DESIGN NAME: ShelfPack
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Luggage packing system
INSPIRATION: During a long trip to multiple destinations, sharing luggage with my wife, I was annoyed having to dig through our luggage day-to-day to find my socks/whatever.
I dreamed this up and tinkered with the idea in my workshop and built prototypes that I took on trips. I found a source to produce them and brought my idea to market.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: ShelfPack is a portable closet.
Just arrange your gear on the shelves, drop them into the case and zip it shut. When you get where you're going, unzip, raise the supports and lift the shelves. Your gear remains organized with easy visibility and easy access. The lid stands vertically to give easy access to the front pockets.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Unzip the case, raise the supports and hang the shelves on the supports. When open, the lid stands vertically giving easy access to the 3 pockets.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: I dreamed this up over 10 years ago and tinkered with it in my workshop and researched production possibilities. In 2014 I found a luggage source. I introduced the ShelfPack and displayed a factory sample at the 2015 Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas and was awarded the show's "Buzz" award for the best new product. Shortly afterward I ran a successful Kickstarter campaign and reached my funding goal in 3 days.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: I dismantled luggage for parts and prototyped multiple variations which I took on family trips and lent to friends.
It is made with standard luggage components and very little custom tooling. For instance, the shelf supports are generic trolley handles. This reduces production costs and up-front tooling expenses.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 26"x18"x14"; 14 lbs.
TAGS: luggage, travel, organizer, gadget, suitcase
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Design refinements through prototyping and real-use testing by myself and friends. Production of prototypes involved acquisition of materials and tools.
CHALLENGE: Turning an idea into a successful product introduction. I've never left my day job. I've been responsible for coming up with design, prototyping, production sources, starting a business, fulfillment, sales, funding, promotion, etc.
ADDED DATE: 2017-02-19 22:50:02
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Ken McKaba
IMAGE CREDITS: McKaba Luggage, LLC
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patent pending
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