It's apparently a myth that the head of the U.S. Patent Office once suggested that the office be shut down, because everything had been invented.

And that's a good thing, because every day we see interesting new products -- many made of plastics. Here's a fun one that I'm seeing for the first time today, the GoateeSaver.

For less than $20, it can help tackle this apparently very serious problem:

Tired of the constant struggle every morning trying to get your goatee to look perfect? GoateeSaver revolutionizes the way you shave and trim your goatee. GoateeSaver can be customized to your face in seconds, with three easy adjustments. Just slide it over your mouth and shave to get the perfect look that women will admire and men will respect.

Do men really respect other men's goatees? I don't think so.

The invention itself is a piece of plastic that you put in your mouth, and it covers the goatee-area of your face so you can shave around it and have a symetrical-looking beard.

I discovered the GoateeSaver in this fun story from The North Little Rock Times. Here's a link to the inventor's appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Enjoy the story and video -- perhaps it will help you come up with an idea of your own that will generate publicity (and profit) at your own company.