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Duct Tape Goes Minature
metal_llama writes "There is a story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about a man, Christopher Blummel, who "has a vision for a better world - one where every man would carry in his wallet a small cellophane packet containing a product that can come in handy in an emergency. Duct tape." This is exactly what I've always wanted: an ever-handy supply of duct tape."
No it's not. He'll get the patent. Nobody doesn't get a patent. "Patent pending" just means "waiting for the rubber stamp." As long as you pay the filing fee, you'll get the patent. Even if it an unpatentable type of creation, even if it's already been done, even if it's already been patented, and even if it violates the laws of thermodynamics. The patent office will take the money, hand out a patent, and let the federal courts handle the lawsuits that result. If a court throws out a patent, the patent office doesn't have to give the money back. Everyone wins except those not in the government.
Stupid people make stupid things profitable.
I tend to have a roll of duct tape handy where ever I am. I have a roll that I generally keep in my truck, and often in my backpack. If I go camping, I might as well bring a roll or bring no tape at all. If I'm anywhere else (ie: the city), I couldn't imagine being more than 5 minutes from a roll of tape - because I've got a roll at home, in my truck, or in my backpack (which comes everywhere with me.) Except maybe an airplane... I was going through security once, and they wouldn't let me take my roll on the plane - it can be used as a restraining device. I asked them if they wanted my shoe laces too.
"...a radiator leak on Highway 80 heading out to Moline..."
He should have a roll of tape in his trunk to begin with.
"...presentations where I needed to put something on a wall."
Briefcase or backpack. A roll of tape is just another piece of equipment you should be toting around with the rest of your presentation materials and hardware.
Really, for the price, it's a waste of money. If you really want to carry miniscule amounts of tape around then buy a roll and put a few strips on some wax paper.
-kidlinux.