At a glance
| Patent number | CN108464595B (application CN201810416276) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product method and structure |
| Original title | A portable dewaterable folding umbrella with automatic water collecting cup (一种便携式可脱水折叠伞自动集水杯) |
| Patent owner | Zhejiang Sci-Tech University |
| Inventors | Jia Jiangming, Cui Zhijun, Lu Yujun |
| Filing date | 2018-05-03 |
| Grant date | 2024-03-19 |
| Status (China) | In force - valid until at most 2038-05-03, provided annual maintenance fees are paid |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN108464595B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines the core apparatus: a water cup body housing a folding umbrella. The cup has three assemblies: lid, body, and seat. Key structural elements include:
- A lid with an embedded annular iron sheet and a first conical plate containing multiple 1mm through-holes for ventilation.
- A body with a cylindrical groove for the umbrella, featuring a second conical plate at the top and a wringing device below it. The wringing device consists of a ring with evenly distributed hemispherical balls that squeeze the umbrella fabric.
- A drain mechanism at the bottom of the groove involving a first conical through-hole, a sealing ring, a spring, and a sealing ball. The ball blocks the hole when the device is inverted.
- A seat at the bottom with four magnet sheets arranged centrally symmetrically.
Claim 2 specifies that two support rods are arranged in a crossing, perpendicular manner at the bottom of the cylindrical groove to stabilize the umbrella.
Claim 3 onward details specific geometric relationships, such as the diameters of the conical plates being smaller at the bottom than the top to guide flow, and the shape of the wringing balls (cylindrical middle, hemispherical ends).
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force. Making, using, selling, or importing products that fall strictly within the claims of this patent within China would require permission from the patent owner (Zhejiang Sci-Tech University). However, since there are no corresponding US patents, the specific combination of features described here does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States based on this document alone.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Umbrella accessories and drainage systems are a competitive field. While this specific “spring-ball seal + wringing ring” combination appears novel in this filing, you should conduct a freedom-to-operate (FTO) review to ensure no existing US patents cover similar mechanical water-squeezing mechanisms or magnetic storage bases.
- Material Safety. The device involves moving parts (springs, balls) and potential contact with water. Material choices must be compatible with long-term exposure to moisture without degrading or causing odors.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Adjusted to fit various folding umbrella lengths and handle diameters. |
| Materials | PP/ABS plastics for the body; Silicone for seals; Stainless steel for springs and magnets. |
| Colors | Full Pantone matching for the outer shell and lid. |
| Branding | Logo printing or embossing on the cup body and lid. |
| Magnet Strength | Adjusted based on intended mounting surface (car interior vs. locker). |
| Ventilation | Number and size of holes can be tweaked for different climate zones. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- CPSC Regulations: If marketed to children, strict small-parts rules apply. For general adult use, ensure the device is durable and does not shatter into sharp pieces.
- California Prop 65: Plastics and metals used in consumer goods must be screened for lead, cadmium, and phthalates.
- FDA Compliance: If the water collected is ever considered “potable” (unlikely, but possible if misused), food-grade materials are required. Standard industrial grade is sufficient for rainwater containment.
- UL/Electrical: Not applicable as this is a passive mechanical device.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define target umbrella sizes, material preferences, and quantity.
- Design - CAD modeling of the conical plates, wringing ring tolerances, and spring strength.
- Prototype - 3D printed or CNC machined samples to test the “wringing” effect and seal integrity.
- Pilot Run - Injection molding tools created; assembly of magnets, springs, and balls.
- Production - Mass manufacturing, quality control checks on seal tightness and ventilation.
Quantities & timeline
Injection molds are required for the lid, body, and seat components. Precision tooling is needed for the small spherical balls and the conical plates to ensure proper water flow and sealing. Assembly requires manual or semi-automatic insertion of springs and magnets. Certification testing for material safety takes additional time. Send us your target umbrella dimensions, material specs, branding needs, estimated quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
