by Kathleen M. Muldoon
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The next time you enjoy watching television, say a big “Thank you!” to Philo Farnsworth. He’s the fellow who, in 1920 at age 14, began thinking about how to capture and transmit the sounds and images of people and things in the world around him. His invention of a “dissector tube” led to production of the first television. A version of his tube is still used in televisions today.
Of course, Philo is no longer living, but he is still remembered as one of the several child inventors whose creative minds have produced inventions that have enriched all our lives.
Have you ever played Monopoly, Risk, Clue, or Sorry? If you own one of those games, you’ll notice the words “Parker Brothers” on the box. It might surprise you to know that George Parker invented his first game, Banking, in 1883. He was 15 years old, and he earned $100 profit selling those games. When he turned 16, he and his brother Charles began their own game publishing company. It was so successful that George’s older brother Edward soon became part of Parker Brothers. By the time he died in 1953, George had invented more than 100 games, earning him and his brothers millions of dollars.
There have, of course, been silly inventions, although I’m sure their creators were quite serious when they began working to create a totally new product. One of the more recent inventions that cracks me up was created in 1993. The inventor called his brainchild “Toilet Landing Lights.” He created it for those who have difficulty “missing” the commode at night. A few others that tickle my funny bone are:
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• Alarm Fork, which prevents the user from eating too fast
• Wearable Dog House, which hangs down the front of the pet owner, allowing him or her to take Bowser to special events without having to bother with a leash
• Fly Swatter with Sound Effects, which lets users know with screeches and moans that they’ve hit their target
• Drinking Vessel with Sound Effects, which burps while users are drinking from it I’ve had ideas for inventions, but I never thought mine were as foolish as those above.
One idea I have every time it rains is an umbrella that would somehow fit into a shoulder clamp. I’m tired of getting wet! Since both hands grip my crutches, I don’t have a third hand to carry an umbrella. When I used a wheelchair, I worked out a way to prop up an umbrella, using my back to hold it upright. But that doesn’t work with crutches!
Fortunately, it doesn’t rain too often in Texas. Even if it did, however, I wouldn’t know how to begin designing some sort of shoulder clamp that wouldn’t slip and decapitate me. A mathematical, engineering mind is needed to create such a design. So if any of you have such a mind, feel free to take my idea and put your name on it. Just be sure to send me one of your shoulder umbrella holders for my payment.
I imagine some of you have ideas for inventions. I’d like to hear them, whether they’re silly or serious. In a short paragraph, describe your idea and who might benefit from such an invention. E-mail this to action@unitedspinal.org or mail it to:
Kids in Action
United Spinal Association
75-20 Astoria Boulevard kids in action!
Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177
Look for some cool ideas of new products in a future issue of Action. And don’t wait for it to rain-begin designing your invention now!
Kathleen M. Muldoon is a children’s book author and writing instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.
