When was the last time there was a groundbreaking innovation in umbrella design? Exactly. Japanese product design firm H Concept has unveiled their latest: UnBRELLA, an inverted umbrella. Why exactly would you want to invert an umbrella? Well, if you live in a crowded metropolis like Tokyo there are many reasons. When you jump on a crowded train after escaping a downpour your dripping wet umbrella usually brushes up against your bag, your clothes or – even worse – a stranger. But by inverting the design, the wet side of the umbrella faces inward when closed, exposing only the dry side.
And that’s not all: the innovative design makes it easier to open when coming out of a car or other covered area. And when not in use the UNBRELLA stands up on its own.
“It’s been nearly 10 years in the making since I originally conceived the idea,” revealed Hiroshi Kajimoto, the industrial designer who spent roughly a decade improving the umbrella. “I’ve finally created the UnBRELLA – an upside down umbrella truly required upside down thinking.”
The question is, will people be willing to pay for innovation? The new umbrella – slated to go on sale February 2014 – costs 9450 yen (about $95).
source: JapanTimes
December 6, 2013 at 6:55 pm
It used to be “go build a better mousetrap.” Now they’ve done it! And just in time for a Christmas idea.
I never tire of going to your site and this is only one of the many reasons why.
December 10, 2013 at 9:05 pm
This is a copy of an umbrella by Jean Paul Gaultier called the “inside out umbrella”.
A very old design. Jean Paul Gaultier will not be happy about this fake.
December 11, 2013 at 6:16 pm
“This is a copy of an umbrella by Jean Paul Gaultier called the “inside out umbrella”. ” DanR
yeah, no. JPG is just a trim thing, to make it LOOK different… in that the material is simply below the ribs rather than above. This new one actually OPENS the other way. JPG’s doesn’t address the issue with the wet side brushing against everyone else, or the way you can open the unbrella getting out of the car, rather than sticking your whole arm way out. Presumably, the new design will also withstand being blown out, as that is part of it’s design and may be more rugged.