Core77

An umbrella for Barbarella?

By Rain Noe - February 29, 2008

in Object Culture

"Early adopter" is often synonymous with "dork," but sometimes a new iteration of a product promises such improved performance over its predecessor that you can't resist it. The Nubrella is one such product we can get behind--or rather, inside.

The nearly-hands-free umbrella tries to resolve the trade-off between protection from the elements (when you hunch behind your umbrella like one of the Spartans behind his shield in 300) and trying to see who you're about to bump into on a crowded sidewalk (lifting the umbrella high and getting wet).

The Nubrella rests on your shoulder and can be held in place with a finger, leaving your other hand free to...we were going to say "smoke a cigarette," but perhaps filling your bubble with smoke isn't such a great idea. Leaving your other hand free to use a cell phone, how's that. In any case you can pick one up here for a mere $59.99.

Be sure to check out the video below of another innovative bumbershoot, Joo Youn Paek's Polite Umbrella from '05, which tries to resolve the problem of "umbrella bobbing" in crowded areas.

thanks Gina!

o

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Bob

16 years ago

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The Nubrella is a blatant copy of a design which was a finalist for treehugger umbrella competition

Marketting guys dont design they steal other designs

http://umbrella.treehugger.com/finalists/rotary_umbrella.php
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wahoofive

16 years ago

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As long as the wind isn't blowing, you'll be fine.
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Chung Dha

16 years ago

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Top one would been better if it was smaller and intregated into a jacket or something making a kind of jacket hoodie.
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Lauren Kilberg

16 years ago

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Ah, I love everything about the Joo Youn Paek's Polite Umbrella! What a great concept. It would really teach you to be more aware/conscious of your surroundings.
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christen

16 years ago

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The traditional umbrella leaves much to be desired. This design certainly solves many utility issues (being hands-free particularly), but I'm curious why the panels in the rear are not also translucent. It seems easier to move your head to see behind you than to turn your entire body.
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Taylor

16 years ago

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The one simple reason I enjoy this design... I am nearly blind in my left eye, I've been on way too many crowded streets where umbrellas spikes are hovering inches from my eyeballs, without thought from the person holding the thing.
-Other people who are carrying traditional umbrellas with the sharp metal pointed tips can't gouge your eyes out, so there is a small element of protection.
-On the other side of that, you won't be poking eyes out yourself.
Looks odd, but I give it thumbs up.
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