US20240365938A1

US20240365938A1 - Hands-free umbrella holster

Info

Publication number: US20240365938A1
Application number: US18/142,827
Authority: US
Inventors: Lisa A. Serrano
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-10-18
Filing date: 2023-05-03
Publication date: 2024-11-07

Abstract

A hands-free carrying device and related method of use may be used for carrying an umbrella and other similar items. The carrying device may be a holster or may otherwise include one or more features to aid in retaining an umbrella or similar device without the need of the wearer using their hands. The umbrella may be retained in a deployed or undeployed configuration. The device itself may be substantially or partially rigid, such as through the use of plastic. The device may also partially comprise or be substantially formed of flexible or partially flexible materials, such as fabric. The device may include one or more straps to aid in retaining the device or adjustment of the fit or retention of the device. The device may be presented in multiple sizes or may be a configured to fit all or most common sizes of users with a single product.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/379,988 filed on Oct. 18, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a hands-free carrying device for protective equipment and method of use. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for carrying an umbrella, which may be attached to a wearable item, such as a vest, jacket, or backpack-like structure, and does not require the use of a wearer's hands when connected and in an open configuration, and associated methods of use.
Various endeavors in life, as well as professions, lead to the need for, or at least benefit of, having protective equipment. In many cases, an individual must have protection from the equipment while also having their hands free for other tasks, or simply to prevent fatigue. One type of protective equipment that is commonly needed is protection from the elements, such as excessive sun, or rain. In daily life, individuals may find themselves needing to carry an umbrella, while also having hands free in order to push a baby stroller, or to carry bags or groceries, or hold a phone and have a hand available for other tasks, or simply out of preference. In professional settings, maybe individuals may wish to have protection from the elements while also having their hands free. A security guard may wish to patrol while still having their hands free to a radio, flashlight, or other equipment. A police officer working traffic duty or an employee directing plans on an airport tarmac may have a similar need for protection from the elements while having both hands free to direct vehicles. A construction worker or someone doing road work may needs both hands free for their equipment.
There are currently no devices or means for carrying an open umbrella while having both hands free that are comfortable and convenient. A device and method of use are needed which can hold the umbrella while resisting wind. A device and method of use are needed which can hold the umbrella in such a way as to provide adequate coverage of a user. A device and method of use are needed which can retain an umbrella while allowing a user to have both hands free and go through a range of motions and activities, such as those involved in many jobs or simply in an individual's day to day choses and tasks.
Current umbrella connection devices and methods of use do not enable a user to carry an umbrella in a fully open, deployed configuration while having their hands free. Current umbrella carrying devices and methods of use do not allow users to go through a range of necessary daily tasks, with both hands available for other purposes, while supporting and maintaining an umbrella in an open configuration.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to a hands-free carrying device for protective equipment and method of use. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for carrying an umbrella, which may be attached to a wearable item, such as a vest, jacket, or backpack-like structure, and does not require the use of a wearer's hands when connected and in an open configuration, and associated methods of use. The wearable item may be adjustable, such as through the use of straps, and may be worn over other clothing, such as shirts. It may be configurable so as to fit a range of sizes of users.
The carrying device may include a retention feature for a piece of protective equipment, such as an umbrella. The umbrella may be retained in an open or closed configuration, and may optionally be transitioned from a closed configuration to an open one. The device may include a wearable support member, such as a back plate, which may be flexible, may be rigid, may be substantially or partially flexible, may be substantially or partially rigid, or may be a combination of one or more rigid materials or components and one or more flexible materials or components.
The device may include an adjustable connection feature, such as one or more straps. A user may use the straps to adjust the fit of the device, or to secure the device to themselves.
When the protective equipment, such as an umbrella, is connected to the device, it may be worn and may be supported by the device, including in an open configuration. It may be supported in the open configuration without the need of a user additionally holding it in place, such as through the use of one or more hands.
The device may include a first retention feature which may be configured to receive at least a portion of the umbrella. It may further be configured to receive at least a portion of the handle of an umbrella, such as to aid in retaining the umbrella in position or resisting the umbrella falling from the device.
This first retention feature may be a tube, which may have an opening on at least one end. The tube may be substantially flush or even with the backing plate or back surface of the wearable support member, or the tube may extend at least partially through the wearable support member. In some embodiments, the tube may be at least partially offset from at least a portion of the wearable support member, such as through the use of an extension member.
In other embodiments, the first retention feature may be a pocket. This pocket may be at least partially flexible, and may, optionally, be made of fabric. In some other embodiments, the first retention feature may be made of an elastic material, may be at least partially elastic, or may include one or more elastic components.
The device may include a secondary retention feature, such as, optionally, one configured to receive at least a portion of the pole of an umbrella. This secondary retention feature may be a clip, which may be opened to receive the portion of the pole, or may have one or more flexible arms or other features configured to flex for connection of the pole or removal of the pole from the clip.
In other embodiments, the secondary retention feature may be flexible, or made at least partially of an at least partially flexible material, such as a fabric of a hook and loop fastener system, such as Velcro. At least a portion of the hook and loop fastener system may be passed at least partially around a portion of the pole, thereby aiding in retention of the umbrella.
In one method of use, a user may connect an umbrella to the device. The user may wear the device. In some methods, the umbrella may be connected to the device before the user puts the device on, while in other methods the user may first put the device on and then connect the umbrella to the device.
The umbrella may be fully open or deployed, or may be only partially open or deployed, such as to provide access to at least a portion of the pole of the umbrella, when the umbrella is connected to the device. In other methods, the umbrella may be fully closed when connected to the device.
The disclosure relates to a hands-free carrying device for protective equipment, such as an umbrella, and may include an adjustable feature, such as adjustable straps. Any number of components or features may be used in conjunction with and incorporated into the hands-free carrying device described. Various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, may be used for the described components and features.
It is to be understood that the above mentioned features and the features yet to be explained hereinafter can be used not only in the respectively mentioned combinations but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the context of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now disclosed in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 shows a front top left isometric view of an embodiment of a hands-free umbrella holster of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a rear top right isometric view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 shows a right side view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a left side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 shows a front top left isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a hands-free umbrella holster of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a rear top right isometric view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 13 shows a right side view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 14 shows a left side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 15 shows a front top right isometric view of another embodiment of a hands-free umbrella holster of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a rear top right isometric view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 shows a front view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 18 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 19 shows a top view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 20 shows a right side view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 21 shows a left side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 22 shows a front top left isometric view of another alternate embodiment of a hands-free umbrella holster of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 shows a rear top right isometric view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 shows a front view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 25 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 26 shows a top view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 27 shows a right side view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 22 ; and

FIG. 28 shows a left side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hands-free umbrella holster of FIG. 22 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the Figures and are explained in the following description in more detail, wherein identical reference numbers refer to identical, or similar, or functionally identical or similar components.
Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features or those previously described are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.
Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention, however the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation. In some instances, structures and devices may be shown in block diagram or flow chart form in order to facilitate describing the disclosed subject matter.
An embodiment of a hands-free carrying device 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-7 . The device 100, which is also referred to as a “holster” herein, may be used for carrying a variety of different types of objects, so as to enable a user to wear the device 100 and carry the object without needing to use their hands to aid in carrying the object. In some embodiments, the holster 100 is configured to aid in the carrying of an umbrella. It should be understood that other types of objects or tools could also be carried by a user wearing the holster 100, or could be at least partially retained or supported by the holster 100, without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the holster 100 is intended for supporting and aiding in the carrying of any object wherein a user would benefit from being able to carry the object without the need of support from the user's hands, thus freeing the user's hands for other tasks. In further embodiments, the holster 100 may be configured to retain or at least partially support items or tools which may aid in protection of a user, whether from impacts or from the elements, such as a protective covering above the user. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures of this specification, the holster 100 is configured to retain or support one or more umbrellas, among other potential objects. While this disclosure will discuss the holster 100 in regards to use of the holster 100 with an umbrella, one skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure may equally apply to other functionally similar items, to other items with functionally similar needs for support or retention, to other items which would functionally similarly benefit from support or retention by the holster 100, freeing a wearer's hands for other purposes or reducing fatigue in a user's hands, or for a plurality of items, in a variety of different potential locations on the holster 100.
As shown, the holster may include a back plate 130. The back plate 130 is shown as being configured to rest against or proximal to a user's back, but it should be understood that the functional role of the back plate 130 could be located in other locations, such as at a shoulder or at least partially across the chest or pectoral area of a user. In some embodiments, a user may prefer to have an umbrella handle, or the control portion of an umbrella, enabling deploying or closing of the umbrella, in a more visible location or more easily accessible location for a user, such as in front of the user. Thought the embodiment shown depicts the back plate 130 along a user's back, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the descriptive term of “back plate” 130 is used for ease of illustration, and the back plate 130 does not need to be on the back of a user in all embodiments.
The back plate 130 may be made of a rigid or partially rigid material, such as a plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum or other metal, a hybrid material, or other materials known in the art or which may functionally enable the support of an umbrella or an umbrella support feature 150. In other embodiments, the back plate 130 may be at least partially soft or flexible, such as where the back plate is substantially or entirely made of fabric or hybrid materials, without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure.
The back plate 130 may optionally be at least partially covered in a secondary material, such as a fabric coating or a rubberized coating, to protect the back plate 130 from wear, or to soften any contact which a user or other objects or items may have with the back plate 130. In some embodiments, the back plate 130 may further include an at least partially padded material or feature at least partially along an inside surface 135 of the back plate 130, such as where the back plate 130 may come into repeated contact with a user.
In the embodiment shown, the back plate 130 includes an elastic section 150. The elastic section 150 may create a pocket configured to receive at least a portion of an umbrella, such as the handle. The elastic section 150 is described as such herein for ease of language, though it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the elastic section 150 may only partially exhibit elastic properties, such as where an area proximal to the opening of the elastic section 150 has an elastic component built in or sewn in, thus aiding in retention of the umbrella, while the remainder of the elastic section 150 might optionally not be elastic. The elastic section 150 may have no elastic properties whatsoever, retaining the umbrella largely through the use of the umbrella's own weight or the shape of the handle of the umbrella, creating resistance to falling out from the elastic section 150. The elastic section 150 may also, in other embodiments, optionally be made of a hybrid material or be made of a plurality of components or materials, wherein some areas or features may be elastic and other may not. The elastic section 150 may also, optionally, in some embodiments, include a tightening feature, such as a sewn in string, for tightening a portion of the elastic section 150, such as the opening.
The elastic section 150 may be located substantially near the middle of the back plate 130, relative to the height of the back plate 130. It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the elastic section 150 may be at least partially located lower along the back plate 130, such as for use with taller umbrellas or where lower support or loading is otherwise desirable. In other embodiments, the elastic section 150 may be located higher relative to the height of the back plate 130, such as for use with shorter umbrellas or where higher support or loading is otherwise desirable. The back plate 130 may, similarly, include more than one elastic section 150, such as to allow for multiple umbrellas or other items to be carried, such as an umbrella and an over-the-shoulder flashlight, or to allow for different elastic sections 150 or pockets to be used for different size umbrellas. Similarly, other embodiments may have an elastic section 150 with multiple elastic features at different heights, enable different lengths of umbrella to be retained at different depths within the elastic section 150.
In the embodiment shown, the back plate 130 includes a hook and loop closure system feature 140, 145. Such systems are commonly referred to by the brand name “Velcro”™, and this type of feature will be referred to herein, for ease of communication, by the term “Velcro”, whether capitalized or entirely lowercase. As shown, a short Velcro section 145 may be at least partially connected to the back plate 130. This section of Velcro 145 is herein referred to as “short”, and the complementary section of Velcro 140 is referred to as “long” for ease of use, but it should be understood that either section may be longer than the other, may be equal lengths, may be wider than the other, may be equal widths, may be substantially the same shape, or may be substantially different shapes or footprints, without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure.
A handle of an umbrella may be at least partially retained by the elastic section 150 of the holster 100. A portion of the handle, or a portion of the pole of the umbrella, may rest against or proximal to the back plate, and may be at or proximal to the short Velcro 145 and the long Velcro 140. The long Velcro 140 may be wrapped at least partially around the pole or other feature of the umbrella, including, optionally, more than once, and then pressed at least partially against the short Velcro 145, thus aiding in retaining the umbrella at least partially against the back plate 130 and aiding in retaining the umbrella at a desire angle, such as substantially vertically. It should be understood that the elastic section 150 may have one or more openings, including an optional opening at the bottom of the elastic section 150. In some embodiments, the handle of the umbrella may rest at least partially within a pocket of the elastic section 150, while in other embodiments the elastic section may be open at the bottom too, allowing for different lengths of umbrellas and umbrella handles to be used, with the elasticity of the elastic section 150 being what at least partially retains the handle of the umbrella in relative position to the back plate 130.
The holster 100 may include one or more means to aid in supporting or connecting the holster 100 to a user. In the embodiment shown, the holster 100 includes straps 110, 115, 120. There may be a plurality of straps 110, 115, 120 or there may be just a single strap 110 or other means of connection or support to a user, such as in embodiments which may optionally have a single strap that goes across a wearer's chest, such as diagonally, such as seen on items commonly known as messenger bags.
One or more of the straps 110, 115, 120 may optionally include additional connection or support features, such as optional pockets, rings, clips, bandoliers, or other means of connecting items such as flashlights, water bottles, or other items which may also be desirable to be carried by an individual, such as an outdoor laborer, road worker, security guard, police officer, or construction worker, who may wish to attach tools to their holster 100 while also protecting themselves and, optionally, their tools from the rain. Such connection features may also, additionally or optionally, be located on the back plate 130.
The holster 100 may include one or more should straps 110. The should straps 110 may rest at least partially along a shoulder of a wearer, or may rest across the wearer's chest, or may rest along a chest and proximal to a shoulder. These shoulder straps 110 may be similar to those commonly seen of professional or consumer backpacks or messenger backs, or similar items. The shoulder straps 110 may include an underside 111 which may optionally be padded, such as to reduce abrasion or fatigue of a user due to weight of the holster 100 or due to micromotion of the holster 100 against a wearer. Optional padding may be a feature of the material selected for the shoulder straps 110, may be a feature of a component of the shoulder straps 110, or may be a separate component which may optionally be attached to the shoulder straps 110, such as padding commonly seen as removably attachable to weighted exercise vests, particularly around the shoulder area.
The outside shoulder strap surface 112 may optionally include connection features, as described above, as well as other features, such as reflective features or illuminating features to aid in the safety and visibility of a wearer.
One or more of the shoulder straps 110 may include an adjustable back strap 115, which, in combination with a shoulder strap extra length 116, may be used to adjust the length, sizing, and position of the shoulder strap 110. This may optionally be done by running a portion of the shoulder strap adjustable back strap 115 through a shoulder strap adjustment buckle 117, though other means known in the art, or no means at all, may be used or employed without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure. The holster 100 may further, additionally, or alternatively, include one or more chest straps 120, which may further optionally include one or more chest strap buckles 125. Retention of the shoulder straps 110 may be adjusted, relative to each other or relative to a wearer's chest, through the use of the chest straps 120. By means of the use of the straps 110, 115, 120 a “one size fits all” design may be employed, wherein a single product may be configurable to fit a range of different sizes of wearers, whether all or simply more than one.
In the embodiment shown, a user may put at least a portion of the handle of an umbrella into the elastic section 150 of the holster 100, then use the Velcro 140, 145 to aid in holding the pole in place. The umbrella may be put in in a deployed or undeployed configuration. Shorter umbrellas would need to be open when placed in the holster 100, so that the Velcro 140, 145 can access the pole. Longer umbrellas, or umbrella which do not fully cover the pole when closed, could optionally be put in the holster 100 in an undeployed configuration and opened as needed. A user could put the holster 100 onto themselves with the umbrella already attached to the holster 100, adjusting the holster 100 and cinching it into place by means of the straps 110, 115, 120. In other methods of use, a user could put the holster 100 on first, and then could put the umbrella into the elastic section 150 and retain the umbrella in place using the Velcro 140, 145. This method would be easiest when the back plate 130 is actually located in front of the user, but could be performed along the back as well. In another optional method of use, a user could have someone else put the the umbrella into the holster 100 after the holster 100 is on, such as where the holster is a road safety jacket or other vest, such as for high visibility, with a built in umbrella retention features such as the elastic section 150, and an umbrella is only placed in it 150 when needed. In another method of use, an undeployed umbrella may be placed in the holster 100, and then a user may reach a deployment feature and open to umbrella only when needed.
The holster 100 may come in a range of sizes. In one embodiment, the back plate 130 may be 15″ tall, though the back plate may also be taller or shorter without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure. Similarly, the elastic region 150 may be 7.5″ tall, or may be taller or shorter. The Velcro 140, 145 may be various widths, such as 0.5″ wide, wider, or less wide. The short Velcro 145 may be 1″ long and the long Velcro may be 5.5″ long, or either may be longer or shorter than these lengths, or each other.
Another embodiment of the holster 200 is shown in FIGS. 8-14 . In this embodiment, the holster 200 includes a back plate 230 which may be substantially or partially rigid, or may be substantially or partially flexible. The back plate 230 may further, optionally, include a fabric pocket 250. The fabric pocket 250 may further define an opening 255 configured to receive at least part of an umbrella, such as at least part of the handle. The handle, or a portion of it, may be inserted at least partially through the opening 255 and at least partially into the pocket 250. The fabric pocket 250 may include a bottom 257, against which the bottom of the umbrella handle may optionally rest when the umbrella is inserted at least partially into the pocket 250. Various wall thicknesses 258 of the pocket 250 may be used, depending on strength that may be desired, as well as flexibility. In one embodiment, the wall thickness 258 may be 0.1″, though thicker or thinner walls may also be used without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure. It should also be understand by one skilled in the art that the pocket 250 might optionally be made of something other than fabric, and may optionally be flexible or may optionally be at least partially rigid, or may be a hybrid with flexible and rigid portions or sections, so long as functionally of receiving at least a portion of an umbrella is maintained.
The holster 200 may also include an optional clip 245. The clip 245 may be configured to receive at least a portion of an umbrella pole, or a feature of a similar item or other desirable instrument. The clip 245 may aid in retaining the umbrella in position as well as in a desired orientation, such as substantially vertically, and may aid in maintaining the umbrella in place as a user goes through an anticipated range of motions and positions.
In one embodiment, an umbrella handle may be at least partially inserted into the opening 255 of a pocket 250. The umbrella pole may then be clipped into place to the clip 245, such as by deflection of one or more clip arms 246. The umbrella may optionally then be slide down to fully seat against the bottom 257 of the pocket 250, or may already have been in position. In another method of use, the umbrella could first be clipped into place in the clip 245 and then be slid at least partially into the picket 250. In an alternative method of use, an undeployed umbrella may be inserted at least partially into the pocket 250, which may further optionally include elastic features or securement means. When and if the umbrella is opened, the pole may then be clipped into the clip 245 so as to aid in retaining the umbrella in position during more strenuous situations, such as against wind which typically affects an open umbrella. The embodiment of FIGS. 8-14 may also be used wherein a user may wish to place the umbrella in to pocket 250 after putting the vest 200 on.
In the embodiment shown, the back plate 230 may be 15″ tall, or may be shorter or taller. The pocket 250 may be 6.5″ tall, or may be shorter or taller. The pocket 250 may vary in width, or may be a single continuous width. In the embodiment shown, the top of the pocket 250 is 3.25″ wide, the bottom is 2.25″ wide, and the pocket 250 extends out from the back plate 230 to 1.5″, though all of these dimensions may be larger or smaller without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure.
FIGS. 15-21 show an alternative embodiment of the holster 300. In this embodiment, the holster 300 includes an optional substantially rigid back plate 330. The back plate 330 contacts a substantially larger area of the wearer's back, optionally, than in the previous illustrated embodiments, though it could also contact the same amount or less. The back plate 330 may be made entirely of plastic, aluminium or another metal, carbon fiber, or any other material known in the art which offers adequate rigidity to support an umbrella. The inside surface 335 of the back plate 330 may include optional padding, surfacing, or other features to reduce repetitive or prolonged irritation with a wearer's back.
If a rigid material, such as plastic, is used for the back plate 330, or any material is used which may not lend itself easily to sewing on straps 310, 315 to the back plate 330, or attaching them through other means such as welding, soldering, bolting, screwing, riveting, and other means known in the art, then the back plate 330 may optionally include one or more slots or slits 360, 365. In the embodiment shown, the back plate 330 include upper slits 360 and lower slits 365, though fewer slits could be used, or more slits could be used. If soft or otherwise flexible straps 310, 315 are being used, such as fabric straps 310, 315, a portion of the straps 310, 315 may be passed through one or more of the slits 360, 365 in order to connect the straps 310, 315 to the back plate 330.
The holster 300 may optionally include a tube 350, which may optionally be connected to the back plate 330. The tube 350 may be configured to receive at least a portion of an umbrella, such as the handle, through an opening 355. The umbrella may optionally be inserted into the tube 350 until it contacts the bottom 357 of the tube 350. The tube wall 358 may be any thickness which is deemed adequate to aid in supporting an umbrella or other item. The tube 350 may be 2.2″ in diameter, but it may also be greater or lesser than this diameter. The back plate 330 and the tube 350 may be 20″ tall, or may be more or less than this height, and the back plate 330 may be 14.65″ wide, or may be more or less than this width, without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure.
In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of the tube 350 is offset from at least a portion of the back plate 330 by means of an extension arm 352. The extension arm 352 may allow for the umbrella to be at a desired distance from the back of a wearer head or otherwise offset back or to the side, such as to avoid hitting the back of a helmet worn by a wearer.
In one method of use, a wearer may put the holster 300 on, and simply slide in an umbrella when needed, as needed, whether in an open or close configuration.
An alternate embodiment of the holster 400 is shown in FIGS. 22-28 . In the embodiment shown, the tube 450 is not offset in its entirety from the back plate 430. The tube 450 may be aligned with the back plate 430 or, as shown, may extend at least partially through the back plate 430, relative to the wearer. An outer wall proximal side 453 may, optionally, be in contact with a wearer, directly or through a coating or padding material, such as against a wearer's back. In this embodiment, the umbrella may be able to sit closer to the back and to the head of a wearer, thus potentially offering improved protection for a wearer, such as covered more of the wearer with the footprint of an open umbrella. The open umbrella may have more of the footprint, when open, above a user, and less extending needlessly back behind the user.
It should be understood that elements of the above embodiments may be mixed and interchanged between the embodiments as may be desirable and without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure. Elements and features may also be considered optional and may be practiced in different numbers, quantities, and dimensions than those specified in the foregoing descriptions. Similarly, processes and methods of use may be combined, interchanged, foregone, or reordered for different embodiments or combinations of embodiments as may be desirable or beneficial.
While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, combinations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the claimed coverage.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A carrying device, comprising:

a protective equipment retention feature;

a wearable support member; and

an adjustable connection feature

wherein the protective equipment retention feature is configured to removably receive and retain a unit of protective equipment, the protective equipment retention feature is connected to the wearable support member, and the adjustable connection feature is configured to aid in adjustably securing the carrying device to a user, and further wherein, after the unit of protective equipment has been removably connected to the carrying device, the protective equipment retention feature is configured to support the unit of protective equipment without additional support from a hand of the user.

2. The carrying device according to claim 1, further wherein the unit of protective equipment is an umbrella.

3. The carrying device according to claim 2, further wherein the adjustable connection feature comprises at least one adjustable strap.

4. The carrying device according to claim 3, further wherein the wearable support member comprises an at least partially rigid plate.

5. The carrying device according to claim 3, further wherein the protective equipment retention feature is configured to receive at least a portion of the umbrella.

6. The carrying device according to claim 3, further wherein the protective equipment retention feature is configured to receive at least a portion of a handle of the umbrella.

7. The carrying device according to claim 6, further wherein the equipment retention feature is a tube.

8. The carrying device according to claim 7, further wherein the tube is offset away from a back side of the wearable support member relative to the user by means of an extension member.

9. The carrying device according to claim 6, further wherein the equipment retention feature is an at least partially flexible pocket.

10. The carrying device according to claim 9, further wherein the at least partially flexible pocket is made of fabric.

11. The carrying device according to claim 6, further wherein the equipment retention member is an at least partially elastic material.

12. The carrying device according to claim 6, further comprising a secondary retention feature.

13. The carrying device according to claim 12, further wherein the secondary retention feature is configured to receive at least a portion of a pole of the umbrella.

14. The carrying device according to claim 13, further wherein the secondary retention feature is a clip.

15. The carrying device according to claim 14, further the clip is at least partially deformable to aid in insertion and removal of the portion of a pole of the umbrella.

16. The carrying device according to claim 13, further wherein the secondary retention feature is a flexible fabric feature.

17. The carrying device according to claim 16, further wherein the flexible fabric feature comprises a hook and loop closure feature.

18. A method of using an umbrella, comprising:

connecting an umbrella to a carrying device; and

wearing the carrying device;

wherein the carrying device comprises a protective equipment support feature configured to removably receive the umbrella, and further wherein the carrying device further comprises at least one adjustable strap.

19. The method of using an umbrella according to claim 16, further wherein the umbrella is in an at least partially open configuration when the umbrella is removably connected to the carrying device.

20. The method of using an umbrella according to claim 16, further wherein the carrying device comprises a wearable support member, and further wherein the wearable support member is connected to the protective equipment support feature, and further wherein at least a portion of the protective equipment support feature is made of a flexible material.