Abstract: A retractable and extendable covering device (1) for architectural openings, which includes first and second substantially parallel posts (3, 5), a retractable and extendable substantially rectangular screen member (7), and a first flexible guide member (9; 109). The first flexible guide member (9; 109) is deflected into one of the first and second posts (3, 5) and slidably receivable therein. Each of the parallel posts (3, 5) has a hollow interior (19, 23), and at least one of the first and second posts being movable toward and away with respect to the other. The retractable and extendable screen member (7) has first and second pairs of opposite parallel edges and is mounted between the first and second parallel posts (3, 5) at its first pair of parallel edges. The first flexible guide member (9; 109) extends along one edge of the second pair of parallel edges of the screen member (7) and between the first and second posts (3, 5) for retaining the one edge of the screen member (7).

Abstract: A combined parasol and storage housing assembly (1) includes an expandable and collapsible shielding member (7) and a substantially hollow storage housing (3). The storage housing (3) is suitable for storing the shielding member (7) in its collapsed condition. The storage housing (3) further comprises a spine (15) and an elongated cover sheet (33). The cover sheet (33) is formed with a pair of substantially opposite longitudinal edges. Each edge of the pair of substantially opposite longitudinal edges is mounted to the spine (15) to form the storage housing. The cover sheet (33) is formed by cutting a sheet of flexible and resilient material to a length in accordance with a longitudinal size of the shielding member (7) in its collapsed state. The spine (15) is formed by cutting a length of rigid material, having a substantially continuous constant cross section, to a length in accordance with the longitudinal size of the shielding member (7) in its collapsed state.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable covering device (1) for architectural openings, which includes first and second substantially parallel posts (3, 5), a retractable and extendable substantially rectangular screen member (7), and a first flexible guide member (9; 109). The first flexible guide member (9; 109) is deflected into one of the first and second posts (3, 5) and slidably receivable therein. Each of the parallel posts (3, 5) has a hollow interior (19, 23), and at least one of the first and second posts being movable toward and away with respect to the other. The retractable and extendable screen member (7) has first and second pairs of opposite parallel edges and is mounted between the first and second parallel posts (3, 5) at its first pair of parallel edges. The first flexible guide member (9; 109) extends along one edge of the second pair of parallel edges of the screen member (7) and between the first and second posts (3, 5) for retaining the one edge of the screen member (7).

Abstract: A combined parasol and storage housing assembly (1) includes an expandable and collapsible shielding member (7) and a substantially hollow storage housing (3). The storage housing (3) is suitable for storing the shielding member (7) in its collapsed condition. The storage housing (3) further comprises a spine (15) and an elongated cover sheet (33). The cover sheet (33) is formed with a pair of substantially opposite longitudinal edges. Each edge of the pair of substantially opposite longitudinal edges is mounted to the spine (15) to form the storage housing. The cover sheet (33) is formed by cutting a sheet of flexible and resilient material to a length in accordance with a longitudinal size of the shielding member (7) in its collapsed state. The spine (15) is formed by cutting a length of rigid material, having a substantially continuous constant cross section, to a length in accordance with the longitudinal size of the shielding member (7) in its collapsed state.