Abstract:
This disclosure provides a device for protecting skin from the sun&#39;s ultraviolet radiation. A protective skin cover is shaped and sized to cover a certain body region when worn. The cover is made from material that offers a relatively high degree of protection from the sun&#39;s ultraviolet radiation. The edges of the cover are finished.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/659,893 filed on Jun. 14, 2012, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/682,684 filed on Aug. 13, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]      1 . Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for protecting skin from the sun&#39;s ultraviolet radiation. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Sunlight includes rays of invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, accelerated skin aging and skin cancer. For many years there has been an increasing rate of skin cancer and an increasing awareness of the harmful effects of sun exposure on skin. Despite well-known and commonly used means for protecting skin from sun exposure, such as sunscreen lotions and sprays, clothing, hats and umbrellas, those seeking to escape the sun are often left with the problem of skin receiving more sun exposure than desired. For instance, sunbathers lying in a reclined or flat position are commonly concerned with receiving more sun exposure than desired on their face, scalp, neck and upper chest because of the relatively delicate nature of the skin in these regions and because of special concerns with preventing premature aging in these regions. Also, those who are particularly sensitive to sun exposure—including, but not limited to babies, children, those who are infrequently exposed to the sun, and those who are taking medications that increase their sensitivity to UV radiation—often sustain unwanted sun exposure despite using existing means of sun protection. 
         [0006]    Existing means of sun protection are problematic. For example, sunscreen is difficult to apply evenly and uncomfortable to wear. It is not easily applied to the scalp, where hair often impedes easy application, or to the ears, where contours and crevices make it difficult to ensure complete coverage. In addition, users often fail to apply enough sunscreen, and fail to reapply sunscreen frequently enough, to provide adequate protection from the sun. Sunscreen has other disadvantages in that it loses effectiveness when skin sweats or is otherwise wetted, causes discomfort when it contacts the eyes, and leaves the skin feeling greasy and, for some, leads to blemishes. 
         [0007]    Hats are another example of insufficient means for sun protection. Hats are not designed for sun protection when lying in a reclined or flat position and leave certain skin areas exposed when a person wearing the hat is in such a position. Even hats specifically intended for sun protection are designed to be worn by a person standing upright, and do not afford adequate sun protection for a person lying in a reclined or flat position. Typical clothing is also problematic as a means for sun protection, where UV rays can penetrate lighter colored, less tightly woven fabrics, thereby leading to unwanted sun exposure. For example, a plain, white untreated t-shirt offers only about SPF 8 protection. Clothing designed specifically for sun protection exists, but is often so unstylish as to prohibit public use by most individuals. Umbrellas—another inadequate means for sun protection—bear disadvantages in that they are bulky to carry, cumbersome to operate and prone to mechanical failure. 
         [0008]    Other handy means for sun protection, such as towels, books and magazines, also have drawbacks. A towel tends to collect sand, which is problematic when placing the towel over one&#39;s face, where sand might get into one&#39;s eye and generally feels uncomfortable when held against the skin. Also, towel material, most commonly terrycloth, is relatively heavy and does not dry quickly, leading to further discomfort when placed over the face. Books, magazines and other paper products are inadequate covers for a sunbather&#39;s face because they often do not fully cover the region desired to be protected, tend to blow away easily in windy conditions, and are uncomfortable to wear as they tend to stick to one&#39;s face and leave behind ink residue. 
         [0009]    The protective sun cover detailed below provides the ability to fully, comfortably and fashionably protect the skin from sun exposure, thereby overcoming the deficiencies of the aforementioned means for sun protection. As such, protective skin covers that fully, comfortably and fashionably protect the skin from sun exposure, and methods for using said protective skin covers, are desirable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    An object of the present invention is to provide a protective skin cover comprising a material known to protect against sun damage, the cover configured to be selectively worn by a user over a plurality of skin portions to protect said skin portions from sun damage. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention lies in providing a kit for protecting the skin against sun damage, comprising a plurality of protective skin covers comprising a material known to protect against sun damage, the covers configured to be selectively worn by a user over a plurality of skin portions to protect said skin portions from sun damage, wherein the plurality of skin covers have different ultraviolet protection factor ratings. 
         [0012]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a method for protecting the skin using a kit comprising a plurality of protective skin covers comprising a material known to protect against sun damage, the covers configured to be selectively worn by a user over a plurality of skin portions to protect said skin portions from sun damage, wherein each of the plurality of skin covers has a different ultraviolet protection factor rating, the method comprising: selecting a cover from the kit, unfolding said cover, and securing or placing the cover such that it covers the region desired to be protected. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a depiction of the front face of an exemplary protective skin cover, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a depiction of the back face of an exemplary protective skin cover, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a depiction of the front face of an exemplary protective skin cover with a button assembly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover being worn by a sunbather in a reclined position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover being worn by a person in an upright position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, placed over a sunbather&#39;s face and chest region. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, placed over a sunbather&#39;s chest region. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn over a boater&#39;s shoulders. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn over beachgoers&#39; shoulders. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn over a tennis player&#39;s shoulders. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, secured to a golfer&#39;s visor to protect the golfer&#39;s neck and shoulders. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn over a kayaker&#39;s shoulders. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, secured to a golfer&#39;s visor, for purposes of protecting the golfer&#39;s neck and shoulders. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, placed over sunbathers&#39; shoulder and upper back region. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn around a beachgoer&#39;s chest. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn around beachgoers&#39; shoulders. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn under a kayaker&#39;s hat to protect the kayaker&#39;s neck and shoulders. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn under a kayaker&#39;s hat to protect the kayaker&#39;s neck and shoulders. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a depiction of the cover of an exemplary snap button assembly. 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is a depiction of the connection of the two components of an exemplary snap button assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is a depiction of the cover of an exemplary snap button fastener. 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is a depiction of exemplary protective skin cover, worn around the head. 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is a depiction of exemplary protective skin cover, worn around the head. 
           [0036]      FIG. 23  is a depiction of an exemplary sewn button fastener. 
           [0037]      FIG. 24  is a depiction of an exemplary hook and loop fastener. 
           [0038]      FIG. 25  is a depiction of an exemplary tie fastener. 
           [0039]      FIG. 26  is an alternative depiction of an exemplary tie fastener. 
           [0040]      FIG. 27  is a depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, affixed to a visor. 
           [0041]      FIG. 28  is an alternative depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, affixed to a visor. 
           [0042]      FIG. 29  is depiction of an exemplary protective skin cover, worn around a baby&#39;s neck. 
       
    
    
       [0043]    The various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given device. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    This Detailed Description describes exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the specification in any way. Indeed, the invention as described is broader than and unlimited by the preferred embodiments, and the terms used have their full ordinary meaning. 
         [0045]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a protective skin cover  10  comprising a piece of material having an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. The UPF rating system measures the UV protection provided by fabric. It is different but similar to the SPF rating system used for sunscreens. A UPF rating refers to the fractional portion of the UV radiation falling on the surface of the fabric that is allowed to pass through it. A UPF of 30 allows 1/30th of the UV radiation through. A UPF of 50 allows 1/50th of the UV radiation through. UPF ratings range from 15 (good) to 50+(excellent). The UPF rating of the protective skin cover  10  is determined by a recognized UPF testing procedure, including, for example: the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 6544, the American Association of 
         [0046]    Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Test Method 183, and the Australian/New Zealand Test Method (AS/NZS 4399). Exemplary embodiments of the protective skin cover  10  may be comprised of material with a UPF rating of 15 or higher. Other embodiments of the protective skin cover  10  may be comprised of material with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Other embodiments of the protective skin cover  10  may be comprised of material with a UPF rating of 50+. Further, other embodiments may be comprised of a UPF-rated material that is easily collapsible such that it may be easily contained in a purse or tote, or other similar bag. One such easily collapsible material is jersey. Other easily collapsible materials include nylon, polyester, elastane and lycra. Exemplary embodiments may include a label  16  indicating the UPF rating of the protective skin cover, as depicted in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0047]    UPF-rated fabrics are presently available in limited varieties of appearance. For example, UPF-rated fabrics are widely available only in solid colors. Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the present invention further include a second piece of material sewn on top of the UPF-rated material. This additional layer is useful because it allows a UPF-rated protective skin cover  10  to take on the appearance of any available fabric and thereby allows the side of the cover  10  visible when worn to appear more fashionable than would otherwise be possible. The fashionable appearance of the protective sun cover  10  makes it a versatile garment that the user can wear to a wide range of activities and events. For example, a protective sun cover  10  is equally appropriate to wear during more formal activities, such as an outdoor wedding or graduation, as it is to wear during more casual events, such as sporting events, and more casual activities, such as gardening, sunbathing and waiting in an outdoor line. Exemplary embodiments may coordinate with a piece of swimwear or other article of clothing, and may be sold as an accessory. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the cover  10  is rectangular in shape, measuring about  16  inches by about  23  inches, as depicted in  FIG. 1A . It may have a fabric loop  16  sewn onto the perimeter of the cover  10  such that it can be hung easily to dry. As depicted in  FIG. 1B , the loop  16  may be a rectangular strip of fabric, folded such that one short side is joined to be flush with the other short side, and sewn onto the cover such that the short sides  20  are attached to the perimeter of the cover, leaving the long sides  18  of the rectangular strip of fabric forming an open loop  16 . In another embodiment, the loop may be a four-sided strip of fabric, sewn onto the cover such that two sides are attached to the perimeter of the cover on either side of a corner of the cover, leaving the strip of fabric forming one half of an open loop and the cover forming the other half of the open loop. The strip of fabric may also serve as a label. 
         [0049]    Further, the edges  12 ,  14  of the cover  10  may be finished by means of finished stitching. The finishing may be accomplished by an overlock sewing machine, or other comparable machine. Further, the cover  10  may include a fastening feature such that one corner of the cover may be fastened to another corner of the cover. The fastening feature may be comprised of a button  36  sewn onto one corner and a button hole sewn into another corner, as shown in  FIG. 23 . Alternatively, the fastening feature may be comprised of a snap button arrangement, whereby a female snap button member  32  is affixed to one corner and a male snap button member  30  is affixed to another corner, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  18 ,  19  and  20 . Further, the cover  10  may include a zipper feature. A zipper may be affixed to opposite regions of the cover&#39;s perimeter, such that, when zipped, the cover  10  forms a tube with open ends that may be worn around one&#39;s neck and/or shoulders. Such a cover may further include a flap feature that can either drape down a person&#39;s back or be worn as a hood. Further, the cover  10  may include a tying mechanism  39  (e.g., a pair of ties, each tie proximate to adjacent corners of the cover  10 ; a pair of ties, each tie proximate to opposite corners of the cover  10 ), as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . A tying mechanism is advantageous because it allows the user to adjust the fit (e.g., relatively more snug or tight, relatively more loose) of the cover  10  around a body part. The cover  10  further may include holes sewn into opposite edges of the cover  10 , through which the ties extend to join two edges of the cover  10  in a shoe-lace like manner. Further, the cover may include a hook and loop fastener  38  (e.g., VELCRO®), as depicted in  FIG. 24 . The hook and loop fastener  38  may extend less than 1/20th the length of the long side  12  of the cover  10 . Alternatively, the hook and loop fastener  38  may extend between 1/20th and 1/10th the length of the long side  12  of the cover  10 . Alternatively, the hook and loop fastener  38  may extend between   1/10 th and ⅕th the length of the long side  12  of the cover  10 . Alternatively, the hook and loop fastener  38  may extend the entire length of the long side  12  of the cover  10  such that, when fastened, the cover  10  forms a tube with open ends that may be worn around one&#39;s neck and/or shoulders. Such a cover may further include a flap feature that can either drape down a person&#39;s back or be worn as a hood. 
         [0050]    In other embodiments, a cover  10  may be sized to fit around a stroller or car seat. Such embodiments may include multiple fastening features in order to allow the cover to be affixed properly and securely to the stroller or car seat. In one such embodiment, a cover  10  may have 4 to 12 fastening features that affix the cover  10  to the stroller or car seat. In another embodiment, a cover  10  may include a zipper feature that affixes the cover  10  to the stroller or car seat. Alternatively, a cover  10  may include a hook and loop fastener that affixes the cover to the stroller or car seat. 
         [0051]    Exemplary embodiments of the protective skin cover  10  may be any shape, including but not limited to: rectangles, triangles, squares, ovals and circles. Alternative embodiments of the cover may be irregular shapes. For example, a cover  10  may include two straight edges and one curved edge joining the two straight edges. Another embodiment may include one straight edge and one curved edge joining the two ends of the single straight edge. The dimensions of these shapes may vary, but the total area of the cover  10  ranges from about 100 square inches to about 3200 square inches. In one embodiment, a cover  10  designed for use by sunbathers to cover their face, neck and chest region measures about 16 inches by about 23 inches. In other embodiments, covers designed for use by sunbathers to cover their face, neck and chest region have an area ranging from about 100 square inches to about 625 square inches. In other embodiments, the cover  10  is sized to extend to cover from the top of a person&#39;s head to the top of the person&#39;s bathing suit top. In other embodiments, covers designed for use by sunbathers to cover their shoulder and back region have an area ranging from about 225 square inches to about 625 square inches. In another embodiment, a cover  10  designed to cover a significant portion of an adult body measures about 40 inches by about 70 inches, roughly the size of a standard beach towel. In other embodiments, covers designed to cover a significant portion of an adult body have an area ranging from about 1500 square inches to about 3200 square inches. 
         [0052]    In another embodiment, a cover  10  designed for use with babies measures about 47 inches by about 47 inches. In other embodiments, covers designed for use with babies have an area ranging from about 225 square inches to about 2500 square inches. Such a cover may be designed to fit over a stroller or a car seat, or to affix to a car window. Such a cover may be affixed to the stroller, car seat or window by means of button snaps or a hook and loop fastener. 
         [0053]    Exemplary embodiments may be comprised of a material dyed with a conjugated dye that disrupts UV radiation. Examples of conjugated dyes include, but are not limited to: 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′-cyanine iodide, 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′-carbocyanine iodide, 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′-dicarbocyanine iodide, 1,1′-diethyl-4,4′-cyanine iodide, 1,1′-diethyl-4,4′-carbocyanine iodide, 1,1′-diethyl-4,4′-dicarbocyanine iodide, 3,3′-diethylthiacyanine chloride, 3,3′-diethylthiacarbocyanine p-toluenesulfonate, 3,3′-diethylthiadicarbocyanine p-toluenesulfonate, and 3,3′-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide. 
         [0054]    Exemplary embodiments may be comprised of a material dyed with an optical brightening agent that absorbs and/or reflects UV radiation. Classes of optical brightening agents include, but are not limited to: triazine-stilbenes, coumarins, imidazolines, diazoles, triazoles, benzoxazolines, and biphenyl-stilbenes. 
         [0055]    Embodiments of the present invention can include a second layer of material that may or may not be UPF-rated. The second layer may be comprised of bathing suit material. The second layer may be comprised of at least 20% polyester. Alternatively, the second layer may be comprised of at least 70% nylon. Alternatively, the second layer may be comprised of between 5% and 25% elastane. The material would have a folding or collapsible capability similar to eyeglass cleaning cloth or the like. Further, the second layer can be comprised of a material that is easily collapsible such that it may be easily contained in a purse or tote, or other similar bag. Further, the second layer can be comprised of a material that is aesthetically pleasing and fashionable on at least one of its sides. The combination of the UPF-rated material and the second layer of material is advantageous because it negates the need to test the UPF rating of the second layer, which is often the more fashionable layer and thereby the component of the cover that makes the cover appealing to wear. Thus, the combination saves money and time, while making the end product appealing to wear. The combination of the UPF-rated material and the second layer of material is further advantageous because it ensures that the advertised rating of the cover—that of the UPF-rated material—is conservative, where the second layer provides some unknown amount of additional protection from UV radiation. 
         [0056]    Embodiments of the present invention include protective sun covers  10  that are comprised of material that is soft, light and breathable. These embodiments bear a distinct advantage over, for example, towels in that protective sun covers are lighter, more comfortable to wear and feel more pleasant when contacting skin. 
         [0057]    In other embodiments, the protective skin cover  10  may be folded and contained in a package, or kit, for easy carrying in a purse or tote, or other similar bag. More than one protective skin cover  10  may be folded and contained in a package, each protective skin cover  10  having a different UPF rating ranging from 15 to 50+. The user thereby has the option to choose which level of UPF protection he or she desires, thereby allowing for controlled tanning For example, one such package may contain three protective skin covers, with UPF ratings of 15, 30 and 50+, marked accordingly. Another such package may contain two protective skin covers, with UPF ratings of 30 and 50+, marked accordingly. In other embodiments, more than one protective skin cover  10  may be folded and contained in a package, each protective skin cover having a different appearance. The user thereby has the option to choose which appearance he or she desires. In other embodiments, more than one protective skin cover  10  may be folded and contained in a package, each protective skin cover having a different size. The user thereby has the option to choose which size he or she desires. For example, a package might contain one smaller cover intended to cover only the face, ranging in size from 100 square inches to 225 square inches, and one medium-sized cover intended to cover the shoulder area, ranging in size from 320 square inches to 800 square inches. 
         [0058]    In one aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over one&#39;s head, neck and chest region, in any orientation. This method is most useful when a user is lying in a reclined or flat position, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  6 . This method is advantageous over, for example, using towels for sun protection because protective sun covers are lighter and more comfortable to wear on the face and do not make it difficult to breathe, so that a user is able to comfortably wear the cover longer while, for example, laying on one&#39;s back sunbathing. In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over one&#39;s shoulder and upper back region, in any orientation, as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0059]    In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over one&#39;s legs or abdomen region, in any orientation. In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over one&#39;s leg or arm, in any orientation, to protect the skin while driving. In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes wrapping a protective skin cover  10  around one&#39;s head and fastening together adjacent corners of the cover by means of a button assembly, as shown in  FIG. 21 . In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes folding a protective skin cover  10 , wrapping the cover around one&#39;s head and fastening together opposing corners of said cover by means of a button assembly. In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes folding a protective skin cover  10 , wrapping the cover around one&#39;s head and tying together opposing corners of the cover, as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         [0060]    In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes wrapping a protective skin cover  10  around one&#39;s neck and fastening together two corners of the cover by means of a button assembly, as shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  11 ,  14  and  15 . Children love to wear protective sun covers in this fashion, as shown in  FIG. 29 , because they enjoy the feeling of wearing a cape. Thus, protective sun covers bear an advantage over prior art in that they are appealing to children, a population that is often reluctant to employ other means for sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats and umbrellas. 
         [0061]    In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over one&#39;s shoulders, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin while being active includes securing a protective skin cover  10  around one&#39;s shoulders. For example, a tennis player is shown wearing a protective skin cover  10  in  FIG. 9 , and a kayaker is shown wearing a protective skin cover  10  in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0062]    In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin while being active includes securing a protective skin cover  10  to, over, and/or under one&#39;s hat or visor, as shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  12 ,  16 ,  17 ,  27 , and  28 . The cover  10  may be affixed to the bottom rim of a hat or visor to hang below the hat or visor, shielding from the sun the neck and upper back regions, as shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  12 ,  16 , and  17 . Alternatively, the cover  10  may be affixed to a bill  50  of a hat or visor along the long side  12  of the cover, as shown in  FIG. 27 , such that the cover  10  extends to cover the scalp region, as shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         [0063]    In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin using a kit as described above includes: a) selecting a cover  10  of desired size from the kit, b) unfolding said cover, and c) securing or placing the cover such that it covers the region desired to be protected. In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin using a kit as described above includes: a) selecting a cover  10  of desired appearance from the kit, b) unfolding said cover, and c) securing or placing the cover such that it covers the region desired to be protected. In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin using a kit as described above includes: a) selecting a cover  10  of desired UPF rating from the kit, b) unfolding said cover, and c) securing or placing the cover such that it covers the region desired to be protected. In another aspect, a method for protecting the skin using a kit as described above includes: a) determining, based on one&#39;s location and the time of day, the level of UV protection desired, b) selecting a cover  10  of the desired UPF rating from the kit, b) unfolding the cover, c) securing or placing the cover such that it covers the region desired to be protected, and d) repeating steps a) through c) upon a change in the level of UV protection desired. 
         [0064]    This method is advantageous over prior methods for protecting oneself from the sun because the protective sun cover  10  may be adjusted easily, discreetly and comfortably to cover different portions of the skin as the sun shifts positions throughout the day. Prior sun protection methods, such as hats and jackets, are intended only for one position on the body, and thereby are disadvantageous when a user desires to adjust the portions of skin receiving sun protection. 
         [0065]    In other aspects, the protective skin cover  10  may be intended for use with babies. A method for protecting the skin of a baby includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over the baby. Another such method includes laying a protective skin cover over, or attaching a protective skin cover to a stroller. The attachment may be accomplished by means of a button or zipper assembly. Another such method includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over, or attaching a protective skin cover to a car seat. Another such method includes laying a protective skin cover  10  over, or attaching a protective skin cover to a bike trailer intended to carry children. 
         [0066]    In other aspects, the above-mentioned methods may be used to protect against hostile environmental factors other than the sun, such as heating and air conditioning, or cold weather. 
         [0067]    Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying figures. Other features, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the description, the figures and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the figures may not be drawn to scale.