Many inventions have made our lives better. Inventions like the internet changed the world forever. However others are simply useless. Here are some completely unnecessary inventions.
We usually get paint from cans. But someone had the absurd idea of putting hair in a can. Hair in a Can was supposed to help people spray on hair to cover up bald spots on their heads. But actually, it looked just like using spray paint on the head. Turns out it isn't a great look!
There's nothing better than sitting on the sofa with a blanket. But there's just one problem. Your hands get cold when you need to use them. Do you have this problem too? Well, the Snuggie is for you!
The Snuggie is a blanket with sleeves. You can use the blanket without having to take out your hands. It might look unconventional, but it sure works! There is even a Snuggie for dogs.
Wigs are usually found on humans. They are great for people without hair, people who want to try a new hairstyle, or even people who want to get dressed up. But I bet you've never seen an animal with enough style to wear a wig. Well, someone has invented wigs for cats.
Wigs for cats come in many colours and styles. Kitty Wigs has many photos of cats wearing these wigs, some of which are rather humorous. What is the purpose of these wigs? That's anyone's guess!
Many kids want a pet. But many can't get one because their parents say no. If that's you, this might be the perfect pet for you. Curious? Meet the newest member of your family: a pet rock!
Some of these pet rocks have eyes and faces, and others are colourful. They are very easy to look after. They don't make a mess. You'll never even have to take it to a vet. Maybe a pet rock isn't as strange as it sounds…
In Japanese, there is a word to describe these inventions. They are called chindogu. Chindogu is made up of two words: chin, meaning curious or strange, and dogu, meaning device or tool.
Chindogu are strange inventions. But they are not entirely useless. They must have some function. But that is just one of the rules of chindogu. In fact, there are 10 tenets to which all devices must adhere if they wish to be classed as chindogu. Here are the following 9:
The inventions must be made. They are about free thought, not efficiency and utility. They must be recognised as useless by all. They must not be for sale. Humor must be a side effect, not the main purpose. They are not to be used as a statement. They cannot be rude. They cannot be patented. They cannot favour race, gender, or class.
Perhaps the most famous example of chindogu is the butter stick. Don't have a knife? Don't have time to butter your toast? Grab the butter stick instead. Who knows what else could work in stick form? On second thought, a soggy mustard stick doesn't sound great!
There are many silly inventions out there. Do you know any?