Inventor dreams up smart idea

Now we can all remain well-groomed at important meetings

A Sheffield entrepreneur has invented a James Bond-style gadget which would help any self-respecting spy keep his cool.

Wayne Leigh, 37, has come up with the idea of the "Rep Pen" - a ballpoint that turns into a coat hanger.

And his cunning device could be a big money-spinner, with companies worldwide showing interest in the product.

Former sales rep Mr Leigh, of Firth Park Road, Firth Park, Sheffield, was inspired after attending too many meetings with a crumpled jacket.

He obtained a patent for his idea and then consulted engineers at Sheffield Hallam University, where the product development team spent 12 months on the design.

Global market

Senior development officer John Allen, dubbed by the university as the team's own 'Q', said: "It's actually been a really interesting project.

"The concept in itself is quite quirky and its given us some stimulating design and engineering challenges in delivering a product that works both as a pen and a coat hanger."

A university spokesman said the Rep Pen had generated a lot of interest in the US and Far East and should be launched onto the international market in the New Year.

"Spy films and thrillers have seen pens that have hidden secrets - explosives, radio transmitters or poison targets," he added.

"But a pen that turns into a coat hanger is something new."