The weakest point in the contemporary umbrella, besides the cheapness with which it is often manufactured, is its stiffness. The umbrella does its job of protecting us from the rain and sun, but when pressed by a strong wind, the design resists movement altogether. This places stress on the hinge points of the umbrella arms resulting in the so-called “blow-out“.

The Octopod really evolves from this weakness in the old design. The Octopod uses the conventional eight-armed structure, but has replaced the straight support arm with a semicircular loop. These looping arms provide strong support for the outer arms, while allowing the outer arms to move up and down with the wind. Any force applied to the umbrella is distributed equally across the arc of the support arms.

Further innovation is found in the outer arms of the umbrella. With regard to the ideals of compactness and fold-ability, the arms are divided into two hinged sections. Four of the outer arms are loaded with a torsion spring at the hinge. The force of the spring is applied downward on to the lower arm keeping the arms extended, and giving the umbrellas fabric skin its structure and form. This also allows for a strong wind to blow the umbrella inside out. The arms would simply flex on the hinge, with the wind, partially folding up and then snapping back into place. The aforementioned “blow out” is there by circumvented. There is a second advantage in the way the outer arms fold up. The wet outer umbrella skin folds inwards upon itself, and as the umbrella closes the water is contained. In the closed position only the dry inner surface is exposed.

The other four arms of the umbrella lock into place at the center column. They are also hinged, but fork at the lower arm. The lower forked arms are attached with an elastic fabric.

These four forked arms divide the outer umbrella into two petals like forms. The pivoting and forked arms allow for the four sections of the outer arm to move with a degree of independence. This provides ventilation, helping to keep the umbrella from catching the wind.

Besides being extremely durable, the Octopod would leave a relatively small footprint through the use of its materials. The circular cable support arms can be constructed of braided steel cable, or of a rubber impregnated fiber band similar to a motor belt. Rubber is chosen for its flexibility, and also for its renew- ability and positive environmental impact as a crop. The center column of the umbrella would best be constructed of a lightweight metal such as aluminum, but a ceramic or carbon fiber composite could also be considered. Cork would be a nice material for the Octopod’s handle. Finally the outer skin of the umbrella could be constructed of a lightweight hemp canvas treated with rubber for waterproofing.