Rethink Range

Summary

The Rethink Range was designed to change what we think a range can be today.

Consumer Need

Issues that surround today's ranges include safety and cleanability. This new design addresses these needs as well as bringing a modern design piece into the kitchen.

Research

Today's range design is no different than it was 60 years ago.

Solution

Bring the consumer what they want by incorporating the everyday needs into a range that looks good and you can show off.

Patent Pending

Mixer Stand

Summary

The mixer stand is a multiple use tool for the kitchen. Designed primarily to hold round bottom bowls for lift stand mixers it is also a base for easily attached and easily removed alternative use accessories.

Consumer Need

A large capacity mixer bowl can be very heavy to handle and unstable when placed on flat surfaces. The handles of these bowls are not sufficient for ease of use.

Research

Working with occupational and physical therapists it was determined that a large segment of our population with lift bowl mixers are at a disadvantage when handling the bowl after the mixing process.

Solution

Design a base on which to transfer the bowl from the mixer that will allow for stable and stress free handling for adding ingredients, pouring the batch, or positioning for hand mixing or whisking. Other platforms for kitchen use are interchangeable with the base for cake decorating or as a cook book stand.

®Copyright American Trim, LLC, 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Active Touch Controls

Summary

Typically active touch control panels can have a decorative polycarbonate film that covers the multiple layer membrane switches that control functions. Polycarbonate films surfaces tend to be irregular, wavy, and break down after long use. This innovation uses a decorative metal appliqué that covers a specially designed multiple layer membrane switch with localize pressure sensitivity and provides a uniform, durable surface.

Consumer Need

Touch controls that are easy to clean and offer cool touch metal response when activated.

Research

Consumers discern authentic materials as a value proposition in products. Metal active touch controls give a greater perceived value than a polycarbonate appliqué.

Solution

Patented isolation technology in the membrane switch makes the use of a metal appliqué possible in closely patterned switch positions for home or commercial applications.

®Copyright American Trim, LLC, 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Oven Pan

Summary

An oven pan with winged handles that rise and fall as the drawer opens and shuts allowing the user to place and remove the pan with greater ease.

Consumer Need

The concept aids with a basic user ergonomic issue that requires bending when using the lower warming/broiler drawer.

Research

The baby boomer generation consists of more than 78 million people. Product design that targets making life simpler without complicated technology will be the products that sell in the kitchen. This product allows the consumer to easiliy handle a hot pan straight from the oven.

Solution

Design a pan with spring loaded handles that lift when the oven drawer is opened.

Patent Pending

Base Camp

Summary

This recreational trailer was designed to be easily transformed from a camper, to a toy hauler, portable office, or a tail gate party center.

Consumer Need

A multi-purpose trailer with a billet cut look for a new generation of camper/professional. Store your gear for camping, haul your toys, get the job done, or party hearty.

Research

Designing for a specific audience and need leads to a higher priced product. Outdoor enthusiasts are willing to pay more for their specific needs and the time saving devices that were implemented into the design.

Solution

Design a modular interior with plenty of places to hook, hang, fasten, strap, or toss your stuff while cranking out your favorite tunes in a surround sound system. Catch a few winks, cook a meal, replace some stripped gears, or have a party. The Base Camp is more than just a camper, it adapts to your lifestyle.

®Copyright American Trim, LLC, 2008. All Rights Reserved.

ThumbText

Summary

Texting is all the rage today, but people with larger fingers have trouble hitting the correct keys. This leads to embarrassing misspellings in their texts. People with larger fingers also take longer to finish a text message.

Consumer Need

The consumer needs to be able to quickly hit the keys on their cellphones while making fewer errors.

Research

Text messaging is still in its early stages, one day it may become fundamental to be able to text for business purposes. Many members of the Millennial generation will only respond to text messages.

Solution

A decorative metallic piece that will fit over your thumb. The design incorporates a small bump at the tip so that you can easily and quickly hit the small buttons on your cellphone.

®Copyright American Trim, LLC, 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Corner Dishwasher

Summary

An ergonomic placement of a dishwasher behind the sink intended to keep table, glassware, and silverware within easy reach either as it needs washing or after it is cleaned. Doubles as an appliance and storage cabinet.

Consumer Need

Typically under counter dishwashers require the user to bend over to fill them. Dishwasher cycle times are quite long and for efficient use it must be full before running.

Research

Consumers do complain that tall tub and even standard tub dishwashers require a lot of bending to fill. Claims are made that dishes are sanitized after washing. However, handling and storage exposes them to unsanitary hands and surfaces.

Solution

Design a dishwasher for table settings only that doubles as a cabinet. This dishwasher is run daily and assures continued sanitation of the tableware. This appliance uses less water and energy than conventional dishwashers with the added feature of convenient bulk storage and metered dispensing of detergent.

Patent Pending

Custom Kitchen

Summary

Custom Kitchen is a compact set of SS modules that can be assembled to create a compact kitchen with standard built-in appliances. The component modules can be added on at anytime as need arises.

Consumer Need

The compact design of Custom Kitchen is focused on food prep, convenience, and personal style. Custom Kitchen supports the needs for space and efficiency in space challenged homes.

Research

Consumers desire a free standing stove/oven configured like early cast iron stoves. There is strong identification with what they called a Grandmother’s stove. Taking inspiration from consumers and living space in apartments, lofts, offices, shops, and vacation homes Custom Kitchen offers an elegant solution with lasting appeal and durability.

Solution

Major appliances come in consistent cube sizes across most brands. The modules are manufactured to fit these appliances and work like building blocks to create the perfect Custom Kitchen for anyone.

®Copyright American Trim, LLC, 2008. All Rights Reserved.