Abstract:
An apparatus for removing water from an unfurled umbrella having a member with bristles to receive the axial length of an unfurled umbrella such that the at least one bristle support member surrounds the umbrella by at least 180 degrees, so the plurality of bristles compress the umbrella and remove water from the umbrella as the umbrella passes through the member with bristles.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a water removal device that removes water from a wet unfurled umbrella. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Wet umbrellas pose a problem, if not a serious inconvenience for society. Water brought into buildings, apartments, or homes, via an umbrella may cause a person to slip and fall, may cause dirt and debris to enter the building, and may pose a hazard, as wet umbrellas are often placed in public areas. 
         [0003]    Particularly prevalent in large cities, wet umbrellas pose a continuous problem for store owners, building owners and even home owners whenever it drizzles or rains. In the lobbies of buildings and in homes, wet umbrellas may cause the floor to become wet, resulting in hazardous, slippery conditions. In stores, wet umbrellas may cause slippery conditions in high foot traffic areas and may cause water damage to various merchandise, for example, as wet umbrellas often brush up against goods. 
         [0004]    What is desired therefore is a device that allows a person to remove water from an umbrella. More specifically, what is desired is a device that allows for the majority of water from an umbrella to be removed quickly and efficiently. 
         [0005]    What is further desired is for a water removal device that may be a handheld device, a device able to be placed on the floor and stand on its own, or a device that is able to be fixed to the side of the building for communal use. Each design for a water removal device has various advantages and disadvantages. 
         [0006]    It is further desired for the water removing device to have bristles or inner bristles, such that these bristles may remove water from an umbrella. 
         [0007]    It is further desired for the water removal device to have various orientations, such as being vertical, horizontal, or angled, allowing for an umbrella to enter the device at various angles, making it easy for a person to insert an umbrella into the device. 
         [0008]    It is further desired for the bristles or plurality of bristles of the device to be oriented in the same direction as the umbrella entry into the device. In another construction, it is further desired for the bristles to project radially inward towards the axial center of the device. It is further desired for the bristles to project at various angles compared to the umbrella entry into the device. 
         [0009]    It is further desired for the device to have a removable catch basin for catching the water removed from an umbrella. It is further desired for the device to have either an open or closed housing, shell, or body. 
         [0010]    It is further desired for the device to have various patterns and assortments of bristles to easily remove water. Such bristles may be arranged in a ring, hexagon, triangle, or such other configuration, or may be arranged either horizontally or vertically, providing various orientations for water to be easily removed from an umbrella. It is further desired for multiple layers of bristles to be supported by the device in various bristle support members. 
         [0011]    It is further desired for the bristles to be able rotate or be operated via a motor, such that the bristles may spin to remove water from an umbrella. 
         [0012]    It is further desired for the device to be used upon an unfurled umbrella, such that the bristles are able to compress the umbrella resulting in the removal of water. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that removes water from an umbrella, more specifically an unfurled umbrella. An unfurled umbrella is defined as an umbrella that is not in its open position, but rather the umbrella is in its collapsed position where it is still loose and not strapped tightly by a piece of fabric. An unfurled umbrella may still further be compressed, such compression allowing for water to be removed from the umbrella. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that allows for the majority of water from an umbrella to be removed quickly and efficiently. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the invention for the device to be either a handheld device, a device able to be placed on the floor that may stand on its own, or a device that may be fixed to the side of the building for communal use, such device able to remove water from an umbrella. 
         [0016]    It is a further object of the invention for the device to have bristles, such as inner bristles, so that such bristles may remove water from an umbrella. It is a further object of the invention for the body of the device to have various orientations, such as having a vertical, horizontal, curved or angled orientation, allowing for an umbrella to enter the device at various angles, such that entry of an umbrella into the device is easy for a person carrying an umbrella. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the invention for the bristles to be oriented in the same direction as an umbrella entry into the device. In another construction, it is a further object of the invention for the bristles to project radially inward towards the axial center of the device. In another construction, the bristles may project in at various angles relative to an umbrella entry into the device. 
         [0018]    It is a further object for the device to have a removable catch basin for catching the water removed from an umbrella. 
         [0019]    It is a further object for the bristles of the device to have various patterns, such as being oriented or arranged in a ring, triangle, hexagon or other such orientation. It is a further object for the bristles of the device to be contained by an enclosed member or partially enclosed member. It is a further object for the bristles of the device to be arranged within multiple enclosed members. It is further object of the invention for the bristles to be arranged in both enclosed members and vertically in the same direction as an umbrella entry into the device. 
         [0020]    It is a further object of the invention for the bristles to rotate or be operated via a motor, allowing for the bristles to spin. 
         [0021]    These and other objectives are achieved by providing an apparatus for removing water from an unfurled umbrella comprising: at least one bristle support member having an opening adapted to receive the axial length of the unfurled umbrella such that the at least one bristle support member surrounds the umbrella by at least 180 degrees, a plurality of bristles located within the at least one bristle support member, the plurality of bristles having the proximal end of each bristle attached to the at least one bristle support member, the at least one bristle support member and the plurality of bristles being sized and spaced apart to receive the umbrella and to compress the umbrella and brush against the fabric of the umbrella to remove water from the umbrella as the umbrella passes through the at least one bristle support member. 
         [0022]    The diameter of the at least one bristle support member may be greater than the diameter of the unfurled umbrella when the umbrella is compressed by the plurality of bristles. 
         [0023]    There may be more than one bristle support member, each such bristle support member being located in a plane with the other bristle support members. When entering the device, an umbrella may pass through more the more than one bristle support member. 
         [0024]    The at least one bristle support member may surround the umbrella by up to and including 360 degrees, so as to partially or completely surround the umbrella, as the umbrella passes through the bristle support member. 
         [0025]    The apparatus may have the plurality of bristles project radially towards the center of the at least one bristle support member. In certain arrangements, the plurality of bristles may be spaced symmetrically within the at least one bristle support member. 
         [0026]    The distance between the distal end of a first bristle and the distal end of a corresponding second bristle located across the at least one bristle support member may be greater than the diameter of the umbrella when the umbrella is in a compressed position but less than the diameter of the umbrella when the umbrella is in an uncompressed position. This leads the umbrella becoming compressed as it passes through the at least one bristle support member and plurality of bristles, resulting in the removal of water from the umbrella. 
         [0027]    The apparatus may be fixed to a building, may be a hand-held device having a handle, or may be a device able to stand freely on its own. The apparatus may be made of lightweight materials if the apparatus needs to be lifted. If the apparatus is fixed to a building or stands on its own, heavy materials such as metal and steel may be used for the device, to keep the body of the device from moving. 
         [0028]    The apparatus may further comprise a shell that houses the at least one bristle support member and plurality of bristles, the shell comprising a first opening allowing for the umbrella to enter the at least one bristle support member. 
         [0029]    The apparatus may further comprise a water basin attached to the shell at below the at least one bristle support member, the water basin being removable from the shell. The shell may further comprise an umbrella stop, the umbrella stop located above the water basin. The umbrella stop prevents the end of the umbrella from entering into the water basin. The umbrella stop may also be perforated and/or have holes allowing for the drainage of water into the water basin. 
         [0030]    The apparatus may further comprise a second opening, the second opening allowing for the passage of the umbrella, and allowing the umbrella to exit the apparatus. This may allow for an umbrella of excess length to pass through the apparatus, allowing for the entire axial length of the umbrella to pass through the apparatus, so that the majority of water is removed from the umbrella. This may also allow for additional drainage and ventilation of the apparatus. 
         [0031]    The apparatus may further comprise a first wiping member located in the first opening in the shell and/or body of the apparatus. The apparatus may further comprise a second wiping member located in the second opening in the shell and/or body of the apparatus. The first and second wiping members may be able to shift from a compressed to open position as an umbrella passes through these members, which results in water being removed from an umbrella. 
         [0032]    The plurality of bristles may bend as the umbrella passes through the at least one bristle support member. The plurality of bristles may also be displaced as the umbrella enters the apparatus, allowing for removal of water from the umbrella. 
         [0033]    Another embodiment of the invention provides for an apparatus for removing water from an unfurled umbrella comprising: a shell, the shell having a top, a body, and a base, the top attached to the base via the body, and a plurality of bristles located within said body of the shell, said plurality of bristles being sized and spaced apart to receive the umbrella and to compress the umbrella and brush against the fabric of the umbrella to remove water from the umbrella as the umbrella passes through said plurality of bristles. 
         [0034]    The proximal end of the plurality of bristles may be attached to the base of the shell and the plurality of bristles may be oriented such that the distal end of the plurality of bristles may point towards the opening in the top section of the shell. 
         [0035]    The plurality of bristles may point in a direction angled from the opening in the top section of the shell. The plurality of bristles may also point towards the radial center of the apparatus. 
         [0036]    The plurality of bristles may be also be located within the body of the shell and may be attached to the walls of the shell. In certain arrangements, the plurality of bristles may be held by a U-shaped hook, such that the ends of the U-shaped hook attach to the shell, and the bristle is located between the ends of the U-shaped hook. 
         [0037]    The apparatus may further comprise a water basin located within the body of the shell. The water basin is located below the plurality of bristles such that the water removed from an umbrella is able to collect in the water basin after having been removed from an umbrella. 
         [0038]    The top of the shell may have a lid with a reservoir, the lid able to catch excess water upon entry of the umbrella. The lid may also have a wiping member allowing for water to be removed from an umbrella. The lid at the top of the shell may also be smooth, allowing for an umbrella to enter the device without being caught. 
         [0039]    The apparatus may also have the plurality of bristles function to spread the flap of the unfurled umbrella allowing for the removal of water. The plurality of bristles may compress the umbrella such that water is removed from the umbrella as the umbrella passes through the body of the apparatus. 
         [0040]    The apparatus may also further comprise an inner body, the inner body located within the body of the shell, the inner body supporting the water basin and the plurality of bristles. 
         [0041]    In various embodiments of the apparatus, the bristles may be twisted wire brushes, plastic brushes, or any other such wires, brushes or bristles than may remove water from an umbrella. The bristles may be fastened around a circular pattern on the inside of the bristle support member, or may be attached to a U-shaped hook or attachment mechanism that attaches the bristle to the body of the shell. The bristles may be arranged in an equidistant manner around the bristle support member. The bristles may be arranged and positioned to point towards the radial center of the bristle support member or may be arranged to point in an angled direction in various alternative planes to the plane formed by the bristle support member. The bristles function to spread umbrella fabric apart and wipe away moisture. 
         [0042]    The shell disclosed by the above embodiments may be made of sheet metal, plastic, or other such materials or a combination of such materials. The shell may have a weighted base to prevent tipping of the apparatus. 
         [0043]    The first opening in the shell is the umbrella entry point. This point may have a cap with smooth lip that keeps the umbrella spines from catching. 
         [0044]    The water basin disclosed above may be removable from the shell. The water basin also may be weighted to prevent tipping of the apparatus. The water basin may additionally have a removable drainage container for emptying out the contents of the water basin. 
         [0045]    The shell described above may further have a lid. The shell may further be angled downward to allow for easy insertion of umbrellas. In other embodiments, the shell may be angled horizontally or may be curved to allow for easy insertion of umbrellas. 
         [0046]    The apparatus may have a ringed, rectangular or loop shape. The top of the apparatus or entry point may such various shapes allowing for umbrellas of various sizes and shapes to enter the apparatus. 
         [0047]    The apparatus may be a hand-held device such that the at least one bristle support member surrounds the umbrella by at least 180 degrees and there may be a plurality of bristles located within the at least one bristle support member. 
         [0048]    The invention further comprises a system for removing water from an umbrella comprising: an umbrella and the various embodiments of the apparatus described above, wherein said umbrella is displaced into said apparatus to remove water from said umbrella. 
         [0049]    Other objects of the invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 1   a  is closed perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 1   b  is a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 1   c  is a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  having the at least one bristle support member support bristles around about 180 degrees of the at least one bristle support member; 
           [0054]      FIG. 2  is perspective view an embodiment showing an apparatus of the present invention having a curved orientation; 
           [0055]      FIG. 2   a  is back view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  showing an umbrella pass through the apparatus of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an apparatus having an angled orientation; 
           [0057]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view from the back of the embodiment show in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an apparatus having an open body that may be fixed to a wall; 
           [0059]      FIG. 4   a  is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an apparatus having an open body that may stand on its own; 
           [0061]      FIG. 5   a  is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 5  but may be fixed to a wall and has a water basin which is unattached to the apparatus; 
           [0062]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an apparatus having a closed shell and internal shell body; 
           [0063]      FIG. 6   a  is a closed view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an apparatus having a closed shell where the bristles are connected to the base of the shell body; 
           [0065]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an apparatus having a closed shell where the bristles are connected to the umbrella stop located above the base of the shell and where the water basin is removable from the shell body; 
           [0066]      FIG. 9  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a hand-held apparatus; 
           [0067]      FIG. 9   a  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 10  a top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a hand-held apparatus where the bristle support member surrounds the umbrella entry by about 180 degrees. 
           [0069]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a hand-held apparatus having more than one plurality of bristles and more than one bristle support member; 
           [0070]      FIG. 11A  is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention having both bristles enclosed by a bristle support member and bristles connected directly to the body of the apparatus; 
           [0072]      FIG. 12A  is an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0073]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of apparatus  100  as shown by the present invention. Apparatus  100  is shown having bristle support members  110  and  120 . Bristle support members  110  and  120  have plurality of bristles  115  and  125  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Additional bristle support member(s) may be part of apparatus  100  but only two bristle support members are shown in  FIG. 1 . Shell  130  is also shown having a lip  135  and base  140 . Shell  130  also may have vertical supports  131 ,  132 ,  133  and  134 , although the exact number of supports may vary depending upon the shape of shell  130 . The vertical supports may be used to hold the bristle support members  110  and  120  in place. 
         [0074]    In other embodiments, bristle support members  110  and  120  may be directly connected to shell  130  via welding, glue, or other such attachment technique. 
         [0075]      FIG. 1  also shows water basin  150  in its removable state, whereby water basin  150  is removable from shell  130 . Water basin  150  is used to collect the water which falls from an umbrella (not shown), as the umbrella passes through bristle support members  110  and  120  in apparatus  110 . An umbrella (not shown) may enter apparatus  100  through opening  160  shown at the top of apparatus  100 , allowing the umbrella to pass through apparatus  100 . 
         [0076]    Additionally, umbrella stop  145  is shown separating the internal region  190  (not shown) of shell  130  from water basin  150 . Umbrella stop  145  may be perforated or have holes as shown, such that water may fall and collect in water basin  150 . The shape and number of perforations of umbrella stop  145  may vary. 
         [0077]    Base  140  is also shown having vertical support member  142 . Vertical support member  142  is designed to adapt to water basin  150 , allowing for water basin  150  to slide into vertical support member  142 . There may be one or more vertical support member(s)  142  depending upon the design of the base unit. 
         [0078]    Apparatus  100  functions to remove water from an umbrella (not shown) as the umbrella passes through bristle support members  110  and  120  having plurality of bristles  115  and  125 , respectively. Water is removed as the umbrella fabric passes through the region of the plurality of bristles  115  and  125  and the bristles  115 ,  125  brush water off the umbrella fabric. 
         [0079]    The bristle support members  110  and  120  and bristles  115  and  125  are sized and spaced apart to receive an umbrella and to simultaneously compress the umbrella and to brush liquid from the umbrella. 
         [0080]      FIG. 1   a  shows apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1  shown in a closed form. Here, apparatus  100  is shown having shell  130  and water basin  150  in the same vertical plane. Base  140  is also shown, base  140  preferably being weighted to support apparatus  100  and preventing it from tipping or being knocked over. The base may be made of heavy materials such as various metals, tin, aluminum, or lead to prevent the device from being moved or tipped over. Additionally, wheels (not shown) may be present at the bottom of the device allowing for easy transport of the device if a person chooses to do transport the device. 
         [0081]      FIG. 1   b  is a top view of apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . Here, the umbrella is shown as it enters through opening  160  into apparatus  100 . Shell  130  is shown as well as bristle support member  110 , bristle support member  110  being shown completely surrounding (360 degrees) plurality of bristles  115 . Bristle support member  120  is not shown in this figure as it is located below bristle support member  110 . Additionally, plurality of bristles  115  is shown projecting towards the radial center of bristle support member  110 . Umbrella stop  145  having perforations is also shown. 
         [0082]      FIG. 1   c  shows an alternate construction where bristle support member  110  is shown surrounding plurality of bristles  115 , but only surrounding plurality of bristles  115  by approximately 180 degrees. 
         [0083]      FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of the invention. Here, apparatus  200  is shown having shell  230  and bristle support members  210  and  220 . Bristle support member  220  is shown in phantom. Shell  230  is shown having a curved orientation, allowing for additional ease of entry for an umbrella into apparatus  200 . Plurality of bristles  215  are shown connected to bristle support member  210  and are located in opening  260  of apparatus  200 . Furthermore, second opening  270  is shown in shell  230 . Second opening  270  may have wiping member(s)  275 . Wiping member(s)  275  are used to additionally remove water from an umbrella as it passes though apparatus  200 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 2   a  is a back view of apparatus  200  shown in  FIG. 2  with umbrella  2000  sticking through apparatus  200 . Apparatus  200  is shown having water basin  250  in this embodiment. Water basin  250  may be removed by pulling it out and separating it from apparatus  200 , allowing for water from the umbrella to be drained and removed from apparatus  200 . 
         [0085]    Furthermore, a more detailed view of second opening  270  having have wiping member(s)  275  is shown in  FIG. 2   a , such that umbrella  2000  will have additional water removed by wiping member(s)  275 . Base  240  is also shown, such base preferably being weighted to prevent apparatus  200  from moving. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 3 and 3   a  shows another embodiment of the present invention showing apparatus  300  having an angled orientation allowing for additional ease of entry of an umbrella into apparatus  300 . Here, plurality of bristles  315  are connected to bristle support member  310  and are located in opening  360  of apparatus  300 . Water basin  350  is shown being removable from apparatus  300 , allowing for water from the umbrella to be removed and/or drained from apparatus  300 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 3  also shows an umbrella entry point being substantially rectangular. The umbrella entry point may be of various shapes and the plurality of bristles may be arranged in an equidistant manner around the bristle support member or entry point of the apparatus. 
         [0088]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of the invention having apparatus  400  shown with an open body. Apparatus  400  may be attached or screwed into a wall.  FIG. 4  shows body  430  which has a lower region  435  that supports water basin  450 . Body  430  is also connected to top  420  which supports bristle support member  410 . On top of bristle support member  410  is wiping member(s)  405 . Bristle support member  410  holds plurality of bristles  415 . These bristles may project radially towards the center of bristle support member  410 . 
         [0089]    As shown in  FIG. 4   a , top section  420  also supports bristle support member  410 . Top section  420  has side section  422  with holes  426  and  428 . Holes  426  and  428  may be attached to or screwed into the wall of a building (not shown). 
         [0090]    Additionally, top section  420  has a body section  425  that allows for ease of insertion for an umbrella (not shown).  FIG. 4   a  also shows opening  460  in bristle support member  410  allowing for an umbrella to pass through bristle support member  410  and plurality of bristles  415 , and thus allowing for water to be removed from an umbrella. Wiping member(s)  405  are secured to body section  425  and may fasten apparatus  400  together. 
         [0091]      FIG. 5  shows a similar embodiment to  FIG. 4 , except  FIG. 5  provides base  535  for apparatus  500 .  FIG. 5  shows body  530  connecting top section  520  with base  535 . Base  535  supports removable water basin  550 . Also, top section  520  supports bristle support member  510  which houses plurality of bristles  515 . First wiping member  505  is shown attached to bristle support member  510 . Additionally, second wiping member  525  is shown below bristle support member  510 . Second wiping member  525  may flex as an umbrella passes through it. 
         [0092]      FIG. 5   a  shows top section  520  of apparatus  500 , except rather than having body  530 ,  FIG. 5   a  shows body  522 . Body  522  may be attached to a wall or building. Additionally, wiping member  525  is shown below bristle support member  510 , wiping member  525  being able to be spread apart and flex due to the insertion of an umbrella (not shown). Plurality of bristles  515  are shown in this embodiment in layers and rows. 
         [0093]    Removable water basin  580  is also shown in  FIG. 5   a , where removable water basin  580  is not attached at all to apparatus  500 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the present invention. Here, apparatus  600  is shown having shell  630  with top section  620 . Top section  620  is shown as a lid which may swing open. Additionally, top section  620  has opening  660  with wiping member(s)  605  set in top section  620 . 
         [0095]    Water basin  650  is also shown; however in this embodiment water basin  650  houses plurality of bristles  615 . Here, plurality of bristles  615  are shown oriented vertically and point towards the direction of top section  620 . The bristles are shown oriented in the direction the umbrella enters apparatus  600 . Also, shell  630  contains base  640  which has a door that may swing open to allow water basin  650  to be removable from apparatus  600 . This allows for water to be removed and/or drained from apparatus  600 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 6   a  shows the closed position of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 6  having shell  630  with closed top  620  and base  640 . Handle  680  is also shown attached to apparatus  600 , allowing apparatus  600  to be more easily transported. Additionally wheels (not shown) may be attached to the bottom of base  640  allowing for apparatus  600  to be easily transported. 
         [0097]      FIG. 7  is another embodiment of the invention having apparatus  700  shown. Here, plurality of bristles  715  are shown attached to base of shell  730 . Apparatus  700  also has top  720 , which may be a lid and may swing open. Also, opening  760  is shown allowing an umbrella to enter apparatus  700 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 8  is another embodiment of the invention having apparatus  800  shown. Here, plurality of bristles  815  are shown attached to umbrella stop  845 . Plurality of bristles  815  are oriented vertically and in the direction that an umbrella enters apparatus  800 . An umbrella enters apparatus  800  through opening  860 . Apparatus  800  may have a lip  835  allowing for smooth entry of an umbrella. Additionally, base  840  is shown having vertical support member  842  as well as water basin  850  which fits into the slot between base  840  and umbrella stop  845 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment where hand-held apparatus  900  is shown. Here, an umbrella may enter apparatus  900  through opening  960 . Bristle support member  930  is shown attached to handle  920 , the bristle support member  930  supporting plurality of bristles  915 . Plurality of bristles  915  are shown in an orientation directed towards the radial center of bristle support member  930 , although plurality of bristles  915  may be oriented in an alternate manner. 
         [0100]      FIG. 9   a  shows a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  having handle  920  and bristle support member  930 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment where hand-held apparatus  1000  is shown. Handle  1020  is connected to bristle support member  130 , shown surrounding umbrella entry point  1060  by 180 degrees. As shown, bristle support member  130  is attached to plurality of bristles  1015 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment where hand-held apparatus  1100  is shown. Handheld apparatus  1100  has wiping member(s)  1105  attached to body section  1125 . Body section  1125  is attached to handle  1120 . The embodiment shows umbrella entry point  1160 . Also shown is plurality of bristles  1115  inside body section  1125 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 11A  shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 . Here, wiping member(s)  1105  are shown above and below the body  1125 . The embodiment shows two sets of plurality of bristles  1115  enclosed by bristle support member(s)  1110 . Also shown in inner body  1130  which supports both bristle support member(s)  1110  and may be placed within body  1125 . The device  1110  also has a handle  1120 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 12  shows another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus  1200  is shown having body  1225  and wiping member(s)  1205 . Handle section  1220  is also shown having holes  1226  and  1228 , which allow apparatus  1200  to attach to a wall or vertical beam. Also shown are plurality of bristles  1215  and umbrella entry point  1260 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 12A  shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 . Here, wiping member(s)  1205  are shown above and below body  1225 . Body  1225  is shown able to be connected to handle section  1220  via screws. This embodiment also has plurality of bristles  1215  shown enclosed by bristle support member  1210 . 
         [0106]    Also shown are plurality of bristles  1218 , which are shown directly attached to inner body  1230 . Inner body  1230  houses plurality of bristles  1218  and bristle support member  1210 , which encloses plurality of bristles  1215 . Thus, this embodiment shows both horizontal and vertical bristles. Plurality of bristles  1218  are shown attached to a U-shaped hook. These plurality of bristles  1218  cause an umbrella to compress as it passes through the plurality of bristles. 
         [0107]    The embodiment also involves inner body  1230 , which is enclosed within body  1225 . Wiping member(s)  1105  are shown acting as both top and bottom caps and may hold apparatus  1200  together. 
         [0108]    While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation and that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made thereto, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit. 
         [0109]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.