WIND RESISTANT SUNSHADE WITH SOLAR POWERED LIGHTING

Abstract

A shade device includes an awning and a light string having a plurality of lights suspended therefrom below a level of the awning

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/889,408, filed on Aug. 20, 2019 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/977,446, filed on Feb. 17, 2020, and incorporates such provisional application by reference into this disclosure as if fully set out at this point.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to outdoor comfort products in general and, more specifically, to outdoor shading and lighting devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Usability, convenience, and comfort of outdoor spaces that do not have a permanent roof structure can be enhanced by use of a cover, sail, or awning device to provide shade and weather protection. Such covers can be suspended or elevated at various heights over an outdoor area using permanent anchor points, such as the side of a building or a post. They may also be partially or completely supported using tent poles, guy lines, and other more temporarily installation hardware. Foldable or compactable frames are also used now with certain awnings or covered.

Fabric-type covers and awnings can provide sun and weather protection but they may reduce the amount of useable light in an area. They are also suspectable to dislocation and damage from winds and other outdoor phenomena.

What is needed is a system and device for addressing the above and related concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof, comprises a shade device including an awning having an upper part and a lower part arranged so as to define an airflow pathway between the upper part and the lower part and through the awning, and a light string affixed below the awning.

In some embodiments, the light string is affixed at a periphery of the awning. The device may include a repellent dispenser affixed at a periphery of the awning. In some cases, the repellent dispenser is affixed to the light string.

The awning may have a square outline. The upper part may comprise two upper triangular pieces of fabric joined at a center of the awning at the apices of the two upper triangular pieces of fabric. The lower part may comprise two lower triangular pieces of fabric joined at the center of the awning at the apices of the two lower triangular pieces of fabric. The lower part may define two triangular openings on the sides of the lower triangular pieces of fabric, the two triangular openings being covered by the two upper triangular pieces of fabric of the upper part.

In some embodiments, the awning has a periphery partially covered with a wind deflector. The wind deflector may have an asymmetric cross section.

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a shade device including an awning, and a light string having a plurality of lights suspended therefrom below a level of the awning.

The awning may define at least one air flow pathway therethrough. It may comprise an upper part and a lower part that are separated at least along medial portions of each to define the at least one air flow pathway. The awning may have a perimeter edge, at least part of which is provided with a wind deflector. The wind deflector comprises at least a portion thereof imbued with an insect repellent. In some cases, a separate repellent and fragrance dispenser are affixed to the awning.

The shade device may include an ultra-violet light indicator affixed to the awning, the ultra-violet light indicator altering in appearance upon a change in a level of ultra-violet light exposure. The device may include a solar panel on the awning that powers the light string. It may have a battery pack that powers the light string and is recharged by a solar panel affixed to the awning. The light string may be textured to reduce wind disturbance of the light string.

The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a shade device including a multi-part awning covering an area below the shade from sunlight exposure while providing an airflow pathway through the awning. The device includes a light string providing a plurality of lights below a level of the awning to illuminate the area below the shade, and a wind deflector at a perimeter of the shade having a cross-sectional shape to reduce wind disturbance of the multi-part shade.

The awning may comprise complementary upper and lower portions, the lower portion defining at least one opening that is covered by the upper portion, the upper and lower portions being separated to define the airflow pathway. A battery pack may be provided that powers the light string with a solar panel affixed to the awning for recharging the battery pack. The device may include a heat activated insect repellent dispenser affixed to the awning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 illustrating exemplary air flow pathways according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a closeup perspective view of a portion of an outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure equipped for attachment to a tent pole-type support.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a user installing an outdoor shade according to the present disclosure onto an upright post.

FIG. 7 is a closeup perspective view of a corner attachment mechanism for an outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is closeup perspective view of a rechargeable battery for use with systems of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an outdoor shade according to the present disclosure encased for storage.

FIG. 10A is a side cutaway view of one embodiment of a deflector on an edge of a shade awning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a deflector on an edge of a shade awning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10C is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a deflector on an edge of a shade awning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10D is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a deflector on an edge of a shade awning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10E is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a deflector on an edge of a shade awning according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a side view of a light string according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B illustrates a series of textured finishes for use with lighting strings according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C is a side view of a textured junction box for light strings according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a side cutaway view of a fragrance or repellent dispenser for use with outdoor shades according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is another side cutaway view of another fragrance or repellent dispenser for use with outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an overhead view of another embodiment of an outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an overhead view of another embodiment of an outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a closeup perspective view of a portion of an outdoor shade with ultra-violet light sensor according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an outdoor shade 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Here the shade 100 is shown installed over an outdoor patio 110. However, it should be understood that the shade 100 and other shades according to the present disclosure may be installed on open ground, decks, or any other area where shading, rain protection, or other coverage is desired.

The shade 100 may comprise a fabric awning 102 suspended between various locations by attachment mechanisms 106. Here the awning 102 is suspending from walls 109 and a permanent post or pole 108. However, the awning 102 may also be suspended using temporary, possibly multi-segmented poles and guy lines, foldable frames or supports, or other implements.

A fabric comprising the awning 102 may be a woven or knit material. It may be a natural material such as a cotton canvas or a synthetic material such as Nylon or polyester. The fabric may be water resistant, or may be permeable to prevent water buildup and pooling. Various coating may be applied to improve water repellency, fade resistance, UV protection, or other functions. Various stress points may double layering and reinforcements as are known in the art.

One or more strings of lights 104 may be placed at the perimeter of the awning 102, or underneath the awning 102. The lights 104 may be plug-in type lights but they may also be battery powered for increased portability. The lights 104 may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) for increase efficiency and/or controllability. Light strings 104 may comprise individual diodes or bulbs that are allows to hang down to generally light all or a portion of an area under and/or around the awning 102. However, they may also be positioned to point or direct light toward the awning 102 for diffusive effects. Reflectors and/or particular types of bulb mounts, as well as the position of the light string(s) 104 with respect to the awning 102, may all serve to achieve the desire effects. In some cases, the light string 104 may be dimmable or provide individual elements or bulbs having light of particular colors.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the awning 102. The awning 102 is generally square, although other shapes are possible. The general shape of the awning 102 may be chosen to match the desired coverage area or shaded. The awning 102 is depicted as about 10 feet by 10 feet but it should be understood that these dimensions are exemplary. One or more solar panels 204 may be provided on the awning 102 for powering the lights 104. The solar panels 204 may additionally, or instead, charge a battery during the daytime for use later in powering the lights 104. Connector and battery pack 802 (discussed further below) are shown at an exemplary location on the shade 100 but different or multiple locations are possible. The connector and battery pack 802 also interfaces to provide power to the light string(s) 104 and to the one or more solar panels 204 (via lead 206, for example). For simplicity, control mechanisms (e.g., switches), connections to household power (where provided), and other potentially useful circuitry (e.g., voltage or power conditioning) as is known in the art is not shown.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the shade 100 illustrating an awning 102 configuration and exemplary air flow pathways is shown. In some cases, installation of the shade 100 provides relief from exposure to harsh sunlight and other elements. However, this can also reduce cooling airflow. Shades according to the present disclosure may provide multi-part awnings 102 that provide for cooling airflow therethrough. The ability for air to flow through the awning 102 also reduces the chance the awning 102 will become damaged or moved from its installed location due to wind effects.

Here the awning 102 is separated into an upper part 302 formed of triangular portions 304 meeting at the apices thereof at top center point 305, and a lower part 312 formed of triangular portions 314 also meeting at the apices thereof at low center point 315. The upper part 302 may be rotated about 90 degrees from the matching lower part 312 such that at least one triangular portion (304 or 314) covers or shades all areas under the awning 102. However, the upper part 302 may be detached from the lower part 312 along all or a portion of the awning 102 except where they meet at the perimeter or outside corners 317. In other words, the upper part 302 can “float free” of the lower part 312 allowing air flow through the awning 102 via openings 320. The upper triangular portions 304 may at least slightly overlap the lower triangular portions 314 such that if and when the upper part 302 rest on the lower part 304 there is complete shade coverage and/or rain protection.

In some embodiments, the upper part 302 and lower part 304 are entirely detached from one another. In such cases, they may each provide their own set of attachment mechanisms (e.g., 106) at suitable locations to retain the respective parts 302, 304 such that they overlap and provide complementary shade and protection (e.g., the openings of lower part 304 are covered or protected by the fabric portions of upper part 302 and/or vice versa). The optional attachment or detachment between pieces of an awning applies regardless of the number of component pieces and/or the overall shape of the awning.

Shades or awnings according to the present disclosure (such as awning 102) may generally have a square, rectilinear, or triangular outline, or may have any number of sides so as to form general polygonal shapes. Corners of such polygonal shapes may have necessary attachment mechanisms 106 at corners or elsewhere. The individual components (such as upper part 302 and lower part 304) may also have square varying numbers of sides to form squares, rectangles, triangles, or general polygons and include necessary attachment mechanisms 106 to be retained in position and/be attached to one another to form a completed awning. Shades, awnings, and individual components thereof may also be or have circular or curved portions for additional coverage options, wind control, decorative effects, and/or other effects.

The upper part 302 may provide an edge 306 (e.g., sides of the triangle) that is of a predetermined shape or profile, or is provided with a deflector, to aid in wind resistance as discussed further below. Similarly, the lower part 312 may provide an edge 316 that is also of a predetermined shape for wind or air handling purposes. For clarity, it should be understood that a perimeter of the entire awning 102 and/or inner sides of triangular portions 304, 314 may have a particular profile or deflector for wind deflection and other purposes as discussed below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of another embodiment of an outdoor shade 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The shade 400 shares many similarities with the shade 100 except that it has an awning 402 that is of a generally triangular shape. The awning 402 provides a triangular upper part 404 that is detached at least along a medial portion of the sides 405 thereof from a lower part 406 of the awning 402. The lower part 406 comprises two additional triangular portions 407, 408 that are split apart from one another to form a triangular opening 410 matching or approximately matching the size and shape of the upper part 404. The opening 410 (and below upper part 404) allows for airflow through the awning 402. A string of lights 104 may be provided on an outer perimeter 410 of the awning 402.

The upper part 404 may at least slightly overlap the lower part 406 when the upper part 404 is on a same level as the lower part 406 (e.g., in low wind), thereby providing complete shade and/or rain protection. Additionally, the outer perimeter 410 as well as the portions of the sides 405 of the upper part 404 and inside edges 403 of lower part 406 may be provided with a specific profile as discussed below.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a closeup perspective view of a corner section of an outdoor shade according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Here it is illustrated how the awning 102 may be adapted for attachment to a tent pole-type support 202. It should be understood that a similar arrangement can be made for the awning 402 or other awnings or shades according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, one or more corners of the awning 102 may be provided with an attachment loop 502 that receives a tip 504 on the tent pole 202. Spring loaded tabs may be provided on the tip 504 that are selectively received into openings on the attachment loop 502 for retention. The attachment loop 502 may comprise a fabric or polymer strip sewn or otherwise attached to the corner of the awning 102. This may be proximate the attachment mechanism 106 that is affixed to a guy line or other anchor point.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view illustrating a user installing an outdoor shade 100 according to the present disclosure onto an upright post 602 is shown. The upright post 602 may be permanently anchored in the ground, or may also represent the corner of a building or other permanent structure. The attachment mechanism 106 may selectively attach to an installed anchor plate 604.

Referring now also to FIG. 7, a closeup perspective view of the corner attachment mechanism 106 for the outdoor shade 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Here it can be seen that the mechanism 106 may comprise a carabiner 704 or other selective attachment component engaged to a strap and buckle 702. The strap and buckle 702 provide for adjustment or tightening of the awning 102 while the carabiner 704 provides for quick attachment and detachment from the anchor plate 604.

FIG. 8 is closeup perspective view of a rechargeable battery 804 for use with systems of the present disclosure. A battery pack 804 may be selectively attached to a connector 802 on the shade 100 for powering lights (e.g., lights 104). The battery pack 804 may be charged in place by solar sails on the awning 102. In some embodiments, the battery pack 804 may be removed for charging. The battery pack 804 may be rechargeable via a universal serial bus (USB) connection. The battery pack 804 might be changed out if it becomes sufficiently depleted over the course of a night or evening. Some embodiments provide for automatic on/off and timing of the lights 104. The battery pack 804 may comprise one or more lithium cells or battery cells relying on other electrical chemistries.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an outdoor shade according to the present disclosure encased for storage. The shades of the present disclosure can be enclosed in a carrying case 900. The case 900 may contain the shade plus any accessories or components such as tent poles, rechargers, light strings, spare parts, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E, side cutaway illustrations of a series of edge deflector profiles for shades according to the present disclosure are shown. As mentioned above, edges of fabric components (such as triangular portions 304, 314 of awning 102; or triangular portions 404 and 407/408 of awning 402) or other components of shades according to the present disclosure may encounter wind sufficient to cause flapping or other instabilities that consumers may find irritating, and could also lead to damage or wear over time.

In some instances, edges of awnings may be equipped with a specifically-shaped wind deflector to minimize wind disturbance. The views of FIGS. 10 A, B, C, D, and E are taken as a cross section or side cutaway showing both the awning fabric (generally as 1000, corresponding to any fabric component according to embodiments of the present disclosure) and an attached deflector. FIG. 10A illustrates a deflector 1002 having an oblong or egg-shaped cross section that is generally deeper than the corresponding fabric 1000 to which it is attached. Thus, wind may be deflected around the deflector 1002 at the edge of the fabric 1000 to reduce flapping. Laminar air flow may be encouraged as wind or travels further past the deflector 1002.

FIG. 10B illustrates a deflector 1004 having a rounded top portion 1006 and a flat bottom portion 1008. The awning fabric 1000 inserts into the deflector in the rounded top portion 1008. FIG. 10C illustrates a deflector 1010 having a flat top portion 1012 and a rounded bottom portion 1014. The fabric 1000 inserts between these portions 1012/1014 in this embodiment and the bottom portion 1014 extends further onto the fabric than the top portion 1012.

FIG. 10D illustrates a deflector 1016 having a trapezoidal cross section. A wide base 1018 provides for insertion of the fabric 1000 opposite a narrow base 1020. Opposite sloped walls 1022 join the bases 1018/1022 and divert air or wind away from the fabric 1000. FIG. 10E illustrates a deflector 1024 with a modified diamond-shaped profile. Outward sloping walls 1026 join to the fabric awning 1000 and join with inward sloping walls 2028 that join outward face 1030. Again, the profile of deflector 1024 deflects incoming wind and air from the edge of the fabric 1000.

Each of the various deflectors 1002, 1004, 1010, 1016, 1024 may comprise a polymer or other material that easily shaped or molded without adding excessive weight (although some weight may act to improve stability). The deflectors 1002, 1004, 1010, 1016, 1024 have shapes or profiles to deflect wind away from the awning 1000 to reduce the Bernoulli effect or ram effects that can lead to flapping and other displacement. In other instances, the deflectors 1002, 1004, 1010, 1016, 1024 may serve to promote laminar air flow with even pressure density over the awning. In other cases, they may simply provide an aerodynamic front to any oncoming wind.

It should be understood that deflectors 1002, 1004, 1010, 1016, 1024 may depart from the profiles shown, or may comprise combinations of the profiles shown. They may have asymmetric profiles (e.g., be different from top to bottom) such that performance can be tuned or adjusted. Deflectors 1002, 1004, 1010, 1016, 1024 may comprise a polymer that is molded and applied to the fabric 1000 with adhesive. The deflectors 1002, 1004, 1010, 1016, 1024 may also be molded directly on the fabric 1000 reducing or eliminating the need for an adhesive. The deflectors 1002, 1004, 1010, 1016, 1024 may provide sufficient flexibility to allow the fabric components to move (e.g., such that air may flow through as described) while providing wind deflection and/or mass to prevent excessive movement or flapping.

Referring now to FIG. 11A, a close-up view of a light string 1102 for outdoor shades according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The light string 104 may comprising a power cable 1102 with a series of bulb drops 1106 leading from the cable 1102 to a plurality of bulbs 1104. The power cable 1102 may be affixed near an edge or edges of the associated awning (e.g., 102), or below the awning. The bulb drops 1106 may further lower the bulbs 1104 to a height for maximum illumination. The bulbs 1104 may be incandescent bulbs or LEDs to provide more light, less heat, and/or greater efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 11B a profile, texture, or embossed pattern may be applied to all or a portion of the power cable 1102 and/or bulb drops 1106. This may be for decorative purposes or to improve wind performance by diverting or deflecting wind relative to the power cable 1102 and/or bulb drops 1106. Insets B1, B2, and B3 illustrate possible shapes to be used for the texture/pattern/embossing. The shapes B1, B2, B3 may be repeated or mixed and matched to form a complete pattern. Other patterns or shapes may also be used. Such decorative and functional patterns may be applied to other components as well. FIG. 11C illustrates application of a pattern/texture/embossing to a junction 1110 between the power cable 1102 and the bulb drop 1106.

Referring now to FIG. 12A a cutaway view of a fragrance or repellent dispenser 1200 for use with outdoor shades according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. In FIG. 12A a clip 1202 is provided that selectively affixes to the power cable 1102 or edge of an awning (e.g., 102, 402 or edges shown in FIGS. 10A-10E). The clip 1202 may affix via an interference or snap fit but adhesives may also be used as well as permanent fixing mechanisms. Affixed to the clip 1202 is an absorbent member 1204 that may provide for evaporation of an imbued repellent or fragrance. In some embodiments, the repellent/fragrance and absorbent member or repellent device may be selected such that the repellent/fragrance are particularly well dispersed between temperatures of 110° and 155° C. In other embodiments, repellents/fragrances may vaporize or become active at temperatures of 72° to 90° F. Requisite temperatures may be provided via exposure to sufficient sunlight 1206, or utilizing household line voltage, low AC or DC voltage, solar, or battery power (e.g., using resistive heating elements, not shown). It should be understood that any manner of fragrance or repellent may be used with embodiments of the present disclosure. This would include those that are highly processed or those having more natural compositions. Fragrances or repellents that require heat to disperse (e.g., either sunlight or electrical) or that are volatile enough to disperse under ambient conditions may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 12B, a cutaway view of a repellent deflector 1210 is shown. The deflector 1210 functions in a similar manner to the deflectors discussed above insofar as serving to reduce movement or flutter of the awning fabric 1000. However, the deflector 1210 also provides for fragrance/repellent dispersion similar to the dispenser 1200 (based on sunlight 1206 or other mechanisms, as discussed above). The deflector 1210 provides a similar geometric cross section as the deflector 1024 discussed above (FIG. 10E) but other shapes and cross sections may be utilized. In some cases, the entire deflector 1210 retains and dispenses repellent/fragrance but in some cases only portions of the deflector 1210 are absorbent or otherwise imbued for such purpose. Here an upper portion 1212 is absorbent for retaining and dispensing repellent/fragrance while a lower portion 1214 is solid or inert. These positions could be reversed, or other configurations arranged.

Referring now to FIG. 13 is an overhead view of another embodiment of an outdoor shade 1300 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Here the shade 1300 has a triangular awning 1302 that does not have large air flow spaces built in. While it may still be water impermeable and provide shade, it may also allow for at least some degree of airflow depending on the fabric. The awning 1302 is shown as ten feet per side but dimensions may vary. Corners 1304 of the awning 1302 are equipped with D-rings 1306. Adjustment mechanisms may or may not be provided. Lights 104 may be provided at the perimeter or elsewhere and a solar panel 204 for powering the lights and/or recharging a battery may be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an overhead view of another embodiment of an outdoor shade 1400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The shade 1400 is similar to shade 1300 except for having an awning 1402 is in a square configuration. Again, this awning 1402 does not provide large air flow gaps but may provide lights 104 and/or a solar panel 204.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a closeup perspective view of a portion of an outdoor shade with ultra-violet (UV) light sensor 1502 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The UV light sensor 1502 may be provided on any shade awning as discussed herein and may or may not be located in a corner as illustrated. The sensor 1502 may comprise a photochromic substance such as, for example, a photochromic paint, pigment, or polymer composition. Exposure to UV light (e.g., from sunlight 1502) results in a change in color or appearance of the sensor 1502 such that a user can see from visual inspection of the sensor the degree of UV exposure that might be expected in the area of the shade (see, e.g., insets 1504, 1506, 1508 showing a darkening of the sensor in response to increasing levels of UV light). In some embodiments, the color or appearance change can be observed from below while the sensor 1502 determines UV exposure on top of the shade. In other embodiments, the sensor provides an indication of UV exposure under the shade. In other embodiments, UV exposure both above and below the shade are reported.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a ranger having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%.

When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.

It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where context excludes that possibility), and the method can also include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

Further, it should be noted that terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise herein. Absent a specific definition within this disclosure, and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be plus or minus 10% of the base value.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A shade device comprising:

an awning having an upper part and a lower part arranged so as to define an airflow pathway between the upper part and the lower part and through the awning;

a light string affixed below the awning.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the light string is affixed at a periphery of the awning.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a repellent dispenser affixed at a periphery of the awning.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the repellent dispenser is affixed to the light string.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein:

the awning has a square outline;

the upper part comprises two upper triangular pieces of fabric joined at a center of the awning at the apices of the two upper triangular pieces of fabric;

the lower part comprises two lower triangular pieces of fabric joined at the center of the awning at the apices of the two lower triangular pieces of fabric.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the lower part defines two triangular openings on the sides of the lower triangular pieces of fabric, the two triangular openings being covered by the two upper triangular pieces of fabric of the upper part.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the awning has a periphery partially covered with a wind deflector.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the wind deflector has an asymmetric cross section.

9. A shade device comprising:

an awning;

a light string having a plurality of lights suspended therefrom below a level of the awning.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the awning defines at least one air flow pathway therethrough.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the awning comprises an upper part and a lower part that are separated at least along medial portions of each to define the at least one air flow pathway.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the awning has a perimeter edge, at least part of which is provided with a wind deflector.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the wind deflector comprises at least a portion thereof imbued with an insect repellent.

14. The device of claim 11, further comprising a repellent and fragrance dispenser affixed to the awning.

15. The device of claim 11, further comprising an ultra-violet light indicator affixed to the awning, the ultra-violet light indicator altering in appearance upon a change in a level of ultra-violet light exposure.

16. The device of claim 9, further comprising a solar panel on the awning that powers the light string.

17. The device of claim 9, further comprising a battery pack that powers the light string and is recharged by a solar panel affixed to the awning.

18. The device of claim 9, wherein the light string is textured to reduce wind disturbance of the light string.

19. A shade device comprising:

a multi-part awning covering an area below the shade from sunlight exposure while providing an airflow pathway through the awning;

a light string providing a plurality of lights below a level of the awning to illuminate the area below the shade;

a wind deflector at a perimeter of the shade having a cross-sectional shape to reduce wind disturbance of the multi-part shade.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the awning comprises complementary upper and lower portions, the lower portion defining at least one opening that is covered by the upper portion, the upper and lower portions being separated to define the airflow pathway.

21. The device of claim 19, further comprising a battery pack that powers the light string and a solar panel affixed to the awning for recharging the battery pack.

22. The device of claim 19, further comprising a heat activated insect repellent dispenser affixed to the awning.