US20030111102A1

US20030111102A1 - Portable shade

Info

Publication number: US20030111102A1
Application number: US10/286,004
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Henley; Thomas McConnell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Prince Lionheart Inc
Priority date: 2001-11-06
Filing date: 2002-11-01
Publication date: 2003-06-19
Also published as: GB0225889D0; DE60200421D1; EP1310184A1; GB2383266A; EP1310184B1; ATE265160T1

Abstract

A collapsible shade device that includes two side panels connected by an intermediate sheet. Frame members are attached to the side panels and the frame members unfurl the side panels when the shade is in a deployed configuration, and the frame members can be coiled into a collapsed configuration for more convenient movement and storage of the shade device. One embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a car seat to inhibit temperature increases on the surface of the seat. Another embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a stroller to block sunlight, wind, insects, and the like from the stroller's occupant. Another embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a stroller to also protect the occupant from inclement weather.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/347,810, filed Nov. 6, 2001.[0001]

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

(Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to portable shades, and more specifically relates to portable shades that can be quickly and easily converted between a folded, compact state and an unfolded, deployed state with minimum effort.

It is widely known that sunlight can injure people in several ways. For instance, a person's exposed, unprotected skin be sunburned, or a person can burn themselves on objects left exposed to the sun's heat.

These hazards are especially appreciated by parents with small children. For example, a car seat left in a hot car for hours can reach extremely high temperatures, and placing a small child on such a hot seat can upset and possibly injure the child. Likewise, a child can get a sunburn when transported outside in a stroller. Since parents are typically in charge of the welfare of their small children, parents usually take steps to protect children from the harmful effects of the sun.

To this end, some parents currently use a shade to protect a child from the effects of the sun. For instance, when transporting a child in a stroller, such a shade is positioned over the cradle-area of the stroller. These shades are typically made of sun-blocking material which is supported by rigid frames. However, prior art shades are not collapsible or are only partially collapsible (i.e., the material collapses, but the frame members remain in their original, rigid configuration). Thus, these shades can be inconvenient, bulky, and difficult to transport. Therefore, it is appreciated that there is a need for a shade that is collapsible and portable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the aforementioned needs, there is disclosed herein a collapsible shade adapted to partially block sunlight, wind and/or rain and capable of being easily positioned in both a deployed and collapsed configuration. The shade includes a first and second side panel joined by an unsupported intermediate sheet. In one embodiment, the first and second side panels and the intermediate sheets are made of a reflective material. The first and second side panel as well as the intermediate sheet are all made out of a flexible material. The shade also includes a first resilient frame member which is fastened to the first side panel and a second resilient frame member which is fastened to the second side panel. Both frame members are adapted so as to unfurl the respective side panel and hold it in tension when the shade is in the deployed configuration. The frame members are also each capable of being twisted into at least one loop when the shade is in the collapsed configuration, and the looped frame members are overlaid when the shade is in the collapsed configuration.

In one aspect, the shade is adapted to be removably attached to a child car seat. As such, the shade can inhibit the surface temperature of the car seat from rising and preferably prevent a child from being exposed to high surface temperatures on the seat. Also, due to the resilient frame members, the user can quickly deploy the shade for use on the car seat and can quickly collapse the shade for more convenient movement and storage.

In another aspect, the shade is adapted to be removably attached to a stroller. A portion of the first side panel and second side panel includes a mesh section, which allows ventilation through the shade device, and in one embodiment, the intermediate sheet additionally includes a mesh section for added ventilation. In one embodiment, the first side panel, second side panel, and intermediate sheet are made out a waterproof material. Also, the shade includes straps that can be removably secured to the stroller to prevent the shade from inadvertently falling from the stroller. Also, a portion of the intermediate sheet includes a section of transparent material which a user may see through while pushing the stroller. In one embodiment, the shade includes a front flap which freely extends off of the front of the intermediate sheet for more coverage and protection of the stroller occupant. Similarly, the shade includes a back flap which freely extends off of the back of the intermediate sheet for added coverage and protection of the stroller occupant. As such, the shade can shield the occupant from sunlight, high winds, insects, inclement weather, and the like. Also, due to the resilient frame members, the user can quickly deploy the shade for use on the car seat and can quickly collapse the shade for more convenient movement and storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: [0010]
FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a portable shade device of the present invention; [0011]
FIG. 2 is a front view of the shade device of FIG. 1; [0012]
FIG. 3 is a right side view of the shade device of FIG. 1, the left side being a mirror image thereof; [0013]
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the shade device of FIG. 1; [0014]
FIG. 5 is a side view of the portable shade device of FIG. 1, positioned atop a conventional car-seat; [0015]
FIG. 6A is a front, perspective view of the portable shade device of FIG. 1, illustrating a manner in which the shade device can be collapsed; [0016]
FIG. 6B is a front, perspective view of the shade device of FIG. 1 shown in a partially collapsed state; [0017]
FIG. 6C is a detail view of the shade device of FIG. 1, illustrating a grip used to fully collapse the shade device; [0018]
FIG. 6D is a detail view of the shade device of FIG. 1, illustrating a grip used to fully collapse the shade device; [0019]
FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the shade device of FIG. 1, shown in its collapsed configuration; [0020]
FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of a portable shade device of the present invention; [0021]
FIG. 8 is a front view of the shade device of FIG. 7; [0022]
FIG. 9 is a side view of the shade device of FIG. 7; [0023]
FIG. 10 is a side view of the shade device of FIG. 7 positioned atop a conventional stroller; [0024]
FIG. 11 is a rear view of the shade device of FIG. 7 positioned atop a conventional stroller; [0025]
FIG. 12 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of a portable shade device of the present invention; [0026]
FIG. 13 is a front view of the shade device of FIG. 12; [0027]
FIG. 14 is a side view of the shade device of FIG. 12; [0028]
FIG. 15 is a side view of the shade device of FIG. 12, shown positioned over a stroller; [0029]
FIG. 16 is back view of the shade device of FIG. 12, shown positioned over a stroller.[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. [0031] 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a collapsible shade device 10 of the present invention. As shown, the device 10 includes two side panels 12 a, 12 b. Each side panel 12 a, 12 b is flat and generally triangular in shape so as to define a first edge 97 a, 97 b, a second edge 98 a, 98 b, a third edge 99 a, 99 b, a first corner 30 a, 30 b, a second corner 31 a, 31 b, and a third corner 32 a, 32 b, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the first, second, and third corners 30 a-32 b are rounded. In the preferred embodiment, the side panels 12 a, 12 b are made out of collapsible, reflective material capable of blocking sunlight. For example, in one embodiment, the side panels 12 a, 12 b are made out of SPF 50 nylon, although other cloth materials, flexible plastic sheets, or woven materials could alternatively be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Also, the [0032] device 10 comprises an intermediate sheet 13. In one embodiment, the intermediate sheet 13 is a flat sheet and is rectangular in shape so as to define a front edge 22, a rear edge 26, and opposing side edges 18 a, 18 b. Preferably, the intermediate sheet 13 is made out of collapsible, reflective material capable of blocking sunlight, such as SPF 50 nylon. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate sheet 13 extends between and attaches the side panels 12 a, 12 b such that the intermediate sheet 13 is generally perpendicular to the side panels 12 a, 12 b. More specifically, in one embodiment, the side edges 18 a, 18 b of the intermediate sheet 13 are attached along the second edges 98 a, 98 b and third edges 99 a, 99 b of the side panels 12 a, 12 b. In one embodiment, the intermediate sheet 13 is attached along substantially the entire length of the second edges 98 a, 98 b, but is attached along only a portion of the length of the third edges 99 a, 99 b of the side panels 12 a, 12 b. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, attachment of the intermediate sheet 13 to the side panels 12 a, 12 b is achieved by sewing methods widely known in the art.
It is noted that attachment of the [0033] intermediate sheet 13 to the side panels 12 a, 12 b in the manner described above defines a cavity 28. In other words, the cavity 28 is defined by the side panels 12 a, 12 b and the intermediate sheet 13, and in the embodiment shown, an opening 29 (i.e., the space between the first edges 97 a, 97 b and a portion of the third edges 99 a, 99 b) provides access to the cavity 28.
Additionally, the preferred embodiment of the [0034] device 10 comprises channels 16 a, 16 b. In one embodiment, each channel 16 a, 16 b is an enclosed passage formed by folding and sewing extra material over the edges 97 a-99 b of the side panels 12 a, 12 b. Each channel 16 a, 16 b continuously extends around the first, second, and third edges 97 a-99 b of the side panels 12 a, 12 b, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. [0035] 1-4, the device 10 further comprises frame members 14 a, 14 b. In one embodiment, the frame members 14 a, 14 b are made out of a long, rod-like, flexible and resilient material. In the embodiment shown, the frame members 14 a, 14 b are continuous and triangularly shaped and are positioned within respective channels 16 a, 16 b. In one embodiment, the frame members 14 a, 14 b are made out of stainless steel; however, other embodiments are made out of other lightweight metals or polymer materials without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be described in greater detail below, the frame members 14 a, 14 b allow the device to be quickly and easily articulated in either a deployed configuration (shown in FIGS. 1-4) or a collapsed, stowed configuration (shown in FIG. 6E). More specifically, the frame members 14 a, 14 b exhibit sufficient structural memory/rigidity to unfurl the side panels 12 a, 12 b and retain the side panels 12 a, 12 b in tension when the device 10 is in the deployed configuration. However, the frame members 14 a, 14 b are also flexible enough such that the frame members 14 a, 14 b can be twisted and laid over each other so as to resemble a relatively small coil. Thus, the frame members 14 a, 14 b provide proper support to unfurl the first and second side panels 12 a, 12 b, and yet the frame members 14 a, 14 b allow the device 10 to be collapsed for convenience and portability. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the resilience of the frame members 14 a, 14 b causes each to move from its coiled state to its free state on its own in a relatively short time. As such, the device 10 can be deployed easily and quickly.
It is noted that some prior art devices include resilient frame members of the type described hereinabove. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,533 to Ziglar, U.S. Pat No. 5,816,279 to Zheng, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,188 to Kellogg et al. each include frame members that can be quickly changed between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. Thus, these patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference. [0036]
Moreover, in one embodiment, the [0037] device 10 includes a strap 19. The strap is an elastic band that is attached to the first edge 97 a of the side panel 12 a in the embodiment shown; however, the strap 19 could be attached to any of the edges 97 a-99 b without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be described in greater detail below, the strap 19 retains the frame members 14 a, 14 b in their collapsed configuration for more convenient portability of the device.
Turning now to FIG. 5, the [0038] device 10 is shown in operation. As illustrated, the device 10 is positioned over a conventional car seat 21. More specifically, the device 10 is positioned such that the car seat 21 resides in the cavity 28 of the device 10. In the preferred embodiment, the car seat 21 is wide enough such that the device 10 frictionally fits over the car seat 21 and the device 10 remains upright and in place. However, the device 10 can be propped up by external means such as a car door (not shown) if the car seat 21 is too narrow for a frictional fit. Thus, the device 10 reflects sunlight away from the car seat 21 to thereby inhibit the surface temperature of the car seat 21 from rising. Advantageously, after the device 10 is removed, the child can be placed within the car seat 21 and is less likely to be harmed by the surface temperature of the car seat 21.
Turning now to FIGS. 6A through 6E, a process of moving the [0039] device 10 from a deployed configuration (FIG. 6A) to a collapsed configuration (FIG. 6E) is illustrated. Referring initially to FIG. 6A, the side panels 12 a, 12 b are moved toward each other (as represented by the arrows in FIG. 6A) until they touch each other. This causes the intermediate sheet 13 to gather and become folded and disposed between the side panels 12 a, 12 b.
Next, as shown in FIGS. [0040] 6B-6D, a user grabs the second corners 31 a, 31 b with one hand 33 and the third corners 32 a, 32 b with another hand 33. Then the hands 33 are counter-rotated in a twisting motion as indicated by the circular arrows in FIG. 6B. This causes the frame members 14 a, 14 b to each coil upon itself, resulting in further collapse of the device 10. As the hands 33 are brought further together, the coiled frame members 14 a, 14 b arrange themselves atop one another until the device 10 reaches its collapsed configuration represented in FIG. 6E.
At this point, the [0041] strap 19 can be stretched over the device 10, to inhibit the device 10 from inadvertently becoming uncoiled. In another embodiment in which the strap 19 is not included, the collapsed device 10 is stored in a bag (not shown), and the bag inhibits the device 10 from inadvertently moving from the collapsed configuration to the deployed configuration.
It is understood that when the [0042] device 10 is in the collapsed configuration, it is relatively compact. This compactness, in addition to the lightweight materials used, advantageously allows for more convenient transport and stowing of the device 10.
When the user wishes to deploy the [0043] device 10, the user either removes the strap 19 from over the device 10 or removes the device from its storage bag. Then, due to the resiliency, i.e. structural memory, of the frame members 14 a, 14 b, the frame members 14 a, 14 b uncoil and return to their generally triangular shape. As the frame members 14 a, 14 buncoil, they cause the side panels 12 a, 12 b to unfurl. Preferably, the frame members 14 a, 14 b uncoil instantaneously and automatically for added convenience.
Turning now to FIGS. 7 through 9, an alternative embodiment of the [0044] device 10 is illustrated. The device 10 shown is similar to the device 10 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 through 6E with differences that will be discussed in more detail below. The device 10 pictured is adapted to be fit over a conventional stroller to protect the child-occupant from sunlight, strong gusts of wind, rain, insects, and the like. Also, the device 10 is also adapted to allow the child-occupant to see out from inside the stroller and to provide ventilation for the child-occupant of the stroller.
In the embodiment shown, the [0045] side panels 12 a, 12 b are polygonal in shape so as to define a top edge 42 a, 42 b, a bottom edge 47 a, 47 b, a front edge 43 a, 43 b, a rear edge 45 a, 45 b, a first corner 100 a, 100 b, a second corner 101 a, 101 b, a third corner 102 a, 102 b, and a fourth corner 103 a, 103 b. In the embodiment shown, the corners 100 a-103 b are all rounded.
Like the [0046] side panels 12 a, 12 b discussed above in relation to FIGS. 1 through 6E, the side panels 12 a, 12 b of the device 10 shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 are made out of collapsible material. However, the side panels 12 a, 12 b include a solid section 106 and a mesh section 108. The solid section 106 is made out of a material that is reflective and generally impervious to air flow, such as SPF 50 Nylon. In other embodiments, other cloth materials, flexible plastic sheets, or woven materials are alternatively used without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the solid section 106 is generally triangular and is positioned adjacent the third corner 102 a, 102 b of the respective side panel 12 a, 12 b. The mesh section 108 is also made out of a material that is reflective, but the mesh section 108 comprises a plurality of small holes through which air may pass. In one embodiment, the mesh section 108 is made out of a nylon mesh material. The mesh section 108 is generally triangular and is positioned adjacent the first corner 100 a, 100 b of the respective side panel 12 a, 12 b. The mesh section 108 is attached to the solid section 106 at an intersection edge 110, which generally extends between the second corner 101 a, 101 b and fourth corner 103 a, 103 b, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the mesh section 108 is attached to the solid section 106 at the intersection edge 110 via a sewing process widely known in the art.
As shown in FIGS. 7 through 9, the [0047] device 10 includes an intermediate sheet 13, similar to the intermediate sheet 13 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 through 6E; however, in this alternative embodiment, the intermediate sheet is attached to the side panels 12 a, 12 b respectively along the front edges 43 a, 43 b and the top edges 42 a, 42 b. In one embodiment, the intermediate sheet 13 is attached along the front edges 43 a, 43 b and the top edges 42 a, 42 b via a sewing process widely known in the art.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, attachment of the [0048] intermediate sheet 13 to the top edges 42 a, 42 b terminates adjacent the third corners 102 a, 102 b. However a length of the intermediate sheet 13 extends therefrom, unattached to either side panel 12 a, 12 b so as to define a rear flap 58. Since the rear flap 58 is not attached to either side panel 12 a, 12 b, the rear flap 58 can be positioned between the side panels 12 a, 12 b (shown in FIG. 7) or be pivoted so as to extend parallel from the top edges 42 a, 42 b (shown in FIG. 9).
In the preferred embodiment, the [0049] intermediate sheet 13 also includes a solid section 106 and a mesh section 108 much like the side panels 12 a, 12 b as described above. In the embodiment shown, the solid section 106 generally extends between the second corners 101 a, 101 b and the third corners 102 a, 102 b, and the entire rear flap 58 is also a solid section 106. The mesh section 108 extends generally between the first corners 100 a, 100 b and the second corners 101 a, 101 b. As before, the mesh section 108 is attached to the solid section 106 via a sewing process widely known in the art.
In the embodiment shown, the [0050] device 10 includes a rectangular opening 112 in the intermediate sheet 13 approximately half way between the side panels 12 a, 12 b and adjacent the third corners 102 a, 102 b. In the preferred embodiment, an observation window 56 covers the opening 112. In one embodiment, the observation window 56 is made out of a transparent material, such as transparent vinyl, and is attached to the intermediate sheet 13 via a sewing process widely known in the art. As will be described in greater detail below, when the device 10 is positioned on a stroller, a user can conveniently see inside the stroller through the observation window 56 while pushing and without having to remove the device 10.
Like the [0051] device 10 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 through 6E, the device 10 shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 includes channels 16 a, 16 b through which flexible, resilient frame members 14 a, 14 b are routed, and the frame members 14 a, 14 b unfurl the side panels 12 a, 12 b when the device 10 is in the deployed configuration. Also, the frame members 14 a, 14 b of the device 10 shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 are capable of being flexed, coiled, and folded so as to change the device 10 into the collapsed configuration. The procedure described in relation to FIGS. 6A through 6E, is also used to collapse the device 10 shown in FIGS. 7 through 9, except that a user grips the first corners 100 a, 100 b and third corners 102 a, 102 b to complete the procedure. As before, the resiliency of the frame members 14 a, 14 b advantageously allow a user to more conveniently store and transport the device 10 when not in use as a shade.
In the preferred embodiment, the [0052] device 10 further includes a plurality of straps 46. In one embodiment, each of the straps 46 includes hook tape and loop tape (e.g., VELCRO™), and the hook and loop tape removably attach together. In the embodiment shown, the device 10 includes three straps 46 on each side panel 12 a, 12 b, wherein one strap 46 is attached to the bottom edges 47 a, 47 b at an intermediate location, another strap 46 is attached adjacent the fourth corners 103 a, 103 b, and a third strap 46 is attached to the rear edges 45 a, 45 b at an intermediate location. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the straps 46 can be secured to the stroller to thereby inhibit the device 10 from inadvertently falling from the stroller.
Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the [0053] device 10 is shown in its deployed configuration, attached to a stroller 57. As shown, the side panels 12 a, 12 b are frictionally fit over the outside of the stroller 57. Also, the straps 46 are attached to the stroller 57 in order to further secure the device 10 thereto. More specifically, the hook tape portion of each strap 46 is looped around a portion of the stroller 57, and the loop tape portion of the corresponding strap 46 is pressed against the hook tape. As such, a portion of the stroller 57 is encircled by the strap 46 for more secure holding of the device 10 onto the stroller 57.
Furthermore, the [0054] rear flap 58 is stretched out over the outside of the back of the stroller 57 so that the rear flap 58 provides shade to the back of the child occupant of the stroller 57. In one embodiment, the rear flap 58 includes an area of either pile or loop tape (not shown) which attaches to a strap 46 on the side panels 12 a, 12 b so that the rear flap 58 remains secured in place.
Thus, when the [0055] device 10 embodied in FIGS. 7 through 11 is placed over a stroller, the device 10 provides shade, protects from strong gusts of wind, protects from insects, and the like. It is noted that the configuration of the device 10 allows for nearly complete enclosure of the child-occupant within the stroller 57 for greater protection. Also, the mesh sections 108 allows for ventilation within the stroller and allows the occupant to see outwardly therefrom. Moreover, the person pushing the stroller can see into the stroller through the observation window 56 while pushing, thereby ensuring that the child-occupant is safe and secure. Additionally, the straps 46 secure the device 10 to the stroller 57 such that the device 10 is less likely to inadvertently fall therefrom and expose the child-occupant. Finally, the resilient frame members 14 a, 14 b allow the device 10 to be quickly changed between a deployed configuration, and a collapsed configuration for more convenient movement and storage.
Turning now to FIGS. 12 through 16, an alternative embodiment of the [0056] device 10 is shown. This embodiment of the device 10 is similar to the device 10 discussed above in relation to FIGS. 7 through 11; however, this embodiment is adapted to provide shelter from the sun as well as inclement weather.
As shown, less surface area of the [0057] device 10 is made up of mesh sections 106 as compared to the device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 11. For instance, in the embodiment shown, the mesh sections 106 are relatively small and triangular and included only on the side panels 12 a, 12 b, adjacent the second corners 102 a, 102 b. Also, the intermediate sheet 13 includes no mesh section 108. Since only a small portion of the device 10 includes a mesh section 108, the device 10 is more likely to protect the child-occupant from sunlight or inclement weather. However, the mesh section 108, though relatively small, still allows for adequate ventilation.
Furthermore, the [0058] solid sections 106 are made of a waterproof material, such as nylon or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). As such, the device is more likely to keep the child-occupant dry, even if the stroller is used during inclement weather.
As shown in FIGS. 12 through 16, the [0059] device 10 includes a front flap 150. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the intermediate sheet 13 freely extends past the first corners 100 a, 100 b of the side panels 12 a, 12 b so as to define a front flap 150. The front flap 150 extends as such so as to provide more coverage of the child-occupant when seated in the stroller 57. Thus, the front flap 150 provides increased protection from the sunlight and inclement weather.
Moreover, the [0060] device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 16 include resilient frame members 14 a, 14 b attached around the periphery of the side panels 12 a, 12 b. As stated above, the frame members 14 a, 14 b can be bent and folded so as to change the device 10 into the collapsed configuration for more convenient movement and storage, and the frame members 14 a, 14 bare resilient and quickly return to their original shape so as to unfurl the side panels 12 a, 12 b, such that the device 10 quickly moves to its deployed configuration.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the [0061] device 10 can be positioned over the outside of a stroller 57 to protect the child-occupant from sunlight or inclement weather. The straps 46 can be used to attach the device 10 to the stroller 57 so that the device 10 does not inadvertently fall from the stroller 57. Also, it is noted that the front flap 150 extends substantially below the passenger area of the stroller 57, thereby further enclosing the child-occupant and providing increased protection to the child-occupant.
This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure. [0062]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible shade adapted to partially block sunlight and capable of being positioned in both a deployed and collapsed configuration, the shade comprising:

a first and second side panel joined by an unsupported intermediate sheet, wherein the first side panel, second side panel, and intermediate sheet are made of a flexible material;

a first resilient frame member fastened to the first side panel, the first resilient frame member adapted so as to unfurl the first side panel and hold the first side panel in tension when the shade is in the deployed configuration, the first resilient frame member also capable of being bent into at least one loop when the shade is in the collapsed configuration; and

a second resilient frame member fastened to the second side panel, the second resilient frame member adapted so as to unfurl the second side panel and hold the second side panel in tension when the shade is in the deployed configuration, the second resilient frame member also capable of being bent into at least one loop when the shade is in the collapsed configuration;

wherein the looped first frame member at least partially overlays the looped second frame member when the shade is in the collapsed configuration.

2. The shade of claim 1, wherein the intermediate sheet can be arranged generally perpendicular to the first and second side panels when the shade is in the deployed configuration.

3. The shade of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first side panel, second side panel, and intermediate sheet are each made of reflective material.

4. The shade of claim 1, further comprising a strap attached to the first side panel, the strap capable of retaining the resilient frame members in overlaid loops so as to maintain the shade in the collapsed configuration.

5. The shade of claim 1, adapted to removably attach to a child car-seat.

6. The shade of claim 1, adapted to removably attach to a stroller.

7. The shade of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the first side panel and the second side panel each comprise a mesh material.

8. The shade of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate sheet comprises a mesh material.

9. The shade of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of straps individually attached to the first and second side panels, the straps capable of removably securing the shade to the stroller.

10. The shade of claim 9, wherein the straps comprise hook and loop fastening tape, the straps capable of removably securing the shade to the stroller.

11. The shade of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first side panel, second side panel, and intermediate sheet each comprise SPF 50 nylon.

12. The shade of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate sheet is made of a transparent material.

13. The shade of claim 1, wherein the first and second side panels each comprise a top edge, a front edge extending at an angle from the top edge, and a bottom edge extending at an angle from the front edge, and at least a portion of the intermediate sheet is attached to the respective top edges of the first and second side panels, and at least a portion of the intermediate sheet is attached to the respective front edges of the first and second side panels.

14. The shade of claim 13, further comprising a front shield which is attached to the intermediate sheet and freely hangs below respective bottom edges of the first and second side panels.

15. The shade of claim 13, wherein the first and second side panels further comprise a rear edge connecting the top edge to the bottom edge on the first and second side panels, respectively, and wherein the shade also comprises a rear flap made of flexible material which is attached to the intermediate sheet and freely extends downwardly therefrom between respective rear edges of the first and second side panels.

16. The shade of claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members are made of stainless steel.

17. The shade of claim 6, wherein the first side panel, the second side panel, and the intermediate sheet are at least partially made of a waterproof material.

18. The shade of claim 17, wherein the waterproof material is selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride and nylon.

19. A method of attaching a collapsible shade to a car seat that has an outer surface, the shade comprising:

a first side panel supported by a resilient first frame member;

a second side panel supported by a resilient second frame member; and

an unsupported intermediate sheet that attaches the first side panel to the second side panel;

the shade capable of being changed between a collapsed configuration, wherein the first and second frame members are bent into overlapping coils, and a deployed configuration, wherein the first and second frame members unfurl the first and second side panels respectively; the method comprising:

changing the shade from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration; and

fitting the shade over the outside surface of the car seat.

20. A method of attaching a collapsible shade to a stroller that has an outer surface, the shade comprising:

a first side panel supported by a resilient first frame member;

a second side panel supported by a resilient second frame member; and

fitting the shade over the outside surface of the stroller.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first and second side panels further comprise a plurality of straps capable of removably securing the shade to the stroller, and the method further comprises the step of removably securing the straps to the stroller.