Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Multi-Purpose Adaptive Folding Umbrella Technology

Publication ID: 24-11857041_0002_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Multi-Purpose Adaptive Folding Umbrella Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857041_0002_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857041_0002_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 primarily focused on individual user applications. However, its core technology has untapped potential in other fields. This invention addresses the limitations of the original patent by exploring new applications and use cases, such as agricultural settings, disaster relief situations, recreational vehicles, school settings, and pop-up event spaces.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the special-shaped folding umbrella, demonstrating an inventive step beyond the original patent's individual user focus. The adaptations for agricultural, disaster relief, recreational vehicle, school, and event space settings showcase the umbrella's versatility and innovative potential.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include modifications to the umbrella's materials, colors, or sizes to suit specific industries or use cases. Variations could also involve integrating the umbrella with other technologies, such as solar panels or sensors, to enhance its functionality and value.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The special-shaped folding umbrella has vast commercial potential across multiple industries, including agriculture, disaster relief, recreational vehicles, education, and events. Target markets may include companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions for outdoor shading, UV protection, and temporary structures.

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 portable shelter technologies, encompassing mechanical engineering, textile design, and portable structural systems with a focus on collapsible and adaptable shade structures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with expertise in portable shelter technologies, familiar with umbrella mechanisms, materials science, and adaptive structural design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the source patent's fundamental umbrella design as a versatile platform for industry-specific adaptations. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the base umbrella technology, applying known design principles to specialized contexts. The core mechanical structure remains consistent, with modifications primarily involving material selection, contextual deployment, and minor structural adaptations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Retractable shaft with inner, middle, and outer tubes from source patent claim 4
PTD Variation
Agricultural greenhouse umbrella with plant-accommodating rib design
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to adapt the existing retractable mechanism for specialized agricultural environments, as the fundamental structural principles remain unchanged
Source Patent Element
Elastic deformable cylindrical ribs from source patent claims 2 and 3
PTD Variation
Recreational vehicle umbrella designed to withstand wind and weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying existing elastic rib technology for enhanced durability represents a predictable design optimization within the known technical capabilities of umbrella systems
Source Patent Element
Fabric canopy with central shaft configuration
PTD Variation
UV-blocking fabric treatment for school outdoor settings
Obviousness Reasoning
Material modification to enhance functional properties is a standard design approach that a PHOSITA would consider an obvious enhancement to existing umbrella technology
Source Patent Element
Umbrella with head and cap configuration
PTD Variation
Disaster relief umbrella with cap serving as storage compartment
Obviousness Reasoning
Repurposing existing structural elements for additional utility represents a predictable design variation within the known problem-solving approach of portable shelter technologies
Source Patent Element
Radially extended rib structure
PTD Variation
Interconnected umbrella system for creating pop-up event spaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining multiple umbrellas with standardized shaft connections is an obvious extension of existing modular design principles in portable shelter technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857041, the disclosed technical variations represent obvious modifications to existing umbrella technologies that would be readily conceived by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The proposed adaptations constitute predictable variations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thus rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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