Umbrella

Abstract

An umbrella (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a central shaft. The umbrella (10) is also provided with a fixed runner provided at the leading end of the central shaft. The umbrella (10) is also provided with a plurality of main ribs connected to the fixed runner. Furthermore, the umbrella (10) is provided with an umbrella fabric (60) that covers the plurality of main ribs. The umbrella fabric (60) includes a wavelength conversion material capable of converting a portion of entry light into light having a longer wavelength than the entry light.

Description

Umbrella

[0001] The present disclosure relates to umbrellas.

[0002] Conventionally, umbrellas as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 have been proposed. In Patent Document 1, a binder mixture obtained by dispersing zinc oxide particles, which have the effect of absorbing ultraviolet rays and reflecting infrared rays, in a binder such as a vinyl acetate-maleic acid copolymer compound is applied or impregnated onto a base material made of paper or nonwoven fabric. The resulting sheet is used as a fabric sheet for umbrellas. With this configuration, the umbrella of Patent Document 1 protects the skin by blocking ultraviolet rays, and suppresses heat from sunlight by reflecting infrared rays.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-125968

[0004] However, when the above conventional umbrella is used, light of wavelengths useful for the skin is also blocked, so that the cosmetic effect on the skin cannot be improved.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an umbrella that can be used to improve the cosmetic effect on the skin during use.

[0006] The umbrella according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a central shaft, a fixed hub provided at the tip end of the central shaft, a plurality of main ribs connected to the fixed hub, and umbrella fabric covering the plurality of main ribs. The umbrella fabric includes a wavelength conversion material capable of converting a part of incident light into light having a longer wavelength than the incident light.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an umbrella that can be used to improve the cosmetic effect on the skin during use can be provided.

[0008] Perspective view showing an example of an umbrella; Side view showing an example of an umbrella, with the fabric removed; Cross-sectional view showing an example of the fabric; Cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the fabric; Cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the fabric; Cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the fabric; Schematic diagram showing a state where converted light hits the skin

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0010] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable a person skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the vertical direction is defined as the vertical direction of the umbrella when the longitudinal direction of the central shaft is aligned with the vertical direction, the tip is positioned at the top, and the handle is positioned at the bottom.

[0012] (Embodiment) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the umbrella 10 according to this embodiment comprises a central shaft 20, a fixed ferrule 23 provided at the tip of the central shaft 20, a plurality of main ribs 30 connected to the fixed ferrule 23, and an umbrella fabric 60 covering the plurality of main ribs 30.

[0013] The central rod 20 is a roughly cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically. A fixed lathe 23 is fixed to the upper end of the central rod 20 in such a way that the tip of the central rod 20 protrudes upward. A ferrule 22 is formed on the part of the central rod 20 that protrudes above the fixed lathe 23, and a handle 21 for the user U to grip is attached to the lower end of the central rod 20.

[0014] Furthermore, a movable ferrule 24 is slidably provided between the fixed ferrule 23 and the handle 21 on the central shaft 20. The umbrella 10 is opened and closed by sliding this movable ferrule 24 along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the central shaft 20). In this embodiment, the central shaft 20 has a roughly cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically, but it may also have a rectangular prism shape that is elongated vertically, as long as the movable ferrule 24 can slide.

[0015] Specifically, the central shaft 20 is provided with an upper latch 25 and a lower latch 26 that can be extended and retracted. The movable ferrule 24 is designed to slide the upper latch 25 upward while retracting it into the central shaft 20. When the upper latch 25 is slid upward, its downward movement is restricted by the upper latch 25 protruding from the central shaft 20. In this way, the umbrella 10 is held open.

[0016] Similarly, the movable ferrule 24 is designed to slide below the lower latch 26 while retracting it into the central rod 20. When it is slid below the lower latch 26, upward movement is restricted by the lower latch 26 protruding from the central rod 20. This ensures that the umbrella 10 is held closed.

[0017] Furthermore, multiple main ribs 30 are attached to the fixed potter's wheel 23 so as to extend radially, and each main rib 30 is attached to the fixed potter's wheel 23 in such a manner that it can swing up and down with the end on the fixed potter's wheel 23 side as the pivot point.

[0018] On the other hand, the movable potter's wheel 24 has the same number of support ribs 40 as the main ribs 30 attached to it so as to extend radially, and each support rib 40 is attached to the movable potter's wheel 24 in such a way that it can swing up and down with the end on the movable potter's wheel 24 side as the pivot point. Furthermore, a dowel 50 is provided in the center of each main rib 30, and the end of each support rib 40 opposite to the movable potter's wheel 24 side is rotatably attached to the dowel 50 formed on the corresponding main rib 30.

[0019] In this way, the support ribs 40 swing up and down (opening and closing direction) in conjunction with the vertical sliding of the movable ferrule 24, and the main ribs 30 swing up and down (opening and closing direction) in conjunction with the vertical swing of the support ribs 40. Specifically, when the movable ferrule 24 is slid upward, the support ribs 40 rotate downward, and as the support ribs 40 rotate downward, the main ribs 30 rotate upward. In this way, the umbrella 10 is opened. On the other hand, when the movable ferrule 24 is slid downward, the support ribs 40 rotate upward, and as the support ribs 40 rotate upward, the main ribs 30 rotate downward. In this way, the umbrella 10 is closed.

[0020] The umbrella fabric 60 is provided to cover multiple ribs 30. Specifically, a hole is formed in the center of the umbrella fabric 60, and with the ferrule 22 passed through this hole, the umbrella fabric 60 is attached to the fixing frame 23, the ribs 30, the tips 31 provided at the ends of the ribs 30, etc., by adhesive or sewing, so that the umbrella fabric 60 can be attached to the ribs 30 while covering multiple ribs 30.

[0021] An umbrella 10 with this configuration can be a rain umbrella for use in rainy weather, a parasol for use in sunny weather, or a dual-purpose umbrella that can be used in both rainy and sunny weather.

[0022] In this embodiment, the use of the umbrella 10 is designed to enhance the beauty benefits for the user U's skin S.

[0023] Specifically, the umbrella fabric 60 is made to have a wavelength conversion material that can convert a portion of the incident light into light with a longer wavelength than the incident light. In this way, when light (incident light L1) passes through the umbrella fabric 60, light with a predetermined wavelength range is converted by the wavelength conversion material into light with a different wavelength range (light with a longer wavelength range than the predetermined wavelength range). When the umbrella 10 is used, light with a weak light intensity in the predetermined wavelength range and a strong light intensity in the other wavelength range (converted light L2) is directed onto the user U's skin S. It should be noted that the wavelength conversion material can be provided not only in the umbrella fabric 60 but also in other parts of the umbrella 10.

[0024] In this embodiment, a wavelength conversion material is applied to the outer surface 61a of the fabric body 61, thereby forming a wavelength conversion section 62 on the outer surface 61a of the fabric body 61. That is, the umbrella fabric 60 comprises a fabric body 61 and a wavelength conversion section 62 formed by applying the wavelength conversion material to the outer surface 61a of the fabric body 61. This makes it possible to create an umbrella 10 that can enhance beauty effects simply by applying the wavelength conversion material to the fabric body 61, which is a normal umbrella fabric, thus making it easier to manufacture an umbrella 10 that can enhance beauty effects. Note that the umbrella fabric 60 may have the wavelength conversion material by a method other than applying the wavelength conversion material to the outer surface 61a of the fabric body 61. For example, a cloth made using yarn kneaded with the wavelength conversion material or yarn coated with the wavelength conversion material may be used as the umbrella fabric 60.

[0025] Methods for applying the wavelength conversion material to the outer surface 61a of the fabric body 61 include painting and vapor deposition. By applying the wavelength conversion material to the outer surface 61a of the fabric body 61 in this way, it becomes possible to suppress the thickness of the umbrella fabric 60 when creating an umbrella 10 that can enhance the beauty effect. As a result, it becomes possible to suppress the deterioration of the flexibility performance of the umbrella fabric 60, and to suppress the opening and closing operation of the umbrella 10 being hindered by the umbrella fabric 60. In this way, it becomes possible to create an umbrella 10 that can enhance the beauty effect on the user U's skin S while suppressing a deterioration in the usability of the umbrella 10.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wavelength conversion material is applied to substantially the entire surface of at least one of the front surface 61b and back surface 61c of the fabric body 61. That is, the outer surface 61a of the fabric body 61 has a front surface 61b and a back surface 61c, and the wavelength conversion portion 62 is formed on substantially the entire surface of at least one of the front surface 61b and back surface 61c. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the wavelength conversion portion 62 may be formed on substantially the entire surface of the back surface 61c, or as shown in Figure 4, the wavelength conversion portion 62 may be formed on substantially the entire surface of the front surface 61b. Also, as shown in Figure 5, it is possible to form the wavelength conversion portion 62 on substantially the entire surface of both the front surface 61b and the back surface 61c. Here, "substantially the entire surface" includes not only cases where it is formed completely on the entire surface, but also cases where there are small unformed portions due to manufacturing errors or the like, to the extent that the effect of converting the wavelength of light transmitted through the umbrella fabric 60 is not substantially impaired. Specifically, "approximately the entire surface" means 90% or more of the area of ​​at least one of the surface 61b and the back surface 61c, preferably 95% or more, and more preferably 98% or more.

[0027] This allows the light incident on the umbrella fabric 60 to be more reliably directed onto the wavelength conversion material, enabling more efficient conversion of the light transmitted through the umbrella fabric 60 and further improving the beauty effects on the skin S.

[0028] The main fabric 61 can be made from various materials and in various colors, but it is preferable to use a transparent fabric made from polyethylene (PE) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). This suppresses the absorption of light by the main fabric 61 when light passes through the umbrella fabric 60, allowing more light (converted light L2) to reach the user's skin S. When forming the wavelength conversion section 62 on the transparent main fabric 61, it is preferable to form the wavelength conversion section 62 over almost the entire surface of the back surface 61c. This suppresses exposure of the wavelength conversion section 62 to wind and rain, thereby extending the lifespan of the umbrella 10, which enhances the beauty benefits for the user's skin S.

[0029] Furthermore, the wavelength conversion material can be made to consist of multiple materials with different conversion wavelengths. In this way, it becomes possible to impart multiple beauty effects to the user U's skin S using a single umbrella 10, thereby further improving the beauty effects on the skin S when using the umbrella 10.

[0030] Furthermore, a configuration having multiple materials with different conversion wavelengths can be obtained, for example, by mixing multiple materials and applying the mixture to substantially the entire surface of at least one of the front surface 61b and back surface 61c of the fabric body 61. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, it can also be obtained by applying one wavelength conversion material to a portion of at least one of the front surface 61b and back surface 61c of the fabric body 61, and applying a different type of wavelength conversion material to the other portion.

[0031] Furthermore, if you walk around with such an umbrella 10 when going out, as shown in Figure 7, sunlight and other light will pass through the umbrella fabric 60 as incident light L1, and will be emitted as converted light L2 that hits the user U's skin S. Therefore, simply walking around with the umbrella 10 when going out will provide a skin-beautifying effect.

[0032] Wavelength conversion materials used in this process include, for example, phosphors and photochromic compounds. When a phosphor absorbs light of a specific wavelength, such as ultraviolet light, the molecular energy of the phosphor temporarily increases (enters an excited state), and then decreases (transitions from the excited state to the ground state). As the energy decreases, it emits photons with a longer wavelength than the absorbed light, thereby converting the wavelength. Photochromic compounds, on the other hand, convert wavelengths by causing a chromism phenomenon in which their chemical structure changes in response to external light stimuli, altering their coloration.

[0033] Furthermore, phosphors include organic phosphors, inorganic phosphors, and quantum dot phosphors. Examples of organic phosphors include anthracene, benzoxazole, carbazole, diaminostilbene, tetraphenylethylene, methylstilbene, luminol, fluorescein, rhodamine 6G, coumarin 6, acridine orange, pyrenine, Nile red, eosin Y, Nile blue, cyanine dyes, IR-820, porphyrin derivatives, phthalocyanine derivatives, benzothiazole derivatives, carbocyanine dyes, chlorophyll derivatives, BODIPY derivatives, and coumarin derivatives.

[0034] Here, anthracene absorbs ultraviolet light and emits light with a wavelength of approximately 400 nm to 450 nm, while benzoxazole emits light with a wavelength of approximately 450 nm to 500 nm.

[0035] Furthermore, carbazole emits light at wavelengths of approximately 420 nm to 450 nm, diaminostilbene at approximately 450 nm to 500 nm, tetraphenylethylene at approximately 450 nm to 500 nm, methylstilbene at approximately 420 nm to 450 nm, luminol at approximately 425 nm, fluorescein at approximately 520 nm, rhodamine 6G at approximately 550 nm to 600 nm, coumarin 6 at approximately 500 nm to 540 nm, acridine orange at approximately 530 nm to 550 nm, pyrenine at approximately 500 nm to 520 nm, Nile red at approximately 600 nm to 650 nm, and eosin Y at approximately 530 nm.

[0036] Therefore, by incorporating at least one of the above-mentioned organic phosphors into the umbrella fabric 60, ultraviolet rays from sunlight can be converted into long-wavelength light of 400 nm or more. Wavelengths of 400 nm or more are known to kill acne bacteria and are used in acne treatment, as well as being effective in wound healing. For this reason, the wavelength conversion material is designed to have a material that converts light with wavelengths less than 400 nm into light with wavelengths of 400 nm or more. In this way, the converted light L2, which contains a large amount of light with wavelengths of 400 nm or more that kills acne bacteria and is used in acne treatment, as well as being effective in wound healing, can be effectively applied to the skin S. As a result, the cosmetic effect on the user U's skin S can be further improved when using the umbrella 10.

[0037] Furthermore, Nile Blue emits light with a wavelength of approximately 660 nm to 700 nm in the near-infrared range, cyanine dyes emit light with a wavelength of approximately 700 nm to 800 nm, and IR-820 emits light with a wavelength of approximately 820 nm.

[0038] Therefore, by incorporating at least one of the above-mentioned organic phosphors into the umbrella fabric 60, ultraviolet rays from sunlight can be converted into long-wavelength light of 500 nm or more. It is said that wavelengths of 500 nm or more, especially wavelengths of 700 nm or more (near-infrared rays), act on melanin when they penetrate deep into the skin and are effective against blemishes and freckles. Therefore, if the wavelength conversion material in the umbrella fabric 60 contains an organic phosphor that converts light with wavelengths less than 500 nm into light with wavelengths of 500 nm or more, it becomes possible to effectively expose the skin S to converted light L2 that contains a large amount of light with wavelengths of 500 nm or more (for example, near-infrared rays), which is said to act on melanin when it penetrates deep into the skin and is effective against blemishes and freckles. Consequently, the beauty effect on the user U's skin S can be further improved when using the umbrella 10.

[0039] In addition, inorganic phosphors include, for example, calcium tungstate, barium magnesium aluminate, calcium aluminate, barium silicon oxynitride, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, strontium aluminate, willemite, gadolinium oxysulfide, lanthanum phosphate, strontium silicate, yttrium aluminum garnet, cadmium sulfide, yttrium vanadate, sodium yttrium fluoride, lithium yttrium fluoride, sodium yttrium fluoride, lithium yttrium fluoride, gadolinium oxysulfide, lanthanum fluoride, yttrium oxide, yttrium vanadate, yttrium silicate, gadolinium vanadate, yttrium aluminum garnet, ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet.

[0040] Here, calcium tungstate, barium magnesium aluminate, and calcium aluminate emit light with wavelengths of approximately 450 nm to 490 nm. Barium silicon oxynitride emits light with wavelengths of approximately 500 nm to 550 nm. Sodium yttrium fluoride emits light with a wavelength of approximately 800 nm.

[0041] Therefore, the umbrella fabric 60 is made to have an inorganic phosphor that converts light with wavelengths less than 400 nm into light with wavelengths of 400 nm or more. In this way, the converted light L2, which contains a large amount of light with wavelengths of 400 nm or more that is said to kill acne bacteria, be used in acne treatment, and be effective in wound healing, can be effectively applied to the skin S. Therefore, the cosmetic effect on the user U's skin S can be further improved when using the umbrella 10. Alternatively, the umbrella fabric 60 is made to have an inorganic phosphor that converts light with wavelengths less than 500 nm into light with wavelengths of 500 nm or more. In this way, the converted light L2, which contains a large amount of light with wavelengths of 500 nm or more (for example, near-infrared light) that is said to act on melanin by penetrating deep into the skin and be effective against blemishes and freckles, can be effectively applied to the skin S. Therefore, the cosmetic effect on the user U's skin S can be further improved when using the umbrella 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the same effects can be obtained when using quantum dot phosphors or photochromic compounds as when using organic or inorganic phosphors.

[0043] Furthermore, the wavelength conversion material is made to contain at least one phosphor from among organic phosphors, inorganic phosphors, and quantum dot phosphors. In this way, when light passes through the umbrella fabric 60, some wavelengths of light are absorbed by the phosphor, and the phosphor can emit light in a longer wavelength range than the absorbed wavelength range. In other words, by using a phosphor, it becomes possible to convert some wavelengths of light into longer wavelengths of light.

[0044] Therefore, for example, by using a phosphor that absorbs ultraviolet light and converts it into infrared light before emitting it, when the umbrella 10 is in use, the ultraviolet light incident on the umbrella fabric 60 can be converted into infrared light by the phosphor and emitted when light passes through the umbrella fabric 60. As a result, when walking with the umbrella 10 open when going out, the infrared light converted from ultraviolet light can be applied to the skin S. Thus, simply by walking with the umbrella 10 open when going out, it becomes possible to obtain a skin-beautifying effect while outdoors.

[0045] With such an umbrella 10 using a phosphor that absorbs ultraviolet rays, converts them into infrared rays and emits the infrared rays, it becomes possible not to merely block ultraviolet rays harmful to the skin S, but to convert ultraviolet rays harmful to the skin S into infrared rays useful for the skin S and apply the infrared rays to the skin S. That is, while suppressing as much as possible the exposure of the skin S to ultraviolet rays harmful thereto, the light quantity of infrared rays useful for the skin S can be increased, allowing infrared rays to be effectively applied to the skin S. With this configuration, more infrared rays useful for the skin S can be applied to the skin S, so that the cosmetic effect on the skin S can be further improved. In addition, since infrared rays also have the effect of warming the body, if infrared rays are actively applied to the body without being blocked, the heating effect on the body can also be enhanced.

[0046] Note that even when the umbrella 10 uses a photochromic compound, the same functions and effects as those of the umbrella 10 using a phosphor can be achieved. Further, the wavelength conversion material may contain helium.

[0047] As described above, in the present embodiment, by using a wavelength conversion material that converts light in a wavelength band that does not contribute much to beauty of the skin S, such as light in the ultraviolet region, into light in a wavelength band effective for beauty of the skin S, such as light in the infrared region, when the umbrella 10 is used, light in a wavelength band effective for beauty of the skin S can be effectively applied to the skin S. By enabling light in a wavelength band effective for beauty of the skin S to be effectively applied to the skin S when the umbrella 10 is used, the cosmetic effect on the skin S can be further improved through use of the umbrella 10.

[0048] At this time, if the wavelength of the converted light is set to a desired value of 400 nm or more, various cosmetic effects including the aforementioned cosmetic effects can be imparted to the skin S according to the wavelength of the converted light.

[0049] For example, if the wavelength conversion material is used to convert light into light in the following wavelength band, so that more light in the following wavelength band is applied to the skin S, the cosmetic effects shown below can be obtained. Note that the wavelengths shown below indicate peak wavelengths, and the light applied to the skin S may include wavelengths outside the wavelength ranges shown below.

[0050] (1) 400nm-550nm: Improves fine wrinkles, acne, redness, moisturizes, improves pores, has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces sebum, and heals wounds. (2) 550nm-620nm: Improves fine wrinkles, promotes collagen production (improves sagging), accelerates cell turnover, and improves age spots. (3) 620nm-750nm: Heals wounds, improves wrinkles, improves age spots, accelerates cell turnover, promotes collagen production (improves sagging), improves acne, and has anti-inflammatory effects. (4) 750nm-2000nm: Heals wounds, promotes collagen production (improves sagging), and accelerates cell turnover. In addition, by exposing the skin S to more light with a wavelength spectrum of 550nm-1000nm, it is possible to obtain the effects of (1) to (4).

[0051] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technology.

[0052] (Technology 1) The umbrella of Technology 1 comprises a central shaft, a fixed ferrule provided at the tip of the central shaft, a plurality of ribs connected to the fixed ferrule, and an umbrella fabric covering the plurality of ribs. The umbrella fabric has a wavelength conversion material that can convert a portion of the incident light into light with a longer wavelength than the incident light.

[0053] Thus, in the umbrella described in Technology 1, the umbrella fabric has a wavelength conversion material that can convert a portion of the incident light into light with a longer wavelength than the incident light. In this way, when light passes through the umbrella fabric, light with a predetermined wavelength range is converted by the wavelength conversion material into light with a different wavelength range (light with a longer wavelength range than the predetermined wavelength range). This makes it possible to expose the user's skin to light with a weak light intensity in the predetermined wavelength range and a strong light intensity in the other wavelength range when using the umbrella.

[0054] Therefore, if a wavelength conversion material is used that converts light in wavelength ranges that do not contribute much to skin beauty, such as ultraviolet light, into light in wavelength ranges that are effective for skin beauty, such as infrared light, then when using an umbrella, it will be possible to effectively expose the skin to light in wavelength ranges that are effective for skin beauty. As a result, the skin beautifying effects of using an umbrella can be further enhanced.

[0055] Thus, if the umbrella is made as described in Technology 1, it can be used to improve the beauty effects on the skin during use.

[0056] (Technology 2) In the umbrella of Technology 2, the umbrella fabric comprises a fabric body and a wavelength conversion part formed by applying a wavelength conversion material to the outer surface of the fabric body.

[0057] This method allows umbrellas to be used to enhance beauty effects simply by applying a wavelength conversion material to the fabric of a regular umbrella. Therefore, it becomes easier to manufacture umbrellas that can be used to enhance beauty effects.

[0058] (Technology 3) In the umbrella of Technology 3, the wavelength conversion material is applied to the outer surface of the fabric body by painting or vapor deposition, as in the umbrella described in Technology 2.

[0059] This approach prevents the umbrella fabric from becoming too thick when designed to enhance beauty benefits, thus preventing a deterioration in the fabric's flexibility. As a result, it prevents the opening and closing of the umbrella from being hindered by the fabric, thus preventing a decrease in the umbrella's usability while still allowing it to be used to enhance skin beauty benefits.

[0060] (Technology 4) In the umbrella of Technology 4, the outer surface of the fabric body has a front surface and a back surface, and the wavelength conversion part is formed on substantially the entire surface of at least one of the front surface and the back surface.

[0061] This allows light transmitted through the umbrella fabric to be more reliably directed onto the wavelength conversion material, enabling more efficient conversion of the light transmitted through the umbrella fabric, which can then be used to further enhance the beauty benefits for the skin.

[0062] (Technology 5) In the umbrella of Technology 5, in the umbrella described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, the wavelength conversion material has at least one phosphor selected from organic phosphors, inorganic phosphors, and quantum dot phosphors.

[0063] In this way, as light passes through the umbrella fabric, some wavelengths of light are absorbed by the phosphor, and the phosphor can then emit light with longer wavelengths than those absorbed. In other words, by using a phosphor, it becomes possible to convert some wavelengths of light into longer wavelengths.

[0064] Therefore, if a phosphor that absorbs ultraviolet light and converts it into infrared light is used, when using an umbrella, the ultraviolet light that enters the umbrella fabric will be converted into infrared light by the phosphor and emitted as light passes through the fabric. As a result, when walking with an umbrella outdoors, the infrared light converted from ultraviolet light will be exposed to the skin. Consequently, by walking with an umbrella outdoors, you can obtain a skin-beautifying effect while you are out.

[0065] Thus, by using a fluorescent material that absorbs ultraviolet rays and converts them into infrared rays before emitting them, it becomes possible not only to block harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the skin, but also to convert harmful ultraviolet rays into beneficial infrared rays and expose the skin to them. In other words, it minimizes exposure of the skin to harmful ultraviolet rays while increasing the amount of beneficial infrared light, allowing infrared rays to be effectively delivered to the skin. This can further enhance the beauty benefits of the skin. Furthermore, since infrared rays also have a warming effect on the body, actively exposing the body to infrared rays without blocking them can also enhance the body's heating effect.

[0066] (Technology 6) In the umbrella of Technology 6, in the umbrella described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, the wavelength conversion material is a material that converts light with a wavelength of less than 400 nm into light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more.

[0067] This method allows you to effectively apply light with wavelengths of 400nm or higher to your skin, which is said to kill acne bacteria, be used in acne treatment, and be effective in wound healing. As a result, you can further enhance the skin's beauty benefits when using an umbrella.

[0068] (Technology 7) In the umbrella of Technology 7, in the umbrella described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, the wavelength conversion material is a material that converts light with a wavelength of less than 500 nm into light with a wavelength of 500 nm or more.

[0069] This method allows light with wavelengths of 500 nm or higher (such as near-infrared light), which is said to act on melanin by penetrating deep into the skin and be effective against blemishes and freckles, to be effectively applied to the skin, thus enhancing the skin's beauty benefits when using the umbrella.

[0070] (Technology 8) In the umbrella of Technology 8, the wavelength conversion material has multiple materials with different conversion wavelengths, as described in any one of the technologies from Technology 1 to Technology 7.

[0071] This makes it possible to impart multiple beauty benefits to the skin using a single umbrella, thus allowing for further enhancement of skin beauty effects when using an umbrella.

[0072] [Other] The contents of the umbrella described herein have been explained above, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the umbrella is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0073] For example, this disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which the configuration shown in the above embodiments has been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and its modified examples, the umbrella 10 is shown as one in which the ribs 30 cannot be folded. However, it is possible to make the umbrella 10 a folding umbrella in which the ribs 30 can be folded.

[0075] Furthermore, the main ribs, the main fabric, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as needed.

[0076] This disclosure is applicable to various types of umbrellas, including, for example, umbrellas that are held in the hand, such as rain umbrellas, parasols, and dual-purpose umbrellas, as well as umbrellas that are fixed in place, such as beach umbrellas and parasols for outdoor seating at restaurants.

[0077] 10 Umbrella 20 Center pole 21 Handle 22 Tip 23 Fixed ferrule 24 Movable ferrule 25 Upper latch 26 Lower latch 30 Main rib 31 Tip 40 Receiving rib 50 Dowel 60 Umbrella fabric 61 Fabric body 61a Outer surface 61b Front surface 61c Back surface 62 Wavelength conversion section L1 Incident light L2 Converted light S Skin U User

Claims

1. An umbrella comprising: a central shaft; a fixed ferrule provided at the tip of the central shaft; a plurality of ribs connected to the fixed ferrule; and an umbrella fabric covering the plurality of ribs, wherein the umbrella fabric has a wavelength conversion material capable of converting a portion of the incident light into light with a longer wavelength than the incident light.

2. The umbrella according to claim 1, wherein the umbrella fabric comprises a fabric body and a wavelength conversion portion formed by applying the wavelength conversion material to the outer surface of the fabric body.

3. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein the wavelength conversion material is applied to the outer surface of the fabric body by painting or vapor deposition.

4. The umbrella according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the fabric body has a front surface and a back surface, and the wavelength conversion portion is formed on substantially the entire surface of at least one of the front surface and the back surface.

5. The umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wavelength conversion material has at least one phosphor selected from an organic phosphor, an inorganic phosphor, and a quantum dot phosphor.

6. The umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wavelength conversion material has a material that converts light with a wavelength of less than 400 nm into light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more.

7. The umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wavelength conversion material has a material that converts light with a wavelength of less than 500 nm into light with a wavelength of 500 nm or more.

8. The umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wavelength conversion material comprises a plurality of materials with different conversion wavelengths.

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