Patent Description:
Umbrellas are well known, and widely used to protect users from the elements, particularly but not exclusively, rain, hail or snow.

Personal umbrellas come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from smaller fold-down umbrellas having articulated spokes and telescopic shafts which enable the umbrella to fit into a small bag when not in use, to large umbrellas which have a fixed length shaft and spokes.

It is commonly known in the art to use an elongate bag or case to carry an umbrella when the umbrella is not in use. Where the umbrella has been used to protect the user from rain, hail or snow, an umbrella case advantageously allows the user to conveniently store the umbrella without any water runoff transferring to clothing or inside a hand bag or briefcase. Such cases are specifically designed for the umbrella with which they are to be sold, and are designed to fit tightly around the collapsed umbrella without leaving much room around the umbrella itself. In general, in relation to long/stick umbrellas, a cover is often not provided at all, but even if a cover is provided it is designed specifically for that umbrella and may not accommodate an umbrella of a different fixed length.

<CIT> discloses a portable umbrella dew protection holder.

Furthermore, umbrella cases known in the art require the user to use at least one hand to carry the encased umbrella at all times, or supply an additional means to carry it (for example a strap or suitable bag) if they want to keep their hands free.

An umbrella case according to the invention is intended to address at least one or more of the above-mentioned issues.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an umbrella case configured to hold an umbrella as defined in claim <NUM>. Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

In an exemplary embodiment, a fastening strap may be coupled at one end to the sheath, close to its open end, and the other free end being configured to be selectively moved to a fastening position in which it is connected to the sheath at a generally diametrically opposite location to the first end.

In another exemplary embodiment, the umbrella case may further comprise a waterproof housing surrounding the sheath. In this case, the fastening strap may be coupled at a first end to the housing, close to the open end of the sheath, and the free end being configured to be selectively moved to a fastening position in which it is connected to the housing at a generally diametrically opposite location to the first end.

The spike-receiving portion and the sheath is formed of an elastic material configured to be elastically stretched upon application of a longitudinal force.

The sheath and/or the spike-receiving portion may be formed of a waterproof or semi-permeable material, and the spike receiving portion may include at least one opening configured to allow water to drain out through it, when in use.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening strap comprises a strip of elastic material, connected at one end to the outer surface of the sheath, close to the open end, and having a first connecting portion at the other end. Optionally, the fastening strap further comprises a retaining member, slidably mounted thereon, said retaining member configured to be placed, in use, over the handle of an umbrella held in said umbrella case. The retaining member my further comprise a support loop extending from an inner and/or outer side edge thereof.

The spike-receiving portion may, optionally, comprise a generally conical portion configured to be selectively longitudinally extended upon application of a force, said generally conical portion comprising a base connected to, or formed integrally with, the sheath, and a frustrum defining said spike-receiving aperture. In this case, a rigid or semi-rigid ring may be mounted around said spike-receiving aperture. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the ring may be provided with ridges defining the maximum diameter of the spike-receiving aperture, and interposing grooves or notches.

Optionally, the fastening strap may be pivotally connected at its first end to the outer surface of the sheath.

The umbrella case may further comprise adjustment means, coupled to the open end of the sheath, and operable to selectively increase and decrease the diameter or width of said open end.

In an exemplary embodiment, the umbrella case may further comprise a carrying strap coupled to the outer surface of the sheath, the length of which may be selectively adjustable.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by reference to specific examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring to <FIG> of the drawings, an umbrella case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a generally tubular sheath <NUM>, which is shown as having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape but could be of any desired cross-sectional shape and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. The sheath <NUM> is formed of an elastic material. In one embodiment, the sheath <NUM> is (at least) longitudinally extendible, by virtue of the elasticity of the material of which it is formed. The sheath <NUM> may, of course, be formed of a 'stretchy' elastic material that allows it to be extended in both the longitudinal and the diametric directions by application of an appropriate force. In the example shown, the sheath <NUM> is formed of a flexible material, beneficially tearproof, waterproof and/or quick-dry properties (which is elastically deformable, at least longitudinally, as referenced above). The sheath <NUM> may be of any suitable length and cross-sectional diameter, depending largely on the material used to enable the umbrella-receiving cavity it defines to be adapted to receive long-stick umbrellas of varying sizes.

An adjustable closure means <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided at an open end of the sheath <NUM>, and configured to selectively allow the open end of the sheath <NUM> to be extended to its maximum cross-sectional diameter (for receiving or removing an umbrella), partially closed (around the shaft of an umbrella), or fully closed (for storage). Referring additionally to <FIG> of the drawings, the adjustable closure means is illustrated in the form of a draw string <NUM> comprising a loop through a seam <NUM> at the open end of the sheath <NUM>, that can be pulled to tighten or close the open end and released, e.g. manually or elastically, depending on the material used to form the loop, to extend the open end to receive or remove an umbrella. For example, the loop may be formed of cord or elastic. An adjuster <NUM> is provided around the loop to provide a secure/release mechanism for selectively securing and releasing the draw string, as required.

At the end of the sheath <NUM> longitudinally opposite the open end, there is provided a spike-receiving portion <NUM> configured to accommodate the spike of a long-stick umbrella. In the example illustrated, the spike-receiving portion <NUM> comprises a conical member having a base of shape and diameter (or width) substantially the same as that of the sheath <NUM>, and affixed thereto, and a frustrum defined by a ring <NUM> providing a hole through which a spike of an umbrella may extend, in use. The ring <NUM> may be formed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material. Referring additionally to <FIG> of the drawings, the inner circumference of the ring <NUM> defines a spike-receiving opening or hole having a plurality of ridges 109a. The ridges 109a are beneficial in that, in use, they act to create gaps between the base of the umbrella spike (or the 'top cap' of the umbrella) and the ring <NUM> and thereby allow water from the umbrella to drain out from the spike-receiving portion <NUM> and also out through the ridged gaps.

In the embodiment shown, the spike-receiving portion <NUM> is a separate member to the sheath <NUM> and connected or affixed thereto at the base. However, in alternative embodiments, the spike-receiving portion may be integrally formed with the sheath <NUM> (i.e. of the same material) such that it is defined by a closed ('lower') end of the sheath <NUM> with a spike-receiving opening therein. The spike-receiving portion could, in this case, be defined by a tapered 'lower' section of the sheath, having a gradually reducing diameter, for example, and terminating at the spike-receiving opening. The ridged ring could be affixed around the spike-receiving opening, as in the exemplary embodiment illustrated and described above.

The spike-receiving portion <NUM> is affixed to the sheath <NUM>, as illustrated in the drawings, and is formed of an elastically deformable material or 'stretchy' material (e.g. a stretchy fabric such as cotton, polyester, nylon or rayon, or a combination of fabrics designed to provide properties such as tear-proof, waterproof, permeable, or semi-permeable). In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spike-receiving portion is elastically deformable (or 'stretchy) and permeable (at least one the inside) to allow water to run out and 'down' from a wet umbrella stored within the umbrella case. In this case, the sheath <NUM> is formed of a flexible material that is also formed of an elastically deformable or 'stretchy' material; and the sheath is formed of a material (or have a configuration) that enables it to be selectively extended, in use, upon application of a longitudinal force, to accommodate long-stick umbrellas of varying lengths.

Referring back to <FIG> of the drawings, the umbrella case further comprises a fastening strap <NUM> in the form of an elongate strip of flexible material, pivotally (or otherwise) coupled at one end to the outer surface of the sheath, close to its open end. The fastening strap may be formed of an elastically deformable or 'stretchy' material that allows it to be extended longitudinally upon application of a longitudinal force, or pulling, the free end. As before, the material used to form the strap <NUM> is a matter of design choice, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. However, in the illustrated example, the fastening strap <NUM> is formed of a stretchy, preferably tear-proof and waterproof (or quick-dry) material. The free end of the fastening strap <NUM> is provided with a first connecting portion 101a which may, for example, be one portion of any cooperative fastening means of any length, shape or size, such as hook and loop type fastening means, press studs, buttons, magnets, hook-and-eye fastening means, etc. and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. A second connecting portion 101b of the cooperative fastening means is provided on the outer surface of the sheath <NUM>, substantially diametrically opposite the surface at which the fastening strap <NUM> is affixed thereto, and can be of any length, shape of size.

A retaining member <NUM> is provided on the fastening strap <NUM>, and is configured, at least one an 'inner' surface thereof, i.e. the surface facing the open end of the sheath <NUM>, to receive or support the end of an umbrella handle or a curved part of a hooked umbrella handle. In the example illustrated, and as can be seen more clearly in <FIG> of the drawings, the retaining member <NUM> is a free loop, of any suitable material, slidably mounted <NUM> or 'folded' around the fastening strap <NUM>, and defines an 'outer' surface and the opposing 'inner' surface, each having a width slightly greater than that of the fastening strap <NUM>, coupled together at the side edges by narrower regions that are slightly wider than the thickness of the fastening strap <NUM>. The 'inner' surface (i.e. the surface facing the open end of the sheath <NUM>) may be cushioned or otherwise shaped and configured to support or cover a straight umbrella handle or a curved portion of a hooked umbrella handle. A support loop <NUM> is provide across the 'inner' surface of the free loop (i.e. retaining member) <NUM>, which may be formed of a flexible (and optionally elastically deformable) material. Indeed, and as shown in <FIG> of the drawings, a single loop <NUM> can be provided (<FIG>), or two such loops 124a and 124b could be provided (<FIG>), one on each side of the free loop <NUM>, the 'inner' one 124a being for looping under the curved portion of a hooked umbrella handle, in use, to provide additional support, and the 'outer' one 124b being for hanging the umbrella case on a hook or handle. Finally, and as shown in <FIG>, a single "hanging" loop <NUM> could be provided.

A carrying strap <NUM> is affixed to the outer surface of the sheath <NUM>, with a first end (in this case) affixed just below the end of or pivotally over the fastening strap <NUM> and the other end, longitudinally spaced from the first end, and affixed close to the base of the spike-receiving portion <NUM>. A second strap 111a is affixed, at one end, to the outer surface of the sheath <NUM>, at or close to the first end of the carrying strap <NUM>, and coupled at the other end to the carrying strap via a suitable adjuster <NUM> so as to provide means for selectively adjusting the size of the loop defined between the carrying strap <NUM> and the sheath, to take into account different user preferences, as well as the length of the umbrella being carried in the umbrella case. Any suitable flexible material, such as leather, can be used to form the carrying strap <NUM>, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Referring to <FIG> of the drawings, in use, a user slides the draw string adjuster <NUM> along the cord <NUM>, in a direction away from the sheath <NUM>, in order to loosen the draw string and cause or allow the open end of the sheath <NUM> to be released and extended to its maximum diameter, in order to receive a long stick umbrella therethrough, spike (<NUM>) first. The umbrella, in this case a straight handled umbrella <NUM> and <NUM> (rather than a hooked handle umbrella), travels through the sheath <NUM> by a pushing (substantially longitudinal) force exerted by the user until the ferrule of the spike <NUM> extends / protrudes through the hole defined by the ring <NUM> at the frustrum of the spike-receiving portion <NUM>, and the base of the spike <NUM> or the 'open cap' of the umbrella engages with the ridged inner circumference <NUM> of the ring <NUM> (see <FIG> of the drawings). At this point, no further protrusion or longitudinal movement of the umbrella through the sheath <NUM> is possible as the base of the spike <NUM> or the 'open cap' has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the ridged hole <NUM>, although small gaps are defined between the spike and the ridged inner circumference <NUM> of the ring <NUM>, thereby providing apertures through which water can drain.

Once the base of the spike <NUM> or the 'open cap' of the umbrella engages with the inner ridged circumference of the ring <NUM>, any further pushing (or longitudinal) force exerted by the user on the handle end of the umbrella (in a direction toward the spike-receiving portion <NUM> of the umbrella case) will cause elastic stretching <NUM> of the elastically deformable spike-receiving portion <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), to allow the entire canopy of the umbrella to be inserted into the umbrella case. In this case, the sheath <NUM> is formed of a substantially non-elastic material and remains of fixed length, whilst the spike-receiving portion <NUM> extends in length to allow the umbrella canopy to be fully received within the umbrella case with the portion of the shaft between the tips of the canopy and the handle being located at the open end of the sheath <NUM>. Once this has been achieved, the user can stretch the fastening strap <NUM> over the handle <NUM> (diametrically across the top of the sheath <NUM>) and secure it on the other side by means of the first and second connecting portions 101a, 101b provided on the sheath <NUM> and fastening strap <NUM> respectively. As shown in <FIG> of the drawings, the retaining member <NUM> rests over the end of the straight handle <NUM> to support it (and maintain the longitudinal force thereon) so as to secure the umbrella <NUM> and <NUM> in place. The draw string adjuster <NUM> can be moved along the cord <NUM> in a direction toward the sheath <NUM>, to close the open end of the sheath <NUM> around the umbrella shaft, at a location between the tips of the canopy and the handle <NUM>. In this case, the support loop <NUM> (<FIG>) is not necessarily required and can be folded out of the way or support loop <NUM> (<FIG>) can be positioned to be on the outer side of the fastening strap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> of the drawings, an umbrella case according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this case, the sheath <NUM> and the spike receiving portion <NUM> are formed (optionally integrally) of an elastically deformable material. The fastening strap <NUM> may or may not be elastically deformable. The operation of the umbrella case is similar in most respects to that described with reference to <FIG>, except that, when the base of the spike or top cap of the umbrella <NUM> engages with the ridged hole <NUM>, and further longitudinal movement of the umbrella <NUM> is prevented, any further longitudinal force exerted on the umbrella <NUM> (in a direction toward the spike-receiving portion <NUM>) causes both the sheath <NUM> and the spike-receiving portion <NUM> to stretch or lengthen, <NUM> and <NUM> respectively, to accommodate the full length of umbrella canopy.

Referring now to <FIG> of the drawings, an umbrella case of the same or similar construction as that described above with reference to <FIG>, or that described with reference to <FIG>, is once again illustrated. In this case, the umbrella <NUM> has a curved or hooked handle <NUM>. In use, the umbrella <NUM> is, once again, inserted into the sheath via its open end until the spike extends through the ring <NUM>, via the ridged hole <NUM>, and top cap of the umbrella or the base of the spike engages with therewith, such that further pushing (longitudinal) force applied by the user causes the spike-receiving portion <NUM> (and/or the sheath <NUM>) to stretch <NUM> and/or <NUM> until the tips of the canopy are within the sheath <NUM>. The fastening strap <NUM>, which is beneficially elastically deformable, can be pivoted (or otherwise angularly deformed or deflected), toward the free end of the handle, such that it is at an angle of (say) <NUM>° or less relative to a longitudinal axis, and then stretched over the hooked handle, and the retaining member <NUM> can be slid along the fastening strap <NUM> so as to rest on the central or 'top' part of the hooked handle (<FIG>). The fastening strap is secured on the other side of the sheath <NUM>, as before. It will be appreciated that the angular offset function in relation to the fastening strap <NUM> (i.e. providing some means, or using a suitable material, to allow it to be stretched at an angle across the hooked handle) provides the necessary longitudinal force at the top of the hooked handle to retain the umbrella within the stretched umbrella case. In this case, the support loop <NUM> is located below the retaining member, where hooked handle is inserted through the support loop <NUM>, then resting against the inner surface of the curve of the hooked handle, for additional support.

Referring to <FIG> of the drawings, the fastening strap <NUM>, in this exemplary embodiment of the invention, is pivotally coupled (<NUM>) at one end to the outer surface of the sheath (<NUM>) and the first connecting portion (101a - <FIG>) is at the opposing end (on the surface facing the open end of the sheath <NUM>). As described with reference to <FIG>, the pivotal coupling <NUM> enables the fastening strap <NUM> to be pivoted (relative to a longitudinal axis and up to <NUM>°) in order to accommodate a long-stick umbrella having a 'hooked' handle <NUM>. Referring back to <FIG> of the drawings, when the umbrella case is not required for use, the fastening strap <NUM> can be pivoted through substantially <NUM>° (relative to a longitudinal axis) such that it extends substantially orthogonally to the sheath <NUM> (<FIG>), and then wrapped around the outer circumference of the sheath <NUM> and secured at a connecting portion (not shown) on the outer surface of the fastening strap <NUM>,as shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG> of the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an umbrella case according to the invention is illustrated schematically, which is a modified version of the umbrella case(s) described above, and wherein corresponding features shared with the previous embodiments are denoted with the same reference numerals.

In the illustrated embodiment, a grip strip <NUM> is provided, which may be formed of a grip / anti-slip material that is attached to the retaining member <NUM> as an alternative to loop <NUM>. The grip strip <NUM> stops the retaining member <NUM> and the fastening strap <NUM> from slipping off an umbrella handle <NUM> / <NUM>. The grip strip <NUM> is a much easier method to use / apply than the loop <NUM>. The retaining member <NUM> may be permanently attached midway / centre length of the fastening strap <NUM> (excluding the attachment part to housing <NUM>) since the retaining member <NUM> will always be equidistant on either side of umbrella handle <NUM> / <NUM> to the base of such handle.

Unless the material used for the sheath <NUM> and spike receiving portion <NUM> is like rubber or latex that maintain their waterproof properties / qualities when stretched, the waterproof or semi-permeable properties of the sheath <NUM> and spike-receiving portion <NUM> materials may reduce upon stretching due to fibres realigning / separating. In order to alleviate this issue, the sheath <NUM> and spike-receiving portion <NUM> may be surrounded by an affixed housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be formed of a waterproof or semi-permeable material that may be in any flexible to rigid form (e.g., fabric to solid tubing). When a long stick umbrella is inserted, the sheath <NUM> and spike-receiving portion <NUM> may protrude out of the housing <NUM>. The fastening strap <NUM>, second connecting portion 101b, carrying strap <NUM> and second strap 111a instead of being affixed to the outer surface of the sheath <NUM> are now affixed to the outer surface of the housing <NUM> similarly.

An upper skirt <NUM> is attached to the top end of the housing <NUM> and may be formed of a waterproof or semi-permeable material which can be opened and closed using a draw string <NUM> with respective adjuster <NUM>. The upper skirt <NUM> may also help to keep / lock the umbrella <NUM> in the sheath <NUM> and spike-receiving portion <NUM>.

A lower skirt <NUM> is attached to the bottom end of the housing <NUM> and may be formed of a waterproof or semi-permeable material which can be opened and closed using a draw string <NUM> with respective adjuster <NUM>. The lower skirt <NUM> may also help to keep / lock foldable umbrellas from falling too deep into the sheath <NUM> and spike-receiving portion <NUM> due to gravity and weight of the foldable umbrella stretching the sheath <NUM> and spike-receiving portion <NUM> more than needed / necessary.

In some cases, the housing <NUM> could be made quite flexible, which would enable the draw string portions to be formed integrally with the body of the housing. However, the more rigid the housing <NUM> the more difficult it may become to open and close the ends of the housing <NUM> using draw strings <NUM> if integrated as part of the top and bottom ends of the housing <NUM>. Instead, upper and lower skirts, <NUM> and <NUM> respectively, may be incorporated accordingly to alleviate this issue and permit easy opening and closing of both ends of the housing <NUM>, even if it is made of a substantially rigid material.

An alternative to ring <NUM> may include a cuff and outward folding of the material end of the spike-receiving portion <NUM>, similar to a long shirt sleeve folded up, and stitched / secured into a ring cuff <NUM>. The ring cuff <NUM> may be of adequate size to permit only the umbrella spike <NUM> to jut out and stop the actual umbrella <NUM> from falling through.

<FIG> illustrates schematically the cross section of <FIG> with an umbrella <NUM>-<NUM> inserted, showing the sheath <NUM> and the spike-receiving portion <NUM> internally affixed to the housing <NUM>. <FIG> also shows potential extension <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> and potential extension <NUM> of the spike-receiving portion <NUM> due to umbrella <NUM>-<NUM> insertion.

Claim 1:
An umbrella case configured to hold an umbrella having a rigid shaft with a handle (<NUM>, <NUM>) at one end and a spike (<NUM>) at the other end, the umbrella case comprising an umbrella holding assembly comprising a generally tubular sheath (<NUM>) having an open end and a spike-receiving portion (<NUM>) defining a spike-receiving aperture (<NUM>) at the other end, wherein the sheath (<NUM>) and the spike-receiving portion (<NUM>) are formed of an elastic material configured to be elastically stretched upon application of a longitudinal force, in use, thereby to increase the effective length (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the umbrella holding assembly to accommodate the length of the umbrella (<NUM>) held therein with the spike (<NUM>) extending through the spike-receiving portion (<NUM>).