Gardiner Man Receives Patent for Windproof Market Umbrella
By The Gazette Editorial Committee
From Issue 7: Summer 2010
Gardiner resident Martin Hathaway (husband of Gazette advertising rep Michelle Hathaway) was recently issued a patent for his award-winning invention, “The Self-Closing Windproof Market Umbrella.” The umbrella resembles any other patio or market umbrella, but the innovative, patented design enables it to close automatically in winds of about 30 mph, thus helping to ensure it won’t snap its pole, tear its fabric or topple its table, thereby avoiding potential injury to nearby people or damage to surrounding property. It is a unique and useful device that will limit injury and unnecessary expenses. “You’ll be blown away, but your umbrella will not,” said Hathaway.
Hathaway, of Sand Hill Road, showcased his invention in June of 2008, in Pittsburgh, PA at the INPEX trade show, America’s largest expo for inventions and new products. Mr. Hathaway was awarded a gold medal from INPEX organizers and another prize from the Bosch Group, a leading global supplier of technology, tools, and services that applies for 3,000 patents a year.
More than 1,000 entries from 15 countries were judged by an international jury, with winners determined on the basis of usefulness, creativity and overall appeal. Hathaway will soon begin looking for a licensee to take his product to market. For more information, email martinhathaway@hvc.rr.com, or call 845.256.0018. The umbrella can also be seen at www.youtube.com.