View Full Version : Share Your Ideas: Inventions or Other Stuff
Captain Steel
09-24-22, 10:11 PM
I always have ideas for stuff (and I know you do to), but I rarely write them down - so this is a place to record and share them. They can be ideas for new inventions, ways to improve on things that already exist, or just better ways to do things.
Citizen Rules
09-24-22, 10:15 PM
I often have spur of the moment brain storms for inventions or improvements on existing stuff, but then I promptly forget them. I'm trying to remember some now, but I can't. If I can recall any I will post them.
Captain Steel
09-24-22, 10:27 PM
I often have spur of the moment brain storms for inventions or improvements on existing stuff, but then I promptly forget them. I'm trying to remember some now, but I can't. If I can recall any I will post them.
That's what this thread is for.
Since this summer's heatwave & drought have ended, I've done a lot of lawn mowing & edging lately, and I always wish there was a lawn mower with some kind of an edger built in so you could do both at once. Maybe it already exists.
I'm not an engineer, but envision a lawn mower with built-in levers on the sides of the handles that could lower some sort of vertically-aligned edging blade (preferably located under a cover like the mower blades, and obviously outside of their radius) along designated areas... and guides on the front & back of the mower showing you where to align it so your edger is in the right spot.
And the mower blades would create the suction to get rid of all the edging debris (either suck it up into a mower bag or disperse it) just like it does the cut grass.
Captain Steel
09-25-22, 12:08 AM
Combos:
I wonder why there isn't a sunscreen lotion or spray that also serves as an insect repellent?
Since I work outdoors in buggy areas, I usually have to put on both.
(Maybe the chemicals for the desired protections aren't compatible).
Also, there are these ultra mouthwashes out now that "do it all", so I wonder why they don't include the treatment for tooth sensitivity in them? I think the chemical in toothpastes like Sensodyne is potassium nitrate which desensitizes nerves under teeth to pain. So why not put that in a mouthwash with fluoride (to strengthen teeth), whitener to whiten teeth, and all the stuff that gives you fresh breath & fights gingivitis? (Again, perhaps the answer is that all these different chemicals would not react well with each other),
I do remember asking my dentist why they don't make a mouthwash for tooth sensitivity (as it would probably penetrate deeper as a liquid and you could hold it in your mouth longer than toothpaste) and his answer was... "Hmmm? I don't know!"
Mr Minio
09-25-22, 10:05 AM
I'm not gonna give you my genius ideas for you to steal!
Captain Steel
09-25-22, 03:02 PM
I'm not gonna give you my genius ideas for you to steal!
I did consider this. ;)
But with things like my combo lawnmower / edger idea - I'd never be able to design or build one myself, but if someone else took the idea and was able to construct such a contraption that worked well - that's something I would buy.
Stirchley
09-26-22, 02:19 PM
I think the chemical in toothpastes like Sensodyne is potassium nitrate which desensitizes nerves under teeth to pain.
Going off topic, the “catch” with products like Sensodyne toothpaste is that once one’s teeth are sensitized to Sensodyne, no other toothpaste can be used without discomfort. I know this from experience. 🤦
Citizen Rules
09-26-22, 03:01 PM
I finally remembered an idea I had for a product improvement.
Wheel chairs with hydraulic lifts. That way a person who's in a wheel chair can raise the height of the seat so that their head is at a similar height to people who are standing. Image a person confined to a wheel chair going to a party or social event where everyone is standing. A press of a switch and built in hydraulic lifts could raise the seat portion so that eye to eye level contact is possible.
This also would be could for a wheel chair bound person shopping, by raising the height of the seat they could easily reach items on shelves that otherwise would be out of reach.
John Dumbear
09-26-22, 03:13 PM
Always thought opening up a bar in a laundrymat or a hospital would be a cash cow.
Stirchley
09-26-22, 03:21 PM
Always thought opening up a bar in a laundrymat or a hospital would be a cash cow.
Just as long as the physicians are not allowed in the bar, I guess it’s okay. :rolleyes:
I don't have a serious answer, except to say it always amuses me when someone has an idea, but the hard part is clearly making the thing and the idea itself is less an insight than it is "wouldn't it be nice if we had this?"
John Dumbear
09-26-22, 03:33 PM
My cousin made huge $$$ with his invention. It was so dumb and easy. He owned a bowling alley and thought of putting drain tiles in the gutters, so kids wouldn't get frustrated with the sport.
Every establishment has them now.
Citizen Rules
09-26-22, 03:41 PM
My cousin made huge $$$ with his invention. It was so dumb and easy. He owned a bowling alley and thought of putting drain tiles in the gutters, so kids wouldn't get frustrated with the sport.
Every establishment has them now.Huh? I've been bowling but I don't get it:eek:
Captain Steel
09-26-22, 03:41 PM
I don't have a serious answer, except to say it always amuses me when someone has an idea, but the hard part is clearly making the thing and the idea itself is less an insight than it is "wouldn't it be nice if we had this?"
That last part is pretty much what the thread is all about.
"Wouldn't it be nice" (credits to Brian Wilson & Tony Asher) ;)
The problem lies in the fact that although ALMOST anything is possible, a lot of things aren't feasible or practical, especially in the area of cost effectiveness and the assessment of investment vs. risk.
What I find really neat is when creative people bypass the process and create something at home, for themselves but not necessarily to sell or mass produce.
Captain Steel
09-26-22, 03:43 PM
My cousin made huge $$$ with his invention. It was so dumb and easy. He owned a bowling alley and thought of putting drain tiles in the gutters, so kids wouldn't get frustrated with the sport.
Every establishment has them now.
I am also confused. "drain tiles"?
John Dumbear
09-26-22, 03:47 PM
https://imgproxy.geocaching.com/b11ebdfbd31a344213d48f58c1d5a9564e5cac87?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.made-in-china.com%2F44f3j00cQETFqNzJfbk%2FBowling-Product-Manual-Control-Bowling-Bumper-Bowling-NC-BE105-.jpg
Many use bars now that fold up for kids. But he started it with drain tiles, which are :
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7ZoO6UIOleLMtc_WjR6xbVOhBoDd6RsrD6Q&usqp=CAU
These would lay in the gutters and a kids ball would just bounce off them.
Citizen Rules
09-26-22, 04:48 PM
https://imgproxy.geocaching.com/b11ebdfbd31a344213d48f58c1d5a9564e5cac87?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.made-in-china.com%2F44f3j00cQETFqNzJfbk%2FBowling-Product-Manual-Control-Bowling-Bumper-Bowling-NC-BE105-.jpg
Many use bars now that fold up for kids. But he started it with drain tiles, which are :
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7ZoO6UIOleLMtc_WjR6xbVOhBoDd6RsrD6Q&usqp=CAU
These would lay in the gutters and a kids ball would just bounce off them.Oh I see! That is really clever.
matt72582
09-26-22, 07:47 PM
So many, and yeah, with so many lurking, it's probably not the best idea to put them out.. As a kid, I invented our "TV Constitution" and a sport I got my brother to comply with, learn, and play.
My latest ideas are social experiments, or artistic ideas. They all cost money, so for now, it's just a little bit of music collaboration.
Captain Steel
06-16-24, 10:00 PM
Instead of a "Squatty Potty" foot stand that you have to move about your bathroom (and which creates a trip hazard in the dark), there should be...
A new standard for all toilets - they come with a hydraulic footrest in front that is inlaid to the floor tiles so it's flat when not in use, but when needed (at the push of a button) the plate will rise anywhere between 6 inches and 2 feet - so you can adjust it to whatever height you prefer.
But wait, there's more... maybe you're done, but just want to relax a while and read or do some paperwork or use your tablet or laptop while on the bowl... well, just straddle your legs & raise the "footrest" to its customized maximum height and it becomes a convenient table, bookrest or desk! A central hydraulic bar raises & lowers it - so at it's highest position you can put you legs back under it and it's just like sitting at a desk!
Now, we just need a name for it.
FilmBuff
06-17-24, 09:39 AM
Someone should invent a device that served as a mobile phone, video camera and music player all at once.
Captain Steel
06-17-24, 05:22 PM
Instead of a "Squatty Potty" foot stand that you have to move about your bathroom (and which creates a trip hazard in the dark), there should be...
A new standard for all toilets - they come with a hydraulic footrest in front that is inlaid to the floor tiles so it's flat when not in use, but when needed (at the push of a button) the plate will rise anywhere between 6 inches and 2 feet - so you can adjust it to whatever height you prefer.
But wait, there's more... maybe you're done, but just want to relax a while and read or do some paperwork or use your tablet or laptop while on the bowl... well, just straddle your legs & raise the "footrest" to its customized maximum height and it becomes a convenient table, bookrest or desk! A central hydraulic bar raises & lowers it - so at it's highest position you can put you legs back under it and it's just like sitting at a desk!
Now, we just need a name for it.
I need to revise this "invention" - for some reason I forgot that when people use the bowl their underwear & pants are down around their ankles so you can't have some centralized bar raise the footrest to the height of a desk in between their legs, so nix that part of the idea. (I still like the first part though as a serious concept).
For the toilet desk, (with the idea now a whole separate luxury) it could be just like a toddler's highchair! The table or desk top comes down from above. In its upright, stored position it could have a mirror on the underside of the table and look like a typical bathroom fixture. After sitting, the bars on each side of the table-top could be lowered and the table pulled inward to give you a snug little desk / reading table / tablet holder, etc., while on the toilet! :D
Mr Minio
06-17-24, 06:02 PM
Someone should invent a device that served as a mobile phone, video camera and music player all at once. Suuure, and what else? Browsing social media? Keep on dreaming!
FilmBuff
06-17-24, 06:06 PM
Suuure, and what else? Browsing social media? Keep on dreaming!
Hey, come to think of it, that's not a bad idea. Maybe throw in a flashlight, too!
Citizen Rules
06-17-24, 09:39 PM
I need to revise this "invention" - for some reason I forgot that when people use the bowl their underwear & pants are down around their ankles so you can't have some centralized bar raise the footrest to the height of a desk in between their legs, so nix that part of the idea. (I still like the first part though as a serious concept).
For the toilet desk, (with the idea now a whole separate luxury) it could be just like a toddler's highchair! The table or desk top comes down from above. In its upright, stored position it could have a mirror on the underside of the table and look like a typical bathroom fixture. After sitting, the bars on each side of the table-top could be lowered and the table pulled inward to give you a snug little desk / reading table / tablet holder, etc., while on the toilet! :DCaptain, that's the grosses idea for an invention that I've ever heard.:eek: Ugh!:D
ScannerDarkly
06-18-24, 02:00 AM
Also toilet related, I thought maybe we should have some sort of foot pedal to lift toilet seats in public restrooms, but then i thought about it getting dirty and the idea falls apart.
I need to revise this "invention" - for some reason I forgot that when people use the bowl their underwear & pants are down around their ankles so you can't have some centralized bar raise the footrest to the height of a desk in between their legs, so nix that part of the idea. (I still like the first part though as a serious concept).
For the toilet desk, (with the idea now a whole separate luxury) it could be just like a toddler's highchair! The table or desk top comes down from above. In its upright, stored position it could have a mirror on the underside of the table and look like a typical bathroom fixture. After sitting, the bars on each side of the table-top could be lowered and the table pulled inward to give you a snug little desk / reading table / tablet holder, etc., while on the toilet! :DI like this idea, but I think it could be improved even further. The desk should have both USB and traditional power outlets and should have enough space to accomodate a small refrigerator. Assuming you have someone and/or a service to keep the refrigerator stocked, you would never have to get up.
Captain Steel
06-18-24, 06:04 PM
Also toilet related, I thought maybe we should have some sort of foot pedal to lift toilet seats in public restrooms, but then i thought about it getting dirty and the idea falls apart.
I'd like to combine our two ideas... in not-in-use position, toilets would be high (for easy getting on & off), but when in use, the footplate would come up from the floor while the bowl itself would simultaneously lower (putting you in perfect position for what they say is the optimum "posture" for healthy evacuation).
When you're done, you hit a button, the footplate goes back down (flat with the floor) and the toilet comes up (helping those who have a hard time getting up from the seated position).
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