Patented NZ Product Celebrates International Award

Patented NZ Product Celebrates International Award Win

AUCKLAND, Feb. 3/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --

Another home grown design export is basking in international accolade

In breaking news, Kiwi designed "Springfree™ Trampoline" has been recognized with the 2010 USA Product of the Year Award.

Designed by Dr Keith Alexander, Deputy Head of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Springfree™ Trampoline has had incredible international success, receiving prestigious awards in New Zealand, Australia and Canada in addition to last night's New York award.

Springfree™ is the only trampoline design that has effectively removed the risk of product induced injury. With over 200,000 kids injured worldwide each year on spring-based trampoline designs (2000 Kiwi kids), for every 15 Springfree Trampoline's sold, one child is kept out of hospital.

"The injury research, made it clear that to reduce injury we had to design a system with no springs or metal frame" says Dr Alexander.

"I am extremely proud to receive these international awards. It recognises the many years of hard work and commitment by our team both at the University of Canterbury and at Springfree", concluded Dr Alexander.

The 'Product of the Year' is the most prestigious and largest consumer poll on product innovation worldwide.

This award joins a host of other international accolades such as 'Product of the Year Canada' where Dr Keith Alexander's design was also honored with the 'Judges Choice' Award, a huge sign of respect awarded to revolutionary products. The Springfree™ Trampoline was also a 2009 winner of an Australian International Design Award.

Springfree™ Trampoline took 14 years to create and is sold world-wide. Midst the recession, Springfree™ Trampoline New Zealand has had a 37 % increase in the last quarter, making it clear that families see the value in exceptional products that ultimately keep their kids safe.

Just as Peter Jackson put NZ on the map for blockbusters, Dr Alexander's feats of engineering are certainly putting NZ on the map for product development.

This is not the first time Dr Alexander's designs have received international attention, his work on Richard Branson's amphibious water car the Aquada, has been recognised by the global design community.

ENDS

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