Large umbrella - salvation from rain and wind
Features and Benefits
A modern umbrella - male or female, should combine functionality and a certain style, which will be part of the wardrobe. It is very important to choose the right accessory so that it is both practical and elegant. It is no coincidence that large umbrellas are in great demand on the market - they are able to effectively protect against rain or wind in any bad weather.
In addition, they have other advantages:
- such an umbrella can cover two people at once;
- many models have a deep dome that will protect clothes from moisture even in strong gusty winds;
- he is able to effectively emphasize the image;
- despite their size, large umbrella models are quite light and do not take up much space when folded.
This accessory has a long history. Probably, the first umbrellas appeared in ancient China and performed not only a utilitarian function, but also emphasized the status of the owner, they were available only to noble estates. Designs closest to modern ones appeared in the middle of the 19th century. Then they were made in the form of canes then fashionable for men. And already in the 20th century, the automatic umbrella familiar today was invented.
Large models of umbrellas have a dome diameter of 1.1 m and above, an automatic folding method and a mechanical locking mechanism.These are the main features of such products. There are other specifications that may vary depending on the model.
Device
There are two options for large umbrellas: in the form of a cane and folding. The first type is the most widespread. The main part of the umbrella is a frame consisting of several spokes and a rigid rod. It is this mechanism, its reliability and performance that determine the quality of the goods; when buying, you should pay special attention to it.
The frame can be made of steel alloys, carbon, aluminum or fiberglass. Steel spokes are strong enough, they are not able to deform and break even with strong gusts of wind. But this is the heaviest material, therefore, the whole umbrella will not be light, it will be more difficult to carry it in the open state.
Aluminum spokes are the lightest, but prone to breakage, such an umbrella may have to be sent in for repairs more often. Fiberglass structures, called “anti-wind”, are light and strong, easily take their initial shape when bent, so this umbrella is the most beneficial.
The number of spokes in the umbrella frame can be from 8 to 32. This number plays an important role: if there are few spokes, then the fabric may sag, and if there are many, then the weight increases, and the likelihood of breakage increases. Therefore, it is optimal to choose the average number of knitting needles, for example, 16 pieces.
The dome of a large umbrella is also a defining detail of the product. When buying, you should pay attention not only to its stylish colors, but also to the design and material of manufacture.
about the design of the dome can have different degrees of convexity. Deeper ones have a complex system for bending spokes, but they are also more practical. A deep dome will effectively protect against rain during strong gusts of wind.
For the manufacture of the dome, the following types of fabrics are used:
- Nylon is a rough and hard to the touch synthetic fiber material. It is light and cheap, but does not have sufficient strength and does not retain its original color over time.
- Polyester dries quickly and does not fade or shrink when dry. Umbrellas from it reliably protect from moisture. But it also does not have high strength, especially in the area of \u200b\u200bthe knitting needles.
- Satin umbrellas have a high cost, but have good strength, water-repellent properties dry out in a few minutes.
- Pongee is a blend of cotton and polyester. Sufficiently durable and reliable material, which is used in expensive models of umbrellas.
The handle of an umbrella can be wooden, metal or rubber. Wooden details look the most solid.
Rubber handles are the lightest and most durable. The shape can be straight or curved. The second option is more common - with such a handle it is more convenient to carry an umbrella, you can hang it somewhere.
Types of mechanism
According to the method of closing, large umbrellas can be mechanical, automatic, semi-automatic or double-automatic.
Umbrellas with a mechanical type of addition are the most reliable, they are practically not subject to breakage. Opening and closing is completely manual. But often they can cause some inconvenience, for example, when you need to open an umbrella unexpectedly quickly.
Umbrellas of the semi-automatic type, when the handle is pressed, only the rod is laid out, and the canopy must be opened manually. This is a fairly cheap and reliable option that can protect in bad weather.
Automatic models, when the button on the handle is pressed, unfold the rod and open the dome. But you will have to fold such an umbrella back manually.Such products are most widely used, they are popular among both men and women.
Double automatic umbrellas open and close automatically with the push of a button. This is the most expensive option. Poor-quality models often break down due to the frequent articulation of the spokes during opening and closing. Therefore, such products must be selected from reliable manufacturers.
Style and color
Men usually choose calm and soft colors as colors: beige, gray, dark blue. If there is a pattern, then it is minimal and discreet. Elegant business style is well emphasized by a classic black umbrella with a wooden handle.
For young people, creative models with patterns or logos in bright colors are well suited. Connoisseurs of elegance choose large cane umbrellas with a massive handle. For women, romantic options with various patterns in light colors may be suitable.
Brand models
It is worth considering several brands of large umbrellas that are popular this season.
The Austrian manufacturer Doppler produces many stylish models of men's and women's umbrellas. Among them are automatic and mechanical options, with wooden and plastic handles. All products are of high quality and durability.
The English brand Fulton offers budget models of stylish and strict colors for almost every taste. Despite the low cost, such products are made very high quality and will last more than one season.
Sponsa umbrellas have an original design, many creative models with the most unexpected patterns and pictures on the dome. Stunning appearance combined with quality and reliability.
Umbrella record holder
The largest umbrella in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, appeared in east China in Jiangxi province. The diameter of its dome is about 23 m, the height is over 14 m, and the total area is 418 sq. m. Despite the fact that the umbrella was created as a symbol and a contender for a world record, it can protect several hundred people from the sun or bad weather.