Bumper-Mounted "Blockhead" Eliminates Dangling Cords

Bumper-Mounted "Blockhead" Eliminates Dangling Cords ENGINES Engines 25-1-17 Inventor Len Ranch of Brooks, Alberta, knew there had to be a simple way to do away with dangling block heater cords on front of vehicles in cold weather country. He was tired of seeing block heater plugs dangling from the end of split cords, and he had also had chipped paint on the front of one of his vehicles from the cord flapping around while on the road. "Block heater cords can make an irritating banging noise when you're driving down the highway, and then there's always the problem of having the plug's prongs coated with ice and dirt when you go to use it," Ranch says. "I knew I could develop a device that would solve all of those problems." Ranch designed a unit he calls "The Blockhead". The block heater plug simply plugs into it. The durable plastic device attaches to the front of a vehicle's bumper with an adhesive backing, so no tools are necessary. The Blockhead can be removed during summer. The black, 1-in. square "outlet" has plug-in access on five sides and prong slots can be seen at night since they are made with luminous yellow plastic. After two years of engineering, making a prototype and re-designing, Ranch patented the device and finally found a manufacturer in China. Molds and samples were followed by promotion, setting up distribution and production. It retails for $7.99 (Canada) plus shipping, handling and 7% G.S.T.. The Blockhead is available at some hardware stores or can be ordered direct by mail or phone from Ranch's marketing representative, Prairie Mountain Trading in Edmonton, Alberta. Wholesale and distributor inquiries are welcome. Contact FARM SHOW Followup, Prairie Mountain Trading, 11420 û 142 St., Edmonton, Alberta., Canada, T5M 1V1, ph 780 448-1402; fax 780 454-4112; E-mail: warickd@connect.ab.ca, or blockhd@ telusplanet.net; Web site: www.prairiemountain.com.).

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