Facetent for avoiding solar radiation

Abstract

The present invention discloses a collapsible shade for avoiding solar radiation. The shade includes a first oblong segment of material which forms the base of the apparatus. In one aspect, the first oblong segment of material includes, situated around its perimeter, a first malleable element, such as a wire, to expand the segment of material to an expanded shape when uncollapsed. The shade further includes a second oblong segment of material which forms the dome of the apparatus. The second oblong segment contains a second malleable element disposed around its perimeter to enable the apparatus to form a dome-like configuration when uncollapsed. A user can then shade his or her face or other objects under the dome. The apparatus also includes a flap attached to a longer end of the second oblong segment, which can be rolled up and attached to the second oblong segment when not in use. The apparatus is collapsible for easy and convenient storage and transport, and can be placed into a circular pouch or similar containment apparatus.

1 . An apparatus for avoiding solar radiation on objects such as a face and adjacent body parts of a user, comprising: 
 (1) a solar shade, comprising: 
 (a) a first oblong disk forming a base of the solar shade, the first oblong disk comprising a first malleable element disposed across a perimeter of the first oblong disk;  
 (b) a second oblong disk forming a dome of the solar shade, wherein non-elongated ends of the second oblong disk are coupled, respectively, to non-elongated ends of the first oblong disk, the second oblong disk further comprising a second malleable element disposed across a perimeter of the second oblong disk; and  
   (2) solar shade containment means; wherein the solar shade is collapsible for insertion into the containment means.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a flap disposed across at least a portion of an elongated end of the second oblong disk, the flap comprising attachment means to enable a user to secure the flap near the top of the elongated disk.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first oblong disk comprises supporting material.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first oblong disk comprises a pillow.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first oblong disk comprises an air bladder.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second malleable elements comprise metal wires.  
   
   
       7 . A collapsible shade for avoiding solar radiation, comprising: 
 a first segment of stretchable material in a substantially oblong shape, the first segment used for placement on a surface;    a second segment of stretchable material in a substantially oblong shape, wherein shorter ends of the second segment are attached, respectively, to shorter ends of the first segment;    a malleable wire attached substantially around the perimeter of the second segment; and    a containment pouch; wherein    the first and second segments are collapsible by a user for insertion into the pouch.    
   
   
       8 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the first segment further comprises a separate malleable wire attached substantially around its perimeter.  
   
   
       9 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the first segment further comprises an air bladder.  
   
   
       10 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the first segment further comprises a pillow.  
   
   
       11 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the second segment further comprises a flap of material appended to a longer end of the second segment.  
   
   
       12 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the second segment further comprises a flap of material appended to a longer end of the second segment; and 
 wherein the second segment and the flap comprise attachment means for rolling up and securing the flap at an area adjacent the longer end.    
   
   
       13 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second segments comprise stretchable nylon.  
   
   
       14 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second segments comprise the same material.  
   
   
       15 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the pouch is substantially circular.  
   
   
       16 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the pouch is less than twenty-four inches in diameter.  
   
   
       17 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the malleable wire is sewn into the second segment.  
   
   
       18 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second segments are sewn together.  
   
   
       19 . The solar shade of  claim 7 , wherein the malleable wire is contained within the perimeter of the second segment in a sewn pocket.  
   
   
       20 . A collapsible apparatus for avoiding solar radiation, comprising: 
 first disk means for use as a base for a user;    second disk means coupled to the first disk means, the second disk means for use as ,dome for shading, wherein the first and second disk means are collapsible; and    containment means for maintaining the collapsible form of the first and second disk means.    
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , further comprising flap means coupled to the second disk means.