Product Design Competition Announces Semi-Finalists

Entrant’s product ideas to be exhibited at Erie Art Museum.

Erie, PA, March 26, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Organizers of InnovationErie: Design Competition released today the names of the semi-finalists whose product ideas will be exhibited at the Erie Art Museum Annex Gallery, 423 State Street from May 8 through June 27, 2009.

The semi-finalists’ list will be narrowed down by the competition’s independent panel of judges to four finalists, who will be given time for a 10-minute presentation and 10-minute question and answer session with the panel.

One grand prize of $10,000 cash to be used for equipment and services to begin an art-based business at the StARTup Incubator, along with more than $7,000 in in-kind InnovationErie partner services, including services from the Penn State Erie, The Behrend College's Plastics Technology Center. The $10,000 cash prize is the result of a grant awarded to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. As an extra bonus, the grand prizewinner will have their design submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office to apply for an official design patent. The submission of the application for the design patent is courtesy of Erie law firm MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton. One Best in Show Award (selected by the public during the exhibition) and three first place prizes will offered in-kind InnovationErie partner services.

Competition partners include the Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, STARTUP Incubator, Edinboro University, Northwestern and Erie Keystone Innovation Zones, MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton, Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett, eBizITPA, Erie Times-News, GoErie.com, Erie Art Museum, Penn State Erie - the Behrend College and the Plastics Technology Center at Penn State Behrend.

Competition semi-finalists include:

Ryan Bookhamer, Sling-Footwear Carrier The Sling Footwear Carrier is designed to be durable, lightweight, UV protected, waterproof, and quick drying. The product has been developed to carry, aerate, and protect shoes in an organized fashion. Sling is designed to be easily held in one hand or clipped to a bag.

Ryan Bookhamer, Slise A new series of knives designed to revolutionize the knife market. The Slice Knife Products are designed to displace the Maximum Force to the entire cutting edge, resulting in an easier, more efficient and superior cutting experience.

Alexandra Davis, The DecoTree The DecoTree is a contemporary accessory stand that encourages young girls to put away their own accessories while having fun decorating it. It has a triple purpose – first, girls pretend-play; second, they clean up their own clutter; and third, the DecoTree itself, is a trendy accessory to their rooms.

Kathy Kelly, BookBag The BookBag is a purse made out of recycled book covers.

Dan L’Huillier, The Shark The Shark will perform the same function as a traditional starter’s pistol but will be clearly distinguishable from a firearm.

Kathleen Ann Moore, Ori-Koppu A fully self-contained coffee cup that is disposable, biodegradable with insulating elements and a lid built into one piece.

Deepak Pahuja, MD, Disposable Stethoscope This is a disposable one-time use cover for stethoscope chest piece with a rollable neck. It provides protection between the hands of the user and the stethoscope when examining patients.

Michael Richardson, Universal Rhythm Guitar Pick A round (vs. triangular) guitar pick with an embossed design on both sides for grip.

Glen Sanders, Wildside Sport Helmet A children’s helmet designed to promote fun, safety, and creativity. The best way to describe this is bike helmet meets Mr. Potato Head. Throw in a fanny pack to carry and hold all of the character pieces and you have the “Wildside Sport Helmet”.

Violet Steinbacher, VI Glarz VI Glarz are a type of visor that fits on sunglasses or regular glasses, and cuts out the glare. They are made of soft foam, lie flat and are lightweight.

Karl Steiner, Adjustable Cord Lock The concept is to provide a functional, user-friendly means to readily adjust the tension of cords. Many times a bungee cord is the wrong length and is dangerously overstretched or a rope stretches during use and must be retightened.

Triana Design, Desk Lamp A functional desk lamp designed with a focus on contemporary aesthetics. Fusing both nautical and architectural inspirations, this product represents Erie and its strive for innovation. Simple design and wood construction allow for manufacturing viability.

Thomas Unger, Non-Metallic Cable Racks This reinforced polymer cable rack system is designed to replace existing metal racks and for new installation in underground power distribution. The rack system allows for mechanical support of power cables and eliminates a potential electrical shock and fire hazard posed by antiquated metal rack systems.

R. Jason Wieczorek, The Charmer The Charmer is an alternative to the common grocery store shopping basket. In addition to functional improvements, it incorporates a refreshing aesthetic appeal.

Erika Zehner, Sunflower Shower A decorative showerhead in the shape of a sunflower for added style in bath.

About InnovationErie
A collaborative effort among professionals in the science, art, manufacturing, engineering and design (SAM & ED) industries, InnovationErie: Design Competition is a product design competition allowing people in northwest Pennsylvania to showcase their product ideas, with the possibility of taking them to the next level: the marketplace. The competition seeks ideas for products that can be manufactured in the Erie region.

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Tammy Roche
814-459-5477
erieartmuseum.org
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