We drag germs all over the place—millions of them, on our shoes, so no wonder floors win the “dirtiest, germiest” award. Doesn’t matter if the floor is tile, hardwood or carpet. And then we plop a bag or coat right down on the floor anywhere: gym, restaurant, restroom, workplace, classroom, or bus, rail or airport terminal. Even our own homes. Pick the bag up from the gym or restaurant floor, take it home, toss it onto the kitchen table or countertop where later you will prepare dinner. Purses, gym bags, backpacks, laptop and attache cases, and diaper bags—convenient ways to carry all of our “stuff,” public transportation for germs.
It was at a gym where Bob Mackey saw bags all over the floor and came up with the idea for the YONO Clip. (YONO = You Only Need One.) He sketched his idea on a napkin, sent it to an engineer friend, then posted a message on Facebook asking if anyone was interested in the idea. He received only a few replies, but one was from Michael Green, a friend he had met at a STEMFEST summit.
Between them, Bob and Michael have a rich and varied range of abilities, talents and experiences. Bob has a degree in criminal justice and is President and CEO for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, a professional speaker and author. Michael has a degree in English and linguistics and is President of Science for Everyone, Inc., an interactive math and science show that increases student interest and aptitude in math and science led by “Michael Green, the Science Machine.”
The YONO Clip is strong (holds up to 15 pounds), lightweight, portable, and affordable. Simply attach the YONO to any flat, non-porous surface, horizontal, vertical or diagonal, and you have your bag nearby, away from the dirt and germs. For the more aesthetically inclined, there is a nice selection of colors: red, blue, pink, green, black, and white. You can also customize your YONO with your company, organization or team logo.
The Mechanics of YONO
The base of YONO is made with DURAFLEX® suction cup technology that provides the soft pliability of rubber and the remarkable durability of polyurethane. The gel-lock technology holds it to the surface by creating a vacuum seal; you will never have to worry that YONO will leave a mark when removed from the surface.
The clip itself is a 70mm stainless steel carabiner (from the German word, karabinerhaken, for “spring hook”), an oblong ring with one side a spring-tensioned “gate” that opens and closes easily when pushed with the fingers.
YONO Cares About Our Planet
- The high-quality materials are biodegradable, sustainable, renewable and carbon neutral.
- Packaging is made from recycled paper to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and water, and preserve resources.
- Bob and Michael are committed to manufacturing YONO in the US in environmentally friendly factories that adhere to health and safety guidelines, have an outstanding OSHA safety record, and have regular third-party inspections.
- They also are planning ahead for international purchases by researching companies, such as Flyte, that optimize shipping routes by sea instead of air.
