by Brent Hovey

Reporter

Aurora -- If you have small children around your house, you probably are using those plastic covers to protect electrical outlets.

They are a worthwhile safety device to keep small children from being zapped at an outlet, but they're sometimes a pain to remove.

Parents have been known to use knives and other sharp objects to pry them off. Others use fingernails, which many times will break.

Now, thanks to an Aurora High School graduate, there's an easier way to take the outlet covers off. It's called the WedgEZ: The Outlet Plug Remover, and was invented by Dave Miglin.

A 1986 graduate of AHS, Miglin is the co-owner, along with his wife Karen, of For Our Future LLC., the company behind the WedgEZ.

According to Miglin, WedgEZ is the only patent-pending tool on the market designed to easily remove all plastic outlet covers.

Built-on clips allow WedgEZ to conveniently attach to a vacuum cord for fast access when parents need it.

Miglin, 39, said the idea came out of necessity. He said his family has two young children and uses the outlet plugs throughout the house.

"ONE NIGHT over dinner, we were discussing with friends the hassles of using outlet plugs -- hard to remove, hurt your fingernails or you scratch the wall plates with a knife," he said.

"It occurred to us that we never saw a product in stores that removes outlet plugs. Upon confirmation of that fact, WedgEZ was born."

The concept of WedgEZ was developed in mid-2005, according to Miglin. From the time the idea surfaced to the finished product was about 18 months.

Miglin said he had to get a patent and trademark, research and design the product, come up with prototypes, design a Web site, establish a merchants' account and contact manufacturers and vendors.

"Any parent or home services professional who have to deal with outlet plugs will want a WedgEZ," said Miglin. "It's a simple and safe tool to effortlessly remove outlet plugs."

The struggle of getting the WedgEZ from an idea in his head to the finished product is something he wouldn't change.

"Bringing the WedgEZ to market has been a truly rewarding experience," he said. "It has taught me to trust my instincts and pursue what I am passionate about.

"Do not get discouraged by setbacks because they are part of any endeavor. Believe in yourself and the rest will come along."

The WedgEZ is available at www.wedgez.com, and Miglin said he is in the process of establishing partnerships with online retailers such as Best for Babies.

He also is in discussions to bring the product to retail stores such as Babies 'R Us, Wal-Mart and Target.

MIGLIN LIVED in Aurora for 15 years and considers it his hometown. He now lives in Alpharetta, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, with his wife and children, Ellie, 5, and Evan, 2.

Miglin said he ventures back to Aurora occasionally. Most recently, he was in town for the class of 1986's 20th year reunion.

"What continually amazes me each time I come back to Aurora is the growth," he said. "From the high school to neighborhoods that have sprouted from swampland and fields, the growth of Aurora is astonishing."

He is always impressed with how many of his classmates still live in Aurora and the surrounding area.

"While it did not work out for me, I think it's a testament as to how 'livable' Aurora is that so many people want to stay there. I think it's great," Miglin said.

Growing up in Aurora, Miglin has lots of fond memories -- of both good and sneaky incidents.

"From riding my bike all over the place to sneaking into Sea World through the Chinese village; yes, my brother and I were a bit mischievous at times.

"One of the things I en-joyed most, as odd as this may sound, is hanging out at the former Carlo's Pizza with friends."

Miglin maintains the Web site www.aurora86.com to try and keep in touch with his graduation class. He would like any members of the class to check it out.

E-mail: bhovey@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115