Patent Description:
Beach umbrellas are used to create an area shaded from the sunlight beneath the umbrella canopy. They are particularly useful at the beach where there is generally a lack of trees or roofed structures to provide shade. Because the skin of the beachgoer is largely exposed at the beach, there is a greater need to provide protection from harmful ultraviolet rays, which may cause sunburn or melanomas. Many beachgoers also require some form of shade to minimize heat discomfort. The shade and shelter provided by a beach umbrella is also useful in protecting the user's valuables and shielding perishable items from direct sunlight. Conventional beach umbrellas include a single central support pole with a pointed lower end that is inserted directly into the sand. Conventional umbrellas further include an overhead fabric covering attached to the support pole. However, the main problem with the canopy design of traditional umbrellas is that the position of the umbrella constantly shifts in response to wind gusts. As a result, the user must frequently readjust the umbrella to compensate for the shifts in movement. In addition, conventional umbrellas can easily tip over or be blown down the beach where they can cause hassle to the owner as well as injury to other beachgoers. Conventional umbrellas are also prone to wind breakage. It would therefore be beneficial to provide an umbrella with improved stability in response to the wind blowing. It would further be beneficial if the umbrella self-adjusted to the wind to prevent or reduce the likelihood of tipping over.

Document <CIT> presents a wind resistant canopy that discloses the features in the preambles of claims <NUM> and <NUM> of the accompanying claims.

The self-adjusting sun shade assembly according to the present invention is presented in claim <NUM>. The method of using a self-adjusting sun shade assembly according to the present invention is presented in claim <NUM>.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a self-adjusting sun shade assembly (e.g., an assembly that provides shade from the sun). The assembly comprises a pair of ribs defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each rib is attached to a pivot cap. The assembly further includes a sail with a front edge comprising a channel sized and shaped to house each rib such that the ribs extend across the edge. The assembly includes a mast comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is operably connected to the pivot cap, wherein the pivot cap can freely rotate about the mast. The assembly comprises at least one support arm with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the support arm is attached to a rib and the second end of the support arm Is attached to a slider configured to move up and down the mast. The assembly comprises a tension adjuster that adjusts rotation of the pivot cap about the mast. The assembly comprises an anchor operably connected to the second end of the mast. The pivot cap, ribs, slider, and support arms are configured to rotate about the mast in response to blowing of the wind.

In an example the pivot cap rotates about the mast at an angle of about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In an example the pivot cap rotates about a top end of the mast (e.g., is configured to rotate about the top end of the mast).

In an example the ribs are configured at an angle of greater than <NUM> degrees relative to each other.

In an example one face of the pivot cap comprises a lock defined by a bridge comprising an opening and a slidable arm that moves to cover and expose the opening. A portion of sail material can be locked in between the bridge and slidable arm to lock it into position.

In an example the slider is configured as a collar that fits around the exterior circumference of the mast.

In an example the mast length is adjustable.

In an example the anchor is releasably attached to the second end of the mast.

In an example the anchor comprises an auger. The term "auger" refers to a member in which a spiral vane or multiple parallel vanes are provided about the perimeter of a shaft.

In an example the tension adjuster is configured to permit the pivot cap, slider, ribs, and support arms to freely rotate about the mast, not rotate about the mast, or any level of rotation therebetween. The pivot cap, slider, ribs, and support arms rotate as a single, attached unit.

In an example the sail channel comprises one or more apertures to facilitate insertion of the ribs into the channel.

In an example the sail channel comprises one or more apertures to allow direct contact between each rib and a corresponding support arm.

In an example the sail has a top face and a bottom face, and wherein the bottom face includes at least one conduit configured as a channel with an open mouth positioned adjacent to the channel, a closed back end, and a length parallel with the length of the sail.

In an example the sail has a top face and a bottom face and wherein at least one of the top or bottom faces comprises a coating.

In an example the sail has an opposed rear edge comprising an adjacent hem constructed from a durable material.

In an example the mast comprises at least one handle.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of using a sunshade. The method comprises positioning the anchor of a sun shade assembly in a support surface. The sun shade assembly comprises: a pair of ribs defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each rib is attached to a pivot cap; a sail with a front edge comprising a channel sized and shaped to house each rib such that the ribs extend across the edge; a mast comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is operably connected to the pivot cap, wherein the pivot cap can freely rotate about the mast; at least one support arm with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the support arm is attached to a rib and the second end of the support arm is attached to a slider configured to move up and down the mast; a tension adjuster that adjusts rotation of the pivot cap about the mast; and an anchor operably connected to the second end of the mast. The method further includes adjusting the tension adjuster to achieve a desired amount of rotation of the pivot cap, ribs, support arms, slider, and sail relative to the non-movable mast. The sun shade assembly self-adjusts in response to the blowing of the wind.

In an example the tension adjuster can be adjusted to allow the pivot cap, slider, ribs, and support arms to freely rotate about the mast, not rotate about the mast, or any level of rotation therebetween.

In an example one face of the pivot cap comprises a lock defined by a bridge comprising and opening and a slidable arm that moves to cover and expose the opening.

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms "a", "an", and "the" refer to "one or more" when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to "a device" can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term "about", when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in an example +/-<NUM>%, in an example +/-<NUM>%, in an example +/-<NUM>%, in an example +/-<NUM>%, in an example +/-<NUM>%, and in an example +/-<NUM>%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of sun shade assembly <NUM>. Particularly, the assembly includes sail <NUM> that releasably attaches to a pair of ribs <NUM>, providing shade to the user. At least one support arm <NUM> can be used to reinforce ribs <NUM>. Mast <NUM> provides height to the assembly and includes anchor <NUM> that allows the assembly to be secured into a support surface (e.g., sand). The ribs and support arms rotate about the mast, thereby self-adjusting the direction of sail <NUM> in response to the wind blowing, as described in more detail below. The assembly further includes tension adjuster <NUM> that can be tightened or loosed to control the rotation of the ribs and support arms in response to wind conditions.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of rib <NUM>. As shown, the rib includes first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. In an example the ribs can each include one or more joints <NUM> that can be folded, allowing the ribs to be easily stored when not in use, as illustrated in <FIG>. Any mechanism can be used to fold the ribs, such as (but not limited to) hinges, joints, and the like. For example, a living hinge, a barrel hinge, spring hinge, butterfly hinge, flag hinge, H hinge, or any other pivotable member can be used.

The term "living hinge" refers to a hinge integrally formed with two opposite portions of the same material. The term "barrel hinge" refers to a sectional barrel secured by a pivot. The term "spring hinge" refers to a spring-loaded hinge that applies force to secure the hinge in an open or closed configuration. "Butterfly hinge" refers to dovetail or parliament hinges. The term "flag hinge" refers to hinges that can be taken apart with a fixed pin on one leaf, manufactured in a right-hand or left-hand configuration. An "H hinge" refers to a hinge shaped like an "H.

However, in an example the ribs are non-foldable and remain in the fully extended state, even during storage.

The ribs can be slightly offset relative to each other (e.g., are not <NUM> degrees apart). The offset nature allows the ribs to compensate for stretching of the sail. For example, in an example the angle <NUM> between ribs <NUM> can be about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, the angle between ribs <NUM> can be at least/no more than about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> degrees. It should be appreciated that angle <NUM> is not limited and can be larger or smaller than the range set forth herein. The ribs can be fully folded, such as in a storage position, as shown in <FIG>.

In an example rib <NUM> can include extension <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The extensions provide a decorative look the assembly when the sail is attached. Each extension can be attached to rib second end <NUM> using any desired method (e.g., adhesive, welding, clips, clamps, hinges, screws, bolts, magnets, etc.). It should be appreciated that extension <NUM> is optional.

Ribs <NUM> can have any desired length. For example, suitable lengths can include (but are not limited to) about <NUM>-<NUM> feet. Thus, the ribs can have a length of at least about (or no more than about) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> feet. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited the length of each rib can be larger or smaller than the range given herein.

The ribs are joined using pivot cap <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The pivot cap joins ribs <NUM> and enables rotation of the ribs about mast <NUM>. Thus, the pivot cap can freely rotate about the mast in response to wind conditions, as discussed in more detail below and as shown in <FIG>. The ribs can rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on the wind direction. It should be appreciated that the ribs can join to pivot cap <NUM> using any mechanism (e.g., screws, bolts, clips, hinges, welding, adhesive, magnets, and the like).

In an example one face of pivot cap <NUM> includes bridge <NUM> comprising opening <NUM> and slidable arm <NUM> that can be used to releasably lock the sail into proper position, as shown in <FIG>. Particularly, a portion of the sail can be inserted into opening <NUM>. Arm <NUM> can then be slid to trap the portion of the sail over the bridge, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, a portion of the sail is trapped between the bridge and the arm. To release the sail, the arm can be slid to expose opening <NUM>, thereby allowing the sail to be removed. The term "bridge" refers to any device that has a raised portion with an opening configured therein. In an example the arm can fully surround at least a segment of the raised bridge portion.

As shown in <FIG>, the assembly can include one or more support arms <NUM> that provide stability to the ribs, allowing the assembly to support the sail even in high wind conditions. Each support arm includes first end <NUM> attached to rib <NUM> and second end <NUM> attached to slider <NUM>. The support arms can be attached to the rib and slider using any known mechanism, such as the use of adhesives, welding, magnets, mechanical elements (screws, bolts, clips), and the like. In an example the support arms are hingedly attached to the ribs and/or slider to allow for easy transitioning between positions.

Slider <NUM> can move along mast <NUM> to fold or unfold the ribs and support arms. In an example the slider can be configured as a collar that fits about the outer circumference of mast <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The inner circumference of slider <NUM> is therefore at least slightly larger than the outer circumference of mast <NUM>. In this way, the slider and support arms can rotate freely about the mast. Particularly, the mast remains in a stationary position, while the slider (and attached support arms and ribs) rotate in response to the wind blowing. The slider can rotate in any direction (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise).

The slider can include retention element <NUM> to keep it from sliding down the length of the mast. The retention element can include any device that retains the slider in a desired position on the mast, such as (but not limited to) a removable ledge with an outer circumference larger than the inner circumference of the slider, clips, pins, clasps, and the like. The retention element therefore locks the slider at a desired location along the mast. In this way, the ribs and support arms can be maintained in the open configuration without the slider slipping to a lower position. Likewise, the slider can also be locked in a lower "storage" configuration along the mast (or any location therebetween).

The slider can also be used to fold the ribs and support arms, such as when the assembly is transitioned to a storage configuration (e.g., not in use). When the slider is in an upper position on the mast, the support arms and ribs are unfolded outward and thus sail <NUM> is unfolded, as shown in <FIG>. When the slider moves to a lower position on the mast, the support arms and ribs are folded to the storage position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Therefore, the slider can travel on the mast in an upward direction to extend the ribs and support arms to a fully open configuration. The slider can also move downward along the mast to transition the ribs and support arms into a folded position.

Ribs <NUM> and support arms <NUM> can have any desired cross-sectional shape. For example, the ribs and support arms can be configured with a circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, heart, diamond, or abstract cross-sectional shape.

As set forth above, assembly <NUM> comprises mast <NUM> that reinforces ribs <NUM> and support arms <NUM>, as well as provides height to the assembly, as shown in <FIG>. The mast further provides a base about which the ribs can rotate via pivot cap <NUM>. The mast includes first end <NUM> operatively attached to pivot cap <NUM> and second end <NUM> attached to anchor <NUM>. The mast can be permanently or releasably attached to the pivot cap and/or anchor.

The pivot cap is attached to mast first end <NUM> using any known method. For example, a screw, bolt, or other element <NUM> can be threaded through the pivot cap, extending into the mast as shown in <FIG>. In this way, the pivot cap attaches to the mast and still can rotate freely in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The pivot cap can have any desired shape and is not limited to the embodiment shown in <FIG>. Attachment of the pivot cap to the mast is further not limited.

Mast <NUM> includes length <NUM> that in an example can be adjusted as desired by the user. For example, the mast can include telescoping inner and outer tubes <NUM>, <NUM>. The term "telescoping" refers to a mechanical action of at least two longitudinal bodies of congruent cross-sections sliding relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis. As shown in <FIG>, inner tube <NUM> can be at least partially slidably disposed into the interior of outer tube <NUM>. Specifically, the diameter of the outer tube is larger than the diameter of the inner tube such that the inner tube can be housed within the interior of the outer tube. The mast can include any number of telescoping tubes. A locking pin can pass through one or more holes <NUM> configured in the outer tube to hold the mast at the desired length. Alternatively, the inner and outer tubes can cooperate with a locking screw to secure the mast height. It should be appreciated that the length of the mast can be locked using any known element, such as friction fit, screw fit, snap-fit, screws, bolts, and the like.

It should further be appreciated that the length of the mast can be adjusted using any known mechanism and is not limited to a telescoping arrangement. For example, the mast can include a plurality of segments that can be added or removed as desired to achieve a suitable height. In other embodiments, the length of mast <NUM> is not adjustable.

Mast <NUM> can have any desired cross-sectional shape. For example, the mast can be configured with a circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, heart, diamond, or abstract cross-sectional shape.

Second end <NUM> of the mast is operatively connected to anchor <NUM>. The term "anchor" broadly refers to any element that provides weight and/or a mechanism by which to secure assembly <NUM> into a support surface (e.g., sand). The anchor can be permanently attached to mast <NUM> using adhesives, welding, and the like. Alternatively, the anchor can be releasably attached to the mast using any of a wide variety of mechanical elements (e.g., screw knob <NUM>). A releasably attached anchor allows for the replacement of the anchor depending on use conditions (e.g., beach sand versus grass or rock).

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of anchor <NUM> comprising auger <NUM> that can be configured as any type of spike, helical corkscrew, or shaft optionally having a threaded portion capable of being turned and embedding itself into a support surface (e.g., sand at a beach). Lower end <NUM> of the auger can be configured as a spike or pointed end to initiate insertion of the anchor into the support surface. Because auger <NUM> is inserted into a support surface, it does not rotate and remains in the inserted position until the user desires to remove it. Likewise, the mast does not rotate in response to wind conditions due to its attachment to the anchor.

The disclosed assembly further includes tension adjuster <NUM> that allows a user to adjust the tension on the pivot cap relative to the mast easily and safely. In this way, a user can alter the amount of rotation ribs <NUM>, support arms <NUM> and slider <NUM> have about mast <NUM> in response to wind conditions. The tension adjuster can be generally located adjacent to the pivot cap. The tension adjuster is also attached to mast <NUM> using any known mechanism (e.g., screws, bolts, clips, etc.).

As described above, the pivot cap (and attached ribs, slider, and support arms) can freely rotate about the mast in response to the wind blowing. The tension adjuster can be tightened as desired by the user (e.g., when the wind is shifting back and forth) to stop or limit rotation of the pivot cap (and ribs, support arm, and slider) about the mast to maintain a more balanced assembly. For example, in an example the tension adjuster can be loosened to allow the pivot cap, ribs, support arms, and slider to freely rotate (e.g., <NUM> degrees) about the mast. In other embodiments, the pivot cap, ribs, slider, and support arms have a more limited freedom to rotate (e.g., it takes a stronger gust of wind to rotate). In an example the tension adjuster can be fully tightened such that the ribs, slider, and support arms cannot rotate relative to the mast.

Tension adjuster <NUM> can have any desired configuration that allows a user to control the level of movement of the tension cap relative to the mast. For example, in an example the tension adjuster can include passageway <NUM> with actuator <NUM> (e.g., lever or screw) capable of contacting pivot cap <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Adjusting the actuator through the passageway will increase or decrease the tension on the pivot cap. Specifically, if the actuator is tightened to fully contact the pivot cap, the pivot cap will be incapable of moving relative to the mast. Alternatively, if the actuator is loosened such that it does not fully contact or press against the mast, the pivot cap is free to rotate. Any degree of actuator tightening can therefore adjust the level of pivot cap rotation.

The tension adjuster can have any known configuration and is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the tension adjuster can apply a force parallel, at an angle, or perpendicular to the tension it creates. The force can be generated by any known method, such as fixed displacement, stretching/compression of a spring, changing the volume of a gas, hydraulic pressure, or gravity. Tension adjuster <NUM> can therefore include any device that applies a force to create or maintain tension.

Further, actuator <NUM> can have any known configuration, such as (but not limited to) a lever, wrench, key, screw, handle, knob, bolt, and the like.

The ribs, mast, support arms, pivot cap, tension adjuster, and anchor can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, brass, stainless steel, copper), plastic, wood, stone, or combinations thereof. In an example each element is constructed from the same material. In other embodiments, one element can be constructed from a material that differs from at least one other element.

Assembly <NUM> further includes sail <NUM> that cooperates with ribs <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sail can include front edge <NUM>, rear edge <NUM>, and a pair of side edges <NUM>. The sail further includes top face <NUM> and bottom face <NUM>.

Front edge <NUM> comprises channel <NUM> sized and shaped to house each rib <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The front edge can be a straight edge, a curved edge, or have any known configuration. The ribs can be removed from channels <NUM> if desired by the user (e.g., to repair the sail or replace with a new sail). Channels <NUM> can be formed in the sail using any known method. For example, in an example the channel can be formed through sewing, welding, and the like. Such methods are well known in the art.

In an example each channel includes one or more apertures. For example, each channel can include apertures <NUM> sized and shaped to allow each rib to be inserted into channel <NUM>. The channel can further include one or more apertures <NUM> sized and shaped to allow each support arm to connect with the appropriate rib, as shown in <FIG>. Apertures <NUM>, <NUM> can have any desired size and/or shape so long as they allow for insertion of a rib and/or connection of a support arm with a rib (e.g., through one or more screws, clips, and/or the like). Further, apertures <NUM>, <NUM> can be positioned at any suitable position in the channel.

Optionally, bottom face <NUM> of the sail can include at least one closed conduit <NUM> that provides a passageway for the flow of the wind during use. <FIG> illustrates one embodiment of conduit <NUM> comprising open mouth <NUM> positioned adjacent to the sail front edge, length <NUM> and closed end <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the flow of wind (represented by the arrows) as it enters open mouth <NUM>, hits closed end <NUM> and then exits the open mouth. Conduit <NUM> provides added support for the sail, preventing or reducing excess flapping in the wind.

In an example the length of the conduit is the same as the length of the sail (i.e., the conduit extends the full length of the sail). In other embodiments, the conduit is configured to be shorter than the length of the sail, as shown in <FIG>. In an example the thickness of the conduit can taper as it reaches closed end <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The conduit can have any cross-sectional shape, such as (but not limited to) square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, and the like.

In an example the sail can be formed as a single portion of material. In other embodiments, the sail can be constructed from two or more pieces of material joined together, such as by welding or sewing.

The sail can be configured in any desired shape, such as square, rectangular, rounded, oval, triangular, pentagonal, abstract, and the like. In an example the sail can include at least one straight edge to accommodate the channel.

The sail can further have any desired dimensions, such as length <NUM> and/or width <NUM> of about <NUM>-<NUM> feet (e.g., at least/no more than about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> feet). In an example the sail can have an area of about <NUM>-<NUM> ft<NUM> (e.g., at least/no more than about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> ft<NUM>). However, the sail can be configured with dimensions outside the range given above. The term "length" refers to the distance in the longitudinal direction. The term "width" refers to the dimension perpendicular to the length.

Sail <NUM> can have any desired thickness, such as about <NUM> inch or less. Thus, the sail can have a thickness of about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> inches or less. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the sail can have thickness of greater or less than the range given above.

Sail <NUM> can be constructed from any desired lightweight material. The term "lightweight material" refers to any material that is able to be lifted and carried by the wind (e.g., a wind speed of at least about <NUM>-<NUM> mph). Suitable materials can therefore include (but are not limited to) nylon, polyester, vinyl, rayon, canvas, acrylic fabric, cotton, or combinations thereof.

In an example the material(s) used to construct the sail can have a UPF (ultraviolet protection coefficient) rating of about <NUM> or more in accordance with ASTM D6544, incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of <FIG>, sail <NUM> can include coating <NUM> to reduce the noise level when the sail is moving in the wind. The coating can be positioned on the sail top and/or bottom surfaces. The coating can span the entire top and/or bottom surface or only a portion thereof.

In addition to coating <NUM>, the sail can optionally be calendared and/or treated with the application of heat/pressure to aid in the reduction of noise. The term "calendaring" refers to a method of passing the sail between calendar rolls at high temperature and/or pressure.

Coating <NUM> can comprise any material that would serve to reduce the amount of noise and/or movement of sail <NUM>. Suitable materials can therefore include (but are not limited to) urethane polyurethane, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), or combinations thereof.

Coating <NUM> can have any thickness, such as about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches. In an example the coating can impart a waterproof or water-resistant quality to sail <NUM>. The term "waterproof" refers to a material that is impervious to water. The term "water-resistant" refers to the ability of a material to resist the entry of water to some degree but not entirely.

In an example sail <NUM> can include hem <NUM> sewn or otherwise applied at or adjacent to rear edge <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Hem <NUM> can be sewn with a durable material (e.g., monofilament nylon thread) to reduce the pliability of the sail, which aids in noise reduction and in the reduction of excess flapping in the wind. In an example hem <NUM> is in addition to any rear edge hem used to construct the sail (e.g., the rear edge can include an additional hem). It should be appreciated that hem <NUM> can be configured at any desired location.

In use, the disclosed umbrella assembly can be used to provide shade to one or more users. Anchor <NUM> is positioned in a support surface, such as sand at the beach. The anchor can be inserted into the ground using a twisting motion, which allows the auger to be easily buried, as shown in <FIG>. In an example the mast can be manually rotated to insert the auger into the ground. In other embodiments, mast <NUM> can include one or more handles <NUM> that fold out to aid in screwing the auger into the ground, as illustrated in <FIG>. In an example handles <NUM> can rotate up and down, flush with the mast as shown by the arrows. Thus, the handles fold into the mast when not in use and can be easily folded out when desired to insert the auger into a support surface. It should be appreciated that the handles can have any desired configuration.

Mast <NUM> can then be extended to a desired length to accommodate one or more users and their belongings. For example, inner and outer tubes <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjusted as needed to a desired length. In other embodiments, the mast is of a single length and need only be positioned and attached to the anchor.

Ribs <NUM> can then be inserted into channel <NUM> of the sail. In an example each rib is inserted into channel aperture <NUM> for proper placement in the channel. It should be appreciated that aperture <NUM> can be positioned at any location in channel <NUM>. For example, in an example each aperture <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the center of the channel (e.g., about <NUM>-<NUM> inches from the center point of the channel). Once the ribs are inserted into channel <NUM>, apertures <NUM> are properly positioned to allow support arms <NUM> to be attached to the ribs, as shown in <FIG>. Particularly, the apertures provide an opening in the sail to allow the support arms to directly attach to the ribs. In this way, the support arms can be easily attached to the ribs.

The sail can then be secured into position via bridge <NUM> and arm <NUM> on the pivot cap, as shown in <FIG>. For example, in an example the portion of the sail positioned between apertures <NUM> can be inserted into the bridge opening, and the arm then slid over to trap the sail material in position. In this way, the sail does not significantly shift out of proper position during use.

The support arms can then be attached to the ribs through channel apertures <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Any known mechanism to secure the support arms to the ribs can be used. It should be appreciated that the opposing side of the support arms are secured to mast <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the steps included above can be performed in any order.

If desired by the user, the tension adjuster can be set to lock the position of the ribs (e.g., no movement relative to the mast) or to limit movement. As the wind blows, the sail will move in response, blowing and extending outward providing shade to the user, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In an example the sail requires a wind speed of at least <NUM>-<NUM> miles per hour to flap or extend into the wind.

Because the support can rotate and adjust in response to the wind, the assembly has a reduced likelihood of falling over as a result heavy winds and/or when the wind shifts directions. Specifically, when the wind shifts direction, the sail will self-adjust (e.g. the pivot cap, ribs, sail, support arm, and slider rotate about the non-movable mast in response to the wind blowing and changing direction). In addition, because the sail rotates relative to the mast it prevents loosening the auger position and thereby causing failure of the assembly.

The disclosed assembly therefore offers many advantages over prior art systems. For example, because the sail consistently blows in response to the wind, the user's views are not blocked as is common with prior art umbrellas. As a result, users can keep an eye on children and the water at all times.

Further, the disclosed assembly allows the wind to self-adjust the direction of ribs <NUM> and sail <NUM>, saving the user the time and hassle of manually adjusting the assembly.

In addition, the assembly frame is designed to not fall over if the wind stops or changes direction by more than <NUM> degrees.

The frame of the assembly (e.g. mast) does not catch the wind. If the mast falls over, it typically falls straight to the ground and does not tumble down the beach.

The disclosed assembly is capable of being quickly assembled. Users can easily set up the umbrella assembly in about <NUM> seconds or less. Likewise, the assembly can be quickly and easily disassembled in about <NUM> seconds or less.

Current assemblies commonly make use of sandbags, requiring users to fill the bags with sand to weigh down the umbrella, which is messy, time consuming, and can be hazardous if no shovel is available. Further, if wet sand is used, it is even more difficult to fill the bags.

Assembly <NUM> comprises a single mast, so it is universally permitted on beaches where tents are not.

The mast is typically not in the middle of the umbrella sitting area, thereby providing adding convenience to the user.

The disclosed assembly is quiet compared to other umbrellas and sun shades. Specifically, sail <NUM> does not loudly flap in the wind. Rather the sail stays extended by consistently floating in the direction of the wind.

Further, the disclosed system acts as an effective seagull deterrent. Because the sail is constantly changing directions in response to the wind, birds are deterred and tend to keep their distance.

Claim 1:
A self-adjusting sun shade assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a pair of ribs (<NUM>) defined by a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>);
a sail (<NUM>) with a front edge (<NUM>) comprising a channel (<NUM>) sized and shaped to house each rib such that the ribs extend across the front edge;
a mast (<NUM>) comprising a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>); and
an anchor (<NUM>) operably connected to the second end of the mast;
characterized in that the self-adjusting sun shade assembly further comprises:
a pivot cap (<NUM>) to which the first end of each rib is attached and to which the first end of the mast is operably connected, wherein the pivot cap is configured to freely rotate about the mast in the assembled state;
at least one support arm (<NUM>) with a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), wherein the first end of the support arm is attached to one of the ribs and the second end of the support arm is attached to a slider (<NUM>) configured to move up and down the mast; and
a tension adjuster (<NUM>) that adjusts rotation of the pivot cap about the mast;
wherein the pivot cap, ribs, slider, and support arms are configured to rotate about the mast in response to blowing of the wind.