DUAL-USE PORTABLE SUNSHADE APPARATUS

Abstract

A portable sunshade apparatus is disclosed for use with, for example, a recreational chair. In one embodiment, the sunshade apparatus has two side supports. Each side support has one or more of: an attachment provision, a vertical support leg, one or more radial support arms, a ratchet assembly connecting the radial arms to the vertical support leg, and a horizontally extending arm connected to an end of the radial support arms. A canopy element extends between the horizontally extending arms of each side support. The ratchet assembly and the attachment provision include features that allow the canopy to be adjusted in a variety of directions. In some instances, the canopy element is used for displaying promotional messages.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/684,285 entitled, “PORTABLE SUNSHADE APPARATUS,” filed Apr. 10, 2015, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12/814,409 entitled, “PORTABLE SUNSHADE APPARATUS,” filed Jun. 11, 2010, contents which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a portable sunshade apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable sunshade apparatus that can be adjusted in a variety of directions to improve the overall shade cast by the portable sunshade apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Recreational chairs of various types, such as lawn chairs, patio chairs, lounge chairs, and the like, are well known. With the growing awareness of the harm caused by excessive sun exposure, there has been increased interest in developing sunshades for use with recreational chairs.

Large sunshade devices such as umbrellas or other canopies have been popularly used to provide shade for recreational chairs. However, large umbrellas are often too bulky and obtrusive for many uses. Additionally, many large sunshade devices are often bulky, making it difficult for portability to different places.

To remedy this, smaller canopy sunshade devices have been used. However, many of these smaller sunshades are usually permanently attached to the chair, making it difficult to easily use the canopy sunshade with different chairs. In addition, most of these sunshade devices cannot be quickly attached to and removed from the recreational chair. Many sunshades are required to be attached to rigid support members that provide little flexibility in adjusting the exact position of the canopy element relative to the recreational chair.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable sunshade apparatus for use with, for example, a recreational chair. In one embodiment, the sunshade apparatus described herein includes attachment provisions, a pair of vertical support legs connected to the attachment provision, one or more support arms radially extending out from each vertical support leg, and a horizontally extending arm connecting to each set of radial support arms. A canopy element is allowed to stretch between the horizontally extending arms.

In one embodiment, the vertical support leg connects to the support arms by means of a ratchet assembly. This allows the support arms (and hence the canopy) to be adjusted in a forward or backward angle relative to the position of the vertical support legs. In one embodiment, the attachment provision (which allows the sunshade apparatus to be attached to, for example, the recreational chair) includes a ball-bearing assembly, allowing the vertical support legs to be moved in a variety of directions (e.g., forward/backward with respect to the recreational chair, sideward with respect to the recreational chair, swivel in situ, etc.). This adjustment feature allows a user to flexibly adjust the position of the canopy of the sunshade apparatus to enhance the efficacy of the sunshade apparatus.

In one embodiment, the support sides (i.e., each side comprising, for example, the support arms, the horizontally extending arm, the vertical support leg, the attachment provision, etc.) of the sunshade apparatus can be folded or collapsed in a longitudinal direction along the direction of the canopy, to allow the sunshade apparatus to be transported in a compact manner. By collapsing the sunshade apparatus to a compact size, a user would be able to, for example, easily store the sunshade apparatus in the trunk of a car, or carry it along in a shoulder bag.

In one embodiment, a user can use the canopy of the sunshade apparatus to display promotional messages. In some instances, the sunshade apparatus may include, for example, a wireless receiver, to receive the promotional messages as a digital signal. In such instances, the canopy uses a digital medium (e.g., an LCD screen) to display the received promotional message.

Other advantages and features will become apparent from the following description and claims. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portable sunshade apparatus;

FIG. 2 depicts an example of an attachment provision that allows the sunshade apparatus to be attached to, for example, a surface of a recreational chair;

FIG. 3 depicts an example of a ratchet assembly of the sunshade apparatus;

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict functional features of the sunshade apparatus;

FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate exemplary adjustments a user can make to the sunshade apparatus;

FIGS. 6A and 6B provide an exemplary illustration of a folding mechanism that allows the sunshade apparatus to be collapsed in a compact manner;

FIG. 7 illustrates a mechanism for including promotional messages on the canopy of the sunshade apparatus;

FIG. 8 depicts an example of a variation of the canopy element;

FIGS. 9A and 9B provide examples of variations to the sunshade apparatus setup;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus in use, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a ridged support panel of an embodiment of a paneled sunshade apparatus;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus affixed to a bent back chair, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus affixed to a straight back chair, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus with frills, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus with a folding shade, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus buried and stabilized in the sand, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus shifted to one side, according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus folded into a storage position, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various examples of the invention will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the invention can include many other obvious features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the invention. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portable sunshade apparatus (or simply, the “sunshade apparatus”) 100. In FIG. 1, the sunshade apparatus 100 is attached to a recreational chair 180 (e.g., a lounge chair). It is noted that the recreational chair 180 is used for illustration purposes only. The sunshade apparatus 100 may be used in conjunction with (i.e., attached to) any other setup (e.g., stadium chairs, fence railings, support bars, etc.), as can be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the sunshade apparatus includes a pair of vertical support legs (110A and 110B). Each vertical support leg (e.g., 110A) has a clipping mechanism (or any other attachment provision) (e.g., 116A) on one end and a ratchet assembly (e.g., 118A) on the other end. While the illustration in FIG. 1 shows a pair of vertical support legs (110A and 110B), a person of ordinary skill will appreciate that a single vertical support leg (not shown in FIG. 1) can be used, with extensions to the ratchet assembly pair (118A and 118B).

Returning to the illustration of FIG. 1, each ratchet assembly (e.g., 118A) of the sunshade apparatus 100 includes one or more support arms (e.g., 112A) extending outward (in a direction away from the direction of the vertical support leg 110A). In some instances, a plurality of support arms (e.g., 112A) are arranged in a radial fashion, where each support arm (extending from a given ratchet assembly 118A) radiates outward from the location of the ratchet assembly 118A. In some instances, the ratchet assembly 118A serves as the connector between the set of support arms 118A and the vertical support leg 110A. As will be discussed below, the pair of ratchet assemblies (118A and 1188) enable the support arms (112A and 112B) to be fixed at a desired angle in relation to the pair of vertical support legs (110A and 110B).

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of support arms (e.g., 112A) supports a horizontally extending arm (e.g., 114A). That is, the ends of the plurality of support arms 112A are attached to the horizontally extending arm 114A. In some instances, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the horizontally extending arm 114A is substantially orthogonal to the orientation to the support arms 112A. As will be discussed below, in at least some embodiments, the purpose of the horizontally extending arms (114A and 1148) is to provide support for the sunshade canopy element 124.

Each of the elements discussed above (i.e., the clamping mechanism 116A, the vertical support leg 110A, the ratchet assembly 118A, the support arms 112A, and the horizontally extending arm 114A) may be manufactured from metallic materials to provide sturdy support for clamping on to, for example, a recreational chair setup 180. However, other materials, such as plastic, wood, fiber glass, etc., as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be used for the manufacture of these elements.

Returning to FIG. 1, a canopy element 124 extends between the pair of horizontally extending arms (114A and 114B). In some instances, the canopy element 124 is a flat sheet of a flexible material (e.g., cloth based material, plastic material, paper based material, etc.) that provides shade over a region defined by the dimensions of the canopy element 124. It is understood that the length and width of the canopy material 124 can be increased or decreased to fit particular requirements, and that the dimensions of the remaining elements (e.g., the vertical support leg 110A, the horizontally extending arm 114A, etc.) would accordingly be adjusted in a proportional fashion.

The description of FIG. 1 above discussed one exemplary embodiment of the sunshade apparatus 100. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments, which include variations to the various elements described above, are within the purview of the invention disclosed in this application. For example, refer to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which provide examples of variations to the sunshade apparatus 100 setup. As shown in FIG. 9A, the vertical support legs directly connect to the canopy element 124 (or to the horizontally extending arms supporting the canopy element). The support arms (e.g., 112A of FIG. 1) are dispensed with in this example. The second example shown in FIG. 9B dispenses with the vertical support legs (e.g., 110A of FIG. 1). Instead, the support arms 112A and 112B directly connect the canopy element to the attachment provision 116A of the sunshade apparatus 100.

Now refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which depict functional features of the sunshade apparatus 100. In some instances, each vertical support leg (e.g., 110A) supports a sliding mechanism allowing the height of the vertical support leg 110A to be adjusted. For example, the vertical support leg 110A includes concentric two cylindrical elements, with a first cylindrical element sliding over the second cylindrical element. In this manner, the two cylinders can be extended out or collapsed within to adjust the overall length of the vertical support leg 110A to a desired value (i.e., as desired by a user using the sunshade apparatus 100).

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the ratchet assembly 118A serves as a junction between the vertical support leg 110A and the support arms 112A. In one embodiment, the ratchet assembly is a hinge type of assembly, which allows the pair of support arms (112A and 112B) to be moved in a forward or backward direction relative to the vertical support legs (110A and 110B). The ratchet hinge assembly 118A would allow the support arms 118A to be fixed at a particular angle (either in a forward or in a backward direction) relative to the vertical support leg 110A. An example of such a ratchet assembly is shown in detail in FIG. 3. By moving the support arms (118A and 118B) relative to the vertical support legs (110A and 110B), a user can adjust the position of the entire canopy 124 in a forward or backward direction. In this manner, a user can adjust the position of the canopy 124 to allow the sunshade apparatus 100 a cast a shade at a desired location.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the attachment element (e.g., 116A) includes a combination of a ball-bearing assembly 210A and a clipping mechanism 212A. The clipping mechanism 212A allows the sunshade apparatus to be affixed (e.g., clamped or clipped on) to the surface of, for example, the lounge-chair 180. Of course, other mechanisms, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized to attach the sunshade apparatus 100 to the surface of the lounger chair 180. For example, a screw assembly may be used in the place of the clamping mechanism 212A to attach the sunshade to a surface of the lounge chair 180. Additionally, while the descriptions of FIGS. 4A and 4B show the attachment element (e.g., 116A) being attached to a top surface of the recreational chair 180, it is understood that the attachment element may be attached to any other surface (e.g., the sides of the recreational chair 180, the arm-bars of the recreational chair 180, etc.) as desired by the user of the sunshade apparatus 100.

The ball-bearing assembly 210A provides multiple functionalities. In one example, the ball bearing assembly 210A provides a junction support between the attachment mechanism 212A and the vertical support leg 110A. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the ball bearing assembly 210A allows the vertical support legs (110A and 110B) to move in a sideward direction relative to the lounge chair 180. This feature further allows a user to adjust the position of the canopy (in a sideward manner) to ensure that the shade is cast in a desired location. Utilizing the forward-and-backward movement capability (afforded by the ratchet assembly 118A, as discussed with reference to FIG. 4A above), and the sideward movement capability (afforded by the ball-bearing assembly 210A), a user is provided a wide range of flexibility in fixing the canopy 124 (and hence the shadow cast by the canopy 124) at a desired location.

Additionally, in another example, the ball-bearing assembly 210A allows the vertical support leg 110A to be rotated (or swiveled) in situ. This swivel feature is illustrated in FIG. 2. This additional feature further enhances a user's range of flexibility in fixing the canopy 124 at a desired location.

Refer now to FIGS. 5A to 5D, which illustrate exemplary adjustments a user can make to the sunshade apparatus 100. A user would be able to make each of these adjustments (as depicted in FIGS. 5A to 5D) using a combination of the ball-bearing assembly (e.g., 210A) and the ratchet assembly (e.g., 118A) adjustment features described above.

In one embodiment, the sunshade apparatus is built such that the support elements (i.e., the vertical support legs 110A and 110B, the support arms 112A and 112B, and the horizontally extending arms 114A and 114B) can be folded or collapsed to allow a user to easily transport the sunshade apparatus 100 in a compact manner. FIGS. 6A and 6B provide an exemplary illustration of such a folding mechanism. As shown in FIG. 6A, each support side of the sunshade apparatus 100 is folded longitudinally over the canopy 124. Other modes of folding (including folding each support side multiple times) by which the overall sunshade apparatus 100 can be collapsed in a compact manner, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, may also be employed to achieve this result.

FIG. 7 illustrates a mechanism for including promotional messages on the canopy 124. In the example of FIG. 7, a promotional message is printed directly on the canopy 124. In other examples, the canopy 124 may include an attachment provision (e.g., a Velcro strap, a pushpin arrangement, a sleeve compartment, etc.) to allow a user to attach the promotional message to an existing canopy 124. By including this attachment provision, a user can cycle through multiple promotional messages (e.g., each printed on a distinct piece of paper or cloth material) over the same canopy 124.

In one embodiment, the canopy 124 may include a provision for displaying the promotional message using a digital medium (e.g., LED lights, LED screen, LCD screen, etc.). (Not shown in FIG. 7). The digital medium may be embedded on the surface of the canopy 124 or may be a separable attachment on the surface of the canopy 124. In one embodiment, the sunshade apparatus 100 may include a receiving device (e.g., a Bluetooth receiver) to receive a digital signal from a remote location. The digital display over the canopy 124 would then display the received digital signal as the promotional message.

In some embodiments, the canopy may be designed in different shapes and sizes. One such example is depicted in FIG. 8, where the canopy 124 is shaped in the form of a banana leaf. In another example, the canopy 124 may include side flaps to improve the amount of shade that the sunshade apparatus 100 would be able to cast. Other examples of sizes and designs of the canopy 124, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, are equally applicable for implementation in conjunction with the sunshade apparatus 100 described herein.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 in use, according to various embodiments. The paneled sunshade apparatus is affixed to the back frame 1002 of a chair 1004 providing shade to a user 1008.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a ridged support panel 1010 of an embodiment of a paneled sunshade apparatus 1002.The paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 includes several components. These components include the ridged support panel 1010, an articulating frame 1012, and a shade 1014. The ridged support panel 1010 is built with stiff material and optionally includes additional reinforcement to compensate for torsion. Affixed to the ridged support panel is at least one securing strap 1016.

The securing strap 1016 is used to affix the paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 to a chair 1006. The securing strap 1016 uses adhesive, hooks, or Velcro to secure the ridged support panel 100 to the underside of the back of the chair 1006. In some embodiments, the securing strap 1016 is a single strap which stretches all the way around the chair 1006 and secures to the ridged support panel 1010. In other embodiments, there are two securing straps 1016 which wrap around the chair 1006 and secure to one another.

Additionally connected to the ridged support panel 1010 are orientation rods 1018 affixed perpendicularly to the articulating support frame 1012.

The articulating support frame 1012 is rectangular in shape and includes several components. Vertical support bars 1012a, 1012b extend between the shade 1014 and the orientation rods 1018. Horizontal rotating bar 1012c is affixed perpendicularly to the orientation bars 1018, and horizontal rotating bar 1012d is affixed perpendicularly to the shade 1014. Horizontal rotating bars 1012c, 1012d enable the shade 1014 and the ridged support panel 1010 to rotate about the axis corresponding to each horizontal rotating bar 1012c, 1012d making use of joints 1020.

There are a number of methods for constructing the shade 1014. In some embodiments, a frame stretches out an opaque sheath. The opaque sheath can be made of any light weight flexible material known in the art. In other embodiments, the shade 1014 comprises formed plastic.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are illustrations of a paneled sunshade apparatus affixed to a bent back 1006a and straight back chair 1006b respectively, according to various embodiments. The shape and design of the ridged support panel 1010 fits chairs 1006 of multiple shapes. Displayed here are a bent back chair 1006a and a straight back chair 1006b.

In some embodiments, the vertical support bars 1012a, 1012b additionally house speakers and auditory apparatus (not shown). Examples of auditory apparatus include radio components, volume control, frequency control, controller ICs, transceivers (including radio, Bluetooth, wi-fi, or other suitable wireless recievers), or other suitable known apparatus for generating sound. In some embodiments the ridged support panel 1010 includes a pocket for a media player. In such embodiments, an auxiliary cable for the speakers extends from a joint 1020 to plug into a media player stored in the pocket. On the ridged support panel 1020.

In some embodiments, joints 1020 include knobs on the outer edges of the joints 1020. The knobs provide control for sounds emitted from the speakers within the vertical support bars 1012a, 1012b. Controls such as volume or frequency are included.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 with frills 1022. In some embodiments, the shade 1014 further comprises frills 1022 which hang and move in the wind. The frills 1022 provide additional sunshade.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 with a folding shade 1014a. The folding shade 1014a includes joints 1024 on either side which enable the shade 1014a to fold upon axis 1026. To construct, joints are inserted into a shade frame and the shade's opaque sheath is flexible and bends freely. Slits are cut into the opaque sheath over the location of the joints to prevent catching of the opaque sheath material in the joints 1024.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 buried and stabilized in the sand 1028. Because of the surface area of the ridged support panel 1010, when buried under ground or sand, the ridged support panel 1010 provides resistance to movement of the paneled sunshade apparatus 1002. Thus, on a breezy day at the beach, the paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 is securely buried in the sand 1028 providing shade. A user is able to put a towel over the buried portion and remain under the shade 1014.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 shifted to one side. In order to provide shade from a rising or setting sun, the articulating support frame 1012 is configured to warp. In some embodiments, the vertical support bars 1012a, 1012b are comprised of malleable material. In some embodiments, an additional radial joint exists on the horizontal rotating bars 1012c, 1012d. The radial joint enables the vertical support bars 1012a, 1012b to shift left and right. The resulting shifts alter the shape of the articulating support frame 1012 from a substantially rectangular shape to a parallelogram. When malleable material is used, other shapes are possible according to a user's preference.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 folded into a storage position. Depicted is an illustration where joints 1020 and 1024 are set to a position such that all components of the paneled sunshade apparatus 1002 occupy a similar plane. Depending on the thickness of the components, a viewer may suggest the components are merely parallel.

When in a folded position, there is a gap between the horizontal rotating bar 1012c and the shade 1014 and ridged support panel 1010. This gap enables a user to easily hold the paneled sunshade apparatus 1002.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense (i.e., to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”), as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements. Such a coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above Detailed Description of examples of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. While processes or blocks are presented in a given order in this application, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps performed in a different order, or employ systems having blocks in a different order. Some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples. It is understood that alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

The various illustrations and teachings provided herein can also be applied to systems other than the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts included in such references to provide further implementations of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain examples of the invention, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

Claims

1. A portable sunshade apparatus comprising:

a shade;

a ridged support panel;

an articulating support frame affixed to the ridged support panel and the shade, the articulating support frame including joints and configured to articulate about the joints to position the shade with respect to the ridged support panel; and

at least one securing strap affixed to the ridged support panel and configured to wrap around an external object and brace the ridged support panel up against the external object.

2. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, the shade further comprising:

a jointed frame covered; and

a flexible opaque sheath, the jointed frame having a substantially rectangular shape and shade joints enabling the jointed frame to fold substantially in half, the flexible opaque sheath enveloping the jointed frame.

3. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shade includes frills extending outward.

4. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ridged support panel has a substantially filled-in rectangular shape and provides support for the shade when buried.

5. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulating support frame includes a substantially rectangular section and the joints enable the substantially rectangular section to warp substantially into a parallelogram shape.

6. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulating support frame, the shade, and the ridged support panel fold together into substantially the same plane.

7. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, the at least one securing strap comprising:

two Velcro straps affixed to opposing sides of the ridged support panel and configured to secure to one another.

8. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, further including one or more of:

a sleeve adapted to accommodate a folded sunshade apparatus; or

carry-straps attached to a surface of the portable sunshade apparatus and or/to a surface of the sleeve.

9. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shade further comprises:

flexible opaque material configured for receiving markings applied through any of ink, sublimation, paint, or adhesive.

10. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulating support frame further comprises:

a rectangular frame wherein the first length of the rectangular frame spins about a first axis and the second length of the rectangular frame spins about a second axis, the first length additionally affixed to the shade and the second length including two perpendicular poles affixing to the ridged support panel.

11. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulating support frame is configured to lock at predetermined articulation configurations.

12. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulating support frame is configured to force fit to predetermined articulation configurations.

13. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulating support frame further comprises:

speakers; and

auditory apparatus.

14. The portable sunshade apparatus of claim 2, wherein the ridged support panel further comprises:

A media player pocket.

15. A portable sunshade apparatus comprising:

a shade including a jointed frame covered with a flexible opaque sheath, the jointed frame having a substantially rectangular shape and shade joints enabling the jointed frame to fold substantially in half, the flexible opaque sheath enveloping the jointed frame and including frills extending outward from the jointed frame;

a ridged support panel having a substantially filled-in rectangular shape and configured to brace against the frame of a chair and provide supportive resistance against the ground when buried;

an articulating support frame affixed to the ridged support panel and the shade, the articulating support frame including articulation joints and configured to articulate about the articulation joints to position the shade with respect to the ridged support panel, wherein the articulation joints enable the shade to rotate about a first axis and the ridged support panel to rotate about a second axis, and enable the articulating support frame to warp into alternate polygonal shapes; and

at least one Velcro strap affixed to the ridged support panel and configured to wrap around the frame of the chair and brace the ridged support panel up against the frame of the chair.