If you’re one of the many people that spend more time in their car than in their house, Ford’s latest patent could make your commute a little bit homier!

Recently, Ford patented a concept for an autonomous car that can reconfigure its seats so that passengers in the front can face those in the rear, much like living room seating.

The patent drawing showcases a myriad of seat styles that can be altered to a person’s liking. For instance, a bench can be folded so that it’s either facing the rear or the front of the vehicle or a person can tuck their front seats under the dashboard for a comfortable foot rest.

Furthermore, the seats are on a swivel and can fold while the vehicle is in motion. Even the steering wheel can be stored in the dashboard for more space and added comfort!

The ultimate goal of Ford’s self-driving vehicle is that passengers can sit back and relax while their car takes them to their desired destination.

The idea behind Ford’s latest patent is reminiscent of the seating in the Mercedes-Benz’s futuristic autonomous concept that was revealed early this year at the International CES.

Though this is an innovative concept, you shouldn’t expect to see this vehicle in the near future. In fact, fully-autonomous vehicles are still a ways away from use due to regulatory and technological obstacles.

In the meantime, check out this short video from Bloomberg Business to learn more about Ford’s latest patent:

Copyright Davison, 2015

Sources:

http://mashable.com/2015/08/20/ford-living-room-car/ http://www.autonews.com/article/20150820/OEM06/150829990/ford-patents-autonomous-vehicle-with-reconfigurable-seats

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If you haven’t heard of the deal-of-the-day website, Groupon, the chances are good that you may have been living under a rock for the past five years or so. While that may be a drastic statement, it is safe to say that Groupon is everywhere!

The global leader in commerce works something like this… every 24 hours, the brains behind the operation offer up an electronic coupon for a product, restaurant or service at typically 40-60% below cost.

Other than sharing sheer innovation in common, Groupon and Davison now have another link; we’re excited to announce that a Davison-designed product has been featured as one of Groupon’s showcased products!

In fact the Hot and Cold Back-Therapy Brace, which was licensed by Health Enterprises, was not only featured; but, it SOLD OUT in just a few, short hours!

While you can no longer purchase the Hot and Cold Back-Therapy Brace on Groupon, you can see what the site had to say about the Davison-designed product:

“A series of gel packs lines the brace to treat any aches with either hot or cold therapy. Its sturdy construction also helps protect against new problems by placing firm yet comfortable pressure on the lower back. The brace comes with five removable splints that users can remove for customized support.”

In addition to showcasing some of the product’s very functional features, Groupon also said, tongue in cheek, that the Hot and Cold Back-Therapy Brace“provides back support and a listening ear when you’re sad.” Now, that may be one feature we didn’t think of!

Copyright Davison 2013

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

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1.  First up, with corner drawers like these, who needs a Lazy Susan?  From the looks of these deep, far-reaching drawers, they’ll hold everything but the kitchen sink!

2.  Stash your cash in a wall outlet?  Who wouldn’t be fooled by this secret hiding place?  Although, finding cash in an old pair of jeans is nice, finding it a wall outlet would be electrifying!

3.  This tub is the perfect place to store soap, shampoo, razors and more.  It’s also perfect for quickly cleaning up any items you wouldn’t want guests to see in your bathroom!

4.  Another unique space-saver, there really would be some things “hiding” under these stairs!  And, if you’ve ever lived in an apartment or home with too little closet space, these would be a life-saver!

5.  While it may not look so conventional, this is one ladder that looks out for you!  It’s ergonomically correct, so your body won’t mind the climb!

6.  Very in-tune with today’s needs, this little tool is great for the ultra-resourceful musician!  Make your guitar picks out of used gift cards or credit cards!

7.  A certain improvement to the day-bed, this sofa allows you to easily transform your living space into a bunk for two!  Who’s calling top bunk?

8.  Mother always told us not to drink out of the sink, but what if it was easily converted into a fountain?  With this simple tool, it is!

9.  Finally, another awesome invention Mr. Davison sent over, you’ve got to see this one in action!  Imagine these “Air Swimmers” chasing around your family and friends around at your next party or gathering.  Definitely crowd-pleasers, these fish are remote controlled!  (Jaws theme song not included!)

We hope you enjoyed today’s wild and wonderful creations!  Be inspired!

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With all of us eagerly awaiting news of the latest entertainment and communications gadgets that we love—smart phones, tablets, video game consoles, laptops, and TVs—it’s easy to forget that the latest technology has also been incorporated into exciting new gadgets for the kitchen.  We seldom hear about the latest refrigerator or the coolest new dishwasher.
Well, move over iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SII, because here comes the latest and greatest innovations to hit the kitchen since the toaster was invented.  Let’s take a look at some really cool ideas that may be coming soon to a kitchen near you.

• The SmartPot – Have you ever left a pot cooking on the stove and forgot it was there? Ted Selker, an MIT professor has, so he invented the SmartPot.  He installed a radio-frequency control microchip and a thermometer in a saucepan to allow it to communicate with a similar microchip inserted in the stove’s computer.  He says that the Smart Pot detects the heat from the stove and can actually control its own temperature by sending radio signals to the stove
• Talking Refrigerators – Samsung already has a refrigerator that features a touch screen and access to apps such as weather and Facebook (seen here), and you can also leave voice messages for your family. But they are planning a refrigerator that can keep track of what is inside and create a shopping list for you based on what foods are getting low, so now instead of having everyone in the family give you orders to buy milk, eggs, bread and oreo cookie ice cream; you can take all your orders from one source—your talking refrigerator
• The SmartSink – Not to be outdone by a mere pot, the Smart Sink uses cameras to sense whether someone is placing hands, food or plates under the faucet, and adjusts its temperature automatically to suit hot-water dishwashing or cold-water vegetable-scrubbing.  So, now you won’t burn your hands when you forget to let the water run a bit
• Cooktops Powered by Magnetic Induction – A company called Gaggenau has created a cooktop that uses a precise transfer of heat via a magnetic field, ensuring optimum use of energy and faster cooking times. The stove detects the diameter of a pot’s base and only that precise area is heated, therefore heat is produced only where it is needed and the surface not in contact with the cookware stays cool to the touch
• Reading Microwave Ovens – If you eat a lot of frozen food, then you know how great it would be to have a microwave oven that can scan the bar code of your food and set the time and temperature exactly for that type of food. Other microwaves on the drawing board include one with an Android interface that would allow you to control the microwave with simple one-touch setting for all your favorite foods
• Wireless Appliances – Wouldn’t it be great if the small appliances on your countertop were wireless?  Your blender, toaster, coffee pot, and food processor would all have transmitters  built-in and be powered from electrical wires snaked under the countertop.  Say goodbye to those unsightly plugs and cords on the counter.

Now, if we could just do the same for our laptops and printers…Now that we have an idea of what exciting technology is coming to our kitchens in the near future, maybe we will start eagerly awaiting the latest product launches from Gaggenau and Samsung. After all, there’s one thing we love more than our smart phones and video games, and that’s delicious food.
SOURCES:

http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/08/kitchen-gadgets-luxury-tech-personal-cx_ag_0211kitchen.htmlhttp://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/10/03/high-tech-kitchens-future/http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/303627/the-kitchen-of-the-futurehttp://www.gaggenau.com/us/category/cookinghttp://sweeneypr.com/kitchen-of-the-future-talking-refrigerators-cordless-appliances-energy-saving-dishwashers/http://www.veteransunited.com/realestate/todays-hot-kitchen-trends-are-they-here-to-stay/

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Power locks, windows and keyless entry were once the sweetest amenities offered in new cars. Now, these are features most car buyers could not live without. Though we may not have realized our “Back to the Future II” flying car dreams yet, the future of car technology has changed the landscape of tomorrow’s “standard features.”

AHEAD IN THE CLOUD

Cloud computing is frequently touted as a technology game changer, but its application for automobiles really demonstrates its exciting capabilities. Mercedes-Benz announced its mbrace2 system, which offers a bevy of cloud amenities, at the 2012 CES.

“The connected system will include ‘remote access capabilities’ such as Travel Zones/geo-fences, remote vehicle health diagnostics, Curfew Minder, Driving Journal, Speed Alerts, Valet Protect and Remote Horns and Lights,” according to VentureBeat.

THE ‘HARD’ SELL

Entertainment is pervasive and today’s consumers have come to expect video, music and photo capabilities with their technology purchases. Now that hard drive systems are being introduced to cars, the days of untangling birds’ nests of auxiliary cables to connect your personal music collection to your auto might be over. Built-in hard drives can now sync with your current music library.

SAFETY FIRST

Car technology is about more than turning your road trip into a home-theater experience. It’s also about safety. Active Collision Avoidance, Lane Alerts and Google’s patent on self-driving car technology all look to enhance the future of road safety.

A CLASSIC CLEAN

True gear heads know that the ability to stream a live Justin Bieber show through your car stereo is no substitute for a clean, well-tuned auto. That’s why Davison has designed some of the best products for maintaining your ride, no matter what’s underneath your hood:

The Inshield Wiper is an easy way to thoroughly clean the interior of a vehicle’s windows. We licensed the product to Faucet Queen, who added it to their Helping Hand line and packaged the product with a cleaner and defogger.

Clean your car in comfort with the Bucket Bench, which incorporates four swiveling wheels and a comfortable place to sit while keeping you at wheels and bumper-level.

Last, but not least, get your car “wheely” clean with the Wheel Tuner and the Bristle Brush.

Cars will continue to change and evolve in the future, but above all, they will still simply get you from point A to point B.

Have a new automotive invention? – Get started with a no-cont consultation from Davison

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

Photo Source:  Yaro / Shutterstock.com

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As consumers, we are cognizant of the design of certain objects and products:  cars, electronics, appliances and even food.  But, [there are] some things that we use in our daily lives that we would never give a second thought to the design of; because, they’re so commonplace, so utilitarian, that it seems they must only exist in one color or one shape.  For example, the clothes hanger. 

Sure, they range in material from wood, to wire and plastic; but, whenever we think of a hanger, we conjure up the same image of a triangle with a question mark at the top.  The design hasn’t changed much in the last 100+ years that the hanger has been around, which is why contemporary designers are looking at new ways to improve on an old solution and even solve a problem [that] we didn’t know we had.

The Paperclip Hanger by Japanese designer Jaehyung Hong takes the common material and construction of the wire coat hanger and the paperclip, and melds them into a multi-function clothes hanger.  Usually used to bind together sheets of paper, the Paperclip Hanger neatly holds pants, unmentionables, and smaller garments that would usually fall off traditional hangers, while functioning as a normal hanger.

Italian design company Almove specializes in products made from lightweight materials that fulfill a single need, while adhering to clean lines and essential forms.  For their contracting coat hanger, they’ve kept the question mark, but replaced the triangle with an accordion form.  This allows for the hanger to be easily packed in an overnight bag, suit case or even a briefcase.  It also prevents the user from having to insert the hanger from the bottom of the garment, allowing it to fit through the neck. 

Stretching out the neck of a garment to fit the hanger in the top is something we’re all guilty of and a big problem for those who don’t have the time to insert the hanger from the waist:  people who are impatient, retail workers and those in the garment industry.  A lot of time can be saved by being able to quickly insert a hanger.

This is why we have Pinch:  a simple solution to a problem we know existed, but [may have] never really cared to solve.  A mixture of injection-molded Polypropylene and Elastomer, the product functions by doing what its name tells you to, pinch. 

By performing this simple and intuitive gesture, it bends the arms down, allowing you to comfortably fit the hanger inside the garment, without damaging the fabric.  For someone who uses a lot of hangers, this can save a lot of time… and a lot of collars.  Let’s hope this one makes its way to market!

PINCH – Easier way of fixing clothes on a hanger from Jaineel shah on Vimeo.

Source: Yanko Design, Cool Hunting, Coroflot

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Fill ‘N Grill
Wow your guests with gourmet burgers!  Just like it sounds, the Fill ‘N Grill makes filling burger patties with flavorful ingredients quick and mess-free – not to mention delicious!  With the help of this grilling favorite, your patties are sure to be the talk of the picnic! Learn more…

This was a corporate project that Davison developed and licensed for its own benefit.

Silicone Dessert Bar Pan
Your family and friends will be in for a pleasant surprise when they bite into one of your chewy, dessert treats!  The Silicone Dessert Bar Pan’s 12 candy-bar shaped molds can be filled with brownie batter, Rice Krispie treats or cookie dough.  Each piece comes out perfect!  An added perk for the chef, unlike metal bake-ware, the pan is flexible and remains cool to the touch! Learn more…

Party On The Go
If you’re not hosting this year’s 4th fun, take your treats along with the Party On The Go, a versatile food caddy that can hold eggs, cupcakes, veggies, cookies and much more!  The transparent locking-lid not only showcases your goodies, but also makes for easy, lightweight travel and storage! Learn more…

Bether Tether
Let’s not forget Fido!  Of course, our precious pets want to be a part of the fun, too!  With this unique product that sits below ground level, Fido is able to stay tethered outside during the picnic without spilling his food and water.  Plus, guests will never have to worry about tripping over the doggie dish! Learn more…

Whether you’re celebrating your freedom with family, friends, food or fireworks – we hope you all have a safe, restful 4th of July weekend!

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

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Already hugely successful at the 2011 Global Pet Expo in Orlando this March, Hugs President Katie showed off the Dog Wash, Better Tether and all three toys within the line of hydrating chew toys – the Hydro Bone, Hydro Ball and Hydro Saucer!

Katie said the Hydro toys, which absorb water and slowly release it as pets chew and squeeze, offer “great fitness for both the pet and the owner! Great for their hydration… there’s nothing like it!”

Prior to this TV appearance, Hugs products already have received much attention and exposure.

The award-winning Dog Wash has been a featured item in the upscale In the Company of Dogs catalog and the Hydrobone has been featured on Good Morning America and in both Dog Fancy and In the Company of Dogs magazines. The Better Tether is also set to hit store shelves this June!

Welcome Home reporter Mike Warrick said of Hugs innovative products, “No matter if you’re looking to clean your pet, give comfort to your pet or play with your pet, you have an answer for everything!”

Congratulations to everyone who worked on these amazing products! To view the entire Welcome Home segment, visit Welcome Home TV.

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