Self erecting protective shielding device for a one or more user

Abstract

A self-erecting shielding structure is configured for erection in an outdoor/indoor seating area having a first predetermined width W and a first predetermined depth D. The self-erecting shielding structure includes a structure operable for transforming from a stored collapsed mode into an open expanded mode and post use back into the stored mode.

1 . A self-erecting shielding structure which protects a user from the elements and potential harmful surrounding environmental conditions, the structure configured for erection in a seating area A of a first predetermined width W and a first predetermined depth D, which includes:
 a frame ( 12 ) which is formed from at least one flexible coilable member ( 14 ), wherein said frame ( 12 ) in an open mode defines a bottom ( 16 ) which has a width substantially that of the first predetermined width W and a depth substantially that of the first predetermined depth D and a height substantially sufficient to extend up from said bottom ( 16 ) and above a head of a person sitting in the seating area A; and   a flexible enclosure material ( 28 ) covers a top ( 34 ), and one or more side ( 28 ,  32 ), a back ( 36 ), and a front ( 38 ) connected to said frame ( 12 ), wherein said frame ( 12 ) and said flexible enclosure material ( 28 ) are collectively collapsible and restrained to a stored mode and whereupon relaxing self erects to provide said self-erecting shielding structure and wherein said top ( 34 ), and said one or more side ( 30 ,  32 ), said back ( 36 ), and said front ( 38 ) includes a fully removable panel ( 35 ), ( 31 ), ( 33 ) ( 37 ) and ( 39 ), respectively, which are interconnected via a fastener ( 41 B) having a connecting surface to complementary connect to a fastener ( 41 A) which is connected to and extending along said frame ( 12 ), wherein panel ( 35 ) extends downward from said top and truncates short of said bottom ( 16 ) to permit one's legs to extend out from said frame ( 12 ).   
     
     
         2 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , which is provided with a restraining member ( 42 ) to maintain in a stored closed mode and by removing said restraining member ( 42 ) enables expansion of said self-erecting shielding structure. 
     
     
         3 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said fastening members  41 A and  41 B include complementary hook and loop material. 
     
     
         4 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible material includes an attachable leg covering ( 40 ) connectable to said front panel bottom with one of a hook and loop, snap, and zipper. 
     
     
         5 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 3 , wherein said panels ( 35 ), ( 31 ), ( 33 ) ( 37 ) and ( 39 ) and leg covering ( 40 ) are removably connected by way of one of a hook and loop, snap, and zipper 
     
     
         6 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible enclosure material ( 28 ) is made of one of a waterproof material, plastic, a UV absorbing and/or blocking material and an RF absorbing and/or blocking material. 
     
     
         7 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible enclosure material ( 28 ) includes one of translucent and opaque material. 
     
     
         8 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said top ( 34 ) by virtue of said frame ( 12 ) provides a run off of the environmental elements away from a front of said frame. 
     
     
         9 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said coilable member ( 14 ) is configured to self erect in a generally rectangular form. 
     
     
         10 . The self-erecting shielding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said fastener portion ( 41 A) connects to said coilable member  14  and extends along a perimeter of said bottom ( 26 ), said top ( 34 ), and said one or more side ( 30 ,  32 ), said back ( 36 ), and said front ( 38 ).