CONSUMERS : This Teddy Bear Guards the Car
Joining the spate of car protection devices already on the market is the unusual Security Bear, an alarm disguised as a teddy bear.
Inside the 12-inch tall bear is an infrasonic system that detects changes in a vehicle’s internal air pressure; when disturbed, it emits a 110-decibel alarm so loud, its manufacturers say “it’s comparable to having a fire engine inside your car.”
Security Bear, manufactured by Rabbit Systems Inc. in Santa Monica, requires no wiring and runs on four D-cell batteries. It comes with a remote control to arm and disarm the alarm.
Just don’t let children play with Security Bear because it is bona fide alarm, not a toy, its manufacturers say.
Suggested retail price for Security Bear is $79.95. It is available in electronics, automotive, mass merchandise and department stores nationwide. If you can’t find it in your area, contact Rabbit Systems Inc., 100 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, Calif. 90401; phone, (213) 393-9830.
Matching Patterns
If you can’t find a teacup to match a broken one from your china pattern, or you know your favorite aunt wants a sugar spoon to go with her out-of-date silver pattern, consider contacting Replacements Ltd., a firm specializing in discontinued china, crystal and silver, including some items that haven’t been manufactured for more than 50 years.
For customers who don’t know their china or flatware pattern, Bob Page, Replacements founder and a former accountant, suggests mailing a photo showing the item’s front and back, and including notations of its colors and markings. He recommends wrapping lightweight tissue paper around unidentified crystal, and, with a soft-lead pencil, making a rubbing of any etchings, and, separately, including a sketching of the glass’ stem.
Typical prices for obsolete pieces: $32 for 1940s stemware; $26 for a Towle teaspoon; $60 for a 50-year-old Wedgewood cup and saucer. Prices can range from $5 to $700.
For more information, contact Replacements Ltd., 302 Gallimore Dairy Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27409; phone, (919) 668-2064.
Sensor Device
Studsensor is a battery-powered device that detects metal and wood structures inside walls so you can hang pictures properly and securely. Unlike magnetic devices, it does not rely on finding nails driven into studs; it senses changes in wall density, automatically calibrating wall thickness.
Manufactured by Zircon International Inc., the Studsensor runs on a 9-volt battery (not included) and works on most wall and ceiling surfaces. It’s available nationwide in hardware stores and home improvement centers for a suggested retail price of $19.95. If you can’t find it in your area contact Zircon International Inc., 1580 Dell Ave., Campbell, Calif. 95008. In California, call (408) 866-8600; outside California, (800) 245-9265.
Signs of the Times
For those who love street signs and want a legal copy to hang in a den, kitchen or wet bar, What’s Your Sign?, an Illinois company, specializes in personalized signs.
The 24-by-6 inch metal signs have white letters on both sides on a reflective green background; a hanging bracket is included. The signs are weather-resistant and can be used outdoors.
You can use up to 11 letters, plus standard abbreviations for St., Dr., Ln., Pl., Rd. Each sign costs $34.95, plus $3 for shipping and handling. Allow two weeks for delivery. To order, write What’s Your Sign?, 778 Frontage Road, Northfield, Ill. 60093; for credit card orders, call (312) 446-0055 for 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service.
