Crazy but Brilliant: Japan's One-of-a-Kind Inventions

4. Umbrella Locks

What it is: It functions similarly to a bike lock for your umbrella.
2018 saw the invention of
The average cost is $0*.
This one appears to be really helpful. At some point, we've all had our umbrellas stolen, or we've misplaced them but assumed someone else had them. A locking mechanism for umbrellas has been devised by Japanese malls and stores; it functions similarly to a bike lock. As soon as you enter the business, you lock up your umbrella.

Twitter.com/YYC_Svetlana/Umbrella Locks
After that, you take it with you when you depart. Bonus: You may thank the store owners and yourself for not having to carry around a wet umbrella while you're in the store. One more benefit: the innovation is unpaid.
We would love to see an improvement like this in America, especially since it is now a public service in Japan. Particularly in those regions of the nation that get constant rain (looking at you, Seattle).

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