Nubrella a brand-nu idea for an everyday item

A new hands-free umbrella attaches to a shoulder strap and protects the head and shoulders in a clear plastic bubble.

The Nubrella flips back like a hood, can resist winds of up to 80 kilometres an hour and can be used by cyclists on the go.

Weighing just over one kilogram, it comes in either black or clear. It’s available from nubrella.com.

Inventor Alan Kaufman, from Florida, says the umbrella was long overdue for some innovation.

“Now people can ride their bikes and work outdoors completely hands-free while staying protected,” he says.

“Millions of people are required to work outdoors no matter what the conditions are, and simply can’t hold an umbrella and perform their tasks.”

“We believe this will revolutionise the industry and are targeting people who can’t use an umbrella or are too tired to hold an umbrella.”

If the umbrella was in need of some innovation – hence the Nubrella – what other products might benefit from a makeover?