Foldable and Flexible Head Shade

Abstract

A compact shade held over the head during inclement weather or to shield the sun. The shade has a simple circular or elongated loop of a thin strip of spring-like material covered by a sheet of one or more layers of soft, lightweight material. The shape of the elongated loop may vary from a generally rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners to an oval or generally elliptical shape. One or both of the major surfaces of the material are adapted to reflect water, snow, or radiation from the sun. The single elongated fabric-covered loop of the head shade can easily be twisted into a figure-8 configuration and fold into itself with two quick hand motions. The shade is made of soft, lightweight flexible material having two handles on the underside. It can be held together in its compact state with either a retaining member or separate pouch.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A foldable, collapsible shade for deployment to be held over the head comprising:
 a sheet of at least one layer of flexible first material, said sheet having front and back surfaces, with at least one of said surfaces includes a water resistant material or one that reflects light.   A single closed loop of a strip of spring-like second material secured to said sheet throughout the entire perimeter thereof, with the same fabric or a border/hem of different fabric.   Wherein said head shade has two handles attached to first material.   Wherein said head shade can be (1) deployed in a first open configuration, to a pre-determined size, and, (2) twisted to form at least a pair of sections, said sections form a plurality of concentric rings to substantially reduce its size to form a second, compact configuration for storage.   
     
     
         2 . The head shade of  claim 1 , further comprising of two handles which can be placed anywhere upon the shade. 
     
     
         3 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the handles are made of fabric. 
     
     
         4 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the handles are made of plastic. 
     
     
         5 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the handles are made of elastic. 
     
     
         6 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the first material layer is waterproof material. 
     
     
         7 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the first material is nylon. 
     
     
         8 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the first material is light reflective. 
     
     
         9 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining flexible body includes a hem adjacent to the perimeter to enclose the spring-like material. 
     
     
         10 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein the head shade further comprises of one elastic member attached to the fabric piece. 
     
     
         11 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said closed loop has a general shape of an elongated oval. 
     
     
         12 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said closed loop has a general rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners. 
     
     
         13 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said strip of spring-like material comprises of spring steel. 
     
     
         14 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said strip of spring-like material comprises metal wire. 
     
     
         15 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said strip of spring-like material comprises a springy plastic material. 
     
     
         16 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said strip is sewn into a hem of said sheet along the perimeter thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said strip of spring-like material comprises means for maintaining said head shade in said compact configuration. 
     
     
         18 . The head shade of  claim 1 , wherein said means for maintaining comprises a loop of elastic material attached to said sheet near the perimeter thereof to be used as a carrying handle or a retaining member.