4Four Associates also provides product design services and consultancy to companies in diverse industry sectors that have wide-ranging product design and development requirements. These include the sports equipment and fashion industries!

In-house concept design, materials selection and manufacturing considerations are all part and parcel of what is offered. The need to consider how components will be manufactured from the outset is of paramount importance to any design. Being able to connect the design process with the best manufacturing process from the start is all part and parcel of our services.

Creative thinking and problem solving with unique solutions is frequently applied, always with cost implications taken into account. Whether it's a racing car, aircraft, washing machine, helmet or shoe we always enjoy the engineering challenge of turning ideas into reality.

Case Studies

Full-face cycle helmet for children

Direct involvement with the concept, creation, detail design and bringing to market the 'Facesaver' cycle helmet for children aged between 5 and 10. With over 60% of all cycle accidents involving facial injuries and damage to teeth, the 'Facesaver' helmet was conceived to be a stylish and functional safety helmet that would appeal to children and their parents alike. With a patent granted in 2003 and a manufacturer and distributor sourced as part of the project, the helmet went on to sell over 70,000 units in 2 years.

Novel ladies' shoe project

IP issues prevent too much from being disclosed at this stage, however there is direct involvement in the concept, design, detail design and creation of a novel ladies' shoe 'chassis' that requires a unique engineering solution and new approach to solving one of the all-time downsides of wearing such footwear (To be discussed!). Made with composites, low density alloys and intricate mechanisms, the design is currently in development with patents applied for. Watch this space!