At a glance
| Patent number | CN110916309B (application CN201911191577) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects product structure and function |
| Original title | Folding umbrella with storage cover (一种带有收纳套的折叠伞) |
| Patent owner | Fujian Youanna Umbrella Technology Co ltd; Strait Jinjiang Technology Innovation Center Co ltd |
| Inventors | Zhou Yingying, Duan Jingui, Xu Jinping |
| Filing date | 2019-11-28 |
| Grant date | 2024-12-31 |
| Status (China) | In force - valid until at most 2039-11-28, subject to payment of annual fees |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN110916309B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a folding umbrella comprising a telescopic umbrella rod, foldable ribs, a handle, and umbrella cloth. The core feature is a telescopic or prolonged device mounted on the handle. This device includes an upper mounting block and a lower mounting block. The upper block has a through-hole for the umbrella rod and slides on it. Two telescopic parts connect the upper and lower blocks. A cloth sleeve is arranged on the lower block, with its upper end capable of wrapping or exposing the telescopic parts and the upper block. A rotatable mounting part is situated between the telescopic parts and the upper mounting block.
Claim 2 specifies that the lower mounting block includes a draining device. This consists of a water collecting tank with a cavity for catching rainwater. The tank is detachably mounted on the lower block, which features permeable holes communicating with the tank’s cavity.
Claim 3 details the attachment method: the water collecting tank has a sliding block at its upper end, and the lower mounting block has a matching sliding groove for detachable installation.
Claim 4 adds a limiting device between the umbrella handle and the upper mounting block, specifically limiting convex rings at both ends of the handle to prevent separation.
Claim 5 identifies the telescopic parts as corrugated pipes fixed between the upper and lower mounting blocks.
Claim 6 defines the rotatable member as a damping rotating shaft, with one end in the corrugated pipe and the other in the upper mounting block.
Claim 7 describes a rope and rope buckle at the upper end of the cloth sleeve for tightening the opening.
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 or selling this specific configuration in China requires the owner’s permission. Since there are no US patents in this family, the design itself is not restricted by US patent law based solely on this document. However, umbrella mechanisms are widely patented globally.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. The field of folding umbrellas, particularly those with handles and storage features, has significant prior art and existing IP portfolios held by major manufacturers like Totes Isotoner, Hunter, and various Asian hardware companies. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is essential to ensure that the specific arrangement of the telescopic sleeve and drainage tank does not infringe on other active US patents regarding umbrella structures or handle attachments.
- Material Durability. The corrugated pipes and damping shaft must withstand repeated expansion and contraction without tearing or losing tension. Material selection impacts the lifespan and functionality of the telescopic mechanism.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Sleeve Fabric | Polyester, nylon, or waterproof coated fabrics; color and pattern options |
| Telescopic Tubes | Diameter and length of corrugated pipes; material flexibility (silicone vs. rubber) |
| Drain Tank | Capacity size; transparent vs. opaque plastic; snap-fit vs. slide-lock mechanism |
| Handle Integration | Ergonomic shape; button release for automatic sleeve deployment |
| Closure System | Drawstring type; magnetic snap; velcro alternative for quick access |
| Frame Compatibility | Adjusted rib count and rod thickness to match standard 8-rib or 10-rib frames |
Things to plan for (US market)
- Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA): If marketed to children under 12, strict limits on lead and phthalates apply to all materials, including plastics and coatings.
- California Proposition 65: Warning labels may be required if certain chemicals used in plastics or dyes exceed safe harbor levels.
- ASTM F2170: Standard specification for safety requirements for umbrellas, covering tip sharpness and structural integrity, though primarily focused on general safety.
- Labeling Requirements: Country of origin labeling (“Made in China”) and care instructions for the fabric sleeve.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define target price point, sleeve material preference, and quantity.
- Design - Create CAD models for the mounting blocks, corrugated pipes, and drain tank integration.
- Prototype - Produce samples to test the telescopic action, water flow efficiency, and seal integrity.
- Pilot Run - Small batch production to verify assembly line feasibility and quality control checks.
- Production - Injection molding for plastic parts, textile cutting/sewing for sleeves, and final assembly.
Quantities & timeline
The complex geometry of the mounting blocks and the dual-material construction (plastic + fabric) require multiple tooling sets. Injection molds for the blocks and tank, plus sewing templates for the sleeve, drive initial costs. Assembly involves manual or semi-automatic insertion of the dampening shafts. Send us your target quantities, material specs, and branding needs and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
