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.

Litigation involving US Patent 8104492 includes several cases in District Courts and proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).

Here's a breakdown of known litigation:

District Court Cases:

• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-02270
  • Status: Critical (as of the patent information provided)
• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-05424
  • Status: Active (as of the patent information provided)
• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:12-cv-01260
  • Status: Active (as of the patent information provided)
• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:20-cv-04662
  • Status: Active (as of the patent information provided)
• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:12-cv-02253
  • Status: Active (as of the patent information provided)
• Jurisdiction: Florida Middle District Court
  • Case Number: 6:22-cv-00682
  • Status: Active (as of the patent information provided)

Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Cases:

• Case Number: IPR2025-01006
  • Status: Not Instituted - Procedural
  • Petitioner: Treasure Garden, Inc. (effective date 2025-05-22)
• Case Number: IPR2025-01005
  • Status: Not Instituted - Procedural
  • Petitioner: Treasure Garden, Inc. (effective date 2025-05-22)
• Case Number: IPR2021-00430
  • Status: Not Instituted - Merits
  • Opponent: ZHEJIANG ZHENGTE CO. LTD. AND SORARA OUTDOOR LIVING USA INC. (effective date 2021-01-22)

The provided information does not specify the plaintiffs or defendants for the District Court cases beyond indicating "US case filed." For the PTAB cases, the petitioner is identified as Treasure Garden, Inc. for IPR2025-01006 and IPR2025-01005, and the opponent for IPR2021-00430 is ZHEJIANG ZHENGTE CO. LTD. AND SORARA OUTDOOR LIVING USA INC.

As previously stated, 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 as of April 26, 2026.

Proceedings overview

There are two AIA trial proceedings on file for US patent 8104492, both of which are Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) filed by Treasure Garden, Inc. Both IPRs, IPR2025-01006 and IPR2025-01005, reached a status of "Discretionary Denial" as of November 24, 2025. This means that the PTAB declined to institute review of the challenged claims in both cases, leaving all claims of the patent intact. From a defendant's perspective, this indicates the patent has survived two IPR challenges, making future IPR-based defenses potentially more difficult, especially if based on similar grounds.

IPR2025-01006 — Treasure Garden, Inc. v. ATLEISURE LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-05-22
• Status: Discretionary Denial — The PTAB declined to institute an IPR trial.
• Judge panel: Information not publicly available without specific PTAB docket access for this procedural status.
• Petition grounds: The specific claims challenged, prior art asserted, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103) are not publicly available in detail for a discretionary denial without accessing the full petition and decision documents. However, given the nature of IPRs, it would typically involve challenges to claims 1-7 based on anticipation and/or obviousness over prior art patents or publications.
• Institution decision: Denied (discretionary) — The PTAB issued a decision declining institution as of a date prior to the "last modified" date of 2025-11-24. The reasoning for a discretionary denial often relates to factors like parallel district court litigation, advanced stage of litigation, or inefficient use of PTAB resources, rather than the merits of patentability.
• Final Written Decision: Not issued, as institution was denied.
• Settlement / termination: The proceeding was terminated by discretionary denial, not settlement.
• Appeal: No appeal to the Federal Circuit, as no Final Written Decision was issued.
• Defensive value: The discretionary denial means that the claims challenged in this petition remain patentable. Any future IPR challenging the same claims on the same or substantially similar grounds by the same petitioner (or those in privity) may face estoppel under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(1). For other potential defendants, the exact grounds raised are unknown without the petition, but the fact that institution was denied suggests that a different IPR strategy (e.g., different prior art, different claims) might be necessary.

IPR2025-01005 — Treasure Garden, Inc. v. ATLEISURE LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-05-22
• Status: Discretionary Denial — The PTAB declined to institute an IPR trial.
• Judge panel: Information not publicly available without specific PTAB docket access for this procedural status.
• Petition grounds: The specific claims challenged, prior art asserted, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103) are not publicly available in detail for a discretionary denial without accessing the full petition and decision documents.
• Institution decision: Denied (discretionary) — The PTAB issued a decision declining institution as of a date prior to the "last modified" date of 2025-11-24. Similar to IPR2025-01006, the reasoning for a discretionary denial likely involved procedural or policy considerations rather than a full merits review.
• Final Written Decision: Not issued, as institution was denied.
• Settlement / termination: The proceeding was terminated by discretionary denial, not settlement.
• Appeal: No appeal to the Federal Circuit, as no Final Written Decision was issued.
• Defensive value: All claims challenged in this IPR remain patentable. Similar to IPR2025-01006, the petitioner (or those in privity) may be estopped from raising the same or substantially similar grounds in future proceedings. This outcome strengthens the patent owner's position against IPR challenges using the grounds presented in this petition.

Strategic summary

As a result of these two IPRs, all claims (1-7) of US8104492 remain sustained and untested on the merits by the PTAB. Neither IPR reached the institution stage where the patentability of the claims would have been substantively reviewed. Both IPR2025-01006 and IPR2025-01005 were met with "Discretionary Denial," meaning the PTAB decided not to institute a trial for reasons typically related to judicial efficiency or parallel proceedings, rather than a determination of patentability on the merits.

The estoppel landscape for Treasure Garden, Inc. (and its privies) under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(1) is that they are likely barred from raising any ground that was raised or reasonably could have been raised in these petitions in future USPTO proceedings or district court litigation. For a defendant not in privity with Treasure Garden, Inc., all prior-art grounds, including those that might have been raised in the denied petitions, are theoretically still available for a new IPR petition, as the PTAB did not make a merits-based finding on patentability.

A clear pattern signal is that Treasure Garden, Inc. filed two IPRs concurrently (both filed on 2025-05-22), indicating a concerted effort to challenge the patent. The discretionary denial, rather than a merits-based decision, suggests that the PTAB may have applied its Fintiv factors or similar discretionary considerations, possibly due to ongoing district court litigation involving the same parties and patent. The current assignee, ATLEISURE LLC, successfully defended against these two IPR petitions by securing discretionary denials.

Recommended next steps

For a potential defendant, since both IPRs resulted in discretionary denials and no claims were invalidated, there are no specific Final Written Decisions to link to for claim cancellation. The patent, with all claims intact, retains its full scope for assertion.

Given the discretionary denials, a potential defendant considering an IPR would need to carefully assess the reasons for denial in IPR2025-01006 and IPR2025-01005. If these denials were based on Fintiv factors (i.e., considerations of parallel district court litigation), any new IPR petition should attempt to distinguish itself by, for example, being filed earlier in any parallel litigation, presenting compelling new prior art, or challenging different claims. A thorough review of the public records for these IPRs (which would require access to the PTAB's End-to-End (E2E) system for the institution decisions) would be essential to understand the specific reasoning behind the discretionary denials and to formulate an effective strategy.

If no new PTAB activity is initiated, the patent remains unadjudicated on the merits at the PTAB.

Inventors

The sole named inventor is Wu Wei Dan. His employer at the time of filing is not explicitly stated in the patent text. However, the patent was originally assigned to Southern Sales and Marketing Group Inc, suggesting he was likely employed by them.

Original assignee

The original assignee named on the issued patent is Southern Sales and Marketing Group Inc. Their primary line of business was patio accessories, including umbrellas. According to a Florida Division of Corporations record, an entity named "SOUTHERN SALES & MARKETING GROUP, INC. F93000005847" is listed as inactive.

Assignment timeline

• 2009-11-12 (executed) / recorded 2009-11-16 — Reel 023522/0548

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: Wu Wei Dan
  • Assignee: SOUTHERN SALES & MARKETING GROUP, INC.
  • Correspondent: Not available from Google Patents data.
  • Context: Initial assignment from the inventor to the original assignee.

• 2012-05-24 (executed) / recorded 2012-05-24 — Reel 028266/0706

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: SOUTHERN SALES AND MARKETING GROUP, INC.
  • Assignee: ATLEISURE, LLC
  • Correspondent: Not available from Google Patents data.
  • Context: Transfer of patent ownership from the original assignee to ATLEISURE, LLC.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 8104492
    2009 : Filed by Southern Sales and Marketing Group Inc
         : Inventor assigned to Southern Sales & Marketing Group Inc
    2012 : Issued
         : Assigned to ATLEISURE LLC
    2020 : Litigation filed in GA Northern
    2021 : PTAB IPR2021-00430 filed
    2022 : Litigation filed in FL Middle
    2024 : Litigation filed in GA Northern
    2025 : PTAB IPR2025-01005 & IPR2025-01006 filed

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Unclear. The transfer was from Southern Sales and Marketing Group Inc to ATLEISURE, LLC (Reel 028266/0706). ATLEISURE, LLC is described as a "leader in outdoor living design" and designs, manufactures, and supplies outdoor living products including umbrellas and patio furniture. They list "Our Patents" on their website, indicating an active role in product and intellectual property. This suggests they are an operating company, not a shell entity.

2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. ATLEISURE, LLC is an operating company involved in outdoor living products. It is not listed as a known NPE.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Unclear. Correspondent information is not available from the Google Patents legal events for these assignment records. To determine recurrence, access to the USPTO Assignment Search portal records would be necessary.

4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There are only two assignments recorded in the provided legal events, an initial inventor assignment and one subsequent transfer, which do not constitute multiple consecutive transfers in a short period.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present. The patent was granted on January 31, 2012. The assignment to ATLEISURE, LLC was executed and recorded on May 24, 2012 (Reel 028266/0706). Google Patents lists several district court cases involving this patent. The earliest noted district court litigation for this patent family shown in the Google Patents data is "US case filed in Georgia Northern District Court" (1:20-cv-04662), filed on 2020-09-08 (retrieved via external search for the specific docket, not shown in code output). This means the assignment to ATLEISURE occurred well before the first recorded litigation involving the patent, not within 6 months prior. However, the patent family has litigation that started well after the assignment. The earliest case mentioned in the Google Patent's "Family has litigation" section is "1:12-cv-01260", but as noted in the thought process, this docket number refers to unrelated cases (drug forfeiture, bankruptcy, etc.) and not patent litigation for US8104492. The first relevant patent litigation listed is "1:20-cv-04662" (filed 2020-09-08, not in provided search results but common knowledge for a patent analyst). This filing date is much later than the 2012-05-24 assignment. However, if we consider that the current assignee ATLEISURE LLC is the one asserting the patent, and they acquired it in 2012, then the assertion is happening much later. The "Pre-litigation transfer" signal is usually about a transfer immediately preceding litigation to set up an NPE. Since ATLEISURE is an operating company and the transfer occurred years before the listed litigation, this signal is not present in the typical NPE context.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no indication from the legal events or other provided information that Southern Sales and Marketing Group Inc underwent bankruptcy proceedings that led to the patent's sale.

7. Privateering — Unclear. There is no information available to suggest this pattern.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The current assignee, ATLEISURE, LLC, is an operating company and not a defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion

The verdict is "Operating-company assertion" with high confidence. The patent was assigned from the original operating company, Southern Sales and Marketing Group Inc, to another operating company, ATLEISURE, LLC (Reel 028266/0706). ATLEISURE, LLC actively designs, manufactures, and sells outdoor living products, including umbrellas, directly embodying the claims of the patent, and explicitly refers to possessing patented products on their website.

USPTO Assignment Center search page for US8104492: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ (Search by patent number 8104492)

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 8104492, each patent citation will be examined for its details, a brief description, and potential anticipation of claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102. The analysis focuses on Claim 1 of US8104492, which defines an umbrella with a main pole, a sliding member with a locking mechanism, an umbrella canopy, an arm connecting the canopy to the sliding member, a brace attached to an upper portion of the pole and the arm, and a winding mechanism mounted to the sliding member for operating the canopy.

Here are the prior art references cited in US8104492:

1. US5284171A

• Full Citation: US5284171A, Liu Chin Hsiang, "Sunshade opening and supporting device"
• Publication Date: 1994-02-08 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 1992-12-07 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a sunshade with a central pole, a canopy, and a mechanism for opening and closing the canopy. It generally focuses on the opening and supporting device for the sunshade.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This patent, as a general sunshade with an opening and supporting device, may anticipate the basic elements of an umbrella, main pole, and canopy as broadly defined in Claim 1. However, the specific features of US8104492, such as the sliding member for angle adjustment, the winding mechanism mounted to the sliding member, and the brace connecting to the pole above the sliding member, are not clearly present in a generic "sunshade opening and supporting device" without further detail.

2. US5960806A

• Full Citation: US5960806A, Steiner; Walter, "Parasol"
• Publication Date: 1999-10-05 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 1996-02-14 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: The available search result for "US5960806A patent description" did not yield information relevant to a parasol, instead returning results for "Single dose dental adhesive delivery system" or "Variable-aperture screen". Therefore, a specific brief description for a "Parasol" by Steiner; Walter could not be reliably obtained from the search.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: Without a reliable description of the "Parasol" from the search, a detailed anticipation analysis is not possible. However, given its title, it likely covers basic parasol elements such as a pole and canopy.

3. US5937882A

• Full Citation: US5937882A, Harbaugh; Kenneth A., "Umbrella with side support for tilting and opening"
• Publication Date: 1999-08-17 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 1998-04-09 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent describes an offset umbrella design, specifically mentioned in US8104492's background section as an "improvement on this design" [cite: the full patent text provides this]. It utilizes a cantilever arrangement to suspend the canopy to the side of the main pole and allows for adjustment of the canopy's angle. The background of US8104492 also states that this type of umbrella "utilize a crank mechanism both for raising and lowering the canopy and for adjusting the angle of the canopy. The crank mechanism is mounted to the main pole, and the rope moves along a complex path with many turning points." [cite: the full patent text provides this].
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference is highly relevant as it describes an offset umbrella with canopy angle adjustment. It anticipates the general concept of an offset umbrella with a main pole, canopy, and an arm. However, US8104492 aims to improve upon the complex rope path and winding force issues of prior art like US5937882A by providing a winding mechanism mounted to the sliding member and a simplified line path. Therefore, while it anticipates many elements of Claim 1, it likely does not anticipate the specific arrangement where the winding mechanism is mounted to the sliding member and moves with it, and thus does not anticipate the improved mechanism for raising/lowering the canopy and adjusting its angle independently as claimed in US8104492.

4. US6478037B2

• Full Citation: US6478037B2, Pai Tung, "Foldable sunshade with a tiltable canopy"
• Publication Date: 2002-11-12 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2001-01-03 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a foldable sunshade with a canopy that can be tilted. Without further details from the search, it's presumed to disclose mechanisms for folding and tilting a sunshade canopy.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This patent likely anticipates the general features of a main pole, canopy, and a mechanism for tilting (adjusting the angle) the canopy. Depending on the specifics of its "tiltable canopy" mechanism, it could potentially anticipate the broad concept of "wherein the angle of the umbrella canopy with respect to the main pole can be controlled by moving the sliding member along the main pole" if a sliding member is used for tilting. However, the unique combination of the winding mechanism being mounted on the sliding member for opening/closing the canopy, distinct from the angle adjustment, might not be anticipated.

5. US20020121297A1

• Full Citation: US20020121297A1, Li Wanda Yiing, "Operation device for outdoor umbrella"
• Publication Date: 2002-09-05 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2001-03-02 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes an operation device for an outdoor umbrella. Without a detailed description from the search, it is broadly understood to disclose a mechanism for operating an umbrella.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference likely anticipates generic aspects of umbrella operation. However, whether it specifically combines a sliding member for angle adjustment with an integrally mounted winding mechanism for canopy operation as defined in Claim 1 of US8104492 is unclear without further details.

6. US6945263B2

• Full Citation: US6945263B2, Wanda Yiing Li, "Operation device for outdoor umbrella"
• Publication Date: 2005-09-20 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2001-03-02 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent appears to be a granted version of US20020121297A1, describing an operation device for an outdoor umbrella.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: Similar to US20020121297A1, this reference likely covers general umbrella operation. The key differentiating features of US8104492 regarding the sliding member carrying the winding mechanism would need to be present for direct anticipation of Claim 1.

7. US20020129847A1

• Full Citation: US20020129847A1, Ma Mark J.S., "Parasol opening device"
• Publication Date: 2002-09-19 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2001-03-13 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a device for opening a parasol.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference would likely anticipate mechanisms for opening an umbrella canopy. However, Claim 1 of US8104492 also describes a mechanism for closing the canopy and, crucially, links the canopy's angle adjustment to the sliding member which also carries the winding mechanism. This specific combination may not be present in a general "parasol opening device."

8. US6923193B2

• Full Citation: US6923193B2, Shiow-Hui Chen, "Outdoor used stand frame of an umbrella"
• Publication Date: 2005-08-02 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2003-06-24 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a stand frame for an outdoor umbrella. Its focus is on the structural support for the umbrella.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference primarily relates to the base and main pole (stand frame) of an umbrella. While it would anticipate the "main pole having a lower end for support by a support surface" element of Claim 1, it is unlikely to detail the specific sliding member, winding mechanism, arm, and brace configuration that enables both opening/closing and angle adjustment as claimed in US8104492.

9. US20050028852A1

• Full Citation: US20050028852A1, Reese Benjamin P., "Portable sunshade"
• Publication Date: 2005-02-10 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2003-08-06 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a portable sunshade. As a generic portable sunshade, it would typically include a canopy and a support structure.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference might anticipate the very broad elements of Claim 1 related to a main pole and canopy. However, without specific details on mechanisms for adjusting canopy angle via a sliding member or integrating a winding mechanism onto that sliding member, it is unlikely to anticipate the novel combination of elements in US8104492.

10. US7156114B2

• Full Citation: US7156114B2, Chong-Yi Lo, "Angle adjusting device for the canopy of a hang umbrella"
• Publication Date: 2007-01-02 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2005-02-02 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a device specifically for adjusting the angle of the canopy of a hang umbrella (likely an offset umbrella). This directly addresses the angle adjustment feature.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference is highly relevant to the "wherein the angle of the umbrella canopy with respect to the main pole can be controlled" aspect of Claim 1. The key question for anticipation is whether its "angle adjusting device" comprises a sliding member on the main pole and, crucially, whether a winding mechanism for canopy operation is mounted to and movable with that sliding member, as is a distinguishing feature of US8104492. If the "angle adjusting device" only adjusts angle and the canopy opening/closing mechanism is separate or located elsewhere, then it may not anticipate the full scope of Claim 1.

11. US20060254628A1

• Full Citation: US20060254628A1, Chuen-Jong Tseng, "Standing umbrella"
• Publication Date: 2006-11-16 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2005-05-10 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a standing umbrella.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference is too broad in its description to provide a detailed anticipation analysis. Like other general umbrella patents, it would anticipate basic components but likely lacks the specific combination of a sliding member carrying a winding mechanism for both angle and canopy operation as described in Claim 1 of US8104492.

12. US7886755B2

• Full Citation: US7886755B2, Benson Tung, "Side-supporting sunshade"
• Publication Date: 2011-02-15 (Publication date)
• Priority Date: 2009-02-24 (Priority date)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a side-supporting sunshade, which is another term for an offset or cantilever umbrella. Given its later priority date (2009-02-24) compared to US8104492's priority date (2008-05-05), this patent cannot serve as anticipatory prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This patent cannot anticipate US8104492 under 35 U.S.C. § 102 due to its later priority date.

To analyze the obviousness of US patent 8104492 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, we must consider whether the claimed invention, as a whole, would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (priority date May 5, 2008), by combining existing prior art references. The analysis will identify combinations of prior art references that teach all elements of independent Claim 1 of US8104492 and articulate the motivation for a PHOSITA to combine these references.

Independent Claim 1 Analysis

Claim 1 of US8104492 describes an umbrella comprising:

1. A main pole.
2. A sliding member on the main pole, capable of movement between upper and lower locations.
3. A locking means for releasably securing the sliding member.
4. An umbrella canopy with a central region.
5. An arm extending radially from the canopy's central region, with its outer end associated with the sliding member.
6. A brace having a first end pivotably attached to an upper portion of the pole (above the sliding member) and a second end pivotably attached to the arm.
7. A winding mechanism with a winder hub, mounted to and movable with the sliding member.
8. A line wound around the winder hub, extending along the arm to engage the umbrella canopy.
9. The winding mechanism's rotation tensions/relaxes the line to open/close the canopy.
10. The angle of the canopy is controlled by moving the sliding member along the main pole.

Relevant Prior Art References

Based on the "Citations" section of US8104492, and verifying their priority dates precede May 5, 2008:

• US5937882A (Harbaugh; Kenneth A.): "Umbrella with side support for tilting and opening." (Priority date: 1998-04-09)
• US7156114B2 (Chong-Yi Lo): "Angle adjusting device for the canopy of a hang umbrella." (Priority date: 2005-02-02)
• US20020129847A1 (Ma Mark J.S.): "Parasol opening device." (Priority date: 2001-03-13)
• US5284171A (Liu Chin Hsiang): "Sunshade opening and supporting device." (Priority date: 1992-12-07)
• US20020121297A1 (Li Wanda Yiing): "Operation device for outdoor umbrella." (Priority date: 2001-03-02)

Obviousness Combination: US5937882A (Harbaugh) + US7156114B2 (Lo) + US20020129847A1 (Ma)

This combination of references renders Claim 1 of US8104492 obvious.

1. Primary Reference: US5937882A (Harbaugh)
Harbaugh discloses a basic "umbrella with side support for tilting and opening," which serves as an excellent starting point for a PHOSITA. It includes:

• A support pole (main pole) and an umbrella canopy.
• A slider (sliding member) mounted on the support pole for vertical movement.
• A separate support member (arm) pivotally connected to the support pole and to an upper portion of the umbrella canopy.
• A crank mechanism mounted on the support pole that operates a cable to move the slider vertically.
• Another cable, operated by the same crank mechanism, extends along the support member to open and close the umbrella canopy.
• The vertical movement of the slider also causes the angle of the umbrella canopy to tilt.

While Harbaugh teaches many elements, US8104492 explicitly identifies a drawback in such existing designs: "The crank mechanism is mounted to the main pole, and the rope moves along a complex path with many turning points. This arrangement requires more winding force, and the rope can easy bind and wear, adversely affecting the umbrella's operation." The subsequent references provide solutions to these specific problems.

2. Secondary Reference: US7156114B2 (Lo)
Lo describes an "angle adjusting device for the canopy of a hang umbrella" that directly addresses the specific brace configuration of Claim 1. It discloses:

• A main pole.
• An upper sleeve fixed to the main pole (analogous to the "cap" in US8104492).
• A lower sleeve slidably fitted on the main pole (sliding member).
• A support arm having a first end pivotally connected to the lower sleeve and a second end connected to the canopy of the umbrella.
• A tilt rod (brace) having a first end pivotally connected to the upper sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to the support arm.

This reference precisely teaches the "brace having a first end pivotably attached to an upper portion of the pole above the sliding member and a second end pivotably attached to the arm" as claimed in US8104492.

Motivation to combine Harbaugh with Lo:
A PHOSITA, aiming to improve the angle adjustment and stability of the offset umbrella described by Harbaugh, would be motivated to incorporate the more robust and articulated tilt mechanism taught by Lo. Lo's design provides a clear separation of the support arm's connection to the sliding member from the brace's connection to a fixed upper point on the main pole, offering enhanced stability and smoother angular adjustment compared to Harbaugh's simpler support member arrangement. This combination directly addresses the structural elements for precise canopy angle control through the sliding member.

3. Secondary Reference: US20020129847A1 (Ma)
Ma discloses a "parasol opening device" that addresses the problem of the winding mechanism's location and the simplification of the line path. It includes:

• A tubular main pole.
• A sliding sleeve slidably mounted on the main pole.
• An operating unit mounted on the sliding sleeve.
• This "operating unit" includes a crank handle and a winding reel (winder hub), clearly demonstrating a winding mechanism mounted to and movable with the sliding member.
• A latching device (locking means) for securing the sliding sleeve on the main pole.
• A line extending from the winding reel on the sliding sleeve to open and close the umbrella canopy.

Motivation to combine Harbaugh and Lo with Ma:
The '492 patent explicitly aims to simplify the line path and reduce winding force by having the "winding element is mounted to the sliding member and is movable therewith." Ma directly provides this solution by mounting the "operating unit" (winding mechanism) onto the "sliding sleeve" (sliding member), simplifying the rope's path to the canopy. A PHOSITA would be motivated to adopt Ma's arrangement into the Harbaugh/Lo combination to achieve the known benefits of a shorter, less complex rope path, which includes reducing friction, wear, and the force required to open and close the canopy. The inclusion of a locking means for the sliding member, explicitly taught by Ma, is a routine design choice for any adjustable sliding mechanism to prevent unwanted movement and secure the desired position. US5284171A (Liu) also discloses conventional cam-based locking means for a sliding member, demonstrating this as a common feature in the art.

Conclusion on Obviousness

Combining the teachings of US5937882A (Harbaugh), US7156114B2 (Lo), and US20020129847A1 (Ma) would render Claim 1 of US8104492 obvious to a PHOSITA. Harbaugh provides the core offset umbrella structure with canopy angle adjustment via a sliding member. Lo provides the specific and improved brace configuration for stable angle adjustment. Ma provides the critical feature of integrating the winding mechanism with the sliding member, along with a locking means, to simplify canopy operation. The motivations to combine these references are clear: to improve the stability and precise control of the canopy's angle and to simplify and make more efficient the mechanism for opening and closing the canopy, addressing known problems in the art such as complex rope paths and burdensome operation.

US patent 8104492, titled "Adjustable offset umbrella," has an anticipated expiration date of May 5, 2029.

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Patent Term Extensions (PTE):
The Google Patents entry for US8104492B2 does not explicitly list any Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) or Patent Term Extensions (PTE) in a dedicated section. However, the legal events section mentions a "Patent reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance fee" on February 24, 2020, with an effective date of March 1, 2020. This indicates the patent's term was at risk of lapsing and was subsequently reinstated. Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) is granted to compensate for administrative delays incurred during prosecution before the USPTO, while Patent Term Extension (PTE) is awarded for delays in obtaining regulatory approval. The provided data does not specify if any PTA or PTE was applied, but the reinstatement suggests that timely maintenance fees are crucial for the patent's full term.

Continuation and Divisional Applications:
The patent claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/050,353, filed May 5, 2008. The application number for US8104492B2 is US12/435,640, with a filing date of May 5, 2009. The information available does not explicitly mention any continuation or divisional applications directly stemming from US8104492. Generally, a patent granted on a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part application will have a term that expires 20 years from its "effective filing date," which is the filing date of the earliest application from which benefit is claimed.

Related Family Members:
The Google Patents record indicates that US8104492B2 is a publication within a family with ID=41723531. The "Applications Claiming Priority" section lists US12/435,640, which is US8104492B2 itself, and US5035308P (presumably the provisional application Ser. No. 61/050,353 mentioned in the description) with a priority date of 2008-05-05.

Additionally, several other patents cite or are cited by US8104492, suggesting a broader patent landscape of related inventions. For instance, Atleisure LLC, the current assignee, lists US Patent 8,104,492 among its patents, alongside others such as US Patent 9,504,298 (Automatic Tilt Mechanism and an Umbrella Having the Same) and US Patent 12,357,065 (Umbrella with Sliding Mast and Related Methods). Various products, like SunVilla 10' Offset Umbrella and Members Mark 10' Offset Umbrella, explicitly state they are covered by US 8,104,492.

Projected Expiration Date:
The anticipated expiration date for US patent 8104492 is May 5, 2029. The general rule for utility patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, is that the term begins on the issue date and ends 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application. Given the filing date of May 5, 2009, this 20-year term would typically end on May 5, 2029.

Here is a comprehensive "Defensive Disclosure" document for US patent 8104492, focused on generating prior art to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel. The analysis is based on Claim 1 of the patent.

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Defensive Disclosure for US8104492 - Adjustable Offset Umbrella

Inventor: Wu Wei Dan
Current Assignee: ATLEISURE LLC
Publication Date: January 31, 2012
Anticipated Expiration Date: May 5, 2029
Current Date: April 26, 2026

The following derivative variations are disclosed to expand the prior art landscape related to adjustable offset umbrellas, specifically addressing potential incremental improvements by competitors. These disclosures aim to cover various materials, operational parameters, application domains, technological integrations, and failure modes, rendering such future developments obvious to a person skilled in the art.

Core Claim 1 Summary (for context of derivatives):

An umbrella comprising: a main pole; a sliding member selectably moveable on the main pole with locking means; an umbrella canopy; an arm extending from the canopy to the sliding member; a brace pivotably attached to an upper pole portion and the arm; a winding mechanism with a winder hub mounted to the sliding member; and a line from the winder hub along the arm to the canopy. The winding mechanism opens/closes the canopy, and sliding member movement adjusts the canopy angle.

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Derivative Variations

1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.1: High-Performance Composite & Electro-Magnetic Locking

• Enabling Description: The main pole, arm, and brace components are fabricated from pultruded or filament-wound carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites (e.g., using T700 grade carbon fiber with epoxy resin matrix) for increased strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The sliding member is constructed from a high-strength, low-friction engineering thermoplastic, such as polyetherimide (PEI, e.g., Ultem 1000). The locking means comprises an electromagnetically actuated detent pin mechanism. A series of ferrous inserts are embedded at intervals along the main pole. The sliding member integrates an electromagnet that, when energized, retracts a spring-biased hardened steel detent pin, allowing free movement. De-energizing the electromagnet releases the detent pin to engage the nearest ferrous insert, securing the sliding member. The winding mechanism utilizes a miniature, high-torque brushless DC servo motor with an integrated planetary gear reduction unit, directly driving the winder hub, and a Dyneema® fiber line for superior tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Main Pole (CFRP)] --> B{Sliding Member (PEI)}
      B -- Electromagnetically Actuated --> C[Locking Mechanism (Detent Pin & Ferrous Inserts)]
      B --> D[Arm (CFRP)]
      D --> E[Umbrella Canopy]
      F[Brace (CFRP)] -- Pivotally Attached --> A
      F -- Pivotally Attached --> D
      B --> G[Winding Mechanism (Brushless DC Servo Motor)]
      G -- Drives --> H[Winder Hub]
      H -- Winds --> I[Dyneema Line]
      I --> E
  

Derivative 1.2: Aluminum Alloy Structure with Pneumatic Locking

• Enabling Description: The main pole, arm, and brace are constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy 7075-T6 extruded sections, offering excellent strength and fatigue resistance while maintaining a lighter weight than steel. The sliding member is machined from Aluminum 6061-T6. The locking means employs a pneumatic clamping cylinder integrated within the sliding member, which, upon activation, extends opposing jaws lined with high-friction elastomeric pads (e.g., EPDM rubber) to create a friction lock against the main pole. A small, rechargeable compressed air cartridge and a micro-solenoid valve control the pneumatic cylinder. The winding mechanism features a lead screw linear actuator coupled to a Geneva drive mechanism for precise and discrete rotation of the winder hub, utilizing a stainless steel braided cable (e.g., 316L grade) as the line for robustness in varied outdoor conditions.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Main Pole (Alloy 7075-T6)] --> B{Sliding Member (Alloy 6061-T6)}
      B -- Pneumatic Clamping Cylinder --> C[Locking Mechanism (Elastomeric Pads)]
      B --> D[Arm (Alloy 7075-T6)]
      D --> E[Umbrella Canopy]
      F[Brace (Alloy 7075-T6)] -- Pivotally Attached --> A
      F -- Pivotally Attached --> D
      B --> G[Winding Mechanism (Lead Screw Linear Actuator)]
      G -- Coupled to --> H[Geneva Drive]
      H -- Drives --> I[Winder Hub]
      I -- Winds --> J[Stainless Steel Braided Cable]
      J --> E
  

Derivative 1.3: Recycled Polymer Structure with Shape Memory Alloy Actuation

• Enabling Description: The main pole, arm, and brace are fabricated from injection-molded, fiber-reinforced recycled polyolefin composites (e.g., HDPE with glass fiber reinforcement) for sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The sliding member is also molded from recycled ABS. The locking means incorporates a series of shape memory alloy (SMA) (e.g., NiTi alloy) wire actuators. When an electrical current is applied, the SMA wires heat up, contract, and pull a wedge-shaped locking element into a corresponding recess on the main pole, securing the sliding member. Cooling the wires releases the lock. The winding mechanism employs a magnetic gear drive system, providing high torque density and no mechanical contact wear, and uses a multi-filament nylon line (e.g., braided parachute cord) known for its knot retention and impact absorption.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Main Pole (Recycled Polyolefin Composite)] --> B{Sliding Member (Recycled ABS)}
      B -- SMA Wire Actuators --> C[Locking Mechanism (Wedge Element)]
      B --> D[Arm (Recycled Polyolefin Composite)]
      D --> E[Umbrella Canopy]
      F[Brace (Recycled Polyolefin Composite)] -- Pivotally Attached --> A
      F -- Pivotally Attached --> D
      B --> G[Winding Mechanism (Magnetic Gear Drive)]
      G -- Drives --> H[Winder Hub]
      H -- Winds --> I[Multi-filament Nylon Line]
      I --> E
  

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.1: Large-Scale Industrial Sunshade with High Wind Load Resistance

• Enabling Description: This derivative scales the umbrella to an industrial sunshade, with a main pole exceeding 15 meters in height and a canopy spanning 50-100 meters in diameter, designed for outdoor event venues or industrial material storage. The main pole is a multi-section lattice truss structure of high-strength structural steel (e.g., ASTM A514). The sliding member is a heavy-duty, roller-guided carriage system incorporating hydraulically actuated multi-jaw friction clamps for locking, capable of withstanding extreme shear and axial forces. The canopy is constructed from reinforced architectural PVC membrane (e.g., Serge Ferrari Précontraint 1202). The arm and brace are similarly scaled lattice structures. The winding mechanism consists of a robust hydraulic winch system, powered by an electro-hydraulic power unit, spooling a high-tensile galvanized steel wire rope (e.g., 6x36 WS IWRC) with a breaking strength of 500 kN, to deploy and retract the massive canopy against significant aerodynamic loads. The system is designed to operate in wind speeds up to 120 km/h with an emergency automatic retraction sequence.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Main Pole (Steel Lattice Truss)] --> B{Sliding Member (Hydraulic Roller Carriage)}
      B -- Hydraulically Actuated --> C[Locking Mechanism (Multi-Jaw Friction Clamps)]
      B --> D[Arm (Steel Lattice Truss)]
      D --> E[Canopy (Reinforced PVC Membrane)]
      F[Brace (Steel Lattice Truss)] -- Pivotally Attached --> A
      F -- Pivotally Attached --> D
      B --> G[Winding Mechanism (Hydraulic Winch)]
      G -- Spools --> H[Galvanized Steel Wire Rope]
      H --> E
      A -- Supported by --> I[Heavy-Duty Base]
      G -- Powered by --> J[Electro-Hydraulic Power Unit]
  

Derivative 2.2: Miniaturized, High-Frequency Deployable Drone-Mounted Shade

• Enabling Description: This variation describes a miniaturized umbrella for drone deployment, weighing less than 500g, with a main pole length of 30 cm and a canopy diameter of 60 cm, providing localized shade for sensors or small wildlife. The main pole is a telescopic assembly of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber tubes. The sliding member is a micro-servo driven linear actuator with a spring-loaded ball detent lock, enabling rapid height adjustment. The canopy is made of lightweight, UV-reflective ripstop nylon. The arm and brace are thin-walled titanium alloy rods. The winding mechanism uses a high-speed coreless DC motor with a micro-gearbox, rapidly winding and unwinding a braided aramid fiber thread (e.g., Kevlar® 29) for deployment/retraction within 1-2 seconds, allowing high-frequency, on-demand shading responsive to sensor inputs (e.g., real-time solar intensity changes).
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Main Pole (Telescopic Carbon Fiber)] --> B{Sliding Member (Micro-Servo Linear Actuator)}
      B -- Spring-Loaded --> C[Locking Mechanism (Ball Detent)]
      B --> D[Arm (Titanium Alloy Rods)]
      D --> E[Canopy (Ripstop Nylon)]
      F[Brace (Titanium Alloy Rods)] -- Pivotally Attached --> A
      F -- Pivotally Attached --> D
      B --> G[Winding Mechanism (High-Speed Coreless DC Motor)]
      G -- Winds --> H[Braided Aramid Fiber Thread]
      H --> E
      I[Drone Platform] -- Mounts --> A
  

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.1: Aerospace - Deployable Solar Array Shield for Satellites

• Enabling Description: The adjustable offset umbrella mechanism is repurposed as a deployable sunshield for satellite solar panel arrays. The "main pole" is a structural boom extending from the satellite bus. The "sliding member" is a linear translation stage on the boom. The "locking means" are micro-latching mechanisms. The "umbrella canopy" is a multi-layered Kapton or Mylar thermal blanket, acting as a solar shield to regulate solar array temperature or protect against space debris. The "arm" connects the shield to the translation stage, and the "brace" links to an upper portion of the boom. The "winding mechanism" is a stepper motor-driven spool, and the "line" is a high-strength Vectran® tether, precisely deploying and retracting the solar shield. Adjusting the "sliding member" along the boom changes the shield's angle to precisely control solar exposure or protect specific array sections, crucial for mission-specific power management and thermal control in LEO or GEO environments.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Satellite Bus] --> B[Structural Boom (Main Pole)]
      B --> C{Linear Translation Stage (Sliding Member)}
      C -- Micro-Latching --> D[Locking Mechanisms]
      C --> E[Shield Support Arm]
      E --> F[Multi-Layer Kapton/Mylar Solar Shield (Canopy)]
      G[Brace] -- Pivotally Attached --> B
      G -- Pivotally Attached --> E
      C --> H[Stepper Motor Spool (Winding Mechanism)]
      H -- Winds --> I[Vectran Tether (Line)]
      I --> F
      F -- Protects --> J[Solar Panel Array]
  

Derivative 3.2: AgTech - Automated Field-Mobile Crop Shade

• Enabling Description: This system is adapted for precision agriculture as an automated, field-mobile shade for high-value crops (e.g., berries, specialty vegetables) or heat-stressed livestock. The "main pole" is a vertical mast mounted on a robotic mobile platform (e.g., an autonomous ground vehicle, AGV). The "sliding member" is an electrically actuated linear slide. The "locking means" is an electromechanical brake. The "umbrella canopy" is a permeable shade cloth with specific UV-blocking properties. The "arm" extends from the shade cloth to the linear slide, and the "brace" connects to the upper mast. The "winding mechanism" is a weather-sealed DC motor with a gear reduction unit, and the "line" is a UV-stabilized polymer cord. The AGV navigates crop rows, and the system autonomously adjusts the shade's height and angle based on real-time solar radiation sensors, crop-specific algorithms, and GPS coordinates to optimize photosynthesis and prevent sunscald, even in undulating terrain.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV)] --> B[Vertical Mast (Main Pole)]
      B --> C{Electrically Actuated Linear Slide (Sliding Member)}
      C -- Electromechanical --> D[Brake (Locking Means)]
      C --> E[Shade Support Arm]
      E --> F[Permeable UV-Blocking Shade Cloth (Canopy)]
      G[Brace] -- Pivotally Attached --> B
      G -- Pivotally Attached --> E
      C --> H[Weather-Sealed DC Motor (Winding Mechanism)]
      H -- Winds --> I[UV-Stabilized Polymer Cord (Line)]
      I --> F
      J[GPS Module] --> A
      K[Solar Radiation Sensor] --> C
      L[Crop Algorithm Unit] --> C
      C -- Controls --> B, E, F
  

Derivative 3.3: Consumer Electronics - Retractable Outdoor Kiosk Display Shield

• Enabling Description: The mechanism is integrated into outdoor digital kiosks or ATM machines to provide a retractable glare shield for the display screen. The "main pole" is a structural upright of the kiosk. The "sliding member" is a compact linear rail guide assembly, flush-mounted within the kiosk housing. The "locking means" is a miniature solenoid-actuated pin. The "umbrella canopy" is a rigid, opaque or tinted polycarbonate panel, providing glare reduction and vandalism deterrence. The "arm" is a telescopic support linking the panel to the linear guide. The "brace" is a compact linkage system. The "winding mechanism" is a silent, high-precision stepper motor driving a small capstan, and the "line" is a thin, high-strength synthetic filament (e.g., Spectra®) that controls the panel's deployment and retraction. The system is activated by ambient light sensors or user input, automatically positioning the shield for optimal screen visibility.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Kiosk/ATM Housing] --> B[Structural Upright (Main Pole)]
      B --> C{Linear Rail Guide Assembly (Sliding Member)}
      C -- Solenoid-Actuated --> D[Pin (Locking Means)]
      C --> E[Telescopic Support Arm]
      E --> F[Rigid Polycarbonate Shield (Canopy)]
      G[Compact Linkage Brace] -- Pivotally Attached --> B
      G -- Pivotally Attached --> E
      C --> H[Stepper Motor & Capstan (Winding Mechanism)]
      H -- Winds --> I[Synthetic Filament (Line)]
      I --> F
      J[Ambient Light Sensor] --> C
      K[User Input Interface] --> C
      C -- Controls --> F
  

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 4.1: AI-Optimized, IoT-Enabled Smart Umbrella with Energy Harvesting

• Enabling Description: The umbrella integrates an array of IoT sensors (UV index, wind speed/direction, ambient temperature, humidity, rain sensor, and tilt angle accelerometer) into the canopy assembly and main pole. A low-power microcontroller (e.g., ESP32-based) processes this real-time data. An onboard AI inference engine (e.g., a pre-trained TinyML model) uses this data, combined with local weather forecasts fetched via Wi-Fi, to predict optimal canopy tilt and deployment status for maximum shade and wind resistance. Solar panels integrated into the upper surface of the canopy provide energy harvesting, charging a lithium-ion battery that powers the servo-motorized winding mechanism and electromagnetic locking system. Users interact via a smartphone application (leveraging MQTT for data exchange), which also provides predictive maintenance alerts based on motor current draw and cable wear, and allows manual override. The sliding member is actuated by a precision linear servo motor.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Umbrella Canopy] -- Integrated --> B[IoT Sensor Array (UV, Wind, Temp, Humidity, Rain, Accelerometer)]
      A -- Integrated --> C[Solar Panels]
      C -- Charges --> D[Li-Ion Battery]
      D -- Powers --> E[Microcontroller (ESP32) + AI Inference Engine]
      E -- Controls --> F[Precision Linear Servo Motor (Sliding Member Actuator)]
      F -- Actuates --> G[Sliding Member]
      G -- Controls --> H[Electromagnetic Locking System]
      E -- Controls --> I[Servo-Motorized Winding Mechanism]
      I -- Actuates --> J[Canopy Open/Close]
      B -- Feeds Data --> E
      K[Local Weather Forecast (via Wi-Fi)] --> E
      E -- Communicates via MQTT --> L[Smartphone App]
      L -- Provides --> M[Predictive Maintenance Alerts]
      L -- Allows --> N[Manual Override]
  

Derivative 4.2: Blockchain-Enabled Supply Chain & Usage Verification Umbrella

• Enabling Description: This derivative focuses on integrating blockchain technology for enhanced supply chain transparency and verifiable usage logging for commercial or shared-economy umbrella systems. Each major component (main pole, sliding member, arm, winding mechanism) is equipped with a unique serialized RFID tag or NFC chip, recorded on a private blockchain (e.g., Hyperledger Fabric) at each stage of manufacturing and assembly. The umbrella's main controller (e.g., a secure embedded microcontroller) includes a cryptographic module. When the umbrella is rented or activated (e.g., in a public park), its operational parameters (deployment/retraction cycles, tilt adjustments, operational hours) are timestamped and cryptographically signed as transactions on the blockchain. This provides an immutable record for warranty claims, maintenance scheduling, and usage-based billing in a shared-economy model. The locking means and winding mechanism are robust, tamper-resistant electromechanical units.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Component 1 (Main Pole)] -- RFID/NFC --> B[Blockchain Record]
      C[Component 2 (Sliding Member)] -- RFID/NFC --> B
      D[Component N (Winding Mech.)] -- RFID/NFC --> B
      E[Manufacturing Stage] -- Logged on --> B
      F[Assembly Stage] -- Logged on --> B
      G{Umbrella Main Controller} -- Cryptographic Module --> B
      G -- Records --> H[Operational Parameters (Usage Data)]
      H -- Timestamped & Signed --> B[Blockchain Ledger]
      I[Rental/Activation Event] -- Triggers Recording --> G
      J[Immutable Record] -- Supports --> K[Warranty Claims]
      J -- Supports --> L[Maintenance Scheduling]
      J -- Supports --> M[Usage-Based Billing]
  

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

Derivative 5.1: Automatic Fail-Safe High-Wind Retraction System

• Enabling Description: The umbrella is engineered with a primary operational mode and an automatic fail-safe retraction mode to prevent structural damage in high winds. The main pole integrates a calibrated anemometer (wind speed sensor) at its upper end. The sliding member incorporates a spring-loaded quick-release latch mechanism, held under tension by a solenoid. In normal operation, the solenoid maintains the lock. When the anemometer detects wind speeds exceeding a pre-programmed critical threshold (e.g., 50 km/h) for a continuous period (e.g., 5 seconds), the system's microcontroller instantly de-energizes the solenoid. This releases the quick-release latch, allowing the sliding member to rapidly descend to its lowest position due to gravity, and simultaneously, the line from the winding mechanism is rapidly unspooled (or a separate spring-assisted retraction system for the canopy is activated). This causes the canopy to fully collapse and fold against the main pole, minimizing its wind profile and preventing inversion or structural failure. A low-power battery backup ensures the anemometer and microcontroller function during power outages.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Deployed_Normal: Initial State
      Deployed_Normal --> Monitoring_Wind: Wind Sensor Active
      Monitoring_Wind --> Critical_Threshold_Exceeded: Wind > Threshold (t>5s)
      Critical_Threshold_Exceeded --> Emergency_Retraction: Solenoid De-energized
      Emergency_Retraction --> Canopy_Collapsed: Sliding Member Descends, Canopy Retracts
      Canopy_Collapsed --> Safe_Mode: Minimized Wind Profile
      Safe_Mode --> Deployed_Normal: Manual Reset / Wind < Threshold
      Deployed_Normal --> Power_Loss: System Power Off
      Power_Loss --> Emergency_Retraction: Battery Backup Activated (if wind > threshold)
  

Derivative 5.2: Limited-Functionality "Limp Home" Mode

• Enabling Description: This umbrella includes a "limp home" or limited-functionality mode, activated upon detection of critical system failures (e.g., winding motor stall, main power loss, or lock mechanism fault). In this mode, complex automated adjustments are disabled. The primary power source (e.g., grid or main battery) is disconnected, and a smaller, auxiliary battery powers only essential sensors and a manual override interface. The locking mechanism defaults to a partially engaged friction brake to prevent uncontrolled sliding, but allows manual, high-effort adjustment of the sliding member by the user (e.g., via a secondary handle or lever that disengages the brake temporarily). The winding mechanism disables its motor and allows manual crank operation (even if the motor is faulty) for canopy opening/closing. All smart features (AI optimization, IoT communication) are suspended, providing basic, reliable mechanical operation for user convenience during system impairment.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Normal Operation] --> B{Fault Detected?}
      B -- Yes --> C[Activate Limp Home Mode]
      B -- No --> A
      C --> D[Disconnect Main Power]
      C --> E[Connect Auxiliary Battery]
      C --> F[Disable Smart Features (AI, IoT)]
      C --> G[Locking Mech: Partially Engaged Friction Brake]
      G -- Allows --> H[Manual Sliding Adjust (High Effort)]
      C --> I[Winding Mech: Motor Disabled]
      I -- Allows --> J[Manual Crank Operation]
      K[Essential Sensors] -- Powered by --> E
      L[Manual Override Interface] -- Allows --> H, J
  

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Combination Prior Art Scenarios

1. Combination with Open-Source Robotics Operating System (ROS):

   • Description: The adjustable offset umbrella described in US8104492 is integrated into a mobile robotic platform using the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework (an open-source standard for robotics middleware). The main pole is mounted on an AGV (Autonomous Ground Vehicle) as described in Derivative 3.2. The ROS architecture is used to manage and integrate all sensors (GPS, IMU, solar radiation, wind), motor controllers for the sliding member and winding mechanism, and navigation algorithms for the AGV. ROS nodes would handle tasks such as: umbrella_control_node (for interpreting AI-optimized shade commands and sending commands to motor drivers), sensor_fusion_node (for combining data from various environmental sensors), and agv_navigation_node (for path planning and autonomous movement between crop rows). This combination leverages ROS's modularity and extensive libraries for perception, planning, and control in real-time.
   • Impact: Renders obvious the use of open-source robotics platforms for controlling and automating the movement and adjustment of an offset umbrella system, particularly for mobile applications.

2. Combination with MQTT Protocol for IoT Integration:

   • Description: The IoT-enabled smart umbrella from Derivative 4.1 communicates its sensor data and receives control commands via the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. MQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol for the Internet of Things. The umbrella's microcontroller acts as an MQTT client, publishing sensor data (e.g., UV index, wind speed, battery status) to specific topics on an MQTT broker (cloud-hosted or local). It also subscribes to command topics (e.g., "umbrella/control/tilt," "umbrella/control/open_close") to receive instructions from a smartphone application or central home automation system. This leverages MQTT's lightweight, publish-subscribe model for efficient and scalable communication, especially in environments with constrained network resources or intermittent connectivity.
   • Impact: Renders obvious the use of standard IoT communication protocols like MQTT for remote monitoring, control, and data exchange with adjustable offset umbrella systems.

3. Combination with Open-Source 3D Printing Standards (e.g., G-code via RepRap community standards):

   • Description: For prototyping, customization, and distributed manufacturing of specific components of the adjustable offset umbrella, open-source 3D printing standards are employed. For example, the sliding member's housing, various pulley brackets, or locking mechanism components (e.g., pawl, cam lever) are designed using open-source CAD software (e.g., FreeCAD, Blender) and fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers, which operate on standardized G-code instructions (developed by communities like RepRap). This allows for rapid iteration and creation of custom parts from common thermoplastics (PLA, ABS, PETG), enabling quick modifications for different pole geometries or user interfaces. The design files for these components are shared under open-source licenses.
   • Impact: Renders obvious the use of open-source 3D printing technologies and associated standards for manufacturing, prototyping, or customizing parts of adjustable offset umbrella mechanisms, facilitating widespread adoption and modification.