Pillow with Retractable Umbrella

Pillow with Retractable Umbrella

This post will talk about a “silly patent” called the pillow with a retractable umbrella. So, have you ever found yourself in a beach or beside a pool under the hot sun, but without a nice spot with a shade? This niche patent – a pillow that is attached to an umbrella, meets your need in such occasions. This umbrella pillow, is described as having an umbrella that can rotate and has a swivel so that it is easy to position the umbrella in a comfortable position. Further, the invention “may be stored in a carrying case” which makes this pillow ideal for travelling.

This invention is patentable because it is non obvious and novel. However, I wonder how obvious it is, because there are umbrellas that are attached to chairs and tables around restaurants and cafes, so the pillow umbrella may not be as weird as it initially seems. It is possible this pillow is used in beach resorts or other similar venues, although I have never seen one.

In terms of the potential for profitability upon the launch of this umbrella pillow, I think the product can only appeal to a narrow customer base, so this product if launched in the free market would not do so well. I think some people would buy it for the laughs, and sometimes some person might find it useful to bring to camping/beach trips.

Overall, I think this patent is creative but may not be practical. Looking at the diagram, I wonder that this pillow while providing shade, may hinder your neck movements and limit your ability to roll your head. You may also encounter some problems when you move your head and bump it into the umbrella stand. Personally, I would not buy this invention.