The No More Flat Spot device prevents flat spots from forming on the tyres of recreational, hobby and sporting vehicles by inflating cushions beneath a vehicle and lifting it off the wheels, says No More Flat Spot inventor Pieter Olivier.
Vintage cars, sports cars, yacht and boat trailers often stand idle for long periods, resulting in flat spots forming on the tyres.
The device uses bellows that are slid underneath the vehicle and inflated using an air compressor to lift it easily and safely. Deflating the bellows takes only a few minutes.
“The tyres will be protected while a vehicle stands for extended periods of time,” he says.
The conventional ways of preventing flat spots from forming are to regularly drive a vehicle or place it on jacks. Flat spots can also be a safety hazard if a vehicle with tyres that have flat spots is taken onto the road, adds Olivier.
The air compressor requires servicing only once in three years. However, the moisture inside the compressor must be drained every three months.
Olivier’s research survey found that 58.6% of individuals interviewed indicated that they think there is potential for this product; 65% of accessory retailers were of the opinion that the product would sell; and 70% of these retailers indicated that they would stock this product should it meet their criteria.
While only a small fraction of households and businesses are likely to buy the No More Flat Spot device, its low cost of manufacturing and high return margins can prove profitable if targeted at sufficiently large markets, such as the US, Australia and Europe, he explains.
“The volume potential for the No More Flat Spot product is dependent on the markets targeted and the marketing of the device. The cost to manufacture this product is relatively low, which offers potentially high mark-ups and high profits. The prototype that has been built is a clear indication that, with sufficient product runs, the cost per unit will be fairly low,” says Olivier.
Olivier adds that he is a specialist in the conceptualisation and design of the prototype, but not in manufacturing and marketing. No More Flat Spot is looking for a company to buy the patent or licence rights.
The company is able to establish a manufacturing facility if required by a buyer or partner, he adds.
There is also potential to grow the range of associated products, such as using the compressor for vacuum and engine cleaning, which can add to the marketability of the product, concludes Olivier.