Knirps

In the 1920s Hans Haupt constructed the first telescoping pocket umbrella (up to then all small umbrellas had been foldable models), and with it founded the Knirps company in Berlin, ("Knirps" is German for "little guy" or "squirt") revolutionizing the world of umbrellas. Through the 1960s with the introduction of nylon fabrics available in a huge variety of colors and patterns, the rain umbrella became slimmer, lighter and much more durable. The designer umbrella was a common accessory; second only to timepieces and jewelry, the Knirps became the standard gift for holidays and birthdays in Europe. Umbrella popularity dropped in subsequent decades owing to cheap imports and the age of “rock and roll, until this past decade when innovation took off again for umbrellas with the advent of new materials and technologies. Lightweight umbrellas made of aluminium and fibreglass, new frames with a double automatic mechanism for closing and opening, new fabrics, and new coatings (such as Teflon) are changing the market and reviving the popularity of the well-made umbrella.

(Click photos to enlarge)

X1 Compact Umbrella (model# 89-811)

Ribs 8
Weight 8 ounces
Length Closed 6.5 inches
Diameter Open 37 inches
Mechanism Manual

Super-compact design – only 6.5 inches long
Fits into zippered EVA molded case
Perfect for travel or as a gift
Full size canopy
Sporty colors and polka dots

Available in black, red, navy dot, sky dot

Display case for their small umbrellas (Fits X1-Y1, Duomatic)

Y1 Mini Umbrella (model# 89-870)


Ribs 7
Weight 6.9 ounces
Length Closed 8.25 inches
Diameter Open 34.25 inches
Mechanism Manual

Flat profile – stows conveniently into an everyday bag or luggage
Our smallest and lightest design
Modern ergonomic handle design with anti-slip grip
Full size canopy

Available in black, red
 

T2 Duomatic Umbrella (model# 89-878)

Ribs 8
Weight 8.5 ounces
Length Closed 11 inches
Diameter Open 37.5 inches
Mechanism Automatic Open and Close

Proprietary super-strong shaft and ribs
Highly wind resistant
Easy, push-button automatic opening and closing
Auto-close feature is convenient for entering and exiting a car or doorway in the rain
Modern ergonomic handle design with no-slip grip
Full-size canopy
Zippered storage case for easy access

Available in black, red, olive

T2 Duomatic Fall/Winter 2009 Seasonal Fashion:  brown, green, lilac, orange
 

Big Duomatic Umbrella (model# 89-789)

Ribs 8
Weight 1.25 pounds
Length Closed 14.5 inches
Diameter Open 47.5 inches
Mechanism Automatic open and close


Extra-large, full-protection canopy in a compact, collapsible frame
Proprietary super-strong shaft and ribs
Highly wind resistant
Easy, push-button automatic opening and closing
Auto-close feature is convenient for entering and exiting a car or doorway in the rain
Sturdy, full-sized handle with no-slip grip
Zippered storage case for easy access

Available in black
 

Long AC Stick Umbrella (model# 79-923)

Ribs 10
Weight 1.3 pounds
Length Closed 36.25 inches
Diameter Open 42.5 inches
Mechanism Automatic open

Extra-large, full-protection canopy
Traditional “walking length” stick design
Super-strong steel shaft and ribs
Easy, push-button automatic opening
Elegant, comfortable curved natural wood handle
Protective storage sleeve

Available in black
 

Golf Umbrella (model# 79 924)

Ribs 8 double ribs
Weight 1.4 pounds
Length Closed 37.8 inches
Diameter Open 52.75 inches
Mechanism Manual

Knirps’ largest canopy – ideal for Golf or family outings
“Double-rib” canopy construction for extra support
Fiberglass shaft
Full-size, no-slip straight handle grip

Available in black, red, navy