Umbrellas That Read the Weather: Ten Patents for Reinventing Rain Gear

What is it?

This invention attaches at least one drone to an umbrella so the canopy can hover over the user without being held. FIG. 3 puts the person and the flying umbrella in the same scene, making the basic idea immediately legible.

The detachable handle can carry a GPS transmitter that communicates with the drone. Instead of the person carrying the umbrella along, the umbrella follows the person.

What is it?

“Wearable umbrella” uses a flexible support and body attachment so the user does not need to keep one hand on a handle. FIG. 1 shows the canopy and the shoulder-and-torso support as one wearable structure.

The goal is similar to the drone umbrella, but the solution is the opposite: nothing flies. The umbrella moves toward clothing and wearable equipment instead.

What is it?

This patent builds umbrella supports into a backpack assembly. FIG. 3 shows a conventional-looking canopy held over the wearer by a structure connected to the pack.

Instead of redesigning the umbrella itself, the invention replaces the job normally performed by the user's hand. The same backpack can also be configured with a child carrier.

What is it?

This invention combines a pet umbrella and leash into one structure. The convex side of the canopy faces the handle, while the leash attaches on the opposite side so the cover can remain above the animal.

FIG. 2 shows the result directly: a dog walking through rain beneath a canopy while the owner controls both pet and umbrella through the same assembly.

What is it?

This patent integrates an umbrella assembly with a wheelchair. The canopy and elongated ribs can be stored in a housing and driven outward into an open position.

FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the mobility device and the umbrella assembly, going beyond a simple clamp that merely holds a normal umbrella.

What is it?

“Umbrella with rain measuring device” places a collector cup at the top of the umbrella and routes rainwater through a hollow shaft to a measuring receptacle.

A normal umbrella simply sheds water. This one intentionally gathers the water it encounters and turns rainfall into a measurement.

What is it?

This invention puts a weather-forecast display into the umbrella itself. FIG. 4 shows interface elements in the handle, including a small screen for precipitation and temperature information.

The object used after rain starts now participates in the earlier decision of whether it will be useful at all.

What is it?

“Personal lighted umbrella” places light sources such as LEDs on flexible strips and controls properties including color, intensity, and pulsing patterns. FIG. 3 shows the umbrella as a broad illuminated surface.

The lighting can improve visibility, but the patent also describes controlled patterns and interaction with external signals. The canopy becomes more than passive fabric.

What is it?

This patio umbrella runs tubing and nozzles around the perimeter to create a curtain of mist. FIG. 1 shows two people seated within the ring of spray.

The mist is directed downward and slightly outward so the goal is to cool the covered area while keeping the occupants comparatively dry. The umbrella begins managing the air around its boundary.

What is it?

This hands-free automatic umbrella combines a body-mounted storage case, powered opening and closing, lighting, and a rotating device at the canopy peak. FIG. 4 shows the open umbrella with the rotor and light elements.

The patent describes using electricity generated from wind to power components such as lights and motors. Wind, normally one of the umbrella's enemies, becomes part of its power source.