Press Releases > Freeplay and Coleman deliver ruggedness, reliability

2002-06-12
2002-06-12

Freeplay and Coleman deliver ruggedness, reliability
Innovative Radios And Flashlights Deliver Results To Retailers

Orangeburg, NY., Retailers are applauding a dynamic product duo, co-developed by Freeplay Energy and The Coleman Company, Inc. The units are big retail sellers in the U.K., and Coleman plans to duplicate that success in the U.S. The new ColemanÆ Sentinelô flashlight and the Outriderô radio are powered by Freeplay's innovative self-sufficient energy technology. The new products were designed to demanding specifications that meet the needs of outdoor and sporting enthusiasts who look to the Coleman brand for rugged reliability. The lightweight Sentinel flashlight and Outrider radio offer a choice of rechargeable battery or wind-up power. Each unit is designed for maximum user flexibility, even under extreme conditions, and features a built-in winder handle for use when electrical outlets are unavailable or in case of emergency. "Sentinel and Outrider are perfect for homeowners, campers or travelers whose independent, active lifestyles demand high quality products that can benefit from a fail-safe power source," said David Pring, sales director of UK distributor Burton McCall. "We've seen very low returns and lots of happy customers." High-specification engineering materials are used throughout and particular attention has been given to creating a rugged, yet stylish product that will satisfy the expectations of even the most intense and frequent user.

* Combination of ABS and Desmopan material is used in the casing.

The product body is made from ABS, a rugged, durable material that provides high impact strength and scratch resistance. Desmopan (soft touch elastamer) inserts are co-molded onto the ABS parts to provide ease of handling and the ability to grip the product safely when using or winding it.

* Designed to absorb and handle demanding input from human energy.

The winder handle, alternator, and transmission materials use a combination of Acetyl and glass-filled nylons in order to provide a transmission with a low noise signature and the durability of several million revolutions.

* High power-density alternator.

The Freeplay alternator unit incorporates rare earth magnets and provides a very smooth operating feel to the user, while absorbing and converting human energy into electricity at a very efficient rate. Energy is stored in the internal batteries which, have been tested to more than 5,000 human use cycles without any performance degradation.

* Tested, tested, tested.

The product has undergone extensive accelerated lifetime and environmental testing procedures, carries the ConformitÈ EuropÈenne (CE) mark and complies with FCC part 15 regulations. "The attention to product design and the materials used in the manufacture of the radio and the flashlight give these products the capacity to perform as designed in the harshest environmental conditions, time after time, for years and years," said Rory Stear, chairman and CEO of Freeplay Energy Group. "We've worked together with Coleman to provide consumers with strong, reliable products from a trusted brand." "We believe the addition of Freeplay Energy technology to our line will give Coleman customers self-sufficiency in any situation in the great outdoors," said Steve Cramer, product manager, Coleman.

About the Coleman Sentinel Flashlight
Weighing in at only 12 ounces, the Sentinel flashlight incorporates the fail-safe Freeplay self-sufficient energy technology for both emergency and everyday use. When fully charged, the flashlight provides 30 minutes of ultra bright light or five hours of regular light. The wind-up system offers up to eight minutes of light on normal beam for each 30-second hand cranking session and includes an LED charge level indicator to designate the best winding speed. Sentinel is the only Coleman light that offers an alternative self-sufficient power source.

About the Coleman Outrider Radio
With its compact and stylish ergonomic design, the Outrider AM/FM radio weighs just under two pounds and will operate for 25 hours when fully charged, providing continuous access to news and music. On average, 30-seconds of winding will provide approximately 35 minutes of playtime at normal volume. An extendable antenna ensures optimal reception and an LED charge level indicator designates the best speed to wind.( In addition, the radio may be charged by solar power in direct sunlight through a solar panel atop the unit. The suggested retail price of the Sentinel flashlight is $39.99 while the Outrider radio is $49.99.

About Coleman
Coleman - which celebrated 100 years of business in 2001 - manufactures and distributes a wide range of outdoor products for leisure-time, camping and remote camping activities. Coleman products can be found at sporting goods stores, mass merchants, hardware home centers, grocery stores and drugstores across the United States, Canada and more than 100 other countries around the world. Coleman is a subsidiary of Sunbeam Corporation. For more information, consumers can contact Coleman at 1-800-835-3278, P.O. Box 2931, Wichita, KS 67201, or go to Coleman's Web site, www.coleman.com.

About Freeplay Energy Group
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in London, Freeplay Energy Group is the world's leading developer of self-sufficient energy technology. The company is dedicated to creating real products that benefit people worldwide, empowering people by giving them reliable access to needed energy. Freeplay is focused on the continuous development of commercially feasible applications for its self-sufficient technology, which incorporates multiple energy sources, including solar panels, rechargeable batteries and patented wind-up capabilities. The company is working with several manufacturers, including Motorola, Inc. and The Coleman Company, Inc., to develop and distribute products worldwide powered by Freeplay's self-sufficient energy technology. Freeplay Energy Group's Web site can be found at www.freeplay.net.

Media Contact:
Eric Goldman Neale-May & Partners 212-213-5400 x202 egoldman@nealemay.com

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