Under Protection

If one were to perform a search on Google for umbrellas, one would receive about 25,300,000 results in .20 seconds which is really faster than looking through the yellow pages of a phone book or the pages of those countless catalogs that are sent to our mailing addresses almost on a daily basis.  However, sifting through those 25,300,000 results can be quite tedious and time consuming.

On the first page of our Google results, we will notice Wikipedia and according to this source, An umbrella or parasol, also called a brolly (UK slang), parapluie (nineteenth century, French origin), rainshade, sunshade, gamp (British, informal), bumbershoot (American slang), or umbrolly (UK slang), is a canopy designed to protect against rain or sunlight. The word parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun; umbrella refers to a device more suited to protect from rain. Often the difference is the material; some parasols are not waterproof. Parasols are often meant to be fixed to one point and often used with patio tables or other outdoor furniture. Umbrellas are almost exclusively hand-held portable devices; however, parasols can also be hand-held. The collapsible (or folding) umbrella may have first been used in China, although its appearance elsewhere seems to have been independent, and had sliding levers similar to those in use today.

During my research, I came across 3 types of umbrellas that caught my attention.  The first of these is the Senz.   

The senz° is designed to protect you against all weather conditions, by understanding the laws of aerodynamics.  The time has come to free ourselves of all the well-known umbrella struggles. 

The senz° umbrella has been awarded all major design awards in the world. 

The senz° original storm umbrella will withstand 100 km/h winds, or 70 mph if you like. 

The next type is the Blunt.  The structural integrity of an umbrella is defined by its canopy.
A canopy is only as strong as the tension applied to the fabric stretched across its ribs.

Taut equals Strong. 

A major flaw of conventional umbrella design is that in even light winds the fabric can tear away from a tip or comes away from the ribs. 

When this happens, the whole structure collapses and the umbrella heads straight to the landfill.

The Blunt solution is a uniquely tensioned canopy combined with a flatter aerodynamic profile. This revolution in umbrella design also eliminates any sharp edges and weak points.   

The result is an unflappable aerodynamic structure that sits effortlessly in the wind and provides maximum control, even in the most demanding weather conditions.

The final type is the Bubble which is clear, semi-circular in shape and sometimes feature a delicate design or stripe. 

They are available in vinyl and plastic and provide additional coverage to protect the user from the rain while allowing her to see through the umbrella. 

The domed shape also provides some protection from wind.

Which type do you have?