Umbrellas are essential accessories that protect us from the elements, whether it's rain or sun. While we all know what an umbrella looks like, have you ever wondered about its parts and materials? From the canopy to the shaft, and from the handle to the tips, every component plays a crucial role in an umbrella's functionality and durability. And, with a range of materials available, choosing the right one can make all the difference in terms of longevity and performance. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the various parts and materials that make up an umbrella.
Canopy
The canopy is the main component of an umbrella that protects the user from the rain or sun. It is usually composed of 8 panels (Some umbrellas have 6, 9, 10, 12, 16, 24 panels.) that can be decorated with any design through digital or screen printing prior to the construction of the umbrella. Each panel is cut, printed, and sewn onto the rib to complete the canopy.
The canopy is typically made from high-grade polyester called pongee, which is treated with an acrylic coating on the underside and a scotch-guard finish on the top. Pongee is a durable and versatile fabric that can withstand heavy rain, dries quickly, and folds easily. It also comes in a wide range of colours, making it an excellent material for customising the canopy.
Furthermore, the internal canopy of the umbrella, which can also be printed or dyed, is the part that the user sees when they open the umbrella. This provides an opportunity for branding and personalisation of the umbrella. With the option to Pantone match and dye the fabric prior to cutting, it allows for even more customisation possibilities.
The Advantages Of Each Type Of Umbrella Fabric
Polyester Fabric:
1. Offers excellent durability and strength
2. Resistant to shrinking and stretching, easy to care for.
3. Dries quickly and resists mildew and mold growth.
4. Low cost
Pongee Fabric:
1. Has a smooth and silky texture that looks and feels luxurious.
2. Provides excellent water resistance, making it ideal for use in wet weather.
3. Resists wrinkles and creases, making it easy to maintain a neat appearance.
4. Offers excellent resistance to UV rays, making it ideal for sun protection.
Nylon Fabric:
1. Stretchy, soft and durable
2. Static resistant and stain-resistant
3. Lightweight, strong, flexible, and impermeable to air and water.
Shaft/Tube
The umbrella shaft (or we call it the tube) is a crucial component of an umbrella, providing structural support and stability to the entire umbrella. It is typically a long, cylindrical rod made of metal, and connects the handle to the canopy.
It is available in various materials, including metal, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and carbon fiber, each with its own unique advantages.
1. Fiberglass, for instance, is a highly durable material that is resistant to rot and corrosion. It also maintains its shape, regardless of extreme temperatures. This makes it an ideal choice for umbrellas that need to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as golf umbrellas.
2. Wooden umbrella poles, on the other hand, are a popular choice for walker umbrellas. Ash trees are commonly used to make wooden poles, and these are shaped using specialized machines such as lathes or turning machines. Wooden poles offer strength and durability, making them ideal for frequent use.
3. Telescopic umbrellas, which fold down for convenient storage and transportation, use aluminum poles. These poles are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to carry around. Telescopic umbrella poles are constructed differently from non-folding umbrella poles and typically have three sections, with the narrower sections fitting snugly inside the largest section when the umbrella is folded down.
Besides, the shaft can also include other components such as the runner and ferrule, which help to secure the canopy in place and protect the end of the shaft from damage. And some umbrellas may feature a button or switch on the handle that allows the shaft to automatically open or close, making it even easier to use.
Handle
Apart from the canopy, the handle of an umbrella is the most customizable part of it, offering a range of options for personalization. The handle can come in different styles, including crook, straight, or telescopic handles with a push button for opening.
A crook handle can be made from wood or silicone, depending on the type of umbrella, whether it is a walker or city walker. For example, a wood walker would typically feature a wooden handle for added strength and durability, while a city walker may have a softer silicone handle for increased comfort.
Golf umbrellas usually come with an EVA foam handle for a comfortable grip, while automatic golf umbrellas have a push button located above the handle for automatic opening.
Folding umbrellas may also include a push button for auto-opening, making them easier to use in a pinch. Additionally, branded logo discs can be applied to both golf and folding umbrellas, allowing for further customization and branding opportunities.
Ferrule
The ferrule, or tip, of an umbrella can be customized depending on the model. For example, a wooden walker umbrella typically has a metal-covered wooden ferrule at the end, while a golf umbrella is designed with a fiberglass tip that matches the shaft. Telescopic umbrellas, on the other hand, often have a flat tip. The ferrule can be an important aesthetic and functional element of the umbrella, as it can affect the umbrella's overall appearance and durability.
Tips
The tips of an umbrella are the ends of the ribs that extend beyond the edge of the canopy. These tips can either be left bare or covered with small plastic or wooden caps that are attached through various means, such as pushing and screwing them on, gluing them on, or sewing them into the end of the ribs through small holes on the end caps. The purpose of these tips is to protect the fabric of the canopy from wear and tear, as well as to prevent any accidents or injuries that may occur from the sharp ends of the ribs.
Runner
An essential component of an umbrella is the runner, which is responsible for the opening and closing of the canopy. The runner moves along the shaft of the umbrella, and its movement is controlled by the user to open or close the umbrella. When the runner is pushed upwards along the shaft, the canopy expands and opens up, while pushing it downwards causes the canopy to collapse and close. The smooth movement of the runner is crucial for the overall functionality of the umbrella, as it allows for ease of use and convenience for the user.
Umbrella Sleeve
The umbrella sleeve, also known as an umbrella cover or case, is an accessory that helps to protect the umbrella from damage and makes it easier to transport and store. It is usually made of the same fabric as the canopy and is designed to fit over the closed canopy of the umbrella.
The sleeve serves several important functions, including protecting the umbrella from scratches, tears, and other forms of damage, as well as keeping the user and their belongings dry when the umbrella is not in use. It also makes it easier to transport and store the umbrella, as it can be rolled up or folded and placed in a bag or backpack.
Tie wrap
The tie wrap is an accessory that complements the umbrella's overall appearance and functionality. Typically coming in the same colour as the canopy of the umbrella, unless specified otherwise. It is designed to encircle the closed umbrella securely, providing a tidy and compact storage solution. A popper is used to close the tie wrap, ensuring that the umbrella canopy remains closed. To personalise the umbrella, a woven or printed label can be added to the tie wrap, giving it a distinctive look. Additionally, the popper on the tie wrap can come in various colours or be embossed, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the umbrella.
Handle strap
The umbrella handle strap is a popular customisation option that is available for most types of umbrellas, particularly for telescopic folding models. These straps are typically made from durable materials like PU leather or polyester webbing and are designed to wrap around the user's wrist, allowing them to conveniently carry the umbrella when it is not in use.
