Richard Heene's construction-based invention, the 'HeeneDuty'.
The father behind the infamous “Balloon Boy” hoax is back and looking to grab your attention – but this time, it's for an invention he thinks will change the way construction workers get their jobs done on-site.
Richard Heene has invented the "HeeneDuty," a multipurpose toolbox and scaffolding device, the Tampa Tribune reports.
In a demonstration to reporters Monday, Heene showed how the contraption, operated by remote control, can transform into a workbench, a seat and a dolly for construction-based use.
"Look at that, guys. Look! At! That!," Heene said. "You're not gonna get that from any other toolbox."
Heene, then living with his family in Colorado, duped the world in 2009 when he said his 6-year-old son, Falcon, was trapped in a runaway makeshift helium balloon. The balloon had picked up intense national media coverage by the time it crashed to the ground -- without the boy, who was later was found "hiding" back in his room at home.
Local and federal authorities spent at least $62,000 pursuing the balloon and searching for Falcon after it landed, but Heene soon admitted the debacle was just a publicity stunt. He eventually was convicted of attempting to influence a public servant, a felony, and served 30 days in jail.
Heene, who now lives in Florida, said his "HeeneDuty" will begin rolling off the assembly line on Sept. 1. An 8-foot model will cost $17,000, while a smaller version will sell for $13,500.
Click here to read more on this story from the Tampa Tribune.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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