Air travelers can now pack filled Zippo® pocket lighters in checked luggage, provided each lighter is placed in a Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox, as specified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The new ruling, effective June 22, 2005, allows passengers to pack up to two Zippo pocket lighters - each placed in an approved case - in checked luggage aboard all commercial airlines.
The Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox is an airtight container specifically designed to fit a single Zippo-brand pocket lighter. With an exemption from the DOT, the cargo box offers Zippo owners convenience when traveling by air.
This development follows the May ruling by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) that new, never-filled pocket lighters require no special packaging and may be stowed in checked luggage.
Since the TSA's implementation of Section 4025 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which banned all lighters from passenger cabins of commercial aircraft, Zippo has exhaustively explored alternatives for safely stowing lighters aboard aircraft. After several months of intense work with the DOT and the TSA, the exemption passed. Greg Booth, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company, thanked Senators Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter, R-Pa. and U.S. Representative John Peterson, R-Pa., for their assistance in this important effort.
With a variety of airtight, crushproof cases, the OtterBox seemed the ideal solution for stowing Zippo lighters. "We were familiar with the OtterBox and the company's reputation for offering superior products," noted Booth, "so we approached them to jointly devise something to allow customers and collectors to take previously filled lighters in their checked luggage."
The Zippo Cargo Case was born.
About Otter Products:
Founded in 1996, Otter Products, LLC, is highly respected and inspired in the design and production of rugged cases to safeguard technology and other valuables. With a complete line of waterproof, drop-resistant, interactive cases, Otter provides ideal solutions for any adventure.
Rugged cases include protection for Apple iPods®, Treo™, BlackBerry®, iPAQs, Laptops, Tablet PCs, GPS, cigars, Zippo lighters and more. Built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity, and perseverance, Otter Products is a powerhouse of innovation, manufacturing quality cases with a 100 percent lifetime guarantee.
OtterBox, never out of its element!
2-2-2 Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox
"Otter Products looks forward to working with Zippo to offer innovative lighter protection aboard aircraft. With an OtterBox case specifically engineered to securely store Zippo lighters we believe customers will find this a great option for packing their Zippo lighters wherever travel takes them," said Curt Richardson, CEO of Otter Products, LLC.
"We are offering the Zippo Cargo Case to consumers at cost," stated Booth. "This is not an income stream for our company - it's a convenience to our customers." The Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox is available for $12.95. For additional details visit zippo.com or otterbox.com.
About Zippo
Zippo Manufacturing Company, founded in 1932, is a leading global marketer of refillable windproof pocket and utility lighters with an unparalleled lifetime guarantee. Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the company and its 800 employees manufacture and distribute products to more than 120 countries. Zippo also owns and operates W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, one of America's oldest and finest cutlery manufacturers, and Zippo Fashion Italia, maker of Italian fashion leather goods. For more information about Zippo please visit zippo.com.
About Otter Products, LLC
Founded in 1996, Otter Products has established itself as a world leader in unparalleled technology protection. Their exclusive collection of rugged cases includes protection for handhelds, Tablet PCs, Apple iPods® and more. Built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity, and perseverance, Otter Products is a powerhouse of innovation producing quality cases backed by a 100 percent lifetime guarantee, thus establishing a solid reputation in the technology industry. For more information on Otter Products visit www.otterbox.com or call (888) 695-8820.
The Zippo Cargo Case
Like all OtterBoxes, the Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox is crushproof, waterproof and floats. Similar to Zippo products, it carries a lifetime guarantee. The Zippo Cargo Case by OtterBox is designed with special insert to hold a pocket lighter and is completely rugged - waterproof to 100 ft., dustproof and drop-resistant. It was tested to meet stringent Department of Transportation standards. Easy-open, yet secure latches provide extra protection and a silicone gasket creates a watertight seal.
CONTACT:
OtterBox
Kelly Richardson, 970-372-1875
kelly.richardson@otterbox.com