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Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-7592
(513) 529-1950 fax
newsinfo@muohio.edu
Glos Center
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-7592
(513) 529-1950 fax
newsinfo@muohio.edu
News Release
"A Miami moment with ... Chris Connell"05/03/2012 |
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As senior director of administration for the Hamilton and Middletown campuses, Chris Connell sees a lot. The business office, security, food service and personnel offices report to him as he oversees daily business operations of both campuses. But one thing he repeatedly sees daily—students carrying heavy book bags—troubled him, sparking an entrepreneurial adventure that led him to the invention of the Flat Pack, www.theoriginalflatpack.com. Q: What is the Flat Pack and how did this all start? A: The Flat Pack is an ergonomic book bag that I invented to relieve stress on students’ backs as they carry their books to and from class. Daily, I see students lifting heavy book bags on campus. It really hit me that something better could be developed when I noticed one of our staff packing up gear for a camping trip. The camping gear was designed in such a way that the heaviest part of his load was kept closer to his back and upper shoulder area. As a weight lifter, I know that it’s easier and much healthier for you to carry heavy loads on your shoulders rather than with your lower back. Q: I understand your youngest son played a role in this design. How did he contribute? A: Jackson is in sixth grade and I noticed that when he came home from school each day, he was loaded down with books. He slouched over so much from the weight; I became concerned about his back. With the images of the camping gear in my head and the number of books my son carries every day, I began to design a backpack that would better distribute the weight. I made the new dimensions two inches taller and then created a removable, thick shelf that divides the top and the bottom half of the bag so books can be stacked on top of each other without smashing. Q: How did you know this was going to work? A: A friend of mine actually manufactures gym bags. I took the design to him and he created a prototype. We tested it out with Jackson’s books. Their weight of 18 pounds felt much lighter. I also took the pack to several local chiropractors and an orthopedic surgeon who thought it ingenious. They all agreed that this is how students should carry their books. It feels better on your back, helps posture and also supports the lower back. I also met with a bag sales rep who said he hasn’t seen anything like this in his 32 years in the business. In his words, he said, ‘It solved the ergonomic issue companies have been trying to solve.' I was surprised that there wasn’t anything like it. This entire process from idea to design to prototype took one year. Q: What’s next in the development process? A: Well, the Flat Packs are being manufactured now. Based on feedback, I’ve added pockets in the front for electronic tablets, a padded insert for 15-inch laptops and an area for cell phones. Hamilton High School agreed to purchase some for their spirit shops. Working through Miami University’s legal department and the university bookstore, bags will be available in about two weeks in the regional campuses bookstores. My weekends and evening hours are now filled with marketing planning. In addition to university bookstores and spirit shops, I am interested in exploring distribution opportunities within the medical field. It’s a work in progress. |
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