Wireless Power Journeys into the Mobile Workspace and Beyond
Leggett & Platt Powers Automotive, Commercial and
Industrial Applications
CARTHAGE, Mo. (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) December 30, 2008 --
For the engineers at Leggett & Platt, the conceivable limits of modern
technology are good for one thing: they provide a well-defined boundary
to break. The Fortune 500 diversified manufacturer has partnered with
Fulton Innovation, the inventors of eCoupled intelligent wireless power,
to redefine how business gets done (www.leggetteCoupled.com).
“We can’t improve on today’s business model if we can’t see beyond its
boundaries,” said Vincent Lyons, vice president of engineering and
technology for Leggett. “Our engineers have harnessed the power of
eCoupled technology and applied it to products that make routine
business functions more efficient and common household activities more
convenient.”
Leggett is leading the commercialization of eCoupled technology, and it
is the first eCoupled partner company to take its products to market. As
the low- and medium- power supplier for the primary (or charging) side
of the eCoupled connection, Leggett’s eDriveTM provides the
charging power for many eCoupled-enabled products from cell phones to
residential and industrial furnishings. eCoupled technology uses
inductive coupling to transfer energy from a charging surface to any
eCoupled-compatible device. When the eCoupled area of a product comes
into contact with an eCoupled charging zone, the technology
intelligently recognizes the product, interprets its power needs and
immediately begins to transfer energy.
The applications being shown at the Consumer Electronics Show for the
commercial automotive market allow workers to charge devices such as
cell phones, laptop computers and power tools within their work vehicles
without the hassle of charging adaptors or wires. Prototypes for home
and industrial furnishings will also be on display.
The Mobile Workspace
Americans spend enormous amounts of time using their vehicles as
worksites or workstations – from repairmen to emergency technicians to
law enforcement officers. Yet actual driving time is often considered
unproductive, save for the few cell phone calls that can lessen the
inbox.
Evolving beyond “business as usual”, Leggett addressed the opportunity
to improve efficiency by turning ordinary surfaces into workhorses;
capable of charging electronic devices, saving time lost to home and
on-site charging, and eliminating the need for portable chargers.
Interior Shelving
Installed in the back of commercial work vans, Leggett & Platt’s van
shelving is equipped with eCoupled technology and does double duty as a
storage space and a convenient charging apparatus. Designed to work with
Bosch power tools, the shelf contains Leggett & Platt eDrives that
charge devices without the hassle of cords, wires or even an on/off
switch. Power tools are neatly organized in an eCoupled toolbox, which
locks onto the van’s shelving, keeping the tools tidy, secure and fully
powered.
When an eCoupled-compatible power tool comes in contact with the
eCoupled charging surface, the surface recognizes the product,
interprets its power needs and immediately begins to transfer energy.
Tools charge at a rate comparable to traditional, plugged charging and
the need to carry traditional battery chargers is eliminated.
Contractors, technicians and repairmen can gain efficiency by charging
tools in their mobile workspaces during the drive between appointments
or on their commute home.
The shelving is made of high-density polyethylene and can be installed
in the back of commercial work vehicles. Dimensions are 4 inches high,
36 inches wide and 19 inches deep.
Computer Cradle
The Leggett & Platt Computer Cradle secures and holds computer laptops
used in emergency, law enforcement and fleet vehicles. Currently, these
laptops must have an adaptor plugged into the d/c outlet in the
automobile to maintain power.
Using eCoupled’s wireless technology, Leggett engineers designed the
Computer Cradle to be the charging apparatus. Installed to the right of
the driver, the cradle holds and powers laptop computers, keeping the
computer charged even when the vehicle’s engine is off.
Safe, efficient and convenient, the Computer Cradle is made of steel and
measures 1.5 inches high by 15 inches wide by 8 inches deep.
Center Console Pocket
Forget toting your cell phone charger from site to site; Leggett &
Platt’s convenient Center Console Pocket wirelessly charges handheld
devices so users don’t have to.
In the past merely a holding tank, the center vehicle console becomes a
charging center when enabled with Leggett’s eDrives. Installed in the
cab of any vehicle, the Center Console Pocket wirelessly charges
flashlights and cell phones, even when the engine is turned off.
Leggett has partnered with Energizer Holdings to make the console pocket
compatible with the Energizer® Hard Case®
Professional® eCoupled Swivel Light. The console and
flashlight will be sold as a package.
Made of steel with flame retardant ABS pocket and cup holder, the Center
Console Pocket measures 7 inches high by 9 inches wide by 5 inches deep.
Home, Industrial and Beyond
Leggett’s partnership with Fulton Innovation allows it to expand its use
of eCoupled technology beyond the mobile workspace. As the low- and
medium-power primary (or charging) side supplier, Leggett will explore
applications for its eDrive across many product categories including
retail fixtures, residential furniture and commercial work surfaces.
Several prototype applications can be seen at CES.
Ergonomic Work Bench
Technology transforms the ordinary work bench from a surface to work on
into a working surface. Whether on the job or in the home workshop, an
industrial work bench with eCoupled zones means power is close at hand.
It keeps low- and medium-power products conveniently charged and within
reach. eCoupled zones on the perimeter of the work surface provide a
convenient power supply to charge power tools, laptop computers, cell
phones and flashlights.
Home Theater Seating
Although its main job is to make you comfy during the big game or the
latest DVD release, you can put those recliners to work with Leggett’s
eCoupled console. A center console contains eCoupled charging zones that
can supply wireless energy to a number of low-power devices. The console
is currently designed to work with cell phones, remote controls and
flashlights.
Night Stand/End Table
Whether beside the sofa or by the bed, the end table inevitably becomes
a dumping ground for wallets, keys and phones. With an eCoupled end
table, cell phones and computers can power up by just laying around.
eCoupled charging zones are located on the top surface of the end table
and inside the drawer. Place a low- or medium-power item on a charging
zone and an indicator light confirms that the surface and item are in
sync and actively charging.
For more information on eCoupled products developed by Leggett & Platt,
please visit www.leggetteCoupled.com
(active January 1).
About Leggett & Platt Inc.
Leggett & Platt (NYSE: LEG)
is a FORTUNE 500 diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs and
produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can
be found in most homes, offices, and automobiles. The company serves a
broad suite of customers that comprise a "Who's Who" of U.S.
manufacturers and retailers. The 125-year-old firm's continuing
operations are composed of 21 business units, 24,000 employee-partners,
and more than 250 facilities located in 20 countries.
Leggett & Platt is North America's leading independent manufacturer of:
a) components for residential furniture and bedding; b) components for
office furniture; c) drawn steel wire; d) automotive seat support and
lumbar systems; e) carpet underlay; f) adjustable beds; and g) bedding
industry machinery for wire forming, sewing and quilting.
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