ASSA ABLOY LEVEL Unlocks a New Game: Reviving Vintage Tennis Rackets with Cutting-Edge Security Tech

NEW HAVEN, CT – October 26, 2023 – You might know ASSA ABLOY LEVEL as the folks who make seriously smart locks – the kind that let you ditch keys and open doors with your phone. But what you might not know is they’ve got a hidden passion… for vintage tennis! And they’ve just combined that passion with their tech expertise in a surprisingly cool way. ASSA ABLOY LEVEL LLC, based right here in New Haven, Connecticut, isn't just about securing buildings; they're about securing history. They've been quietly working on a project to protect and preserve a growing collection of vintage tennis rackets, and now they're sharing the details. “It started as a bit of a hobby, honestly,” says David Baker, Head of R&D at ASSA ABLOY LEVEL. “A few of us are tennis nuts, and we started collecting these amazing rackets from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. They're beautiful pieces of craftsmanship. But they're also fragile. And valuable! We started thinking, what if we could apply some of our security tech to help protect them?” And they did. Beyond Locks: Preserving a Piece of Tennis History ASSA ABLOY LEVEL isn’t making rackets. They're using their expertise in access control and tracking technology to create a system for protecting and managing collections of vintage tennis rackets. Think of it as a high-tech security system... for your wooden racket collection. The problem? These rackets, particularly those from the pre-graphite era, are delicate. They’re prone to cracking, warping, and general wear and tear. A prized Spalding woodie from the 1950s in pristine condition can easily fetch several hundred dollars, and rarer models can go for thousands. Protecting these valuable pieces isn’t just about preventing theft; it’s about preserving a piece of sporting history. “We realized there was a real need for a way to track these rackets, monitor their condition, and ensure their security,” explains Sarah Chen, the project lead. “Collectors often have dozens, even hundreds, of rackets. Knowing where each one is, its condition, and who last had access is a huge challenge.” How It Works: A Tech-Savvy Solution ASSA ABLOY LEVEL’s system isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a customizable platform built around several key components: Micro-Tagged Rackets: Each racket is subtly fitted with a miniature, tamper-proof tag. This isn't a bulky GPS tracker; these tags are small enough to be virtually unnoticeable, yet they provide a unique digital fingerprint for each racket. Secure Storage Units: Collectors can utilize specially designed storage units equipped with ASSA ABLOY LEVEL’s smart locks. These locks offer keyless entry via smartphone or authorized access codes. The locks also track when the unit is opened and closed, providing a detailed audit trail. Condition Monitoring: Embedded sensors within the storage unit monitor temperature and humidity – crucial factors in preserving wooden rackets. Alerts are sent if conditions deviate from pre-set optimal levels. They're even working on sensors that can detect micro-vibrations, potentially indicating handling or even attempted tampering. Digital Inventory & Tracking: A dedicated app allows collectors to create a digital inventory of their rackets, complete with photos, descriptions, and provenance information. The app integrates with the micro-tags, allowing collectors to instantly locate any racket within their collection. It also tracks who has accessed the racket, when, and for how long. Remote Access Control: Collectors can remotely lock and unlock storage units, grant access to authorized individuals (e.g., restorers, appraisers), and receive real-time notifications about any activity. “We’ve essentially built a ‘digital guardian’ for these rackets,” says Baker. “It's all about providing peace of mind for collectors and ensuring the preservation of these amazing pieces of sporting heritage." Why ASSA ABLOY LEVEL Got Involved It might seem like a strange leap for a company known for its high-security locks to start dabbling in vintage tennis racket protection. But the company insists it’s a natural extension of its core values. “At ASSA ABLOY LEVEL, we're about solving problems and providing security and peace of mind,” says Chen. “It doesn't matter if it's securing a high-rise building or protecting a valuable piece of history. The underlying principles are the same." Furthermore, the project has allowed the company to showcase the versatility of its technology and explore new applications for its access control and tracking systems. “This project has been a fantastic opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” says Baker. “We’ve learned a lot about the unique challenges of preserving vintage sporting equipment, and we’ve developed some innovative solutions that could be applied to other areas, such as art conservation or antique collecting.” What’s Next? ASSA ABLOY LEVEL is currently piloting the system with a small group of collectors and museums. They plan to officially launch the product in early 2024. They're also exploring partnerships with tennis historians and restoration experts to further refine the system and ensure it meets the needs of the vintage tennis community. “We’re really excited about the potential of this project,” says Chen. “We believe we can play a significant role in preserving a piece of sporting history and ensuring that future generations can appreciate these amazing rackets.” For more information about ASSA ABLOY LEVEL and their vintage tennis racket protection system, visit [insert fictitious website address here].