The 12 Most Bizarre Inventions That Somehow Exist
Inventors have made some unusual and unexpected things in history. Though usually entertaining, these strange ideas sometimes provide unexpected answers to common problems or highlight human inventiveness.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Though they exist and have niche applications, some inventions seem too weird to believe. Whether motivated by pure curiosity or need, these ideas challenge accepted wisdom regarding what was feasible or sensible. This article lists 12 of the most strange ideas that have somehow come to pass, each one shocks us with their oddity and application.
1. The Self-Watering Plant Pot
Teona Swift on Pexels
By utilizing a built-in reservoir, this invention lets plants water themselves. The system keeps the plant hydrated without daily watering by drawing water into the soil using capillary action. This seems unusual for those who find it difficult to keep their plants alive, but it is the ideal fix.
2. The Wearable Sleeping Bag
Marek Piwnicki on Pexels
Basically a sleeping bag with arm and leg holes, the wearable sleeping bag lets you move while staying warm. This is perfect for cold night lounging or camping excursions; though it looks strange, it’s really useful and popular among outdoor lovers.
3. The Potato Gun
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Operating under pressurized air, a potato gun launches a potato from a barrel. Though it’s usually used for entertainment or contests, it’s among the more unusual works of art to have ever been displayed. Though ridiculous, this illustrates how ordinary items might be used in unusual ways.
4. The Baby Mop
Yan Krukau on Pexels
Attached to the arms and legs, the onesie known as the baby mop lets your infant “clean” the floor while crawling. Though it’s a strange idea, it was meant to enable parents to multitask while their children are in the house.
5. The Spaghetti Fork
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Designed to whirl your spaghetti for you automatically, this unusual tool combines a fork with a motorized spinning mechanism. This is for people who enjoy technology and find the hassle of swirling pasta with a fork unacceptable.
6. The USB Pet Rock
Hempdiddy on Wikimedia
Turning the traditional pet rock into a digital-age tool, the USB pet rock is just a rock fastened to a USB cable. Though it had no useful function, some people turned this funny device, which served as a paperweight or conversation starter, into a joke tool. Its ridiculousness reminds us that occasionally, the strangest ideas become popular due to their originality.
7. The Personal Sound Bubble
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
A wearable gadget called the personal sound bubble lets the wearer enjoy podcasts or music in a private area, avoiding the disturbance of anyone close by. One of the more strange audio devices, it resembles a mix of headphones and a little dome. Though it’s more embarrassing than fashionable, this creation provides a unique answer to private listening.
8. The Beard Bib
Thgusstavo Santana on Pexels
When you cut your beard, the beard bib catches all the hair clippings, avoiding a mess in the bathroom. Though it seems like a specialized tool, men who wish to keep their grooming area neat have come to like it. For its usefulness, this oddball accessory boasts an unexpectedly strong following.
9. The Anti-Eating Mask
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
Designed to help those with overindulgence in food or discourage snacking, this creation is a mask that stops you from eating. It covers your mouth; thus, eating is impossible without the mask being taken out. Although it sounds more like a joke than a real product, some people use it to break bad eating habits.
10. The Dogbrella
Nastasia Barlit on Pexels
The Dogbrella is an umbrella that keeps your dog dry while strolling in the rain. The little canopy shields your dog from the elements while walking by attaching to their collar. Although it looks strange, pet owners who wish to ensure their furry friends remain dry on rainy days will find this sensible solution.
11. The Floating Bed
Serena Koi on Pexels
This bed is designed to float above the ground and creates a futuristic sleeping experience by being hung from magnets or another levitation method. Though they seem like something from a sci-fi film, floating beds have attracted interest for their elegant look and comfort. The floating effect is attained using strong magnetic forces or air suspension systems, a very luxurious but strange invention.
12. The Inflatable Trolley
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
The inflatable trolley is a collapsed variation of a conventional shopping cart for simplicity of storage and mobility. Though odd at first, its practicality comes through when you carry goods for picnics, beach visits, or even grocery shopping.