Key Achievemnets
Due to a Personal encounter with a car transferring problem within his family Gert Vrijens, hopes to develop a universal, affordable, non-stigmatising and easy to use transfer device to put on his car.
02/2007 A government fund is granted to examine the possibilities for such an aid. A team of independent experts verified the theoretical design and opportunity matrix for the production of a practical car transferring device.
06/2007 A social based business case and innovation project approves a new government grant and a subordinated loan.
08/2007 Dream Team defined
- Business strategy So Kwadraat and Innovation Centre VL-B
- Product-strategy GBO
- IP-Strategy, BIIP, IP Hills
- Technological verification, Sirris
- Ergonomic verification In-Ham VZW
- Production – Strategy Mariasteen VZW
- Safety testing and certification AIB Vincotte
10/2007 Freedom Of Movement Cvba, a new venture is born.
10/2007 The project captures interest and commitment of Belgium’s leading venture capital company specialising in Pre-seed social innovation investments; TRIVIDEND!
10/2007 Together with co-founder Gert Vrijens and other early believers more funds are injected.
11/2007 A board of directors is established.
03/2008 European patent application filed
03/2008 Alpha Prototypes succesfully tested with actual users. First actual proof of Concept.
08/2008 Enhanced beta prototypes tested and presented to end users and their drivers/family.
10/2008 Durability and lab strength testing in compliance with medical directives, and mechanical directives are positive
11/2008 Press release at the Centre of Fine Arts Brussels. 14 artikels, full page coverage in Belgium’s leading newspaper followes. Several specialized magazines pick up on the story and 1 local TV Station broadcasts a full demonstration.
02/2009 First Paying customers Pre-order.
02/2009 International PCT Patent application filed No° WO 2009109292
02/2009 Production starts at Mariasteen vzw, production is executed for 82% by disabled people.
04/2009 Final CE-certification tests finished. In compliance with MDD 93/42/CEE tested EN/ISO 10535 and MDD 98/37 CEE tested KB 5/5/1995, TopSlider has been granted code Z 09137160A
04/2009 National introduction Reva 2009; 21 People buy in the following months their first Carlift, although reimbursements are not ensured.
08/2009 First customer with complete government reimbursement. Belgium, although it’s revolutionary concept, is the first country to recognize and approve the Carlift as a fully car transferring device.
09/2009 PCT Search report: All claims approved. No conflicting documents found.
10/2009 European introduction at REHACARE 2009. Positioned in the Car Adaptation segment of the fair. 26 Car Adaptation – and 29 Homecare dealers present themselves as future dealers for the Carlift.
11/2009 Freedom Of Movement strategicly closes a joint venture with Auto Adapt Sweden: A global exclusive deal in the Car adaptation market. Freedom of Movement decides not to enter the Homecare industry Yet.
11/2009 Auto Adapt Se proudly presents TopSlider among others, in an 3 day event, including sales and technical training, today marketed in 54 country’s.
11/2009 A new name! Freedom Of Movement reveals TOPSLIDER, as the new European nickname for their top mounted sliding transferring device.
01/2010 With quality control and a rapid upscale in production, Freedom of Movement Assembly and Logistics is established at their new facilities in Leuven. 20 km from Brussels
03/2010 First pallets shipped to Sweden
05/2010 Freedom Of movement, upon request, starts exploring new key component opportunities throughout the house or living facilities of the End-user.
06/2010 TopSlider ‘s key component, the first and smallest manual hoist for lifting people captures interest from other manufactures, rebranding and implementation in other existing products becomes an opportunity.
07/2010 Europe largest market, the United Kingdom‘s Motability approves TopSlider for reimbursement.
008/2010 TopSlider” becomes a global registered trademark. N° 008847808
09/2010 Freedom of Movement applies for patent coverage in US and EPC
10/2010 Rehacare 2010; first European introduction in Homecare, 11 new car adaptation and 74 new Homecare dealers present themselves as future dealers for TopSlider including Europe’s most established market leaders.