Bend it like Gumby: iPhone accessory boosts Portland company

PORTLAND, Ore. - Many inventions have come about as the solution to some sort of problem.

That's the idea behind Jason Hilbourne's latest creation. Hilbourne is the manager at 3-D Product, a Portland-based company.

Over the years, 3-D product has made dozens of items. Some have been successful in the marketplace. Others have not. But it's the latest product that seems to be getting the most buzz.

"I have various cables," said Hilbourne. "Power adapter cable for the laptop, headphones, and then this thing."

Hilbourne holds a standard cord for an iPod or iPhone. Many people keep it in a bag, briefcase, or purse, which can create some problems as it mixes with other wires and gadgets.

"It pulls out keys, your cell phone, checkbook, in addition to your other cables too," said Hilbourne. "It became this obsession with solving the problem of taking all this crap out of your bag."

His solution is something called Twig. It's essentially a cord shrunk down and transformed. It's small, portable, multi-functional and it bends like a Gumby action figure.

That pliability can turn it into a makeshift tripod. From there, you can prop it up to watch movies, talk over FaceTime and Twig's small size means it's easily retrievable from a bag or purse.

The product has been launched on Kickstarter.com, where folks can check out product ideas and pledge development money if they like them.

Twig has already taken off, bringing in triple the amount of Hilbourne's fundraising goal. That's a guarantee the product will be developed, reaching consumers sometime in September.

You can still pledge money for Twig and get a discount on the product for yourself.

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