Inventors are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, leading to some truly bizarre creations. While many of these inventions never achieved widespread success, they offer fascinating glimpses into human creativity and problem-solving. Here are 12 bizarre inventions that never took off but totally should have.
The Isolator
The Isolator was a helmet created in 1925 by Hugo Gernsback to help increase productivity by blocking out noise and visual distractions. While it looked strange and claustrophobic, it could be useful in today’s world for people needing extreme focus.
Baby Cage
In the 1930s, some Londoners used baby cages attached to apartment windows to give their babies fresh air and sunshine. Although it looks unsafe by today’s standards, it was a creative solution for city dwellers without outdoor space.
The Baby Mop
The Baby Mop is a onesie with mop-like fringes on the arms and legs, allowing babies to help clean the floor as they crawl. While it’s an amusing idea, it never became a mainstream product.
Anti-Theft Briefcase
The anti-theft briefcase was designed to protect your valuables. If someone tried to snatch it, a chain would be released, connecting the case to the owner’s wrist. This security measure, though useful, was deemed too cumbersome.
Fish Training Kit
The R2 Fish School Kit was designed to train fish to perform tricks, such as playing basketball or swimming through hoops. It didn’t become a household staple, but it provided a fun way to interact with pets.
The Cat Duster Slippers
These slippers have microfiber cloths attached to them, allowing you to dust your floors as you walk around your home. Practical but odd, they didn’t gain widespread popularity.
The Rejuvenique Face Mask
This electric facial mask, which looked like something from a horror movie, was designed to exercise facial muscles. It promised youthful skin but didn’t catch on due to its intimidating appearance.
The Toilet Golf Set
The Toilet Golf Set lets you practice putting while sitting on the toilet. While it’s a humorous gift idea, it didn’t become a bathroom essential.
The Treadmill Bike
The Treadmill Bike combines a treadmill with a bicycle, allowing you to walk while riding. Although innovative, it was too cumbersome and expensive to become mainstream.
The Cyclomer
The Cyclomer was a bicycle designed to ride on both land and water. Despite its innovative design, it didn’t become popular due to practical limitations.
The Butter Stick
The Butter Stick looks like a glue stick but dispenses butter instead. While it simplifies buttering toast, it didn’t catch on due to its novelty nature.
The Ostrich Pillow
The Ostrich Pillow is a pillow you wear on your head, allowing you to nap anywhere. Despite its humorous appearance, it offers a unique solution for napping on the go.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
