Apr. 30, 2015 | By Alec
While some 3D printed products that launch on Kickstarter feel a bit cheap or not inspiring enough to really excite the masses, a new product has just launched a crowdfunding campaign that seems to have it all: it’s cheap, 3D printed, functional and features a design so clever and simple that you become annoyed that you haven’t thought of it yourself. It’s the KAZbrella, a reverse-engineered umbrella that opens and folds to the outside.
Designed by Kaz Designs, a family owned business benefiting from mastermind engineer Jenan, this is simply a very intriguing product. As its designers describe it on Kickstarter, they have essentially redesigned the mechanics of the umbrella to optimize comfort, durability and the chances of staying dry. 'Through many years of research and engineering we have redesigned the mechanics of the umbrella whilst maintaining the familiar look. The KAZbrella is a patented, reverse folding umbrella [that] opens inside out - Think of it like a flower opening. This leaves the wet side of the canopy contained on the inside when closed. The KAZbrella is dry to handle. It won't drip on the floor or soak anything it touches,’ they write.
This means that the KAZbrella is perfect for opening and closing it in confined spaces, getting into your car, all of that without getting wet. It also supposedly minimizes the chance of poking someone in the eye. Furthermore, redesigning an umbrella also gave the Kaz team the opportunity of making their model stronger and more durable than ever before. ‘As the KAZbrella is double spoked, it is extremely strong. In the unlikely event that the KAZbrella is blown inside out, it's not a problem. A click of the button and the KAZbrella will restore back to its open shape,’ they write.
As they explain, master designer Jenan has previously had a successful career as an aeronautical and offshore engineer, and has now applied his knowledge to his invention. ‘Precise engineering and mathematical equations have been used to ensure the KAZbrella outperforms a conventional umbrella whilst keeping its familiar aesthetics and usability. This has not yet been achieved by any other umbrella designer,’ he says.
And as you might expect, 3D printing has played a crucial role in the design process of these revolutionary brollies. Key in that stage of design was family member Riann, who works as a 3D designer and transferred sketched into 3D printable components. These were subsequently outsourced to a 3D printing service and their SLS 3D printer. ‘The engineering behind the KAZbrella is so precise that every millimetre in the design has been considered to ensure it operates beautifully. Using 3Dprint-UK we were able to develop our prototypes making small refinements each time. We then sprayed the 3D printed parts black so our prototype started looking like the real deal!’, the team says on the website of 3Dprint-UK. It’s not yet known what role 3D printing will actually play during production.
Unsurprisingly, this very promising concept is a huge Kickstarter hit already. Having just launched, the KAZbrella has already nearly reached its intended goal of £25,000 (or approximately $38,000 USD). The future is thus looking bright for the KAZbrella.
But of course, a lot of interesting Kickstarter products are just interesting concepts miles away from production. In those cases, it’s always quite a gamble to see if the final product lives up to all the hype. In this specific case, however, research and development processes have long since been completed, while working production samples have already been realized. ‘Over the last 12 months, we have established a close working relationship with our manufacturers who have 20 years’ experience in producing innovative, quality umbrellas. Together with the expertise of the manufacturers and Jenan's engineering experience we are confident that we can overcome any technical difficulties that may arise,’ they confidently state.
That means the funds raised through Kickstarter will be reserved for production itself. As they explain, that manufacturing process still consists of: ‘(1) Tooling - as this is a unique product every component has been specifically designed and will require special tooling to make them. (2) Manufacturing - setting up production line, quality control and testing of the product. (3) Logistics - To ensure the delivery is quick and efficient.’ If all things go according to plan, the first KAZbrellas can be shipped by October 2015.
Looking to jump onboard with this very interesting product? The Kickstarter campaign for the KAZbrella will stay open for the whole of May, and an early bird special costs as little as £35 (or $54 USD). While slightly more expensive than a regular umbrella, not only will this model last a lot longer, it also works much better. Who knew staying dry could be this simple?
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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Is it available in India?
Lee Anne Velez wrote at 7/9/2016 12:13:57 PM:
Would appreciate knowing when the Kazbrella is available for purchase. Please email me at poohbwe@aol.com.
Cedric D'Souza wrote at 5/15/2016 6:39:52 AM:
would like to buy 2 kazbrellas. Please let me know the cost in India and how to order the products. email me at sel1jon2@yahoo.com
agus salim wrote at 1/25/2016 4:36:14 AM:
Will you consider Indonesia's market...? Please contact me.. agussalim.ajbp@gmail.com
Amanda Ladner wrote at 9/1/2015 8:43:47 AM:
I want 2 kazbrellas!! How can I purchase?? Genius idea!!! Please please let me know where & when I can purchase them! I'm gonna make this go VIRAL on the Internet!! The creator will make MILLIONS!!! Sincerely, Amanda Ladner Va, USA
Wendy Hain wrote at 8/29/2015 2:28:18 AM:
I would like to purchase 1-2 purple Kazbrellas how much.when and where can I get it please contact me at jadebaby1972@hotmail.com
jeanne kern wrote at 8/19/2015 5:48:29 PM:
What a great idea! I want one, of course. Huzzah for the genius behind this invention.
Margaret King wrote at 8/18/2015 5:08:54 AM:
I would love to get one of these umbrellas myself. How much are they going to be selling for now that the pre-sale is over. 916-509-5483
Michele wrote at 8/18/2015 2:34:44 AM:
Would like to buy several. Where and when?
Linda Y wrote at 8/17/2015 6:18:17 AM:
I would like to buy a Kazbrella
Mae wrote at 8/17/2015 3:43:58 AM:
Will you consider Philippines as one of your market?
Diane Adam wrote at 8/16/2015 6:27:18 PM:
I am interested in a Kazbrella and investment opportunities. Will you be selling stock in your company? Please reply to: ladydi0601@sbcglobal.net. Thank you!
Diane Adam wrote at 8/16/2015 6:24:24 PM:
I would love to buy a Kazbrella, but I am also wondering about investment opportunities. Will you be selling stock? Please advise. Thank you!
Kim Guillory / kimmarie67@att.net wrote at 8/16/2015 3:03:20 AM:
I need a kazbrella ASAP !!!
Michelle Yarbrough wrote at 8/15/2015 4:22:37 PM:
I would like to order 2, how may we order?
Sharon wrote at 8/14/2015 1:37:07 AM:
Where to buy and how much????
Nola G. Hughes wrote at 8/13/2015 11:54:24 AM:
Please send information on this great product,I want to buy one ASAP! Please send to as to where,when, the cost (US DOLLAR) to the following e-mail: nolagail@gmail.com Thank you
Heidi wrote at 8/12/2015 11:24:30 PM:
What is the cost, when, where and how can I get one.
Carolyn Brumfield wrote at 8/10/2015 2:09:43 AM:
How can I get one of the kazbrella's and what is the cost of it in purple
Alexia wrote at 8/9/2015 11:51:21 PM:
How can I get a kazbrella
Maria Jacobsen wrote at 8/8/2015 8:44:42 AM:
Hi! Love to buy one, I am from Norway and the weather here is like 85% rain all the time in the vest coast. When its ready email me maria.jacobsen1988@gmail.com. This is so great! I cant wait to try this out.
anvar wrote at 7/22/2015 10:12:26 AM:
i want one kazbrall am from india.kerala my contact number 00919744867676 my name anvar
anns wrote at 7/10/2015 1:24:52 PM:
How to order and the cost
mariko ota wrote at 7/9/2015 11:44:23 PM:
how can i buy? i want to have this kazbrella. i am from japan please inform me how can i buy this.
Melissa wrote at 6/29/2015 5:16:58 PM:
I want one. Email me mtmarykay2008@gmail.com Thank you Melissa Tucker Houma, Louisiana
Joyson Rebello wrote at 6/21/2015 7:47:37 AM:
I want to buy it..please help
dbclunie wrote at 5/2/2015 2:01:08 AM:
at least as early as 2012 http://www.chorusandecho.com/articles/view/inverted-umbrella-protects-from-rain-folds-outside-in-to-keep-you-dry_77805 for sale now, and as early as http://www.damngeeky.com/2013/12/11/16246/unbrella-solves-the-wet-umbrella-problem-with-its-reverse-folding.html so how is this the "first" reversible umbrella?
Risc66 wrote at 5/1/2015 9:01:41 PM:
Bravo!
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