DESIGN NAME: Gleener
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Fuzz Remover
INSPIRATION: The goal was to create a pill remover that actually worked and would be effective on all types of pilling. It would be safe to use, affordable, ergonomic and battery-free. A favorite merino wool sweater, covered in pills (fuzz balls) served as the inspiration for the product. The inventor tried every product on the market to get rid of the pilling, but nothing worked well. In fact, one product created a hole in the front of the garment. The ruined sweater became the catalyst for Gleener.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Gleener is an unique 2 in 1 fabric care product with three detachable fabric sensitive edges, each engineered to safely eliminate fuzz balls (pilling) from virtually any type of fabric. Gleener also has a built-in lint brush that gets rid of lint and pet hair too. Unlike most other fabric shavers, Gleener has dual functionality, it is battery free and ergonomic. Gleener is patented.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Gleener is a manual, battery free device that shaves pilling (fuzz) from garments, it transforms tired looking garments by removing the fuzz and lint. Depending on the type of pill, there is a choice of 3 different edges, each specifically designed to refresh garments such as wool, cashmere, synthetics and delicates. To use, select the appropriate edge and snap it in, press the button to release the edges. Gleener has received widespread consumer satisfaction for its ease and effectiveness.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The idea began in Montreal, Canada in 2003. Industrial design began in 2008 in Montreal and finished in 2010, Montreal, Canada.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: It was determined early in the design process that there are many different types of pilling and that abrasive materials (metal composites) were effective at removing it. Taking inspiration from razors with replaceable blades drove the basic aesthetic. A locking mechanism and release button were developed to accommodate the various edges. Durable ABS plastic is the primary material and TPE (over-molding material) was added for comfort. A lint brush was added to increase the functionality.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Product Dimensions:
Width: 120mm
Height: 50mm
Length: 190mm
TAGS: Fuzz remover, Fabric Shaver, Lint Remover, Pill Remover
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Extensive research was done prior to and during the product development. The key aspects involved first identifying the problem, finding a solution and analyzing existing options to determine if there was viability. Market research was also done to determine consumer demand as well as intellectual property searches to ensure there were no violations or possible infringement issues. During the industrial design process, extensive research was done to determine the best materials for the product.
CHALLENGE: The most challenging aspect of the design process was accommodating the 3 various edges. This had to be done by incorporating an internal locking mechanism without violating previous relevant patents. It had to be achieved in a cost-effective manner. Stephane Lebel rose to the challenge of designing a highly effective solution, while incorporating an intuitive, quick-release button.
ADDED DATE: 2015-02-26 20:13:45
TEAM MEMBERS (3) : Kim Cole, Stephane Lebel and Bertrand Dessureault
IMAGE CREDITS: Russell Proulx
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