NanoNuno: the water-repelling umbrella

So we've got umbrellas that are WiFi-enabled, iPod controllers, and wannabe meteorologists, but how about one that just keeps itself (and you) dry? Some crafty blokes in Britain are getting back to basics with the NanoNuno umbrella, which utilizes nanotechnology to create a canopy of minuscule fibers that water, dirt, and a host of other elements out there have a hard time adhering to. The idea was supposedly borrowed from the "natural phenomenon" witnessed on the Lotus leaf, which sports a similar, sleek surface that water simply rolls off. Since moisture can (presumably) not penetrate the surface, the company claims a simple shake or two will return the umbrella to the arid state it was in before braving the weather, but priced at £49.95 ($94), this probably only appeals to those stuck on the windward side of the island (or Seattle).

[Via PopGadget]

[kinger @ Sep 21st 2006 9:54PM]

" but priced at �49.95 ($94), this..."

wow. When did the value of the dollar drop so fast. When i went to europe for the summer the exchnge rates were around 120-130 dollers for 100 euros. But anyway... cool umbrella...

[Vince @ Sep 21st 2006 10:32PM]

@Kinger, that's 49.95 British pounds, not Euros. Let's hope we don't reach a point where Euros are trading at $2.

Anyway, the $2 Times Square umbrella won't benefit from Scotch Guard, because they're made out of plastic. You'd be better off to buy a $10 umbrella made out of fabric and give it the Scotch Guard treatment. Even there, you'll still save a cool $80, and get a bit more style than clear plastic.

[Ben @ Sep 21st 2006 9:59PM]

Since the war me thinks.

[thak @ Sep 21st 2006 10:11PM]

so is this better than a $2 times sq umbrella sprayed with a $5 can of scotchgard?

[kaztm @ Sep 21st 2006 10:24PM]

I umbrella that I bought more than two years ago was made using Nano-Tex's Nano-Pel. I wonder how much the technology has advanced since then. NanoNuno, show me some comparison tests!

Nano-Tex
http://www.nano-tex.com/products/repels_stains.html#
The umbrella (3,045JPY)
http://k-tai.impress.co.jp/cda/article/todays_goods/18759.html

[Dominic @ Sep 21st 2006 10:32PM]

The minute I saw the title I thought "Oh god, they did make another iPod-controllable umbrella, but this time for the Nano?"...:D

[Jay @ Sep 21st 2006 10:57PM]

I wonder if this material would be good for making tents? It's probably too heavy...

[@ Sep 22nd 2006 1:04PM]

Similar fabrics have been used for outdoor garments. Fabric Mill Schoeller produces their lotus leaf- based nanotech fabric, which companies such as mammut use to create jackets.

http://www.schoeller-textiles.com/nanosphere/main.asp?site=nanosphere&language=english&webpageID=255

[Eques @ Sep 21st 2006 11:01PM]

Kind of the way the umbrella should've been done to begin with, eh? :P

[Michael @ Sep 21st 2006 11:13PM]

i think id rather have the water on the umbrella rather than shooting off onto my pants.

[Dave @ Sep 21st 2006 11:26PM]

I think for $94 I'll just buy ten umbrellas and build frickin' igloo or something.

[aazp @ Sep 21st 2006 11:27PM]

I want my nano-particle coated the North Face jacket

[Bill Bliss @ Sep 22nd 2006 12:18AM]

Anyone in Seattle with an umbrella is a tourist.

[revkibosh @ Sep 22nd 2006 3:42PM]

too true...

[dfgedfgdfg @ Sep 22nd 2006 5:00AM]

Actually, this is the UK website of a German company.

[tekdroid @ Sep 22nd 2006 8:39AM]

I hope it comes with NanoNuno pants.

[ninja @ Sep 22nd 2006 4:23PM]

How about water reppeling gadgets?

[ninja @ Sep 22nd 2006 4:25PM]

Better yet water reppeling clothes. Never feel soaked again!

[Seattlite @ Sep 24th 2006 4:08AM]

No one uses umbrellas in Seattle - we all own Gor-tex.

[Michael @ Sep 25th 2006 5:28PM]

It doesn't appeal to Seattle. Up here, umbrellas are for wimps and tourists.

Not to mention that our "rain" is more gray and wet than actual water drops coming out of the sky.