Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Wind-Resistant Folding Umbrella: Advanced Safety Design

Publication ID: 24-11857041_0001_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Wind-Resistant Folding Umbrella: Advanced Safety Design,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857041_0001_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857041_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,041.

Background and Problem Solved

The original special-shaped folding umbrella patent has limitations in terms of stability during strong winds, safety during accidental closures, and water resistance. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing a wind-resistant mechanism, shock-absorbing materials, and a water-repellent coating, making the umbrella more efficient, safer, and reliable.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention introduces a wind-resistant mechanism, shock-absorbing materials, and a water-repellent coating, which are not present in the original patent. The adjustable shaft length, modular design, and integrated drainage system also provide a non-obvious improvement over the original design.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include different materials for the shaft and ribs, varying designs for the wind-resistant mechanism, or different types of water-repellent coatings. Additionally, the modular design could be adapted for use in other types of umbrellas or outdoor gear.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The advanced special-shaped folding umbrella system has significant commercial potential in the outdoor gear and accessories market, particularly among consumers seeking high-quality, reliable, and efficient umbrellas. The invention's enhanced safety features and improved water resistance make it an attractive option for users in regions with high rainfall or strong winds.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A45 A45B19/10
A A45 A45B11/00
A A45 A45B25/18
A A45 A45B2011/005

Field of Art

Umbrella design and mechanical engineering, focusing on portable personal weather protection devices with collapsible mechanisms

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with expertise in folding mechanisms, materials science, and ergonomic design of portable protective equipment, familiar with umbrella manufacturing techniques and standard design optimization strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's fundamental umbrella design. The proposed modifications leverage standard engineering techniques and known materials to enhance functionality without requiring inventive complexity. The wind-resistant mechanism, shock absorption, and modular design represent logical extensions of existing umbrella technology that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to address common user experience limitations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Retractable shaft composed of inner, middle, and outer tubes
PTD Variation
Adjustable shaft length with integrated drainage system
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that modifying tube interfaces to include drainage channels represents a predictable solution to water management in collapsible structures, using known mechanical engineering principles
Source Patent Element
Spring-loaded connection mechanisms between ribs
PTD Variation
Spring-loaded runner mechanism to assist folding and unfolding
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing existing spring mechanisms to improve user interaction is a routine design optimization that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to reduce user effort in umbrella operation
Source Patent Element
Basic umbrella rib structure
PTD Variation
Shock-absorbing materials integrated into rib components
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating energy-absorbing materials into structural elements is a standard engineering approach to improving product safety and durability, representing a known technique in mechanical design
Source Patent Element
Fabric covering for umbrella canopy
PTD Variation
Water-repellent coating with waterproof sealing
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying advanced material treatments to improve water resistance is a predictable solution using commercially available coating technologies, well within a PHOSITA's capabilities
Source Patent Element
Fixed umbrella configuration
PTD Variation
Modular design with interchangeable components
Obviousness Reasoning
Creating customizable product platforms is a standard design strategy that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to increase product versatility and market appeal
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857041 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious, as they represent predictable combinations of known techniques and standard engineering solutions that do not rise to the level of inventive conceptualization required for patentability under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,041
TitleSpecial-shaped folding umbrella