TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

L001J The present subject matter relates to the field of canopy and shades.

BACKGROUND

[002] Temporary structures such as canopy or shades are invented with a purpose to provide users with as a relatively temporary solution for environmental protection from sunrays, heat, rain, and alike. With the advent of technology and innovation happening in material science and the way things are being constructed, portability has become central focus. Temporary structures were built with a focus to have them easily collapsible, easy to carry and subsequent assembly in shorter time span.

[003] The prior arts disclose various portable temporary structures, such as canopy, shelters, shades, or tents. However most of the temporary structures require a large number of separated parts to be assembled together. In addition, such temporary structures essentially demands manual efforts and skills to integrate or disintegrate. Further, prior art discloses various portable temporary structures which require manual locking and unlocking using some sort of knob, button, lever, thereby making the assembly and dis assemble process labor intensive.

[004] Thus, in the light of the above-mentioned background art, it is evident that, there is a need for an auto-retractable pole based shade, which could be erected and collapsed without manual intervention. There is also a need for an auto-retractable pole based shade, which could be erected and collapsed without manual push button locking and unlocking. An auto- retractable pole based shade is required.

SUMMARY

[005] Before the present systems and methods, enablement are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

[006] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, an auto-retractable pole based shade ("shade") is disclosed. In an example, the shade comprises a central pole and a vertical runner connected to the central pole such that the vertical runner is movable along a length of the central pole. The shade further comprises a plurality of hinges adapted to be coupled to an end of the central pole. Further, the shade comprises a plurality of telescopic poles adapted to be coupled to the plurality of hinges, where each of the telescopic poles comprises a base section housing one or more retractable sections, where the base section is adapted to be coupled to the vertical runner. Further, the shade comprises a canopy encasing at least the central pole and the plurality of telescopic poles. The one or more retractable sections of each of the telescopic poles pull out to a predetermined length to provide support for the canopy. Further, the vertical runner, when moved to a first position, causes each of the plurality of telescopic poles to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the central pole to form a region enclosed by the canopy.

[007] In another embodiment of the present invention, the auto-retractable pole based shade is provided. The auto-retractable pole based shade is erected and collapsed without manual intervention such as manual push button locking and unlocking.

[008] The auto-retractable pole based shade disclosed herein may be implemented in any means for achieving various aspects and may be implemented to perform in various ways. Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. There is shown in the drawings example embodiments, however, the application is not limited to the specific system and method disclosed in the drawings. L010J Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an auto-retractable pole based shade, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[Oil] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of an auto-retractable pole based shade, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[012] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view showing interconnection of a central pole, a plurality of telescopic poles, and a plurality of hinges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[013] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view illustrating a central pole and telescopic poles in an unlocked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[014] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a central pole and telescopic poles in an unlocked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[015] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a central pole connected with telescopic poles in a locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[016] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a central pole connected with telescopic poles in an unlocked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[017] Figure 8 illustrates a side view of a central pole connected with telescopic poles in a locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[018] Figure 9 illustrates a closed view of a telescopic pole, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[019] Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of a telescopic pole, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[020] Figure 11 illustrates a view of a telescopic pole, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. L021J Figure 12(a) illustrates a perspective view of a spring loaded pin, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

L022J Figure 12(b) illustrates an exploded view of the spring loaded pin, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[023] Figure 13 illustrates a terminal view of a telescopic pole 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[024] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of a shade along with canopy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[025] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of a shade, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[026] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present subject matter, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present subject matter is defined by the appended claims.

[027] Some embodiments, illustrating its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods, and systems similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments, the preferred methods, and systems are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary.

[028] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an auto-retractable pole based shade 100 is illustrated. The auto-retractable pole based shade 100 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as shade 100. According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the shade 100 comprises a central pole 102 and a vertical runner 104. In an example, the vertical runner 104 is connected to the central pole 102 in a manner such that the vertical runner 104 is moveable along the length of the central pole 102. The shade 100 further comprises a plurality of hinges 106 adapted to be coupled to an end of the central pole 102.

[029] Further, in said embodiment, the shade 100 comprises a plurality of telescopic poles 108 adapted to be coupled to the plurality of hinges. In an example, each of the telescopic poles 108 includes a base section 110 housing one or more retractable sections 112. The base section 110 is adapted to be coupled to the vertical runner 104. The one or more retractable sections 112, as may be understood, may be pulled out to a predetermined length.

[030] The shade 100 further includes a canopy (not shown in the figure) encasing at least the central pole 102 and the telescopic poles 108.

[031] In an example, the shade 100 further includes a plurality of locking arms 114 for coupling the telescopic poles 108 to the vertical runner 104. In an example, a first end of the locking arms 114 is coupled to the vertical runner 104 and a second end of the locking arms 114 is coupled to a locking pin (not shown in the figure) provided on the base section 110.

[032] In an example, in order to set up the shade 100, the one or more retractable sections 112 of each of the telescopic poles 108 are pulled out to a predetermined length to provide support for the canopy. Subsequently, the vertical runner 104 is moved to a first position. When in the first position, the vertical runner 104 causes each of the plurality of telescopic poles 108 to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the central pole 102. In other words, the locking arms 114 extend out, as shown in the figure, and are locked into said position. As a result, a region that is enclosed by the canopy is formed.

[033] In an example, in order to wrap up the shade 100, the vertical runner 104 is moved to a second position closer to the plurality of hinges 106. In said position, the locking arms 114 unlock. That is, the locking arms 1 14 fold inwards and towards the central pole 102. As a result, the telescopic poles 108 move towards the center. Subsequently, the retractable sections 1 12 are retracted into the base section 1 10 and the shade 100 is wrapped up.

[034] The aforementioned description is in respect with a perspective view of the shade 100. A top perspective view 200 of the shade 100 is illustrated in Figure 2. For the sake of brevity, the shade 100 illustrated in Figure 2 includes components/structures similar to that shown in Figure 1.

[035] According to a further embodiment of the present subject matter, a flap (not shown in the figure) is provided on an exterior periphery of the canopy. For example, the flap may be sewn onto the external side of the canopy such that the flap covers the top of the shade 100. In an example, the flap is of a type such that when the shade 100 is wrapped up, the flap encloses at least the central pole 102, the telescopic poles 108, and the canopy. In an example, the flap includes a free end and drawstring. After enclosing the shade 100, the drawstring may be pulled to secure the shade 100, in an example.

[036] According to a further embodiment, the shade 100 may include additional utilities for a user of the shade 100. In an example, the utilities may include, but are not limited to, a phone pocket, a speaker pocket, a phone charger, and a solar panel.

[037] In an example, the shade 100 may have a height of 1420 mm from floor to apex and may include three or more telescopic poles 108 to provide a pyramid or conical shape. Further, in said example, the predetermined length of the telescopic poles 108 may extend up to 2000 mm and each of the telescopic poles may be spaced apart from one another at a distance of 2000 mm. In an example, the telescopic poles 108, the central pole 102, the locking arms 1 14, and the locking clips, may be made from material, such as, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, and/or alloy thereof.

[038] Referring to Figure 3, a perspective view 300 showing interconnection of the central pole 102, the plurality of telescopic poles 108, and the plurality of hinges 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is illustrated. In an example, the hinges 106 are coupled to an end of the central pole 102 as shown. Further, the telescopic poles 108 are connected to the hinges 106. In an example, the hinges 106 facilitate the telescopic poles 108 to swing open and close. [039] Referring to Figure 4, a perspective view 400 illustrating the central pole 102 and the telescopic poles 108 in an unlocked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is shown. As shown in the figure, the vertical runner 104 has a manual lock 402 thereon. The manual lock 402, in an example, is used to secure the vertical runner 104 at a desired position along the length of the central pole 102. In an example, when the vertical runner 104 is positioned closer to the hinges 106, the locking arms 114 are in an unlocked position. That is, the locking arms 114 are closer to the central pole 102.

[040] Referring to Figure 5, a perspective view 500 illustrating the central pole 102 and the telescopic poles 108 in an unlocked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is shown. In an example, when the vertical runner 104 is in the first position, the locking arms 114 are in a locked position. In said case, the shade 100 is fully erected and the canopy is expanded to define a region therein.

[041] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the central pole 102 connected with the telescopic poles 108 in locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example, the base section 110 of the telescopic poles 108 is provided with a locking clip 600. The locking clip 600 facilitates in connecting the telescopic pole to the locking arm 114, which, in turn, is connected to the vertical runner 104.

[042] In an example embodiment, the locking arms 114 and the locking clips 600 may be a unified/single piece serving to lock the base section 110 of the telescopic pole 108 in outward position and keep it in place. The base section 110 may be locked in place via pushing pressure onto the immediate retractable section 112 once the locking arm 114 is in a horizontal position. The pressure may be relieved when the plurality of locking arm 114 is moved to closer to the hinge 106. In such a case, the telescopic pole 108 may be released and retraced, due to the shape of a plastic brake attached with the locking arm 114.

[043] Figure 7 illustrates a side view 700 of the central pole 102 connected with the telescopic poles 108 in an unlocked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the unlocked position, the locking arms 114 retract and move inwards closer to the central pole 102.

[044] In an example embodiment, the locking arms 114 and the locking clips 600 may be separate pieces but connected together. Thus, the locking arms 114 and the locking clips 600 form a mechanism whereby the locking arms get locked in a firm position when the vertical runner 104 is in the first position. As a result, the telescopic poles span across a region so as to expand the shade 100. The same mechanism causes the locking arms 114 to unlock when the vertical runner 104 is moved closer to the hinges 106. As a result, the locking arms 114 fold or move inwards towards the central pole 102 and the telescopic poles too collapse towards the central pole 102. The pressure may be relieved when the locking arms 1 14 are in a vertical position, and the plurality of retractable sections 112 are released and retraced, due to the shape of the plastic brake attached with the plurality of locking arms 1 14.

[045] Figure 8 illustrates a side view 800 of the central pole 102 connected with the telescopic poles 108 in locked position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[046] In an example embodiment, the telescopic poles 108 of the shade 100 are connected to the vertical runner 104 that is further connected to the central pole 102. In such a case, the base section 110 of the telescopic pole 108 is connected to the vertical runner 104 using the locking arm 114 and the locking clip 600. In an example, when the vertical runner 104 is moved towards the first position, a position that is in a direction opposite to the hinge 106, the locking arms 114 slide down too and expand and gets into a locking position. As a result, the shade 100 is expanded and the canopy forms an enclosed space.

[047] In an example embodiment, the plurality of locking arms 1 14 and the locking clips 600 may be separate pieces but connected together, serving to lock the base section 1 10 in outward position and keep it in place. The base section 1 10 may be locked in place via pushing pressure onto the immediate next retractable section 112 of the telescopic pole 108 once the locking arm 1 14 gets into the horizontal position.

[048] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, locking arms 114 may serve to lock the base section 110 in an outward position and keep it in place via a contracting mechanism. The contracting mechanism squeezes the base section 110 outwards in order to hold it in place. In an example, the base section 1 10 may be locked and unlocked using a large threaded screw (not shown in the figure). The threaded screw grips the base section 1 10 in a manner such that the grip is tightened and loosened as the locking arms 1 14 move down and up, respectively. As the locking arms 1 14 move into the horizontal position, the base section 110 may be tightened and locked in place with the help of the threaded screw. As the locking arm 114 moves into the vertical position, the base section 110 may be released and unlocked with the help of the threaded screw. Thus, the shade 100 is retraced.

L049J Figure 9 illustrates a closed view 900 of the telescopic pole 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in the view, the retractable sections 112 are connected with each other using a spring loaded pin 902 that is anchored with a corresponding hole (not shown in the figure). In an example, the locking mechanism formed by the spring loaded pin and the corresponding hole locks all the retractable sections 112, except the base section 110, when the telescopic pole 108 is pulled out. When the telescopic pole 108 is fully extended, the spring loaded pin 902 of a first retractable section 112 is anchored using a corresponding hole of a second retractable section 112.

[050] In an example, the sections of the telescopic poles 108 may be adapted to hold each other into place via friction, constantly. In an example, the sections of the telescopic poles 108 pull out to the predetermined length when the shade 100 is erected. In such a case, the sections hold each other in place via constant friction. In an example, the shade 100 may be collapsed by applying significant enough force that may cause the sections of the telescopic poles 108 to collapse thereby causing retraction of said sections.

[051] In an example, each of the sections comprises at least two metal plates that facilitate in holding the sections into place via constant friction. In an example, each of the two plates comprises at least two bumps. The two bumps are adapted to hold the at least two metal plates in their corresponding position, due to a plurality of holes in the each of the sections of the telescopic pole 108. further, the bumps protrude through the inside of each of the plurality of sections of the telescopic poles 108, while preventing the smaller of the sections from falling out the back of the larger sections.

[052] In an example embodiment, the friction method adapted for holding the plurality of sections of the telescopic pole 108 together may also allow for the sections to be used for the shade 100. In an example each section may be of length 30 cm and a shade having even telescopic poles may have an approximate length of 200 cm.

[053] Referring to Figure 10 an exploded view 1000 of the telescopic pole 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is shown. In an example embodiment, the telescopic ole 108 comprises the base section 110 and the one or more retractable sections 112. In an example, the retractable sections 112 are connected with each other using the spring loaded pin 902 anchored with a corresponding hole 1002 as shown in the figure.

[054] Referring to Figure 11, a view 1100 of the telescopic pole 108 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example, the telescopic pole 108 includes the base section 110 and the retractable sections 112. As mentioned above, the retractable sections 112 are connected with each other using the spring loaded pin 902 anchored by the corresponding hole 1002. When the telescopic pole 108 is unlocked, that is, retracted, the unlocking mechanism of the spring loaded pin 902 and the hole 1002 unlocks all the retractable sections 112. Thus, the retractable sections 112 move into the base section 110. In such a case, when fully retracted, the spring loaded pin 902 does not anchor with the corresponding hole 1002. During retractions, a first retractable section 112 hits the spring loaded pin 902 of a second retractable section 112 thereby, releasing the spring loaded pin 902 and causing the second retractable sections 112 to collapse. In an example, at least one of the base section 110 and the retractable sections 112 may have a clip located at an opposite end for preventing hyperextension.

[055] Figure 12(a) illustrates a perspective view 1200 of the spring loaded pin 902, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 12(b) illustrates an exploded view 1202 of the spring loaded pin 902, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example embodiment, the retractable sections 112 are connected with each other using the spring loaded pins 902 and the corresponding holes 1002. As shown in the figures 12(a) and 12(b), in an example, the spring loaded pin 902 comprises a spring 1204 that is anchored with the corresponding hole 1002.

[056] Figure 13 illustrates a terminal view 1300 of the telescopic leg 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in the figure, an end tip 1302 is connected to an end of the telescopic pole 108 for anchoring the shade 100 on a surface.

[057] Referring to Figure 14 a perspective view of the shade 100 along with canopy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is shown. In an example embodiment, a canopy 1400 encases at least the telescopic poles 108 an the central pole 102 to provide a user with shade or protection from other environmental factors such as heat, rain, and the like. [058] Referring to Figure 15, a perspective view of the shade 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, is shown. In an example embodiment, the canopy 1400 comprises a flap 1500. The flap 1500, in an example, is provided over a top region 1502 of the canopy 1400 and is sewn into the canopy 1400 in a manner such that the flap 1500 has a loose end. In an example, a drawstring is attached along the loose end for sealing the shade 100 when the shade 100 is wrapped up.

[059] The illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.