
Technology can eliminate the stress of not having something.
I want to eliminate that "little despair" that comes with a sudden rain shower.
"It was sunny just a moment ago." I'm sure we've all had that experience. Even though we check the weather forecast, we get caught in a sudden downpour and end up buying a plastic umbrella at the convenience store. Umbrellas pile up at home, and our belongings just keep piling up. For over 30 years, I've been focusing on these small everyday stresses through the product known as an umbrella.
The reason carrying an umbrella is such a hassle is because it's a heavy, bulky item. So, what if we made an umbrella that's small enough that you forget you have it, yet still be able to rely on it in an emergency? Our goal was to create the perfect "everyday umbrella" that can be kept in your pocket at all times, just like a smartphone.
The dedication of an umbrella maker condensed into a 14.8cm
The most difficult part of the development was balancing ultimate compactness with practicality as a tool. Simply making it small isn't difficult, but it's pointless if it's so small that it gets wet when opened. So we succeeded in keeping the total length of the device when stored to just 14.8cm—roughly the same size as a typical smartphone—while still achieving a diameter of approximately 91cm when opened, enough to protect you from the rain.
To achieve this size, we completely redesigned the frame structure. We adopted a unique five-section frame and selected hexagonal aluminum for the shaft to increase strength. After repeated millimeter-level adjustments, we arrived at a flat form just 3cm thick that fits easily into the gaps of a pocket or small bag. Its light weight of approximately 175g is also an uncompromising specification for everyday carry.
Ultra-fine 15 denier fabric provides amazing lightness and functionality
I also put my maniacal attention to detail into the fabric selection. I chose a lightweight ripstop fabric woven with an extremely fine 15 denier thread, the same type used for stockings. Not only is it thin and light, but this fabric is also surprisingly flexible, dramatically eliminating the "difficulty to fold" that is common with multi-stage folding umbrellas.
Carrying an umbrella will become a daily habit of "security"
FLATLITE Micro is no longer just rain gear. It is a device that gives you peace of mind every day. With this small companion in your pocket, you no longer need to worry too much about the weather forecast or panic when it suddenly starts raining.
"Never forget your umbrella again." These words express our desire as developers to use technology to make people's lives just a little easier. Try adding this umbrella to your daily life, making it as natural as carrying your smartphone. At that moment, rainy days will become stress-free and will become a smart habit.