CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 001 ] This application claims priority from U.S Non-Provisional Application No. 15/288,1 73, filed October 7 2016, which claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application No. 62/250,645 filed November 4, 201 5, and the entire content of each aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention (Technical Field):

[0002] The present invention provides an apparatus for and a method of shading over and adjacent to a helicopter using helicopter rotor blades as an anchor for the shading apparatus.

Description of Related Art:

[0003] Due to the operating characteristics of the helicopter— its ability to take off and land vertically, and to hover for extended periods of time, as well as the aircraft's handling properties under low airspeed conditions, helicopters conduct tasks that were previously not possible with other aircraft, or were time- or work-intensive to accomplish on the ground. Today, helicopter uses include transportation of people and cargo, military uses, construction, firefighting, search and rescue, tourism, medical transport, law enforcement, agriculture, news and media, and aerial observation, among others. Often helicopters travel to hot, sunny locations and then remain parked in places where there is no shade.

[0004] Most working helicopters have the air conditioners removed to reduce the weight of the airframe and allow more cargo. There is a long felt need for a simple and lightweight way to provide operators relief from the sun and elements. Helicopter covers that use the main rotor system of the helicopter as support have been previously described by others. None of the devices currently known and used describe a way to protect the delicate trim tabs during deployment, breakdown, or from adverse weather conditions. Trim tabs are small surfaces connected to the trailing edge of a larger control surface on a boat or aircraft, used to control the trim of the controls, i.e. to counteract hydro- or aerodynamic forces and stabilize the boat or aircraft in a particular desired attitude without the need for the operator to constantly apply a control force. This Is done by adjusting the angle of the tab relative to the larger surface. Other devices are impractical and costly.

[0005] In one of the devices described by others, a shade is deployed in a manner that requires two users to climb on top of the rotor head of the aircraft and radially deploy each section from the center outward. Another device currently known to those having ordinary skill in the art uses a modular design to attach a shade to the rotors, wherein each rotor is enveloped in a "rotor sock" with attachment points on the lateral edges that connect to the individual shade sections between the rotors.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention comprises a shade system comprising a plurality of rotor socks fitted to the unique shape of each rotor blade disposed on a plurality of rotor blades, an attachment system whereby each said rotor socks are removably attached to said shade canopy sections, and an attachment system whereby each shade canopy section is attached directly to the rotor blade or rotor hub of the helicopter without use of an intermediary rotor sock. The shade system also comprises zero rotor socks.

[0007] The present invention comprises a shading method for installing a shade system comprising positioning a plurality of rotor blades to maximize access to a rotor hub, disposing a rotor sock over a rotor blade tip with a tie down strap facing the ground, and attaching a shade canopy section to the rotor sock, rotor blade, or rotor hub.

[0008] The shade system comprises a shade canopy that comprises a plurality of shade canopy sections, each shade canopy section comprising a triangular shape and concave edges and a multilayer mesh. One corner of the shade canopy section is disposed adjacent to a rotor hub. The shade system further comprises a pull tab comprising a loop of webbing and a length of cord providing for the rotor sock removal. The shade canopy section corner is attachably disposed to the rotor hub by straps, webbing, cords, or rope.

[0009] Each rotor sock covers only a portion of each said rotor blade while not covering a trim tab. [00010] The shade system further comprises integrated rotor tie downs comprising ropes or straps attachably disposed to each rotor sock and attachably disposed to helicopter skids or any other anchor point on the helicopter.

[0001 1 ] The present invention comprises a shading method for removing a shade system comprising attaching a rope to a D ring disposably attached to an outer edge of a rotor sock, detaching the shade canopy section, and removing the sock by pulling down and outwards on a rope. The shading method further comprises covering the helicopter cabin and immediate area around the helicopter in shade, allowing access to the helicopter cabin and removable cowlings for maintenance when the system is installed, reducing the internal cabin temperature, and providing protection from damaging UV rays for equipment and users.

[00012] The method for installing the shade canopy section further comprises arranging a canopy section so that a cord tensioning system is disposed on the right, attaching one side of the shade canopy section to one rotor sock; and attaching another side of the shade canopy section to another rotor sock.

[00013] The method for installing the shade canopy section further comprises looping the rotor straps over and around the rotor blades near the rotor hub or around the hub itself, ensuring the pull cords are accessible from the ground, tightening the cord on the carabiner with cord tensioning system to the desired tension to pull the canopy to a desired height, repositioning the rotor blades as needed, and repeating with the remaining rotor sock and canopy sections.

[00014] The method for installing the shade canopy section further comprises securing the rotor blades to the skids or anchor points of the helicopter rotor blade tie downs and securing the rotor blades to anchor points of the helicopter rotor blade tie downs.

[00015] The shading method also comprises a quick removal of the shade system by pulling the pull cords on the rotor straps at the rotor hub to release the straps, releasing tension on the shade canopy by using a carabiner with the cord tensioning system on the right rotor tip sock, unclipping the carabiner with the cord tensioning system and the standard carabiner from the rotor socks. The steps for quick removal of the shade system can be completed from the ground with no need of a ladder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[00016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the

specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[00017] Figure 1 is a top view of the apparatus of the present invention;

[00018] Figure 2 is an illustration of the A-A section of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

[00019] Figure 3 is a bottom view illustrating a rotor sock disposed on a rotor blade;

[00020] Figure 4 is a bottom view illustrating the canopy attached to the rotor sock;

[00021 ] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the rotor blade and the rotor sock from the front side opposite the trim tab; and

[00022] Figure 6 illustrates a tie down strap connected to a rotor sock and a skid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00023] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For instance, well known operations or techniques may not be shown in detail. Technical and scientific terms used in this description have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs.

[00024] Neither of the previously described known devices includes a way to protect the trim tabs. Another previously described device also uses a modular design to attach the shade to the rotor system with a rotor sock. This system further incorporates vents into the shade sections to help alleviate excessive motion from wind. While the description of this system mentions the trim tabs, it does not teach a way to keep the trim tabs protected while installing and breaking down the shade. [00025] Embodiments of the present invention solve this problem by including ways to protect the trim tabs during set-up, tear down, and from adverse weather conditions. The entire assembly and disassembly of the apparatus of the present invention is quickly accomplished by one person and a small step ladder. Embodiments of the present invention enable fast disassembly of the canopy system in cases of emergency and protect the trim tabs from damage through use of the canopy system of the present invention. The design of the apparatus of the present invention prevents the need for costly and time consuming maintenance, and provides a way to adjust the slack within the canopy system to prevent drooping.

[00026] The method of the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the devices and methods currently used because the method is safe, easy, and fast. The apparatus of the present invention is an improvement on currently available devices because it has a superior design using a shorter sock.

[00027] A helicopter rotor blade is an elongated rectangular device when seen from the top that tapers in width near the central axis of the rotor system. Approximately ¼ inward from the tip of the rotor blade, on the trailing edge when in motion, are a series of smaller rectangles that jut out from the edge of the rotor blade. These rectangles are called trim tabs and serve to keep the rotor blades in plane with each other while in motion. The trim tabs are delicate pieces of metal and require special consideration when working around them. A side view of a rotor blade reveals a profile that is of a typical aircraft wing, an airfoil; with a thicker, more rounded leading edge that widens in the middle and then tapers to the trailing edge. The bottom of the rotor profile is flat with the curvature of the airfoil being solely along the top edge.

[00028] Embodiments of the present invention improve on the rotor sock concept currently known that attaches a shading system to a helicopter. The apparatus of the present invention comprising a shade decreases the amount of time required to install and remove the shade while protecting the trim tabs.

[00029] Some embodiments of the present invention enclose the rotor tip to just before the beginning of the trim tabs instead of enclosing the entire rotor blade within the rotor sock, as is currently known and used. Preferably, the rotor sock is disposed around and encloses the rotor blade on both ends of the trim tabs but not enclose the rotor blade where the trim tab is disposed, thus ensuring the trim tabs are not damaged. The rotor sock is secured by a plurality of methods including but not limited to hook and loop, a zipper, fabric tension provided by cords, strings, or ropes. Preferably, the majority of rotor sock material is disposed underneath the rotor blade for the majority of the length of the rotor blade.

[00030] Some embodiments of the present invention enclose the rotor tip adjacent to but not over the trim tabs instead of enclosing the entire rotor blade within the rotor sock, as is currently known and used.

[00031 ] The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a rotor sock disposed around and enclosing the tip of the rotor blade for a short distance, comprising a short distance of approximately twelve to twenty-four inches from the end of the rotor blade but stopping before reaching the trim tab on the rotor blade.

[00032] Other embodiments include multiple rotor socks that encloses the rotor blade on both ends of the trim tabs but do not enclose the rotor blade where the trim tab is disposed, thus ensuring the trim tabs are not damaged.

[00033] The rotor socks are secured by a plurality of methods including but not limited to hook and loop, a zipper, or tension provided by cords, strings, or ropes. Preferably, if the multiple rotor sock method is employed to extend past the trim tabs along the length of the rotor blade, then these separate rotor socks should be connected with one length of material that is disposed underneath the rotor blade.

[00034] In some embodiments, the rotor sock encloses the rotor blade to prevent the sock from moving along the rotor blade to near the center of the rotor system, where the rotor blade tapers in width. This section of the rotor sock is also preferably closed with, including but not limited to, hook and loop, a zipper, or tension provided by cords, strings, or ropes. The reason these sections past the trim tab are not one continuous loop or tunnel of fabric but instead smaller sections of fabric that are wrapped around the rotor blade and secured back to itself is to ensure the safety of the trim tabs by allowing the length of the rotor sock to be closed after the trim tabs, instead of being pulled over and around the trim tabs which could potentially damage the trim tabs.

[00035] These sections are preferably secured near the end tip of the rotor blade and are then "walked" down the length of the rotor blade by the user, for example, via a length of cord. The rotor sock is then attached to the shade canopy section via a length of zipper or hook and loop that runs the length of the rotor sock underneath the rotor blade with its pair running the length of the canopy section.

[00036] The preferable embodiment for attaching the shade canopy section to the preferable embodiment of the rotor sock is to use carabiners and lengths of cord that attach to D-rings and loops of webbing at certain points of the rotor socks and corners of the canopy sections. The shade canopy sections preferably also comprise a method for avoiding the trim tabs due to movement of the canopy sections due to wind or other outside forces. Some embodiments of these methods include but are not limited to, a large cut-out of the canopy around the trim tabs and a preferred embodiment of large concave edges along all sides of the canopy section. The shade canopy sections are preferably secured to the rotor blade near the center of the rotor system with lengths of webbing, or straps, and hook and loop.

[00037] The amount of time needed to disassemble a shading canopy system is substantially reduced by minimizing the amount of material that encloses the rotor sock. In addition, by using methods of fastening that include but are not limited to, hook and loop, zippers, and carabiners, the time needed to disassemble a shading canopy system is greatly reduced. Due to the specific locations and methods of fastening the rotor socks to the shade canopy sections and to the helicopter itself, the user only has to unfasten and remove a small number of fasteners providing the shading canopy system to disconnect from the helicopter under its own power (i.e. weight and gravity) at which point the user simply needs to remove the rotor socks from the rotor blade tips. The entire system is optionally stuffed into a sack for quick storage and transportation.

[00038] Referring now to the Figures, and more particularly to Figure 1 , shade system 100 is comprised of four rotor socks 1 and four shade canopy sections 2, wherein each shade canopy section is attached to two helicopter rotor blades 3. The shade canopy section is a triangular shade that is slightly smaller than the space between the rotor blades and is comprised of a multi-layer mesh fabric. All three edges of the triangular canopy section are concave shaped. The corner that is disposed adjacent to rotor hub 24 is attached by webbing 11 with hook and loop attachments, i.e. rotor straps 12. These wrap around the top of each rotor blade 3 and are secured with hook and loop fasteners 12 to the bottom side of the main body of canopy section 2 on the bottom side of the main body of canopy section 2. Each hook and loop attachment 12 wraps around each of the rotor blades that the canopy section is disposed between. Each piece of webbing 11 comprises a cord attached to the end of webbing 11. Webbing 11 is shown in Figure 2.

[00039] Shade canopy sections 2 comprise a lightweight multi-layer mesh to provide shade while allowing airflow through the material, which greatly reduces pressure on rotor blades 3 and allows shade system 100 to be used in higher winds without risk to the helicopter. This allows each layer of mesh to be more porous while providing the same level of shade. Further, by allowing the layers to separate, wind easily passes through each layer resulting in less overall pressure on the material.

[00040] Other mesh materials that provide a similar level of shade catch far more wind and weigh considerably more. All current shades use solid fabric, single layer mesh and/or vents.

[00041 ] Shade canopy sections 2 comprise concave edges 20 and 22 that provide a uniform tension across the fabric of each canopy section 2. Concave edges 20 on outer edge and 22 on side edges are formed by cutting a concave edge instead of a straight edge on the lightweight multi-layer mesh fabric. Concave edges 20 and 22 are pulled straight which in turn pulls the interior fabric outward and reduces or eliminates the sag in the center of each shade canopy section 2 when tension is applied at the corners of each canopy section.

[00042] Shade system 100 comprises four short rotor socks 1 that cover only a portion of rotor blade 3 that is outward of the trim tabs 5, providing easier installation of rotor socks 1 and avoiding potential damage to the trim tabs. Other shade designs use elongated socks that cover the trim tabs, putting them at risk for damage or bending.

[00043] Figure 2 is an illustration of the A-A cutaway section of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 . Hook and loop 12, webbing 11 , and rope 10 are disposed on rotor blade 3.

[00044] Figure 3 is a bottom view illustrating a rotor sock disposed on a rotor blade. In Fig 3, illustrating rotor blade 3 and rotor sock 1 as seen from underneath, the rotor sock covers only the outermost portion of the rotor blade, and is not disposed on trim tab 5. Sock 1 comprises a single opening and is installed by disposing it on the end of the rotor blade. Rotor sock 1 is attached to D ring 4. Canopy section 2 also attaches to D ring 4. Pull tab 40 comprises a loop of webbing and a length of cord that provides for the rotor sock to be removed by simply pulling on the pull tab once the shade sections have been removed. Pull tab 40 comprises a loop of webbing and a length of cord providing for the rotor sock to be removed from the ground by pulling on the pull tab once the shade sections have been removed.

[00045] Figure 4 is a bottom view illustrating canopy sections 2 attached to rotor socks 1. Outer corner of shade canopy section 2 attaches to rotor sock 1 from the front of the rotor blade (the side opposite trim tab 5) via standard carabiner 6. This standard carabiner attaches to central D ring 7 on the center edge of the rotor sock on that rotor blade and a loop on the canopy section. Pull tab 40 comprises a loop of webbing and a length of cord providing for the rotor sock to be removed from the ground by pulling on the pull tab once the shade sections have been removed. The pull tab is illustrated as the rectangle and cord on the left most side of the rotor sock. The loop is a section of webbing that is attached to the corners of the shade canopy section that attach to the rotor socks. The loops of webbing that are sewn onto the rotor socks and shade canopy sections accommodate attaching d-rings, carabiners, and sections of cord or rope.

[00046] The outer corner of canopy 2 that attaches to rotor sock 1 at D ring 8 at rear of the rotor blade (the side with trim tab 5) attaches via carabiner with cord tensioning system 9, rope 10 and standard carabiner 6. The standard carabiner 6 attaches to a loop on that corner of the canopy section. A section of rope is attached to the standard carabiner 6 and threaded through carabiner with cord tensioning system 9. The carabiner with cord tensioning system 9 is clipped to the D ring on the rotor sock on the rear of the rotor blade. The rope is pulled taut through the carabiner with cord tensioning system 9, tensioning the canopy.

[00047] Fig 5 illustrates a side view of rotor blade 3 and rotor sock 1 from the front side opposite the trim tab. Integrated tie down strap 12 is connected through a loop on the top of the rotor sock. In this figure, other D rings are not shown for easier visibility.

[00048] The method of use of the present invention comprises the following steps. Rope 10 is attached to D ring 4 on outer edge of rotor sock 1 to assist with quick detachment of the shade section. Once the shade section is detached from the other two points (rotor hub 24 and second rotor blade 3) the sock is removed simply by pulling down and outwards on the rope. The present invention comprises integrated rotor tie downs unlike other covers currently available. Ropes or straps are attached to each of the rotor socks. These ropes or straps are tied to the skids or other tie down points (as appropriate on individual helicopter models) to reduce rotor blade movement from wind. Other rotor socks are used for tie downs, but none integrate both a canopy and tie downs.

[00049] The canopy apparatus preferably covers the helicopter cabin and immediate area around the helicopter in shade. The shade provided by the canopy apparatus helps to reduce the internal cabin temperature and provide protection from damaging UV rays for users around the helicopter cabin that may be, for example, performing maintenance. Possible additional military applications include IR protection of engines and camouflage.

[00050] The method of operation of the present invention comprises an installation method and comprises the following steps. A first step comprises positioning the rotor blades in a way to maximize access to the rotor hub. Next, take one rotor sock and with a step ladder to access the rotor, dispose the sock over the rotor tip with the tie down strap facing the ground. Repeat for adjacent rotor blade.

[00051 ] Take one canopy section and arrange so that the orange cord with the carabiner with cord tensioning system is on the right. Attach the left side of the canopy to the rotor sock on the left with the standard carabiner. On the right side of the canopy, attach the carabiner with cord tensioning system to the rotor sock. Do not tighten at this time.

[00052] Both sides of the canopy section are now attached to the rotor socks. The installer climbs the side of the helicopter with the canopy rotor straps in hand.

[00053] The installer loops the rotor straps over and around the rotor blade anchors and ensures the pull cords are accessible from the ground. The installer of the apparatus of the present invention then tightens the cord on the carabiner with cord tensioning system to the desired tension to pull the canopy up to a desired height.

[00054] The installer then repeats the steps described previously with the remaining rotor sock and canopy sections, repositioning the rotor blades as needed.

[00055] The installer secures the rotor blades to the skids of the helicopter rotor blade tie downs to prevent excess motion while in use. The tie downs must be used when installing the apparatus of the present invention.

[00056] The method of operation of the present invention also comprises removal of the apparatus of the present invention. The removal comprises the following steps.

[00057] To remove the apparatus of the present invention, the remover first operates, i.e. pulls, the pull cords on the rotor straps at the rotor hub to release the straps.

[00058] The remover releases tension on the canopy by using the carabiner with the cord tensioning system on the right rotor tip sock. Next, the carabiner with the cord tensioning system and the standard carabiner are undipped from the rotor socks. Next the canopy section is folded, rolled up, and secured with a hook and loop tension strap. When all canopy sections are removed from the helicopter, the rotor socks are removed and stored.

[00059] Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.