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IllumiBowl lights up your toilet for targeted tinkling

The bathroom can be an obstacle course for some in that middle of the night run with blinded eyes, fallen in women, and manly messes made and left. The inventor of the Illumibowl wants to light the way to relief with his LED-based toilet bowl light.

The product can be discretely attached to the underside of the bowl and set to a single color or on a color-changing pattern, with everything activated by a motion sensor. The LED is rated to last 100,000 hours of constant use, so you won’t have to worry about dark and scary trips to the bathroom for a long time. With the Illumibowl only costing $15, this can easily be filed under an impulse buy even if the solution is exactly the most elegant or aesthetically pleasing. Still, the campaign has already achieved its goal of $20,000; backers will receive the light by January 2015.

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Kronholm Design plastic wrap dispenser thinks out of the box

How to get just the right amount of plastic wrap off of the box without it ripping or clinging to itself is a challenge that we’ve all faced. For those who have better things to do with their time than attempt to unravel that, there is Kronholm. This particular dispenser is made of ABS plastic and actually has some sharp teeth for cutting through plastic wrap. In addition, it’s easy to clean and assemble. Kronholm also ups the ante on aesthetic, looking sleeker than most other plastic dispensers. This is hardly the first company to try to make a better plastic wrap dispenser. Jimbox is one case in point. For those who would like to get away from the plastic wrap scene and go for lids instead, check out the Silicon Lid campaign. This campaign seeks to raise kr60,000 (~$10,300) by December 3, 2014. For kr 250 DDK (~$42) backers get one product with an expected delivery of March 2015.

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McChi lock slips over deadbolt for more security

Feeling safe while at home and traveling are important for experiencing an enjoyable quality of life. For those times when there is doubt about whether one’s present deadbolt is enough for keeping out intruders, there is McChi. No tools are needed to install it, and it takes about five seconds to attach it to the door. So not only can it be easily used at home, but it can also be used when traveling and staying in a hotel. There are apparently very few compatibility issues here given the fact that it is supposed to fit 90-95% of most household deadbolt locks. While this may not scare off an intruder attempting to come through the door, it at least gives enough time to safely make a 911 call and find a place to hide if necessary. This campaign seeks to raise $7,500 by December 2, 2014. For $35, backers get one product with an expected delivery of December 2014.

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Moderno Eco-Home takes an ecological spin

With all the devices out there to make your home smarter, it’s about time that these special tools begin to pull more weight. If not, the alternative is a device full of independent devices that all need to be switched on in order to function.

The Moderno HCS1 Home Control System is a simple interface designed to combine three key aspects of the smart home: climate control, irrigation, and home security. With a single touch screen panel that can be mounted inside and access through any smartphone or tablet, the HCS1 is easy to use, adjust, and set up.

These three systems also work in cooperation with each other: for example, the HCS1 uses its security cameras to know when nobody is home and turn off the climate control system to cut down on energy. Moderno Technologies is raising $150,000 to develop, test, and manufacture the product. No reward tiers offer the actual product at this time.

One has to applaud the combination of multiple smart home functions into one device, but the lack of a physical product reaching backers and the lack of further expansion options make this kind of product one that’s better to wait until the market matures.

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QuickRinse gives showers the power wash they crave

Cleaning the shower is one of the more dreaded household chores. But what if one had a cleaning business? That was the very thing that inspired two savvy business women to create QuickRinse. Cleaning a dirty shower looks like a whole lot less hassle because of QuickRinse’s funnel-shaped bag that is designed to fit over most shower heads. It’s made of a durable 10 ounce vinyl material and is ultrasonically welded around the seams and hose adapter. It also has an extra long, double-sided Velcro strap and rubber hose to prevent kinking and bend memory. While it may still be necessary to do some scrubbing, rinsing does appear to make the job easier. Backers may also be interested to know that this particular campaign helps women trapped in a domestic violence situation to gain their freedom because part of the proceeds will go toward The Boise Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA). This campaign seeks to raise $25,000 by November 1. For $50, backers get one product with an expected delivery of December 2014.

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Cullector creates a small shower reservoir to save water, create aromas

Showering is a catch-22 for those who want to save water. It always takes a minute for the water to heat up, meaning that cold water is sent down the drain unused. The Cullector Ultra Efficient Shower seeks to save water while still giving you a hot refreshing shower. Using a reservoir, the cold water initially spat out by the shower is collected while a small amount is let out through the shower head. This allows the dirty user to feel the temperature of the water from inside the shower, without getting scalded or frozen from head to toe. When the water feels just right, pull the lever for maximum water pressure. The cold water that is initially collected is then sucked back up into the shower head so it doesn’t get wasted. The reservoir can be opened and scented oils added for those who want to smell like flowers, pachouli, or other herbs.

Many shower heads boast water-saving techniques, but none have come up with an idea like this. So much water is wasted waiting for the right temperature. The Cullector has fixed a common problem with a simple solution. In addition, water-saving shower heads usually sacrifice water pressure for conservation, making you spend more time in the shower anyway trying to rinse yourself off. The Cullector uses wasted water to add pressure, not only saving water, but also expediting the entire showering process. Backers can pick up this Australian product for $179 AUD (~$157 USD) with estimated delivery set for January 2015. Cullector hopes to raise $10,000 AUD (~$9,000 USD) on Kickstarter.

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Go2Pon tampon dispenser promises tampon nirvana, a place nobody wants to go

When it comes to the more delicate side of being a female, there are certain items designed with the intent of making life easier. This applies to Go2Pon.  Go2Pon is presented as a product of convenience because of its cylindrical shape. It features a suction cup on the bottom that will allow it to be securely fastened to a convenient spot in the shower or on the counter, so the tampon will always be close at hand, at least at home. It aims to make that time of the month, Aunt Flo’s visit, shark week, or whatever else you want to call it a little less awkward. Potential marriage annoyance alert: if the intent is for a permanent location for the Go2Pon, hubby may see it as ranking right up there with looking at her hand-washed bras hanging over the shower rod. Just a thought. This campaign seeks to raise $20,000 by November 14, 2014. Backers can get one product for $30, with an expected delivery of May 2015.

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SensorJet is a smart system for putting out fires

Kitchen safety is important given the fact that about half of house fires start in the kitchen. Having working smoke detectors, the right tools at hand, knowing how to use them, and remaining calm usually keeps a bad situation from turning into a disaster. But what if the fire starts when no one is in the room or when no one is home?

SensorJet is an alternative to a sprinkler system that hooks directly into a person’s existing kitchen water supply. The product has a ceiling heat sensor that works to alert the water jet to send out a fine mist of water to put out a fire, significantly reducing water damage. It can be installed by a plumber, whereas a sprinkler system installation can be more complex. In the event of a fire, it uses far more water when it goes off, causing far more water damage and flooding.

Another thing to consider about kitchen fires is that most of them are grease fires. That being said, water makes grease fires worse rather than putting them out. The best thing for a grease fire is to turn off the heat source if possible, and smother the flames. Baking soda does the job, but it requires a ton to properly put out a fire. A kitchen fire extinguisher is also a good option. SensorJet could possibly be useful in other rooms with existing water supplies, such as a basement laundry room or a master bathroom connected to a bedroom. This campaign is seeking to raise $150,000 by November 23, 2014, and early bird backers can get one system for $230, which includes shipping. Expected delivery is June 2015.

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Appliance Defender is like a giant screen protector for your fridge

Here’s something that seems like a big time winner. Something that can help reduce the necessity to clean! Appliance Defender is designed to help reduce dirt and scratches on flat surfaces all over one’s home, from the fridge to washer and dryer. The first thing that must be done, however, is to clean the area one desires to have protected from dirt and scratches. The idea is similar to the phone screen protector that comes with every new smartphone. The clear, plastic sheets come pre-cut to fit an abundance of appliances.

It’s not clearly indicated how frequently the plastic protectors need to be replaced, though the creators say that it should last for at least over a year. Perhaps that depends on whether or not the user wants to wipe them down when grime starts to show or just peel and apply a fresh round wherever desired. This campaign is seeking to raise $50,000 by November 7, 2014. For $10, backers get four 7×7 protectors with an expected delivery of January 2015. Larger pledges will get larger protectors. All in all, it seems that the Appliance Defender is a useful product for neat freaks interested in protecting their homes from grime.

 

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ChiliBud is a tube to provide for your peppers

Chili lovers and tomato lovers can now have a friendlier environment in which to enjoy growing the plants that will make their favorite foods more readily available. And there’s nothing like a fresh pot of chili or steaming plate of spaghetti with homemade sauce on a brisk autumn or winter day. ChiliBud is a 500mm high cylindrical greenhouse that promotes a micro-climate while still allowing for proper pollination. In addition, the tube wall perimeter helps reduce slug attacks, while the spherical reflector means that the best use of light is being made for the most optimum plant growing environment. This is especially true for potted plants since the tube promotes an enhanced heat storage situation, even for the more northern side of the plant. A smooth balcony or patio will be required to get the best results for stability from the rubber rim. For £25, backers get one product with an expected delivery of November 2015.