In The Beginning, There Was The Pencil Then paper clips. Liquid paper. Sticky notes. But what's next? (NAPSA)—Offices across the nation are chock full of innovations that help to make our work lives easier, and sometimes even a little more fun. Take a look around your desk and you’re sure to find paperclips, scissors, Postit” Notes and a variety of other office essentials that were once just ideas ready to burst forth from an inventive mind. Ever wonder how that stapler on your desk or perhaps scissors came to be? Ever hear of a new product and think to yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” To whom or to what do we owe thanks for making our daily work lives easier? In 1494 a sword maker in Clever inventors may soon see their ideas for office products on store shelves. Toledo, Spain, Juan-Miguel di Sizore, invented the scissors, but only by accident when he mistakenly riveted two swords together. Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian inventor who held a degree in to start to bring it to life? Now you matics, patented the paperclip in founder of Staples, Inc., the com- electronics, science and matheGermanyin 1899. Although there is some question of exactly who invented the stapler, it is known that the word “stapler” became commonly used in 1909. By the late 1930s, Swingline revolutionized stapling by creating a stapler that held an entire strip of staples. Why didn't you think of that? So you didn’t invent scissors, the stapler or Post-it Notes. Have you ever had a great idea for a new product, but not know where can start with Invention Quest”, a nationwide search for the next easy office product. “Invention Quest” is about finding the next ‘staple’ that makes your work day easier,” said Tom Stemberg, chairman and pany that revolutionized how the world shops for office supplies by inventing the Office Superstore concept. Through November 21, 2008, America’s most inventive minds have the opportunity to submit their ideas for a revolutionary new office product. One winner will receive $25,000 and royalties for their invention idea that Staples creates and sells as an exclusive. More information is available at www.staples.com/iq.
