Containership power strip design models manufacturing microcosm
Sexing up power strips is a little industry all to itself: the sexiest being the Power Squid. The latest design rests on the waves, not beneath them: it's modeled on the container tankers that deliver to our shores the very gadgets it powers.
Designed to accommodate the many power adapters cluttering our living space, this ship powers our electronic devices with their cords in its wake. It also makes apparent the infrastructure behind all those power cords.Most electronic devices in use everyday are manufactured in one province in China and are delivered to us by containership. What people often do not realize is the extreme scale of the infrastructure needed when a single geographic area becomes a primary manufacturing source; even for things that most people see as insignificant. The largest of these ships hold up to 9,000 40ft containers and are too massive for the Panama Canal. They frequently return to China empty. There is nothing to bring back.
The Containership Powersupply (Prototype shown) measures 20"x3.5"x5" and is made from a cast rubber body over a metal chassis. Prototyping by ModelSource, Avon, CT
Product Page (Click the "I" in the top row) [Giffintermeer VIA SlipperyBrick and Oh Gizmo!]
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I think I saw these a year or so ago. Unfortunately I don't think they are anything more than an art project, which is too bad because they are really cool and I work in logistics and they would make great gifts.
Hi Neoncat,
Jim, the designer here. Yes, you are correct, it started out in 2006 as a concept and has been in a few shows. They are now being mass-produced (in China, of course), and will be for sale this summer through Kikkerland. They are introducing it at ICFF over the weekend. If you're in NY, come on by! -Jim
Great idea! Let's make a POWER STRIP look like a BOAT. Then let's make rat poison demonstrate our dependence on grain by packaging it like cereal. Seriously, a power-strip boat? That is just silly. (Hint: boats go in water.)
Careful.
Not too long ago one of these was tilted over for a while and they had to scrap all the AC adapters on board because they weren't sure how that would affect them.
-or something...
I'd also like to make a reference to the game Battleship at this time as well, and respectfully request white and red plastic insert sets to provide that dynamic as well.
Thank you.
just check with UL/CSA/CE first before it docks in your house to make sure it's not under a false flag.
Some don't care who they kill or ruin to save three cents of copper.
Battlecan, thanks for coming by! Love the boat.
Strider, I think that was Nissans.
You sank my power strip!