The full B&W outdoor.cases range is being shown for the first time in the UK at OI06. It includes two new large cases not previously seen elsewhere, but also a significant innovation in the burst-free 2 stage catches now being fitted to all but the smallest cases.

B&W International GmbH is part of the BWH Group, Germany's premier manufacturer of specialist cases for industry and the professions. B&W products are designed, developed and TÜV tested in Germany, but are "Made in China". They're relatively very modestly priced, despite having an unlimited lifetime guarantee.

outdoor.cases are waterproof (to at least 5 metres), dustproof, crack proof, chemical resistant - in other words they're designed to stand up to whatever reasonable abuse the outdoors can throw at them. Most sizes are available as standard in black or orange, but given sufficient volume they can be made in any colour, with a variety of surface finishes, and own branded. The stock range is supplied empty or with 'pluck foam' inserts or reconfigurable padded dividers. Specialist foam cutting can be arranged, either in the UK or by BWH in Germany.

The locking system on protective cases is crucial; the catches must be tight enough to compress the waterproof O-ring seal. The challenge is therefore to design a catch which maintains the optimum tension but is easily released. Without additional leverage these catches are inevitably so tight that releasing them often leads to strained thumb muscles and broken finger nails, but if they're too easy to open there's a risk of accidental release - which is a worse fault. B&W followed most other manufacturers to a 2 stage system, (the 1st stage providing the leverage required to make the catch release relatively very easy), but have gone an important stage further by building in a safety system. Push your thumbs against the safety button, (gloves no problem), out of harm's way behind each catch, and the catches will spring open to the catch release stage. It's a very neat solution.

B&W have also given proper attention to the business of keeping hold of your cases, as well as leaving your hands free for other things. There's a backpack accessory for several sizes, but even more impressive is the shoulder strap system. This is integrated into the side of the case, outside the O-ring seal, with no breakable components. It holds the case in balance, i.e. there won't be hard edges to knock against you as you walk.

Other new features include a handle stop. There's no obvious merit in having cases which swing (into your knees, usually) so outdoor.cases handles stop at the vertical. Frequent users of this equipment will appreciate considerations of this sort.

Please visit Stand 1257 to view the whole range.

For more information: Please visit www.outdoor-cases.co.uk where there's a Press / Downloads section. Alternatively please e-mail media@outdoor-cases.co.uk or phone us on 015396 21884. A CD of images and other media is available on request.

Note to Editors: John Jordan Limited is the UK distributor for B&W's outdoor.cases range. The Company is the UK's leading independent distributor of vehicle load carrying gear, distributing most of the quality European brands by retail mail order as well as trade business with the car accessory, cycling and outdoor leisure sectors. Visit www.roofbox.co.uk or www.van-racks.co.uk for an overview of this business. Unit 3 Toll Bar, SEDBERGH, Cumbria, LA10 5HA, (T) +44 (0)15396 21884.