All posts filed under: Things for Cars

Nanuknano Rugged Case by Plasticase

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For 30 years, Plasticase has designed, manufactured, and sold millions of plastic cases worldwide. The company currently works mainly on a B2B (business-to-business) basis, tailoring its products to the specialized needs of fields such as medical equipment, electronics, tools, military, and law enforcement. In late 2012, Plasticase hired Météore Design to create an all-new consumer-oriented outdoor line of small handheld cases called Nanuknano. The impact- and water-resistant cases protect personal belongings like smartphones, wallets, and cameras, on hikes, boat rides, and anywhere else you need extra protection. The cases, which come in eight colors and three sizes, feature shock-resistant polycarbonate resin shells, a patented PowerClaw latch, a valve for pressure control, and an elastomer over-molding that provides both internal protection and exterior shock absorption. You can carry the case using an adjustable wrist strap or by attaching it securely to a boat, belt, or knapsack. The cases are available worldwide via Plasticase.com. $19.99 U.S. (small); $24.99 U.S. (medium); $29.99 U.S. (large).   ‘   Images courtesy of Plasticase Inc.

KeyDisk 2 Key Holder

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Why exactly do we have to have all of our keys dangling together in one messy jumble anyway? Designers Jacob Flores and Steven Elliot, the founders of KeyDisk Co. in San Francisco, have taken things completely off the chain with their new key storage solution. Constructed from sandblasted and anodized aluminum, KeyDisk 2 is a lightweight, innovative flat keyholder that can hold up to nine keys. Compatible with standard key rings and car remotes, KeyDisk 2 fits into any pocket due to its slim design. The second edition has a hollowed-out design, which makes it more ergonomic and makes finding and drawing out a key easier. With two different screw shapes, the key holder is much simpler for users to assemble. This hypnotizing gif shows how it works: With over a month to go, the designers have already met their Kickstarter goal to bring the product into production. Backers of the Kickstarter can receive a gunmetal gray or onyx black KeyDisk 2 for a pledge of just $19, a $10 savings from retail. Worrying about what you will do with all …

Audio Giant Bose Celebrates 50

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Today I attended a press event celebrating 50 years in business for acoustic and speaker giant Bose Corporation. Held on the west side of Manhattan, the event centered around a timeline showcasing actual Bose products from their first loudspeaker (1966) to their just-introduced QuietComfort 25 headphones. An interesting fact: When Bose founder Dr. Amar Bose died last year, he left the majority of company stock to MIT. Here are some shots from the event.

Symmetrick Roof Cargo Box by Nendo

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  The cargo box is one of those underserved product types. You know they are out there, but no one ever gets excited about them. Nendo‘s new symmetrick roof cargo box hopes to move things along a bit. Designed as part of the brand renewal for Terzo, a car carrier brand produced by Piaa, this new box is symmetrical front to back as well as from left to right. This dual symmetry allows the carrier to be loaded with either end at the front, for opening on either the left or right side. The underside of the cargo boxes needed to be textured to take the weight of the cargo, so Nendo used a dot pattern based on the brand logo. When viewed from some angles, the logo reflects onto the car roof “for a subtle added playfulness” according to the designers. It’s not revolutionary, but a clean, streamlined design that is a improvement in the category.   Product photos by Hiroshi Iwasaki. Package photo by Akihiro Yoshida.