What are the best umbrellas?

In preparation for the spring and autumn period, many are wondering which umbrellas are the best? To choose a quality product, you need at least a little to know the history of the accessory and the associated operation features.

The word "umbrella" comes from the Dutch language and literally translates as "a canopy from the sun." In what year the umbrella was invented, it is not known for certain, however, it is customary to take the XI century BC as the starting point.

The place of origin of the umbrella is called several countries at once: China and India, as well as Egypt. In these states, this accessory was the personification of power and could only be used by the royal court. The nobility of a ruler was determined by the number of umbrellas that his suite wore.

Over time, the fashion for umbrellas spread far beyond the borders of Asian countries, first in Greece, and only then in Rome (where they were used by women). From Western European countries, the umbrella first appeared in the 17th century. in France and received the name "parasol".

The main function of the umbrella is to protect its owners from solar radiation. As a means of rain it was first used in the middle of the XVIII century. a businessman from England, Jonas Henvey. Nearly two centuries later, in 1969, Brad Philips received a patent for a folding umbrella, and a year later the American company Totes launched a new invention for sale.

Due to the fact that umbrellas were originally used as a protective tool against the scorching sun, they used to be called "sunflowers" and "sunflowers" in our country. After Peter I introduced the Dutch language “zonnedek” (circa 1834) into Russian, the umbrella acquired its modern name.

From the point of view of the working mechanism, umbrellas can be divided into four types:

1. mechanical;
2. with semiautomatic system;
3. with automatic system;
4. double automatic

The first type of umbrella - mechanical - can be considered the best. Manual opening and closing ensures ease of use as well as durability of the product.

Systems automatic and double automatic differ in that the second opens and closes by pressing a button. Both systems are inferior to the previous two because of the complexity of the design. Constant impact-pressure on the numerous articulations of the spokes relatively quickly renders the mechanisms unusable.

When buying an umbrella, be sure to find out what materials it is made of. For example, before the spokes were made of aluminum (light, easy to bend and quickly break) or steel (strong, do not bend from the wind, but very heavy), now, they have been replaced by modern materials. The bases of the spokes today are made of carbon fiber, and their ends are made of fiberglass - these materials are considered the most durable.

Umbrella canes are better to choose with a fiberglass frame (weighs a little) or steel with a titanium coating (resists to the wind well). The best option for folding umbrellas would be a frame of different materials: the rod and the base of the spokes of steel or aluminum, and the ends of carbon fiber. The big advantage will be the presence of springs "anti-wind" that prevent the inversion of the dome.

The dome of the umbrella is sewn from different materials.

1. nylon - attracts low price, long service life and ease of care. However, they look cheap and rough, and the material “sets” after drying;
2. Polyester is a widespread fabric for umbrella domes. It is durable and perfectly resists moisture. Recently, Teflon impregnation has been added to polyester. It contributes to changing the color of the umbrella depending on the lighting, and the product life increases to 10 years;
3. Pongee also has a water-repellent property and dries quickly;
4. rubberized satin in its properties is similar to the two previous materials. It is also distinguished by good quality and high wear resistance.

In order for the umbrella to become not just a bright accessory, but also perfectly fulfill its basic functions (protection from rain), it is necessary to choose a good quality product. Focus on the following points.

• The umbrella device is its foundation. According to design features, umbrellas come with folding mechanisms and in the form of a cane. The first type has two or more additions.

• Due to this, the cane umbrellas do not bend under gusts of wind and remain of the same quality even after a large amount of time. Another plus cane: covers a large arc-shaped area, due to which more carefully protects from rain. The disadvantages of reeds include their size and weight. You will not put such an umbrella in a woman's handbag, and this leads to the risk of forgetting it somewhere.

• Umbrellas with a folding mechanism are very compact, but it is because of its device with many additions that are unreliable, deteriorate quickly. Other disadvantages of folding umbrellas include a small dome, fragile spokes, arched from the wind, a fragile aluminum frame.

• Spokes - they can be a maximum of 16 pieces. Their material and fastening is important: “winches” (mounted on a cord) or “crowns” (mounted on a spring). It is better to choose the second option, it is more reliable and easier to repair.

• The handle - its main purpose - to lie comfortably in your hand. Therefore, here the question is individually for each consumer.

• Umbrella style is also not unimportant point. Business people should prefer the classic models in a calm color scheme, romantically tuned - umbrellas with bright prints and cute pictures (nature, animals).

• The color scheme of the umbrella is selected individually. The general trend of color preferences is as follows: young people prefer the defiantly bright colors, the older category - quiet shades, the representatives of the stronger sex: dark gray, blue, black.

The most reliable umbrellas, in terms of quality, were those made in France, Japan and Holland. However, when buying this accessory you should not focus only on the manufacturer.

The conditions of today's market are such that even well-known brands are forced to purchase components in China, and often order the assembly of their umbrellas there. If the store assures you that this or that model is a “thoroughbred” German or French, you should not accept it unconditionally.

• The company "Three Elephants" belongs to a Japanese manufacturer, which for more than forty years has been a leader among world-famous umbrella manufacturers. The name of the brand has developed due to two facts. The very first umbrellas were sold to India, in which the elephant is a sacred animal.And the number three on Japanese beliefs - the figure of happiness.

Three Elephants brand umbrellas are inherent in: true Japanese quality, reasonable price, the use of already familiar, as well as super modern materials (Jacquard, pongee, teflon impregnation), the use of innovative technologies and stylish "chips" (umbrellas that change color, with an emerging picture others).

• One of the most sought-after umbrellas belong to the English manufacturer Fulton. Quality, reliability, beautiful design, a huge range (over 180 positions) from the classic to the youth models made the company not just one of the leading representatives of the market, but also a supplier of umbrellas for royal persons.

• The Austrian company Doppler is the largest umbrella manufacturer in Europe. The models of this brand are distinguished by the quality of the fabric, originality, constant updating of the line and reasonable price. Umbrellas of the company “Doppler” constantly participate in shows of their collections on the catwalks.

• Hand-made umbrellas are presented by the manufacturer “Art collection”. Magnificent photoprints are printed on the domes of these products: reproductions of world-famous paintings (Renoir, Van Gogh), masterpieces of architecture of Austrian cities and fascinating landscapes.

• The German manufacturer of umbrellas “Happy rain” for more than two decades pleases its customers with high quality products and affordable prices for it. China has already established a subsidiary of this company, called Rain Power.

Umbrella stands out among domestic firms. There are about 40 high-quality models for customers' choice, distinguished by the reliability of the frame, the comfort of the handle, the moisture-proof fabric of the dome and the stylish bright colors.

Other popular brands include Zest, Perletti, Airton nex, Lulu Guinness and Prize.

Long service life of the umbrella will contribute to proper care. Some useful recommendations.

• It is necessary to dry the umbrella in half open form in order to avoid sagging of the fabric on the dome. If the material is silk - it is recommended to dry the umbrella in closed form. There is no need to smooth the folds on the umbrella, when the product dries, they will disappear by themselves;
• Avoid leaving the umbrella in a dry place near sources of strong heat, as this will lead to the loss of its basic qualities;

• It is possible to fold the umbrella into the cover only after it has been thoroughly dried. A preventive measure that contributes to the long service life of the product will be periodic airing;
• the umbrella should be stored at a temperature not lower than –10 and not higher than +35 ° C;

• The umbrella should not be under pressure from heavy things, so you should not put it on the very bottom of the bag;
• If the umbrella needs to be cleaned at home, it is best to make a solution: pour half a glass of ammonia into 1 liter of water or dilute vinegar in water, taking equal shares of that and another substance. You can also use soap or a mild detergent, but in no case add kerosene, gasoline, acetone, or other solvents. It is necessary to clean the umbrella with the dome fully open, and after this procedure, wash everything off and dry well;

• For cleaning, choose a soft-bristled brush or an unstable sponge - this will be enough to remove dirt and dust. Water temperature should be no more than +40 degrees;
• Pollution on a black umbrella is better to display a strong brewing of black tea;
• The umbrella should be washed only as needed, and not after each walk in the rain;
• If the fabric has sagged, you need to put an umbrella under a hot shower (this action will contribute to stretching the fabric along the spokes) and then dry thoroughly.

Some of the most stylish umbrellas:

1. Transparent, resembling a bird cage. The advantage of such models is that they cover both the head and the shoulders from the rain;
2. With LEDs that can shine up to 5 hours.In the daytime, such umbrellas will save from the scorching sun, and in the evening they will light the way home;
3. Predicting precipitation advancement. 12 hours before the expected rain, the LEDs on the umbrella handle light up;
4. With nano technology, designed like a lotus leaf. As a result of this, it is enough to shake off the umbrella after the rain, and it will become completely dry;
5. Electronic, allowing you to take photographs while walking, as well as using your digital compass and bulk map to determine your location.