Abstract: A draft blocker using flexible linear elements contained in an envelope is easily installed upon a door or window. The draft blocker comprises linear elements contained in cavities adapted to ride against the inside and outside of the door thereby sealing the gap between a door and preventing drafts. The draft blocker uses one or more envelope elements allowing insertion of the linear elements at a position other than the ends and has end straps which engage the edges of the door bottom holding the draft blocker in place.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising a non-porous deformable outer wrap characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein. The device includes a mass of loose fill elements disposed within the outer wrap and can occupy a first volume in a first storage state sufficient to permit the packaging device to be stored. The device further provides that the mass of elements disposed within the outer wrap can occupy a second volume in a second use state to shape about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit the elements to deform within the outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item. The outer wrap and the elements disposed within the outer wrap are biodegradable. The elements are adapted to change from the first storage state of unpopped corn kernels to the second use state of popped popcorn kernels.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising a non-porous deformable outer wrap characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein. The device includes a mass of loose fill elements disposed within the outer wrap and can occupy a first volume in a first storage state sufficient to permit the packaging device to be stored. The device further provides that the mass of elements disposed within the outer wrap can occupy a second volume in a second use state to shape about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit the elements to deform within the outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item. The outer wrap and the elements disposed within the outer wrap are biodegradable. The elements are adapted to change from the first storage state of unpopped corn kernels to the second use state of popped popcorn kernels.

Abstract: An ergonomic dispenser of a roll of adhesive film facilitates application of that film to a surface with minimum manipulation by the user. The dispenser has a low profile where the cutting blade, axis of rotation of the adhesive film roll and dispenser handle lie in closely aligned planes. This creates a low profile dispenser which places the roll of adhesive film in close proximity to the application surface. A flexible shield overlies the cutting blade to prevent unwanted user contact with the blade. Various means are used to manage the loose end of film after it is cut off the roll so that it does not adhere to the roll or double over on itself. Unidirectional movement of the roll is also used to manage the loose end of tape after cutoff. Optionally, blade means may be added to the dispenser's handle for use in opening cartons, cutting string or the like.

Abstract: A tape dispenser has a tubular hub for receiving a roll of tape, and the hub has an axis and axially spaced first and second ends. A first wall extends radially outwardly of the hub at the first end, and a second wall is radially spaced from the hub and extends axially from the first wall the direction toward the second end of said hub. The hub includes a portion extending axially outwardly of the outer end of the second wall, and the first end and the latter portion of the hub are contoured for the first end of one tape dispenser to axially receive the portion of the hub of a second tape dispenser to interengage the two dispensers.

Abstract: A business method manages items associated with a business entity. The business method includes storing item unique identifiers, associating each identifier with at least one descriptor that further describes the item, tracking a performance of each item through the at least one descriptor, analyzing the tracked performance of the item, and rendering business decisions about the item based on the analysis. The at least one descriptor relates to a predetermined reason for introducing an item into a market, the reason including at least one of the following: to create a new product/business line; to offer a new item for sale; to create a line extension of an existing product line; to create a customer-specific line extension of an existing product line; to offer a promotional item; to create a display item; to change packaging for an existing product; to modify an existing item; to create a component item, and to create an international item.

Abstract: An ergonomic dispenser of a roll of adhesive film facilitates application of that film to a surface with minimum manipulation by the user. The dispenser has a low profile where the cutting blade, axis of rotation of the adhesive film roll and dispenser handle lie in closely aligned planes. This creates a low profile dispenser which places the roll of adhesive film in close proximity to the application surface. A flexible shield overlies the cutting blade to prevent unwanted user contact with the blade. Various means are used to manage the loose end of film after it is cut off the roll so that it does not adhere to the roll or double over on itself. Unidirectional movement of the roll is also used to manage the loose end of tape after cutoff. Optionally, blade means may be added to the dispenser's handle for use in opening cartons, cutting string or the like.

Abstract: An ergonomic dispenser of a roll of adhesive film facilitates application of that film to a surface with minimum manipulation by the user. The dispenser has a low profile where the cutting blade, axis of rotation of the adhesive film roll and dispenser handle lie in closely aligned planes. This creates a low profile dispenser which places the roll of adhesive film in close proximity to the application surface. A flexible shield overlies the cutting blade to prevent unwanted user contact with the blade. Various means are used to manage the loose end of film after it is cut off the roll so that it does not adhere to the roll or double over on itself Unidirectional movement of the roll is also used to manage the loose end of tape after cutoff. Optionally, blade means may be added to the dispenser's handle for use in opening cartons, cutting string or the like.