Admittedly, much like Lydia Dietz (yes, a Beetlejuice reference), we’re big fans of the strange and unusual, which got us thinking: what are some of the strangest and most unusual inventions? Let’s just say, we weren’t disappointed. And knowing there had to be a ton out there, especially spanning over decades, we decided to compile a little list of our favorites so let’s get started.
Urban Window Baby Cage
City babies need fresh air too, right? Well in the 1930s doctors began recommending babies get fresh air believing that if babies got a sufficient amount, this type of exposure would boost their immune systems; but dangling them several stories above busy city streets? Probably could have executed this differently.
The Straw Hat Radio
Invented in 1931, this invention was just what you think: a radio stored in a straw hat. Needless to say, this straw hat radio wasn’t a huge hit, and while some blamed it on the depression, we can’t help but think it just wasn’t practical. But hey, maybe we could credit the portable straw hat radio for paving the way for the evolution of portable music listening abilities.
Spaghetti Aid
We can all agree that eating spaghetti can be a messy job, enter the spaghetti aid, a device that would wind your noodles for you with a small crank. While this invention may be laughable, the spaghetti aid just got a battery-powered reboot a few years ago.
The Cyclomer
Have you ever wanted to hop in the ocean but not leave your bike behind? Us either, but apparently there was a market for this in Paris in the early 1930s. The bike supposedly worked on land and sea and could carry a load of up to 120 lbs.
Hangover Mask
The year was 1947 and the goal was to help those suffering from a hangover by providing a cooling face mask made of ice cubes. We aren’t sure of the science behind this, but allow us to recommend simply drinking less.
Piano for the Bed-Ridden
Just as it sounds, this 1935 invention was designed to enable anyone ill and/or bedridden to still be able to play the piano. Unfortunately, this invention never made it out of the prototype stage, but it made for some pretty ominous old photographs.