WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS

Introduced: September 1968

Classification Context

Section:: HUMAN NECESSITIES
Class:: HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
Subclass:: WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS

Description

A45B encompasses portable hand-held articles designed for personal use during travel or daily activities, including walking sticks (canes and staffs), umbrellas, and decorative fans. The classification covers the structural design, materials, mechanisms, and functional features of these articles, such as handles, shafts, canopy structures, hinges, and deployment systems. Inventions relating to improvements in comfort, durability, portability, or novel functionality of such articles fall within this scope. Related functional accessories and components integral to these devices are also included.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass A45B recorded 28,279 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 2,185 in 2013 to 1,688 in 2023 (-23%), peaking at 3,437 applications in 2017. The most active applicants in class A45 are L'OREAL (3,344 applications), DYSON (1,184 applications) and AMOREPACIFIC CORPORATION (858 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

In class comparison

A45B ranks 4th of 4 subclasses with filings in A45, with 28,279 applications between 2013 and 2023, 11.2% of the class. Annual filings declined 23% from 2013 to 2023, below the class as a whole (+5%).

Subclasses of class A45 by patent applications, 2013–2023
Rank	Subclass	Title	Applications	Share
1	A45C, Purses; Luggage; Hand Carried Bags	Purses; Luggage; Hand Carried Bags	96,101	38.1%
2	A45D, Hairdressing or Shaving Equipment; Equipment for Cosmetics or Cosmetic Treatments, e.g. for Manicuring or Pedicuring	Hairdressing or Shaving Equipment; Equipment for Cosmetics or Cosmetic Treatments, e.g. for Manicuring or Pedicuring	92,250	36.6%
3	A45F, Travelling or Camp Equipment; Sacks or Packs Carried on the Body	Travelling or Camp Equipment; Sacks or Packs Carried on the Body	35,287	14.0%
4	A45B	Walking Sticks; Umbrellas; Ladies' or Like Fans	28,279	11.2%

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Additional Content

Limiting references

Cane or umbrella stands or holders

Application references

Walking aids for blind persons

Related Keywords

ALPENSTOCKSwalking sticks for BLIND PERSONSCANE(S) walking-stickssticks for CLIMBINGKNOBS for umbrellas or walking sticksPARASOLSboy-scout or mountaineering POLESsun SHADESparasolsboy-scout or mountaineering STAFFSSUN shades similar to umbrellasUMBRELLA(S)

14 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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A45B 1/00 Sticks with supporting, hanging or carrying means
A45B 11/00 Umbrellas characterised by their shape or attachment
A45B 13/00 Umbrellas made of paper
A45B 15/00 Umbrellas with detachable covers
A45B 17/00 Tiltable umbrellas
A45B 19/00 Special folding or telescoping of umbrellas
A45B 21/00 Umbrellas convertible into walking sticks
A45B 23/00 Other umbrellas
A45B 25/00 Details of umbrellas
A45B 27/00 Ladies' or like fans
A45B 3/00 Sticks combined with other objects
A45B 5/00 Walking sticks or umbrellas convertible into seats; Hunting sticks
A45B 7/00 Other sticks, e.g. of cranked shape
A45B 9/00 Details

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class A45, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

L'OREAL FR 3,344
DYSON GB 1,184
AMOREPACIFIC CORPORATION KR 858
SEB FR 807
PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NL 518
P&G (PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY) US 502
YONWOO COMPANY KR 500
LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE KR 499
ELC MANAGEMENT US 488
ALBEA SERVICES FR 482