What are the best umbrellas?

Preparing for the spring-autumn period, many are wondering which umbrellas are the best? To choose a quality product, you need to know at least a little the history of the accessory and the associated operating 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, but it is customary to take the 11th century BC as a reference 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 be used only by the royal court. The eminence of the ruler was determined by the number of umbrellas worn by his retinue.

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

The main function of an 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 Henway. Almost 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.

Due to the fact that umbrellas were originally used as a protective agent against the scorching sun, earlier in our country they called them “sunflowers” ​​and “sunflowers”. After Peter I introduced the Dutch “zonnedek” (circa 1834) into the Russian spoken language, 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 a semiautomatic system;
3. with automatic machine system;
4. double machine.

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

Automatic systems and double automatic machines differ in that the second opens and closes by pressing a button. Both systems are inferior to the previous two due to the complexity of the design. The constant impact-pressure on the numerous joints of the spokes makes the mechanisms unusable relatively quickly.

When buying an umbrella, be sure to find out what materials it is made of. For example, before, knitting needles were made of aluminum (lightweight, easily bend and break quickly) or steel (durable, not bent by the wind, but very heavy), but now, modern materials have replaced them. The base of the spokes today is made of carbon fiber, and their ends are made of fiberglass - these materials are considered the most durable.

Umbrella canes are best chosen with a fiberglass frame (low weight) or steel with a titanium coating (well resists wind). The best option for folding umbrellas would be a frame made of different materials: the rod and base of the spokes are made of steel or aluminum, and the ends are made of carbon fiber. A big advantage will be the presence of anti-wind springs that prevent the dome from turning out.

The dome of the umbrella is made of different materials.

1. nylon - attracts by low price, long service life and ease of care. However, they look cheap and rude, and the material "sits" after drying;
2. polyester is a widespread fabric for umbrella domes. It is durable and resists moisture perfectly. Recently, Teflon impregnation has been added to polyester. It contributes to the color change of the umbrella depending on the lighting, and the service life of the product 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 only a bright accessory, but also perfectly perform its main functions (rain protection), you need to choose a product of good quality. Point out the following points.

• The device of an umbrella is its basis. According to the 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 with gusts of wind and remain of the same quality even after a large amount of time. Another plus of the canes: covers a large arcuate area, due to which it carefully protects against rainfall. The disadvantages of canes include their size and weight. You cannot 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 their device with many additions that are unreliable and quickly deteriorate.Among the other drawbacks of folding umbrellas: a small dome, brittle knitting needles, bending from the wind, fragile aluminum frame.

• Knitting needles - there can be a maximum of 16 pieces. Their material and fastening are important: “winches” (fastened to laces) or “crowns” (fastened to a spring). It is better to choose the second option, it is more reliable and easier to repair.

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

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

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

The most reliable umbrellas, in terms of quality, were considered to be those made in France, Japan and the Netherlands. 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 - to order the assembly of their umbrellas there. If you are assured at the store that a particular model is a "purebred" German or French, you should not unconditionally accept this.

• The Three Elephants company is owned by a Japanese manufacturer, which for more than forty years has been a leader among manufacturers of umbrellas with a worldwide reputation. The brand name was formed due to two facts. The very first umbrellas were sold to India, in which the elephant is a sacred animal. And the number three according to Japanese beliefs is a figure of happiness.

Umbrellas of the Three Elephants brand are inherent: genuine Japanese quality, reasonable price, the use of already familiar, as well as ultramodern materials (jacquard, pongee, teflon impregnation), the use of innovative technologies and stylish “chips” (color-changing umbrellas with a manifesting picture and others).

• Some of the most popular umbrellas belong to the English manufacturer Fulton. Quality, reliability, beautiful design, a huge assortment (over 180 items) from classics to youth models made the company not only one of the leading representatives of the market, but also a supplier of umbrellas for royals.

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

• Hand-made umbrellas are presented by the manufacturer "Art collection". Magnificent photo prints are applied to the domes of these products: reproductions of world famous paintings (Renoir, Van Gogh), masterpieces of architecture of Austrian cities and bewitching landscapes.

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

Among domestic firms stands out "Umbrella". A selection of customers presents about 40 high-quality models that are distinguished by the reliability of the frame, the convenience of the handle, moisture-resistant fabric domes and stylish bright colors.

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

The long service life of the umbrella will contribute to proper care. Some helpful suggestions.

• It is necessary to dry the umbrella in half open form, in order to avoid sagging fabric on the dome. If the material is silk, it is recommended to dry the umbrella closed. It is not necessary to specifically smooth the folds on the umbrella, when the product dries, they disappear by themselves;
• Avoid leaving the umbrella to dry near sources of strong heat, as this will lead to the loss of its basic qualities;

• Folding an umbrella in a cover is possible only after thorough drying. Periodic ventilation will be a preventive measure that contributes to the long service life of the product;
• it is necessary to store the umbrella 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 both substances. You can also use soap or a mild detergent, but in no case add kerosene, gasoline, acetone or other solvents. You need to clean the umbrella with the dome fully open, and after this procedure, wash everything off and dry well;

• For cleaning, choose a brush with soft bristles or a non-firm sponge - this will be enough to remove dirt and dust. Water temperature should be no more than +40 degrees;
• Contamination on a black umbrella is better to remove with a strong brewing of black tea;
• The umbrella should be washed only as necessary, and not after each walk in the rain;
• If the fabric is sagging - it is necessary to place the umbrella under a hot shower (this action will help stretch the fabric on the knitting needles), and then dry thoroughly.

Some of the most stylish umbrellas:

1. Transparent, birdcage-like. The advantage of such models is that they cover both the head and shoulders from rain;
2. With LEDs capable of shining for up to 5 hours. During the day, such umbrellas will save from the scorching sun, and in the evening they will illuminate the road home;
3. Predictable precipitation. 12 hours before the expected rain, the LEDs on the handle of the umbrella light up;
4. With nano technology, designed in the likeness of 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 pictures while walking, as well as using a digital compass and a volumetric map to determine your location.