[0001] The present invention relates to a coupled panels reflecting assembly or structure,effective
to define a high concentration zone of the sun rays, for tanning and therapeutical
purposes, and also effective to operate as a wind screen or shield.
[0002] As it is well known,there are presently commercially available such structures,of
reduced size,which are provided with a reflecting surface and are used,in sunny environments,to
favour the tanning of the user face.
[0003] The mentioned structures generally consist of a suitable strenght sheet member, which
is divided into sectors adjoining one another by means of folding lines affording
the possibility of folding one sector with.respect to the others in such a way as
to provide a number of dihedral configurations.
[0004] A proper use of the mentioned reflecting structures or assemblies,on the other hand,
compels the user to hold said structures,with suitable angles,near his/her face,in
order to concentrate thereon the sun rays.
[0005] Thus both hands of the user are engaged and, in addition,has to remain motionless
for long time periods with consequent fatiguing of the body muscles.
[0006] Moreover the thereinabove mentioned reflecting structures of conventional type,in
addition to being effective only on a small portion of the user body,in actual practice
the face whereof, and,possibly the upper portion of the trunk, may be used only for
tanning purposes.
[0007] Accordingly,the task of the present invention is to overcome the thereinabove mentioned
drawbacks of the known reflecting structures by providing such a reflecting assembly,effective
to speed-up tanning,which is self-bearing, while having such constructional characteristics
as to afford the possibility of operating also as a wind screen or shield.
[0008] Within that task, it is a main object of the present invention to provide such a
reflecting assembly,effective to speed-up tanning,which is effective to positively
affect all of the user body parts.
[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a reflecting structure,effective
.to speed-up tanning,which may be used both in windy beaches and closed rooms,near
windows and the like,thereby affording the possibility of obtaining the desired tanning
also in feeble sun conditions.
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention,the thereinabove mentioned task
and objects,as well as yet other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter,are
achieved by a reflecting assembly or structure,effective to speed-up tanning,characterized
in that it comprises a plurality of substantially rectangular elongated panels,said
panels being hinge coupled to one another and effective to be folded as the pages
of a book,and being provided with reflecting adjoining surfaces.
[0011] Further characteristics and advantages of the reflecting structure or assembly according
to the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof,being illustrated by way of
a not limitative example in the figures of the accompanying drawing, where:
fig.l schematically illustrates the reflecting structure or assembly according to
the invention,as arranged in circle arc configuration near a deck-chair;and
fig.2 represents that same reflecting structure in a folded condition.
[0012] With reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings,the reflecting and wind
shielding assembly or structure,effective to speed-up tanning and protecting against
the wind, according to the present invention,comprises a plurality of panels l,of
elongated rectangular shape,which are coupled to one another in the length direction
by known hinge means effective to allow for said panels to be arranged in an adjoining
relationship,like a bellows.
[0013] Thus the reflecting structure presents, in a folded condition, and as it is shown
in figure 2,very reduced size,thereby facilitating the transportation thereof.
[0014] The mentioned panels may be obtained starting from thin layers or plates of several
suitable materials,provided that they are sufficiently rigid,or even by conveniently
framing soft materials.
[0015] Moreover said panels are made reflective at one surface 1' thereof by means of known
surface treatings,such as silvering,plating metalizing and the like,thereby providing
said surfaces with a high reflecting power.
[0016] Thus, by conveniently arranging, depending on the particular requirements,the plurality
of reflecting panels(as it is shown for example in fig.l),it will be possible to provide
a zone 2, protected against wind,thereat the sun rays are concentrated in the desired
amount.
[0017] Moreover, at the outer edgesof the two end panels there may be provided anchoring
members (not specifically shown),effective to couple the reflecting structure to fixed
means,if it is deemed necessary.
[0018] From the above disclosure and the figures of the accompanying drawings the great
functionality and use facility characterizing the reflecting assembly or structure
according to the present invention will be self-evident.
[0019] In practicing the invention the used materials,as well as the contingent shape and
size may be any according to requirements.
1-A reflecting assembly or structure,effective to speed-up tanning,characterized in
that it comprises a plurality of substantially rectangular elongated panels (l),said
panels being hinge coupled to one another and effective to be folded as the pages
of a book,and being provided with reflecting adjoining surfaces (1').
2- A reflecting structure,according to the preceding claim,characterized in that said
panels (1) are obtained from thin plates of any suitable materials, provided that
they have the required stiffness,or by framing soft materials.
3- A reflecting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said panels
are made reflective by known surface treatings,such as silvering,plating,metalizing
and so on.
4- A reflecting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that,at the outer
edges of the two end panels,there are provided anchoring means effective to couple
said assembly or structure to fixed means.
5- A reflecting structure,effective to favour tanning and protect against wind, according
to the preceding claims and substantially as disclosed and illustrated for the intended
objects.