Shark Tank of Patents

In the eighth episode of the 16th season of "Die Höhle der Löwen" (counterpart to shark tank in the USA), broadcast on October 28, 2024, Alexander Wolf presented his innovative solution to an everyday problem: the Cupbrella.

With this umbrella, which has an integrated cup holder, he was able to win over investor Judith Williams and secure a deal.

The idea behind Cupbrella

The inspiration for the Cupbrella came from the everyday challenge of holding an umbrella in the rain and carrying a drink at the same time. This often leaves one hand free for other activities such as operating a cell phone or opening doors. Alexander Wolf recognized this problem and developed the Cupbrella, which makes it possible to place a drink comfortably in the handle of the umbrella and thus improve manageability.

Solutions already known in this area

There are various approaches to make it easier to carry drinks and use umbrellas or walking sticks at the same time:

1. Umbrella stands: Free-standing holders that hold umbrellas in entrance areas, but do not offer a mobile solution.
2. Cane holder for walking aids: Attachments that are mounted on walking sticks to fix them to tables or counters when not in use.
3. Combined support umbrellas: Umbrellas that also serve as a walking aid, but without special holders for drinks.
4. Cup holders for baby carriages: holders for bottles or cups attached to baby carriages, but not designed for umbrellas.
5. Multifunctional umbrella stands: Stationary stands with additional shelves for accessories, but not intended for mobile use.

What makes Cupbrella special?

The Cupbrella is characterized by its drink holder integrated in the handle, which can be folded out if required. This design makes it possible to carry a drink safely while leaving both hands free for other activities. The design is unobtrusive, and the holder can be completely concealed in the handle when not in use, giving the umbrella the appearance of a conventional umbrella.

Patent application for Cupbrella (EP4074211A1)

There is a patent application relating to Cupbrella, which concerns a handle device 10 for an umbrella for holding an article of daily use 18 (see claim 1 and Fig. 4b of the Cupbrella patent application), with a storage device 28 comprising at least one folding mechanism device 22 with at least one carrying element 24 which is provided with at least one elastic fixing band 26, so that the article of daily use 18 can be picked up by means of the fixing band 26, and can be completely folded into the storage device 28 by means of the folding mechanism device 22, wherein, in a folded-in position, a closed lateral surface of the handle device 10 is adapted to consist of a lateral region of the storage device 28 and a lateral region of the carrying element 24, so that the carrying element 24 is not recognizable from the outside.

[Fig. 4b of the Cupbrella patent application]

Among other things, Cupbrella has the special feature (see claim 13 of the Cupbrella patent application) that the handle device 10 comprises a button mechanism 42, which is preferably adapted to be a spring-loaded slider, so that by pressing a button element 44 of the button mechanism 42, the folding mechanism device 22 can be folded out.

Prior Art D1 (FR29564E)

In contrast to the above exemplary aspect, the closest prior art D1 describes an umbrella pole 1 which is extendable and includes a complete toilet or sewing set 5-7. (cf. FIGS. 1 and 2 of D1).

[Figs. 1 and 2 of D1]

Notwithstanding the age of the prior art (year 1924), Cupbrella provides a different mechanical technique to provide an additional function of the exemplary umbrella. This additional function differs between D1 (body care) and the Cupbrella patent application (cup holder).

Conclusion

The Cupbrella impressively demonstrates how a sophisticated innovation can be created from an everyday challenge. With the cup holder integrated into the handle, the Cupbrella not only offers a practical solution for transporting drinks in rainy weather, but also impresses with its elegant and functional design. The option of stowing the holder completely in the handle when not in use ensures that the umbrella looks like a conventional model on the outside - a clear advantage over bulky or unsightly alternatives.

Thanks to its patented technology, the Cupbrella sets new standards in the field of multifunctional umbrellas. The product exemplifies the successful combination of everyday practicality and technical sophistication. The choice of investor Judith Williams, who is committed to the further development and marketing of the Cupbrella, also underlines the potential of this product, which could be successful both nationally and internationally.

Innovations such as the Cupbrella are a prime example of the importance of intellectual property and the protection of such inventions. They demonstrate how important it is to protect creative ideas with patents, not only to strengthen one's own market position, but also to secure long-term competitive advantages.

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Autor: ユリアン グラフ, パートナー

Disclaimer: The above contribution reflects the personal opinion of the author. The assessments and statements made in the article do not constitute legal advice and are provided under exclusion of any liability. If you need an assessment of an individual case, please contact the author and/or the law firm KUHNEN & WACKER.