Week 9 Silly Patent #4: Beerbrella

Title: Beerbrella
United States Patent 6637447

Abstract: The present invention provides a small umbrella ("Beerbrella") which may be removably attached to a beverage container in order to shade the beverage container from the direct rays of the sun. The apparatus comprises a small umbrella approximately five to seven inches in diameter, although other appropriate sizes may be used within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Suitable advertising and/or logos may be applied to the umbrella surface for promotional purposes. The umbrella may be attached to the beverage container by any one of a number of means, including clip, strap, cub, foam insulator, or as a coaster or the like. The umbrella shaft may be provided with a pivot to allow the umbrella to be suitably angled to shield the sun or for aesthetic purposes. In one embodiment, a pivot joint and counterweight may be provided to allow the umbrella to pivot out of the way when the user drinks from the container.

Analysis: Basically, the purpose of this invention is provide an umbrella covering the contents of a beer bottle while the user either drinks it or puts it down for a period of time. This isn't the same as insulating sleeves in the sense that the umbrella doesn't actually keep the beer cold, but rather simply provides a cover for the beer from the sun. This is what separates this invention from its prior art: the purpose and functionality is completely different from any prior inventions. Since this device is specifically for beer bottles, it's a tad easier to defend the novelty of this invention as there doesn't exist an invention quite similar to this and while its purpose is difficult to ascertain, it is undoubtedly non-obvious. What benefit this invention actually provides to the user is the only question behind its existence.