Parts Of An Umbrella Diagram

Ever wondered what goes into creating a custom umbrella? It’s more than just a canopy! Understanding the different parts of an umbrella reveals a vast world of customisation options. From the prominent outer canopy to subtle details like the handle ring and the feel of the umbrella handle itself, nearly every component can be tailored to your brand. Don’t feel limited by standard choices; you can select an ergonomic curved silicon handle or a classic wooden curved handle. And if you’ve opted for a golf umbrella, there’s even space for a decal on its base.

At The Umbrella Workshop, we’re expert manufacturers, passionate about helping global brands bring their unique umbrella designs to life. Our friendly, UK-based team offers a comprehensive design service, ready to guide you through every customisation possibility.

 

Parts Of An Umbrella 

Umbrella canopy:  Your Umbrella’s Canvas

The canopy is the expansive, visible heart of any umbrella – the part that reliably shields you from rain or sun. Typically comprising eight distinct panel sections, the canopy offers an unparalleled opportunity for customisation. Each of these panels serves as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed with virtually any design, logo, or intricate pattern you envision.

Material and Durability

Our canopies are predominantly crafted from pongee, a high-grade polyester fabric renowned for its superior performance. This material is specially treated with an acrylic coating on its underside, providing robust waterproofing, and a Scotch-Guard finish on the top, enhancing its water repellency and stain resistance. This intelligent construction ensures the canopy can:

• Withstand heavy rain

• Dry quickly

• Fold easily

• Retain its vibrant colour, as pongee is available in an extensive palette.

Precision Manufacturing

The creation of each canopy involves meticulous precision. Every one of the eight panels is individually cut to exact specifications. Following this, your chosen design is expertly printed or decorated onto each separate panel. Finally, these individually prepared panels are carefully sewn to the umbrella’s ribs, ensuring a seamless fit, structural integrity, and a flawless presentation of your custom artwork. This detailed process guarantees a durable, high-quality finish that makes your branded umbrella truly stand out.

Digital or screen printing artwork onto the panels is possible and in most cases, happens prior to the umbrella being constructed. The fabric can also be Pantone matched and dyed prior to cutting to shape. 

The external canopy is the top of the umbrella that faces the rain or sun. The internal canopy, which can also be printed or dyed, is the inside of the umbrella that the user sees when they look up when the umbrella is open. Find out how umbrellas are made by reading this blog post.

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Umbrella Pole (shaft)

Once made from cane or whale bone, the shaft of a modern umbrella is now made from either fibreglass, wood, steel or aluminium. Each material has its own advantages. Fibreglass won’t rot or corrode and is extremely robust. It also holds it shape and won’t expand or contract with the cold or heat with ease. 

An umbrella made from fibreglass offers longevity and won’t bend or break easily. It won’t absorb water and won’t corrode over time like steel or aluminium. Our golf umbrellas use fibreglass poles and ribs. 

Wood poles are traditionally chosen for walker umbrellas and are a strong choice for an umbrella pole. Wood walkers are usually made from ash trees including Rowan wood which is common in Asia. Wood shaping machines such as lathes and turning machines create the proper shape for a pole. 

Telescopic umbrellas utilise aluminium poles for a light and effective folding action. The pole of a telescopic umbrella is constructed differently to a non-folding umbrella and has three parts to it, with the two narrower parts fitting snugly inside the largest section when folded down. 

Ribs

Umbrella ribs are what gives the canopy its structure and shape. The ribs closest to the pole hold up the canopy and the ribs that extend to the edge of the canopy hold the panels of the umbrella in a curved downwards shape. 

Fibreglass umbrella ribs can withstand heavy usage (see how we wind test our umbrellas here). 

Ribs are attached to the shaft of the umbrella by fitting a top notch (a thin, round nylon or plastic piece with teeth around the edges and held with wire). The stretchers are connected to the shaft of the umbrella with a plastic or metal runner which is what moves up and down the shaft of the umbrella when it’s opened or closed. 

The ribs and stretchers are connected with a joiner – a jointed metal hinge that opens and closes at an angle.

Two catch springs in the shaft of the umbrella are included. When the umbrella is opened these need to be pressed and pressed again when the umbrella closes. Metal shafts are usually hollow and the catch spring is inserted. A wooden shaft requires a space for the catch spring to be hollowed out. A pin is usually placed into the shaft a few inches above the upper catch spring to prevent the canopy from sliding past the top of the umbrella when the runner goes beyond the upper catch spring. 

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Tips on an umbrella

The ends of the ribs that extend past the edge of the canopy are called tips. They can be left bare or covered with small plastic or wooden caps that are pushed on then screwed on, glued or sewn into the end of the ribs through small holes at the end caps. 

The Ferrule: The Umbrella’s Protective Tip

The ferrule, often referred to simply as the “tip” of the umbrella, is the small but crucial component at the very end of the shaft, opposite the handle. While it might seem like a minor detail, the ferrule plays a vital role in both the umbrella’s functionality and its overall aesthetic

Function of the Ferrule

• Protection: Its primary purpose is to protect the end of the shaft from wear and tear as it comes into contact with the ground or other surfaces. Without a ferrule, the shaft would quickly splinter, scratch, or degrade.

• Stability: When the umbrella is closed and standing upright, the ferrule provides a stable, non-slip base.

• Aesthetics: On many umbrella models, the ferrule contributes to the finished look, often complementing the handle or shaft materials.

Customisation and Design Variations

The design and material of the ferrule often vary significantly depending on the umbrella model, reflecting its intended use and overall style:

• Flat Ferrules (Telescopic Umbrellas): For compact, telescopic umbrellas designed for portability, the ferrule is typically integrated into the shaft as a flat, minimal end. This design prioritizes compactness and ease of storage, as a protruding tip would add bulk. The material here is usually consistent with the shaft itself, often metal or a durable plastic.

• Wooden Ferrules with Metal Covers (Walker Umbrellas): Traditional wood walker umbrellas, known for their classic and elegant appearance, commonly feature a wooden ferrule. This wooden tip is often capped with a metal cover (such as brass or nickel) for added durability and a touch of sophistication. This combination reinforces the umbrella’s timeless aesthetic and robust construction. The metal cap can sometimes be polished, brushed, or even engraved for a subtle custom touch.

• Fibreglass Tips (Golf Umbrellas): Golf umbrellas are built for maximum durability and often feature a fibreglass tip. This material choice aligns with the fibreglass ribs and shaft common in golf umbrellas, which are prized for their strength, flexibility, and resistance to inversion in strong winds. A fibreglass ferrule ensures consistent performance and longevity, matching the ruggedness required on the golf course or during other outdoor activities.

Customisation Potential

While not typically a canvas for large logos, the ferrule still offers subtle customisation opportunities:

• Material and Colour Matching: The ferrule can be matched in material and colour to the handle, shaft, or even a subtle accent colour within your canopy design, ensuring a cohesive and premium look.

• Metallic Finishes: For ferrules with metal caps, different finishes (e.g., polished chrome, matte black, antique brass) can be selected to complement your brand’s aesthetic.

• Subtle Branding: On some models, a very small, intricate laser engraving might be possible on a metal ferrule, offering a discreet mark of quality or brand identity.

By understanding these nuances, you can appreciate how every part of an umbrella, including the humble ferrule, contributes to the overall design, functionality, and potential for brand customisation.

Runner on pole

The umbrella runner is the piece that moves along the shaft of the umbrella allowing the user to push up to open the umbrella and down to close it. 

Customised Umbrella Handles: A Touchpoint for Your Brand

Beyond the expansive canvas of the canopy, the umbrella handle stands out as arguably the single most impactful and versatile element for customisation. It’s the primary point of contact for the user, offering a significant opportunity to reinforce your brand’s aesthetic and quality. The choice of handle can dramatically alter the umbrella’s feel, functionality, and overall perceived value.

Types of Umbrella Handles and Their Customisation Potential

Umbrella handles come in a variety of shapes and styles, each suited to different umbrella models and offering unique branding avenues:

• Crook Handles (or Curved Handles): These classic, elegant handles are often associated with traditional full-size umbrellas, such as the wood walker and city walker models.

  • Wooden Crook Handles: For a truly timeless and sophisticated look, a wooden crook handle provides a warm, natural feel. The wood can be stained to various hues, or even subtly laser-engraved with a logo for a refined, understated branding touch.

  • Silicone Crook Handles: Offering a modern twist, silicone crook handles provide a softer, more ergonomic grip. These can be custom-coloured to match brand guidelines and can feature debossed or printed logos, ideal for a contemporary and comfortable user experience.

• Straight Handles: Common on many modern and compact umbrella designs, straight handles offer a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

  • Material Versatility: These can be crafted from a wide range of materials, including rubberised plastic for a soft-touch grip, metallic finishes for a sleek look, or even textured materials for enhanced grip.

  • Branding Opportunities: Straight handles are excellent candidates for pad printing of logos, laser engraving (on metal or wood-effect finishes), or even custom moulding to incorporate a unique brand shape or pattern directly into the handle’s design.

• Telescopic and Folding Umbrella Handles with Push Buttons: Designed for portability and convenience, handles on folding umbrellas often integrate an automatic push button mechanism for quick opening and closing.

  • Integrated Functionality: The design seamlessly blends the handle with the opening mechanism, offering a streamlined user experience.

  • Branding: The surface of these handles is ideal for pad printing your logo. The push button itself can sometimes be customized in colour or texture to add another subtle branding element.

• EVA Foam Handles (Golf Umbrellas): Large, robust manual golf umbrellas typically feature comfortable EVA foam handles. This material is chosen for its excellent grip, even when wet, and its soft, shock-absorbing properties, making it ideal for prolonged use on the golf course.

  • Branding: While foam doesn’t lend itself to fine detail, these handles can often be customised with a branded logo disc inserted into the base of the handle, providing a clear and durable branding area.

  • Automatic Golf Umbrella Handles: For added convenience, automatic golf umbrellas retain the ergonomic EVA foam handle but incorporate a prominent push button positioned just above it, allowing for effortless, rapid deployment, perfect for sudden downpours on the green.

Beyond the Basic: Advanced Handle Customisation

The potential for customisation extends even further:

• Custom Moulding: For large orders, handles can be custom-moulded into unique shapes, such as a brand mascot or a distinctive ergonomic form.

• Material Inlays: High-end umbrellas might feature inlays of contrasting materials, like a metal strip within a wooden handle, to add a touch of luxury.

• Textural Finishes: Beyond colour, handles can incorporate various textures – soft-touch, ribbed, or dimpled – to enhance the tactile experience and align with brand aesthetics.

• Branded Logo Discs/Decals: As mentioned, branded logo discs are a popular and highly effective customisation for golf umbrellas and many folding umbrellas. These durable, often domed, inserts placed at the base of the handle provide a premium, protected space for your logo, ensuring long-lasting brand visibility.

By thoughtfully selecting and customising the umbrella handle, you’re not just choosing a grip; you’re crafting a key touchpoint that enhances the user’s experience and powerfully communicates your brand’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.

 

Handle ring on umbrella

Also referred to as an umbrella neck ring, this sits above the handle of a walking umbrella. It can be customised with engraving. 

 

Umbrella handle strap 

A customised handle strap can be added to any model of umbrella but is usually chosen for telescopic folding umbrellas. PU leather is a favoured material, as is polyester webbing. Handle straps are designed to fit around the user’s wrist to carry the umbrella when not in use. 

Tie wrap for a brolly

Made from the same polyester pongee fabric and coming in the same colour as the panels of the umbrella, unless otherwise specified, the tie wrap is a small strip of fabric that wraps around the closed umbrella. Tie wraps usually utilise a popper to close the wrap and keep the umbrella canopy closed and tidy when not in use. A woven or printed label can also be added to the tie wrap to customise the umbrella and the popper can also be a different colour or embossed. 

Carry and storage sleeve for umbrella

A protective sleeve is made from pongee, the same material used for the canopy of the umbrella. It can be printed, dyed and embroidered in accordance with brand guidelines. Telescopic umbrellas are usually supplied with an umbrella sleeve to protect the umbrella when not in use and often in a bag for transporting. Walking umbrellas and golf umbrellas can also be supplied with an umbrella sleeve on request. 

How an umbrella is made

1. An umbrella is made by hand in an assembly manufacturing process. The beginning of the process involves the purchaser (client) deciding what their umbrella will look like and submitting artwork to that effect.
2. The chosen model of umbrella plus artwork is sent to the production team to review. A flat layout is created for approval. 
3. The elements for the order are purchased including the pole, ribs, handle and fabric. Many of these items are kept in stock for regular jobs. More unusual customisation elements have to be outsourced and can take a little longer than those kept in stock. 
4. A pre-production sample is then created and the panels are printed in accordance with the artwork and attached to the chosen model of umbrella. 
5. Upon approval of the sample, the production of the whole order is created and packaged before being sent to the client’s desired delivery address. 

 

Choosing The Umbrella Workshop for made to order umbrellas

Contact us for a quote +44 (0)1225 667979

Our range of umbrellas include three core models: golf umbrellas, walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Each model includes variants to suit your budget or lead time. It maybe you need an umbrella quickly and therefore we’ll offer you a UK manufactured umbrella which we can turn around within 2-3 weeks. Customisation options are limited to a logo print on a UK manufactured umbrella, but if you have a slightly longer lead time then we can print inside and outside of the umbrella. You can add a branded woven label to your customised umbrella or you can engrave a neck ring to a walking umbrella or a branded logo disk to a golf umbrella handle. 

Made to order umbrellas are customised in multiple ways. From printing inside and outside of the umbrella panels and matching the seams during construction for continuous prints, to the branded tie wrap which can be embroidered or printed. The umbrella carry sleeve can be personalised with print or with a strap. 

Find out how we make our umbrellas and what each of the parts of an umbrella are called with this useful article. Find out how branded umbrellas can enhance your brand.  

We are specialists in branded promotional merchandise. Printed umbrellas, custom-made bags and other branded merchandise that is sensibly sourced and never single-use plastic. If you would like to find out more about how we can help your business with sustainable branded merchandise, then find out more from us by visiting  Wurlin or call us +44 (0)1225 667979. We work with global clients and ship internationally.