In Search of the Ideal Umbrella
- 10 years ago
A few new designs have hit the marketplace in an attempt to successfully re-invent the umbrella.
Think you can improve the umbrella? Many have tried and turned out all wet. The Telegraph calls it “the holy grail of amateur inventors.” Recently, a few new designs have hit the marketplace in an attempt to successfully re-invent the umbrella.
According to the New Yorker’s Susan Orlean, “The annual retail market in the United States alone is now $348 million—about 33 million umbrellas.”
Shortcomings with the standard design include folding, messiness, and inadequate protection.
The Rain Shield seeks to protect from wind and splashing with an extended canopy on one side, but can get confusing when you have to twist it like a mesh pop-up hamper to put it away.
The Rainshader looks like a puffy helmet. While not having to worry about poking anyone or impaired vision during social events, many may not like the fashion statement.
The aerodynamic Senz can resist wind up to 70 miles per hour, but it’s uneven coverage makes it fit for only one person.
Also resisting wind, the inside-out UnBRELLA keeps wetness away and can drip dry standing up. Still, it’s almost twice as long as a regular umbrella.
Do you like these improvements or think the umbrella is fine the way it is?
Think you can improve the umbrella? Many have tried and turned out all wet. The Telegraph calls it “the holy grail of amateur inventors.” Recently, a few new designs have hit the marketplace in an attempt to successfully re-invent the umbrella.
According to the New Yorker’s Susan Orlean, “The annual retail market in the United States alone is now $348 million—about 33 million umbrellas.”
Shortcomings with the standard design include folding, messiness, and inadequate protection.
The Rain Shield seeks to protect from wind and splashing with an extended canopy on one side, but can get confusing when you have to twist it like a mesh pop-up hamper to put it away.
The Rainshader looks like a puffy helmet. While not having to worry about poking anyone or impaired vision during social events, many may not like the fashion statement.
The aerodynamic Senz can resist wind up to 70 miles per hour, but it’s uneven coverage makes it fit for only one person.
Also resisting wind, the inside-out UnBRELLA keeps wetness away and can drip dry standing up. Still, it’s almost twice as long as a regular umbrella.
Do you like these improvements or think the umbrella is fine the way it is?