Bryant junior launches Kickstarter campaign for smartphone-charging beach chair

Nicholas O'Hara shows off his invention, the Charging Chair. / COURTESY NICHOLAS O’HARA
Nicholas O'Hara shows off his invention, the Charging Chair. / COURTESY NICHOLAS O’HARA

SMITHFIELD – When Nicholas O’Hara’s sister returned from a day at the beach talking about how she was unable to charge her smartphone, the Bryant University junior got an idea for a new product: the Charging Chair.
O’Hara, 21, of Shrewsbury, Mass., took a typical beach chair and transformed it into one that can charge a smartphone.
“I thought it would be more convenient to have the charger in the chair,” O’Hara explained during a recent interview.
About eight months ago, O’Hara started the project, and even hired an engineer to help him with the product design. Modeled after a typical beach chair, it features a charging unit on the right arm rest.
He said the charging unit, powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, has two USB outlets that can charge up to two devices at once. The chair also a phone sleeve to keep a smartphone safe from the sun.
And, instead of bringing the entire chair inside, the charging unit can be removed for recharging, he said.
Fresh off a $2,000 win in the university’s New Venture Competition – “like a mini Shark Tank” – last semester, O’Hara has launched a month-long Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for his invention. He’s looking to raise at least $50,000 by March 31.
As of 2 p.m. on March 1, the first day it was available, he raised $2,550 from 22 backers.
The money would fund the production of 1,000 units, he said.
He said the first 100 customers would get the chair for $40, 20 percent off, plus $15 for shipping and handling. The regular price is $50. The invention is patent pending.
O’Hara said also won a $750 grant from the university which he said helped fund his working prototype. He said he also plans to apply for the real Shark Tank competition, in which would-be entrepreneurs present their business ideas on television.

O’Hara, who is studying computer information systems, said he always has been interested in innovation.
“Improving everyday objects is something I really have a passion for,” O’Hara said.
He said he’s excited about the Charging Chair, and what the future may bring.
“I’m excited to see how the market takes it in. I’ve had a lot of great feedback. It’s something I think has a lot of potential,” O’Hara said.

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