Instant Pleats™ | Revolutionizing umbrella folding with shape memory.
Three Reasons Why Sokubuku Pleats Are Chosen
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Reduced Storage Time: Shape-memory technology reduces folding time by approximately half (according to our own research).
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Thin and Lightweight: No resin panels used. Fabric thickness is only 0.13mm, maintaining the umbrella's original slimness.
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Excellent Durability: Maintains 100% pleat retention even after 500 opening and closing tests. Creases last longer.
*Shape memory reduces the effort of tidying by hand.
Updating the "norm" of umbrellas for greater comfort.
When using a folding umbrella, many people find it stressful to "fold it up after use." In particular, fabrics with light-blocking functions often presented the challenge of being more time-consuming and troublesome to fold.
The more convenience we sought, the more hassle and stress accumulated when folding. To solve this contradiction, Amvel developed "Sokubuku Pleats," combining them with its unique shape-memory technology.
Shape Memory Technology: Why it folds smoothly
One method to improve foldability is to attach a resin panel to the back of the fabric, but this increases weight and makes the umbrella bulky when folded.
"Sokubuku Pleats" uses a special "core-sheath structure" polyester fiber. By heat-treating the fibers themselves to "remember" the creases, it achieves high form stability while maintaining a thinness of just 0.13mm.
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Thin and light: Despite its two-layer structure, it does not compromise the umbrella's original flexibility and compact storage.
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Assured durability: In a test based on JIS L1060 A-1 method, 100% pleat retention was achieved after 500 repetitions of opening and closing (according to a third-party inspection agency). The effect lasts for a long time.
Sokubuku, a new smart.
Just smoothly guide it along the creases for easy folding. Compared to typical folding umbrellas, storage time can be reduced by approximately half (*).
*According to our own research. This is an estimate when folding along the creases, and individual results may vary.
Comparison: Sokubuku Pleats vs. PET Panel Adhesive Type
There are two main methods for umbrella fabrics designed for "ease of folding." One method involves attaching a PET (resin) panel to the back of the fabric to forcibly create creases. While this method excels at maintaining shape, it has the drawback of adding thickness and weight to the panel itself, making it bulky when stored.
In contrast, Amvel's "Sokubuku Pleats™" uses a two-layer structure where the fibers themselves "remember" their shape. Since no additional resin panel is required, it achieves excellent "lightness" and "slimness" when folded compared to panel-type umbrellas.
| Comparison Item | PET Panel Adhesive Type (Reference Value) | Sokubuku Pleats (AMVEL) |
| Structure | Fabric (2 layers) + PET panel | Fabric (2 layers), no PET panel |
| Approx. fabric thickness | Approx. 0.20mm ~ 0.28mm | Approx. 0.13mm |
| Condition when stored | Tends to be bulky due to panel thickness | Thin and lightweight. Maintains original umbrella slimness |
| Durability | Possibility of panel bending or delamination |
High form stability maintained by shape memory |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between "shape memory" and "form stability"?
A: Generally, "shape memory" refers to the phenomenon of a shape quickly returning to its original form, while "form stability" refers to the performance of resisting shape distortion. This product possesses both characteristics due to the heat treatment of its core-sheath structured fibers.
Q: Are there any precautions to take when cleaning it?
A: This product has pleats (creases) "remembered" by heat treatment. Absolutely do not iron it or expose it to high temperatures. The remembered creases may disappear and cannot be restored.
Q: What is the decisive difference from PET panel-type umbrella fabric?
A: Firstly, it's "lightness." Because it has a two-layer structure without resin panels, it is extremely lightweight. Secondly, it's "thinness." It achieves both a thinness of approximately 0.13mm and the original flexibility of the fabric, so it can be stored very smartly without being bulky when folded.