Ballwin Inventor Seeks Support for Car Catch-All Device

If Kathleen Hearod of Ballwin finds a manufacturer for her new invention, then a car collision that inspired the idea just may be prove to be a small bit of serendipity.

Hearod said she was driving and dropped her cell phone near her seat, and while leaning down to pick it up, accidentally tapped the driver in front of her and drove her car into the side of the road.

The unfortunate incident was the impetus, however, for "Stop-IT-sTick," which Hearod said will prevent phones, money or even food from falling between or behind the crevices of a car seat using a combination of foam and fleece.

At a trade show next month in Pennsylvania, Hearod will be among a group of innovative inventors seeking a manufacturer, distributor or business partner for their ideas. The event, INPEX, will take place June 13—15 in Pittsburgh, PA.