 . Second junction  212  also acts as a connection junction for second pole  214 , which, in turn by way of the other end of pole  214 , is connected to third junction  216 . Second junction  212  may also, in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, include a locking mechanism  222 B for enabling the sliding and adjustment of pole  214  within junction  212 . Pole  214  may, in one aspect, be slidably positioned within a sleeve of junction  212 , with the arrangement enabling pole  214  slide to a desired length when adjusting the length of pole  214 . Connected to junction  216  and extending away from same, is adjustable canvas structure  218 , which provides the desired shade of shade apparatus  200 . In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, adjustable canvas structure  218  may include a canvas of any shape in along with rods used to maintain the desired shape of the canvas. 
         [0045]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, legs  204 A- 204 C may each comprise of telescopic potions which enable the shortening of each leg as seen in  FIGS. 2B-2D . In addition, legs  204 A- 204 C may include rubber caps at the base of each leg to generate friction with the ground/surface and prevent the legs from slipping. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B  shade apparatus  300  and a top perspective view of tripod base  306  are shown according to additional aspects of embodiments of the present invention. Shade apparatus  300  is shown being used by player/user  302  engaged in an activity using shade apparatus  300  to generate shade. Shade apparatus  300  may include tripod legs  304 A- 304 C connected to tripod base  306 , with leg  304 A as the top leg and legs  304 B and  304 C bottom legs opposite top leg  304 A. Tripod legs  304 A- 304 C are used to position and stabilize shade apparatus  300  on the ground. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the connection of each of tripod legs  304 A- 304 C to tripod base  306  may be characterized by a movable, adjustable, swivel joint at each connection enabling the inward folding of each leg after use of shade apparatus  300 . 
         [0047]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, legs  304 A- 304 C may each comprise of telescopic potions which enable the shortening of each leg for ease of transport following use of shade apparatus  300 . In addition, legs  304 A- 304 C may include rubber caps at the base of each leg to generate friction with the ground/surface and prevent the legs from slipping. 
         [0048]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, tripod base  306  may include one or more holders  306 A and  306 B. Holders  306 A and  306 B may serve to hold different things including, cups, keys, phones etc. 
         [0049]    Shade apparatus  300  includes attachment mechanism  308  having a first sleeve  308 A and second sleeve  308 B. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, top leg  304 A may be slidably positioned within sleeve  308 A of attachment mechanism  308 . Sleeve  308 A may include, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, lock  308 C for locking attachment mechanism  308  onto leg  304 A. 
         [0050]    Slidably positioned within sleeve  308 B is first pole  310 . Sleeve  308 B may include lock  308 D for keeping pole  310  in position after a desired height of pole  310  has been attained by sliding pole  310  within sleeve  308 B. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, pole  310  may be rotatable about its axis. 
         [0051]    Pole  310  extends away from attachment mechanism  308  to connect with first adjustable junction  312 . Junction  312  may be adjustable in that is foldable by way of a swivel joint, in one aspect. A second pole  314  connects with junction  312  and extends into a first entry point of second junction  316 . Junction  316  may also, in an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, be adjustable and may be able to rotate about the axis of pole  314 . An adjustable canvas structure  318  is connected with junction  316 . Adjustable canvas structure  318  includes canvas for providing the shade of shade apparatus  300 . In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, canvas structure  318  may include a canvas of any shape and rods used to maintain the desired shape of the canvas. 
         [0052]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, to enable ease in changing the orientation of shade apparatus  300 , junctions  312  and  316  may be multi directional, multi axial, multi angular and multi rotational, wherein the first junction is capable of moving in multiple directions about different axes. This may be made possible by a ball rotation joint between or connected to the elements of the respective junction connected to a pole. 
         [0053]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, junctions  312  and  316  may include locking mechanisms  320 A and  320 B respectively for locking each junction in place. 
         [0054]    In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, locking mechanisms  308 C,  308 D,  320 A and  320 B may include any one or more of: collar locks, lever cam locks, flat cam locks, or a rotational angle piece. 
         [0055]    In further aspects of embodiments of the present invention, pole connections to their respective junctions may be implemented using bolt systems, where the poles may be removably bolted to the junctions or screw on systems where the ends of the poles have threaded ends that screw easily into corresponding threaded junction entry points. 
         [0056]    In a further aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, any one of legs  104 A- 104 C,  204 A- 204 C,  304 A- 304 C may have pivot caps. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , views of canvas structure  318  and junction  316  are shown according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, canvas structure  318  may include canvas  318 A and canvas arms  322 A and  322 B. In addition to providing shade, canvas  318 A may serve as an advertisement panel—enabling entities to place their name or brands on canvas  318 A. 
         [0058]    In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, canvas arms  322 A and  322 B may comprise of two rods slidably positioned within sleeves  318 B and  318 C of canvas  318 A. Canvas structure  318  may further include a base  324  having two canvas arm receptacles  324 A and  324 B for removably anchoring each of canvas arms  322 A and  322 B respectively. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, each receptacle may allow for folding of each arm. In another aspect, canvas structure  318  may include folding mechanism  326  having two arms where each arm is connected to each of canvas arms  322 A and  322 B.This enables canvas arms  322 A and  322 B to be folded toward pole  314  when shade apparatus  300  being transported after use. 
         [0059]    Canvas structure  318  may be slidably positioned onto pole  314  and may be locked in place using mechanism  320 B of junction  316 . Canvas structure  318  may be held in place, in one aspect, by having the user slide canvas structure  318  onto pole  314  and then placing junction  316  with locking mechanism  320 B after canvas structure  318  thereby blocking base  324  and preventing the structure from sliding out. 
         [0060]    The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.