Stealth umbrella has users singing in the rain

By Staff Writers on Mar 12, 2007 9:57AM

Dutch invention battles gale-force winds with ease.

Dutch scientists claim to have invented a windproof umbrella that will not turn inside out even in gale-force winds.

The umbrella looks more like a stealth fighter jet than a traditional umbrella, but the makers say that the unique combination of materials and design means that it will not turn inside out, break, take your eye out or make you walk into a lamppost, even in force 10 winds.

The Senz Umbrella's asymmetric shape is designed to find the best position to adopt in the wind. It features a cutaway front to allow better vision while negotiating streets, and its extended rear gives better rain protection for the back.

According to Senz Umbrella co-founder Philip Hess, it all began out of frustration.

"We have all the technology in the world. We can go to the moon and beyond, but we can't create a functional umbrella," he said.

"Basically, we tried to eliminate all annoyances of your typical umbrella. Our shape is different. The circular shape is the worst shape for an umbrella, so ours is asymmetrical.

"We have a new patented construction that better distributes pressure throughout the device so it won't break. And we've added what we call 'eye-savers' so there'll be no more nasty eye poking."

The first pair of Senz umbrellas, the Senz Original and the Senz Mini, were released in October last year, and sold out of the first batch of 10,000 units in just nine days.

"The response from the media and buyers is beyond our wildest dreams," said Hess.