MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY DOESN'T SLOW DOWN THIS INVENTOR
Zip-It highlights his "Simplicity in Design" philosophy

A quick search of the Patent Office will show that Eugene Luoma is the inventor of eight patented products. Each of which reveal a simplicity in design. From the Mobil Sign with Solar Panel to Highway Cone Dispenser and Collector, Eugene's inventions are practical and uncomplicated.

"The hardest part," Eugene always says, "is keeping it simple."

This "simplicity in design" philosophy can probably be attributed to the fact that Eugene has muscular dystrophy. His handicap forces him to look at problems with a very distinctive approach: If the solution is easy enough for him to use, it must be that much easier for someone without a handicap.

His latest invention is the very epitome of this approach: Zip-It. Zip-It is a long, thin, flexible piece of plastic with barbs running along its edge. When slipped into a clogged drain and pulled back out, the invention pulls out the clog. If it sounds too easy, that's because it is. Eugene invented it that way.

Zip-It is the most successful of Eugene's inventions. It is now being distributed by Cobra Products, Inc. and can be found in the plumbing departments of Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Wal-Mart, Ace, True-Serve, Do-It Best and other stores in the USA, Canada, and Central and South America.