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Each of the following
inventions was granted a U.S. patent. Some might make it onto retail
shelves someday, while others have no chance. You can decide that
for yourself. The year that the patent was issued is in parenthesis.
Dad saddle (2002)
Do you remember when you would ask your Dad for a pony-back ride?
(Hopefully, this was when you were a kid, not last year.) Well, as
the name implies, this saddle attaches to Dad's back and comes
complete with stirrups. The dad saddle slips around Dad's waist to
provide a comfortable ride for Junior, but a not-so-comfortable ride
for Dad. Bridle sold separately.
Doggie umbrella (1992)
This sophisticated invention is a must-have for the jet-set dogs
in the crowd (as well as their foolish owners). Not surprisingly,
the doggie umbrella features air holes in the front. For some
reason, I can't help but think that Paris Hilton has several doggie
umbrellas for her Chihuahua, in case one breaks or -- God forbid --
gets wet.
While we're on the subject of dog inventions, there's also…
Doggie luggage (1998)
Like a saddle that's attached to a horse -- or to a Dad -- the
doggie luggage is attached to the back of a dog. It comes with a
shoulder strap so you can carry the doggie luggage over your
shoulder (with the doggie attached). Someday all the cool dogs will
have doggie luggage.
This next invention is brought to you by Binford Tools…
Dimple drill (1896)
Have you ever wondered why some people have dimples while others
do not? Now the secret is revealed: People aren't born that way.
They've bought the dimple drill that was invented in 1896. This one
must be real because I saw it on the Internet. Seriously, someone
actually patented the dimple drill. To create dimples, simply place
the drill on your cheeks and start turning the knob. It's also good
for maintaining existing dimples. Call 1 (800) G-U-L-L-I-B-L-E.
[to top of second column in this article]
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 And finally there's…
The human bicycle (2004)
What do you call a bike with nothing more than two wheels, which
are connected and supported by the rider? It's the human bicycle, of
course. There's no frame, no handlebars, no brakes and, I suppose,
no reason to buy this device. It probably gives you as good a
workout as -- get this -- a real bicycle. Helmet and padding
strongly recommended.
Each of the above inventions actually received a patent. How is
this possible?
In order to be granted a patent, an invention must meet three
criteria: It must be new; it must be "unobvious" to people in that
particular industry; and it must have some usefulness. Each of these
inventions could be considered new and unobvious, but it's hard to
imagine how they can be considered useful.
If you know of an invention that should be included in a future
story, send me an e-mail and I might just include it in a future
story.
[Paul Niemann]
Paul Niemann is the author of Invention Mysteries. He may be reached
at niemann7@aol.com.
© Paul Niemann 2005
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