Students at Temasek Polytechnic have made an umbrella that folds upwards, trapping water within. They called their invention the Dry Umbrella. See another pic of it here. It keeps drivers and their car interiors dry. When I first watched this on Channel NewsAsia (clip here), I thought to myself, hey didn't someone already invented this before? True enough. In season one of American Inventor, a reality television series based on a search for America's best inventor, Sheryl McDonald debuted her invention now known as In-Brella. That was back in 2006. The Dry Umbrella by Temasek Poly looks awfully similar to the In-Brella. The only notable difference is the In-Brella uses a central bar that houses the umbrella when unfolded but the concept for both products is the same. See video below.
So how can Temasek Poly call their Dry Umbrella an invention when something similar has been done years ago?
9 comments:
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.
I think I came across a patent filed for a reverse umbrella before.
Two words: Rip Off!
:oP
temasek poly students must have done their research on the internet...sad thing is the lecturer approved the design? it should have been checked if the patent for their so called "invention" is done by other people before they are allowed to do their prototype.. it would saved any unnecessary embrassment much like the NDP music video.
Copy cat liao.
Looks like those students have been watching American Inventor.
u shld email both the inventors to get their opinions.
>Anonymous said...
u shld email both the inventors to get their opinions.
Done that. Will update if they respond.
"So how can Temasek Poly call their Dry Umbrella an invention when something similar has been done years ago?"
... because maybe they haven't watched an American reality show that I haven't even heard of, ever.
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