10 of History's Most Unusual Inventions

Creativity is the driving force behind some of the world's most incredible inventions. From the wheel to the internet, these innovations have transformed our lives in remarkable ways. However, the journey of invention is not always straightforward. Alongside these life-changing creations, there have been a host of strange and whimsical ideas that didn't take off — and for good reason. Let's explore 10 truly bizarre inventions throughout history.

1. Window Baby Cage

In the 1930s, parents in the city had a strange solution for giving their babies fresh air: the window baby cage. This invention allowed infants to be suspended outside apartment windows in wire cages several stories high. The idea, which was believed to boost immunity through fresh air exposure, overlooked the obvious safety risks. Dubbed one of Time's "50 worst inventions," it's a wonder any parent felt comfortable dangling their precious child above city streets.

2. Dynasphere

Originally inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's sketches, British inventor John Purves created the Dynasphere in the early 1930s. This monowheel vehicle could reach speeds up to 30 mph, but its impractical 3-meter height and hazardous "gerbiling" effect, where drivers could be thrown around inside the wheel, made it a less-than-ideal mode of transport. Steering was also difficult, and breaking hard even more dangerous, both of which further secured the Dynasphere's position as a failed transportation means of the past.

3. Illuminated Tires

In the 1950s, Goodyear^® Tire & Rubber Co. attempted to revolutionize car aesthetics with illuminated tires. These tires, fitted with 18 internal light bulbs, promised to light up the road in style. However, the cost and impracticality of mass production meant they never caught on. Nevertheless, they did make a comeback in 2019 on the restored Golden Sahara II concept car, once again dazzling onlookers with their futuristic glow.

4. Tomatan

In a bid to promote healthy eating, Japanese juice maker Kagome developed the Tomatan, a robot designed with a specific job in mind: to feed runners tomatoes while they jog. The idea was to provide a convenient way to consume nutritious tomatoes during a marathon. Despite its whimsical nature, the Tomatan remained a promotional prototype and is unavailable for public purchase.

5. Fliz Bike

The Fliz bike is a modern take on the early 19th-century Laufmaschine bike, or hobby horse, invented by Baron Karl Drais. The Fliz lacks a chain, relying on the rider's legs for propulsion. Instead of a seat, the rider is suspended from a carbon-fiber frame, dangling above the bike. While lightweight and innovative, the Fliz bike's practicality is questionable, making it more of a novelty than a viable transportation option.

6. Hip Trimmer

In the 1920s, people seeking to trim their waistlines could use a vibrating exercise belt, known as the hip trimmer. This device promised to jiggle the fat away without the need for strenuous exercise. Although similar modern devices continued to claim miraculous weight loss benefits, the Federal Trade Commission eventually cracked down on these exaggerated claims, fining marketers $7 million.

7. The Hayfever Hat

Kenji Kawakami, a master of bizarre inventions, coined the term "Chindogu," meaning "weird tools." Among his hundreds of creations is the hayfever hat, equipped with a paper roll for wiping away sneezes. Kawakami's other odd inventions include mini umbrellas for shoes and Swiss army gloves outfitted with multi-tools.

8. Cat-Mew Machine

In 1963, a Japanese invention aimed to solve rodent problems with the cat-mew machine. This mechanical cat, designed to scare away mice, emitted a realistic meow and had eyes that lit up. The cat would meow 10 times every 60 seconds, mimicking a real feline presence. Though it might have been effective in theory, the constant meowing likely drove more humans away than rodents.

9. Bed Glasses

Hamlin's reading glasses were a solution for avid readers who preferred to read while lying down. These glasses used mirrors to allow users to read at a 45-degree angle, perfect for lounging in bed. They could also be used for viewing one's feet while walking, though why anyone would want to do that remains a mystery.

10. Doughnut Dunker

Russel E. Oakes invented the doughnut dunker, a device that allowed users to dunk their doughnuts in coffee without getting their fingers wet. This simple yet clever invention addressed a common problem for doughnut enthusiasts, but ultimately never took off.

These 10 weird inventions showcase the incredible creativity and sometimes peculiar thinking of inventors throughout history. While they may not have all been practical or successful, each one adds a fascinating chapter to the story of human ingenuity.

References: 30 of the Most Bizarre Inventions in History | 15 of the world's weirdest-ever inventions