By Angela Marshall
Teams were asked to design inspection-friendly luggage that makes airport security better. Instructions also directed designers to incorporate features that would make the bags easier to use by the disabled.
The team was led by senior Kevin Krsulich, who was on South Side's winning engineer design team two years ago as well. Other participants are juniors Elizabeth DeLouise, Christina Ryan and Ally Toomey, and sophomores Matt Davis and Barrington McDonnough.
I was so surprised that we took first, said Toomey after the competition.
For more than four months, the students endeavored to come up with a workable design. Many ideas were tried and discarded because they weren't feasible.
The team finally settled on an aluminum frame with a nylon cover, containing a clear plastic lining that can be removed for inspection. They added mesh pouches, which can be inspected without removing personal items. A garment bag, laptop case and carry-on were also designed.
But the element that impressed the judges the most was the suitcase's hinged handle. On the outside, the bag looks much like a normal suitcase with wheels and a handle to pull it. However, the Cyclone Luggage has a second set of wheels near the top so the bag can be laid flat, and the handle has a hinge so the bag can be pulled like a wagon.
DeLouise said the judges told the team they should patent the handle's design.
After designing the bag, they talked to a luggage salesman, Greg Markin of Andy's Luggage in Wantagh, to find out if it was practical. They made modifications based on his suggestions. The team also investigated ways to market and manufacture the bag.
In addition to coaches, Richard Kurtz and Peter Hawkins, the students received help from two Rockville Centre engineers, Fred Danks and Tom Walsh.
