Laughing Rabbit

Introduction

Nestled in the rainforest at the crest of the coast range in Oregon
is a small company owned by the Allen family. L.R.I. (Laughing Rabbit, Inc.), was founded by David Allen in 1993 to produce a variety of hand-held light-emitting diode (LED) flashlights marketed under the brand name Photon®.

The idea for the first Photon Micro-Light® came to Allen after a
day working with his son on lithium batteries and LEDs. He made a handmade prototype of his vision that intrigued his friends and business associates. At that time, Mr. Allen owned a jewelry studio where his 25 years of experience working with gold and platinum brought him orders for custom work from around the world. His expertise in working at the precision level aided him in designing and hand making these small personal flashlights.

Patent Obtained In 1994

Mr. Allen first concentrated his efforts on obtaining a U.S. Patent and Trademark followed by creating the proper molds for the original Photon Micro-Light.® The first Photon® light was on the market in late 1994.

The Photon® II, with its on/off switch, was introduced several years later in the fall of 1997 and was quickly followed by the Photon® 3, then the Photon Freedom® Micro, a multi-function personal safety and rescue light. Eight colors of beam light are available, plus infrared and UV light via special order.

Security Forces & Astronauts

The breakthrough for the company came when the U.S. Secret Service called David Allen to inquire about the light. Sales to the Secret Service continue to this day. Soon, Recreation Equipment, Inc., (REI) picked up the product, followed by L.L. Bean and others.

Another recognition of the Photon Micro-Light® came in Jan.1997, when the 81st flight of the space shuttle included the light among its supplies for use by U.S. astronauts. In the cramped area of the space shuttle, the compact brightness of the Photon Micro-Light® made sense. NASA has recently confirmed that the U.S. astronauts made a gift of white Photons® to their Russian cosmonaut colleagues.

Philosophy & Values

For David Allen and his wife/ business partner, Dallas Allen, Laughing Rabbit is as much about a philosophy as it is about business. The company's name refers to the essence of cartoon characters such as Br'er Rabbit and Bugs Bunny who manage to be successful by virtue of their wit without harming those around them. It also refers to the personal qualities of humor and integrity that the Allens strive to keep in their business and personal lives. The Allens share a vision of what these lights can do for their neighbors, community, and the world.

Home