Like tableware or sliced bread, the umbrella is the subject of many reinvention attempts but few approach the sheer cleverness and ingenious simplicity of this design solution, which tackles drips, winds, crowds and compactness in one product.

Created by engineer and inventor Jenan Kazim, the KAZbrella solves the core everyday issue of umbrellas bringing water into your home or vehicle, while also making them easy and safe to open in crowds as well as resistant to high winds (able to pop out then back into shape without breaking). When the umbrella is closed, a strap around the top seals the water inside, keeping it from dripping.

“The patented design includes a string and pulley mechanism that allows the frame to open the opposite way to a traditional umbrella, though the action of pushing the slider up until the upper latch is engaged remains the same. It still looks and functions like a traditional umbrella when open, but when closed the spokes fold in so they point away from the handle and the outer surface is hidden inside.”

The KAZbrella also employs materials for lightweight durability, from its fiberglass spokes and aluminum frame to its double layer of woven polyester. It can be opened and closed through smaller gaps than its ungainly cousins, making it easier to keep dry while entering or exiting spaces. It can then be set down against a wall, in a stand or on your car seat without getting things wet.

Umbrellas are already halfway there: compact as possible, they deploy in a quick motion and retract almost as easily. But problems remain: they are wet when you walk indoors, and their intentionally-then structure remains fragile.

Thus the Air Umbrella (or perhaps: unbrella) by Je Sung Park & Woo Jung Kwon which forces an artificial wind up through its handle that shoots out the top and deflects incoming raindrops before they can hit your head.

Adjustable by design, the power of the air pushed through the system can be varied based on conditions or the desire to extend your protective canopy to a walking companion. Likewise, the rod you hold can telescope based on need and for portability.

The feasibility remains to be seen – one could imagine it would be difficult if even possible to produce the kind of force required, and that batteries might drain too fast for it to be broadly useful. Still, technology has a way of catching up to good design. Another point of skepticism: its creators pitch it as a green alternative to plastic bags or one-use ponchos, but what about regular umbrellas? Perhaps, depending upon the durability of the latter versus the power usage of the Air Umbrella alternative.

Have you ever found yourself waiting out a rain storm with nothing pressing to do? With time on your hands, you may start playing in the puddles left by the deluge, dipping the toe of your shoe into the water and drawing simple designs on the dry part of the sidewalk. This impromptu, impermanent graffiti was the inspiration behind the delightful Rain Brush Umbrella design from Liu Hsiang-Ling.

This simple design takes an item that most of us carry on a rainy day (if we are well-prepared, anyway) and adds a writing brush-like tip to turn it into a fun toy. The umbrella can be used to draw or write with the rainwater that collects all around on a stormy day. Simply dip the silicon tip into a puddle and use the water to leave a positive message on a receptive surface while you wait for a bus or engage in some people-watching.

The idea of using a rainy day to create unexpected art is a wonderfully creative one. Refusing to give in to the common perception of rainy days as depressing, commuters and playful people could certainly brighten up the days of those around them by playing in the rain with this fun umbrella.

A trip to the pool or beach is practically mandatory to beat the summer heat, and dragging the same dented bucket for playing in the sand, and swinging the typical ratty towel over your shoulder, just gets old. Spice up your summer with some of these awesomely creative inventions and accessories:

(Images via infobarrel, inewidea, uniquedaily, yourfunnystuff)

Sandals are a summer must, but it’s easy to grab the blandest fare from the beach store, when you don’t have to shoot for the mundane. Here are some examples of creative sandals with varying levels of comfort, which are unvaryingly interesting. Some sandals can disguise themselves as shoes and others can hide alcohol; some can massage your feet, and others can cling without any visible straps:

(Images via guidespot, funtimesinflatablesandgifts, dvice, boingboing, babble, toplessrobot)

The inflatable alligator and inner tube are the classic visions of pool toys, but times change, and inflatable toys have become incredibly creative and divergent from the originals. Alien ships, water-pumping floating palaces, and entire glaciers with slides… are all available.

(Images via crave, hamptons, 3pad)

The pool does not have to be isolated from the comforts of the home. With beautiful jellyfish lamps, a nice floating aqua pub, and a remote control food and beverage container… there’s only additional incentive to hang out in the pool on those hot summer days.

(Images via weirdworm, memoirsoffashion, highsnobiety, populargoodness, coolest-gadgets)

Sunglass styles change consistently and constantly, but like any fashion, the old styles and the dead ends have a tendency to look a bit ridiculous. When designers go out on a limb, they often fall off. Feel free to stop at a gas station and pick up a $10 pair, as it can’t look worse than these expensive versions.

(Images via walyou, chipchick, igreenspot, limitedfun)

Umbrellas never seem to evolve, but change is around the corner. Some umbrellas are now solar powered (and beautifully lit for nighttime lounging), and others can now change color depending on temperature.

(Images via i-page, comparestoreprices, snitchseeker, reigninggifts)

Beach towels are often the most boring aspect of any beach or pool visit, but this doesn’t have to be the case. No matter if you have light or dark humor, love science fiction or fantasy, or just want something that looks good, don’t settle for the bland one-tone towel and shoot for something with a bit of creativity.

Umbrellas have come a long way since the first scraps of material arranged to keep the rain off – and nowadays, they have evolved into the elegantly designed multi-spindled construction we’re so familiar with…and, well, bored with. Isn’t it about time umbrellas became fun again? From the best in pugilistic umbrella-mayhem to the sweetest way to woo a loved one, these 15 examples are guaranteed to chase the clouds away.

(Images via: Alex Woolley Design)

The rain is scything down, and let’s face it, your umbrella isn’t going to help much. It’s not about keeping dry: it’s about keeping your temper. And what better way to do that by taking out your frustrations in a sneaky water-fight against your companions? The Water Pistol Umbrella only works when it’s raining, by catching the falling water in the top of the umbrella and feeding it down the shaft into the handle-mounted pistol.  And if your target returns fire (as above) – the umbrella doubles as a shield! Eat my rain.

(Images via: ThinkGeek)

Here’s one not to take round Japan (unless you’re fond of being rugby-tackled by policemen). This Samurai Sword Handle Umbrella looks worryingly ready for business – for extra effect, it even has a nylon sheath you can draw it from…which would look even better when strapped to your back. Unsurprisingly, reactions to this product have got a little out of hand. Oh dear. (It’s an umbrella, dude).

(Image via: Yanko Design)

Continuing the theme of umbrellas that have people crossing the street to avoid you, we have Yoel Mazur’s Self Defence Umbrella. Cunning designed to look less assembled than whittled & hacked, this mean-looking lump of wood affixed with sword-like blades also opens out to become a half-umbrella. Even the rain will feel intimidated.

But when it comes to raw, hair-raising formidability, the kingpin of umbrellas has to be the Unbreakable Walking-Stick Umbrella. It is used by the bodyguards of the president of the Philippines – because not only does it keep the rain off nicely, it’s strong enough to support your weight, will take any amount of battering – and can split a watermelon in half with one blow. Maybe best left to the professionals, this one.

(Images via: Gizmodo)

It had to happen. Umbrellas simulating real-life weapons? So, like, what about lightsabers? Yes, it’s true, if you’re happy to be seen out in public with the accoutrements of a Jedi Knight, go grab this umbrella, the handle of which is a replica of a black lightsaber. (That’s if you can find it – the product page is no longer up). No, this beauty doesn’t light up…

(Images via: CrunchGear)

…but this one does!  While not official Star Wars canon (the comments at Crunchgear point to something similar being seen in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner), the glowing centre-poles of this umbrella definitely evokes A Galaxy Far, Far Away. Yes, practical – but oh-so-terribly geeky.

(Images via: Waylou)

If you regularly use your rain-shield in the big city, you’ll know how annoying it is when you’re always catching the sides of your umbrella on other things (such as other umbrellas). The Polite Umbrella – which had to have been invented by a Brit or a Canadian – makes room for the intruding personal space of others by drawing its arms in and hunkering down. A bonus? When it gets windy enough to threaten turning your brolly inside-out, this is the idea way to fight back!

(Images via: Book Of Joe and I New Idea)

But enough of fighting. Can’t we all just be friends? The Double Umbrella works like a tandem bike, by bringing people closer together – and if love blossoms, what better way to offer up your affections than with a Rose Umbrella? (Watering unnecessary, but inevitable).

(Images via: Gizmodo)

We have developed a special branch of furniture to deal with umbrellas, hats and coats – but if you prefer a more unobtrusive place to store your brolly, how about in the wine-rack? The Is.A.Brella Wine-Bottle Umbrella uncorks, sorry, unfurls from the depths of a cannister shaped exactly like a bottle of plonk (albeit one in a more livid color than you’re used to, so there’s no mistaking it when you’re rushing out the door).

(Images via: Senz Umbrellas and The Greenhead)

When the wind starts to howl, umbrellas become a problem. Rain? Perfectly shaped. Wind? Perfectly-shaped to trap it, yes – and there’s nothing like an umbrella for dislocating your arms in a gale, or exploding inside-out. Since the shape is the problem, the clever people at Senz have gone back to the drawing-board and made a brolly that tackles the wind aerodynamically. They claim their umbrellas will never invert, and are safe at windspeeds up to 60mph  – at which point we say, what lunatic goes out in a tropical storm holding an umbrella?

(Images via: InventorSpot)

Also handy for those moments when the wind gets a grip is the Burera Coiling Umbrella Handle. It wraps itself around your arm, your leg or any other appendage you might chose (careful how you go), and stays fixes in shape in the same way as a pipe-cleaner. A hands-free umbrella – who woulda thunk?

(Images via: Yanko Design)

And how about an umbrella that recycles as you go? The Eco Brolly is nothing but the frame – and you provide the material to stretch between the tines, using litter! Plastic seems ideal. Newspapers? Well, not so much, despite the example used above.

(Images via: CrunchGear)

Setting another good, green example is the Melt Umbrella: it springs open with the help of cylindrical pieces that automatically snap together (that’s not the eco-friendly bit), and once it reaches the end of its days, the whole unit can be safely buried – its biodegradable garden film and bamboo will “melt” back into the ground. There are even plant seeds embedded in the handle, waiting for the right moment to become a corner of your garden.

(Images via: Tuvie)

Last and certainly not least – a brolly that generates clean energy. The Parasolar mops up solar energy during the daytime (from being either propped up in the sunshine or used as a parasol), and when night comes, you’re keeping the rain off with a big green gadget-powering battery. If you’re one for walking for hours with your mp3 player blaring away, you don’t have to let weather or power capacity limitations get in the way. However, we have an even better idea for v2: catching the sun is clever, but why not harvest the rain as well?