Environmentalists Inspire Product Improvement;
RBJ Mfg. Redesigns Popular Johnny-Light (TM)
Under pressure from environmentalists, RBJ Mfg. of Burleson, Texas, eliminated
a mercury-activated switch, replacing with a mechanical gravity switch,
recommended by a "green" caller. Meanwhile, the Johnny-Light, a patented,
unique green light for the toilet, continues to sell by the thousands...to obtain
national and internatiional publicity and to "Light the Way to Family Harmony" in
households where the seat-up vs. seat-down controversy continues to rage.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOTE: A 300-dpsi, large-scanned digital photo of the Johnny Light can be
found at this URL:
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=106&STORY=/www/story/
10-09-2001/0001587494&EDATE=
A REVIEW SAMPLE OF THE JOHNNY-LIGHT IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
* * *
Environmentalists Inspire Product Improvement
RBJ Mfg. Redesigns Popular Johnny-LightÔ
BURLESON, TX (March 22, 2002) - RBJ Mfg., Inc. of Burleson, TX,
has responded to environmentalists' demands and redesigned its popular
Johnny-Light (TM) -- a unique, green night-light for the commode - by
eliminating a mercury-containing switch.
"When we promoted our product last year, we were bombarded by
phone calls and e-mails from environmentalists, ecologists and nature lovers
in general expressing concern over eventual disposal of the switch," recalled
Bill Bradford, co-inventor of the patented device. "That was a major challenge,
since the switch activates the light when the commode seat is raised."
To date, more than 50,000 Johnny-Lights have been sold, aimed
at resolving the long-running "seat-up/seat-down" debate that has raged in
households as long as indoor toilets have existed (and the first indignant
"splashdown.") They have proven popular as Christmas stocking stuffers,
gifts for Valentine's, Mother's and Father's days, and for bachelor/bachelorette
parties, bridal showers and housewarmings.
The U.S. Census reports that more Americans were injured by their toilet
(48,964) in 1998 than while using a hammer (42,426). Bradford says the
Johnny-Light enhances family harmony, teaches gender respect and improves
hygiene and personal safety.
Easily installed (no tools), the Johnny-Light costs $10 to $13 (with
batteries) and fits 94% of the toilet seats in U.S. households. It tucks into
a sanitary position, protected from splashing and contamination. The soft
green light is easy on sleepy eyes and eliminates the need to turn on a
room light and disturb others.
But will they support our new "green" product?
"We recognize that customer perception is critical to the success of any
product, and we want to please as many potential consumers as possible,"
Bradford noted. "The 'green' callers were uncompromising, and their point
was well taken. Although the old switch contained only a fraction of the
mercury found in a typical thermometer and met all of the safety guidelines
of the Federal Trade Commission, we decided that a change was necessary.
"We now use a mechanical gravity switch with a small ball-bearing
that moves when tilted to activate the green light," said Bradford, a former
nuclear power plant engineer. "Still, it took months of research, redesign and
testing to bring the improved product to market.
"The question is, will we get a green light from the environmentalists
for our green light?" he asked. "With their buyer resistance defused, we hope to
see them light up our Web site, www.johnny-light.com, and our toll-free line,
888-566-LITE (5483), with orders! We have learned that the 'green
grapevine' is a great information-spreading pipeline," he added. "Hopefully,
it will be used to spread the good news about our new, totally 'green' product."
The innovative Johnny-Light also is sold nationwide in more than
650 Lowe's Home Improvement stores, as well as in lighting stores coast-
to-coast.
National, International Attention
Nationally syndicated singer/comedienne Kacey Jones of Nashville,
TN (www.kaceyjones.com), who recorded "Put the Seat Back Down," often
passes out Johnny-Lights at her concerts when she sings:
But if you wanna know what makes my heart pound,
I really like a man who puts the seat back down.
Now all you guys, hey, what's the fuss?
It's a little thing to you, but it's everything to us. *
The Johnny-Light has been featured by Glamour Magazine, Modern Bride,
Adam and periodicals in England and Sweden. Dozens of radio stations as far
away as Canada have given away the gadget to women who called in with the
best "splashdown story." It has been praised by hosts of "The Regis & Kathy
Show," "The Howie Mandell Show" and featured on NBC's "Today Show," ABC's
' "The Gizmo Guy" and at numerous Web sites (www.beststuff.com,
www.sweetpotatoqueens.com).
"You can't monogram or engrave it, but I guarantee it is a useful,
unforgettable gift and much less expensive than a marriage counselor,"
Bradford joked.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS:
Bill Bradford, RBJ Mfg., 1-888-566-5483, rbjmfg@flash.net
or
Preston Kirk, Kirk Public Relations, 972-690-8446, kirk@281.com
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