UMBRELLA CARRIER
An umbrella carrier comprising a sheath shaped for receiving an umbrella. The sheath is formed of flexible material. The sheath extends from an open proximal end to a distal end. A receiver is fixed at the distal end of the sheath. The receiver is formed of plastic material and is shaped to receive a distal tip of the umbrella. A seal is seated in the receiver and adapted to engage the distal tip of the umbrella to seal against the distal tip and prevent water from draining out of the carrier when the umbrella is in position in the carrier.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/390,666, filed on Oct. 7, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to an umbrella carrier for an umbrella. The carrier is used to stow and transport an umbrella when not in use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONUmbrellas have been used for decades to protect people from water during rainfall. Umbrellas typically include a handle and a tube or shaft extending from the handle to a distal end. A frame of struts and/or ribs is attached to the tube at the distal end, spaced from the handle. A cover is supported by the frame. The cover expands or collapses with the frame when the umbrella is opened or closed by a user, either manually or by an actuation mechanism. When opened and raised over the user's head, the cover protects the user from getting wet.
One of the inconveniences posed by using an umbrella is finding a simple manner in which to carry the umbrella when not in use. Umbrella carriers are known for holding and transporting umbrellas. One such carrier is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,807 to Jackson.
Jackson discloses an umbrella carrier comprising a tubular sheath and a strap to carry the sheath on a user's shoulder. The tubular sheath is formed of inner and outer sleeves and a stiffening layer placed between the inner and outer sleeves. The inner and outer sleeves are formed of vinyl or vinyl-like material, while the stiffening layer may be made of fabric. A bottom is stitched to the outer sleeve. A grommet defines a drain hole in the bottom. When a wet umbrella is placed in the carrier, water can leak out of the carrier through the drain hole. As a result, the user must be careful to direct the bottom of the carrier away from his or her clothes to keep them from getting wet.
Other prior art umbrellas utilize flimsy bags in which to place the wet umbrella after use. However, the umbrellas are sometimes difficult to place in the bags because of the lack of any structure to prevent the bag from folding over on itself. The bags are also fully enclosed without any vents so that a wet umbrella causes the bag to stay wet for prolonged periods of time. There is a need in the art for an umbrella carrier that can overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of prior art umbrella carriers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides an umbrella carrier for an umbrella. The carrier comprises a sheath having an open proximal end for receiving the umbrella. The sheath extends from the open proximal end to a distal end. The sheath is formed of flexible material. A carrying strap is attached to the sheath to carry the sheath on a shoulder of a user. A receiver is attached to the distal end of the sheath. The receiver is at least partially covered by the sheath. The receiver defines an opening and a throughbore. The receiver tapers inwardly between the opening and the throughbore to facilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrella through the opening and into the throughbore. An annular seal is seated in the receiver. The seal has a sealing surface configured to engage and seal against the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slides into the throughbore to prevent water leakage out of the receiver.
In some embodiments a plurality of spaced apart eyelets are mounted to the sheath between the open proximal end and the distal end. The eyelets define aeration ports through the sheath to facilitate drying of the carrier when the umbrella is removed from the bag.
The carrier of the present invention solves many of the deficiencies of the prior art. For instance, the carrier provides a mechanism in which water is prevented from leaking out of the carrier, while at the same time managing the water contained in the carrier. When the distal tip of the umbrella is sealed in the throughbore water collects in the receiver until the distal tip of the umbrella is removed. Upon removal, the water drains from the receiver. The aeration ports also act to manage the water that would be otherwise trapped in the carrier when a wet umbrella is stowed therein.
Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, an umbrella carrier for holding and transporting an umbrella 8 is generally shown at 10 in
Referring to
A strap 12 is attached to opposing ends of the sheath 32 so that the user can support the carrier 10 over his or her shoulder for transport.
Referring to
The intermediate (or middle) layer 42 is formed of a polymer blended material or fabric. The intermediate layer 42 is less flexible than the inner 38 and outer 40 layers in some embodiments. The intermediate layer 42 is configured to increase the stiffness of the sheath 32, while still maintaining flexibility. The intermediate layer 42 has a higher porosity (pores per square inch) than the inner 38 and outer 40 layers.
Referring specifically to
Referring to
A collar 43 is attached to the layers 38, 40, 42 at the proximal end 34 to hold the layers 38, 40, 42 together. The layers 38, 40, 42 could additionally be separately sewn together at the proximal end 34. The collar 43 stiffens the proximal end 34 to reinforce the opening that receives the umbrella 8. The collar 43 has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and may be formed of leather.
Referring to
A receiver 44 is fixed to the distal end 36 of the sheath 32. The layers 38, 40, 42, are secured to each other and to the receiver 44 with an adhesive A. The adhesive A could be any adhesive suitable for fixing the sheath 32 to the receiver 44. The receiver 44 is generally circular in horizontal cross-section (see
The body 50 defines a cavity 54 with a first open end 56 (defines an opening) shaped to receive the distal tip T of the umbrella 8. The cavity 54 tapers inwardly between the first open end 56 and a through-bore 58. The tapering of the cavity 54 (or the wall 79 defining the cavity 54) facilitates sliding of the distal tip T of the umbrella 8 toward the through-bore 58. This tapering is linear (in a frustoconical manner) between the first open end 56 and the through-bore 58, as shown. In other embodiments, the tapering could be arcuate in shape, or other shapes, or could have a stepped geometry. Also, the taper may not begin until a position spaced from the first open end 56, as shown in
The through-bore 58 of the body 50 opens into a larger diameter bore 60. An inner annular mating wall 65 defines the bore 60. The inner annular mating wall 65 protrudes distally and terminates to form a distal end of the body 50. An outer annular mating wall 64 also protrudes distally but terminates proximal to the distal end of the body 50. The inner annular mating wall 65 has an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the outer annular mating wall 64. The inner annular mating wall 65 is spaced radially inward from the outer annular mating wall 64.
The cap 48 has an annular outer mating recess 66 that is sized and configured for snug mating reception of the outer annular mating wall 64 of the body 50. The cap 48 has a second through-bore 68 with substantially the same diameter as the through-bore 58 in the body 50, i.e., both are sized and configured to receive the distal tip T of the umbrella 8. The through-bores 58, 68 are generally circular in horizontal cross-section (see
A third annular mating wall 72 is formed about the second through-bore 68. The third annular mating wall 72 has a recessed portion (not separately numbered) with a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the second through-bore 68 to define a seal bore 73. The third annular mating wall 72 of the cap 48 fits snugly in the bore 60 of the body 50 when the cap 48 and body 50 mate. In some cases, there may be a slight interference fit between the third annular mating wall 72 and the inner annular mating wall 65 of the body 50. The cap 48 is secured to the body 50 with adhesive A. The walls 64, 65, 72 and bores 60, 73 are generally circular in horizontal cross-section.
The cap 48 and body 50 are formed of a rigid plastic material. The cap 48 and body 50 are injection molded. The cap 48 and body 50 may be formed of high density polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, and the like. The cap 48 and body 50 are more rigid than the sheath 32 to add rigidity and durability to the carrier 10 overall. The body 50 has a generally frusto-conical outer surface 52. The cap 48 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 70. The sheath 32 is adhered to the outer surface 70 with the adhesive A. The sheath 32 is tightly wrapped about the outer surface 52 of the body 50 and the outer surface 70 of the cap 48 to at least partially cover the receiver 44. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the cap 48 is exposed below the distal end 36 of the sheath 32. The receiver 44 partially closes the distal end 36 of the sheath 32.
A seal 74 is seated in the seal bore 73 of the receiver 44. The seal 74 engages and secures the distal tip T of the umbrella 8 in the receiver 44. The seal 74 acts to seal against the distal tip T and prevent water from draining or dripping out of the second through-bore 68 when the umbrella 8 is in position in the carrier 10. As a result, the user does not get wet from water dripping out of the carrier 10. Instead, the carrier 10 contains the water until the user pulls the umbrella 8 from the seal 74. The seal 74 is annular and more specifically circular. In some embodiments, the seal is a plastic washer. The seal 74 is formed of a durable plastic material capable of withstanding repeated exposure to wet and dry conditions without cracking, or otherwise prematurely deteriorating. The seal is formed of waterproof plastic material.
The seal 74 is captured between the cap 48 and the body 50 of the receiver 44. The seal 74 is held in position in the seal bore 73 between the third annular wall 72 of the cap 48 and the wall 79 of the body 50. The wall 79 protrudes radially inwardly over the seal bore 73 to form an upper abutment for the seal 74. The abutment prevents the seal 74 from being pulled out of the seal bore 73 when the umbrella 8 is withdrawn from sealing engagement with the seal 74. The seal 74 has a sealing surface with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the through-bore 58 to engage the tip T of the umbrella 8 (see
Referring to
Referring specifically to
Referring to
The body 50 has a generally rectangular groove 53 defined therein. A partial length of the stiffener 80 is located in the groove 53 in the body 50 of the receiver 44 as shown in
The collar 43 acts as a proximal stop for the stiffener 80 at the proximal end 34. A distal shoulder 87 of the receiver 44 is formed at the end of the groove 53. The distal shoulder 87 provides a lower abutment for the opposing end of the stiffener 80. Alternatively, the stiffener 80 could be fixed to the strip 81 in the elongate pocket 82 with adhesive. The stiffener 80 is sized such that it maintains flexibility while at the same time helping to stiffen the sheath 32. The stiffener 80 keeps the sheath 32 in a generally cylindrical shape (includes slight taper) to ease placement of the umbrella 8 in the sheath 32. With the stiffener 80 in place, the carrier 10 can be bent or partially folded, but still return to its normal generally cylindrical shape.
A distal collar 49 is sewn to the layers 38, 40, 42. The distal collar 49 and layers 38, 40, 42 are attached to the receiver 44 with the adhesive A, as shown in
Referring back to
An alternative embodiment of the carrier is shown in
Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above description. While this description is directed to particular embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive of modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations, which fall within the purview of this description, are intended to be included herein as well. It is understood that the description herein is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to be limited.
Claims
1. An umbrella carrier for an umbrella having a distal tip, said umbrella carrier comprising:
- a sheath having an open proximal end for receiving the umbrella and extending from said open proximal end to a distal end, said sheath being formed of flexible material;
- a carrying strap attached to said sheath for carrying said sheath on a shoulder of a user;
- a receiver formed of plastic material attached to said distal end of said sheath and at least partially covered by said sheath, said receiver defining an opening and a throughbore wherein said receiver tapers radially inwardly between said opening and said throughbore to facilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrella through said opening and into said throughbore;
- an annular seal seated in said receiver and having a sealing surface configured to engage and seal against the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slides into said throughbore to prevent water leakage out of said receiver such that water is contained within said carrier until the user pulls the distal tip of the umbrella from said carrier thereby opening said throughbore and allowing the water to drain therethrough; and
- a plurality of spaced apart eyelets mounted to said sheath between said open proximal end and said distal end to define aeration ports through said sheath, said aeration ports configured to facilitate drying of said sheath after the umbrella is removed from said sheath.
2. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a stiffening rod that extends along said sheath from said proximal end to said distal end.
3. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rod extends at least 80 percent of a length of said sheath.
4. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rod is elongate in shape and is formed of plastic material.
5. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said sheath is formed of a plurality of layers of material and said stiffening rod is positioned between two of said plurality of layers of material.
6. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 2 wherein said stiffening rod is mounted to said receiver.
7. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receiver includes a body and a cap mounted to said body, said seal being captured between said body and said cap.
8. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 7 wherein said body has a first mating feature and said cap has a second mating feature for mating with said first mating feature to secure said cap to said body.
9. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receiver is formed of a rigid plastic material.
10. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheath comprises an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between said inner and outer layers.
11. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 10 wherein said outer layer is formed of polyurethane.
12. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 10 wherein said inner layer is formed of nylon.
13. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 10 wherein said intermediate layer is formed of a blended polymeric material.
14. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheath further includes a collar disposed about said open proximal end.
15. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 14 further including a ring reinforcing said collar.
16. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receiver has an outer surface partially covered by said sheath and partially exposed beyond said distal end of said sheath.
17. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seal has an inner diameter of from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches.
18. An umbrella carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said aeration ports has a diameter of from 0.2 inches to 2.0 inches.
19. An umbrella carrier for an umbrella having a distal tip, said umbrella carrier comprising:
- a sheath having an open proximal end for receiving the umbrella and tapering from said open proximal end to a distal end, said sheath being formed of flexible inner and outer layers and a middle layer disposed between said inner and outer layers;
- a carrying strap attached to said sheath for carrying said sheath on a shoulder of a user;
- a receiver attached to said distal end of said sheath and at least partially covered by said sheath, said receiver defining an opening and a throughbore wherein said receiver tapers radially inwardly between said opening and said throughbore to facilitate sliding of the distal tip of the umbrella through said opening and into said throughbore;
- an annular seal seated in said receiver and having a sealing surface configured to engage and seal against the distal tip of the umbrella when the distal tip slides into said throughbore to prevent water leakage out of said receiver such that water is contained within said carrier until the user pulls the distal tip of the umbrella from said carrier thereby opening said throughbore and allowing the water to drain therethrough; and
- a plurality of spaced apart eyelets mounted to said sheath between said open proximal end and said distal end to define aeration ports through said sheath.
20. A system comprising:
- an umbrella having a distal tip;
- a sheath having an open proximal end for receiving said umbrella and extending from said open proximal end to a distal end, said sheath being formed of flexible material;
- a carrying strap attached to said sheath for carrying said sheath on a shoulder of a user;
- a receiver formed of plastic material attached to said distal end of said sheath and at least partially covered by said sheath, said receiver defining an opening and a throughbore wherein said receiver tapers radially inwardly between said opening and said throughbore to facilitate sliding of said distal tip of said umbrella through said opening and into said throughbore;
- an annular seal seated in said receiver and having a sealing surface configured to engage and seal against said distal tip of said umbrella when said distal tip slides into said throughbore to prevent water leakage out of said receiver such that water is contained within said carrier until the user pulls said distal tip of said umbrella from said carrier thereby opening said throughbore and allowing the water to drain therethrough; and
- a plurality of spaced apart eyelets mounted to said sheath between said open proximal end and said distal end to define aeration ports through said sheath, said aeration ports configured to facilitate drying of said sheath after said umbrella is removed therefrom.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 6, 2011
Publication Date: Feb 28, 2013
Inventor: Penny Chin (Boisbriand)
Application Number: 13/267,549
International Classification: A45F 3/00 (20060101);