CHICAGO, IL, Apr 03 (MARKET WIRE) --
LoggerHead Tools has received an IF (International Forum Design GmbH)
Universal Design Award for its Bionic Wrench(TM) product line, a new class of
adjustable ergonomic wrenches, with a patented mechanically efficient
mechanism, that distribute force equally around a nut or bolt. This is the only
product manufactured in America to receive a 2008 IF Universal Design Award.
Since its launch in May of 2005, LoggerHead has received a total of 12
other international new product design awards for the Bionic Wrench(TM) and its
other inventive product lines. The Universal Design Award is the first
competition to focus on the principles of universal design exclusively,
striving beyond the traditional attributes of form and function normally
associated
with award winning product design. As stated by Prof. Walter Herbst of
Northwestern's Masters in Product Development (MPD) Program in a recent article
in Fast Company magazine, "Good design is not good enough anymore."
The IF (International Forum Design GmbH) principles of universal design
include;
Equitable use -- the product is accessible to the broadest possible customer
spectrum, Flexible use -- the product swiftly adapts to new demand criteria,
Ease and intuitive use -- the product stands out for its intuitive operation
and ease of use, Error tolerance and Safety -- the product exhibits
reliability, confidence on the part of the user and safety in every respect,
Economic feasibility -- the product is innovative, feasible, and has market
potential
and capability. Universal design aspires beyond simple form and function to
achieve the highest level of usability by all people.
The award winners were dominated by Asian and European companies, but
threeUS Companies also received awards; Apple, Inc., Cupertino, CA, OXO
International, New York, NY and LoggerHead Tools, Chicago, IL with the Bionic
Wrench(TM) being the only awarded product to be both designed and
manufactured in the United States. Dan Brown designer and inventor of
theBionic Wrench(TM) commented, "I am honored to receive this award. I
believethe principles of universal and sustainable design are the foundation of
future products. I am proud that we can continue to maintain our growth
strategy as an American-made product in this hyper-competitive marketplace."
LoggerHead Receives 3 Plant Engineering 2007 Product of the Year Awards
LoggerHead Tools also recently received three Readers Choice Awards from
Plant
Engineering for Product of the Year, for its Bionic Wrench, Bionic Grip and Bit
Dr.(R) product lines. These awards are unique in that they are voted on by
the readers of Plant Engineering magazine. "The Plant Engineering Product of
the Year Awards are the premier honor for new products in the manufacturing
industry today," said Bob Vavra, editor of Plant Engineering. "We are very
excited about the caliber of products that were entered in the competition and
believe that some great solutions have been recognized for their excellence in
the industry."
Aspiring Beyond the Form and Function Paradigm
"The best products provide a satisfying customer experience, are simple to
understand and have a universal distinction," said LoggerHead Tools President
Dan Brown. "These awards validate our mission to distinguish our products
leveraging the principles of universal and sustainable design. Our design
strategy is to aspire beyond the typical form and function paradigm and create a
unique problem-solving user experience." Brown added that product
differentiation plays a fundamental role in the company's philosophy of
developing
and manufacturing its products in the United States. Brown said, "Competing
with low cost imported products is impossible without a competitive
advantage; unique products and the customer capturing experiences they
provide are the only opportunity to compete in the global marketplace with
an American-made product."
Simple, Intuitive Products Appeal to People of All Abilities
With a reputation for innovation earned in a very short time, LoggerHead
Tools'
patented and award winning product lines include the Bionic Wrench(TM), Bionic
Grip(TM), Bit Dr(R) and ImmiX(R) universal multi-tool. Each product has a
simple, intuitive, universal appeal that is easy to use for people of all
abilities. "Our products are very unique, I never get tired of
demonstrating them because I am always rewarded with that momentary expression
of
astonishment when someone sees one of our products for the first time," says
Brown. The Bionic Wrench(TM) automatically adjusts to fit multiple sizes of
fasteners with the simple squeeze of a hand. The Bionic Grip(TM) has an open
wrench head and internal linter-locking mechanism. The Bit Dr(R), the
world's only 21 in 1 screw driving system combines unparalleled functionality in
the size of a large pocket knife. Popular Mechanics said of the Bit Dr(R), "A
brilliant sequel to the screwdriver, the Bit Dr(R) offers more functionality
than any other self-contained screwdriver system in the world." The ImmiX(R), a
novel
"out of the box" approach to multi-tools, delivers the functionality of up to
34 full-sized tools in a 6-inch, 8-ounce package. The ImmiX(R) multi-tool
combines a
6-inch Bionic Wrench(TM) with an integral pistol grip screwdriver, 10 bits, and
two knife blades.
LoggerHead Tools products are available directly through LoggerHead Tools
(www.loggerheadtools.com and 1-888-LOGGERHEAD), through specialty catalogs and
in
retail stores.
About LoggerHead Tools
LoggerHead Tools LLC designs, develops and commercializes inventive,
new-to-the-world tools manufactured in the United States. The company's mission
is
to create problem-solving innovations that provide enhanced value to its
customers
based on patented creative sustainable competitive advantages.
About Dan Brown
Dan Brown founded LoggerHead Tools in 2005 to commercialize the Bionic
Wrench(TM). As an active Inventor, entrepreneur and product development
consultant
over the past 25 years, Dan has earned over 30 US Utility Patents, and numerous
Foreign Patents for a wide range of commercial products and clients. Dan has a
Masters Degree in Product Development (MPD) from Northwestern University in
Evanston,
IL, and currently is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Northwestern,
teaching "Differentiation by Design(TM)" in the Engineering, Design and
Innovation (EDI) Masters Degree program at the Segal Design Institute in
Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering.
To view this release online, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/loggerhead_0408/index.html
Media Relations
LoggerHead Tools
P.O. Box 83
Palos Park IL 60464
1 888 564-4374
Email Contact
Dan Brown
LoggerHead Tools
P.O. Box 83
Palos Park IL 60464
1 888 564-4374 ext. 213
Email Contact
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