Background of the invention Sunshades are used in cars and other vehicles to reduce the undesirable effects of incident sunlight. Sunshades for use in cars are generally required to be collapsible for convenient storage, and many arrangements have been devised.

For example, there are many types of sunshades which use a concertina arrangement of connected elements to provide a sunshade that can be collapsed into a more convenient form.

Similarly, there are various sunshades which include a"twist"spring (for example, of sprung steel) which holds the sunshade in its expanded form but allows and facilitates"folding"for storage. However, many people find that sunshades of this type can be difficult to collapse for storage, as there are no clearly defined or readily apparent actions by which the sunshade can be collapsed.

It is an object of the invention to at least in part alleviate these and other problems associated with existing sunshades.

Summary of the invention Accordingly the invention provides a folding aid which allows a pliant material to be transformed between an expanded form and a contracted form, the folding aid including members joined by biasing elements, such that the members in combination with the biasing elements (i) act on the material to urge it to an expanded form, and (ii) upon two members being moved toward each other by a user, promote the folding of the material from said expanded form to said

contracted form.

The biasing means are sufficiently resilient to hold at least a portion of the material in a generally expanded form, but are sufficiently flexible to allow for convenient manipulation and collapse of the material. The actual arrangement of the stiffening means and biasing means defines the actions required to manipulate the material to a collapsed form.

Preferably a piece of substantially opaque material is securely attached to the folding aid to form a sunshade.

Preferably the stiffening means are elongate stiffening members, and the biasing means are resilient biasing elements. Preferably the biasing elements and the stiffening members are connected with each other and co-operate by directly acting on each other.

Preferably the folding aid has a generally polygonal shape. More preferably, the stiffening members are provided adjacent the edges of the material, and the stiffening members are connected with each other by the biasing elements secured between the ends of pairs of the stiffening members. In some embodiments, preferably along at least one polygonal edge, two or more of the stiffening members are connected by biasing elements along at least one polygonal edge to permit the material to be conveniently manipulated to a more compact collapsed form.

Preferably the biasing elements are adapted to urge adjoining elongate stiffening members towards a generally orientation of mutual or coaxial alignment, or close thereto. However, the biasing elements and stiffening members are preferably arranged so that the biasing elements are prevented from moving adjoining members to such an orientation, for example, four members and four biasing elements arranged in a square. Due to restrictions on the biasing elements, caused by the material attached to the stiffening members, the material is generally planar when the sunshade is in its expanded form.

contracted form.

The biasing means are sufficiently resilient to hold at least a portion of the material in a generally expanded form, but are sufficiently flexible to allow for convenient manipulation and collapse of the material. The actual arrangement of the stiffening means and biasing means defines the actions required to manipulate the material to a collapsed form.

Preferably a piece of substantially opaque material is securely attached to the folding aid to form a sunshade.

Preferably the stiffening means are elongate stiffening members, and the biasing means are resilient biasing elements. Preferably the biasing elements and the stiffening members are connected with each other and co-operate by directly acting on each other.

Preferably the folding aid has a generally polygonal shape. More preferably, the stiffening members are provided adjacent the edges of the material, and the stiffening members are connected with each other by the biasing elements secured between the ends of pairs of the stiffening members. In some embodiments, preferably along at least one polygonal edge, two or more of the stiffening members are connected by biasing elements along at least one polygonal edge to permit the material to be conveniently manipulated to a more compact collapsed form.

Preferably the biasing elements are adapted to urge adjoining elongate stiffening members towards a generally orientation of mutual or coaxial alignment, or close thereto. However, the biasing elements and stiffening members are preferably arranged so that the biasing elements are prevented from moving adjoining members to such an orientation, for example, four members and four biasing elements arranged in a square. Due to restrictions on the biasing elements, caused by the material attached to the stiffening members, the material is generally planar when the sunshade is in its expanded form.

Preferably the folding aid acts on the periphery of the material and each stiffening member is enclose within a channel extending around the periphery of the material. The peripheral channel is formed by stitching the outer edge of the material onto itself so that the channel encloses the connected stiffening members and biasing elements.

Preferably the folding aid has a generally square structure having a first comer and a diagonally opposed second corner, as well as a third corner and a diagonal opposed fourth corner, so that the material can be manipulated to a collapsed form by placing the first corner near the second corner, and then moving the third corner to near the fourth corner. The four stiffening members are then parallel and the material can be wrapped around them.

Preferably, the stiffening members are rods and the biasing elements are resilient plastic mouldings. The biasing elements can be provided instead by, for example, spring elements, such as linear helical springs. Accordingly the biasing elements are also tensioned while the folding aid is held in its expanded form.

Preferably the material can be conveniently held in a collapsed configuration by a detent means, such as a loop attached to the material or folding aid. Preferably, a relatively short strip of elastic material forms a loop attached to an elastic loop attached to an edge of the material. The detent means can be used to prevent the material being urged to an expanded form, such as when the material is to be stored.

Preferably the folding aid has a generally square structure formed by a connected arrangement of four rods and four resilient mouldings, suitable for use with a generally square piece of the material. Preferably, the resilient mouldings are generally"flat" (that is, having distinct major and minor cross-sectional dimensions).

Preferably, the folding aid is collapsed by opposed corners being brought together against the action of the mouldings, with the rods forming an"L"shape, the ends of which are then brought together to bring the material into a collapsed

Preferably the folding aid acts on the periphery of the material and each stiffening member is enclose within a channel extending around the periphery of the material. The peripheral channel is formed by stitching the outer edge of the material onto itself so that the channel encloses the connected stiffening members and biasing elements.

Preferably the folding aid has a generally square structure having a first comer and a diagonally opposed second corner, as well as a third corner and a diagonal opposed fourth corner, so that the material can be manipulated to a collapsed form by placing the first corner near the second corner, and then moving the third corner to near the fourth corner. The four stiffening members are then parallel and the material can be wrapped around them.

Preferably, the stiffening members are rods and the biasing elements are resilient plastic mouldings. The biasing elements can be provided instead by, for example, spring elements, such as linear helical springs. Accordingly the biasing elements are also tensioned while the folding aid is held in its expanded form.

Preferably the material can be conveniently held in a collapsed configuration by a detent means, such as a loop attached to the material or folding aid. Preferably, a relatively short strip of elastic material forms a loop attached to an elastic loop attached to an edge of the material. The detent means can be used to prevent the material being urged to an expanded form, such as when the material is to be stored.

Preferably the folding aid has a generally square structure formed by a connected arrangement of four rods and four resilient mouldings, suitable for use with a generally square piece of the material. Preferably, the resilient mouldings are generally"flat" (that is, having distinct major and minor cross-sectional dimensions).

Preferably, the folding aid is collapsed by opposed corners being brought together against the action of the mouldings, with the rods forming an"L"shape, the ends of which are then brought together to bring the material into a collapsed

form.

Preferably the material has light and heat reflecting properties suitable for use as a sunshade inside vehicles.

The invention also provides a folding aid suitable for use with pliant material, the folding aid including elongate members connected with the material, the members being joined by biasing elements which are secured to ends of the members and which act to urge adjoining members apart. In use, the stiffening members act on the material to transform it to an expanded form. Preferably, adjoining stiffening members are urged towards a common longitudinal orientation so that, in use, the stiffening members under action of the biasing elements, move the stiffening members to an expanded configuration in which the members are oriented to hold the material in a generally unfolded form, but in which the stiffening members can be moved to a collapsed configuration in which the stiffening members are in a generally adjacent and parallel alignment. Preferably, the stiffening members are affixed to the material near the edges of the material, and the material is generally planar in its unfolded form, and each stiffening member is connected by a biasing element to an adjacent stiffening member.

The invention also provides a folding aid which allows a pliant material to be transformed between an expanded form and a contracted form, the folding aid including members joined by biasing elements such that, in use, said members in combination with said biasing elements can act on said material to bias it to said expanded form, and can allow the material to be manipulated to said contracted form by defined actions.

The invention also provides a sunshade which can be transformed between an expanded form and a contracted form, the sunshade including a shading material and members joined by biasing elements, such that said members in combination with said biasing elements act on (i) said shading material to urge said shading material to an expanded form, and (ii) promote the folding of the material to said contracted form, upon and members being moved toward each other by a user.

form.

Preferably the material has light and heat reflecting properties suitable for use as a sunshade inside vehicles.

The invention also provides a folding aid suitable for use with pliant material, the folding aid including elongate members connected with the material, the members being joined by biasing elements which are secured to ends of the members and which act to urge adjoining members apart. In use, the stiffening members act on the material to transform it to an expanded form. Preferably, adjoining stiffening members are urged towards a common longitudinal orientation so that, in use, the stiffening members under action of the biasing elements, move the stiffening members to an expanded configuration in which the members are oriented to hold the material in a generally unfolded form, but in which the stiffening members can be moved to a collapsed configuration in which the stiffening members are in a generally adjacent and parallel alignment. Preferably, the stiffening members are affixed to the material near the edges of the material, and the material is generally planar in its unfolded form, and each stiffening member is connected by a biasing element to an adjacent stiffening member.

The invention also provides a folding aid which allows a pliant material to be transformed between an expanded form and a contracted form, the folding aid including members joined by biasing elements such that, in use, said members in combination with said biasing elements can act on said material to bias it to said expanded form, and can allow the material to be manipulated to said contracted form by defined actions.

The invention also provides a sunshade which can be transformed between an expanded form and a contracted form, the sunshade including a shading material and members joined by biasing elements, such that said members in combination with said biasing elements act on (i) said shading material to urge said shading material to an expanded form, and (ii) promote the folding of the material to said contracted form, upon and members being moved toward each other by a user.

Preferably the sunshade has preferred features similar to those described above in relation to the folding aid. In particular, preferably, the members are located adjacent the edge of the material and are enclose within a channel extending around the periphery of the material, said channel being formed by stitching said members and said biasing elements within an outer peripheral portion of said material. Preferably the members are rods and the biasing elements are plastic moulded members or metal helical springs.

Description of drawings Fig. 1 shows a sunshade constructed in accordance with the invention, in an expanded form.

Fig. 2 shows the sunshade of Fig. 1, in a partially expanded/collapsed form.

Fig. 3 shows the sunshade of Fig. 1, in a collapsed form.

Figs. 4 and 5 respectively show different configurations of the connection between two rods connected by spring, the configurations being those used in the sunshade when in the forms shown in Figs. 1 and 3 respectively.

Fig. 6 shows a configuration of the connection of rods and springs arranged when in the form shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 shows alternative use of a moulded memory element according to the invention, in place of the spring shown in Fig. 4.

Figs. 8 to 10 show alternative configurations of rods and springs for use in generally rectangularly-shaped sunshades according to the invention.

Fig. 11 shows an irregularly-shaped configuration of rods and springs suitable for a side window.

Description of embodiment

Preferably the sunshade has preferred features similar to those described above in relation to the folding aid. In particular, preferably, the members are located adjacent the edge of the material and are enclose within a channel extending around the periphery of the material, said channel being formed by stitching said members and said biasing elements within an outer peripheral portion of said material. Preferably the members are rods and the biasing elements are plastic moulded members or metal helical springs.

Description of drawings Fig. 1 shows a sunshade constructed in accordance with the invention, in an expanded form.

Fig. 2 shows the sunshade of Fig. 1, in a partially expanded/collapsed form.

Fig. 3 shows the sunshade of Fig. 1, in a collapsed form.

Figs. 4 and 5 respectively show different configurations of the connection between two rods connected by spring, the configurations being those used in the sunshade when in the forms shown in Figs. 1 and 3 respectively.

Fig. 6 shows a configuration of the connection of rods and springs arranged when in the form shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 shows alternative use of a moulded memory element according to the invention, in place of the spring shown in Fig. 4.

Figs. 8 to 10 show alternative configurations of rods and springs for use in generally rectangularly-shaped sunshades according to the invention.

Fig. 11 shows an irregularly-shaped configuration of rods and springs suitable for a side window.

Description of embodiment

Figs. 1 to 3 show a sunshade 10 incorporating a folding aid which allows pliant sunshade material 16 to be expanded and collapsed. The folding aid inclues stiffening means in the form of rods 12 joined by biasing means in the form of helical springs 14 which bias or urge the material 16 to an expanded form, but which allow ready manipulation of the material, and the sunshade, to a collapsed form. The rods 12 are contained within channels extending along edges of the material 16, substantially the length of the rods 12. The channels are formed by stitching a continuous closed pocket around the edge of the material 16.

The position of the rods 12 and springs 14 is indicated in Figs. 1 to 3, even though these components are obscured by the material 16 within which the folding aid is enclose between the peripheral edge of the material 16 and the stitching 18.

Instead, the rods 12 and springs 14 of the constructed folding aid are shown in Fig. 6. The connection between the rods 12 and springs 14 is shown in Figs. 4 and 5. When the sunshade 10 is in its expanded form, the rods 12 and springs 14 are arranged as shown in Fig. 4. When the sunshade 10 is in its collapsed form, the rods 12 and springs 14 are arranged as shown in Fig. 5.

Thus, the folding aid provides a structure which supports the material 16, and allows the material 16 to be urged or held in an expanded form, while allowing for manipulation of the material 16, and the sunshade 10 to a collapsed form. The combination of rods 12 and springs 14 provides a convenient separation of the biasing and structural functions of the folding aid, which allows the material 16 to be manipulated to a collapsed form by actions (as later described) defined by the actual arrangement of the rods 12 and springs 14.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the rods 12 extend into apertures at the ends of the springs 14, and the rods 12 and springs 14 are held together in a firm frictional fit, or secured together by any other convenient method, for example, by using strong, heat-resistive adhesive. On the rods 12, crimps 30 are provided to conveniently locate the springs 14. The crimps 30 are provided in the form of annular ribs extending around 12 the radial periphery of the rods, near both ends of the rods 12.

Figs. 1 to 3 show a sunshade 10 incorporating a folding aid which allows pliant sunshade material 16 to be expanded and collapsed. The folding aid inclues stiffening means in the form of rods 12 joined by biasing means in the form of helical springs 14 which bias or urge the material 16 to an expanded form, but which allow ready manipulation of the material, and the sunshade, to a collapsed form. The rods 12 are contained within channels extending along edges of the material 16, substantially the length of the rods 12. The channels are formed by stitching a continuous closed pocket around the edge of the material 16.

The position of the rods 12 and springs 14 is indicated in Figs. 1 to 3, even though these components are obscured by the material 16 within which the folding aid is enclose between the peripheral edge of the material 16 and the stitching 18.

Instead, the rods 12 and springs 14 of the constructed folding aid are shown in Fig. 6. The connection between the rods 12 and springs 14 is shown in Figs. 4 and 5. When the sunshade 10 is in its expanded form, the rods 12 and springs 14 are arranged as shown in Fig. 4. When the sunshade 10 is in its collapsed form, the rods 12 and springs 14 are arranged as shown in Fig. 5.

Thus, the folding aid provides a structure which supports the material 16, and allows the material 16 to be urged or held in an expanded form, while allowing for manipulation of the material 16, and the sunshade 10 to a collapsed form. The combination of rods 12 and springs 14 provides a convenient separation of the biasing and structural functions of the folding aid, which allows the material 16 to be manipulated to a collapsed form by actions (as later described) defined by the actual arrangement of the rods 12 and springs 14.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the rods 12 extend into apertures at the ends of the springs 14, and the rods 12 and springs 14 are held together in a firm frictional fit, or secured together by any other convenient method, for example, by using strong, heat-resistive adhesive. On the rods 12, crimps 30 are provided to conveniently locate the springs 14. The crimps 30 are provided in the form of annular ribs extending around 12 the radial periphery of the rods, near both ends of the rods 12.

The sunshade 10 is shown in Fig. 1 in its expanded configuration. Linear helical springs 14 are"bent"at each of the four corners 22,24,26 and 28 of the sunshade 10 and act to urge the sunshade 10 into its expanded configuration.

As discussed, Figs. 4 and 5 show the connection between the rods 12 and springs 14. In both configurations, the springs 14 urge the rods 12 to a configuration in which both rods 12 are generally coaxial. That is, the springs 14 tend to return to their linear form and thus act to align the rods 12. The resilience of the springs 14 is sufficient to facilitate expanding the sunshade 10, and to ensure it maintains its expanded form, but insufficient to withstand relatively gentle hand manipulation which can be provided by ordinary handling. Ordinary linear helical springs of appropriate resilience are satisfactory for this purpose, allowing for convenient expansion and collapse of the sunshade 10.

When the sunshade 10 is expanded, the springs 14 (as shown in Fig. 4) are bent around a right angle at each of the four corners of the sunshade 10 so that when the sunshade 10 is not externally constrained, the springs 14 in combination bias the sunshade material 16 to maintain its expanded form.

The connections of rods 12 and springs 14 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are exposed, but can be conveniently enclosed, for example, in sleeve of any suitable material such as rubber. This may be desirable, for example, to prevent the springs 14 catching on the material 16 and possibly causing damage. Of course, in the sunshade 10 described and drawn, the springs 14 can be replace with alternative biasing means such as a memory polymeric or rubber moulding 32, the connection of which with rods 12 is shown in Fig. 7.

A memory moulding 32 as shown in Fig. 7 is preferable in many cases as it is suitable for mass production, and achieves satisfactory results. As with springs 14, the memory moulding 32 can be similarly secured with the rods 12 using the end portions as the rods 12 extending into these end portions, as indicated by phantom lines in Fig. 7. As the memory mouldings 32 are not as torsionally pliant as the springs 14, the rods 12 permitted to twist within the ends of the memory mouldings 32 to ensure that the folding aid operates on the material 16 as

The sunshade 10 is shown in Fig. 1 in its expanded configuration. Linear helical springs 14 are"bent"at each of the four corners 22,24,26 and 28 of the sunshade 10 and act to urge the sunshade 10 into its expanded configuration.

As discussed, Figs. 4 and 5 show the connection between the rods 12 and springs 14. In both configurations, the springs 14 urge the rods 12 to a configuration in which both rods 12 are generally coaxial. That is, the springs 14 tend to return to their linear form and thus act to align the rods 12. The resilience of the springs 14 is sufficient to facilitate expanding the sunshade 10, and to ensure it maintains its expanded form, but insufficient to withstand relatively gentle hand manipulation which can be provided by ordinary handling. Ordinary linear helical springs of appropriate resilience are satisfactory for this purpose, allowing for convenient expansion and collapse of the sunshade 10.

When the sunshade 10 is expanded, the springs 14 (as shown in Fig. 4) are bent around a right angle at each of the four corners of the sunshade 10 so that when the sunshade 10 is not externally constrained, the springs 14 in combination bias the sunshade material 16 to maintain its expanded form.

The connections of rods 12 and springs 14 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are exposed, but can be conveniently enclosed, for example, in sleeve of any suitable material such as rubber. This may be desirable, for example, to prevent the springs 14 catching on the material 16 and possibly causing damage. Of course, in the sunshade 10 described and drawn, the springs 14 can be replace with alternative biasing means such as a memory polymeric or rubber moulding 32, the connection of which with rods 12 is shown in Fig. 7.

A memory moulding 32 as shown in Fig. 7 is preferable in many cases as it is suitable for mass production, and achieves satisfactory results. As with springs 14, the memory moulding 32 can be similarly secured with the rods 12 using the end portions as the rods 12 extending into these end portions, as indicated by phantom lines in Fig. 7. As the memory mouldings 32 are not as torsionally pliant as the springs 14, the rods 12 permitted to twist within the ends of the memory mouldings 32 to ensure that the folding aid operates on the material 16 as

intended.

Permitting the rods 12 to twist within the ends of the memory mouldings 32 allows the sunshade 10 to be easily collapsed as required. This can readily be achieved by not securing the rods 12 with the mouldings 32, this making the rods free to twist within the mouldings 32. In this respect, it is convenient to encompass the mouldings 32 and rods 12 within a relatively narrow channel between the peripheral edge of the material 16 and the stitching 18. As a result, the mouldings 32 and rods 12 are restricted in the amount of relative movement which is possible, and accordingly the rods 12 and mouldings 32 do not come apart during normal handling of the sunshade 10.

The main portion of the memory moulding 32 which provides the resilient spring action can have, for example, a circular cross-section, but preferably has a generally rectangular cross-section, with distinct major and minor dimensions.

That is, the main portion is, substantially"flat". In order to increase the tendency with which the mouldings 32 urge the sunshade material 16 to an expanded form, the main portion of the moulding 32 is arranged so that its major dimension is aligned with the plane of the sunshade material 16 in its expanded form.

In this way, when the sunshade 10 is initially collapsed, the rods 12 are moved against the resistance of the moulding 32, so that an outer side of the moulding 32 is tensioned, and an inner side of the moulding 32 is compressed. Increasing the width of the main portion exaggerates this effect, though it is of course desirable that the main portion should not be too wide.

If the width of the main portion is sufficiently exaggerated, it may in some cases be desirable to make the outer side of the main portion of the moulding 32 stiffer that the inner side, to enhance the resilient action of the moulding 32.

The memory moulding 32 is of a suitable plastic or rubber material, known to one skilled in the art, providing the necessary resilience to bias the rods 12 to an expanded form, while allowing manipulation of the folding aid and material 16 to a collapsed form. The rods 12 can be made from any suitably stiff material,

intended.

Permitting the rods 12 to twist within the ends of the memory mouldings 32 allows the sunshade 10 to be easily collapsed as required. This can readily be achieved by not securing the rods 12 with the mouldings 32, this making the rods free to twist within the mouldings 32. In this respect, it is convenient to encompass the mouldings 32 and rods 12 within a relatively narrow channel between the peripheral edge of the material 16 and the stitching 18. As a result, the mouldings 32 and rods 12 are restricted in the amount of relative movement which is possible, and accordingly the rods 12 and mouldings 32 do not come apart during normal handling of the sunshade 10.

The main portion of the memory moulding 32 which provides the resilient spring action can have, for example, a circular cross-section, but preferably has a generally rectangular cross-section, with distinct major and minor dimensions.

That is, the main portion is, substantially"flat". In order to increase the tendency with which the mouldings 32 urge the sunshade material 16 to an expanded form, the main portion of the moulding 32 is arranged so that its major dimension is aligned with the plane of the sunshade material 16 in its expanded form.

In this way, when the sunshade 10 is initially collapsed, the rods 12 are moved against the resistance of the moulding 32, so that an outer side of the moulding 32 is tensioned, and an inner side of the moulding 32 is compressed. Increasing the width of the main portion exaggerates this effect, though it is of course desirable that the main portion should not be too wide.

If the width of the main portion is sufficiently exaggerated, it may in some cases be desirable to make the outer side of the main portion of the moulding 32 stiffer that the inner side, to enhance the resilient action of the moulding 32.

The memory moulding 32 is of a suitable plastic or rubber material, known to one skilled in the art, providing the necessary resilience to bias the rods 12 to an expanded form, while allowing manipulation of the folding aid and material 16 to a collapsed form. The rods 12 can be made from any suitably stiff material,

including metal, wood, or rigid plastics material.

The sunshade 10 is manipulated as follows. To collapse the sunshade 10, a first corner 22 of the sunshade 10 is manually moved to be near the diametrically opposed second corner 24 of the sunshade 10. This manual action is against the biasing action of the spring 14, but is readily achieved as the springs 14 are not overly stiff. Thus a generally triangular shape is formed, in which the rods 12 take a generally"L"shape as shown in Fig. 2. Both corners 22,24 of the sunshade 10 are held together in this way while the third corner 26 and opposing fourth corner 28 are also now brought together to the collapsed form shown in Fig. 3. Again, this action is against the springs 14, but is readily achieved.

When the sunshade 10 is in the collapsed form shown in Fig. 3, it expands to the expanded form shown in Fig. 1 if not constrained (for example, if only one rod 12 is held). To maintain the sunshade 10 in a collapsed form for storage, the collapsed sunshade can be placed in an appropriately shaped bag and stowed away. Desirably, a detent in the form of a loop 20 is stitched onto a side of the sunshade 10, and can be conveniently hooked over an end of the collapsed sunshade 10 so that the loop 20 acts to hold the sunshade 10 in its collapsed configuration, for storage either with or without a bag. Fig. 3 shows the loop 20 holding the sunshade 10 in its collapsed form.

To install the sunshade for use, the loop 20 is removed from its constraining orientation over an end of the collapsed sunshade 10. The sunshade 10 can be manually opened, but will expand of its own accord under the action of springs 14.

When the sunshade 10 has assumed the generally square shape shown in Fig. 1, the sunshade 10 can be conveniently placed as desired to block sunlight. The action of the springs 14 ensures that the sunshade 10 does not collapse from its expanded configuration. That is, the springs 14 are of sufficient resilience to maintain the sunshade in its expanded configuration.

To construct the sunshade 10 shown in the drawings, the rods 12 are connected in a square shape by four springs 14, as shown in Fig. 6. The ends of the rods 12 are slotted into the ends of the springs 14, and secured to each other by a strong

including metal, wood, or rigid plastics material.

The sunshade 10 is manipulated as follows. To collapse the sunshade 10, a first corner 22 of the sunshade 10 is manually moved to be near the diametrically opposed second corner 24 of the sunshade 10. This manual action is against the biasing action of the spring 14, but is readily achieved as the springs 14 are not overly stiff. Thus a generally triangular shape is formed, in which the rods 12 take a generally"L"shape as shown in Fig. 2. Both corners 22,24 of the sunshade 10 are held together in this way while the third corner 26 and opposing fourth corner 28 are also now brought together to the collapsed form shown in Fig. 3. Again, this action is against the springs 14, but is readily achieved.

When the sunshade 10 is in the collapsed form shown in Fig. 3, it expands to the expanded form shown in Fig. 1 if not constrained (for example, if only one rod 12 is held). To maintain the sunshade 10 in a collapsed form for storage, the collapsed sunshade can be placed in an appropriately shaped bag and stowed away. Desirably, a detent in the form of a loop 20 is stitched onto a side of the sunshade 10, and can be conveniently hooked over an end of the collapsed sunshade 10 so that the loop 20 acts to hold the sunshade 10 in its collapsed configuration, for storage either with or without a bag. Fig. 3 shows the loop 20 holding the sunshade 10 in its collapsed form.

To install the sunshade for use, the loop 20 is removed from its constraining orientation over an end of the collapsed sunshade 10. The sunshade 10 can be manually opened, but will expand of its own accord under the action of springs 14.

When the sunshade 10 has assumed the generally square shape shown in Fig. 1, the sunshade 10 can be conveniently placed as desired to block sunlight. The action of the springs 14 ensures that the sunshade 10 does not collapse from its expanded configuration. That is, the springs 14 are of sufficient resilience to maintain the sunshade in its expanded configuration.

To construct the sunshade 10 shown in the drawings, the rods 12 are connected in a square shape by four springs 14, as shown in Fig. 6. The ends of the rods 12 are slotted into the ends of the springs 14, and secured to each other by a strong

adhesive. Once the rods 12 are connected in this way, the square arrangement so formed acts on the material 16 by being enclose in a continuous channel extending around the periphery of the sunshade 10. To incorporate the folding aid into the material 16, the continuous sequence of rods 12 and springs 14 (having a generally square shape) is laid centrally over a piece of material (also having a generally square shape, but slightly larger). Peripheral portions of the material 16 that extend beyond the arrangement of rods 12 and springs 14 are folded over the rods 12 and springs 14 and stitched together with the material 16. Thus, the rods 12 and springs 14 are confined within a channel extending around the periphery of the sunshade 10. Of course, there are countless other ways in which the folding aid can be incorporated into a piece of material. For example, this may be by direct connection, or more elaborate stitching techniques, or simple adhesion.

The sunshade material 16 used to construct the sunshade 10 is preferably a thin sheet of pliant material, desirably having favourable light and heat shielding or reflecting properties. Possible materials include a fabric cloth of natural, synthetic or blend fibre, plastic film or sheet, metal foil, or a laminate material. The sunshade material 16 can also be a meshed material or fabric to allow some visibility. Preferably, a reflective coating or film (known in the art) is provided on one surface of the sunshade material 16 to increase the amount of sunlight and heat reflected by the shade. Preferably the material is also UV resistant.

Typically, it is desirable to place the sunshade shown in Fig. 1 across a portion of a car windscreen, thus reducing the effects of sunlight incident on the windscreen.

Thus the sunshade 10 can be held in place by a sun-visor. Two such sunshades 10 can be used in combination to cover most if not all of the windscreen. Of course, the sunshade 10 can be used in other applications, and need not necessarily act as a sunshade. Similarly, other arrangements having different shapes are also possible. Also, other networks of rods 12 and springs can be used to provide alternative foldable configurations.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in the form of a rectangularly shaped sunshade having one rod 12 along the minor edges, and two connected rods 12 along the major edges. This allows the rectangular sunshade to be spanned across a

adhesive. Once the rods 12 are connected in this way, the square arrangement so formed acts on the material 16 by being enclose in a continuous channel extending around the periphery of the sunshade 10. To incorporate the folding aid into the material 16, the continuous sequence of rods 12 and springs 14 (having a generally square shape) is laid centrally over a piece of material (also having a generally square shape, but slightly larger). Peripheral portions of the material 16 that extend beyond the arrangement of rods 12 and springs 14 are folded over the rods 12 and springs 14 and stitched together with the material 16. Thus, the rods 12 and springs 14 are confined within a channel extending around the periphery of the sunshade 10. Of course, there are countless other ways in which the folding aid can be incorporated into a piece of material. For example, this may be by direct connection, or more elaborate stitching techniques, or simple adhesion.

The sunshade material 16 used to construct the sunshade 10 is preferably a thin sheet of pliant material, desirably having favourable light and heat shielding or reflecting properties. Possible materials include a fabric cloth of natural, synthetic or blend fibre, plastic film or sheet, metal foil, or a laminate material. The sunshade material 16 can also be a meshed material or fabric to allow some visibility. Preferably, a reflective coating or film (known in the art) is provided on one surface of the sunshade material 16 to increase the amount of sunlight and heat reflected by the shade. Preferably the material is also UV resistant.

Typically, it is desirable to place the sunshade shown in Fig. 1 across a portion of a car windscreen, thus reducing the effects of sunlight incident on the windscreen.

Thus the sunshade 10 can be held in place by a sun-visor. Two such sunshades 10 can be used in combination to cover most if not all of the windscreen. Of course, the sunshade 10 can be used in other applications, and need not necessarily act as a sunshade. Similarly, other arrangements having different shapes are also possible. Also, other networks of rods 12 and springs can be used to provide alternative foldable configurations.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in the form of a rectangularly shaped sunshade having one rod 12 along the minor edges, and two connected rods 12 along the major edges. This allows the rectangular sunshade to be spanned across a

windscreen, or across half of a windscreen, and the adjoining side window. In the latter case, the spring action conveniently holds the two halves of the sunshade against the respective surfaces of the windscreen and the side window.

Of course, an alternative embodiment is possible in which a connected rod 12 spans the longer, major dimension of the rectangular sunshade. In this case, two square sunshades 10 are essentially joined together, though it is appropriate to use only one rod in the spanning the middle of the rectangular sunshade. Thus, both major edges have a three-way junction of rods 12 at their mid-points.

A further variation is shown in Fig. 9. This resulting sunshade is similar to the alternative embodiment described directly above, though the folding aid is constructed such that the two 12 rods adjoining one of the corner springs 14 are not included. Thus the folding aid has a square shape, with an extra, free rod joined to and extending from one of the edges of the square shape. When the folding aid is included in the sunshade, the material hangs from this free rod, as indicated by the phantom line. This embodiment is particularly suitable for spanning half a windscreen, and the adjacent side window.

Fig. 10 shows an arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 8. However, in this case, there are two"centre"rods 12, so that the arrangement is essentially formed by the connection of two folding aid arrangements shown to Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 shows a variation of the arrangement of Fig. 6. In this case, the arrangement of rods 12 and springs 14 is, in its expanded form, not a regular shape. The shape of this arrangement makes it suitable for use as a sunshade covering a side window, or half of a front windscreen. The irregular acute corner can be placed at the lower corner of the junction between the windscreen and the side window, either when the sunshade covers the side window, or part of the front windscreen. Such an embodiment would usually have additional means to hold it in position when used. Of course, a visor can be positioned to hold a sunshade in this location.

Two of the arrangements of Fig. 11 can be connected"back-to-back"as in Fig. 10

to form a shape with only two parallel sides. Such an arrangement is suitable for a front windscreen as the longer parallel edge can be located along the lower side of windscreen, and the shorter parallel edge along the upper side of the windscreen.

Although the embodiments described above are in relation to sunshades, the invention is not limited to use in this context as a folding aid can be applied to various pliant materials, for which a ready means of expansion and collapse is required.

Though the described embodiment uses rods 12 as stiffening means, various other stiffening means can be used. For example, a strip of resin material adhered along edges of the material 16 can alternatively be used to provide a stiffening means, provided that it has the necessary stiffening properties to allow the material to be urged to an unfolded, expanded form, and can facilitate the material being folded.

Similarly, various alternative other biasing means can be used so that the biasing means suitable co-operates with the stiffening means.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

to form a shape with only two parallel sides. Such an arrangement is suitable for a front windscreen as the longer parallel edge can be located along the lower side of windscreen, and the shorter parallel edge along the upper side of the windscreen.

Although the embodiments described above are in relation to sunshades, the invention is not limited to use in this context as a folding aid can be applied to various pliant materials, for which a ready means of expansion and collapse is required.

Though the described embodiment uses rods 12 as stiffening means, various other stiffening means can be used. For example, a strip of resin material adhered along edges of the material 16 can alternatively be used to provide a stiffening means, provided that it has the necessary stiffening properties to allow the material to be urged to an unfolded, expanded form, and can facilitate the material being folded.

Similarly, various alternative other biasing means can be used so that the biasing means suitable co-operates with the stiffening means.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.