Polite Umbrella to Bring Peace to Sidewalks?

Good news, New Yorkers. There's a new umbrella in town that is sure to help sidewalk rage during these rainy days we've been having. Aptly called "the Polite Umbrella," you can shrink it on either side as other pedestrians walk by. In the designer's own words, it's "a shrinkable umbrella that enables users to morph its shape in order to reduce occupied space and to increase user maneuverability. Users can easily adjust their umbrellas anytime by pulling a handle so that they can protect themselves from harsh winds or bumping into others." There's a demonstration in a video on the site, but no info on where to buy it! So, keep stabbing each other with your non-polite umbrellas we suppose. NewYorkology has more New York-centric umbrella options, but none quite as polite. [via Kellas]

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on July 31, 2009 5:41 PM

Comments [rss]

Potty Boy

Useless. Those inclined to "morph" their "polite" umbrellas will already be inclined to tilt or move their normal umbrellas so as to avoid hitting others.

billybob

Will these umbrellas still protect me from H1-N1? :)

Manitoba

Hopefully not.

NannyState

Umbrella rage? Seriously? How about "polite air" -air that doesn't mingle with the air around anyone else?

nicemarmot

I have a raincoat. It looks goofy but as far as keeping me dry goes nothing can beat it. I highly recommend them if you don't feel like getting wet.

interlard

How about one that magically extends upwards for those retarded short girls whose arms can't go any higher than it takes to put lipstick on? I'm planning to keep my eyeballs a little longer than the next rain storm.

Quenepa

May as well not even use one - from the chest down you will be wet if there is a slight breeze.

wiseguynyc

How about a City Council motion to ban those obnoxious golf umbrellas that occupy the whole sidewalk. Not cool!

babyfishmouth

Amen to that. I have a theory that the size of a man's umbrella is in direct correlation to the size of his penis - kind of like how middle-aged guys need to go out and buy a sports car to feel more manly. I only ever see i-banker type douchebags with golf umbrellas - I bet they have the smallest penises around.