Tag Archives: Umbrella

This gorgeous Umbrella-inspired lampshade can be opened or closed to adjust brightness

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A worthy winner of last year’s Tyvek Design Awards, the Wagasa Lamp has a beautiful design and an even more alluring interaction that lets you adjust the lamp’s brightness. Taking inspiration from the shape of an umbrella or parasol, the lamp comes with a shade made from flexible Tyvek fabric (developed by DuPont) attached to wooden rods. The lamp can be unfurled or shut like an umbrella, exposing or enclosing the empty space within, which increases or decreases the amount of light that makes its way out of the lamp. This unique interaction gives the Wagasa Lamp just one of those beautiful user experiences that makes it an instant crowd favorite – but even more importantly, the lamp’s innately Asian/Japanese aesthetic makes it a wonderful inclusion in any minimalist or oriental-themed home!

Designer: Solenn Roch

The Wagasa lamp’s design comprises just two materials outside the lamp’s bulb and electrical housing. You’ve got the Tyvek shade, made of two sheets of the synthetic paper-like material, and a wooden structure that holds the Tyvek shades up, allowing you to adjust their position. “The translucent Dupont Tyvek material diffuses light softly, creating a warm atmosphere,” mentions Swiss-based Solenn Roch.

The design is almost identical to the kind of umbrellas found in cocktails and drinks, and operates the same way too. Here, a threaded base lets you rotate a knob to adjust the open-ness or closed-ness of the umbrella, while the outer umbrella cone’s width helps determine the lamp’s brightness. When completely opened/horizontal, the lamp allows much more light to filter outwards from the top and bottom, diffusing wonderfully through the Tyvek shade. Close it, however, and the conical area decreases, also closing the empty space inside the lamp to create a smaller illuminating area. The controls aren’t precise, but they’re fun as heck, and you’ll find yourself constantly reaching for the rotating knob to show off the lamp to your guests!

The current prototype is made out of 3D-printed plastic parts, although Solenn hopes to make a version out of natural wood soon.

The beauty of the Wagasa lamp lies entirely in its simplicity and playfulness. In a lot of ways, principally, it works quite similar to the IKEA PS 2014 Pendant Lamp, but while that lamp allures with its uniquely faceted pattern, this one is just a call-back to a simpler time, coupled with a wonderfully Eastern-themed minimalist aesthetic.

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The Future Is Here! Introducing Flying Umbrellas To Take Convenience To The Next Level

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In the fast-paced world of technological innovation, where convenience is key, I Build Stuff, a content creator, has taken the concept of hands-free technology to new heights—literally. In a recent creation that has captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts and casual observers alike, I Build Stuff has designed a flying umbrella drone that hovers above users, shielding them from the rain in a futuristic and whimsical fashion.

Designer: I Build Stuff

In an era dominated by smart devices and voice-controlled assistants, the integration of hands-free technology into everyday objects is a natural progression. The flying umbrella drone is a prime example of this trend, offering a unique solution to the age-old predicament of holding an umbrella while navigating through rain showers.

The concept behind the flying umbrella may seem straightforward—attach propellers, install a drone, and affix an umbrella. However, the designer encountered numerous technical challenges during the development process, leading to a journey of trial and error. The result is a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology and creativity.

The core structure of the flying umbrella is a cross-shaped frame made of 3D-printed parts, extending from the edges of a traditional umbrella. At each end of the frame, small propellers resembling a hurricane’s rotation lift the umbrella into the air. To ensure lightweight yet robust construction, carbon fiber tubes form the skeleton of this innovative device, enabling it to gracefully soar above its user.

Crucial to the functionality of the flying umbrella is the incorporation of a flight controller and an electric stability control circuit. The designer meticulously soldered wires to the circuit, regulating the motor’s speed to prevent the device from flying off uncontrollably. The flight controller, programmed to maintain stability, keeps the flying umbrella gracefully following its user.

Despite initial success during the pilot flight, the inventor faced challenges during subsequent tests. The flying umbrella exhibited erratic behavior, shaking violently during one instance. The inventor took a pause, addressing the issues and stabilizing the system, even going so far as to encase the electronics in plastic wrap to protect them from moisture.

While concerns about the device’s stability persist, the I Build Stuff creator has showcased its effectiveness in protecting against drizzles. Anticipating future improvements, the inventor envisions adding a camera and programming the flying umbrella to autonomously follow users, eliminating the need for manual control.

The current controller-operated system opens the door to exciting possibilities. However, the prospect of a fully autonomous flying umbrella holds promise, making this invention accessible to a broader audience. The potential for hands-free technology to benefit not only tech-savvy individuals but also the elderly or those less proficient with remote controllers is an exciting prospect on the horizon.

In a world where innovation knows no bounds, the flying umbrella drone stands out as a quirky yet functional creation, redefining the way we navigate rainy days. As technology continues to evolve, the prospect of a completely hands-free experience with a flying umbrella is both intriguing and eagerly awaited by enthusiasts around the globe.

The post The Future Is Here! Introducing Flying Umbrellas To Take Convenience To The Next Level first appeared on Yanko Design.

Building A Drone Umbrella: The Future Of Staying Dry

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In the future, will we all have drone umbrellas autonomously follow us, hovering just above our heads to shelter us from the rain? Maybe! But Youtuber I Build Stuff couldn’t wait for the future, so he took matters into his own hands and constructed his own drone umbrella. While this one doesn’t autonomously follow its user, it’s certainly a step in the right direction. That step being one out of the rain, just to be clear.

After hand drawing the design, I Build Stuff then reproducing it in CAD, and the parts were 3D printed. The design is a large quadrocopter, with each rotor on a long arm to allow enough space for an umbrella to fit between them.

The design works well, although it appears any amount of wind causes the umbrella to quickly start drifting away. And rain and wind DO go hand in hand. With enough interest in the project, I Build Stuff says he’ll add a camera to the dronebrella and write the code to track his movement so it can autonomously follow him. This will also help the drone compensate for wind by trying to constantly stay above him. That’s a good idea. Another good idea? Adding some safety cages around those spinning blades right above your head.

[via TechEBlog]

These retro-reflective umbrellas keep pedestrians safe by boosting visibility on dimly lit roads

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The archetype of a black umbrella really doesn’t make sense when it’s literally the one color that is least visible in the dark. The TubeFlash-Road umbrella changes that.

Built using 3M Scotchlite reflective tape around the edge of the umbrella, the TubeFlash-Road looks normal during the day, but shines bright in dim light, catching photons from far away and reflecting them in all directions, especially back to the light source. This allows cars and bikes to see the umbrella from far off, eliminating any element of surprise and keeping pedestrians visible and safe on rainy nights.

Designer: Jason Su

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $63 (30% off). Hurry, only 5/135 left!

The umbrella, by design, is a barrier. Often opaque, its main job is to stop rain from drenching the user, but at the same time, the umbrella also obscures the user’s vision of what’s around them. At night, the problems are doubled because the black umbrella also stops other people from seeing your face. This unique coupling of problems makes it rather dangerous for pedestrians trying to navigate the city on rainy evenings and nights.

3M Scotchlite™ – The reflective material allows visibilities more than 1000ft and regenerates 500 candlelight in brightness.

High Tech Memory Fabric – Created by shape memory polymers that have the capability of changing into a different programmed shape and then back to its original shape

TubeFlash-Road addresses that very problem, while refining the idea of an umbrella itself to its best, most practical version. The umbrella is crafted out of a shape-memory fabric that opens out into the umbrella’s signature design, but also closes down to its perfectly folded and pleated version in just 2 seconds, allowing you to wrap it shut in seconds instead of correcting the folds, arranging the pleats, and then strapping the umbrella shut. A patented octagon-shaped shaft also allows the umbrella’s telescopic handle to open and close with less effort.

UPF 50+ – TubeFlash also adds in A.Brolly “UV Shield” coating on the canopy which blocks 99.9% of UV lights generates a UPF50+ environment under the canopy.

Aquarepel – Coating that makes the canopy 90% dry with a few quick shakes.

Designed for ultra-utility, the fabric comes treated with A.Brolly’s Aquarepel coating that makes it entirely hydrophobic, along with a special UPPF50+ coating that blocks out 99.9% of UV radiation from the sun, protecting your skin from more than just water.

However, the TubeFlash-Road umbrella’s pièce de résistance is its reflective patches, strategically placed around the rim of the umbrella’s canopy. A series of reflective dashes and a large reflective patch (which also doubles up as the umbrella’s sleeve when closed) made from 3M Scotchlite reflective fabric help boost visibility at night. You can either walk around with the TubeFlash-Road umbrella as you regularly do, or twirl the umbrella around for even more visibility, allowing yourself to instantly be spotted by fellow pedestrians as well as road commuters.

The TubeFlash-Road umbrella comes in 3 colors – Classic Black, Smoky Blue, and Morandi Red. The umbrellas start at $44 USD for early bird backers, with shipping later in the year.

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $63 (30% off). Hurry, only 5/135 left!

The post These retro-reflective umbrellas keep pedestrians safe by boosting visibility on dimly lit roads first appeared on Yanko Design.

Solar-powered beach umbrellas can keep your ice cream cold and save the planet

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The height of summer in the Western hemisphere means a lot of beach days, time spent outdoors, and suntanning in the backyard. But it also means pressure on energy sources, especially for towns that have an influx of tourists during this season. This year in particular has been brutal with much of Europe experiencing record-breaking heat which also means a drain on a lot of resources. It’s always welcome when we hear of products and concepts that will help lighten the load and still bring comfort and convenience to its users.

Designer: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati for Sammontana

Italian desserts brand Sammontana commissioned an innovation firm to come up with an innovative product that will be useful for this season but also sustainable. The Parelio is a solar-powered beach umbrella that is able to harness the power of the sun to create sustainable energy. The lawn and beach accessory can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity for things like coolers, mini-refrigerators, phone chargers, and even to power machinery.

Instead of the usual beach umbrella design that folds down towards the earth, this one folds upward towards the sun as it absorbs its energy. The inspiration for the design is a combination of origami and the solar systems on NASA spacecraft. On top you get foldable photovoltaic panels that are able to convert the energy into electricity. Don’t worry so much about getting too much sunlight as the top is still able to provide enough shade, which is the primary purpose of beach umbrellas.

It is 2.5 meters high with a diameter of 3.2 meters. The mini-refrigerator attached can keep your drinks and food cold, which is where the dessert brand comes in. One umbrella is powerful enough but if you have a network of them in one area, it can provide electricity for more than just your mini ref. Multiple Parelios can even power an entire establishment so even if you get a lot of visitors, you’re still able to manage your consumption.

The post Solar-powered beach umbrellas can keep your ice cream cold and save the planet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Umbrella Lantern has LED lights to help illuminate your way

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If you’ve ever walked home in the rain at night, then you know it’s not as romantic or dramatic (well, if you live in London, it might be) as the movies make it out to be. In reality, it’s wet, and slippery, and if the streets aren’t well-lighted, it can be dark and dangerous. You could always use a flashlight or your phone’s flashlight function but it’s not that convenient. It would be great if your umbrella could be your source of light as well and this new product does exactly that.

Designer: Mabu

The Umbrella Lantern is a new kind of rainy day companion that has built-in LED lights that you can activate by just pushing a button. It will be useful if you’re walking down roads that don’t have good lighting and where cars rarely pass by so you don’t have any lighting source. There are those umbrellas with reflective surfaces but they still need light from your surroundings in order to light up. This one is directly illuminated so you can use it anywhere you need it, maybe even when it’s not actually raining.

During the daytime when you don’t need light, you can use it just like you would any regular umbrella. When sunlight starts disappearing, you can just press a button located in the umbrella’s handle so the LED lights are activated. The light is located just right underneath it and the light is able to transmit through the umbrella’s fabric so even your surroundings are lighted up as well. How much light is transmitted depends on the color of the umbrella that you have.

The Umbrella Lantern has four different color options: Carmine, Water, Light gray, and Midnight Blue. The lighter the color, the easier it is to see through with the light while the darker it is, the less transparent it is. The umbrella itself is 102 cm in diameter, 82cm in length, and weighs around 460 grams. You only need three AAA batteries to power up the LED lights. It is pretty lightweight so you can easily carry it around. If you live in an area where it rains often and you walk in the dark, this is a pretty handy accessory to have.

The post Umbrella Lantern has LED lights to help illuminate your way first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Anti-Glare Umbrella for Smartphones Is a Real Product That Exists

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Because if you make it, somebody, somewhere, is going to buy it, VIVOUNITY has created the Phone Umbrella Suction Cup Stand (affiliate link), a device that acts as both a smartphone sunshade as well as a stand. Wow, what will they think of next? Hopefully, something more practical and less ridiculous looking.

The silicone suction cup stand was designed to look like a little pig (the one that went to market or stayed home?), and the umbrella slides between its buttcheeks to prevent glare and/or unwanted eyes and judgment while you lose at Wordle. Me? If I don’t guess Wordle on the first guess, I just close the window. I’m a perfectionist. Also, I’m terrible at word games.

The umbrella is available in a variety of different colors and patterns to ensure you’re able to recognize your phone after the wind catches the umbrella and blows it down the street. Or to Oz. You just better hope it doesn’t land on a wicked witch, or her sister is going to come after you with her flying monkeys. Trust me; I’ve seen movies. Mostly scrambled ones on Cinemax! Please don’t tell my parents.

[via DudeIWantThat]

SENZ Umbrella can resist strong winds and keep you dry from the rain

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SENZ Umbrella

What makes a design timeless? If a product is still sellable and doesn’t look old even after a decade, you can say the design is classic. Most timeless designs never go out of style, and that is what the SENZ Umbrella is all about.

The first time we saw the Senz was in 2008. Back then, we said it was a unique umbrella because of the design. It is still a unique umbrella that you can appreciate to this day. The aerodynamic shape keeps the rain off your back so you can remain dry even when it is raining hard.

Designers: Philip Hess, Gerwin Hoogendoorn, and Gerard Kool

SENZ Umbrella

The umbrella can still withstand up to 100 km per hour winds. If you live in a country where it always rains, you may want to get this umbrella that is also lightweight yet feels very solid and durable. The grip is firm yet soft and comfortable to hold thanks to the foam rubber.

The Senz Umbrella’s mechanism is reversed as you need to pull down the umbrella to open it. This means the umbrella will also never invert or overturn because the handle is supposed to hold the umbrella more steadfast than usual. The unique shape of the umbrella has a purpose: to keep the rain off the user’s back and prevent strong winds across the surface. The Senz umbrella resists force winds, so you can go on and not worry about walking in the rain.

SENZ Storm Umbrella Demo

The SENZ Umbrella used to be sold for $54, which was steep (still is) for an umbrella but then this one is powerful against the wind. When it first came out, we mentioned the Senz Umbrella was a project by college students. The product design has since been sold off to an umbrella manufacturer, so it’s getting a new chance to infiltrate the market.

SENZ Umbrella Price

The SENZ shape is unique as it can block the wind so it won’t overturn. The design is revolutionary with its short front and long back design. The windproof storm umbrella can give you the confidence to go outdoors in any weather. You can use it when it’s hot and bright outside and benefit from its UV sun protection. Its fabric is quick to dry, so you don’t have to worry about it dripping wet all the time.

SENZ Umbrella Design

SENZ Storm Umbrella Colors

The SENZ Umbrella was designed by three Dutch design students and has already won eight international design awards. Its asymmetrical shape has been patented and can provide a perfect view. This reinvention of the umbrella has passed testing in a wind tunnel and showed that it could resist any wind or storm.

Its points have eye savers to you won’t hurt your eyes or of those around you. The Senz Umbrella is also sustainable as it uses reusable and recycled material, so you know it can last a lifetime. The SENZ Umbrella comes in different sizes and styles: Original Storm Umbrella, Senz Mini, Senz Large, Senz XXL, and Senz Kids.

SENZ Umbrella

SENZ Umbrella

SENZ Umbrella Where to Buy

SENZ Storm Umbrella

The post SENZ Umbrella can resist strong winds and keep you dry from the rain first appeared on Yanko Design.

No more forgetting umbrellas with this peppy Apple AirTag accessory

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Usually, when it’s pouring down, the umbrella is one thing we never forget to take along. However, when the weather clears up during the day, we tend to forget the umbrella. So, what if one could track down the umbrella where it has been forgotten after putting, or have the phone guide you to where it is?

Apple’s niche accessory is changing how we track everyday stuff, and even though Samsung and Amazon have their own version of a tracker, the Cupertino giant has perfected the tracking device better than anyone else. Apple AirTag has a plethora of uses based on one’s imagination and needs. Of course, the accessory comes in handy for most of us who are in the habit of forgetting or losing the most obvious daily used things such as wallets, bags, musical instruments, EDC.

Designer: Aniket Bharajkar

The Apple accessory also comes in handy for the security of two-wheelers, especially bicycles which are susceptible to theft. But all this while how can we forget the good old umbrella for those murky days. Yes, I’m sure all of you also had that sinking feeling of forgetting your favorite umbrella in the public commute, at your buddy’s place, or at the local grocery store.

Under normal circumstances, AirTag can’t be used with your umbrella, but then we have mindful designers who are ready to solve those problems which are mostly ignored. This is UNEC, an accessory that makes it possible to track your trusted umbrella, no matter where you lose it by mistake. Although it is a very simple accessory, the benefits are simply undeniable. Hook it onto the umbrella’s handle and it won’t look odd – given its compact size and funky colors the accessory comes in. As the designer rightly puts it, “UNEC allows people to attach their AirTag to an umbrella so that they will never lose it ever again, because why not?”

Going beyond the designer’s intended use of the UNEC, the accessory is also good enough to have an optimum-sized version made for a walking stick that differently-abled or injured people can’t afford to lose.

The post No more forgetting umbrellas with this peppy Apple AirTag accessory first appeared on Yanko Design.

Stained Glass Inspired Umbrella Casts A Colorful Shadow

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Because nothing makes me want to sing in the rain more than an umbrella to keep me dry (otherwise I’ll typically run as fast as I can through the rain), this is the $37 Stained Glass Umbrella available from the Japan Trend Shop. It’s the perfect umbrella for carrying a rainbow with you.

In addition to drawing inspiration from the early 20th-century stained glass designs seen around Japan during the rule of emperors Meiji and Taisho, the Stained Glass Umbrella also draws on the vinyl/see-through umbrella motif that “has been a trademark of any Japanese townscape since the 1950s.” I can already close my eyes and see majestic Mount Fuji rising in the distance.

Of course, the biggest problem with a stained glass umbrella is that if it is raining, it probably isn’t bright enough outside to cast its beautiful shadow. Still, it will keep you from getting wet, which, the last time I checked, is the purpose of carrying an umbrella anyways. Well, that, and pretending you’re Inigo Montoya and just ran into the six-fingered man.

[via The Green Head]