Folding umbrella storage

Abstract

This folding umbrella holder can be attached to any commercially available folding umbrella of any thickness owned by the user, can be carried together with the folding umbrella, and also prevents soiling when inserting it into an umbrella stand while making it easy to retrieve. [Solution] The folding umbrella storage device comprises a winding sheet section for winding up a folded folding umbrella, a water-absorbing sheet section disposed on the first surface of the winding sheet section that contacts the folding umbrella, a holding section disposed on the second surface of the winding sheet section opposite to the first surface and holding the winding sheet section in the wound-up state, and a telescopic rod section attached to the winding sheet section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device used by being attached to a folding umbrella, and particularly to a storage device that makes a folding umbrella easy to take out when placing the folding umbrella in an umbrella stand.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, folding umbrellas, which are convenient to carry on rainy days, have been widely popularized. Folding umbrellas have the convenience of being able to be compactly folded and stored in bags or the like when not in use.

[0003] For example, most umbrella stands installed at the entrances of schools, offices, public facilities, stores, etc. are designed on the assumption that they store common long umbrellas (non-foldable umbrellas with a total length of about 60 cm to 80 cm). Specifically, mainstream umbrella stands are of the type where umbrellas are inserted into grid-divided frames, or the type where umbrellas are thrown into deep cylindrical containers.

[0004] When an attempt is made to store a folding umbrella with a short total length (usually about 30 cm to 40 cm) in such an umbrella stand for long umbrellas, the folding umbrella falls to the bottom of the umbrella stand and is buried among other long umbrellas. Once buried, it is not only difficult for the owner to find their own umbrella, but also the owner needs to insert their hand deep when taking it out, which causes discomfort such as getting hands dirty by touching other wet umbrellas or getting clothes wet. In addition, since the directly wet portion contacts the bottom of the umbrella stand, there is a problem that the folding umbrella itself also gets dirty. Furthermore, the folding umbrella may be laid under a large number of umbrellas, which may damage the frame.

[0005] Several prior arts have been proposed to address this problem. For example, a technology of an umbrella body in which the shaft (central rod) itself of a folding umbrella can be extended to be longer is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). In addition, a technology of a pocket container for folding umbrellas, which is installed by hooking it on the frame of an existing umbrella stand for long umbrellas with a hook or the like, is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-179346 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-129901 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 employs a special structure for the umbrella itself, making it difficult to apply to commercially available, common folding umbrellas that users already own. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 is permanently installed on the frame of an umbrella stand, making it unsuitable for personal, portable use. In addition, there were hygiene issues because it could not adequately handle rainwater dripping from the umbrella.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a folding umbrella storage device that can be retrofitted to any commercially available folding umbrella of any thickness owned by the user, can be carried together with the folding umbrella, and further prevents soiling when inserting it into an umbrella stand and makes it easy to take out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the folding umbrella storage device of the embodiment is characterized by comprising: a winding sheet portion for winding up a folded folding umbrella; a water-absorbing sheet portion disposed on the first surface of the winding sheet portion that is in contact with the folding umbrella; a holding portion disposed on the second surface of the winding sheet portion opposite to the first surface and holding the winding sheet portion in the state in which the folding umbrella is wound up; and a telescopic rod portion attached to the winding sheet portion.

[0010] Furthermore, in the folding umbrella storage device, the holding part is preferably a hook-and-loop fastener, and it is even more preferable that multiple hook-and-loop fasteners are arranged on the second surface of the winding sheet.

[0011] Furthermore, in a folding umbrella storage device, it is preferable that the winding sheet portion is rectangular and the telescopic rod portion is attached to the shorter side of the winding sheet portion. It is also preferable that a protective cap is attached to the tip of the telescopic rod portion.

[0012] In addition, in a folding umbrella storage device, it is preferable that the winding sheet portion be provided with a through hole or a hook portion. It is also preferable that a waterproof sheet portion be provided on the second surface of the winding sheet portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The folding umbrella storage device of the present invention comprises a winding sheet section for winding up a folded folding umbrella, a water-absorbing sheet section disposed on the first surface of the winding sheet section that contacts the folding umbrella, a holding section disposed on the second surface opposite to the first surface of the winding sheet section to hold the winding sheet section in the wound-up state, and a telescopic rod section attached to the winding sheet section. Therefore, it can be retrofitted to any commercially available folding umbrella of any thickness owned by the user, can be carried together with the folding umbrella, prevents soiling when inserting it into an umbrella stand, and is easy to remove. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the folding umbrella holder of the embodiment in use inside an umbrella stand. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the first surface (inner surface) of the folding umbrella storage device. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the second side (outer side) of the folding umbrella storage device. [Figure 4] (A) A magnified plan view of the through-hole portion and (B) A magnified plan view of the hook portion of the folding umbrella storage device. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the waterproof sheet section on the second side of the folding umbrella storage device. [Figure 6]These are (A) a first schematic diagram, (B) a second schematic diagram, and (C) a third schematic diagram showing the procedure for using a folding umbrella storage device. [Figure 7] A folding umbrella storage device according to a modified example is shown, wherein (A) is a plan view showing the second surface side, and (B) is a partially enlarged view showing a state where the device is hung on a school backpack. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] The folding umbrella storage device of the embodiment is a device that is exclusively used when inserting or leaning a wet folding umbrella into a storage place such as an umbrella stand. It is an easily portable auxiliary tool that makes it easy to take out the folding umbrella from the umbrella stand even when the folding umbrella is inserted into the umbrella stand, and further protects the user's folding umbrella from contamination such as dirt and water wetting caused by contact with other umbrellas.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the use state of the folding umbrella storage device 1 according to the embodiment. The illustration shows a state where the folding umbrella storage device 1 is used on a user's folding umbrella U. The folding umbrella U is inserted into the box of an umbrella stand 90 together with the folding umbrella storage device 1. At this time, the folding umbrella U is wound by a winding sheet portion 10, and a telescopic rod portion 30 of the folding umbrella storage device 1 is extended.

[0017] As can be understood from the illustration, in the umbrella stand 90, the user's folding umbrella U has a sufficient length relative to other umbrellas 91 due to the extension of the telescopic rod portion 30. Therefore, the folding umbrella U does not come into contact with the lower surface 93 in the box of the umbrella stand 90, and does not come into contact with water dripping or dirt from other umbrellas 91 or the like. Accordingly, contamination of the user's folding umbrella U is avoided, and the folding umbrella U can be easily taken out from the umbrella stand 90. Hereinafter, details of the folding umbrella storage device 1 will be described.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the folding umbrella container 1 in an opened state. The folding umbrella container 1 of the embodiment includes a winding sheet portion 10 that winds a folded folding umbrella U, and a water-absorbent sheet portion 15 disposed on a first surface 11 of the winding sheet portion 10 that is in contact with the folded folding umbrella U. A first holding portion 21 (holding portion 20), which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, is disposed (adhered) on the first surface 11 of the winding sheet portion 10.

[0019] The winding sheet portion 10 of the folding umbrella container 1 is rectangular (oblong), and the winding sheet portion 10 includes a short side 13 in the vertical direction of the drawing sheet and a long side 14 in the horizontal direction of the drawing sheet. In the drawing, the handle U1 of the folding umbrella U is placed along the short side 13 such that it protrudes from the long side 14 of the winding sheet portion 10. When the winding sheet portion 10 winds the folding umbrella U, the water-absorbent sheet portion 15 wraps the folding umbrella U, so moisture on the umbrella fabric of the wet folding umbrella U is absorbed by the water-absorbent sheet portion 15. For the water-absorbent sheet portion 15, a material with excellent water absorbency and quick-drying properties such as microfiber cloth is suitable. In addition to a structure in which the water-absorbent sheet portion 15 is a separate member attached to the first surface 11 by sewing or the like, the winding sheet portion 10 itself may be made of a water-absorbent material, and the winding sheet portion 10 may also serve as the water-absorbent sheet portion 15.

[0020] As shown in the aforementioned FIG. 1, the folding umbrella container 1 is provided with a telescopic rod portion 30 so that its overall length can be increased. The direction of extension is the same as the length direction of the folding umbrella U. Since the folding umbrella U is placed parallel to the short side 13 of the winding sheet portion 10, the telescopic rod portion 30 is also parallel to the short side 13. In the embodiment, a bag portion 17 is formed at the end of the short side 13 of the winding sheet portion 10 by sewing or the like. The telescopic rod portion 30 is accommodated in the bag portion 17, and the telescopic rod portion 30 is attached to the winding sheet portion 10. A protective cap 31 is attached to the tip of the telescopic rod portion 30.

[0021] The telescopic rod section 30 is a rod-shaped object made by combining pipes of different diameters, and extends to a maximum of approximately 50 to 80 cm. When the telescopic rod section 30 extends, the folding umbrella storage device 1 becomes the same length as other umbrellas 91 (see Figure 1) from the length of the short side 13 of the winding sheet section 10, and is no longer buried among other umbrellas inside the umbrella stand 90. A protective cap 31 is attached to the tip of the telescopic rod section 30 to protect the telescopic rod section 30 and the umbrella stand. The protective cap 31 is made of a known material such as rubber or resin and is fixed to the tip of the telescopic rod section 30 by screwing or the like.

[0022] Figure 3 is a plan view of the folding umbrella storage device 1 in an open state, showing the second surface 12, which is the opposite side from Figure 2. The second surface 12 of the winding sheet section 10 is provided with a holding part 20 for holding the winding sheet section 10 when the folding umbrella U is wound up. The holding part 20 is preferably made of a lightweight and flexible material, for example, a known hook-and-loop fastener can be used. For example, the male side of the hook-and-loop fastener is the first holding part 21 (holding part 20) on the first surface 11, and the female side of the hook-and-loop fastener that is joined to it is the second holding part 22 (holding part 20) and the third holding part 23 (holding part 20) on the second surface 12.

[0023] The reason why multiple holding parts 20, such as the second holding part 22 and the third holding part 23, are arranged on the second surface 12 of the winding sheet part 10 is that the size and thickness of the umbrella fabric differ depending on the type of folding umbrella U. Therefore, the diameter when the folding umbrella U is wound up by the winding sheet part 10 will differ. For this reason, multiple holding parts 20 are arranged so that the winding sheet part 10 can wind up various folding umbrellas U and hold them in the wound state. The arrangement of the holding parts 20 is not limited to two locations on the second surface 12 as shown in the figure, but may be three or more locations. In addition to the hook and loop fasteners of the embodiment, other forms of fastening may be used for the holding parts 20, although they are not shown in the figure, such as a combination of buttons and buttonholes or tying with strings.

[0024] In the embodiment of the folding umbrella storage device 1, after the folding umbrella U is rolled up by the winding sheet portion 10, it is necessary to dry the water absorbed by the water-absorbing sheet portion 15. Normally, the winding sheet portion 10 of the folding umbrella storage device 1 is held in place with a clothespin or the like to dry. In this case, the configuration shown in the partially enlarged plan view of Figure 4 is added for ease of drying the folding umbrella storage device 1. Figure 4(A) shows that a through hole portion 41 for hanging is drilled in a part of the winding sheet portion 10. Preferably, the through hole portion 41 is a hole for a grommet with a metal ring portion. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4(B), a hook portion 42 for hanging is attached to a part of the winding sheet portion 10. By providing the through hole portion 41 or the hook portion 42, it becomes easy to hook or hang the folding umbrella storage device 1, making it easier to dry.

[0025] The first surface 11 of the winding sheet section 10 of the folding umbrella storage device 1 is equipped with a water-absorbing sheet section 15 (see Figure 2). If the amount of water absorbed exceeds the capacity of the water-absorbing sheet section 15, the absorbed water will seep into the winding sheet section 10, causing the winding sheet section 10 itself to get wet. This would make it difficult to put the folding umbrella storage device 1 into a bag without getting it wet. Also, when placed in an umbrella stand, there is a risk of the winding sheet section 10 getting wet from other umbrellas.

[0026] Therefore, as shown in the plan view of Figure 5, the waterproof sheet portion 16 is arranged on the second surface 12 side of the winding sheet portion 10. The presence of the waterproof sheet portion 16 prevents water from seeping out of the folding umbrella U being wound up by the winding sheet portion 10, and also prevents water from getting into the umbrella from other umbrellas in the umbrella stand. The waterproof sheet portion 16 is not particularly limited as long as it is impermeable and flexible, and resin films such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and PET resin are preferably used.

[0027] The usage of the folding umbrella storage device 1 of this embodiment will be explained using the schematic diagram in Figure 6. In Figure 6(A), first, the folded folding umbrella U is placed on the water-absorbing sheet portion 15 on the first surface 11 side of the winding sheet portion 10 of the folding umbrella storage device 1. The orientation of the folding umbrella U is parallel to the short side 13 of the winding sheet portion 10.

[0028] Next, the folding umbrella U is rolled up by the winding sheet section 10. The rolled-up state is maintained by the close contact between the first holding section 21 and the second holding section 22 of the holding section 20. After that, as shown in Figure 6(C), the telescopic rod section 30 is extended to approximately the same length as other umbrellas. The folding umbrella storage device 1, with the folding umbrella U rolled up in this way, is then inserted into the umbrella stand 90 shown in Figure 1.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), as a modification, a reflective section 18 may be provided on the second surface 12 side of the winding sheet section 10, on which a reflective material such as reflective tape that reflects light is arranged. Also, a light-emitting section 32, such as a self-illuminating light, may be attached to the tip of the telescopic rod section 30 (the upper end opposite to the protective cap 31 at the lower end). For example, as shown in Figure 7(B), when the folding umbrella holder 1 is carried by hanging it from the shoulder strap B or annular ring provided on the side of the school bag S, the reflective section 18 and the light-emitting section 32 are positioned facing outwards. This makes it possible to make one's presence known to oncoming drivers, etc., even in dimly lit rainy weather or on dark roads at night, and significantly improves traffic safety when schoolchildren are walking. As the light-emitting section 32, for example, a small, flashing LED light is preferably used.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(B), when suspending the folding umbrella case 1 from the ring-shaped part D of the shoulder strap B of the school bag S, or from the side hook F provided on the side, the hanging string (strap) attached to the folding umbrella U itself can be used. Alternatively, as another method of carrying, it is also possible to suspend the folding umbrella case 1 from the side hook F of the school bag S or the ring-shaped part D of the shoulder strap B by passing a commercially available hook or carabiner through the through-hole 41 (see Figure 4(A)) provided in the winding sheet part 10 of the folding umbrella case 1. This configuration allows for simple and reliable carrying without the need to provide a dedicated hanging fitting integrated into the case.

[0031] The function and effects of the folding umbrella storage device of this embodiment are summarized below. (1) Because folding umbrellas are constructed to be rolled up by a winding sheet, folding umbrellas of different sizes and shapes can be rolled up without any gaps. (2) By extending the telescopic rod attached to the retractable sheet, the umbrella can be placed at the same height as other long umbrellas in the umbrella stand. This makes it easy to identify the user's folding umbrella and prevents it from being crushed and buried under other umbrellas. As a result, folding umbrellas do not come into direct contact with muddy water that tends to accumulate at the bottom of the umbrella stand, and a clean condition is maintained.

[0032] (3) The first surface that comes into contact with the folding umbrella is equipped with a water-absorbing sheet, which absorbs moisture from the wet folding umbrella. This prevents moisture from leaking out of the folding umbrella storage device. It is also possible to configure the winding sheet itself to also serve as the water-absorbing sheet. (4) Multiple holding parts are arranged on the second surface, which is opposite the first surface, allowing for fine adjustment of the winding diameter. Therefore, even folding umbrellas with different diameters after folding can be firmly held in place by the winding sheet.

[0033] (5) A protective cap is attached to the tip of the telescopic pole, making it less likely to slip on the wet and slippery bottom of an umbrella stand. In addition, the tip of the telescopic pole is protected from dirt and other damage. (6) The retractable sheet section is equipped with through holes or hooks, making it easier to hang and dry the folding umbrella holder after use. It can also be easily hung on the side of a desk, a school bag, a backpack, etc., and drying after use is also easy. (7) By placing a waterproof sheet on the second surface of the retractable sheet, rainwater absorbed by the absorbent sheet in contact with the folding umbrella is prevented from seeping out to the outside of the retractable sheet. In addition, when carrying the folding umbrella case with the folding umbrella rolled up, water damage to other luggage is prevented when it comes into contact with other luggage. Furthermore, water damage from other umbrellas is prevented when the case is placed in an umbrella stand. (8) If the second surface of the retractable sheet section is equipped with reflective material, visibility from the surroundings will be increased when it is attached to the shoulder strap of a school bag or the like and carried, thereby improving traffic safety in dark, rainy weather or at night. (9) If the telescopic pole is equipped with a light-emitting part at its tip, the light-emitting part will shine at a higher position when carried, further increasing visibility from the surroundings and improving traffic safety while walking. (10) When hanging the umbrella, the hanging string of the folding umbrella itself or a commercially available hook or carabiner passed through the through-hole 41 can be used to reduce the number of parts and make it easy to attach and detach from a school bag, etc., thereby improving portability. [Industrial applicability]

[0034] The folding umbrella holder of this embodiment is useful as an auxiliary tool and related item that solves problems that arise when using folding umbrellas. For example, it is suitable as school supplies and commuter goods, and its simple structure makes it easy to mass-produce. In particular, existing folding umbrellas can be used as they are without any modification. In addition, there is no need to modify the umbrella stand, and the folding umbrella holder alone can address the problems that arise when using folding umbrellas. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1. Folding umbrella storage case 10. Roll-up sheet section 11 Page 1 12 Side 2 13 Short side 14 Long side 15 Absorbent sheet section 16 Waterproof sheet section 17 Bag section 18 Reflector 20 Holding part 21 1st holding part 22 Second holding part 23 Third holding part 30 Telescopic rod part 31 Protective cap 32 Light-emitting part 41 Through hole part 42 Hook section 90 Umbrella stand 91 Other umbrellas 93. Underside of the umbrella stand U Folding Umbrella U1 Toride S school bag B Shoulder strap D-ring-shaped part F Side Hook

Claims

1. A winding sheet section for winding up a folded umbrella, The water-absorbing sheet portion is disposed on the first surface of the retractable sheet portion that comes into contact with the folding umbrella, A holding part is provided on the second surface of the winding sheet portion opposite to the first surface, and holds the winding sheet portion in the state in which the folding umbrella is wound up. The system comprises a telescopic rod portion attached to the aforementioned roll-up sheet portion. A folding umbrella storage device characterized by the following features.

2. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining part is a hook-and-loop fastener.

3. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 2, wherein the hook-and-loop fasteners are arranged in multiples on the second surface of the winding sheet portion.

4. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 1, wherein the retractable sheet portion is rectangular, and the telescopic rod portion is attached to the short side of the retractable sheet portion.

5. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 1, wherein a protective cap is attached to the tip of the telescopic rod portion.

6. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 1, wherein the retractable sheet portion is provided with a through hole or a hook portion.

7. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 1, wherein a waterproof sheet portion is provided on the second surface of the retractable sheet portion.

8. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflective portion made of reflective material arranged on the second surface of the roll-up sheet portion.

9. The folding umbrella storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a light-emitting part attached to the tip of the telescopic rod portion.

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