Baby shower gift for father to be

Lifestyle Editors

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2003

The Johnny-Light(TM), an innovative young product, is gaining national and international attention as a popular, thoughtful item for newlyweds by promising to "light the way to marital bliss and family harmony" while improving gender respect, hygiene, personal safety and goodwill.

When the commode seat is lifted, an eco-friendly rocker switch and batteries activate the patented Johnny-Light. The soft green glow in the bowl was originally intended as a gentle reminder to males to "put the seat down." It also avoids glaring lights that wake significant others, is easy on sleepy eyes and prevents unexpected "splashdowns" that outrage and injure women by subtly warning, "Look out below!"

Co-inventor Bill Bradford, VP-Marketing for RBJ Mfg., Inc. of Burleson, Texas, concedes home improvement and lighting stores are not typically the first stop when shopping favors for the wedding party or clever-but-practical gifts for bridal and man showers, bachelor parties and new household. "But that is where most of the first 50,000 have been sold," says the former nuclear power plant engineer.

In Store, Online, By Phone

The Johnny-Light is now available in more than 650 Lowe's Home Improvement stores, as well as lighting stores coast to coast. Even the upscale Wishbone in San Francisco carries the item, which has been featured in numerous bridal magazines, including Modern Bride.

The device, priced in stores at $10 - $13 with batteries, is easily installed (no tools) and can "light the way to harmony" for six months or more on a set of batteries, according to RBJ's testing. The Johnny-Light can be ordered by phone, 888-566-LITE (5483) or at www.johnny-light.com for $12.45 including shipping (U.S. only).

The device, which fits 94% of the toilet seats in U.S. households, tucks in a sanitary position, "out of harm's way" from splashing and contamination. For commodes with a molded-in hinge connection, Velcro(R) solves the installation.

Battle of the Sexes . . . Seat up/Seat Down

"The seat-up/seat down debate has raged in households -- new and established -- as long as toilets have existed," Bradford politely explains. "Potty politics has been a subject for poets, fodder for advice columnists and even lyrics for songwriters."

Nationally syndicated singer/comedienne Kacey Jones of Nashville, Tenn., (www.kaceyjones.com) recorded "Put the Seat Back Down" a few years ago and has given away hundreds of Johnny-Lights at various performances. Part of the lyrics, used by permission, plead:

But if you wanna know what makes my heart pound,

I really like a man who puts the seat back down.

Now all you guys, hey, what's the fuss?

It's a little thing to you, but it's everything to us.

"Initially, many of our sales occurred around Mother's Day, Father's Day and birthdays," Bradford said. "The gadget also has proven to be a popular stocking stuffer at Christmas, as well as an occasional gift for baby showers, since customers have written that the Johnny-Light is a great aid for potty training young boys, typically slow to adopt the good habit.

"Now it regularly shows up at bachelor parties, wedding showers and housewarmings," he noted. "Sure, it initially elicits laughs, and that's fine. But once in use, the Johnny-Light emphasizes the sensitivity and thoughtfulness of the giver," he added.

"Gift consultants, who provide ideas for favors on ways a bride and groom can show their appreciation to the wedding party, will be the first to point out that you can't monogram or engrave it," Bradford concedes with a sly smile. "But I guarantee it will be the most unforgettable gift received by the groomsmen, bridesmaids, ushers, parents or minister."

The Johnny-Light has been featured by Glamour Magazine, by periodicals in England and Sweden, and by dozens of radio stations as far away as Canada, which have given away Johnny-Lights to women who called in with the best "splashdown story."

"Whether it is a blushing bride, a significant other or a spouse of many years, I think any boyfriend, spouse or individual who installs one will win instant favor from his or her loved one," Bradford emphasizes. "It says, 'I respect you.' Besides, it's a lot less expensive than a marriage counselor!"

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a large format, 300 dpsi, high-resolution digital image of a Johnny-Light, click on: http://prn.newscom.com/cgi-bin/pub/s?f=PRN/prnpub&p1= 20011009-NYFNSR17&xtag=PRN-prnphotos-20098&redir=preview&tr=1&row=1

FOR MORE INFORMATION, INTERVIEWS OR A REVIEW SAMPLE: Bill Bradford, RBJ Mfg., 1-888-566-5483, rbjmfg@flash.net, or Preston Kirk, Kirk Public Relations, 972-693-4447, kirk@281.com.