Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Portable shelter – Framework
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2001-10-02
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Portable shelter
Framework
C135S115000, C047S017000, C047S031000, C523S135000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296004
ABSTRACT:
THIS INVENTION relates to a sun shield, particularly, though not exclusively, for children, and animals.
It is known that exposure to the sun can cause a child or animal to be exposed to ultraviolet radiation in the range of 290 to 320 nM (UV-B) and 320-400 nM (UV-A), which can be harmful to the skin. UV-A is known to cause degeneration of elastic and collagen fibres in the dermis of the skin and UV-B is known to cause skin cancer, premature aging and burning of the skin. Young children are particularly susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Furthermore, incident IR (infrared) radiation (above 700 nM) can cause the child to become uncomfortably warm which in turn can cause the child to become unwell.
It is an object of the present invention to minimise the effects of the incident radiation on a child by providing an effective sun shield.
GB 2280678 describes a sun shield in the form of a plastics film mounted on a framework to provide a shelter against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The plastics film is stated to be flexible thus to be formed around a curved framework and to include, as part of its composition, a UV-absorbing material, the extent of absorption being selectable according to the intended use. Such a sun shield cannot additionally provide protection against the harmful effects of IR radiation, and the composition of the film is to be established closely within pre-determined requirements thus rendering it expensive in manufacture.
According to the present invention therefore there is provided a sun shield capable of protecting against the harmful effects of incident radiation, formed from a material which is at least substantially transparent, which is sufficiently flexible and supple as to be readily folded and/or creased without becoming split or permanently marked, the material consisting of at least two superimposed layers of different materials and providing at least substantially complete absorption of UV radiation in the range of 290 to 400 nM and at least substantially complete reflection of IR radiation above 700 nM.
Further according to the invention there is provided a sun shield in which the material is in the form of a transparent flexible plastics film laminated or otherwise superimposed with a further transparent film which further film includes a material which at least substantially absorbs incident radiation in the range of 290 to 400 nM.
Still further according to the present invention there is provided a sun shield in which the material is in the form of a flexible plastics film onto the surface of which there is deposited a coating which at least substantially absorbs and/or reflects incident radiation in the range of 290 to 400 nM and above 700 nM.
Still further according to the invention there is provided a sun shield wherein the at least substantially transparent flexible material is attached to and supported upon a framework of rigid members which are adapted for attachment to a child's car seat or the like or a wheeled carriage such as a pushchair, the frame members being relatively pivotable thus to fold the sun shield into a stowed condition when not required.
When referring herein to a “flexible” material this term is to be construed as one which can be readily folded and/or creased substantially without becoming split or permanently marked. Such materials may be used for hoods and side screens which are frequently folded and unfolded and thus must be sufficiently supple to withstand such treatment without damage.
Thus it is possible to provide effective shielding from the harmful effects of the sun's rays, whilst allowing visibility through the shield, whereby a child retains the ability to respond to visual stimuli, while visibility of the child through the shield is also maintained, i.e. the child can be readily seen by the parent or guardian.
The shield may be rendered permeable to air, for example by perforations, whereby air circulation within the shield is encouraged.
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XP-002072151 Derwent Abstract, Oct., 1989.
Canfield Robert
Samuels Gauthier & Stevens
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