Launched at CES and on Shark Tank, security and convenience come together in this padlock with technology that is perfect for college life.
The beginning
Robbie Cabral was in a tough spot. It was the Holidays, he’d just been laid off, and on that very day, his daughter was born. He was depressed and overweight, so he started going to the gym to improve his self-esteem and his waistline. While he was there, he got an idea that would change his life and improve the lives of many. He noticed people leaving keys in their padlocks, struggling to open them, leaving them unlocked.
Why did locking up your things at the gym have to be difficult? Wouldn’t it be great if you could open a padlock with your fingerprint or a key?
Robbie started working to develop his idea: designing, prototyping, testing and revising. After three years of hard work, he was granted a patent. Now what?
He exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and won the coveted Innovation Award. He’d proven his concept in a big way and needed to figure out how to raise investment money and get his product into the marketplace.
Shark tank
That’s where Shark Tank came in. Robbie made it onto the show. His story won every Shark’s heart and his idea, patent and CES award made his proposition irresistible to them all. Robbie especially clicked with “Mr. Wonderful”, and that partnership really got things moving. Kevin O’Leary knew what Robbie needed: a company to partner with who had distribution, a customer base, manufacturing capability and R&D. In comes Hampton Products.
Hampton Products
Kim Kelley, President and CEO of Hampton Products, fit every criteria Kevin O’Leary and Robbie were searching for. In no time, the agreement was signed, as was a check for $100K as an advance to Robbie on future sales. Robbie and Hampton Products have since scaled the first Benjilock® By Hampton padlock and introduced it into the marketplace at ACE Hardware and Home Depot. Benjilock® By Hampton is the perfect solution for locking up your valuables, so you can enjoy college life.
Travel
Traveling abroad? The Benjilock® By Hampton TSA luggage padlock opens for you with the touch of your fingerprint, but has a special cylinder that also allows the TSA access, too. Now, you can travel freely and safely without worrying about things getting stolen from your luggage or the TSA cutting open your lock. The TSA Benjilocks can be programmed with up to five fingerprints—and programming is easy with detailed instructions included in the packaging. They even have an optional dial combination on the lock as a backup.
Around campus
Benjilock® By Hampton is great for locking up electronics, backpacks, protecting your things at the gym and—coming soon—even locking up your bike! Just think of the convenience! Program your fingerprint and then all you have to do is touch your lock to open it. No one else will have access unless you program their fingerprint into the lock. The 43mm Benjilocks can be programmed with up to 10 fingerprints.
Benjilock® By Hampton has a padlock that fits your lifestyle.