| Inventor Fights
Killer Coconuts!
Queensland inventor Tim Straatmans is fighting to save the
world from killer coconuts. But this is no science fiction story.
Every year coconuts prove to be more dangerous than sharks! Falling
coconuts kill and injure more people and cause untold damage to
property. And in today’s litigious society, this is a major
problem for government, business operators and homeowners.
Some local authorities and tourism operators have programs to ``de-nut’’
trees, whilst others simply remove the trees altogether, reducing
the ``tropical appeal’’ which attracts so many tourists.
One resort in Hawaii spends US$70,000 annually to de-nut their 2500
trees.
In Queensland, the councils collectively spend more than $1 million
annually to combat the problem.
Mr Straatmans is very aware of the real danger posed by falling
coconuts. His mother received severe injuries when a coconut landed
on her foot.
To help solve the coconut problem Mr Straatmans has designed and
patented a net-like object that is clipped to the tree, under the
fronds. It is able to entrap the falling coconut. The trapped nuts
are then guided into a basket, which can be lowered at the discretion
of the owner.
The net is constructed so the tree’s appeal is not lost and
that the device does not look obtrusive.
The mould is now being manufactured in Brisbane, but the end product
will be made in Mr Straatmans’ home town of Boyne Island in
Central Queensland.
Tim has been very impressed by the Triton Foundation, as seen in
the following feedback...
"Since looking up the website and lodging my invention particulars,
I have been pleasantly impressed by the services offered by the
Triton Foundation. From discounted Sales and Marketing seminars
through to end production results, the Foundation has been inspirational
in its endeavours to keep me on track and informed with all necessary
issues that I was unaware of.
The Independent Assessment Panel was an intriguing analysis by unbiased
parties and this has led to interesting further developments for
my product. Overall, I would seriously recommend this level of assistance
to any inventor at any level of their venture, as the opportunities
for information access, equity assistance, networking and mentoring,
really are quite useful. My invention certainly has been given the
right impetus from this relationship."
The Coconet was a joint winner of the Australian Design Award's
Invention of the Year Award 2003.
Inventors Name:
Tim Straatmans
Web Address:
www.coconett.com.au
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