The Telegraph has a very interesting photo-essay about strange, weird and fascinating patent applications during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are a few of them.
First, from 1900, a patent application for a rocking bath tub. It was designed to splash water against the occupant without spilling any, presumably for health reasons.
From 1910, a device for washing women's breasts. Don't ask me . . .
In 1882 this pest trap was patented. It seems the bait was placed on a spring-loaded lever. When the pest (mouse, rat, whatever) disturbed the lever, the gun fired. No word about how much damage it did to the room in which it was placed, or the nerves of those nearby . . .
And finally, a 'hat saluting device' patented in 1896. It seems it was designed to tip one's hat without the use of hands.
There are many more at the link. Entertaining reading.
Peter
3 comments:
There are some STRANGE ones in that bunch... LOL
This is all time favourite."APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE BIRTH OF A CHILD BY CENTRIFUGAL FORCE"
http://www.google.com.au/patents/US3216423
kenw: I wonder if Heinlein had seen that? I recall something in one of his later books about facilitating childbirth by fiddling with the artificial gravity aboard a spaceship.
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