Comments on: The Quick 10: 10 Questionable Patents

By: Harry Seaward

Harry Seaward — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Jeff, I would assume that is why it was included on the list.

By: Traci

Traci — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:04:00 +0000

I have never commented but upon seeing the bird diaper patent felt compelled. I am currently owned by a 7 year old African Grey Parrot named Junior. When he was about 3 months old I attempted to put the birdie diaper (or flight suit as they are also called) on him. To this day I still carry a scar on my thumb. Apparently they are not for the birds!!!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:48:00 +0000

I’m no scientist, but for the unfurled cloth to suffocate the fire, isn’t it going to by necessity suffocate everyone inside? The process of combustion is much more efficient at drawing oxygen from stale air than human lungs are.

By: dangermouse

dangermouse — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:38:00 +0000

As soon as I saw this patent on the website I thought of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal… Turns out he’s the patent owner! Guess it hasn’t saved him from spiraling into bankruptcy yet…

“US05255452
Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion

A system for allowing a shoe wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity”

By: Metricula

Metricula — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:04:00 +0000

I’m a parrot owner and am familiar with bird diapers.

I don’t use them. I think they’re silly and don’t save much time cleaning. I think most bird owners will agree that the biggest source of mess is seeds and feathers.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:54:00 +0000

It’s not just amazing that these became patents – it’s amazing that someone is willing to spend $15,000 to $50,000 to patent them.

Check out patents:
3,216,423 – Childbirth centrifuge
4,150,505 – Bird trap and cat feeder. Guess what the cat eats…
5,743,272 – Male nipple protector
6,161,223 – Separable pants
7,089,601 – Buttock enhancer

For even wackier items, check out the things that are on file but aren’t patents (yet, or ever?). Follow the link on my name to the USPTO site and search for these numbers:

20060281543 – Electroshock slot machine
20060072226 – Clairvoyance machine
20060014125 – How to walk through walls
20030209635 – Hyperspace generator (diagram appears to be Dalek in origin)

By: stacy

stacy — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:43:00 +0000

@Lou – I agree. I think heated ice cream scoops are pretty smart (and in production).

By: Lou

Lou — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:54:00 +0000

I looked at that web link…some of those patents aren’t so obscure. They are now selling biodegradable finger-tip toothbrushes…so maybe that guy was onto something!

By: Mor

Mor — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Actually, those bird diapers are somewhat popular with bird owners. I’ve heard many people swear by them.