Tool-Gate and Tool-Box / Tool-Chest Product Development Proposal

1. Tool-Gate and Tool-Box / Tool-ChestProduct Development Proposal Presented To: William T. Zaika Of Diversified Wealth Strategies, LLC 29 October 2009 Confidential Information Not To Be Disclosed Without Written Permission

2. Vision • This is to be the ultimate tail-gate for a pickup truck • The idea is to provide a completely stocked workbench embedded in the tail-gate of the average truck • Initially this will be a ‘add-on’ feature purchased by the user • The eventual goal is to have OEMs deliver this on new vehicles

3. Vision • The second component of this development project is to create the ultimate in-bed tool-chest • This will include many similar features • DC to AC converted power • Air compressor • In addition will also have an integrated winch that can be used to pull things into the bed of the truck • Development initially tasked to RIT Senior Design Project as a class project

4. Value of Project to Student • This will provide a means for the prospective student(s) will be to integrate all components of their engineering education • Into one comprehensive project • From concept creation • Through to design development • Model and drawing generation • Engineering analysis • Cost assessment • Price structuring • Manufacturing evaluation • Value engineering and value proposition activities • Business plan development

5. Value of Project to Client • This project will move toward investor development • Through the use of student project resources • The client will receive a full development package • Completed by high level assets and with reasonable assurance of accuracy and thoroughness • It will also provide the client with a ready work force • Already very integrated into the development process • To assist with the ‘next step’ • Full-time employment of a efficient workforce

6. Project Objectives / Expected Deliverables • A business plan that can used to solicit investors and develop a full manufacturing facility that supports a wildly successful commercial product • The business plan must be complete enough and convincing enough to attract potential investors • This requires that it covers all aspects of market development • Specifically it will have to address each of the following topics

7. Expected Deliverables • Product Description • Sales paragraph, elevator speech, technical specification, etc. • Presentation materials • Specific to prospective client and investors • A well developed, from a function point of view, list of features and options • Work lights embedded in the tail-gate, lights that can be directed to illuminate the truck bed during winch pulls, remote control, embedded grill for the ultimate tailgate party, etc. • Full engineering analysis of all features, design development, 2D drawings and 3D models, safety considerations and assurance of adherence to all applicable standards and industry requirements, etc.

8. Expected Deliverables • Specific to the ultimate tool-chest will be the requirement to analyze the mechanism to secure the tool-chest to the bed or bed-rails of the truck • Cost analysis of all base designs and options • Manufacturing process outline and requirements • Labor requirements as a function of annual volume, appropriate levels of automation as a function of annual volume, “Make vs. Buy” decision matrix, supplier base identification, etc. • Identification of presentation, advertisement, and potential investor sources • Capital requirements for the first year, 3 years, and 5 years; overlaid on annual volumes of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 units

9. Product Description • Essentially the final product specifications are ‘open’ in that it is expected that the feature / functionality of the final product will evolve as the development process progresses • Minimum requirements will include a vise like mechanism to clamp and hold work pieces • This will be much like the top functional surface of a Black & Decker workmate system • 110 VAC outlets, powered by a DC to AC converter, and providing limited current • To power battery chargers for cordless power tools, etc.

10. Feature List • Other features to consider are likely to be a • Small tool box • An inflator • A pop-up light • This list is likely to change and grow as more thought is given to the tasks the product will be used for

11. Considerations • Reliability is paramount • In that anything that does not perform up to user expectations will cause the entire product imagine to be undermined • Safety must also be a high priority in terms of design requirements • In that the DC to AC converter will require access to full battery potential, which is a fire risk • The product must also protect against draining the vehicle battery, and shut-off power to the outlets

12. Notes and Design Thoughts • It needs a way of actuation from the driver’s compartment as well as from the back of the truck • Add input socket for a generator • It needs to be fully weather sealed • Add the option for a second battery set up • Add a 220V outlet for running welders, would need extensive research • Additional support for heavy projects via extra strength cables or collapsible legs • Best to have several versions of the Tool-Gate, Contractors, Off-Roaders, etc.

13. Notes and Design Thoughts • Distinctions between “Base” unit and “Premium” unit • The remote control feature (operator actuation from the cab) would be a feature of the “Premium” unit and not offered on the basic model, etc.