Newton Man Hopes Hands-Free Umbrella Invention Will Take World By Storm

NEWTON (CBS) – Do you ever fumble around using an umbrella and wish you had both hands free?  Well a contraption invented right here in the Boston area may be something to look at, especially during the wet week we're having.

It's called the Nubrella and the man from Newton who came up with the idea thinks he's got a winner.

"The Nubrella is really easy to put on. It's put on backpack style," says Alan Kaufman, who has been working on his idea for 10 years.

The device has backpack straps and a "canopy" you can pull over your head. The Nubrella is hands-free, and it has the advantage of fitting through most doors.

"Nubrella is the world's first hands free and wind resistant weather protection device slash umbrella," he says.

Kaufman got the idea after watching people struggle with traditional umbrellas.

"Some image just popped into my mind. I went over to a desk and drew it and Nubrella was born," he says.

Weighing in at only three pounds, the Nubrella slips on in a few seconds and Kaufman says it can stand up to wind.

"It'll take 45 MPH winds because it's strapped on to me.  The big advantage is you've got your hands free," Kaufman said.

And that has a lot of advantages.

"People walking their dogs, riding a bike, pushing a baby stroller, hikers, fishing, hunting," Kaufman adds. "It's really good in snow storms and windy days because it blocks the wind and gives you a little more protection."

But WBZ-TV wanted an unbiased opinion.

So Susan Langley took the Nubrella for a spin while walking around the city.

"I love it. I walk my dog every day and in the rain it gets very wet because it's almost impossible to hold the umbrella.  So this is absolutely perfect," she said.

There's also a backpack that attaches to the Nubrella so you don't have to wear two different items.

Expect to pay between $60-$80 for a Nubrella. Right now it's only available online, but Kaufman hopes that will change soon, and you'll see it in stores.