The Strangest Inventions Ever Patented
Innovation knows no bounds, and this is particularly evident in the world of patents. Throughout history, inventors have filed for patents on a wide range of peculiar and downright bizarre inventions. While not all of these contraptions have achieved commercial success, their creativity and uniqueness are undeniable. Here’s a look at some of the strangest inventions ever patented.
The Anti-Eating Face Mask
In 1982, a patent was granted for the Anti-Eating Face Mask (US Patent No. 4344424). This rather curious invention was designed to help people curb their eating habits by physically preventing them from putting food in their mouths. The mask, which was designed to be worn on the face, featured a shield that blocked access to the mouth. While the idea may seem extreme, the intention behind it was to promote healthy living and prevent overeating. Needless to say, this invention never became a mainstream dietary tool.
The Dog Ear Protectors
For dog owners worried about their pets' ears getting wet, dirty, or damaged, the Dog Ear Protectors (US Patent No. 4233942) offered a unique solution. Patented in 1980, these protectors were essentially miniature earmuffs for your canine companion. They were designed to shield a dog's sensitive ears from the elements and other hazards. Although practical in theory, the sight of a dog wearing earmuffs is undeniably amusing.
The Baby Cage
The Baby Cage, patented in the early 20th century, was an invention aimed at urban dwellers who lacked access to outdoor spaces. The cage was designed to be attached to a building window, providing babies with a safe outdoor space to get fresh air and sunshine. While the concept of fresh air for babies is sound, the thought of suspending a child several stories high in a wire cage is quite unnerving. This invention reflects a different era’s approach to child-rearing and urban living.
A mother's love might be boundless, but so was the ingenuity of inventors trying to provide fresh air to city infants during the early 1900s.
The Motorized Ice Cream Cone
Eating ice cream can be a tiring task, especially if you’re lazy. Enter the Motorized Ice Cream Cone (US Patent No. 5918567). Patented in 1999, this invention aimed to reduce the effort required to enjoy an ice cream cone by introducing a battery-operated rotating mechanism. The idea was that you could keep your tongue in one place and the cone would spin for you. It’s a playful and quirky take on enhancing the ice cream-eating experience, albeit a bit over the top.
The Hiccup Treatment Device
Hiccups can be annoying, but who knew they warranted their own patented device? The Hiccup Treatment Device (US Patent No. 7062320), patented in 2006, was designed to cure hiccups through a unique method. This device employed a malleable strap that was placed over the diaphragm, with the intention of applying pressure to a specific point believed to be effective in stopping hiccups. While the science behind hiccup cures is varied and often anecdotal, this invention represents one of the more unusual remedies.
From rotating ice cream cones to unique hiccup cures, human ingenuity takes many forms—some more peculiar than others.
The Adjustable Breasts
One of the more eyebrow-raising inventions in the field of cosmetic enhancements is the Adjustable Breasts (US Patent No. 4734078). Patented in 1988, this invention aimed to give women the ability to alter the size and shape of their breasts through an adjustable implant. The concept involved a valve system that allowed the user to control the amount of fluid in the implant, thereby adjusting the breast size as desired. While cosmetic surgery has become more advanced, this invention highlights an early attempt at giving women more control over their body’s appearance.
Conclusion
These inventions, while often humorous or perplexing, showcase the boundless creativity and ambition of inventors throughout history. Whether driven by practical needs or whimsical fantasies, the world of patents is full of fascinating and strange creations. These inventions remind us that innovation isn't just about solving problems; it's also about exploring the limits of what’s possible, often in the most unexpected ways.
