About this project
Handy The Helper (patent pending) is an accessory which keeps baby's and children's toys, bottles, pacifiers, and many other items within reach by stabilizing them with a suction cup and rubber arms attached to the child's items. Gone are the days of sitting in a restaurant and spending the entire time retrieving toys and pacifiers off the dirty floor. Arms can detach from the Handy base and attached to strollers and high chairs.
Handy The Helper can be attached to most hard surface tables, bath tubs, car windows, and any other hard non permeable surface.
Our Inspiration
My name is Justin and I was inspired to invent Handy The Helper by my sixth month old daughter Cora. My wife and I spent an hour and a half at lunch picking up and cleaning dirty pacifiers and toys and listening to a screaming (ear piercing) child because she would throw her pacifier and toys and then want them back over and over again.
I created Handy The Helper to give parents back their free time and make time with their children more enjoyable and relaxing. Handy The Helper prevents parents from becoming frustrated at their little ones when all they are trying to do is communicate and interact with us as parents.
Meet Handy The Helper
Target Age Range: 5 months-3 years
Handy The Helper Includes:
1 Handy Suction Cup (yellow)
2 Smooth Child friendly arms (colors may vary)
4 Plastic O rings to attach to toys, pacifiers, bottles, etc
5 Handy bands for attaching arms to bottles (microwave friendly)
All parts are child friendly and easily cleaned.
To get Handy The Helper, pledge at the $20 level.
THE BEGINNING:
This is the first sketch of the concept of the product. We were not quite sure of the materials and sizes at this point, but knew exactly how we wanted the product to function.
PROTOTYPING:
We first started off with a large suction and various sizes in rubber arms. We began testing the various lengths in different situations with our child test group (mostly close friends and family-they are usually more honest and open). Our first prototype was too long and it would tangle and get caught in other items in the bag. The material was also too thin and was not very durable for withstanding the test of time with an infant and toddler. The suction performed flawlessly, but was way to big and no parent would ever carry this size item in their baby bag(although we did for about 3 months during testing). Might have looked a bit strange, but it was still great to have.
Prototype 2: We tested a thinner and shorter rubber to try to slim down the arms for purposes of not getting tangled in a baby bag. This length did not perform and still was not durable once again for the strength of a toddler.
Prototype 3: We had a smaller suction made that was a 3rd the size of the original at 2" and it still performed flawlessly and we knew we had a winner. We continued to test various widths and lengths of rubber and still could not find the top performer. Based on the results of these tests we narrowed down the final specs of the product and it is one that works best in all situations and still does not get tangled and will live up to the strength of the child. That is the rubber arms used in the final product allowing with the 2" suction.
THE FINAL PRODUCT:
Hand The Helper in action
Handy The Helper has been field tested for the past 8 months and it has changed the way my family enjoys being out. My daughter has gone from screaming for her pacifier to reaching for it herself. Did I mention she has an ear piercing scream? I have consulted with an endless number of parents, friends, and family members and have had unbelievable feedback. Parents with older children were envious they did not have this when their children were younger.
What's Next?
By investing in Handy The Helper, you will not only get the enjoyment of using the product, but you are also contributing to the future development of Handy's friends. Handy The Helper is a company that is focused on developing future products that make parents lives easier and more enjoyable.
Once you have backed us on Kickstarter you will get to track the progress of Handy The Helper and his friends at www.handythehelper.com.
By reaching our goal, we can ramp up production with our minimum order quantity 2000 units and begin shipping units by May. Don't forget to order one for each bag and also for your friends and family!
Risks and challenges
ENGINEERING:
To achieve the simplicity in engineering we have worked through various prototypes varying from the size and length of the bands to the size of the rings. We have worked for the past eight months to really nail down the length of the product that would work with most high chairs, strollers, and car seats. We field tested the product through various testing groups to ensure the simplicity, longevity, and a satisfying experience. Our test group found the final prototype the easiest to use and most satisfying experience. We worked for months to create the smallest profile product possible, but one that could still achieve the same results day in and day out. We understand parents have limited space in their baby bags and this product is easy to carry and will not want to be left behind.
SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS:
During the past four months we have been working with various suppliers to make sure that we can meet different levels of shipping capacities. We are are sourcing each product component through different manufactures in order to achieve the most up time as possible. We have already negotiated pricing and manufacturing with backup suppliers if our main suppliers are falling short. We have localized as much of the manufacturing as possible to control the lead times. Our biggest challenge ahead is generating the funds needed to meet large order capacities for future plans to ship to the major toy stores. Our plans are nearly in place and now we just need the resources to put the plan in motion.
TEAM:
As our production ramps up, we have team of individuals that are ready and willing to pitch in. As we meet certain production levels we will add to our staff. Our team is dedicated to our product and the mission of making parents lives easier through the creation of new innovative products.
We understand that nothing is perfect. We take a heads down approach and get things done one way or another. Communication is key. You back us, and we will keep you up to date with accurate information.
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Funding period
- (30 days)