Umbrella carrier

[0021]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 FIGS. 1 and 2. The user can stow and transport the umbrella 8 in the carrier 10 when the umbrella 8 is wet. The carrier 10 manages water received therein from the wet umbrella to reduce any potential for the user to get wet.

[0022]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier 10 comprises a sheath 32 having an open proximal end 34 for receiving the umbrella 8. The sheath 32 extends from the proximal end 34 to a distal end 36. The sheath has a slight taper from the open proximal end 34 to the distal end 36 and defines an interior space for holding the umbrella 8. The sheath 32 is dimensioned to snugly hold the umbrella 8 in the interior space when the umbrella 8 is collapsed and placed therein. The sheath 32 acts as a barrier between the umbrella 8 and the user. The sheath 32 is flexible.

[0023]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.

[0024]Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sheath 32 comprises inner 38, outer 40 and intermediate 42 layers of material. The inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of flexible and water resistant materials. In some embodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of nylon materials. In further embodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of ripstop nylon or nylon taffeta (e.g., 70-Denier nylon taffeta). In the embodiment shown the inner layer 38 is formed of 100% nylon and the outer layer 40 is formed of polyurethane (PU). In other embodiments, the inner 38 and outer 40 layers are formed of vinyl or vinyl-like material.

[0025]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.

[0026]Referring specifically to FIG. 1, retaining rings 14, 16 are attached to the sheath 32. The rings 14, 16, also referred to as D-rings, are attached to fabric loops (not separately numbered) sewn into the sheath 32. The rings 14, 16 are spaced from one another on opposing ends of the carrier 10. The rings 14, 16 receive the strap 12.

[0027]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 12 is formed of two flexible strap sections 12a, 12b, but could similarly be formed of a single strap section. Each of the strap sections 12a, 12b comprises a first end 18a, 18b fixed to an adjustment ring 20a, 20b (used to adjust the length of the strap section 12a, 12b) and a second end 22a, 22b fixed to a buckle part 24a, 24b. The buckle parts 24a, 24b are configured to interlock in a conventional snap-fit and releasable manner to form a continuous strap. The buckle parts 24a, 24b could be formed of plastic or metal. FIG. 6 shows a user supporting the carrier 10 over their shoulder using the strap 12. Additionally, a belt loop 26 is fixed to the carrier 10 (such as by being sewn to the sheath 32). The belt loop enables a user to mount the carrier 10 to a belt (not shown).

[0028]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.

[0029]Referring to FIG. 4, the collar 43 is folded over the layers 38, 40, 42 and sewn or glued thereto (not shown). The collar 43 defines an interior circumferential passage 45. A shaping ring 47 of plastic material is disposed in the passage 45. The ring 47 is secured in place in the passage 45 between the collar 43 and the layers 38, 40, 42. The ring 47 extends about the entire circumference of the collar 43. The ring 47 is annular. In some embodiments, the ring 47 has a predefined circular shape in a normal unbiased state. In yet other embodiments, the ring has a predefined oval or elliptical shape in a normal unbiased state. The ring 47 acts to maintain the collar 43 in the predefined shape to maintain the opening for the umbrella 8 and facilitate insertion of the umbrella 8. In some embodiments, the ring 47 is formed of metal wire.

[0030]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 FIG. 5). The receiver 44 accepts a distal end of the umbrella 8, including the distal tip T, when the umbrella 8 is placed in the carrier 10. The receiver 44 is formed of two pieces fixed together, including a cap 48 and a body 50. In other embodiments the receiver 44 could be one piece.

[0031]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 FIG. 4. In this case, the taper is between the first open end 56 and the through-bore 58, but only along a portion of the distance between the first open end 56 and the through-bore 58.

[0032]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.

[0033]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 FIG. 5).

[0034]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.

[0035]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.

[0036]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.

[0037]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 FIGS. 4B, 4C and 5).

[0038]Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the seal 74 is generally U-shaped in cross-section. The seal 74 has a flexible lip 75 that flexes radially outwardly when the tip T of the umbrella 8 is inserted therein (FIG. 4C). In other words, the lip 75 forms an interference fit with the tip T of the umbrella 8. When the tip T of the umbrella 8 is removed, the lip 75 flexes back to its normal position (FIG. 4B). The seal 74 is positioned in the seal bore 73 with the U-shape facing downwardly toward the cap 48. In other embodiments, the seal could be an o-ring. The seal has an inner diameter of from 0.1 inches to 1.0 inches, more preferably from 0.2 inches to 0.8 inches, and most preferably from 0.2 inches to 0.5 inches.

[0039]Referring specifically to FIGS. 3 through 5, a stiffener 80 (or stiffening rod) extends along the sheath 32 from the proximal 34 to the distal 36 ends. The stiffener 80 adds pliability to the sheath 32. The stiffener 80 extends at least 60% and more preferably at least 80% of the length of the sheath 32. Most preferably, the stiffener 80 extends at least 90% of the length of the sheath 32. The stiffener 80 is elongate in shape, more-specially rod-shaped with a circular cross-section. The stiffener 80 is formed of plastic material such as fiberglass, or metal. The stiffener 80 has a cross-sectional diameter of less than 0.5 inches, preferably less than 0.25 inches, more preferably between 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches, and most preferably between 0.05 inches and 0.25 inches. In cases where the stiffener has a non-circular cross-section, the largest cross-sectional dimension falls within the same ranges given.

[0040]Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the stiffener 80 is disposed in an inner elongate pocket 82 formed between the layers 38, 40, 42 and a narrow strip of material 81. The strip of material 81 may extend the length of the layers 38, 40, 42 and may be formed of the same or similar materials as that of any of the layers 38, 40, 42. The layers 38, 40, 42 are sewn together along their length as shown in FIG. 5, along with the strip 81, to form the elongate pocket 82. The top of FIG. 4 shows the sheath 32 cross-sectioned along the seam in which the layers 38, 40, 42 are bent inwardly along their edges and sewn together (see FIG. 5). As a result, only the bent edge of the outer layer 40 is shown next to the stiffener 80.

[0041]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 FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. This partial length of the stiffener 80 may be fixed in the groove 53, with or without the strip 81, by the adhesive A. Alternatively, the stiffener 80 may be integrally molded with the body 50. The groove 53 has a width that is dimensioned to orient the stiffener 80 in a desired longitudinal placement.

[0042]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.

[0043]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 FIG. 4.

[0044]Referring back to FIG. 2, a plurality of eyelets 86 are mounted to the sheath 32 through the layers 38, 40, 42 to form aeration ports 88 through the layers 38, 40, 42. The eyelets 86 are formed of metal with electroplating AZO free Silver. The aeration ports 88 are disposed along the length of the carrier 10 and are spaced from the ends of the carrier 10 to provide aeration inside the sheath 32. The aeration ports 88 are intended to facilitate drying inside the carrier 10 when the umbrella 8 is removed (such as after the umbrella 8 is placed in the carrier 10 in a wet condition). The aeration ports 88 also act, although to a lesser degree, to facilitate drying of the umbrella 8 when placed in a wet condition in the carrier 10. The aeration ports 88 have a diameter of at least 0.1 inches, preferably at least 0.2 inches, more preferably between 0.2 inches and 2.0 inches, and most preferably between 0.3 inches and 1.0 inches.

[0045]An alternative embodiment of the carrier is shown in FIG. 7 and is numbered 100. However, the carrier 100 has all the same features as the carrier 10 except the carrier 100 has a pair of straps 112a, 112b that mount the carrier 100 to a backpack 200. The straps 112a, 112b can be sewn into the sheath 32 and have hook and loop fasteners (not shown) that mate with similar fasteners on the backpack 200. Alternatively, the straps 112a, 112b can simply have mounting hooks or clasps (not shown) that hook into loops (not shown) on the backpack 200. As a further alternative, the straps 112a, 112b can have buckle parts that mate with corresponding buckle parts on the backpack similar to the buckle parts 24a, 24b.

[0046]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.