Freeplay Energy Introduces the ML-1 Lantern for Outdoor Enthusiasts

“The ML-1 Mini Lantern answers the demand for a lightweight, well thought out, backcountry lighting solution that is easily rechargeable and runs without disposable batteries,” Rahul Sharma, vice president, North America of Freeplay Energy.

The ML-1 Mini Lantern accentuates Freeplay’s line of market leading devices by launching a product specifically designed for outdoor consumers. The compact, 300 gram ML-1 Mini Lantern uses patented Nichia® LED lights and is rechargeable. It also boasts a self-sufficient hand crank, which allows for complete independence from the grid and toxic batteries.

Big on functionality, but small in size, the ML-1 Mini Lantern stashes nicely in any small pocket in your backpack. In addition, it requires no disposable batteries and the bulbs last virtually forever, making it a sustainable lighting solution.

“We have been happy to supply Freeplay’s self-sufficient devices because they are extremely relevant to our outdoor consumers at REI for camping or emergency use. Beyond guaranteeing exceptional quality in all of their products, they are a cause-related company that believe in overall social and environmental good,” said Dave Feith, lighting buyer, REI.

“The Indigo Lantern has been a success at REI and we look forward to being the first retailer to offer its lighter and more compact little brother, the ML-1 Lantern.”

The weatherproof ML-1 Mini Lantern features a cluster of ultra-bright Nichia LEDs as the light source, including a single Nichia® LED task light. It is also equipped with a dimmer switch that allows you to conserve energy. When fully charged, the LED primary light allows up to eight hours of amazingly bright light and up to 100 hours of night-light. Likewise, the smaller task light will provide up to 100 hours of continuous light when completely charged.

If your rechargeable battery pack goes flat, and you need to use the Freeplay Eco-Charge system hand crank for power, the Freeplay Eco-Charge mechanism converts over 74-percent of your kinetic energy into stored electricity.

The Freeplay Eco-Charge system is built around a custom designed, highly efficient alternator. The architecture of this patented system has been developed to maximize the ability of the user to convert human mechanical energy into stored electricity quickly and efficiently. The winder can be cranked in both directions and the harder you crank, the more energy you create. A crank level LED indicates the optimum winding speed, but only limitation to how much energy you can create and store is you.

A sturdy rubber bottom makes placement on uneven surfaces a non-issue, and an articulated handle makes it easy to carry or hang.

Additionally, the ML-1 Mini Lantern boasts an AC adapter, removable battery pack and an energy efficiency meter. It is available in charcoal grey. The ML-1 Mini Lantern will be launching at REI in August.

It will also be available for purchase from freeplayenergy.com in September with an MSRP of $55.

Freeplay invites outdoor retailers to visit booth number 183 to view the entire outdoor-specific product collection at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, 2008.

Please visit the Freeplay Energy website here and the Freeplay Foundation website here.

Also, check out the Freeplay/Verde PR social media release website for general information on Freeplay and Freeplay’s other products that are to be launched at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, 2008.

Freeplay Energy is the original and leading global brand of clean, dependable energy products. Freeplay Energy’s patented technology harnesses human, solar and rechargeable energy and converts it into electricity to power unique portable consumer products, replacing conventional disposable batteries that are environmentally toxic and expansive. The current range includes radios, flashlights, lanterns, mobile phone chargers and standalone foot-powered generators.
Freeplay Energy’s Lifeline radio is distributed throughout the developing world by the Freeplay Foundation and other aid and development organization, such as UNICEF and other United Nations agencies.
CES Innovations 2007 AwardBrands with a Conscious.

Freeplay Energy- Best in the World, Best for the World
Nichia® – Ever Researching for a Brighter World