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]
posted Sep 21st 2006 9:25PM
" 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...
@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.
Since the war me thinks.
so is this better than a $2 times sq umbrella sprayed with a $5 can of scotchgard?
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
The minute I saw the title I thought "Oh god, they did make another iPod-controllable umbrella, but this time for the Nano?"...:D
Kind of the way the umbrella should've been done to begin with, eh? :P
I wonder if this material would be good for making tents? It's probably too heavy...
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
i think id rather have the water on the umbrella rather than shooting off onto my pants.
I want my nano-particle coated the North Face jacket
I think for $94 I'll just buy ten umbrellas and build frickin' igloo or something.
Anyone in Seattle with an umbrella is a tourist.
too true...
Actually, this is the UK website of a German company.
I hope it comes with NanoNuno pants.
How about water reppeling gadgets?
Better yet water reppeling clothes. Never feel soaked again!
No one uses umbrellas in Seattle - we all own Gor-tex.
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.