12 Amazing Inventions of the Past That Will Bring a Smile Today (12 photos)

Some inventions make you wonder: "Why do we need this at all?" Here is a selection of strange ideas that are more funny than impressive.





Meowing Machine

This device was invented in Japan. It is called Cat-Mew and is designed to scare away domestic rodents. The device is equipped with a 2 W motor, and when electricity is supplied, it begins to meow loudly.

A Bicycle with a Pyrotechnic Engine



The most amazing thing is that this device was created in 1931. German engineer Richter installed a structure of 12 pyrotechnic rockets on his bicycle. Richter managed to reach a speed of 90 km/h, and then the installation exploded, sending Richter... no, not to the next world, but into a ditch. Having received a few scratches, the engineer decided not to tempt fate anymore.

Automatic Phrenometer





And this device was intended for measuring the head. The device measured the skull, and based on the measurements, the phrenologist made a conclusion about the person's personality: whether he was a criminal or not, whether he had outstanding abilities or not, what kind of work he was fit for. Phrenology was considered a real science in those days. :)

Donut Stick



In the 1950s, the US had a serious problem with Doughnut Dunkers. The problem was that the sauce from the donuts always got on your tie or chest. So engineer Russell E. Oakes came up with a special device for eating donuts without getting your clothes dirty.

Dog Trap



Maybe the inventor was a veterinarian? Then there is at least some sense in this device. But if you just look at the picture, only one question arises: why?

Head Typing



This device was intended for disabled people who wanted to take up writing. It's a good thing, but try nodding your head just like that - here you have to purposefully pound on the tight keys of a typewriter. Could it be that this device will add new diseases?

Hooked Hands



But this invention could be a real breakthrough. Hooked hands were invented by employees of the US nuclear center for working with radioactive materials. And here a scientist demonstrates the precision of mechanical hands, conducting a session of "remote" shaving.

Double mouthpiece



The double mouthpiece allowed two people to smoke one cigarette at the same time. The idea, to put it mildly, was strange: the smell of tobacco did not bring people together as the author assumed, and the device was inconvenient to use.

Luminous wheels



This invention was supposed to make cars more visible at night. Small bulbs were built into the wheels, which glowed while driving. However, the lifespan of the bulbs was extremely short, and constantly replacing them turned out to be expensive and inconvenient.

Mask for playing cards



If emotions are hard to hide, and keeping a stone face is vital - here is the solution! This mask was supposed to help poker players remain unperturbed. In fact, it looked so comical that it caused laughter among opponents rather than helping to win the game.

Tip collecting machine



American Russell Oakes (the creator of the donut stick) decided to make life easier for waiters by inventing a machine that collected tips. The device resembled a piggy bank with a fun mechanism: a coin fell inside, and the machine made a melodic sound. But the idea failed - customers were embarrassed by such a "persistent" request, and waiters joked that it was easier to smile than to fiddle with the machine.

Female breast with a heartbeat



No, this is not a toy for adults. This is an artificial breast with a heartbeat for babies. The device imitated the warmth of the mother's body and heartbeat, helping babies feel calmer and fall asleep faster.