David Spall’s ingenious Fuel-loc-Box safely stores grill tanks and gas containers
By Patricia Nugent
Engineered to safely store gas grill propane tanks, gasoline containers and other hazardous products, the Fuel-loc-Box is the brainchild of Painesville-based designer and inventor David Spall.
“I’ve spent my career engineering and designing products for other companies,” he says. “Two years ago, I decided to finally build something for myself. I’ve always been a safety-minded person and concerned with finding solutions to keep the home free from preventable dangers.”
He says he got his lightbulb idea two years ago in the beginning of grilling season, when he read the warning label on his grill propane tank that stated it should only be stored outside.
“I thought to myself, most people I know store their tanks in their garage, which is a serious safety concern, especially for children,” he says.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, fire departments respond to an average of 160,910 fires per year involving ignition of a flammable or combustible liquid, resulting in 454 civilian deaths and $1.5 billion in direct property damage annually.
David set out to design a product impervious to the outdoor elements and safe from children. Constructed for the outdoors, the Fuel-loc-Box is made from sturdy stainless steel and features a heavy-duty lockable lid. It’s designed to store tanks in an upright position and is also vented.
“Manufactured and assembled here in Northeast Ohio, my product is constructed to last a very long time,” says David.
Two models are available: the GSC-2000 to store a 2-1/2-gallon poly gas can, and the PSC-1000 to store the average 20-pound propane tank, as well as paver pads to go underneath. Each model comes with two keys for the locks and four self-adhesive rubber pads. The GCS-2000 comes with a 2-1/2-gallon poly gas can.
He notes that another benefit with the thick stainless steel is sunlight is reflected and the interior of the container is actually 20 degrees cooler than outside.
“Today, parents are worried about safeguarding their home with things like locking lids on laundry pods, which is great, but I’m glad to be spreading awareness about the dangers that might be lurking in the garage,” says David. “I’ve talked to firefighters who say they have fought garage fires and exploding propane tanks are serious considerations.”
Some of his customers report they’ve enjoyed the peace of mind so much with his box, that they’ve bought an extra one to safely store hazardous items such as paint thinners or weed killer.
Drawing the Attention of a ‘Shark Tank’ Shark
During the annual Ohio Chambers of Commerce meeting in Columbus, as a representative of the local chamber, David was picked with his container box to go onstage with the featured speaker Daymond John from the television series “Shark Tank.”
“I was given three minutes to pitch my product to him,” recalls David. “He asked me a lot of questions. You could tell the concept grabbed his attention. It was thrilling.”
Although there was no opportunity for any kind of deals to be made, David said his product fit with others that sought to offer a solution to solve a problem and fill a need.
Other people have taken note as well. He was recently awarded a grant from the Lake County Commissioners to help market the boxes.
And local homeowners have given five-star reviews of the Fuel-loc-Box, too.
“Well-built in America, great looking on the patio, hiding that ugly fuel tank. Ranking one in fuel tank safety. Great product,” says Beverly Slatzer Erickson.
Fuel-loc-Box is produced by Lake Innovative Products, headquartered in Lake County. Visit FuelLocBox.com for more information. For free local delivery, email david@fuellocbox.com. Orders are fulfilled in three to five business days.