Case Keeps Handguns Locked Up
The safe storage of handguns in the house has long been a serious concern, particularly for parents of small children. With the Armloc Handgun Locking System gun owners can have a weapon available, but keep it out of the hands of children or burglars.
The Armloc--an unbreakable, Kevlar-hardened black case that fits most handguns--has a three-digit dial locking system. When you put the gun inside and scramble the dials, it can’t be opened without the combination, which you have preset. A high-intensity light in the handle illuminates the lock for nighttime operation.
Daniel Cislo, a Santa Monica patent attorney who is marketing the Armloc, says it takes only “a couple of seconds to turn the dials” to open the case.
The Armloc comes with two easy-to-install mounts. Once the case is closed and placed in the mounting, it is secure. The mount can’t be removed unless the case is opened, and you need the combination for that.
The case weighs less than five pounds and has a foam-lined interior.
Cislo expects the system to be available by mail next month, and in selected gun shops and sporting goods stores in June. You can order Armloc Handgun Locking System ($89.95, plus $3 shipping and handling) from the Securecase Co., 233 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900, Santa Monica, Calif. 90401; (800) 922-7656.
Thrifty Alternative for Thirsty Children
Last year, Big Baby Co. of Nyack, N.Y., introduced Sip-Eze, a plastic juice box holder that helps keep kids from accidentally spilling their packaged drinks. Now the company has come up with Sip-Eze Refillable Juice Box. It has a no-spill spout, can be reused and is dishwasher safe.
This box not only reduces mess but also eliminates litter. It holds 8.45 ounces--the same amount as a juice box--and Big Baby representatives say it costs less to use than packaged juices.
The Sip-Eze Refillable ($1.99) comes in pink or turquoise and is sold nationwide at Lechter’s Housewares.
SpinX Dryer Gently Wrings Out Water
The SpinX Spin Dryer, a drum-shaped appliance long used in Europe, has recently been approved for use in the United States.
Its Texas importer claims the spin dryer can remove as much water in two minutes as a regular clothes dryer can in half an hour. You simply remove items from the washer and put them into the SpinX, which spins out most of the excess water. The articles can then be hanged on a line or placed in a regular dryer for a few minutes.
Manufacturers say the SpinX cuts electricity use and extends the life of your regular dryer and your clothes.
The top-loading SpinX ($229, plus UPS shipping charges) holds eight pounds and measures 23 1/2 inches tall by 13 1/2 inches wide. It has a one-year warranty. To order, contact SpinX, 3312 Edloe, Houston, Texas 77027; (713) 840-0147.
Lynn Simross welcomes readers’ comments and suggestions for columns. Because of volume, she cannot respond individually to calls and letters. Write to Lynn Simross, Consumer Column, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Calif. 90053.
