The World’s First Hands Free Umbrella

We're not sure if it can quite be considered a fashion accessory, but it certainly looks like it might beat battling with an upside-down, inside-out umbrella on a wet, wind-blown street. In more than 66 countries around the world, people are now hiking, shopping and mowing in the most inclement of weather, with both hands free as the proverbial birds. And it's all thanks to the 'Nubrella': the world's first hands free umbrella.

Since its invention 3000 years ago, the umbrella, like the crocodile, has not evolved much at all. Alan Kaufman, Nubrella's Founder and Creator, was contemplating this fact (regarding the umbrella, not the crocodile) one day while standing in Manhattan, watching hosts of New Yorkers struggling with their recalcitrant brollies. In what the Nubrella site describes as a 'flash of genius', Kaufman had an image appear in his mind, so he 'ran over to his desk and drew it'.

'I just realised that the umbrella is not designed for wind and it should be aerodynamic in shape. I also said, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a hands free umbrella? I never planned on inventing a product,' he later explained. 'I just noticed a problem and came up with a solution.' He then spent years developing his idea in conjunction with some of America's top engineering and design companies.

Nubrella's promise is that the gadget 'cannot and will not invert in any wind'. It's said to prevent windchill, guarantee clear vision at all times and avoid the inconvenience of sharp metal points.

The drawbacks? Well, we can't imagine it would've done much to help immortalise Gene Kelly's most famous routine.

[via mashable]