Folding umbrella integrated with storage case

Abstract

To provide a folding umbrella integrated with a storage case which can be neatly and easily folded and stored after use without being obstructed by the presence of the case, blocking the field of view, or coming into contact with the face during use.SOLUTION: Provided is a folding umbrella consisting of an extendable center rod 1, foldable ribs 2, and umbrella cover 3, the folding umbrella including: a cylindrical case body 6 that covers the center of the center rod 1 from the lower end of the center rod 1; and a cylindrical inner sleeve 7 that extends upward from the case body 6 and is flexible; wherein a spiral groove 9 is formed on the inner wall of the case body 6, a protrusion 10 that slides freely into the groove 9 is formed on the outer wall of the inner sleeve 7, the inner sleeve 7 is rotated when expanding and contracting, and umbrella fabric 3 can be stored in the inner sleeve 7 and the case body 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an umbrella integrated with a storage case, such as an umbrella for rain or sunshade, which can be folded and stored compactly except during use, and can prevent the storage location from getting wet when stored after use during rainfall.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding umbrellas, various storage methods have been studied so far. Generally, it is a bag-shaped case attached to a folding umbrella, and it is usually thought that when not in use, it is put into a bag or the like and carried around as it is.

[0003] However, for an umbrella that has been used during rainfall and is wet, the storage bag of the folding umbrella is often made of cloth. If it is put into a bag as it is or in a cloth storage bag, the inside of the bag will get wet. Therefore, it is necessary to carry the wet umbrella as it is, and it will be stored after it dries.

[0004] In addition, some store facilities provide plastic bags for wet umbrellas, and customers can enter the store after putting the umbrella in the bag. However, considering environmental issues, this is not a good method.

[0005] Furthermore, in public institutions during commuting hours and in crowded company premises, it is difficult to find a place to put wet umbrellas. Also, it is difficult to put a wet umbrella in a car. Although there are cases dedicated to the car interior, they are not suitable for carrying as a storage case.

[0006] Therefore, various types of storage cases integrated with an umbrella in a folded state have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0007] In addition, since the above storage case is not used when using an umbrella on a rainy day, if the storage case is too large, it will be obstructive when using the umbrella. Therefore, there is a proposal to make the case tube divisible into two parts and telescopic so that the case can be shrunk when using the umbrella to avoid taking up space (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] According to the proposals in the above Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, it has become possible to easily store a wet umbrella in a storage case. However, even when a folding umbrella is folded, it still has a certain length, and the storage case for storing this folded umbrella also becomes relatively long.

[0010] First, in the case of a three-fold umbrella as in Patent Document 1, looking at the upper cap part of the patent document, in the fitting of the screw part and the bent part, the height is usually higher at the fitting side, and the cap with the shape as shown in the figure cannot be opened, so the design of the umbrella ribs themselves needs to be changed, and there is a risk that the overall length will become longer in the case of umbrellas of the same size.

[0011] In addition, a storage case with a relatively long handle part is constantly attached, and when using the umbrella, the storage case comes into view, causing a sense of discomfort such as a feeling of oppression or design constraints.

[0012] Next, Patent Document 2 can be used without a dedicated design for the umbrella ribs, but since it is a two-fold umbrella, the length becomes long, which is a demerit. Also, similar to Patent Document 1, when the umbrella is in use, the storage case becomes conspicuous, causing a sense of discomfort, and there are design constraints.

[0013] Next, in the case of Patent Document 3, when the umbrella is deployed and used, the cylindrical case is fixed to the upper part of the umbrella handle, but also in this case, there is a risk that the case may hit the face or block the view when the umbrella is in use.

[0014] Also, in the case of Patent Document 4, although the weight can be reduced by dividing the case into two parts, when the case is extended to store the umbrella, the opening at the tip of the case moves while pushing in the umbrella cloth, so the umbrella cloth may protrude from the end of the case, become wrinkled, and at worst, the umbrella cloth may be damaged.

[0015] As described above, in the case of these Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, when the umbrella is in use, the storage case becomes conspicuous, causing a sense of discomfort, there is a design discomfort due to the presence of a long storage case in the handle part, and the storage case itself may block the view or hit the face, etc. Also, in the case of Patent Document 4, there is a problem that the umbrella cloth is damaged when the umbrella is stored by extending the case.

[0016] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an invention in a folding umbrella with an integrated storage case that can store a folding umbrella, such that when the umbrella is in use, the presence of the case does not interfere, block the view, or come into contact with the face, and also, the folding and storage after using the umbrella can be easily performed without damaging the umbrella cloth.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0017] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a folding umbrella comprising a middle rod that can be telescoped in multiple stages, a plurality of main ribs that extend radially from the upper end of the middle rod and can be folded in multiple stages, and a sheet-shaped umbrella cloth connected to the main ribs. A cylindrical case body is provided to cover upward around the middle rod while sealing the lower end of the middle rod. It has a cylindrical inner sleeve that fits snugly against the inner wall of the case body, extends telescopically from the upper open part of the case body, and is rotatable relative to the case body. A spiral groove is formed on one of the inner wall of the case body and the outer wall of the inner sleeve, and a protrusion that slidably fits into the groove is formed on the other. When the inner sleeve is telescoped relative to the case body, it rotates. By shrinking the middle rod and extending the inner sleeve in the state where the umbrella is folded, the folded umbrella cloth with ribs can be stored in the inner sleeve and the case body. It is a storage case integrated folding umbrella characterized by this.

[0018] All of the prior arts (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3) have drawbacks in the thickness and length of the storage case part, and the sense of compression due to the thickness when using the umbrella cannot be avoided. Therefore, in the present invention, the storage case is made into a double storage type of a case body and an inner sleeve so that the sense of compression can be reduced as much as possible and it can be shortened.

[0019] In the present invention, the case body provided at the part of the lower end (handle) of the middle rod has a freely movable inner sleeve, and the length can be secured by pulling it out. This inner sleeve can be used as the handle of the umbrella in a state where it is stored in the case body and becomes shorter.

[0020] Also, due to the spiral groove formed on one of the inner wall of the case body and the outer wall of the inner sleeve and the protrusion formed on the other that slidably fits into this groove, when the inner sleeve is pulled out, the inner sleeve rotates along the spiral of the groove, and the umbrella cloth is neatly aligned in one direction and stored in the inner sleeve.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] Conventional folding umbrellas had an unstable grip when held because the handle (grip part) was short and compact to shorten the length. Also, in the case of the integrated storage case type (Patent Documents 1 and 2), conversely, the case on the handle part was too long, causing an eyesore or design problems. However, in the present invention, by storing an inner sleeve inside the case body so as to contact the inner wall, a double wall is formed, ensuring sufficient holding stability in terms of both the length and strength of the grip part.

[0022] Also, in the conventional integrated storage case type (Patent Documents 1, 2, and 4), since the umbrella is pushed in the axial direction, the storage is done while imposing a burden on the cloth part of the umbrella, which causes wrinkles in the umbrella cloth. However, in the case of the present invention, when the inner sleeve is extended, the inner sleeve automatically rotates with respect to the case body. Therefore, when folding the umbrella, it extends while rotating in the folding direction of the umbrella cloth, squeezing the rainwater on the umbrella cloth, and reducing the intrusion of water into the case interior composed of the case body and the inner sleeve.

[0023] Also, in Conventional Patent Document 3, a cylindrical case exists at the upper part of the handle of the umbrella during use. However, in the case of the present invention, the case is shortened and becomes the handle at the lower end of the middle rod, and there is no risk of the case hitting the face or blocking the view during use of the umbrella.

[0024] Furthermore, since the storage case can be shortened, it is sufficient to ensure the length of only the case body without extending the inner sleeve, maintaining the umbrella frame design without a conventional storage case, and there is also the advantage of being able to accommodate various existing folding umbrellas.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The folding umbrella shown in Figure 1 has a center rod 1 divided into several shafts, and one shaft slides inside the next shaft to be stored and removed, allowing it to be freely extended and retracted, and the state is maintained when fully retracted and fully extended by appropriate locking means.

[0027] It also has multiple ribs 2 that extend radially from the top end of the center rod 1 and can be folded in multiple stages, and a sheet-like umbrella fabric 3 connected to the ribs 2. Note that the detailed structure of the ribs 2 and umbrella fabric 3, and the ribs that support the ribs 2 are not shown in the figure, but these parts are the same as those of ordinary known folding umbrellas, and the materials used for these are also the same as those used for ordinary umbrellas, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0028] A disk-shaped lid portion 4 is provided at the part of the center pole 1 at the upper end where the ferrule meets the tip, and serves as the lid for the storage case of this invention, and a handle 5 is provided at the lower end of the center pole 1 for holding the umbrella with the hand.

[0029] A transparent cylindrical case body 6 made of synthetic resin is provided from the top of the handle 5 at the lower end of the center rod 1, enclosing the top of the handle 5 and surrounding the center rod 1, and its length is in the range of approximately half the length of the umbrella base 3 when the umbrella is folded (see Figure 1(B)).

[0030] It should be noted that making the case body 6 from a transparent material is advantageous for showing the design of the umbrella fabric, but if you do not want the umbrella fabric to be visible, you can use an opaque material or have it printed on the material.

[0031] A cylindrical inner sleeve 7 is provided, the outer side of which contacts the inner wall of the case body 6 and is extendable from the upper open part of the case body 6 and rotatable relative to the case body 6.

[0032] This inner sleeve 7 has substantially the same overall length as the case body 6 and is made of the same material as the case body 6 and is transparent (it may also be opaque as in the case of the case body 6). It is stretchable along the length direction of the case body 6 and the middle rod 1, and does not escape from the case body 6 by appropriate retaining means. Further, a flange portion 8 is provided at the upper end of the inner sleeve 7. When the inner sleeve 7 is contracted, this flange portion 8 abuts against the upper end of the case body 6 to prevent the inner sleeve 7 from falling into the case body 6. Also, when pulling out the inner sleeve 7 from the case body 6, the flange portion 8 can be pulled out with a finger, which also serves to make the operation easier.

[0033] Furthermore, a groove portion 9 that is spiral over its entire length is formed on the inner wall of the case body 6. On the other hand, at the lowermost end of the outer wall of the inner sleeve 7, a protrusion portion 10 that slidably fits into this groove portion 9 is formed to protrude. If the uppermost end portion of the groove portion 9 is blocked in a dead-end manner, when the inner sleeve 7 is extended, the protrusion portion 10 abuts to prevent the inner sleeve 7 from coming off.

[0034] Due to the structures of the case body 6 and the inner sleeve 7 described above, when attempting to store the umbrella and extending the inner sleeve 7 with respect to the case body 6, as the inner sleeve 7 extends, the protrusion portion 10 provided on the outer wall of the inner sleeve 7 moves upward along the spiral groove portion 9 into which it fits. As a result, it rotates around the center of the case body 6 along the spiral. As a result, the inner sleeve 7 also extends while rotating. As a result, the inner wall of the inner sleeve 7 rotates while aligning the folded umbrella cloth 3 in one direction, and the umbrella cloth 3 is rotated in one direction and neatly aligned.

[0035] The structure of the case-integrated folding umbrella of this invention is as described above. However, its materials, textures, etc. are not particularly limited, and it can be implemented with appropriate design changes within the scope of the purpose of this invention.

[0036] For example, in the above embodiment, the groove portion 9 is formed on the inner wall of the case body 6, and the protrusion portion 10 is formed on the inner sleeve 7. However, the groove portion 9 may be formed on the outer wall of the inner sleeve 7, and the protrusion portion 10 may be formed on the inner wall of the case body 6. Further, the spiral groove portion 9 is not limited to one as in the embodiment, and two to three or more may be provided symmetrically about the axis of the case.

[0037] Next, the usage situation of the case-integrated folding umbrella of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1(A) shows the use of the umbrella on a rainy day. The main ribs 2 and the umbrella cloth 3 of the umbrella are opened and deployed to prevent rain.

[0038] Near the hand 5, the inner sleeve 7 is housed inside the case body 6, which is about the same length as or half the length of the folded umbrella cloth 3 shown in (B) and (C). It is not too long and is easy to hold in the hand together with the lower hand 5.

[0039] Folding umbrellas tend to have a small hand-held part near the hand 5 for the sake of miniaturization and to avoid interfering with the folded umbrella cloth. In fact, they are difficult to hold by hand. However, with a length similar to that of the case body 6 of the present invention, there is an advantage that it has an appropriate length, is easy to hold in the hand, and is not easily grasped. Also, it is not obstructive as long as it is equivalent to the length of the folded umbrella.

[0040] Further, the part of the case body 6 held in the hand has an open upper end and is separated from the central rod 1. However, the inner sleeve 7 is housed inside the case body 6 so as to be in contact with its inner wall, forming a double wall, and sufficient strength can be ensured when holding it by hand.

[0041] Next, when storing the umbrella in the storage case, the main ribs 2 and the umbrella cloth 3 are folded by known appropriate means (see FIG. 1(B)). At the same time, the inner sleeve 7 is pulled out by holding the flange portion 8 with the hand and pulling it up from the case body 6 (see FIG. 1(C)). The folded umbrella cloth 3 is stored in the elongated case body 6 and the inner sleeve 7 by shortening the central rod 1.

[0042] Note that the inner sleeve 7 can not only expand and contract vertically with respect to the case body 6, but also expand and contract while rotating in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body due to the spiral groove portion 9 and the protrusion portion 10 provided on the case body 6 and the inner sleeve 7. Therefore, when folding the umbrella, the inner sleeve 7 extends while rotating in the direction of folding the umbrella cloth 3, and the rainwater on the umbrella cloth 3 can be squeezed and stored, and the intrusion of water into the case interior composed of the case body 6 and the inner sleeve 7 can be reduced.

[0043] Figs. 2(A) to (D) are front views for explaining the operation of folding and storing the umbrella integrated with the storage case after use in sequence. First, in a known method, the main rib 2 and the umbrella cloth 3 of the folded umbrella after use are folded to make them smaller (Fig. 2(A)).

[0044] The folding umbrella of this embodiment is of a type in which the main rib 2 is divided into three parts and folded. Although the tip of the main rib 2 faces downward, it can also be applied to a type in which the main rib 2 is divided into four parts and the tip of the main rib 2 faces upward when folded.

[0045] Next, the telescopic middle rod 1 is shortened by pushing the lid portion 4 downward so that the vicinity of the tip of the main rib 2 enters the case body 6 (Fig. 2(B)).

[0046] At this time, if it is designed so that the main rib 2 and the umbrella cloth 3 deeply enter the case body 6 by pushing in the middle rod 1, the size of the entire case can be reduced with respect to the folded umbrella cloth 3. On the contrary, if the tip of the main rib 2 enters the case body 6 only slightly as shown in the figure, the size of the case becomes larger with respect to the umbrella cloth 3. However, since the inner sleeve 7 will rotate and store with respect to almost the entire folded umbrella cloth 3, the umbrella cloth 3 can be neatly stored, and it can be appropriately designed according to the purpose and the like.

[0047] Next, the flange portion 8 at the upper end of the inner sleeve 7 protruding from the upper end of the case body 6 is pinched with a finger and pulled upward to extend the inner sleeve 7 (Fig. 2(C)).

[0048] At that time, the protrusion 10 provided at the lowermost end of the inner sleeve 7 rises spirally along the groove portion 9, and the vicinity of the flange portion 8 at the uppermost end of the inner sleeve 7 rotates and stores the folded umbrella cloth 3 to one side. Therefore, the umbrella cloth 3 is neatly aligned to one side and stored in the inner sleeve 7 (Fig. 2(D)).

Explanation of Signs

[0049] 1 Middle rod 2 Main rib 3 Umbrella cloth 4 Cover part 5 Hand-held part 6 Case body 7 Inner sleeve 8 Flange portion 9 Groove portion 10 Protrusion

Claims

【Claim 1】 In a folding umbrella comprising a middle rod that can be telescoped in multiple stages, a plurality of main ribs that extend radially from the upper end of the middle rod and can be folded in multiple stages, and a sheet-like umbrella cloth connected to the main ribs, a cylindrical case body provided so as to cover upward around the middle rod while sealing the lower end portion of the middle rod, a cylindrical inner sleeve that is in contact with and fits on the inner wall of the case body and is stretchable and rotatable with respect to the case body from the upper open portion of the case body, a spiral groove portion is formed on one of the inner wall of the case body and the outer wall of the inner sleeve, and a protrusion portion that slidably fits into the groove portion is formed on the other, and the inner sleeve is rotated when it is telescoped with respect to the case body, and when the umbrella is folded, the middle rod is contracted and the inner sleeve is extended so that the folded umbrella cloth with main ribs can be stored in the inner sleeve and the case body. A folding umbrella integrated with a storage case, characterized in that it can be stored.

Images