umbrellas_music.jpg


google_topper.jpg
google-bottom.jpg
ID_treehugger_728x90.gif
Umbrella Inside Out

Master list of all entries

Red color indicates an entry that you have viewed

Collapsable Space Saver


The umbrella is designed to be both collabsible and space-saving as well as functional. It consists of a plastic tube that contains the parts of the umbrella and also functions as the body when in its active state. In order to open the umbrella, you twist the two pieces of the tube until the opening on both pieces line up and the tube can expand to its full length. There are four double hinged arms connected to the inside of the tube. Once they are perpendicular to the tube, they can also telescope to their full length. A telescoping handle and fabric covering for the umbrella's canopy are found inside the tube. The fabric has seams that allow it to slide over the four telescoped arms and the handle is inserted into an opening on the bottom of the tube. The hinged arms can now be lowered and shelter the user.

In order to create a more environmentally friendly umbrella, it was designed using Cradle to Cradle principles. The design incorporates only two materials that are completely separate from one another. If one aspect of the umbrella were to need repair, that piece could be isolated rather than throwing away the enitre device. The umbrella frame (tube, arms, and handle) is made of PET, a plastic generally used in soda bottles and furniture. It is lightweight, strong, and recyclable. If the frame breaks or is no longer wanted, this "technical nutrient" can be sent back to the manufacturer to be made into other umbrellas. The fabric canopy is made of Climatex Lifecycle, a textile created by Carnegie Fabrics. This material's manufacturing process is environmentally sound and the fabric is biodegradable. Once it no longer serves its purpose as shelter, it will decompose without causing stress to the environment. It can even be used in gardens to insulate crops.

20060901-7967-1189

Please rate this entry on the following 5 criteria

This Entry's Survey ID is 8798

« PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY»

Post a comment