Umkehrschirm

The Umkehrschirm, which translates from German to "reverse umbrella," is a type of umbrella designed to open and close in an inverted manner. Unlike traditional umbrellas that fold inwards, the Umkehrschirm collapses by folding the wet outer surface inwards, trapping water droplets inside. This design aims to prevent water from dripping onto floors, car interiors, or clothing when the umbrella is closed.

The mechanism typically involves a double-layered canopy. When closing the umbrella, the outer layer folds inwards, concealing the wet surface. This leaves the dry inner surface facing outwards. The frame of an Umkehrschirm is often designed to allow for this reverse folding action, sometimes featuring a more rigid structure or a different joint system compared to conventional umbrellas.

The primary advantage of the Umkehrschirm is its convenience in wet conditions. By containing the water, it reduces mess and the need for immediate drying. This makes it particularly useful when entering vehicles, buildings, or crowded spaces after being exposed to rain. The inverted design also allows the umbrella to stand upright on its own when closed, which can be helpful in certain situations.

While offering practical benefits, Umkehrschirme may sometimes be bulkier or heavier than standard umbrellas due to their double-layered construction and more complex frame. The cost can also be slightly higher. Despite these considerations, the Umkehrschirm has gained popularity as an innovative solution for managing rain protection.