Business Opportunities Weblog

June 5, 2008 by Rich Whittle | 1 Comment

SacBee.com:

Dionna Mustybrook suspects you’ve got a bad habit but don’t even know it: Using your foot to kick open the car door.

“I think everybody does it at one time or another,” says the 33-year-old Sacramentan, who’s devised a simple invention to avoid the resulting scuff marks: “The Doorkick,” a soft pad that’s affixed to a car door’s inside panel.

“I’d be grabbing my purse and my backpack and a sippy cup — and using my foot to push open the (car) door,” she says.

Wanting to avoid further marks on the door of her new Honda, she hunted at auto supply stores for some kind of door protection.

Not finding anything, she began a 12-year effort to design a vinyl-and-foam pad, obtain a patent and find a manufacturer — Keyston Bros. of Sacramento. All while working full time, marrying and raising a family.

This week she finally began selling her invention — $6.95 for a pair in five colors – through a Web site. She says the Pep Boys auto supply chain is considering selling some on a trial basis. And automaker Hyundai has expressed interest if she can show sufficient demand.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we make $1 million from this,” says Mustybrook, whose day job is with the state Department of Public Health.

Photo by Doorkick.com.

In Inventions | 1 Comment
Tags: Automotive, Startup