Archives for 2011

The Rolled Rubber Mats from Double L Group will be showcased at the National Hardware Show this month. The new eco-friendly line is available in bulk rolls up to 80’ in length, ideal for retailers looking for cost-efficient, durable rubber matting. Rolled Rubber Mats are warm, resilient, comfortable and a great alternative to hard or cold surfacing. Easy to cut, this product can be custom-sized for kennels, garages, exercise areas, trailers, high-traffic areas, doorways, walkways, and much more. Moreover, Double L Group’s new line contains a UV stabilizer, allowing the product to be used outdoors in direct sunlight as well as for indoor usage. Not only are the Rolled Rubber Mats practical, they are also designed to create a professional floor appearance. The vulcanized rubber mats are easy to install and available in three designs. For more information on Double L Group, visit the company’s website at www.rolledrubbermats.com.

The American Red Cross Axis is a multi-functional and reliable companion for any emergency kit. Introduced by the Eton Corporation, the Axis will be displayed at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas next week. The sleek device can be powered by a trio of different sources—through a hand crank which charges the Ni-MH battery, using AAA batteries and AC power. Ninety seconds of turning the hand crank can generate about 15 minutes of power. The safety hub is equipped with AM/FM and seven NOAA weather band channels for news, entertainment and weather forecasts. It also has an “alert” system, to inform listeners of emergency updates in their area. The multiple power supplies can also be used to recharge cell phones via the USB cable. Additionally, the new design makes it stylish enough to keep out and use every day, and is great for camping trips. Editors of publications covering hardware, homeware, safety, camping, outdoor, and other topics, take note of this “Sneak Peek.” For more information about the American Red Cross Axis visit www.etoncorp.com.

LeafMate, which offers a Proseries line of products that make yard clean-up faster and easier, will exhibit at The National Hardware Show May 10-12. LeafMate’s patented 2-piece rake and pick-up system unites a traditional rake with a sliding catcher “scoop” to easily collect yard waste without bending. The system can save time and ease back strain. Another product that caught our attention was LeafMate’s Yard Waste Bag Funnel. Municipalities across the U.S. are requiring the use of standard 30-gallon paper yard waste bags, which are friendly to the environment but can also be flimsy and tip over. The funnel fits inside the large paper leaf bags, providing the bag with full support and protection. Leafmate also offers the Collapsible Bag Holder that, like the funnel, is crafted of a durable PVC-lined polyester material to contain even the most ragged yard waste. To find out more information about Leafmate’s Proseries products, see the company’s booth at the show or visit www.leafmate.com.

TerraLUX, Inc., makers of LED portable lighting products and OEM lighting solutions, will unveil the LightStar80™ penlight at the 2011 National Hardware Show this month. The penlight features durability and energy efficiency, with a high color rendering index (CRI) LED and a bite grip for hands-free use. The CRI measures the ability of a light source to represent colors as they appear in natural light. For distributors or retailers looking for technician tools, a high CRI is useful when working with automotive repair, HVAC, telephone systems and other applications. Like others in the LightStar™ family of flashlights, the LightStar80™ is made of durable, aircraft-grade aluminum. Additionally, the flashlight is electronically regulated for constant brightness, with a circuit that adjusts to fluctuations in voltage to ensure constant light output. Not to miss out on design, it is available in titanium grey and high-visibility orange. For more information about the LightStar80™, visit www.terralux.com.

Nearly 60 percent of U.S. households own a gas grill fueled by propane, but few grill owners have any idea how much propane they actually have in their tanks. Grill Gauge Products, a start-up consumer convenience company based in Roswell, Ga., is out to change that. The company developed the Original Grill Gauge™, a unique device that will keep gas-grillers “in the know” about the level of propane in their tanks. The hand-held device will be showcased at the National Hardware Show next week. Grill Gauge,™ is similar to the gas gauge in a car, and incorporates the same specifications the propane industry fills and weighs propane tanks by factoring the weight of liquid propane and the tank itself. Users hook the device to the top of the tank, lift the tank slightly off the ground and view the analog read out. The readings are instant, and the gauge doesn’t require batteries or pressure. To learn more about the Original Grill Gauge,™ visit www.grillgauge.com.

The Leaf Lasso by Happy Go Leafy Products, Inc. is simple to use and designed to eliminate time wasted raking leaves into piles as well as bending and scooping. The light-weight product turns lawn or leaf bags into a combination dust pan and trash can. The angled apron rests on the ground, allowing the user to sweep leaves, dirt and other small debris directly into the bag with one hand. Two stakes allow users to affix the bag firmly to the ground. Weighing less than one pound, the Leaf Lasso can be moved all over the yard or pavement during clean-up projects. Once the trash bag is full, users can quickly separate the frames, remove the bag and attach a new one. The Leaf Lasso is durable and can hang anywhere for easy storage. Retailers and landscape professionals, look for this product at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas next week, and for additional information visit www.leaflasso.com.

The Stout’s Backsaver Grip, a new and nationally distributed ergonomic tool, can be seen at the National Hardware Show next week in Las Vegas. The detachable grip by Backsaver Grip, LLC works by increasing the leverage and efficiency of the user’s body as the tool is used. It quickly and easily attaches high on the pole of a tool, reducing the need to bend over. The patented grip allows the legs to take the burden of gardening off the back and also provide a more comfortable working position for the wrist and arm. Additionally, the grip makes it easier to use overhead tools such as tree trimmers and paint extension poles, while improving stability and control. Whether you’re a landscape trade professional or retailer looking to sell items with ease-of-use for homeowners, the Stout’s Backsaver Grip is versatile for many needs in both the home and garden. The grip fits any shovel, rake, broom, mop, or other long-handled tool. This gadget is also ideal for gardeners who suffer from back strain, arthritis and shoulder pain. To learn more about the Stout’s Backsaver Grip, visit www.backsavergrip.com.

Comfort Line Products, Inc., a company known for its lines of affordable and portable spas, chose the 2011 National Hardware Show for the debut of the Airispa. The portable spa ships by UPS to the consumers’ front door in one convenient box. Once the spa arrives, the setup is easy; no tools or special equipment are required. Users can simply establish the spa, fill with water and plug into any standard household unit. This family-friendly product also has a modern design and fits well into backyards and patios. The Airispas are available in three colors. The product also features a new, innovative air frame design and includes a powerful heater and 127 air jets. To learn more about the Airispa, visit www.clpusa.com.

The Fulham Group will be exhibiting the Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand at the 2011 National Hardware Show this month. The grill is compact and can easily be transformed from a floor stand position to a tabletop grill. While the size is compact, the grill is large enough to cook most family meals, including 8 steaks or 6-10 chicken breasts. With the VersaStand integrated adjustable telescoping base, this grill is ideal for small backyards, beach cookouts or camping trips. The grill also heats up quickly, and uses far less gas than a full-sized grill. For more information, visit www.cuisinart.com.

If every home in America replaced just one standard incandescent light bulb with a compact florescent light bulb, it would save about $600 million in annual energy costs and prevent emissions of greenhouse gases equivalent to about 80,000 cars. The patented Evolution CLFs by the Aero-Tech Light Bulb Co. are a great start. The bulbs will be exhibited at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. Available in soft white or full spectrum, these bulbs emit the same light as regular incandescent bulbs with less radiant heat. They are also the same shape and size as standard incandescent bulbs but last 10 times longer. To find out more about the Evolution CLF, visit www.aerolights.com.