FOLDABLE BEVERAGE SHADE

Abstract

A net for a foldable beverage shade comprising: a base section having a width; and a shade section having a length and a width; wherein: the base section is separated from the shade section by a first width-wise fold line; the shade section has a parallel pair of substantially central, length-wise fold lines separated by a separation width, and a single, central, second width-wise fold line; the base section comprises two width-wise base sections, separated by a gap of the separation width; each of the width-wise sections has a respective first side edge defining opposite respective sides of the gap, and a respective second side edge adjacent and substantially perpendicular to the first side edge, defined by a portion of the first width-wise fold line; and each of the width-wise sections further comprises a respective arcuate slit extending from the first side edge and subtending 45 degrees about the point at which the first and second side edges meet.

Claims

1. A net for a foldable beverage shade comprising: a base section (2) having a width; and a shade section (1) having a length and a width; characterised in that: the base section (2) is separated from the shade section (1) by a first width-wise fold line (6); the shade section has a parallel pair of substantially central, length-wise fold lines (8, 9) separated by a separation width, and a single, central, second width-wise fold line (7); the base section (2) comprises two width-wise base sections (3, 4), separated by a gap (5) of the separation width; each of the width-wise sections (3, 4) has a respective first side edge defining opposite respective sides of the gap (5), and a respective second side edge adjacent and substantially perpendicular to the first side edge, defined by a portion of the first width-wise fold line (6); and each of the width-wise sections (3, 4) further comprises a respective arcuate slit (10, 11) extending from the first side edge and subtending 45 degrees about the point at which the first and second side edges meet.

2. A net for a foldable beverage shade according to claim 1, wherein the length-wise portion of the shade section (1) on the opposite side of the second width-wise fold line (7) to the base section (2) has tapering width such that it is narrower farther from the second width-wise fold line (7).

3. A net for a foldable beverage shade according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base section (2) is substantially semi-circular, and the two width-wise base sections (3, 4) are substantially quadrant shaped.

4. A net for a foldable beverage shade according to any preceding claim made from any one of: paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, leather.

5. A net for a foldable beverage shade according to any preceding claim wherein each of the two rectangular sections of the shade section (1) separated by the separation width has substantially the same size and shape as a credit card.

6. A net for a foldable beverage shade according to any preceding claim wherein the fold lines (6, 7, 8, 9) are positioned such that, in a compact folded state, the net is rectangular and has a length and width substantially the same as a credit card.

7. A foldable beverage shade made from a net according to any preceding claim.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary net of the foldable drinks shade of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 depicts a method of deploying a foldable drinks shade of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 depicts a series of exemplary uses of the foldable drinks shade of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a net suitable for making a foldable drinks shade of the invention. Generally, the depicted embodiment comprises a shade section 1 and a base section 2. The shade section 1 is hexagonal, and the base section 2 comprises two quarter circles or quadrants 3, 4 disposed adjacently so as to effectively form a semi-circle with a small gap 5 between its two halves 3, 4.

[0030] The shade section 1 and the base section 2 are made of a single piece of material, separated by a fold 6. The drinks shade may be made of a number of suitable materials, and the nature of the folds will depend on the material. For example, the shade may be made of paper, in which case a simple, pre-made fold will suffice. The shade may be made of card, in which case either a pre-made fold will be suitable, or scoring may be necessary, depending on the thickness of the card. The shade may alternatively be made of a thin layer of plastics material, in which case scoring or moulded recesses may be necessary to provide the folds. Other options, including leather, metal, and sustainable organic materials, will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0031] The shade section 1 has three folds 7, 8, 9. The first of these folds 7 is horizontal according to an in-use orientation, across the whole width of the shade section 1 between two opposing corners of the hexagon, substantially half-way along the length or (in use) height of the shade section 1.

[0032] The second of these folds 8 is vertical, running the length or height of the shade section, from the corner subtended by the first quarter circle 3 of the base section 2 to a point close to the centre of the top edge of the shade section 1.

[0033] The third of these folds 9 is also vertical, running the length or height of the shade section, from the corner subtended by the second quarter circle 4 of the base section 2 to a point close to the centre of the top edge of the shade section 1. Folds 8 and 9 run parallel.

[0034] It will be appreciated that the hexagonal shape of the shade section 1 provides an almost rectangular shade which, when in a folded configuration, has a neatly rectangular shape. In other words, the tapering width of the shade section 1 from the fold 7 to the top edge, which makes the shade section hexagonal rather than rectangular, prevents the side edges of the upper, tapering section of the shade section 1 from sticking out when the drink shade is in the folded configuration.

[0035] It will also be appreciated that the ‘double fold’ provided by folds 8 and 9 enables much neater and more precise folding when arranging the shade in the folded configuration. This is especially important when thicker material such as card or plastic is used to make the shade, since the double fold accommodates the thickness of the material when folded.

[0036] Each of the quadrants 3, 4 has an arcuate slit 10, 11. The arcuate slits 10, 11 extend from the mutually opposing side edges of the quarter circles 3, 4. The slits 10, 11 run substantially parallel with the rounded edges of their respective quarter circles 3, 4. They each subtend 45 degrees. In use, when assembling the shade into a shading configuration, the two slits slidingly engage to hold the two base sections 3, 4 together.

[0037] In a particularly preferred embodiment: [0038] The length of the net is 225 mm; [0039] The width of the net is 110 mm; [0040] The length of the shade section is 170 mm; [0041] The length of the top half of the shade section, from the top edge to the central fold 7, is 85 mm; [0042] The width between the two central length-wise folds 8 and 9 is 2 mm; and [0043] The width of the top edge of the base section, due to the taper, is 105 mm.
It will be appreciated that the gradient of the taper and the width between the two length-wise folds will vary according to the material used. The goal of these features is to provide a folded configuration which is rectangular and has length and width substantially the same as a credit card.

[0044] FIG. 2 depicts a process of deploying or assembling a shade of the invention from the folded configuration to the shading configuration. As can be seen, when in the folded configuration, the shade is preferably substantially the same size and shape as a standard credit card, and can therefore be carried in a wallet or purse for convenience. When removed from a wallet, the shade is unfolded, as shown. The base is then assembled by sliding the base sections 3, 4 together using the slits 10, 11.

[0045] FIG. 3 depicts the shade in use, providing much needed protection from the effects of direct exposure to the sun, for various popular drinks in receptacles of different shapes

[0046] One advantage of the invention is the possibilities it provides for advertising and marketing. Printing directly onto the net is possible with this invention, meaning that a brand or advertising campaign can be displayed on tables in beer gardens around the world, as well as in many other contexts.

[0047] Although the invention has been primarily described in relation to the shading of drinking receptacles, it will be clear that the invention can equally be used to shade other small objects, such as mobile phones, ice creams, and other cold desserts.

[0048] The invention has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. The described embodiment is not limiting. The scope of the invention is limited by the claims.