Any woman who has tried holding an umbrella in the rain while texting or rummaging around their handbag will know what a struggle it can be. But a cabbie hopes he has solved the problem - and found a lucrative invention - by producing a hands-free umbrella. Observant Ibrar Ahmed, 27, had the brainwave after watching dozens of his women passengers fight their way through the rain. Mr Ahmed how now designed and produced an prototype that he hopes will help women around the country battle the elements. The invention is a strap that allows an umbrella to be attached to a handbag and stay upright and still. Ibrar, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, has had 200 samples made in China and hopes the invention will make his fortune. He said: 'Two years ago, I was driving my taxi and always saw women struggling in the rain to keep dry while carrying shopping bags, handbags and mobile phones. 'I wanted to find a way to solve the problem. 'At first, my friends thought it was a mad idea, but the female passengers in the taxi think it's brilliant. 'I've applied for a patent and I'm setting up a website for the Hands Free Brolly Bag with my business partner, Zubair Patel.' The strap is sold with an umbrella for £14.99, and the umbrella can be replaced. 'My dream is for every woman to be using the hands-free umbrella when it rains. I am hopeful that I can turn it into a profitable business and maybe even focus on it full time.' A British Inventors' Society spokesman said: 'This certainly sounds like an interesting idea. 'Despite the economic downturn, more and more people are showing innovation by coming up with products to solve everyday problems.' Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce's head of business and economic policy, Dr Brian Sloan said: 'It is no surprise to see a novel idea emerge as entrepreneurial individuals are always looking to develop new products, services and distribution channels. 'It is innovative new firms that are the engine room of wealth and job creation.'
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