At a glance
| Patent number | CN212545964U (application CN202020676564) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | Umbrella stabilizer (一种伞稳定器) |
| Patent owner | The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (中南大学湘雅二医院) |
| Inventors | He Miao, Gao Shuguang, Zhang Hainan, Wang Chunyu, Hu Zhiping |
| Priority date | 2019-12-27 (Chinese application CN201922406857) |
| Filing date | 2020-04-28 |
| Grant date | 2021-02-19 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (recorded 2024-05-07) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 1 later document |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN212545964U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - an umbrella stabilizer with a body worn on the user’s upper limb, an umbrella connector that holds the umbrella handle, and an anti-shake device between them that prevents the umbrella handle from shaking while the umbrella is held.
Claims 2-5 - the body has a track around the arm on which the anti-shake device slides (claim 2); locks fix it on the track (claim 3) - a first lock on the inner side of the arm for open use and a second on the back of the arm for the closed umbrella (claim 4); the first lock is a metal catch with a push button, the second a buckle strap (claim 5). Claims 6-7 - the connector has a mounting plate, a handle clip and shaft straps, with their slots aligned. Claims 8-10 - an adjustable wrist strap (claim 8), elastic with buckles (claim 9), and an endless palm loop (claim 10).
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 it lapsed for non-payment of annual fees (recorded in 2024). It no longer restricts anyone - in China or elsewhere.
Before production, keep in mind:
- Other patents may exist. Hands-free umbrella holders and anti-tremor aids are sold by several brands. Use your own styling and have a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search done by a US patent attorney before volume production.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Straps | Sizes for different wrists and hands; elastic or hook-and-loop |
| Anti-shake link | Spring, elastomer or damper design - to be developed and tested |
| Locks | One-hand push button; large buttons for limited dexterity |
| Umbrella | Holder alone, or a set with a matched light umbrella |
| Materials & colors | Soft-touch plastics, washable fabric straps, brand colors |
| Packaging | Retail box with picture instructions |
Things to plan for (US market)
- Regulatory route - sold as a general umbrella holder, it is a consumer product. Marketed for a medical condition such as Parkinson’s tremor, it is likely a medical device in the US: the brand owner must confirm the FDA classification, register and list the device, and support any health claims. Many assistive aids are low-risk Class I devices, but this must be checked for the final claims.
- Factory registration - a factory making a medical device for the US must register with the FDA.
- Usability - test with the intended users: putting it on with one hand, button force, release in strong wind.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - target users, market positioning (consumer or medical) and quantity.
- Design - strap sizes, anti-shake link, locks, umbrella pairing.
- Prototype - samples for user trials, wind and durability tests.
- Pilot run - small batch to check sewing, molding and assembly.
- Production - volume production, packaging and shipping.
Quantities & timeline
The holder is molded plastic parts, a spring link and sewn straps; tooling is modest. Send us your target users, positioning, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
