Since May is National Bike Month, we thought this would be a good opportunity to look into the history of a very important safety device—the bicycle helmet. Bicycles have been around since the 1860’s, when a machine known as the Velocipede came on the scene. But this bike wasn’t a big success due to its barrel-stave like metal tires which made riding on the cobblestone roads of the day a bone-jarring experience, to say the least.

By the 1870’s, the High Wheel Bicycle became popular because the solid rubber tires and long spokes of the large front wheel provided a much smoother ride than its predecessor. But because the rider sat so high above the center of gravity, if the front wheel hit a rock or crack in the road, the entire machine rotated forward on its front axle, and the rider was dropped unceremoniously on his head. In fact, the term “taking a header” comes from bike riders. As head injuries began to climb, it became apparent that something had to be done.

By the 1880′s, riding clubs were becoming more and more popular and, as their members saw that head injuries were a problem, they began to advocate the use of helmets. At first, they used pith helmets. Pith is a plant material that is easily crushable, but was likely the best material available at the time. Although it would probably break up on impact, riders only needed protection against a single impact to know the helmet saved them, and know it was worth buying another helmet.

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was apparent to racing and club bicyclists that the worst injuries and the most fatalities came from head injuries. Racers began to use helmets formed of a ring of leather around the head and a wool ring above that. Then the style evolved and the ring of leather was supplemented by strips of leather arranged longitudinally on the head. These offered a little better protection than the pith helmets, but still more was needed. Over the coming decades, helmets were developed with hard exteriors and foam liners, but they tended to be either heavy or ineffective in a crash, and sometimes both.

By the 1970’s, a group called the Snell Foundation began comprehensive testing of bicycle helmets and found that none of the helmets on the market were really effective, so they established some basic criteria for head protection, which coincided with the bike boom of the 1970’s, when many American adults took up cycling as an exercise and a sport. Then in 1975, Bell Auto parts invented the first real helmet for cyclists. It consisted of a hard plastic shell padded with a foam-like material. This was the beginning of the modern helmet.

In 1984, The American National Standards Institute introduced standards for helmets that were widely accepted. This helped to remove ineffective helmets from the market and raise the quality of all helmets. Soon a foam liner made of expanded polystyrene was invented, and by the 1990’s a thin hard shell was added to the polystyrene foam helmet for durability.

Today’s helmets are even lighter, more streamline, and have multiple vents for comfort and adjustable straps to make them more secure and easier to wear. As statistics reinforced the drop in head injuries with the increasing use of helmets, many states in the U.S. have made it mandatory to wear helmets while riding a bicycle—a move supported by medical and road safety organizations. Most parents today teach their children to never ride their bikes without a helmet, putting on a helmet should become as natural as wearing a seat belt and as easy as, well, riding a bicycle.

Photos:
http://www.feministe.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/old-bike.jpg
http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/269408/helmet-bicycle-brown-leather-circa-1930-1939

Sources:
http://www.helmets.org/history.htm
http://www.pedalinghistory.com/PHhistory.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/351378-the-history-of-the-bicycle-helmet/
http://www.trails.com/facts_36413_history-bicycle-helmets.html

Last month, Inventionland hosted the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation’s “A Sweet Gesture” fundraising event. Today, we’re pleased to announce that the official numbers have been tallied and the event raised nearly $56,000 for the Foundation’s Family Life Auxiliary.

The Valentine’s Day “A Sweet Gesture: Chocolate Factory of Invention” event attracted more than 420 guests to our creative wonderland, which Whirl Magazine deemed a “magnet for inventors with a dream” in their April 2013 issue, which has just hit newsstands.

“Guests reveled in the presentation and taste of fresh fruit kebabs, displayed on giant red and white polka-dotted mushrooms, with vanilla dipping sauce and real golden eggs filled with velvety cream of tomato soup. How sweet, and scrumptious,” Whirl’s writer commented.

The magazine also published a few photos from the event in their latest issue and online at whirlmagazine.com.

The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation’s event at Inventionland was also covered in the Pittsburgh Business Times’ “After Hours” section in early March.

There, Mr. and Mrs. Davison appeared with David and Laura Mabon. Ms. Mabon co-chaired the event.

Congratulations to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation on another great “A Sweet Gesture” event! We’re so glad we got to be a part of it!

“Should old acquaintance be forgot and… ”  Ok, so, we may not know all the words to Auld Lang Syne, but we are more than ready to ring in the new year with some great memories from 2012.  And, when it comes down to it, we are pretty sure that’s what the song means!

Although there were many, many great things that happened this year, our post simply would be WAY too long if we included them all, so here are just a few highlights from each month.

January: The late celebrity icon known for hosting a “rockin” New Year’s Eve reviews the History Channel’s “Inventionland” reality TV special. “I found it fun to watch and most interesting and, undoubtedly, will be a successful History Channel venture,” says Dick Clark.

Also after the History Channel’s “Inventionland” reality TV show special, which was promoted high above the strip in Las Vegas and in NYC’s Times Square, our creative workspace also appears in the Wall Street Journal!

February: We launch our innovative “Dare to Invent” webisode series! The 13-episode series showcases our clients and their inventions, from product inception to licensing… and beyond!  The series begins with Joy, inventor of the Party on the Go, and Kay, inventor of Pugz Shoes.  The webisodes can be found at Davison.com and on YouTube.

We go international twice! Inventionland is featured on the the German TV show “Galileo” and the Davison-designed Hydro Family (which was licensed by Hugs Pet Products) is set to sell in the United Kingdom and Canada.

March: Walmart runs an “Idol-style” competition online called “Get on the Shelf” and Hugs Pet Products, a company that has licensed many of our designs, enters several of Davison-designed pet products in the contest!

The TheraPED, a spa-therapy product that we designed for our client, Lennell, continues to receive rave reviews from Zumba and yoga instructors across the nation.

April: We present our TheraPED inventor, Lennell, with her very first royalty check at a surprise party for her family and friends in her hometown, St. Louis! Mr. Davison and our production crew get some great photos and video footage under the city’s famous Arch for an upcoming “Dare to Invent” episode!

Speaking of “Dare to Invent,” the webisodes continue!  This month, we feature John, inventor of the BikeBoard, and Jean, inventor of the Meatball Baker!

May: Davison is nominated for a Small Business Community Association (SBCA) 2012 Best of Business Award for Pittsburgh! According to the SBCA, the Best of Business Awards are designed to empower and recognize businesses that make a difference in their communities.

Continuing a school tradition, George Davison speaks to students at his high school alma mater, The Kiski School, in Saltsburg, Pa.  The day-long event includes three sessions, where Mr. Davison enlightens young minds on what it is like to be an entrepreneur.

June: In what becomes the first of many appearances in 2012, George Davison is featured on Lifetime’s “The Balancing Act,” America’s premier one-hour women’s morning show dedicated to creating trusted solutions for today’s woman. Mr. Davison joins host Danielle Knox to field questions both before and after Lifetime airs Joy Clymer’s (Party on the Go) episode of “Dare to Invent.”

Fox Business Network cameras join George Davison at Inventionland, where we get a sneak peek inside Davy’s Treehouse. “Inventionland is like a big playground for creative people,” George tells Lauren Simonetti. “We try to keep everybody in a state of mind that is real creative and real positive, because the world of inventing can be a crazy up-and-down world. It’s a state of mind.”

July: “Dare to Invent” airs the final episodes of the webisode series. The first features Christine Walker, inventor of the Brownie Bowl and our 1st season final episode treats viewers to Gary and Ruth Frazer, inventors of the Twister Bolts and Twister Caps.

We proudly announce that the TheraPED will be included in 200 VIP gift bags given out during the 13th Annual BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis (Aug. 23, 2012). As part of the 2012 U.S. Open festivities held in New York City, The Taste of Tennis combines NYC’s top chefs and the world’s greatest tennis players to showcase their culinary skills for the benefit of New York Junior Tennis League.

August: Davison products burn up the blogosphere. TheraPED once again earns rave reviews from the One Bored Mommy blog; 6-in-1 Manicure Multitool has “got everything you want,” according to a Hello Dollface blogger; The Clip & Drain replaces colanders for the writer of Sugar Pop Ribbons; The Neat Things in Life blog gets cooking with the Silicone Dog Treat Pan; and AWAY is celebrated by holistic health guru The Savvy Sister.

Davison is featured in an article in the summer edition of Soul Pitt Quarterly, Pittsburgh’s Premier Minority A&E Magazine.  In the piece, Soul Pitt’s writer (Mimi Gray) speaks with CEO and Founder George Davison, President Frank Vescio, Senior Director of New Products Steve Smith and Director of New Products Hassan Walker and picks their brains about what it takes to be an inventor and to work at Davison.

September: A defining moment in company history, the entire fall 2012 Hugs Pet Products Pugz line arrives at Petco!  The line, which we helped design, includes leashes, beds, coats, leg warmers, harnesses and boots; and it’s prominently displayed on Petco’s end caps.

We expand our social media presence, launching Pinterest and Google+ pages.  Pinterest allows us to share all things inventing on our pinboard and Google+ allows us to chat with our followers in circles or groups, so we can better meet their inventing needs.

October: Mr. Davison’s Lifetime TV appearances continue as he and Jean Rindfuss (as part of her Dare to Invent episode) appear on “The Balancing Act.” Before showing the appetizing webisode, Mr. Davison discusses Davison’s Better Way to Invent and how it worked for Jean Rindfuss and her Meatball Baker.

Davison’s Hydro Bone is featured in Real Simple Magazine as part of their “40 Most-Pinned Problem Solving Products” list. Of the hydrating chew toy, the Hydro Bone, the magazine said, “If you’re hitting the park with Fido, be sure to pack the proper warm-weather essentials. Simply soak this rubber bone in water and toss it to your four-legged friend, so he’ll stay well “hydrated all day long.”

November: In time for the holiday season, Mr. Davison illustrates how Davison’s Better Way to Invent works for everyday people with ideas.  He signs, seals and delivers big news and royalty checks to Davison inventors from all over the country and even England.

Our Licensing Team attends Atlantic City’s Non-Foods Marketing Expo, a trade show that caters to retailers interested in general merchandise and seasonal items that one may find at a grocery or drug store. Among over 150 vendors, past licensees of Davison products, Hugs Pet Products and AWAY Bug Repellent, showcase several Davison designs. Quickly heading to the west coast, the Licensing Team also makes a stop at the SEMA and AAPEX shows, where Davison car-cleaning products shine!

December: Ending 2012 with a bang, Mr. Davison makes a few more appearances on Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act.”  This time, he brings along our clients, Christine – Brownie Bowl Inventor and Gary and Ruth – Twister Caps and Twister Bolts inventors, as part of their “Dare to Invent” webisodes.

The Keystone Edge, an online publication that covers the entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives Pennsylvania forward, features Mr. Davison in their “Founders” section.  Comparing him to Henry Ford, deeming the title “a praise that should not be viewed lightly,” Keystone Edge also calls Mr. Davison “one heckuva entrepreneur.”

Thank you for everything, 2012!  We can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store!!

Happy New Year! 

 

Host of Illinois Outdoors Television Show Don Dziedzina, who has been involved in the outdoors industry for nearly 35 years and has published columns in 11 weekly newspapers, three monthly outdoor magazines and one bi-weekly outdoor newspaper, recently tried Davison package designed AWAY products to keep pesky bugs at bay. What he found was nothing less than a miracle.

Don writes:

“Being in the outdoors industry for so many years I’ve come across many bug repellent options. Electronic, aerosol, creams, wipes, pump sprays and more are all on the list. And I’ve tried them all. But finally, I’ve come across one that’s simple and easy to use. No need to buy batteries and this one is okay with the environment.”

“AWAY Bug Repellent is all-natural. It comes in small packets that you can easily have in hand and use practically anywhere.”

“Deer season is upon us. Southern Illinois is where I’ve hunted and it’s still warm down there. Mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, and other things that bug you are out now. If it stays warm, they can even be seen in November. AWAY is the answer.”

“In that the ingredients are all natural, it won’t hurt your chances of getting a deer. They won’t be scared off by any unnatural smell or odor. But best of all, you won’t be swatting mosquitoes, brushing off spiders, or picking ticks off your arms, which can scare off a deer that may be out of your sight, but they can see you. This is important for deer hunting… being still.”

“Late season, early morning anglers can have a problem with skeeters, too, at this time of year. I’m in the south suburbs of Chicago and still see those pesky buggers in my back yard. AWAY has small packets that you put into a small tin. Place one or two in the boat and you’re bug free. At the end of the day, cover the can and continue to use it on your next trip. My wife still continues to use AWAY while picking the never-ending tomato crop from her garden.”

Davison package designed AWAY deters pesky bugs without spraying harmful chemicals or setting off dangerous fog bombs in your home. Specially-formulated with all-natural ingredients, AWAY is proven to keep bugs away! AWAY offers a bevy of bug-repellent products, including: Flea Pouches, Stinkbug Pouches, Moth Pouches, Bug Pouches and the Bug Repellent Tin.

Recently, George Davison appeared on Your15Minutes Radio, which features inventors, musicians and entrepreneurs via BlogTalkRadio — the world’s largest online talk radio network with thousands of hosts representing different viewpoints and topics — to talk about Inventionland and Davison.

Host Angle Bush introduces George and Inventionland: “The company Inventionland has established a dominance as a new product and development firm that serves independent consumers and corporations to create new product ideas.

Inventionland [handles] predevelopment, development, engineering and packaging to product sample presentation. There is no other company in the world with Davison’s approach! Today, the company uses this development to produce 240 products a month. Products designed by Davison have sold in Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Home Depot, CVS, Sears, Kmart and FAO Schwarz.”

Listen to how to develop your invention idea on BTR

“I want to talk about Inventionland. It sounds like a magical place to work,” Bush continued.

“Inventionland is really a culmination of things that happened to me as kid. I was blessed to have a very creative mother, who surrounded me with a lot of folks that were also artistic and creative, as well as business people. That saturation allowed [me] to think outside the box,” George shares.

“I have this belief; if you can inspire people and put them in a positive environment, that would help to fuel the human spirit. And today, we have about 300 people that work with us. We do tours [at Inventionland] and have about 100 to 500 children a month from our local [Pittsburgh] schools to show them how to invent and inspire them to create.”

George encourages people to do what they love and notes that human beings are “inherently creative.”

“When we’re young, people throw crayons and white pieces of paper at us and we just go at it. Then, we get older and for some reason… we think that’s just not that fun anymore.”

Davison employs people from all walks of life who are chasing their dream to be creative. “I have a lot of people who work with us who are graphic designers, photographers, backyard mechanics and engineers … find what you love and put your passion into it.”

George and Angle speak further about inventing. George gives advice, talks about successes and urges inventors to know themselves before they try to know the market. Listen to the complete interview here.

Just as we’re about ready to close the books on one of the hottest summers on record, one of the hottest new bug repellents (that Davison helped to develop packaging) has been featured in a local Pittsburgh media outlet!

AWAY Bug Repellent and the company’s founder, Phil Boxwell, (along with Dan Simbeck, Davison’s VP of Business Development and Licensing) were featured in the ”Neighborhoods” section of the Tribune Review’s “Trib LIVE.”

In the article, Boxwell helps tell the story of how AWAY came to be:

A mosquito bite led Phil Boxwell to a new business opportunity that he hopes to expand outside the Pittsburgh area.

While playing golf several years ago, Boxwell, of Aspinwall (suburb of Pittsburgh), was bit by a mosquito. That bite led to a hospital stay and the need to fend off insects. Because of previous medical issues, Boxwell couldn’t use many of the products available.

“I’m really not supposed to be putting any type of chemicals on my skin as in bug repellents,” Boxwell said.

With the help of a friend with a chemistry background, Boxwell began working to develop an alternative. The result, Away Bug Repellent, underwent testing for two summers before it reached local stores last year.

Just like we all hope 2013 takes stinkbugs and other pesky insects AWAY, Boxwell explains how he hopes the year carries AWAY into many major retailers.

Boxwell said he expects to focus on marketing full time during the next year and plans to attend trade shows to promote the products. He expects to spend a good portion of his time getting them in stores nationwide.

“It has to be non-stop, 24/7,” Boxwell said.

Boxwell also explains how part of that non-stop promotion has included enlisting Davison’s help!

Earlier this year, Boxwell began working with Davison in O’Hara Township to better market the product.

Dan Simbeck, of Davison, said the firm’s role will be to help get the product into larger stores.

They have also worked on creating new delivery systems including a door hanger and sticker that gives off the smell.

Congratulations to Boxwell, AWAY and everyone at Davison who has helped launch this innovative repellent to success! Read the entire Trib LIVE article here!

Disclaimer: This client has not realized a net profit on this product. A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

The 2012 Fall Pugz ™ line is now in stores!

But even more exciting than having Pugz boots in one Petco and Pugz leg warmers in another Petco across town, the entire fall line is prominently displayed on endcaps.

Showcasing leashes, beds, coats, leg warmers, harnesses, boots — all featuring Pugz’s signature faux suede and fleece combination – the visual appeal of these endcaps creates a gravitational pull on Petco customers shopping anywhere near this K-9 couture.

CEO and founder of Davison, George Davison, calls the Petco Pugz endcaps a defining moment in company history and compares the excitement of seeing all of these Pugz products in one space to the excitement of “stepping to the plate and hitting a grand slam.”

“When you allow yourself to dream, you are opening yourself up for a lot of pain if stuff doesn’t work out, which I’m used to. Because of the continual effort at absorbing risks and overcoming challenges this is what can happen if you believe. If you don’t believe and have enough character, the dreams aren’t possible,” says Davison.

The 2012 Fall Pugz line, which is now in Petco and will be in Bed, Bath & Beyond on September 20th, delivers cozy comfort for every pup.

Walk with warmth

Smaller dogs get cold faster in low temperatures, but that’s no reason to abandon those long walks you and your pup enjoy. Instead, protect him or her from the elements with Pugz Boots. These adorably designed, faux leather and faux wool shoes provide comfort and keep your pet’s paws dry in any weather!  Plus, their breathable, cushioned fabric sole eliminates nasty claw scratches from hardwood floors. With an adjustable hook and loop strap, Pugz are a secure fit for every pooch!

Little paws aren’t the only appendages to keep the chill out during the fall and winter. Your dog will appreciate some leg protection, too. Pugz Leg Warmers keep your dog’s legs warm and protected with their lightweight faux suede and fleece. Perfect for pups of all sizes, these leg warmers include hook and loop straps and elastic nylon to ensure a secure fit.

Walk with confidence

Excited dogs and young pups often pull during their walks. This not only creates uncomfortable exercise for you, but can injure your dogs neck if you’re only using a collar. Get back control and enjoy those walks again with the Pugz Harness.

The Pugz Harness is a comfortable and stylish solution for reducing the stress and strain on both dogs and owners during walks. Made with breathable and lightweight faux suede and fleece, this harness is adjustable for a custom fit on your dog or growing puppy.

Add the Pugz Leash for 6 feet of stylish safety. The ultra-soft, fleece-lined generously sized handle keeps your hand cozy and comfortable, while the durable nylon leash allows you to securely walk your pet with confidence. The sturdy chrome hardware conveniently attaches to your favorite collar.

Now Sleep!

Walk nap, walk nap. That’s your best friend’s daily agenda. Optimize their comfort after those warming walks with the Pugz Air Puff Bed, which supports the limbs of older or injured pets, but is perfect for dogs without health problems as well. An adjustable frame and soft faux wool provide a warm and cozy place for any pet to relax. The removable cover is easy to wash and keep clean. For use at home, in the car or on a trip, the Pugz Air Puff Bed is easy to transport.

Twenty-twelve also features the Pugz Box Bed (see below on endcap), which allows your pet to nuzzle into cozy comfort. The ultra-durable, luxuriously cushioned base and sides invite your pet to snuggle up, get comfortable and relax.  The bed is also lightweight, portable and can be machine washed!

Davison attributes the success of Pugz and other Davison products to the Davison methodology, which George Davison has been crafting for over 20 years. “We have to have really good soils to grow our seeds. This is the combination of Inventionland and our [inventing] methodology to have not only one, but all of those [products] hit the shelf.”

Congratulations to Pugz, Hugs and Davison for all the hard work put into a great line of pup products. When dogs are dressed to the nines in their new Pugz boots and legwarmers, warm and comfortable tails are sure to be wagging outside of Petco stores this fall and winter!

(From Hugs Pet Products’ Facebook Page)

Diane: “Barney jumped right in as [we were] strolling through Petco today! Sold! ”

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.