Caught in the Rain without Cover, Here comes the Umbrella Vending Machine!

Have you ever been caught in the rain without cover? Maybe you just ran out the door or forgot to check the weather first.
Usually I do not care much for vending machines which tend to crowd and pollute our urban landscape.
I would make an exception for a refreshing idea: Umbrella Vending Machines.

I could have used one of these when I visited The Chocolate Show in New York last fall.
As I stepped out of the subway. I got caught in a downpour without an umbrella to pop open.

If you visit Singapore, Uport offers Umbrella Dispensing Kiosks in 6 locations.
You get instant protection for $6.00, a good deal.

They are looking to expand across Asia.

Will anyone pick up on the idea here in the US?

No monsoon there but in my childhood, during our summer vacations in the Pyrenees we got caught in a thunderstorm after we stepped off The Little Yellow Train almost daily.

Somehow related pieces: Chocolate Show, Episode 3 and A ride on the little yellow train

Spotted Uport on Springwise