Oldham ski pair turn inventors

Two Oldham skiing enthusiasts have turned inventors, after they got fed up with friends and family losing gloves and misplacing helmets.

Shane Boswell and Danny Chadwick created Dink, an affordable portable supporting device, designed to keep property and goods secure, close at hand, and off the floor.

They initially aimed to solve the problem of items being lost or stolen at après-ski, but believe that Dink has much wider applications for outdoor pursuits.

The robust yet discrete device attaches to almost anything, securely storing valuables and accessories. Lightweight and compact, it easily fits in a backpack, pouch, or pocket.

“People engaged in outdoor pursuits often take a break in a café or bar and the challenge is always where to put items such as gloves and helmets, or even handbags,” said Boswell.

“Whether you ski, snowboard, cycle, sail or you’re into camping and caravanning, Dink can be a portable problem-solver. It stores items nearby and keeps them off muddy ground or dirty and wet floors.”

One end of Dink features a high-strength, pull-out clamp that attaches in seconds to the side of a table or bench, as well as a tree branch or tent pole.

The other end contains a fold-out hook on which the user can hang anything from ski or cycle helmets through to designer handbags.

Dink also has a range of applications for camping, such as attaching hanging lamps in tents, or suspending sleeping bags above wet and muddy ground.

Boswell and Chadwick run successful electrical engineering and plumbing merchant businesses in Oldham.

They have already invested in patenting and trademarking Dink, as well as creating the tooling required for mass production.

They are now launching a crowdfunding campaign to take Dink to the next level.

“The initial reaction to Dink has been brilliant,” added Chadwick.

“There’s nothing like it that can keep your valuables off the ground and close to hand.

"We are launching a crowd-funder to give like-minded people the opportunity to help us take Dink into full production.”

The Kickstarter campaign opened on April 1. For further details, visit the website, www.dink-it.com.