Have you ever heard someone use the term, chindōgu? This Japanese term literally translates to unusual tool. These are tools that might be useful and work, but they are strange and impractical. Kenji ...

With hits like the Dyson Airwrap, Stanley ice cube trays, and the Ninja Creami, innovation in the 21st century is at an all-time high. Many of these inventions stand out for their clever design or ...

From smart egg trays to Bluetooth toasters, explore 18 inventions from the last decade that prove some tech is just a bit too ...

Hundreds of thousands of patents are issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for new inventions every year. Some of these creations, such as the lightbulb, personal computer, and automobile, ...

Human ingenuity knows no bounds. Throughout history, brilliant minds have tackled challenges ranging from curing diseases to exploring space. Yet for every revolutionary breakthrough that changes the ...

The shockwatch of 1927 walked so Apple Watch could run. When we think of wearables, the first things that come to mind are smartwatches and smart rings. But wearables weren’t invented in the 21st ...

Hugo Gernsback was a pioneer in the world of science fiction during the first half of the 20th century—so much so that the Hugo Awards are named after him. But Gernback also edited serious tech ...

An invention to keep from splattering your clothes and hair with broth as you slurp your noodles. Also worthwhile if you want your friends to think you are a flower. Chindogu are Japanese inventions ...

Includes drawings of unusual inventions submitted to the patent office with clues to aid the reader in guessing the purpose of each invention. https://siris-libraries ...