Portable Folding Umbrella with Integrated Automatic Water Collection Cup

The problem

Carrying a wet folding umbrella is inconvenient. Rainwater drips from the canopy, creating puddles in stores, offices, and vehicles. Traditional umbrella sleeves or bags merely contain the mess but do not remove the water. Furthermore, if a wet umbrella is left inside a closed sleeve or case for several days, trapped moisture leads to bacterial growth and a persistent musty odor, which can ruin the fabric and make the item unpleasant to use again. Users need a solution that actively removes water and keeps the umbrella fresh during storage.

The solution

The patent describes a three-part cup assembly designed specifically to house a folding umbrella. The system works by physically squeezing water out of the umbrella fabric upon insertion and managing airflow to prevent smells.

1. The Lid Assembly: The top part contains a first conical plate with multiple small through-holes (1mm diameter). These holes allow air to pass through for ventilation. However, due to surface tension, small amounts of condensation do not drip out.
2. The Body Assembly: The middle section holds the umbrella. It features a cylindrical groove where the umbrella shaft rests. Crucially, it contains a “wringing device” near the top entrance. This consists of a ring equipped with evenly distributed hemispherical balls. As the umbrella is pushed down, these balls press against the folded fabric, forcing water out.
3. The Sealing Mechanism: At the bottom of the water path, there is a first conical through-hole controlled by a spring and a sealing ball. When the cup is upright, water drains into the lower chamber. When the cup is inverted (e.g., placed upside down in a bag), the weight of the sealing ball compresses the spring, blocking the hole to prevent leaks.
4. The Seat Assembly: The bottom part collects the drained water. It includes magnet sheets arranged symmetrically, allowing the cup to stick securely to magnetic surfaces like car trunks or office lockers.

Who it is for

• Travel Gear Brands looking to differentiate their umbrella accessories with functional, clean designs.
• Automotive Accessory Suppliers who need stable, leak-proof items for car interiors and trunks.
• Office Supply Wholesalers targeting corporate gifts or employee amenities for rainy-day management.
• Outdoor & Camping Retailers selling compact gear where odor control and space efficiency are key.

How it works

The main parts

Operating Steps

1. Insertion: The user pushes the wet, folded umbrella into the top of the cup.
2. Wringing: The umbrella passes through the second conical plate and then the wringing ring. The hemispherical balls compress the fabric, forcing rainwater out of the material.
3. Drainage: The squeezed water flows down along the inner walls and through gaps between the balls. It travels toward the bottom of the cylindrical groove.
4. Collection: Water passes through the first conical through-hole (when upright) and collects in the cup seat assembly.
5. Storage: The lid is screwed on. Air circulates through the 1mm holes to dry the remaining dampness, preventing odor.
6. Inversion Protection: If the cup is turned upside down, the sealing ball drops against the hole, compressed by the spring, stopping any water from leaking out.

Applications

Car Trunk Organization

Drivers often leave wet umbrellas in cars, leading to damp carpets and smells. The magnetic base sticks the cup to the trunk lining or metal panel, keeping it upright and containing all water.

Office Lobbies

Reception desks and entryways get slippery from dripping umbrellas. This unit acts as a self-contained station where visitors can insert their umbrella, removing the bulk of the water before walking further into the building.

Travel Bags

When packing a wet umbrella into a suitcase or backpack, users worry about leaking onto clothes. The inverted-seal feature ensures that if the bag is tossed around or turned upside down, no water escapes the cup.

Outdoor Events & Camping

At festivals or campsites, humidity and rain mix. The ventilation holes help dry the umbrella fabric slowly over time, reducing the risk of mold on synthetic materials used in tents and gear.

Where it is less suitable

• Large Golf Umbrellas: The dimensions are optimized for standard folding umbrellas; larger open-frame golf umbrellas may not fit the cylindrical groove.
• Extreme Cold Environments: While not explicitly restricted, very low temperatures might affect the flexibility of the plastic seals or the viscosity of the collected water, though the patent focuses on general portable use.
• High-Volume Commercial Dispensers: This is a personal-use device, not a bank-style automated dispenser for many umbrellas at once.