These days many parents find it difficult to get their kids to break-away from video games, the computer, and their smart phones. But this ambitious dad encouraged his children to enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun right in their backyard. Plantation resident, David Nieland showed his three children how to make a sprinkler sprayer through a bottle.
Tropical Elementary School students Ronan (9) and Philomena (7) always enjoy playing with backyard water toys such as Slip ‘N Slide amongst others anyone can purchase in a large chain store. But they were intrigued by their dad’s creativity when he applied duct tape to a punctured bottle and attached it to a hose for them to jump through the spray.
However, the homemade contraption was difficult to stay in position because the weight of the water would make it fall to the ground if hung in the air. Besides this challenging factor, the younger three-year-old brother, Donovan, constantly jumped up to pull it down. Nieland searched for a coupler to attach but discovered none are available. This was when the youngsters came up with an idea that they needed to invent something.
They were determined to make this idea come to life, and just like that “Hoser” was born. They worked as a team in their garage to design it and finally came up with a drawing. They then solicited feedback from friends and teachers and went to Prototype House in Fort Lauderdale.
The North American product development firm guided them through the process and helped create a final concept drawing for the perfect coupler which attaches to a regular garden hose using a standard water or 2-liter soda bottle. It also has an area to place a logo for marketing and promotional giveaway purposes. Besides being a fun toy, it doubles as a yard sprinkler or a fertilizer sprayer which can be held by hand.
“It’s tons of fun for everyone,” said the Nieland children.
Nevertheless, they need funds to make this a reality, so they launched a Kickstarter funding campaign. They will brand 500 “Hosers” for any “angel backer” who gives a $3000 pledge. This money will be used to build just the mold before making each individual unit. Anyone that contributes will receive a “Hoser” upon completion. If the goal is exceeded, the Nieland family plans on giving $500 to Tropical Elementary.
“With all the great access to technology and information kids have at their fingertips today, it’s great to see them using it to invent good, old-fashioned fun,” exclaimed dad David Nieland.