Patent Publication Number: US-8991409-B2

Title: Umbrella case

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/532,411, filed Sep. 8, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present device relates to the field of umbrella cases, particularly umbrella cases configured to be coupled with strollers or other devices. 
     2. Background 
     Parents and guardians often place young children in strollers when they desire to transport the children while shopping, running errands, visiting a park, walking around, or doing any other type of activity. The parents or guardians can desire to be prepared for a change in weather and wish to bring an umbrella along with them. However, umbrellas can be inconvenient to bring along in many situations, as umbrellas are often of a shape that is difficult to pack away in most bags or storage containers. Additionally, umbrellas can be wet after being used and can undesirably transfer water to other items unless the umbrella is kept apart from the other items. The parent or guardian can therefore desire a device that can store an umbrella when it is not raining or can store a wet umbrella when it stops raining or the parent or guardian goes indoors. 
     Some umbrella bags and cases exist, but generally they must be carried separately. This can be inconvenient when a parent or guardian must also push a stroller. Some devices exist that can couple the handle of an umbrella to a stroller, such that the parent or guardian can be under the umbrella&#39;s canopy while the stroller is in use. However, these devices do not store the umbrella when not in use, and do not prevent water from being transferred to other items when the umbrella is collapsed. 
     What is needed is an umbrella case configured to be selectively coupled with a stroller. The umbrella case can be waterproof or water resistant, such that water from a wet umbrella inside the case is not transferred to the stroller or other items. In some embodiments, the umbrella case can also be selectively coupled with other movable and/or stationary devices, such as wheelchairs, bicycles, shopping carts, benches, or other devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  depicts an isometric view of the top of an embodiment of an umbrella case. 
         FIG. 1   b  depicts an isometric view of the bottom of an embodiment of an umbrella case. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a back view of an embodiment of an adjustable length umbrella case in an unfolded position. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a back view of an embodiment of an adjustable length umbrella case in a first folded position. 
         FIG. 2C  depicts a back view of an embodiment of an adjustable length umbrella case in a second folded position. 
         FIG. 2D  depicts a front view of an embodiment of an adjustable length umbrella case with a fastener strip in an unfolded position. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a rear view of an embodiment of an umbrella case. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an isometric view of the bottom of an embodiment of an umbrella case. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross section of an embodiment of an umbrella case with an inserted umbrella. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of an umbrella case in use with a stroller. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of an umbrella case in use with a stroller and an umbrella. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1   a  depicts an isometric view of the top of an embodiment of an umbrella case  100 .  FIG. 1   b  depicts an isometric view of the bottom of an embodiment of an umbrella case  100 . An umbrella case  100  can comprise a pouch  102 , an enclosure member  104 , and one or more connecting members  106 . The pouch  102  can be an elongated receptacle having a bottom end  108  and a top end  110 . In some embodiments, the bottom end and the top end can each define an aperture that opens into the interior of the pouch  102 . The pouch  102  can have a transverse cross section with dimensions greater than the dimensions of the transverse cross section of a collapsed umbrella, such that a collapsed umbrella can be inserted into the pouch  102  via the top end  110 . In some embodiments, the transverse cross section of the pouch  102  can be circular. In other embodiments, the transverse cross section of the pouch  102  can be oval, rectangular, diamond shaped, polygonal, or any other desired shape. 
     In some embodiments, the length of the pouch  102  between the bottom end  108  and the top end  110  can be greater than the length of a collapsed umbrella, such that the collapsed umbrella can fit entirely within the pouch  102 . In alternate embodiments, the length of the pouch  102  between the bottom end  108  and the top end  110  can be longer than a majority of the length of a collapsed umbrella. By way of a non-limiting example, the pouch  102  can have a length such that the pouch  102  can cover the collapsed canopy of the umbrella but the handle of the umbrella can extend out of the top end  110  when the umbrella is inserted into the pouch  102 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , in some embodiments the length of the pouch  102  can be adjustable.  FIG. 2A  depicts a back view of an embodiment of the umbrella case  100  in an unfolded position. A plurality of fasteners  112  can be coupled with the exterior of the pouch  102 . The fasteners  112  can be snaps, clips, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or any other type of fastener. In some embodiments, fasteners  112  can be positioned in predetermined locations on the front and/or back of the pouch  102 . The pouch  102  can be folded, rolled, or otherwise manipulated such that at least one fastener  112  can be coupled with another fastener  112  to adjust the length of the pouch  102 . When two or more fasteners  112  are coupled together, the pouch  102  can be folded back on itself and the bottom end  108  can be against a side of the pouch  102 , such that an umbrella that is inserted through the top end  110  can rest its tip against the walls of the pouch  102  at the fold line or other bend in the walls of the pouch. By selectively coupling different fasteners  112  together, a user can adjust the length of the pouch  102  for different situations. By way of non-limiting examples, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B  the two lowest sets of fasteners  112  are coupled together to adjust the pouch  102  for long umbrellas, while in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2C  the lowest set of fasteners  112  are coupled with the highest set of fasteners  112  to adjust the pouch  102  for short umbrellas and/or umbrellas that collapse into compact packages. 
     In alternate embodiments, one or more of the fasteners  112  can be an elongated strip on the front and/or back of the pouch  102 , such as the fastener  112   a  shown in  FIG. 2D , and at least one of the other fasteners  112 , such as the fastener  112   b  shown in  FIG. 2D , can be selectively coupled with any desired location on the elongated strip to adjust the length of the pouch  102  to any desired length. 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the pouch  102  can be tapered between the top end  110  and the bottom end  108 . By way of a non-limiting example, the top end  110  can be wider than the bottom end  108 . In other embodiments, the shape of the pouch  102  can be rectangular. In alternate embodiments, the sides of the pouch  102  between the top end  110  and the bottom end  108  can be straight, curved, wavy, or have any other shape. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a rear view of an embodiment of the umbrella case  100 . The pouch  102  can comprise one or more body sections  114  coupled with one another to define the receptacle of the pouch  102 . The body sections  114  can be comprised of plastic, fabric, vinyl, rayon, nylon, laminate, foam, metal, or any other desired material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the body sections  114  can be flexible. In alternate embodiments, the body sections  114  can be rigid, semi-rigid, or have any combination of rigidities. The body sections  114  can be waterproof or water resistant, and the body sections  114  can be coupled with one another with a water impermeable bond. In some embodiments, the body sections  114  can be sewn to one another. In other embodiments, the body sections  114  can be coupled with one another by adhesives, fusing, bolts, screws, staples, stitching, and/or any other bonding mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the pouch  102  can be formed by a single body section  114  with its edges coupled together. In still other embodiments, the pouch  102  can be a single continuous body section  114  manufactured or knit without seams. In some embodiments, the pouch  102  can have designated fold lines and/or indentations, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In alternate embodiments, the pouch  102  can be folded, bent, or otherwise manipulated at any point. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the body sections  114  can be spinal members  116 . Spinal members  116  can be elongated planar members that can extend along the length of the pouch  102  from the bottom end  108  to the top end  110 . In some embodiments, spinal members  116  can be thicker, stronger, stiffer, and/or sturdier than the other body sections  114 . In some embodiments, the spinal members  116  can comprise a non-stick and/or non-slip material, such that the spinal members  116  can assist in preventing movement between the pouch  102  and a stroller or other object to which the umbrella case  100  is coupled, as discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In some embodiments, the spinal members  116  can be comprised of the same material as other body sections  114 . In alternate embodiments, the spinal members  116  can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, fabric, or any other desired material. In some embodiments, the spinal members  116  can comprise padding. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an isometric view of the bottom of an embodiment of the umbrella case  100 . While in some embodiments the bottom end can define an aperture that opens into the interior of the pouch  102  as discussed above, in alternate embodiments the body sections  114  can be formed, manufactured, and/or coupled together to form a bottom end  108  that is closed. By way of a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, one or more body sections  114  can form a bottom panel  118  that can extend transversely to the length of the pouch  102  and be coupled with the sides of the pouch  102  to close off and form a closed bottom end  108 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In embodiments with an open bottom end  108 , water that enters the interior of the pouch  102  can pool within the pouch  102  at the fold line, as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2C . To expel the water, a user can uncouple the fasteners  112  from one another and unfold the pouch  102  or otherwise move the bottom end  108  to the unfolded position shown in  FIG. 2A , such that water can flow out of the open bottom end  108 . Alternatively, a user can pour water out of the top end  110 . In alternate embodiments with a closed bottom end  108 , water can pool within the pouch at the bottom end  108 . In some of these embodiments, the bottom end  108  can comprise an outlet  120  that can be selectively opened to expel water that has pooled within the pouch  102 . The outlet  120  can be a flap, valve, tap, hatch, cap, or any other device that can be selectively opened or operated to expel water. In still other embodiments, a base  122  can be coupled with the interior of the pouch  102  above the bottom end  108 , such that the tip of an umbrella  700  can rest on the base  122 , as shown in the cross section view depicted in  FIG. 5 . The base  122  can be permeable, such that water can pass through the base  122  and pool below the base  122  at a closed bottom end  108 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more collar members  124  can be coupled with the pouch  102 . In some embodiments, the collar members  124  can be oriented transversely to the length of the pouch  102  at the top end  110 , such that they surround and define the aperture of the top end  110 . In some embodiments, the collar members  124  can be positioned on the exterior of the pouch  102 . In alternate embodiments, the collar members  124  can extend from the exterior of the pouch  102  into at least a portion of the interior of the pouch  102 . The collar members  124  can be comprised of plastic, fabric, vinyl, rayon, nylon, laminate, foam, metal, or any other desired material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the collar members can comprise hook and loop connectors, drawstrings, or other components configured to adjust the length of the collar members  124 , such that the diameter of the aperture of the top end  110  can be changed. In other embodiments, the collar members  124  can be absent. 
     In some embodiments, the pouch  102  can further comprise a lining  126  that extends at least partially into the interior of the pouch  102 . In some embodiments, the lining  126  can be an extension of the collar members  124 . In other embodiments, the lining  126  can be comprised of one or more separate components that are coupled with the body sections  114 . The lining  126  can be comprised of plastic, fabric, vinyl, rayon, nylon, laminate, foam, metal, or any other desired material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the lining  126  can be waterproof and/or water resistant. In other embodiments, the lining  126  can be comprised of absorbent material, such that the lining  126  can at least partially soak up water from a wet umbrella  700  inserted into the pouch  102 . In some embodiments, the lining  126  can be completely or partially removable from the interior of the pouch  102 . In other embodiments, the lining  126  can be absent. 
     The enclosure member  104  can be configured to selectively enclose the aperture of the top end  110 . In some embodiments, the enclosure member  104  can be a flap. In other embodiments, the enclosure member  104  can be a cap, cover, or other component configured to cover the aperture of the top end  110 . In some embodiments, the enclosure member  104  can be an extension of a collar member  124 , a spinal member  116 , a body section  114 , and/or any other component of the pouch  102 . In other embodiments, the enclosure member  104  can be a separate component coupled to the pouch  102  at the top end  110 . The enclosure member  104  can be comprised of plastic, fabric, vinyl, rayon, nylon, laminate, foam, metal, or any other desired material or combination of materials. The enclosure member  104  can be positioned and shaped such that the enclosure member  104  can be moved over the aperture of the top end  110 , thereby enclosing the interior of the pouch  102 . In some embodiments, the pouch  102  can comprise one or more connectors  128  configured to be selectively coupled with one or more corresponding connectors  128  coupled with the exterior of the pouch  102  and/or the collar members  124  when the enclosure member  104  is positioned over the aperture of the top end  110 . In some embodiments, the connectors  128  can be snaps. In other embodiments, the connectors  128  can be hook and loop connectors, zippers, buttons, magnets, or any other type of connection mechanism. In some embodiments, the enclosure member  104  can be shaped such that its widest portion is wider than the aperture of the top end  110 , such that the enclosure member  104  can prevent water from entering the interior of the pouch when the enclosure member  104  covers the aperture of the top end  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the enclosure member  104  can be absent. In some of these embodiments, the aperture of the top end  110  can be closed with a drawstring, zipper, or other component coupled with the pouch  102  that can close the aperture of the top end  110 . In other embodiments, the collar members  124  can comprise spring-loaded and/or biased members that can be moved, squeezed, pressed, or otherwise manipulated to open and/or close the aperture of the top end  110 . 
     The one or more connecting members  106  can be coupled with the exterior of the pouch  102 . In some embodiments, the connecting members  106  can be provided in sets, and each member of the set can be configured to selectively mate with the other members of the set. In some embodiments, a plurality of connecting members  106  and/or sets of connecting members  106  can be arranged at positions substantially following a straight line along the length of the pouch  102  between the bottom end  108  and the top end  110 . In some embodiments, the one or more connecting members  106  can be coupled with one or more of the spinal members  116 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In some of these embodiments, one member of a set of connecting members  106  can be coupled with one side of a spinal member  116 , and another member of the set of connecting members  106  can be coupled with the other side of the spinal member  116 . In alternate embodiments, the one or more connecting members  106  can be coupled with any of the body sections  114 . The one or more connecting members  106  can be elongated members. In some embodiments, the connecting members  106  can be strips of fabric. In other embodiments, the connecting members  106  can be string, rope, elastic, straps, ties, belts, or any other elongated body. In some embodiments, each connecting member  106  can comprise one or more fasteners  130 . The fasteners  130  can be hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, buttons, hooks, loops, protrusions and apertures, buckles, release buckles, locks, or any other type of fastener. 
     In some embodiments, the connecting members  106  can comprise one or more tightening mechanisms  132 . The tightening mechanisms  132  can adjust the position of connecting members  106 . Tightening mechanisms  132  can be sliders, brackets, locks, cordlocks, ladder locks, buckles, or any other device that can adjust the position of connecting members  106 . In some embodiments, the tightening mechanisms  132  can adjust the position of coupled connecting members  106  relative to one another. In other embodiments, the tightening mechanisms  132  can adjust the length of individual connecting members  106 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of the umbrella case  100  in use with a stroller  600 . In operation, one or more connecting member  106  can be coupled with one or more components of a stroller  600  or other device. By way of a non-limiting example, many strollers  600  comprise one or more posts  602  that extend along the side of the stroller  600  from the stroller&#39;s handle to one or more of its wheels, and the connecting members  106  can be looped around these posts  602  and be tied together or be fastened with the fasteners  130  to couple the pouch  102  with the stroller  600 . In some embodiments, when the bottom end  108  is folded up toward the top end  110  and coupled via the fasteners  112 , as shown in  FIG. 2C , the connecting members  106  can extend around the folded portion of the pouch  102  such that the connecting members  106  can be coupled with the stroller  600  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, the tightening mechanisms  132  can be operated to tighten or loosen the fit of the connecting members  106  around the components of the stroller  600  components as desired. By way of a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , a first connecting member  106   a  can comprise sections of hook and loop fasteners  130   a , and a second connecting member  106   b  can comprise a buckle tightening mechanism  132 . The first connecting member  106   a  can be passed around a stroller post  602 , through the buckle tightening mechanism  132 , be pulled tight against the stroller post  602 , and be coupled to itself with the hook and loop fasteners  130   a . Other connecting members  106  can have different types of fasteners  130 , such as the loop fastener  130   b  and the button fastener  130   c . In alternate embodiments, the connecting members  106  can further extend around the exterior of the pouch  102 , such that the tightening mechanisms  132  can tighten the connecting members  106  around the body sections  114  to compress the interior of the pouch  102  in addition to tightening the fit of the connecting members  106  around the stroller&#39;s posts  602 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of the umbrella case  100  in use with a stroller  600  and an umbrella  700 . A collapsed umbrella  700  can be at least partially inserted into the pouch  102 . If the collapsed umbrella  700  entirely fits within the pouch  102 , a user can position the enclosure member  104  over the handle of the umbrella  700  at the top end  110 , and close the aperture of the top end  110  by securing the enclosure member  104  to the pouch  102  with the connectors  128 . 
     If desired, a user can uncouple the connecting members  106  from the stroller&#39;s posts  602 , and use the umbrella case  100  to store and/or transport a dry or wet umbrella  700  away from the stroller  600 . If water has entered the interior of the pouch  102 , the user can unfold the bottom end  108  and pour the water out of the aperture of the bottom end  108 , out of the aperture of the top end  110  or, in some alternate embodiments, out of the outlet  120 . In some embodiments, the umbrella case  100  can be used with devices other than strollers  600 , such as shopping carts, bicycles, wheelchairs, rolling luggage, or any other device comprising components that can be coupled with the connecting members  106 . 
     Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.