Introducing the hands-free brolly that won't turn inside out in bad weather - News - Evening Standard
       

Introducing the hands-free brolly that won't turn inside out in bad weather

They may appear to be kitted-out for a voyage into outer space. But this bubble-headed pair are merely preparing to take on the British weather.

They are modelling the Nubrella, which claims to be the world's first hands-free brolly and which promises never to turn inside out in high winds.

Scroll down for more...

Hands free: With the Nubrella, you can sip a coffee and speak on the phone at the same time

Its designer, Alan Kaufman, came up with the idea while watching shoppers struggle with umbrellas on a windy day.

"We all know the problem with umbrellas is that they invert, that's where I came up with the idea. They are not great in the wind," he said.

"I never planned on inventing a product, I just noticed a problem and came up with a solution."

The former tennis pro, 45, spent six years developing the Nubrella.

Scroll down for more...

Wind-proof: Oval in design, the Nubrella keeps off the wind and won't turn inside out

Made of nylon with aluminium alloy ribs and a clear Thermoplastic Polyurethane front, it weighs 2.6lb.

The £30 contraption is worn on the shoulders and opens out at the touch of a button.

In addition to keeping off the rain, the wind-proof device also keep the wearer warm.

And because it is hands-free, users can chat on their mobile phone or ride a bike while listening to the gentle pitter-patter above their heads.

Scroll down for more...

On the road: A cyclist takes to the streets sporting the latest brolley for braving the British winter

Mr Kaufman says that anyone put off by the Nubrella's odd appearance should reconsider.

"When you're outdoors and it's a miserable day, guess what? Not many people will be looking at you. They'll be trying to get from A to B," he said.

Speaking of the six-year project, he said: "If I knew back then how difficult it was going to be I probably never would have pursued this.

"At times it has felt like climbing a mountain on roller blades."

Comments

Don't Miss
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?

Hazard warning

What makes Chelsea and Arsenal target Eden Hazard tick?
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon