Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable sun-protection assistive device for use on beaches that is capable of providing a comfortable resting experience to a user on beach by providing an optimum cooling effect and maintaining an ambient temperature levels around the user’s face.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Resting devices such as chairs, loungers, and mats provide a comfortable place to relax and unwind on the sandy beach. They offer support for sitting or lying down, which can be crucial for long hours spent enjoying the sun and sea. Properly designed beach chairs and loungers offer ergonomic support, helping to alleviate strain on the back and neck while lounging. This support contributes to relaxation and enhances the overall beach experience. Devices like beach tents, umbrellas, and loungers with canopies provide essential shade from the sun's rays. They help prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion, allowing beachgoers to stay longer and enjoy their time without.

[0003] Blankets made from natural fibers like reeds, grasses, or woven textiles were used for sitting or lying down on beaches. These were simple but effective for creating a barrier between the sand and the body. More structured and comfortable beach chairs began to emerge. These chairs were typically made from wood and canvas, designed to be collapsible for easy transport. Canvas was also replaced with synthetic fabrics that were more resistant to water and sun. However, these device were susceptible to wear and tear from exposure to saltwater, sand abrasion, and UV radiation. This can lead to fading, rusting (in metal parts), or tearing of fabric over time.

[0004] WO200027252A1 discloses a beach chair towel retaining system is disclosed comprising a beach towel for covering a beach chair. An upper stretchable band resiliently surrounds both the upper portion of the towel and the upper portion of the beach chair and a lower stretchable band resiliently surrounds both the lower portion of the towel and the lower portion of the beach chair. Each of the upper and lower stretchable band comprises a buchable towel material encasing an elastic material. A saddle bag comprising a strip with a pocket (20R, 20L) at each end, for item storage, rests on top of the intermediate portion of the towel, with the pockets hanging on each side of the intermediate portion of the beach chair. A pillow and a pocket are detachably attached to the outer surface of the upper stretchable band.

[0005] GB189711825A discloses consisting of side members a and cross-bars b, c, has stretched over it a sheet of canvas which extends, as shown at q, along the lawn or ground. The frame is adjustably supported by struts f hinged at g to leather bands h, and engaging projections e<1> on bars e, hinged at d and connected by a cross-bar i. The arms are in two parts hinged at m. The part k is hinged at n to a leather band o, and the part l abuts against a projecting part of the hinge d and is retained by a fork p. The whole readily folds.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market that are capable of providing a comfortable resting experience to the user on beach. However, the present devices are incapable of protecting the user from direct exposure to sunlight and UV rays.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence of UV rays in the surrounding, and accordingly provides a means for protecting the user from harmful UV radiations while providing a comfortable resting experience to the user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a comfortable resting experience to a user on beach by providing an optimum cooling effect and maintaining an ambient temperature levels around the user’s face.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a shade over user’s face, in view of protecting the user from direct rays of sun.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence of UV rays in the surrounding, and accordingly provides a means for protecting the user from harmful UV radiations.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an adaptable sun-protection assistive device for use on beaches that is capable of providing a comfortable resting experience to the user. In addition, the proposed device is capable of providing a shade over user’s face, in view of protecting the user from direct rays of sun.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an n adaptable sun-protection assistive device for use on beaches, comprises of a circular platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface of a beach, a cushioned member for enabling a user to comfortably rest the user’s head on platform, a canopy having plurality of stacked plates arranged on the platform, by means of a link, a microphone integrated in the platform for enabling the user to provide input voice commands for deploying the canopy over the user’s face, a motorized slider integrated in between the plates for translating to deploy the canopy over the user’s face, a constant velocity joint integrated in between the link and canopy to provide controlled rotation to the link for arranging the canopy against the sunrays, an air blower installed underneath the plate and configured with plurality of Peltier units arranged on the plates that are actuated by the microcontroller to provide an optimum cooling effect on the plate for maintaining an ambient temperature around the user’s face, a UV (Ultraviolet) resistant sheet arranged on the plate in a contracted manner, by means of a motorized sliding unit, a switch integrated in the platform that is accessed by the user for triggering the slider, plurality of tubes are arranged in the platform stored with a cooling gel, for facilitating in cooling of the platform, in view of allowing the user to rest comfortably, plurality of flaps arranged in the plate, each by means of a motorized hinge joint for getting opened/closed to enhance ventilation in the device, a pair of storage chambers arranged on lateral edges of the platform for allowing the user to accommodate multiple commodities.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptable sun-protection assistive device for use on beaches; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of flaps associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to an adaptable sun-protection assistive device for use on beaches that is capable of detecting the presence of UV rays in the surrounding, and accordingly provides a means for protecting the user from harmful UV radiations.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of an adaptable sun-protection assistive device for use on beaches and a perspective view of flaps associated with the proposed device are illustrated, comprising a circular platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface of a beach, a canopy 201 having plurality of stacked plates 202 arranged on the platform 101, by means of a link, a microphone 102 integrated in the platform 101, a constant velocity joint 103 integrated in between the link and canopy 201, a UV (Ultraviolet) resistant sheet 104 arranged on the plates 202 in a contracted manner, by means of a motorized sliding unit 105, and a pair of storage chambers 106 arranged on lateral edges of the platform 101.

[0022] The device as disclosed herein comprises of a circular platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface of a beach. The platform 101 is constructed from sturdy and robust material which includes, but is not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, and high-grade engineered plastics like polycarbonate or reinforced nylon. These materials offer strength and rigidity to the platform 101 making it resistant to mechanical stress and pressure.

[0023] The surface of the platform 101 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction. Vibration-dampening materials are integrated into the platform 101 to minimize noise and shaking of the platform 101 during operations, thereby enhancing user comfort and machine longevity. The platform 101 is fabricated with a cushioned member for enabling a user to comfortably rest head on the platform 101. plurality of tubes are arranged on the platform 101, stored with a cooling gel, for facilitating in cooling of the platform 101, in view of allowing the user to rest comfortably.

[0024] The cushioned member provides a layer of rubberized layer that provides a comfortable resting experience to the user’s head portion, in view of laying down on the surface. A microphone 102 is integrated in the platform 101 for enabling the user to provide input voice commands for deploying a canopy 201 over the user’s face.

[0025] The microphone 102 plays a crucial role by converting spoken words or commands into electrical signals which are then processed and analyzed to trigger specific actions. When the user speaks or commands for deployment of the canopy 201, their vocal cords vibrate, creating sound waves. These sound waves travel through the air as variations in air pressure. The microphone 102 mentioned herein is a transducer that converts these variations in air into electric signals. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital form which is done by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0026] The digital signal is then subjected to various signal processing techniques to enhance voice quality and eliminate noise. The microcontroller then converts the signal into specific commands and actuates a motorized slider integrated in between plurality of stacked plates 202 for translating the stacked plates 202 to deploy a canopy 201 over the user’s face. The stacked plates 202 are connected with the platform 101 via a link.

[0027] The link mentioned above basically consist of multiple cylindrical sections with one section sliding inside the other. The sections are basically made of materials that may include but are not limited to metals and lightweight alloys. The link as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the rods. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the link. The piston is attached to the link and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air.

[0028] To extend the link the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber, the piston pushes the link to the desired length. By controlling the flow of compressed air and the position of the piston, the link length is adjusted for positioning the stacked plates 202 for forming a canopy 201 over the user’s face. A sun sensor is embedded on the platform 101 for determining position of the sun rays reflecting on the platform 101.

[0029] The sun sensor typically consist of a housing with one or more photodiodes or photovoltaic cells mounted inside. These sensors are sensitive to light, particularly to the wavelengths emitted by the sun. The heart of a sun sensor is usually one or more photodiodes. Photodiodes generate an electric current when exposed to light. The amount of current generated is directly proportional to the intensity of the light falling on them. Before deployment, sun sensor is calibrated to accurately determine the sun's direction relative to the sensor's orientation. This involves measuring the output of the photodiodes when exposed to known positions of the sun.

[0030] Once calibrated, when the sun sensor is in operation, the photodiodes continuously measure the intensity of the light falling on them. By comparing the outputs from multiple photodiodes arranged in different directions, the sensor can triangulate the sun's position. The microcontroller process the outputs from the photodiodes to calculate the azimuth (horizontal angle) and elevation (vertical angle) of the sun relative to the sensor's orientation. Based on the detected position of the sun, the microcontroller actuates a constant velocity joint 103 arranged in between the link and canopy 201 for arranging the canopy 201 against the sunrays.

[0031] The constant velocity joint 103 is a mechanical component used to transfer torque from the transmission to the link while allowing for smooth rotation and maintaining a constant velocity angle during the deployment of the canopy 201. A temperature sensor is embedded on the plates 202 for monitoring the temperature levels of the platform 101’s proximity. The core component of the temperature sensor is the sensing element which may include but is not limited to thermistors, thermocouples, or resistance detectors. The sensing element detects temperature changes on the platform 101’s proximity by altering its electrical properties. As the temperature increases and decreases, the resistance of the sensing element changes accordingly. The microcontroller continuously monitors the data from the temperature sensor and compares the monitored temperature with a threshold temperature. Further, an air blower is installed underneath the plates 202 and configured with plurality of Peltier units arranged on the plates 202 that are actuated by the microcontroller to provide optimum cooling effect on the plate.

[0032] The air blower consists of a motor-driven fan or impeller that generates a high-velocity stream of air. The air blower is typically designed to be compact and energy efficient. The air blower is strategically positioned within the platform 101, alongside the plates 202 for cooling the plate. The air blower is positioned so that its airflow is directed toward the utensils and this is achieved by adjusting the louvers or ducts to focus the airflow. The microcontroller controls the speed and intensity of the air blower and modulates the airflow for cooling the plate.

[0033] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units for providing optimum cooling effect on the plate. The Peltier unit is a thermoelectric cooler that uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the unit to the other when an electrical current is passed. The Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor materials connected in a sandwich-like fashion. These materials are typically made of bismuth telluride and one side of the Peltier unit is called the hot side and the other is the cold side. When a direct current is applied to the Peltier unit, electrodes within the semiconductor material start moving from one side to the other. The Peltier effect occurs as a result of electron movement.

[0034] When electrons flow from the cold side to the hot side, they carry heat with them. This leads to one side of the Peltier unit becoming colder, and the other side becoming hooter. This effect allows the Peltier unit to effectively transfer heat from one side to the other, creating a temperature gradient, thereby providing an optimum cooling effect on the plates 202 for maintaining an ambient temperature around the user’s face, and allowing the user to relax comfortably. The user through a switch configured on the platform 101 initiates deployment of the UV (Ultraviolet) resistant sheet 104 arranged on the plates 202 in a contracted manner.

[0035] The switch includes contacts and a spring mechanism. When the switch gets pressed by the personnel, the spring mechanism compresses for allowing the contacts to come in contact with each other for completing electrical circuit and initiating the sliding unit 105 to provide translation to the sheet 104 for covering the plate, thereby providing an added protection layer from harmful ultraviolet rays. The motorized sliding unit 105 consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. The microcontroller actuates the motorized sliding unit 105 to adjust, and as the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages.

[0036] The proposed device further comprises of plurality of flaps arranged in the plate, each by means of a motorized hinge joint for getting opened/ closed to enhance ventilation in the device. The flaps in this support unit are typically flat and durable surfaces commonly made from materials such as rubber or hard plastic, offering a combination of stability and wear resistance. The surface of the flaps features a textured or patterned design to enhance traction and prevent slipping.

[0037] The hinge joint typically involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the hinge and the connected component. The hinge joint provides the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the hinge joint. As the motor rotates, the motorized hinge joint orients the flaps for getting opened/closed to enhance ventilation in the device, as per the user’s requirement. A pair of storage chambers 106 are arranged on lateral edges of the platform 101 for allowing the user to accommodate multiple commodities within the chambers 106 with ease.

[0038] Moreover, a solar panel is mounted on the platform 101 for harnessing energy from the sunlight incident on the platform 101 and transducing the harnesses energy into an electric charge that is stored within the battery and power supply unit. The core component of a solar panel is a photovoltaic cell. These cells are typically made of silicon and when sunlight (photons) strikes the surface of the cell, it interfaces with the semiconductor material. The energy forms the sunlight is absorbed by the semiconductor, causing electrons to become excited and creating electron-hole pairs. Essentially, the sunlight energizes the electrons, allowing them to move and generate an electric current. The electric current generated by the solar panel is stored within the battery and power supply unit. The battery stores the excess energy produced and ensures that a continuous power supply even when there’s no sunlight.

[0039] In the device discussed above, there is a battery associated with the device that supplies current to all the components that need electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. The device is battery-operated and does not need any electrical voltage to function. Hence the presence of the battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., the user is able to place as well as move the device from one place to another as per the requirement.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 is positioned on the ground surface of a beach and the cushioned member is fabricated with the platform 101 for enabling a user to comfortably rest head one the platform 101. The user through the microphone 102 gives input commands for deploying canopy 201 over the user’s face, based on which the microcontroller actuates the motorized slider integrated in between the plates 202 for translating to deploy the canopy 201 over the user’s face. The sun sensor determining position of sun rays reflecting on the platform 101, based on which the microcontroller actuates the joint to provide controlled rotation to the link for arranging the canopy 201 against the sunrays, in view of entirely covering the user face. The temperature sensor monitors temperature in the platform 101’s proximity, based on which the Peltier units and air blower for providing an optimum cooling effect on the plates 202 for maintaining an ambient temperature around the user’s face, in view of allowing the user to relax comfortably. The user through the switch triggers the slider, based on which the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 105 to provide translation to the sheet 104 for covering the plate, thereby providing an added protection layer from harmful ultraviolet rays. Plurality of flaps are arranged in the plate, each by means of motorized hinge joint for getting opened/closed to enhance ventilation in the device, as per the user’s requirement.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptable sun-protection assistive device for use on beaches, comprising:

i) a circular platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface of a beach, wherein said platform 101 is fabricated with a cushioned member for enabling a user to comfortably rest said user’s head on said platform 101, in view of laying down on said surface;
ii) a canopy 201 having plurality of stacked plates 202 arranged on said platform 101, by means of a link, wherein a microphone 102 is integrated in said platform 101 for enabling said user to provide input voice commands for deploying said canopy 201 over said user’s face, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a motorized slider integrated in between said plates 202 for translating to deploy said canopy 201 over said user’s face;
iii) a constant velocity joint 103 integrated in between said link and canopy 201, wherein a sun sensor is embedded on said platform 101 for determining positon of sun rays reflecting on said platform 101, based on which said microcontroller actuates said joint to provide controlled rotation to said link for arranging said canopy 201 against said sunrays, in view of entirely covering said user face, thereby providing protection from sun exposure;
iv) an air blower installed underneath said plates 202 and configured with plurality of Peltier units arranged on said plates 202 that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide an optimum cooling effect on said plates 202 for maintaining an ambient temperature around said user’s face, in view of allowing said user to relax comfortably; and
v) a UV (Ultraviolet) resistant sheet 104 arranged on said plates 202 in a contracted manner, by means of a motorized sliding unit 105, wherein a switch is integrated in said platform 101 that is accessed by said user for triggering said slider, based on which said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit 105 to provide translation to said sheet 104 for covering said plate, thereby providing an added protection layer from harmful ultraviolet rays.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is embedded in said plates 202 for monitoring temperature in said platform 101’s proximity, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said Peltier units.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of tubes are arranged in said platform 101 stored with a cooling gel, for facilitating in cooling of said platform 101, in view of allowing said user to rest comfortably.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of flaps are arranged in said plate, each by means of a motorized hinge joint for getting opened/closed to enhance ventilation in said device, as per said user’s requirement.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of storage chambers 106 are arranged on lateral edges of said platform 101 for allowing said user to accommodate multiple commodities.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solar panel is integrated with said canopy 201 for harnessing said sunlight to convert into electrical energy, that is stored in a battery configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.