Did you know that before the year 2002, you were likely to have a product in your house that had not changed its packaging in over one-hundred years? Now I'm not talking about a jar of pickles or a box of cereal. I am talking about a product that screamed for more innovative packaging. Screamed!
Where are our heads?
I have a very good friend whose patented invention saves hours and hours on the installation of air conditioning equipment. Not only does it save on labor, it is a cornerstone piece in a revolutionary mindset-changing way of doing business. It can save contractors more money than they can count. But I won't even go to this last sentence. It's too many years past their comprehension at this time. The problem with the invention? Contractors won't change. Even though their heads are bloodied from ramming them against the block wall, they refuse to pick up the laser gun and cut a neat hole through the cement.
It's a paint can man!
For over one-hundred years we've been using steel paint cans that were outrageously inefficient and messy. Someone at Sherwin-Williams comes along and creates a plastic, easy-pour and resealable paint can that just plain makes sense.
Vaporize resistance!
If someone actually invented this paint can twenty-years ago and it took that poor bloke this long to overcome internal resistance, then Sherwin-Williams should be splayed about the media like a Ford Pinto. Sadly, my friend has been at war for eight years, all the time working and trying to support a family, while attempting to bring his invention to market. Resistance seems to have gotten stronger. Looking in from outside the industry one might say something is lacking in the product. I strongly assure you this isn't the case!
Imagine the possibilities!
If you are in a situation to provide a little support to someone out there trying to innovate, for heaven's sake don't fight them on it! Imagine the possibilities that encouragement could bring to those folks who are out there looking for a better way!
Now, who out there is trying to work on an invention to allow Christmas lights to stay on your house year round - and remain invisible in the off season?
Good question... how does an invention gain traction? It may be the best thing since sliced bread (as the saying goes) but who cares if no one uses it. Obviously, the inventor cares. The recipients of the benefits (from the inventions use) may not be aware so they don't care. And status quo rules yet again!
Quite a problem... and not entirely divorced from blogging.
Posted by: Steve Sherlock | December 22, 2005 at 10:17 PM
Hey Davie
You thought the twist can was cool...
Sherwin Williams has come up with another invention.
A paint can and roller tray all in one. !!!
This won a Best in Show Award for 2005 in the plastic packaging industry.
http://www.iopp.org/pages/index.cfm?pageid=864
Insider information has it that the
twist and pour innovation came from research that showed
more and more women are doing the painting around the home.
The twist and pour package is neater and easy to handle. ;)
When the twist and pour first came out, that packaging was
about a dollar more than the traditional steel can.
They have now equalized the price.
Posted by: Deb | December 29, 2005 at 06:27 PM