When I discovered air conditioned clothing existed I humorously posted the that it did on several of SI's coffee chat rooms and also created this thread. I thought it appropriate given the nation is now locked in a death-taking heat wave. I received several replies from some folks who couldn't access the link I presented in my initial message.
By the way, SHRP, the originator, has to buy recommendations the most recent from JP Morgan. Personally, my money is right now tied up in other stocks and I only own 50 shares of SHRP. I had to get something--after all, who can resist air conditioned clothing! I simply find it absolutely amazing. Hence this thread!
For those who couldn't read it, here's the text:
Sharper Image's 'Wearable Air Conditioner' is Summer's Hottest Item; Specialty Retailer's 'Coolest' New Product is a High-Tech Version of Traditional Ice-Soaked Towel
SAN FRANCISCO, Jul 28, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE via COMTEX) -- Leave it to The Sharper Image to enhance a traditional idea -- cooling off withan ice-soaked towel around the neck -- and make it great with innovative technology, sleek design and pure imagination.
The Personal Cooling System(TM) 2.0 is a lightweight aluminum collar that houses a patented, miniature evaporative-cooling system. When the weather's hot and there's no air conditioner, the invention makes the entire body feel cooler -- up to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding temperature even on the hottest days.
"We are always looking for new, patented technologies," explained Richard Thalheimer, Founder and CEO of The Sharper Image. "You can imagine my excitement when an engineer introduced us to a major advancement in miniaturized evaporative cooling. He was discussing concepts such as 'ambient air movement' and 'heat sink' and I thought, 'wearable air conditioner!'"
The Personal Cooling System, which sells for $49 at www.sharperimage.com, through the award-winning catalog and at 89 Sharper Image stores, is very lightweight and easy to wear. A user can simply fill the device's two chambers with a few ounces of water, rest it comfortably and securely around her or his neck, and switch it on.
Once the Personal Cooling System is switched on the quiet motor drives a tiny fan that creates immediate evaporative cooling and a gentle breeze. Flexible sides hold aluminum cooling plates against the wearer's neck that provide relief from the heat for up to four hours without dripping, so all type of clothing is wearable while using the Personal Cooling System.
The Personal Cooling System is a great way to stay comfortable and avoid heat stress during just about any activity including walking, mowing, gardening, and watching sports or concerts.
The sleek and discreet unit measures about six inches across and has flexible, adjustable sides so one size fits all. It is designed with ABS plastic and die-cast aluminum. The Personal Cooling System weighs 12 ounces empty and approximately 16 ounces filled with water. It operates with one "AA" battery and is backed by The Sharper Image's one-year warranty.
About The Sharper Image
One of the world's premier specialty retailers, Sharper Image Corporation is renowned as a leading source of innovative products and original gifts that make life easier and more enjoyable. The Company offers something for everyone and its products are synonymous with fun and entertainment, design and creativity, uniqueness and technological innovation.
Headquartered in San Francisco, The Sharper Image(R) sells its products through diverse channels of distribution. Nearly
two-thirds of its sales are generated by 89 stores in 27 states and the District of Columbia, and the balance of sales is generated by its award-winning mail-order catalog and its fast-growing Web site that includes an online store and product auction site.
A significant and growing proportion of sales are of the Company's own proprietary merchandise, branded Sharper Image Design(TM).
Richard Thalheimer founded The Sharper Image in 1977 and today continues to serve as the Company's chairman and chief executive officer.
For more information, visit the company's Web site at sharperimage.com.
Note to Editors: Camera-ready artwork of the Personal Cooling System is available by contacting Chris Hammond at 415/439-8385.
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