US 8104492

US patent 8104492, titled "Adjustable offset umbrella," was filed on May 5, 2009, and issued on January 31, 2012. The inventor is Wu Wei Dan. The original assignee was Southern Sales and Marketing Group Inc, and the current assignee is ATLEISURE LLC.

Abstract:
The patent describes an adjustable offset umbrella featuring a vertical main pole with a sliding member. This sliding member, which includes a locking mechanism, can be moved along the main pole to a desired location. An arm connects the sliding member to an umbrella canopy, extending radially from the canopy's central region. A winding mechanism, mounted to and moving with the sliding member, uses a line that extends along the arm to the canopy. Operating this winding mechanism opens and closes the umbrella canopy by tensioning or relaxing the line. The angle of the umbrella canopy relative to the main pole can be adjusted by moving the sliding member up or down the main pole.

Independent Claims Overview:

Claim 1:
This claim defines an umbrella comprising:

• A main pole that stands generally upward from a support surface.
• A sliding member connected to the main pole, which can be moved up and down the pole to various positions.
• A locking mechanism to secure the sliding member at a chosen position on the main pole.
• An umbrella canopy with a central area.
• An arm that extends outward from the canopy's central area, with its outer end connected to the sliding member.
• A brace with one end pivotably attached to an upper part of the main pole (above the sliding member) and the other end pivotably attached to the arm.
• A winding mechanism, including a hub, mounted on and moving with the sliding member.
• A line, with one end wrapped around the winding hub, an intermediate part running along the arm to the canopy, and a second end engaging the canopy.

The claim specifies that rotating the winding hub tensions or relaxes the line to open or close the canopy. Additionally, moving the sliding member along the main pole controls the angle of the umbrella canopy relative to the main pole.

As of April 26, 2026, a search for "CAFC dockets US8104492B2 2026" did not yield any specific dockets for this patent number within the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The provided patent information indicates various litigation cases in District Courts and PTAB proceedings, but not specifically the CAFC for 2026.