
In this fast moving world of the 21st century, we are always forced to do everything in a rush, even eating and sleeping. The normal words of today are "hurry", "rush", "fast", "quick" and "immediately." In comparison with 20 years ago, today we have to move or work as fast as possible to survive in a competitive environment with creative and innovative ways. Even though modern technology innovations were introduced decades ago, the new technology has not yet given us the opportunity to create new products to reduce the stress of people in everyday life. We are living under constant mental and physical stress, with more and more demands from our current society.
There are many consumer products claiming that they will cure stress and make life easy, but it is still hard to find good and innovative products on the market for consumers. From time to time, I wonder why multimillion dollar companies, which have hundreds of research engineers and scientists in their R&D departments, are not creating and producing the new, innovative products for consumers.
New product innovation is not complicated to create. By watching how people are using the products, anyone can have an idea of how to improve existing products or create new ones. No products are perfect when they are invented or developed in the first place; therefore any product has room to be improved into a better one.
For example, examining paint related-products, I could not find really innovative or new products for improving paint jobs to make them easy and enjoyable. We are still using the same products and the same methods of doing paint jobs as we did a hundred years ago. In the past, whenever I did a paint job, I always found something bothering me or some inconvenience about painting and I have asked myself why better products do not exist for easy and quick paint jobs. About a year ago, I finally decided to research and develop new paint-related products that are simple to use, inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
1. Ergonomic Paint-Can Handle/Opener
Everybody knows that carrying a paint can by its wire handle is uncomfortable and causes hand and arm pain. Based on research among professional painters, I discovered there is a need for a comfort handle. The Ergonomic Paint-Can Handle/Opener is a new invention that is ergonomically designed for comfort in holding the paint can while brushing directly from the can, and eliminates hand and arm pain. It also keeps hands clean when dipping and brushing directly from the can. The Paint Can Opener conveniently provides for easy opening of any paint can lid and bottle cap instead of using a screwdriver.
2. Rapid-Pour Paint Spout
Nobody like messiness or hassle while pouring or brushing directly from the can. The rim and gutter always seem to get paint build-up that causes dripping on the floor and difficulty in resealing the lid after use. The Rapid-Pour Paint Spout is a new invention that removes the mess and inconvenience of painting. It provides drip-proof pouring, prevents paint build-up, in the can rim and gives a tighter reseal. Tighter reseal will result in less spoiled paint, keeping longer, saving money, and it's environmentally friendly. When the paint is dried, just tap it and it will peel itself off. There is no need to use water or solvents for cleaning. This is an environmentally friendly product.
3. Rapid Paint Mixer
Mixing or stirring paint in the can causes not only discomfort when stirring with a paint stick, but can also cause hand and arm pain, which makes it takes longer and results in the paint not mixing well. The Rapid Paint Mixer is a new invention that is ergonomically designed to remove these inconveniences. The up and down plunger handle provides effortless, easy, quick and thorough mixing of any paint products. It is simple to use and reuse. When paint is dried, just tap and the paint will peel itself off. There is no need to use water or solvents for cleaning. This is an environmentally friendly product.
4. E-Zy Zip Bag for Paint Brush/Roller
It is always a difficult task to keep the paint brush/roller clean and fresh after use. The bristles/roller of even a thoroughly cleaned brush/roller will harden when it dries. Sometimes it is hard to reuse, and we end up discarding. This is simply wasting our hard-earned money. The E-Zy Bag for Paint Brush/Roller is a new invention that is designed to cover the hand while brushing/rolling. It keeps the brush/roller moist to prevent hardening after use, so it can be reused as new. Just insert the brush/roller handle through the E-Zy Bag mouth to the bottom opening until the handle is out. Remove liners from both sides of tape, and press to adhere them together to the brush/roller handle to seal the bottom opening. Fold the E-Zy Bag over to expose the brush/roller and to cover the hand while painting. This protects the hand from paint. Clean the paint brush/roller with hot water or solvent after use by holding the protected handle. Turn it inside out to cover the brush/roller, and seal the bag opening with the self-sealing plastic strip to trap air and moisture in the bag.
5. Magic Sleeve
Nobody likes cleaning the paint tray after use. It is the worst part of the paint job, and is not only inconvenient but also environmentally unfriendly. There are plastic paint tray liners on the market, but they are not only expensive to throw away after use, but do not fit into all paint trays. The Magic Sleeve is a new invention that eliminates cleaning the paint tray, keeps hands clean, avoids messiness, and makes it possible to reuse the paint tray as new. It is a plastic bag with adhesive inside. Just place the Magic Sleeve onto any paint tray, peel of the liner of the adhesive inside, and press it down onto the paint tray. It will cover and take the form of the paint tray. After the paint job, simply remove by turning it inside out and disposing in the proper recycling bin. There is no messiness, no hassle involved in cleaning the paint tray. This is environmentally friendly product.
These paint related-products are designed and developed to improve the ease of your next paint job, based on my paint job experience and gathering complaints from other painters. As an engineer, I am always curious about anything from consumer products to machinery to methods of manufacturing. It is my honest goal to improve and innovate existing or new products to provide comfort and ease of use for consumers. I have designed and developed over 20 other inventions that are patented or patent pending. Some are in the market currently. My curiosity pushes me to think and solve whatever problems I face with the existing products. It is very satisfying to know that my inventions may contribute in some way to consumers by providing comfort and convenience in this complex, stressed-out and competitive world.
About The Author
Thomas Hong, engineer and founder of ATI, has designed and developed various products, including household and hardware products currently on the market since 1998. Phone requests for additional information are welcomed: 416-693-5538 or visit www.paintingeasy.com
AP - Israel resumed its Gaza offensive Wednesday, bombing heavily around suspected smuggling tunnels near the border with Egypt after a three-hour lull to allow in humanitarian aid. Hamas responded with a rocket barrage.
AP - Pointing with concern to "red ink as far as the eye can see," President-elect Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to tackle out-of-control Social Security and Medicare spending and named a special watchdog to clamp down on other federal programs — even as he campaigned anew to spend the largest pile of taxpayer money in history to revive the sinking economy.
AP - Senate Democrats beat a hasty retreat Wednesday from their rejection of Roland Burris as President-elect Barack Obama's successor, yielding to pressure from Obama himself and from senators irked that the standoff was draining attention and putting them in a bad light. Burris said with a smile he expected to join them "very shortly."
AP - Rain and high winds lashed Washington state Wednesday, causing widespread avalanches, mudslides, flooding and road closures as the heavy snowfall that has buried parts of the state began to rapidly melt.
AP - Confronting a grim economy and a Middle East on fire, Barack Obama turned Wednesday to perhaps the only people on the planet who understand what he's in for: the four living members of the U.S. presidents' club.
AP - The upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama is an attractive target for international and domestic terrorists, but U.S. intelligence officials have no information about specific threats to the Jan. 20 event.
AP - Jeremy Lin scored 27 points to lead Harvard to an 82-70 upset over No. 17 Boston College on Wednesday night, three days after the Eagles upset previously top-ranked North Carolina.
AP - Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after being fired by the New York Jets. A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Berea.
Reuters - Israeli warplanes bombed the Gaza Strip on Thursday and tanks pounded Palestinian guerrillas on the ground as U.S. backing for a proposed truce raised expectations of an end to the offensive.
Reuters - The U.S. budget deficit will swell to a record $1.186 trillion in fiscal 2009, congressional forecasters said on Wednesday, the result of an economic recession that has cut tax receipts and caused massive government bailouts of banks and automakers.
Reuters - In an abrupt switch, Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday to swear in Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.
Reuters - United Auto Workers bargaining teams are arriving this week in Detroit as the union gears up for negotiations with General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC, which are mandated to cut labor costs under a $17.4 billion federal bailout.
Reuters - The case of Ali al-Marri, accused of being an al Qaeda "sleeper" agent and held for 5-1/2 years at a U.S. military prison in South Carolina, will be an early test for President-elect Barack Obama.
Reuters - An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning has made 388 people sick across 42 states, sending 18 percent of them to the hospital, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.
Reuters - Accused swindler Bernard Madoff should be jailed for violating a court order by mailing $1 million worth of diamonds, watches and other jewelry to friends and family, U.S. prosecutors told a court on Wednesday.
AFP - Chinese computer giant Lenovo announced Thursday it would cut about 2,500 jobs, roughly 11 percent of its worldwide workforce, after suffering losses due to the global economic crisis.
AFP - Israel on Wednesday approved an even tougher war on Hamas, warning residents to flee southern Gaza ahead of planned bombing of cross-border tunnels, as the Palestinian death toll passed 700.
There are three main types of material used to manufacture window frames.... Read More
If you would like to make your existing home more energy efficient... Read More
When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one of the... Read More
Purchasing an air purifier can be confusing, and you do get an... Read More
A separate dining room adds glamour, elegance, and excitement to a shared... Read More
Customizable metal pegboard is set to revolutionise utensil storage. For forty years... Read More
Some of the benefits of radiant heatComfort: Let your bare feet soak... Read More
Whenever I write an article, it's usually tailored to the do-it-yourself homeowner... Read More
Leather is the most durable fabric used for furniture today. Although leather... Read More
This report is about taking a house and restoring it to an... Read More
Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a... Read More
If you are concerned about asbestos exposure you are not alone. Many... Read More
If you are putting in a new patio on a lakeside, you... Read More
If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and redoing or adding... Read More
If you don't have at least one piece of fine art in... Read More
You're told to take vitamins, drink plenty of water, get a good... Read More
The Home InspectorWhen you think about it, it is a bit odd.... Read More
What can you do to "clear the air" indoors, at work and... Read More
Learning interior design can be a simple or complicated task depending on... Read More
If you want to add extra spark to rooms, consider adding chandeliers... Read More
Pesticides are a ubiquitous toxin in our environment. We spray them liberally... Read More
This time of year often sees an explosion in new enquiries for... Read More
As a qualified duct cleaning contractor I have discovered that most homeowners... Read More
It can be difficult to choose from among the countless home dehumidifiers... Read More
Hand-scraped and Distressed hardwood floors are becoming a popular choice in today's... Read More
When you have reached the decision to purchase new windows for your... Read More
Pergo flooring was invented more than 75 years ago, and has since... Read More
In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant must undergo a change in state... Read More
Putting the right comforter on your bed can make the whole bedroom... Read More
A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even for those... Read More
Understanding a few essential color concepts will help you design your living... Read More
An air sander is a common air tool often overlooked by most... Read More
It is quite unusual in the UK for a new conservatory to... Read More
While remodeling your kitchen, install only the essential cabinets, so you can... Read More
They're affordable and come in a wide variety of styles and colors.... Read More
If you wish to learn how to manage interior design according to... Read More
Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design of a... Read More
Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature can be... Read More
Have you been considering selling your home in the near future? If... Read More
The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful deck construction... Read More
Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you use an... Read More
Want to improve the look of your property? Want to add value... Read More
If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight hours, think... Read More
Last week, I explained how to remove your old steel casement windows... Read More
The trend for enhancing your patio is to create an outdoor kitchen... Read More
Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry room. Even... Read More
A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my own bathroom?... Read More
If you have come to a point in your life that you... Read More
The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway or patio... Read More
If the decision of what type radiant heating system to use was... Read More
Has your house had a check up yet?Home inspection is like a... Read More
Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a home. Having... Read More
When you add up all the money that you can spend on... Read More
It started with my need for a new mixer. OK. Well, maybe... Read More
Solar energy has been around for quite a while and most people... Read More
In my previous article, "planning for a new deck," I outlined the... Read More
Customizable metal pegboard is set to revolutionise utensil storage. For forty years... Read More
We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from Cal Spas... Read More
Probably the most common type of residential extension is the two storey... Read More
"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently received the... Read More
Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in the walls,... Read More
An air sander is a common air tool often overlooked by most... Read More
Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do you ever... Read More
Interview with Jeanette Fisher by Gary Anderson, of www.abciowa.comGA: Jeanette,... Read More
Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors. Imagine that... Read More
What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever, right? If... Read More
Just two words and a bit of explanation about them will help... Read More
According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC),... Read More
Nearly every log home is a custom design, whether you are altering... Read More
Whether you're buying a home, or just moving in to your new... Read More
In this fast moving world of the 21st century, we are always... Read More
Have you noticed your patio door is getting harder and harder to... Read More
Kitchen cabinets reflect the heart and soul of the homeowner. The cabinets... Read More
You have likely been making mental notes for years. Every book or... Read More
When we left off last week, we had removed the old wood... Read More
Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry room. Even... Read More
Would you like to make your house feel more like a home?... Read More
The trend in remodeling homes is to expand the outdoor backyard or... Read More
Do you need a decorative, quality, recessed locking mailbox for your home?... Read More
Of the 359 homeowners in my area, 112 are running afoul of... Read More
It is quite simple to repair a hole in a Sheetrocked wall,... Read More
A house or any particular room can be carefully planned, well thought... Read More
Steel is gaining in popularity as a building material due to the... Read More
You spend a lot of your life in your bed sleeping and... Read More
Interior design for children is one of the most fun, delightful aspects... Read More
Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with an empty... Read More
A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a quality finish... Read More
Country home décor is the most sought after home interior and it's... Read More
It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate floors. Here... Read More
There are many things in life that are worth protecting. Our children,... Read More
Did you know that over 50% of women now run their own... Read More
Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the most magickal... Read More
There is a perception amongst most folk that every house is allowed... Read More
Like most people I really hated to vacuum the house. I thought... Read More
Home Improvement Home Improvement |