Folding Umbrella with Integrated Storage Sleeve and Water Drainage

The problem

When a folding umbrella is used in rain, storing it immediately causes problems. The wet canopy drips onto bags, car seats, office floors, and other belongings. Traditional solutions involve plastic bag sleeves, which tear easily, look unprofessional, and do not manage the collected water effectively. Users often have to carry a dripping umbrella or wait for it to dry before putting it away, leading to inconvenience and potential damage to personal items. There is a need for a built-in storage solution that contains the wet fabric and manages the runoff without requiring separate disposable accessories.

The solution

The patented design integrates a storage system directly into the umbrella’s handle assembly. It features a telescopic device comprising an upper mounting block and a lower mounting block. These blocks are connected by two telescopic parts, described as corrugated pipes, which allow the structure to expand and contract. A cloth sleeve is attached to the lower block. The upper end of this sleeve can wrap around the expanded telescopic parts and the upper block.

Key structural elements include:

1. Through-hole Handle: The upper mounting block has a hole through which the main umbrella rod passes, allowing the block to slide along the handle.
2. Damping Rotation: A damping rotating shaft connects the telescopic parts to the upper block, enabling rotation to align the umbrella for insertion.
3. Drainage System: The lower mounting block contains water permeable holes that lead into a cavity within a detachable water collecting tank. This tank slides into place at the base of the handle.
4. Limiting Mechanism: Convex rings on the umbrella handle prevent the upper mounting block from sliding off completely.

Who it is for

• Rain Gear Brands: Companies looking to differentiate their premium umbrella lines with functional wet-storage capabilities.
• Automotive Accessories Suppliers: Sellers targeting drivers who need to store wet umbrellas in cars without damaging upholstery.
• Corporate Gift Providers: Businesses seeking practical branded items for employees or clients who commute in rainy climates.
• Outdoor Lifestyle Retailers: Stores selling travel and daily carry goods where keeping bags dry is a primary consumer concern.

How it works

The main parts

The mechanism relies on the interaction between the rigid handle, the sliding blocks, and the flexible sleeve components.

Operating steps

1. Fold the Umbrella: Close the ribs and collapse the umbrella rod to its shortest length.
2. Extend the Sleeve: Pull the upper mounting block away from the lower block. The telescopic corrugated pipes extend, widening the internal diameter of the cloth sleeve.
3. Insert the Umbrella: Rotate the upper block using the damping shaft to open the gap. Slide the folded umbrella body into the space between the two telescopic pipes.
4. Wrap and Secure: Push the upper block back toward the lower block to compress the pipes. Pull the drawstring at the top of the cloth sleeve tight around the handle and secure it with the rope buckle.
5. Drain Water: As the umbrella sits in the sleeve, residual water runs down the canopy, passes through the permeable holes in the lower block, and collects in the detachable tank.

Applications

Car Commuting

Drivers often leave wet umbrellas on passenger seats, causing stains and mold. This design contains the water in the integrated tank, protecting vehicle interiors during short trips between parking lots and buildings.

Bag Protection

Commuters carrying laptops or documents in backpacks risk water damage from dripping umbrellas. The sealed cloth sleeve ensures that moisture stays inside the accessory rather than soaking through bag straps or compartments.

Office Environments

In shared workspaces, wet umbrellas can create slippery floors and puddles near desks. The self-contained storage unit allows employees to bring their umbrella inside without creating a mess in reception areas or conference rooms.

Travel and Transit

On buses or trains, holding a dripping umbrella is uncomfortable for the user and nearby passengers. The compact sleeve turns the wet item into a contained bundle, making it easier to hold or place on a seat without disturbing others.

Where it is less suitable

• Large Golf Umbrellas: The telescopic mechanism and sleeve dimensions are designed for standard folding umbrellas; large, rigid golf umbrellas may not fit the internal volume.
• Extreme Cold Climates: If the corrugated pipes become stiff or brittle due to freezing temperatures, the extension and contraction mechanism may struggle to operate smoothly.
• High-Velocity Wind Use: While the sleeve protects the umbrella when stored, the added weight and bulk of the mechanism might affect the balance or wind resistance profile compared to a minimalist lightweight frame.