Apparatus for protecting an object and/or displaying information

Abstract

An apparatus includes a flexible frame connected to a membrane. The apparatus also includes a coupler configured to couple the apparatus to an object. The apparatus can be self-deploying and used in conjunction with many objects, such as cars, boats, machinery, places, structures, etc. which are desirous of protecting for a longer and lasting lifetime. The coupler can be configured to adhere to any surface, such as glass, metal, fiberglass, plastic, vinyl, etc. The cover can be collapsed by simply pulling two sides of the membrane or frame together at which point the flexible frame collapses on to itself An information bearing unit can be attached to the collapsed or partially-collapsed apparatus to display information. When deployed, the apparatus creates an airspace between an object and its membrane provides a shaded space which operates to decrease environmental effects, such as from rays from the sun, hail, acid rain, etc. The apparatus can also be convertible with a replaceable membrane wherein a different material can be deployed according to environmental conditions at the place of deployment.

1 . An apparatus having at least one of a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the apparatus comprising: 
 a flexible membrane having an upper surface including an associated surface area, a lower surface including an associated surface area, an outer boundary, and a thickness;    a flexible frame coupled with and to support the flexible membrane, wherein the flexible frame encompasses a portion of the outer boundary of the flexible membrane; and,    a coupler coupled with the flexible frame and configured to releasably couple the flexible frame and membrane to an object, wherein the coupler is operable to be removably coupled to the object.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to provide an area of shade to an object located under the lower surface of the flexible membrane when in the deployed configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible frame and flexible membrane are configurable to be positioned in at least one of the collapsed configuration, a partially-collapsed configuration, and the deployed configuration.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an information bearing unit coupled with the flexible frame and membrane, wherein the information bearing unit includes information to display when coupled to the flexible frame and membrane.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising a removable information bearing unit removably coupled with the flexible frame and membrane, wherein the removable information bearing unit includes information to display when coupled with the flexible frame and membrane and when the flexible frame and membrane are configured in at least one of the collapsed configuration and the partially-collapsed configuration.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the removable information bearing unit comprises a removable cover including indicia for displaying information.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the coupler is selected from at least one of a suction cup and a magnet.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane is configured to protect the object when in the deployed configuration.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane can be replaced with a different flexible membrane according to conditions at a place of deployment.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible frame and flexible membrane are configured to deploy in at least one of an oval shape, circular shape, square shape, polygonal, and shape of a portion of the object.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus having at least one of a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the apparatus comprising: 
 protecting means having an upper surface including an associated surface area, a lower surface including an associated surface area, an outer boundary, and a thickness, wherein the protecting means is for protecting an object when in the apparatus is in the deployed configuration;    support means for supporting the protecting means and coupled thereto, wherein the support means encompasses a portion of the outer boundary of the protecting means;    coupling means for coupling the support means and the protecting means to an object, wherein the coupling means is configured to releasably couple the support means to the object; and,    cover means for covering the support means and protecting means when the apparatus is in the collapsed configuration.    
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the coupling means comprises a suction means or magnet means for coupling the support means to the object.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the coupling means further comprises a swivel support for orienting the apparatus in a desired orientation to maximize a shaded area.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the support means comprises a flexible frame, and the flexible frame can be configured in at least one of the deployed configuration, collapsed configuration, and partially-collapsed configuration.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the protecting means comprises a flexible membrane, and the flexible frame and flexible membrane can be configured to a desired shape.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the cover means further comprises an information bearing means for displaying information when coupled with the support means and protecting means and when the support means and protecting means are in at least one of the collapsed configuration and a partially-collapsed configuration.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the support means and protecting means are configured to be positioned in at least one of the collapsed configuration, a partially-collapsed configuration, and the deployed configuration, and 
 the support means and protecting means are configured to deploy in a different shape when configured in the at least one of the collapsed configuration, partially-collapsed configuration, and deployed configuration.    
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a configurable area of shade to an object located below the lower surface of the protecting means when in the deployed configuration.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the protecting means is convertible and can be replaced with a different protecting means according to environmental and other conditions at a place of deployment.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the support means and protecting means are configured to deploy in at least one of an oval shape, circular shape, square shape, polygonal, and shape of a portion of the object.