Abstract: A device for dispensing staples is provided. The device includes a body for holding at least one staple, a lid attached to the body by hinge means, wherein a top surface of the lid further includes a substantially planar surface, a base attached to the body by hinge means, and an actuating lever attached to the base by hinge means, wherein a portion of the actuating lever contacts the substantially planar surface on the lid when the actuating lever is depressed.

Abstract: Art instruments having a self-contained reservoir for dispensing paint or ink to a paintbrush portion provided on one end of the instrument. The instrument includes an ink-dispensing assembly comprised of a series of capillary tubes, orifice restrictors, pins and plugs to provide an assembly that prevents distribution of ink during shipping, but can be easily activated by a user to produce controllable and reliable ink flow to the brush portion on demand. The invention provides differing valve body components and configurations to provide optimal ink flow for inks of differing viscosities, creating a self-wicking art instrument that resists leakage, splattering, and other undesirable characteristics of known self-contained ink art instruments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to art instruments, and more particularly to art instruments having a self-contained reservoir for dispensing paint or ink to a paintbrush portion provided on one end of the instrument. The instrument includes an ink-dispensing assembly comprised of a series of capillary tubes, orifice restrictors, pins and plugs to provide an assembly that prevents distribution of ink during shipping, but can be easily activated by a user to produce controllable and reliable ink flow to the brush portion on demand. The invention provides differing valve body components and configurations to provide optimal ink flow for inks of differing viscosities, creating a self-wicking art instrument that resists leakage, splattering, and other undesirable characteristics of known self-contained ink art instruments.

Abstract: A cutting system that includes a rotary blade cartridge that can be interchangeably used with a variety of cutting tools is disclosed. The cartridge houses a rotary blade assembly that is maintained in a secure and safe retracted state and that can be activated when the cartridge is inserted into a cutting tool. Activating a plunger of any of the cutting tools causes a piston of the rotary blade assembly to move the blade to an operative cutting position protruding from an aperture provided in the cartridge housing. Deactivating the plunger causes the blade to be return to its retracted and inoperative position within the housing. Cutting tools of the invention include rail cutters such as a primary workstation and a compact workstation, circle cutters, elliptical cutters, and freeform cutters. Each cutting tool is capable of receiving a rotary blade cartridge. Cartridges are freely interchangeable between the cutting tools.

Abstract: In broadest terms, a craft composition and a craft composition kit, the composition comprising: a first component in a first container and comprising a first solution of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol and a first colorant, a second component in a second container and comprising a second solution of a tetraborate composition in a second colorant, the first and second components being adapted to present an appearance of striated colors upon initial admixture, which appearance transforms to a uniform single color resulting from the uniform mixture of the first and second colorants. The invention also includes a method of preparing a craft composition.

Abstract: In broadest terms, a wood filler composition of the present invention comprises: from about 11.50 to about 17.50 weight percent water; from about 14.40 to about 21.60 weight percent ceramic microspheres; from about 2.48 to about 3.72 weight percent wood flour; from about 0.32 to about 0.48 weight percent thickener; from about 0.80 to about 1.20 weight percent glass bubbles; from about 12.24 to about 18.36 weight percent acrylic latex emulsion; and from about 36.06 to about 54.10 weight percent calcium carbonate. The composition preferably has a pH in the range of from about 8.4 to about 8.8. Further the composition preferably has a viscosity of 200,000 to 300,000 cps as measured on a BROOKFIELD RV viscometer (helipath on) with a T/E spindle at 20 rpm and 25° C.

Abstract: A tape dispenser having a novel display ability. The tape dispenser of the present invention may be of a common size, shape and construction typically associated with dispensers for dispensing adhesive cellulose tapes, or may be of alternate shape. The body of the dispenser may be made of plastic or other materials and may be transparent, translucent or opaque. At least one rotatable display component, such as a wheel, is preferably located between the tape roll and an inside wall of the dispenser body. One or more graphics, such as images, wording or both, are located on the rotatable display component. The rotatable display component may be rotated, either independently or in conjunction with rotation of the tape roll, such that the graphic or graphics will periodically appear through the body of the dispenser or through an aperture or other opening located therein. One or more fixed graphics may also be affixed to the body of the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention includes a high strength adhesive and includes a dispenser containing a high strength adhesive. The invention is an adhesive composition comprising: (a) water present in an amount of from about 40 percent to about 70 percent by weight; (b) polyvinyl acetate present in an amount of about 15 percent to about 35 percent by weight; (c) dextrin present in an amount from about 5 percent to about 35 percent by weight; and (d) starch present in an amount from about 0 percent to about 5 percent by weight; the adhesive having at least 30% by weight solids, having a paste-like consistency, and having a bond strength greater than about 2000 p.s.i. as measured by ASTM D-905. The adhesive of the present invention has a very workable consistency that is very much like room-temperature butter or shortening used in cooking.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic, pressure-sensitive solid adhesives capable of transferring an adhesive film to a substrate by friction rubbing of the adhesive on the substrate. The adhesives of this invention consist essentially of polyisobutylene, wax and optionally an adhesive promoter resin. Said ingredients are within certain proportions, molecular weights, melting points, or hardness values.