The 10 Weirdest Patents Ever Filed
Some inventors dream big and transform the world. Others, well, let's just say their inventions make you scratch your head in confusion. Whether quirky, impractical, or just plain strange, these patents prove that creativity knows no bounds. Let's dive into some of the weirdest patents ever filed that will make you wonder, who thought this was a good idea?
1. Beetle Mania – Not Quite a Wind Turbine
Imagine a Volkswagen Beetle with an attached pinwheel that spins as it drives. Sounds eco-friendly, right? Not quite! This bizarre ornamental protector is intended to "protect" the car, but mostly just serves as a whimsical design. Unfortunately, it won't help you fly over a traffic jam—though it might get you a few odd stares.
2. The Kissing Shield – For the Germaphobe Romantic
Kissing might seem romantic, but not if you're worried about germs. Enter the Kissing Shield, a device patented to provide a safe, hand-held barrier during a smooch. It's ideal for anyone who loves affection but hates sharing germs. Unfortunately, nothing says "romantic" quite like holding a plastic barrier between your and your partner's lips.
3. Beerbrella – Keep Your Drink Cool and Dry
We all hate it when the sun warms up our beer. That's where the Beerbrella comes in! This tiny umbrella, attached to a bottle, shields your beverage from the sun. Need to enjoy a cold drink outdoors during a downpour? This umbrella's got you covered — literally. Cheers to innovation!
4. Bells on Rats – A Humane Solution?
In 1908, someone devised a solution to the age-old rat problem. Instead of killing the rodent, this invention snaps a bell around its neck when it's caught, sending the startled rat scurrying home and terrifying its furry friends. Humane? Maybe. Effective? Questionable.
5. Centrifugal Birth – When You Really Need the Baby Out
Giving birth is tough, and some inventors in the 1960s thought a spinning bed might help. This invention straps the mother-to-be onto a rotating platform to speed up the birth process. This contraption spins the mother in circles, supposedly helping with the birth. Though patented, it's unlikely this method ever took off — literally or figuratively.
6. Clean Machine – Human-Powered Hygiene
Forget your electric toothbrush. This invention turns personal hygiene into a full-body workout! The Clean Machine, powered by hand and foot pedals, scrubs you clean as you pedal. It's a little like a stationary bike, except you're supposed to emerge from the machine squeaky clean and perhaps a little exhausted.
7. Greenhouse Helmet – Breathe Fresh Air, Always
Why rely on regular oxygen when you can carry your own plants around? This patented helmet allows the wearer to breathe in fresh oxygen generated by live plants secured inside a dome on their head. Sure, it sounds eco-friendly, but wearing a mini greenhouse on your head isn't exactly practical.
8. Vest Pet – Wear Your Hamster Everywhere
For those who want to bring their little furry friends everywhere, the Vest Pet was patented to make this dream a reality. The vest comes equipped with built-in tunnels and transparent passageways, allowing your hamster or other small pet to roam freely across your torso. Whether this sounds adorable or horrifying probably depends on your tolerance for tiny claws near your face.
9. Biker Baby Belt – Keep Your Kid Occupied While Riding
For parents who can't get enough time on their bikes, the Biker Baby Belt lets you keep your little one entertained while you ride. It was designed for laughs, but the safety concerns are more than a little alarming.
10. High Five Yourself – When No One Else Is Around
Sometimes you just need a high five, but no one's available. The solution? The High Five patent! This wall-mounted plastic arm lets you give yourself a celebratory slap whenever the moment strikes. It might just be the loneliest invention ever made.
These bizarre patents might not have changed the world, but they certainly show the wacky side of human creativity. Whether functional or just plain funny, they prove that no idea is too strange for the U.S. Patent Office!
References: Planet Patent – Bazaar of Bizarre Inventions | Williams IP Law – 10 of the Strangest Ideas Ever Patented | Google Patents
