For this project I decided to reinforce Cradle-to-Cradle in my design by trying to eliminate people from throwing away umbrellas. Umbrellas that have complex hinges and can break easy contribute mostly to this problem. If one part of the umbrella breaks, the entire umbrella is useless therefore creating more waste. Therefore, in my concept I decided to protect the most delegate parts by creating a casing that not only holds the parts securely, but can also open up to form a handle. I also reduced parts by using memory steel that is bent in the shape of an umbrella.

To open the umbrella you grip the top and separate the two outside shells by rotating them down until they form a handle. You then pull the rod gatherer down, allowing the memory steel rods to return to their natural position, therefore bending down to form a canopy. After you are done using it, simply slide up the rod gatherer and snap the case closed. Any water that is on the canopy will remain inside the case, keeping the surroundings dry.

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