Hasta La Ideas

When a new product called the Brolly turned up in the inbox, I couldn’t help but think of Sruli Recht’s “Umbuster,” a more explicitly ‘weaponized’ umbrella concept. The Icelandic designer’s concept incorporates an aluminum knuckle duster into an umbrella handle as a tongue-in-cheek comment on the smuggling of illegal arms: the product page duly notes: “Although the Umbuster is not technically a weapon, to ensure avoiding import complications please check your international laws before purchase. The regulations and control differ between countries and we regret we cannot provide refunds for returned or confiscated orders.”

Seeing as it’s a hefty €225, potential customers would do well to heed Recht’s caveat emptor. Which brings us to the Brolly: at under $20, it offers the very same reference point without the political implications or the objet d’art pricetag. Instead of an individually CNC-milled handle, the Brolly features a consumer-friendly rubberized ABS handle.

In fact, designer Greg Edson arrived at the distinctive form factor in his quest to develop an umbrella that could be used concurrently with a mobile device, allowing users to text or e-mail in the rain.

I couldn’t help but notice the hangtag on the umbrellas in the montage from 1:27–1:37, but other than that, the video does a good job of explaining the what seems like a decent product.

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