Oddball Inventions
Chindōgu (珍道具) is the Japanese art of crafting quirky and impractical gadgets.
Chindōgu (珍道具) the Japanese art of crafting quirky and impractical gadgets, translates to “unusual (or eccentric) tool”. In the spirit of chindōgu, here are 20 oddball inventions not to be taken too seriously:
Dynasphere, 1932
A petrol-driven mono-wheel vehicle capable of reaching up to 48 km/h. This motorised death trap was not particularly practical due to its three-metre height.
Inflatable Bra, 1952
Models showing off a “miracle” of bra technology at the London Waldorf Hotel – a variable air cushion for “perfect beauty”.
Lipstick Application Guard
This doesn’t look like something that would make the task easier – unless your lips happen to align perfectly with the cutout. What do you think?
Glow in the Dark Tyres, 1961
Each Goodyear illuminated tyre was made from a single piece of synthetic rubber that was brightly lit by bulbs mounted inside the wheel rim.
The Chain Smoker
In this unlikely photograph, model Frances Richards smokes a full pack of cigarettes all on the one cigarette holder. That’s one easy way to burn through your savings.
Solar-Powered Fan-Cooled Pith Helmet
What it says is what it does. The New York based mail order retailer Hammacher Schlemmer [RR7:37] used to sell loads of these.
Wooden Bathing Suits, 1929
Photo taken in Haquian, WA. Due to the buoyancy of wood, these incongruous outfits were supposed to make swimming easier. [Ed: Yeah … Nah.]
Recliner Piano, 1935
A piano especially designed for people who are confined to bed.
Wrist Notebook, 1950s
Invented in Russia by Melik Bakhtamyan and manufactured in Leningrad.
The Isolator, 1925
A helmet created by Hugo Gernsback to reduce distractions. It could only be worn for 15 minutes at a time as the user would become drowsy. Hence the addition of an oxygen tank. [Ed: This one cracks me up.]
Umbrella Tie
Living in areas prone to unpredictable weather calls for preparation. What better way to be ready for unexpected rainstorms than having an umbrella tied around your neck?
Breast Washer, 1930
This is a machine for massaging and/or washing breasts.
Portable Shaving Mirror, 1940s
By developing a portable shaving mirror, one German company was trying to profit from the lack of bathrooms in post-war emergency apartments.
Noodle-Eaters Face Guard
Slurp those noodles without the fear of unsightly splashing. The Japanese have got this category nailed.
The Cyclomer, 1932
An amphibious bicycle that never caught on following its introduction in Paris.
Crawling Baby Mop
Babies and pets bring joy to our homes. There’s no doubt about that. Why not also get them to help out with the housework? [Ed: An oddball classic.]
Bellhop’s Aid, circa 1955
An automatic tip requester for use by hotel bellhops. Devised by inventor Russell E. Oakes, it comprises an artificial hand and cashbox and can be worn around the waist.
Eye Drop Funnel Glasses
Once again Japanese chindōgu masters show us how it’s done.
Baby Cage, 1930s
Designed for people living in London apartments, these cages were considered a good solution to get babies out into fresh air. A terrifying idea that thankfully didn’t catch on.
Anti-Pervert Hairy Stockings, 2010s
These hairy stockings from China were designed to repel and repulse unwelcome attention. The hairy hose are so thick that they will even protect against mosquito bites.
Inspired? Now go out there and invent something useless of your own.
Story Idea: Stew Burchmore
REMORANDOM Chapter
PS: Honourable Mention: The Portable Cone of Silence – Get Smart, 1966
Just heard you on ABC Perth… diplomatically avoiding the boobomatic and the lung cancer express… gold! Should compare to some modern ones that were featured on “The Inventors” ( also I think was on ABC?), though they may be too sensible.