Zany Patents
Even in a recession, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office keeps busy. Since 1996, the annual number of patent filings has jumped 130% to 485,000 last year.
But what some consider innovation, others might call a boondoggle–especially given the prohibitive costs of papering a patent.
In the best-case scenario (where an application gets stamped, sealed and approved on the first try), inventors pony up about $15,000, assuming they hire a skilled patent attorney.
Apparatus for Facilitating the Birth of a Child by Centrifugal Force
Patent No. 3,216,423
Combination Pillow and Crash Helmet
Patent No. 3,538,508
Pneumatic Shoe Lacing Apparatus
Patent No. 5,205,055
Fresh-Air Breathing Device and Method
Patent No. 4,320,756
Photo by USPTO.
RedHotFranchises on June 20th, 2009 5:00 am
The only thing silly about it is not doing it ,and watching someone else do it, Many big ideas have came from that one silly thought. Someone actually applied for and received a zany patent for building a tin-can and string telephone. The type kids have built and played with for decades. The telephone that pretty much anyone alive can tell you about.
Jaclyn on June 22nd, 2009 1:28 pm
I fully agree…the only thing silly is having an idea and never trying to make that idea become a reality. What do you have to loose…at least you’ll be able to say that you tried! However, i have to admit that the picture on the baby delivery apparatus look’s a tad bit horrifying for a woman.
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