Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
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Pen Warmer
Cradle for your pen that keeps it toasty warm.
 
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Coming in to work on a holiday, I found myself sitting in my office with scarf around my neck and gloves on my hands, the moisture from my breath clouding the air as I worked. But you can't write very well with gloves on.

This gave me an idea to add yet another executive toy to the incredible array of desktop gadgets available from the likes of Brookstone and Sharper Image: the Pen Warmer.

At first I considered a self-heating pen, but inevitable energy requirements and complexity seem to preclude this design, especially since you can always lose a pen.

But - what about an attractive plug-in cradle that sits on your desk and gently warms the pen (or a couple of pens) as they wait for your inspiration to strike. You could market attractive but affordable heat-absorbing metal pens designed to fit the cradle.

Optional attachment possibility - coffee mug coaster. Keep that mug warm while you're writing.

No doubt this is an amenity that nobody needs. But that hasn't stopped people from buying all sorts of stuff like this in the past. And it would have been nice to have yesterday as I sat taking notes and shivering.

EvilHomer, Jan 13 2003

Coffee Mug Coaster http://www.staceysg.../Detailed/610.shtml
[Shz, Oct 04 2004]


Short name, e.g., Bob's Coffee

Destination URL. E.g., http://www.coffee.com/

Description (displayed with the short name and URL.)







       Mr. Scrooge, may I add another lump of coal to the stove?
RayfordSteele, Jan 13 2003
   

       Or another block for your igloo?
skinflaps, Jan 13 2003
   

       The coffee mug warmer gives me another idea: Just make a special heat-retaining pen holder and set it on an existing coffee mug coaster such as the one featured in the link. Or . . . even easier. Fill a regular coffee cup with sand. All you need is an appropriate pen that can withstand the heat.   

       This approach could be used to heat all kinds of metal office items (i.e. letter openers), or could be used just to warm up your hands.
EvilHomer, Jan 14 2003
   

       Bingo. Not sure about the sand part though.
Shz, Jan 14 2003
   

       Sand holds heat pretty well, doesn't it? Ever go to the beach on a hot day?
EvilHomer, Jan 14 2003
   

       The thermal properties are OK. It’s just that sand is going to get on (or in) the pens and the desk - messy.
Shz, Jan 14 2003
   

       Good point. How about some zen-like river rocks, then.
EvilHomer, Jan 14 2003
   

       Maybe a little problem with what happens to the viscosity of ink when heated. Solution - a special pen that goes with the warmer. "For signing those important contracts. For initialing those ground-breaking deal memos. The executive pen warmer that lets them know you've arrived." It'll become *the* gift for everyone promoted to junior assistant manager.
rowlycat, Jan 14 2003
   

       Definitely a special pen is in order. However as long as you don't crank up the heat too high, I wouldn't expect too many problems. It doesn't have to be steaming - just toasty warm.
EvilHomer, Jan 14 2003
   


 
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