Technabob » umbrella

Path Illuminating Umbrella: for Dark and Stormy Nights

Lambert Varias — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:00:17 +0000

While this isn’t the first design to add lights to an umbrella, the Path Illuminating Umbrella looks like something that a sane person would actually use. Instead of peppering the canopy with LEDs, this practical umbrella has its flashlight attached to the handle, so you can easily focus the light on what’s ahead of you.

The flashlight is made with 3 white LEDs that provide 100 lumens of light; the LEDs are powered by 3 AAA batteries for up to 48 hours – not long enough to survive in Silent Hill, but it’ll do. It can also be articulated up to 180º, so you can keep tabs on Pyramid Head as he hunts you down.

Hammacher Schlemmer sells the Path Illuminating Umbrella for $40 (USD). Cheapskates can pull off a Dead Rising and just duct-tape a flashlight and umbrella together.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

Umbrella Sword Keeps You Dry, Kills Zombies Dead

Technabob — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:00:54 +0000

If you’re looking for another weapon to add to your arsenal to protect yourself from the inevitable zombie apocalypse, you might want to consider carrying an umbrella with you. No you’re not going to use it to keep dry while the zombies get wet in the rain, you’re going to use it and stab them in the eyes and then disembowel them. That is, at least that’s if you buy this umbrella.

This otherwise ordinary umbrella conceals a nasty surprise. Hiding in the middle of this thing is a 15″ long stainless steel sword, ready to dispatch zombies or any other would-be attackers. While it still works as a regular umbrella, you just grab the knuckle grip, give it a yank, and you’re ready for some serious zombie-killing action. Or swashbuckling, if you’re into that sort of thing.

In all seriousness, there’s probably not a lot of real-world uses for this thing, but it is an impressive weapon nonetheless. It’s can’t even be shipped to California, Massachusetts or New York, if that gives you any sense how dangerous it really is. On the other hand, if you do have a zombie invasion in those states, you’re SOL. If you’re prepared to treat this weapon with the respect it deserves, you can get the umbrella sword over at BUDK for $29.99 (USD).

Umbrella Coat Raincoat Keeps Rain, People Away

Hazel Chua — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:15:01 +0000

Just because something serves a decent enough purpose doesn’t mean that it should get made or be manufactured and released for public consumption. Remember the Privacy Shell that starts out as accessories like handbags or hats that can be folded out to form, well, a shell that can separate you from the rest of the world? If you don’t, I still do, and for a reason: because it looks pretty strange.

And then there are functional objects that could be useful, if only they looked like something a sane and normal person would wear, like the Umbrella Coat Raincoat.

The Umbrella Coat Raincoat is exactly what its name suggests: it’s a raincoat that’s a coat (no duh) and an umbrella. But it’s not just like your average raincoat that ends somewhere below or above your knees. No, it’s actually a full-length pajama-like raincoat that looks like an oversized jumpsuit with an umbrella hoodie that’s larger than life.

The Umbrella Coat Raincoat is a design by Athanasia Leivaditou, who wanted to come up with the most foolproof and convenient raincoat there is, since your hands will actually be free to do whatever they please while you brave the storm outside.

Now that you’ve seen it, let me ask you this simple questions: Would you rather put on the Umbrella Coat Raincoat, or get soaked in the rain?

[via Yanko Design]

CCD-Me-Not Umbrella: Big Brother Won’t be Watching You

Range — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:22 +0000

Ever get paranoid that Big Brother is watching you thanks to all those CCTV cameras and the big eye in the sky? Well, check out this umbrella which will ensure that your overlords won’t be able to keep watch on you anymore.

The CCD-Me-Not is a modified umbrella created by Mark Shepard, studded with infrared LEDs, which are designed to confuse the object detection algorithms used in computer-aided surveillance systems.

It’s definitely an interesting device to have if you are worried about Big Brother watching your every move.

This project is an offshoot of Sentient City, which offers a number of different and unusual devices including, sensor-detecting clothing and setting up an ad-hoc wireless network with your thermos, among other things.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

[CanadianArt via DVice]

Squirt Umbrellas Collect Rain for Water Gun Chaos

Hazel Chua — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:40:54 +0000

You probably never thought that you’d go back to playing in the rain again, now that you’re an adult. Designer Alex Woolley, however, has other plans. Fun plans.

When the sun comes a-shining, it’s time to get to work. But when the rain clouds cover the city and rain starts to pour, then it’s time to put the pens away and grab your Squirt Umbrellas for some fun under the pouring rain.

The design of the Squirt Umbrella is simple enough. The top of the canopy actually has a sunken area in the middle where water gathers as the rain pours. The middle part of the handle is actually hollow, so the water from the canopy funnels down into the water gun handle of the umbrella.

You probably already know what to do next. That is, if you had a childhood (which I’m sure you did.) Alex’s design is just that for now: a design. But hopefully, we could see some go into production, because I’d sure love to have one of these around.

[via Fancy via Oh Gizmo!]

Backpack Umbrella Keeps Hands Free While Keeping You Dry

Range — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:30:42 +0000

Are you the kind of person who fumbles around with an umbrella when it starts to rain? Check out this convenient backpack, which will hold your umbrella while keeping both your hands free. Best idea ever, or slightly cheesy?

Hammacher Schlemmer’s Backpack Umbrella isn’t the first of its kind, but it sure makes a lot of sense. The umbrella is mounted firmly on your back, meaning that the handle isn’t near your face, like some of the other contraptions I’ve seen. This won’t work for everyone, and not in all types of rain. If it gets really windy and the rain comes at you sideways, then this won’t help you much. However, in calmer rainstorms, it will be come in handy so you can carry a bag or even read your tablet while walking.

You can get the Backpack Umbrella from Hammacher Schlemmer for $39.95 (USD).

[via GeekAlerts]

Super-Brella Chair Is the Only Folding Chair You’ll Ever Need

Hazel Chua — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:40:48 +0000

There’s a time to squander away precious moments setting up your folding chair and umbrella and there’s a time to spend more of it in leisure by unfolding the chair and popping the umbrella open in several quick, easy motions.

The first is when you decide to go with your typical folding chair and separate beach umbrella. The second is if you’ve purchased one of these Super-Brella Chairs and are now laughing at the shmucks who still haven’t gotten one for themselves.

As you can see, this chair has got everything: an umbrella to shield you from the sun or protect you from the rain, comfortable armrests, and a holder where you can put your drinks in. It’s also extremely portable, so you can just fold everything up and carry it around in the shoulder bag that it comes with.

Perfect to take along with you to the beach, to concerts and other outdoor events, to fishing, for lounging around in your backyard, and perhaps any other activity that’s done outdoors. You can get one in Europe from the Pro Idee Concept Store for £49.95 (~$82 USD). In the U.S., for a extra few dollars ($99.99), Hammacher Schlemmer sells a version which includes a foot-rest too.

[via Gadgets Matrix]

Thanko Fanbrella: Cheaper and Cooler

Range — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:13:06 +0000

The first time I heard about fanbrellas was a short while ago, and I guess they make sense in very humid and wet climates. It didn’t take Thanko long to announce their version of the Fanbrella. Even though it’s cheaper, it actually looks somewhat sturdier than the one we mentioned before.

In my experience, if it’s raining, it’s usually not that hot, even in tropical climates. While I can see the logic behind having a small fan in your umbrella, what happens when there are gusts of wind? Won’t the fans be broken immediately?

On top of that, umbrellas are very easy to lose. I don’t lose them easily, but my wife goes through a few every few months. This also makes your umbrella slightly more attractive to umbrella thieves. Either way, the fan is a smart idea if it gets really hot and steamy where you live. Thanko’s Fanbrella sells for ¥3,980 ($49 USD).

[via Ubergizmo]

LED Lumadot Umbrella: Right Out of Blade Runner

Range — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:58:48 +0000

I’ve always liked umbrellas, especially nice large ones that you can stash in the trunk of your car. The flimsy folding umbrellas work for certain time, but then they break down. The Lumadot LED Umbrella adds some special tech features to something that almost everybody needs on their umbrella: lights.

The umbrella includes a row of fiber optic lights that highlight the shape of the umbrella. There is also another switch that will make the lights dance or turn them completely off. There is also another light built into the handle, so that you have a flashlight on hand at all times. To power all of these lights, you’ll need 3 AAA batteries.

The Lumadot LED Umbrella is available at ThinkGeek for $24.99 (USD).

[via Geek Alerts]

Rain Or Shine, All You’ll Ever Need Is the Fanbrella

Hazel Chua — Sat, 07 May 2011 13:00:33 +0000

Earlier, I was singing to the tune of Corinne Bailey Rae when I was talking about the Vinyl Numbers Clock.

Now here’s another thing that got me humming to the tune of another song. This time, it’s Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and I’m sure it’s a song that you’ll be singing in your head when you’re walking under the Fanbrella.

Most people don’t really bother to carry an umbrella when it’s a sunny day. But the Fanbrella wants to change that. As you can see, it’s got a battery-powered fan underneath its UV-reflecting canopy. Simply push the button at the bottom of the handle to turn it on and go your merry way, even under the sweltering heat.

The Fanbrella’s shaft and ribs are made out of plastic, so rust won’t be a problem. These go for a hefty $79.95 though and you can get them online from Hammacher Schlemmer. What do you think? Is the Fanbrella worth it?

[via Oh Gizmo!]

Scare the Rain Off With the Batman Umbrella

Lambert Varias — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:46:28 +0000

Evil rain drops will avoid you as soon as you pop open the Batman Umbrella. Or not.

It’s basically an umbrella that’s been cut in the most awesome way possible.

At least half of your body will stay dry, right?

[via Comics Alliance]

Automatic Ambient Umbrella Knows if Its Going to Rain Before You Do

Range — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:00:16 +0000

This awesome piece of umbrella-technology is kind of like a divining rod for rain! It knows when it’s going to rain before you do!

If you’re like me, you rarely check the weather. I’ve been caught off guard a few times, but it just darn sucks when you get totally drenched by a rain shower and there are no umbrellas in sight.

The $129 (USD) Ambient Umbrella is basically a smart umbrella. The handle has a small light which can connect to a wireless receiver. This receiver gets updates on the weather automatically, and it tells the handle what light to show. Depending on its glow, you’ll know the severity of the coming rain storm.

The umbrella receives these updates automatically. There’s no need to set it up or configure it. The LED light on the handle will tell you if it’s going to rain, drizzle, snow, or thunderstorm. Naturally, the design of the umbrella is well suited for strong winds, so it won’t be blown inside out.

[via Designboom]

Color-Changing Umbrella Lets the People Around You Know That It’S Raining

Lambert Varias — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:00:30 +0000

Squid London’s umbrella features a wrap-around white London skyline drawing that becomes multi-colored when the umbrella gets wet. I’m really tempted to put this on Cute or Stupid?, because you won’t see the drawing anyway if you’re under the umbrella. But what the hell. It’s cute.

You can buy it at Beyond the Valley for $36 (USD). Rain not included.

[via crave]

Senz Umbrellas Withstand Ridiculous Conditions That Will Never Happen to You. Ever.

Lambert Varias — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:50:19 +0000

The award-winning SENZ storm umbrella may look unusual, but apparently it’s how umbrellas should look. The umbrella’s angular design makes for a durable and weatherproof design that can withstand winds up to 70 mph (1oo kph).

I’ve experienced having my umbrella turned inside out so many times and I thought that short of being carried away by the wind, the turning-inside-out phenomenon was the thing that umbrella makers should be working on. I was wrong. Apparently they should also think about the needs of people who like to skydive with their umbrellas.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Seriously though, this is one tough umbrella. Unfortunately, a lot of people who really do experience strong winds and rains – like us Filipinos – won’t be able to afford the SENZ. The collapsible mini version sells for €40 (Appx. $55 USD), the regular-sized version sells for €50 ($69 USD) while the XL SENZ is €60 ($83 USD). SENZless prices if you ask me.

You can order a SENZ umbrella at the SENZ webshop. You rich bastard. Kidding. Buy me one please?

[via Gadget Grid]

Umbrella Corporation Umbrella Keeps Rain Off Your Zombie Head

Lambert Varias — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:30:31 +0000

Are you a biochemist who works for a certain pharmaceutical company that for the past 12 years has been making viruses that turn people into zombies? If so, then you’ve probably received an Umbrella Corporation umbrella, maybe for Christmas, or when you were hired. The rest of us have to buy it. And then we’ll be turned into zombies. Some people have all the luck.

The Umbrella Corporation umbrella is made of compact nylon and has a black metal handle. It has a 42-inch arc and carrying one in Raccoon City will surely have you gunned down in half a second.

You can get the Umbrella Corporation umbrella at ThinkGeek for $15 (USD). My photo-editing skills are awzum. You totally cannot see where I cut stuff out, as well as where the umbrella and the zombie head merge. Fine fine work.