Intellectual Property Newsletter | May 2026

The Weird & Wonderful - Bizzare IP Cases

Beerbrella: An Umbrella for Your Beverage

In what can be regarded as a novelty yet situationally useful outdoor accessory, US6637447B2 (granted October 28, 2003) describes a “Beerbrella,” a miniature umbrella designed to be attached to a beverage container. Developed by Mason Schott McMullin, Robert Platt Bell, and Mark Andrew See, the invention consists of a small umbrella structure mounted on a shaft that can be removably fixed to the top of a bottle or can. The design allows the umbrella to extend over the open mouth of the container, shielding the beverage from direct sunlight, rain, insects, and other environmental debris. Certain embodiments include pivoted mechanisms that allow the umbrella to tilt or move out of the way while drinking. Overall, the invention focuses on improving beverage protection and convenience in outdoor settings by offering a simple and portable protective solution. [Source]