Redesigned umbrella is smaller than an iPhone
If you are like this author, you have probably burned your fair share of umbrellas over the years. Large, heavy and often subject to the break in the wind, umbrellas are one of these necessities of life which, most often, end up creating a greater embarrassment than the problem that they are supposed to solve.
A possible solution to this annoying problem? Do it tiny. A startup called Simple Design tries to do exactly that with its new “simprella” the size of an iPhone. When it is folded, a process that society claims only takes a few seconds, it can integrate into a rear pocket. It weighs only 173.9 grams (almost equivalent to three Snickers bars) and is built in aluminum alloy and stainless steel for sustainability. The fabric, custom -designed to lose water and dry quickly, is mainly made (80%) from recycled materials. Until now, Simprella has raised $ 103,641 on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter.
This is not the first attempt at simple design to reinvent basic consumer products. The company previously designed a portable backpack called Flexy Pro, which corresponds to a range of adult sizes and is transformed into a wardrobe suspended on the go. Their new umbrella is intended to be portable in the same way. It has a hook that can be attached to a bag or worn around the wrist, as well as a swappable velcro front that users can personalize with personal fixes. Videos of the design shared on Kickstarter show it in navy blue, black charcoal, olive green and mustard yellow, although the company notes that the options of final colors will be determined by the votes of donors.
“We design simple, practical and elegant products that facilitate daily, brighter and a little more joyful adventures,” writes the company on its website.
Simple design did not immediately respond to Popular science ask for comments
In relation: [Build An Umbrella Stand That Outsmarts The Rain]
The drawback of mini umbrellas
Convenience generally has a cost. With regard to umbrellas, other miniature options (sometimes called “ultra-compact umbrellas”) have been on the market for years but are generally insufficient in terms of reliability. Scalp,, The New York Times’ The product examination site has tested a variety of models and concluded that the canopy of an umbrella should open at least 37 inches in diameter to “provide adequate coverage for most people”. (The Kickstarter page for the Simplla lists its 35.4 -inch canopy openings, it could therefore be better suited for blocking sunlight.) The design limitations prevent many smaller models from reaching this size. The mini umbrellas also tend to have articulations and weaker ribs than their full -size counterparts, which can lead to a break.
However, potential rupture problems apart, there is someone who suddenly found himself; Taken in the rain without checking the weather forecast can probably take care of the attraction of having an elongated viable solution ready at the bottom of their bag or their handbag.
More offers, reviews and purchasing guides
