An umbrella designed by Jawaid Qureshi of Birmingham uses two tricks to prevent it turning inside-out in gusting winds (GB 2372701). The cover has an air valve near the centre, made from two waterproof flaps loosely tacked together. When the wind gets underneath the brolly, the air can escape through the flap – reducing the pressure that would normally turn it inside out. Additionally, the articulated arms that shape the umbrella’s cover into the traditional mushroom-shaped curve are attached to the central rod by guy ropes. When the umbrella is folded, the guy ropes flop loose; but when opened, they pull tight to keep the cover mushroom-shaped.
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