A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:
Proof of Concept
Explorations that test ideas and functionality.
Functional Prototype
Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.
Appearance Prototype
Looks like the final product, but is not functional.
Design Prototype
Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.
Production Prototype
Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.
Prototype Gallery
These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.
Greetings! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Frank Bartels and I'm an engineer and inventor. I presently live up in the air. I work in DC and I visit San Francisco often to make sure my 94-year-old dad doesn't stay out too late on the weekends.
I'd prefer to have a chat with you over a glass of wine at one of my favorite wineries up in the wine country, but this will have to do for now.
My project is ProcoverPlus, a Heat Reflective Propane Tank Safety Cover.
Since I'm an engineer let me start with an equation...
PROPANE TANK + HEAT = POWDER KEG!
Replay with sound
Play with sound
In case you didn't have your sound turned on that was...
And did you know that most people don't even realize the hazardous situation that propane tanks present to themselves, their families, firefighters and the environment? When I found out, I was compelled to invent the ProcoverPlus propane tank safety covers.
My cover is made from the same high-tech shiny material used by NASA for satellites as well as by firefighters to protect themselves from heat. You could say my invention is out of this world!
Picture your propane tank sitting outside in the direct, hot sun day after day in the summertime, and in some climates, all year long. Using infrared imaging, this is what your tank would look like...
A RED HOT image is not what you want to see...unless you like things that go BOOM!
Now, check out the same tank next to one using ProcoverPlus...
Cool, right? Exactly!
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Did you know that when your propane tank over-heats like in the pictures, the gas expands? This causes a valve on top of the tank to VENT dangerous, EXPLOSIVE, SMOG-causing vapors into the atmosphere. Simply put, propane is a VOC or Volatile Organic Compound. With close to 100 million tanks in use, imagine the impact on our environment. Keep your tank cool, eliminating venting, and reducing dangerous emissions.
This project has been in the works for a number of years. I have personally invested a boat-load of my own money researching and developing ProcoverPlus, the heat reflective propane tank cover. With your kind support, I am hoping to bring this SAFE and IMPORTANT product to everyone this summer.
And hey, if you're ever in Washington, DC or San Francisco drop me note. I'd love to buy you a glass of something and have a chat!
I guess it's now time to get out there and kick some gas...frankly speaking.
Two Franks
Risks and challenges
The product has already been developed so the biggest risk for this campaign is that the manufacturer doesn't deliver the product in a timely manner. The key is finding an established and trusted manufacturer with a track record. Early on I met with a successful KickStarter campaign creator who introduced me to his manufacturing source. The product was produced to his expectations. I actually had invested in his campaign and was happy with the quality of what was delivered to me and the time frame in which I received it.
In addition, one of his associates had also used the same company multiple times over a number of years and was very happy with the results.
My product is pretty much cut and stitch and can be manufactured by any clothing-type company in the world. The specialized material I use also has a number of alternate sources.
My biggest challenge is educating the public about the hazardous situation that propane tanks present to themselves, their families, firefighters and the environment.
