pumprella by 吉岡佑二 from japan

Pumprella which has ribs that are inflated by air is next generation umbrella which has come from completely new way of thinking. Being carried, opened and closed. Umbrella has a relation with people's movement and motion really closely.
It's a product which has a influence not only on ourselves who use it but also on another people. But It seems a uncompleted product yet. This time, we've focused on the umbrella which is in the middle of an individual and other people , and tried to solve some important problems.
Since the umbrella was invented, basic structure hasn't had big development, so still it has a lot of problems.
We've focused on 'Danger' and 'Fragility' within the problems.
The height of the edges of ribs is close to the eye of another people. Using it in the crowd is especially dangerous.
And It has a complicated and fragile structure. Nowadays a lot of broken umbrellas are being thrown away as it is.
Because dividing parts of umbrella is not easy to us.
These Disposable umbrellas are making a big social problem which relate to environment today.
What is innovation which solve these problems?
We've discovered that all problems are caused by ribs which are made of hard material.
[Pumprella] is safety, strong and can replace parts easily by yourself even if it would break.
And the most impressive characteristic is umbrella ribs which are inflated by air, like a float ring.
A motion sliding a shaft to inflate ribs is linking to motion of using a traditional umbrella. And also this motion must bring us a new experience.
Moreover the shaft which is used as also an air pump will be stronger than traditional one because of new structure.
Soft material which can be compact is able to become hard with air. softness and Hardness, these are quite different. We've tried to realize this design fusing the elements which have different characteristic at a high level.
Like a LEXUS DESIGN PHILOSOPHY.
We've considered the structure and styling which are dedicated to achieve a function and motion , and tried to keep a identity about appearance of traditional umbrella as much as possible. It means that the user will be able to use it without a sense of incongruity. And the respect for traditional one.
It is carried and used outside , so light weight ,waterproof and toughness will be important points of materials. The parts which protect us from rain is made of a NYLON which is strong and thin. Shaft is made of an ALUMINUM which is light weight and tough. Grip is made of a CORK which has a non-slip ability even though in the rain, and light weight. Every materials have a reason why they are used. And we've considered to use of the right material in the right part.
Structure is simple. Every parts can be replaced and repaired easily. Pumprella will be your permanent friend.
We wish it could be a standard of umbrella in future, and this innovation would be one of a big step to make a bright society.