Category Archives: Inventions

Pool Noodle

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Pool Noodle

Pool noodles… a toy for the pool.

  • Pool noodles are lightweight inventions for use in water for both play and supportive purposes.
  • ‘Pool noodles’ are also known as ‘water logs’, ‘woggles’, ‘noodles’ and ‘water woggles’.
  • Pool noodles are made of foam, most often polyethylene based; and they are often flexible enough to be bent, and they float in water.
  • Pool noodles are often hollow, which can allow for several to be connected together, using specified objects.
  • The standard length of a pool noodle is approximately 160 centimetres (5.25 feet), and as it is cylindrical in shape, the diameter is 7 centimetres (2.7 inches).

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  • Due to the invention’s buoyancy, pool noodles are commonly used as flotation support in water, often when the user cannot swim, however they are not to be used without supervision, as they are not a life saving device and are classified as a ‘toy’.
  • Pool noodles are believed to have been first made and invented by Steve Hartman from Industrial Thermal Polymers in Canada’s Ontario, in the early 1980s, however Rick Koster from the same province in Canada, also claims to have been the first to have invented the toy, around the same time, although neither patented the invention.
  • Pipes can be surrounded with a pool noodle as a cheap, but practical insulator; and they have also been used as part of yard games and other purposes.
  • Pool noodles have their origins as backer rods, that fill gaps in building constructions, but they were soon adapted for use as a toy in the pool, by adding colour, and they are now available in a wide variety of bright colours, that are easily spotted in water.
  • The terms ‘water woggle’ and ‘pool noodle’ are derived from some of the first brands, ‘Water Woggle’ and ‘FunNoodle’ respectively.

 

Bibliography:
Osborne R, Uncovering the History of the Pool Noodle : Meet the Inventor, 2012, Water Crunch, http://watercrunch.com/2012/08++++/pool_noodle/
Pool Noodle, 2014, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_noodle

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Scourer

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Scourer

Just try not to hurt your wrist when scouring your pots and pans.

  • Scourers are objects used on surfaces, often on food dishes like pots and pans, to clean or remove marks or food residue.
  • ‘Scourers’ are also known as ‘scouring pads’ and ‘scourer pads’, and historically, fine steel wool was, and is still used for scouring purposes, although it tends to disintegrate quickly.
  • The shape of scourers typically ranges from rectangular prisms in various heights, to rough, flexible flattened spheres or balls.
  • Modern scourers are generally made of coiled stainless steel, or plastic or steel mesh, and some are double sided with a softer sponge surface for gripping or wiping off residue.
  • An early scourer was invented by George Watson from Illinois, in the United States, in 1908; and it was designed in particular, to scour and wax a clothes iron.

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  • The normal process of using a scourer requires the user to hold it in one’s hand, and continuously and firmly rub it on the surface to be cleaned, sometimes with the addition of water or cleaning solution.
  • The process of scouring can cause pain in the arm, wrist and hand, due to the constant scrubbing movement.
  • Scourers should not be used on surfaces that have a special coating, like non-stick pans and dishes, which can easily be scrubbed off.
  • A number of scourers were invented in the 1920s; and notable inventor Russell Kingman from New Jersey in the United States, filed some of the earliest patents for various scouring implements during that time, some of which our modern ones are based on.
  • Scouring can cause one’s skin to become irritated; and rubber gloves are often used to avoid or lessen the problem.
Bibliography:
Kingman, R 1925, ‘Scouring Implement’, US1532904 A, 7 April, p. 1, Google Patents, Google
Scouring Pad, 2014, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scouring_pad
Watson, G 1909, ‘Waxing and Scouring Pad’, US926789 A, 6 July, p. 1, Google Patents, Google

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Seam Ripper

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Seam Ripper

What are the true origins of a seam ripper?

  • Seam rippers are an item designed for breaking or undoing sewn stitches, often on seams.
  • A seam ripper is also known as a ‘stitch unpicker’, ‘quick unpic’ and a ‘quick unpick’.
  • Typically, seam rippers have two spokes, one sharp and the other blunt, connected by a handle, while the intersection is usually a sharp blade.
  • When using seam rippers, the sharp point is placed underneath the stitch and the device is pulled upwards, causing the thread to touch the blade and be cut by it; while the blunt or ball point is designed to protect the fabric that the tool comes in contact with.
  • Seam rippers where probably invented some time in the late 1800s, and one of the earliest patents for a similar tool was a thimble that had the addition of a small knife that was patented in the United States by W Miller in 1883, that was used to rip threads in a similar way; while a later patent exists for a tool designed for the sole purpose of ripping seams, in 1898 by John Fisher from Canada.

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  • Seam rippers typically range from 7 to 15 centimetres (3 to 6 inches) in length and are held with one’s fingers.
  • Although its primary purpose is to cut stitches or open up a sew seam, seam rippers can also be used to undo threads or stitches that have been incorrectly placed.
  • Seam rippers generally come with a lid, or can be inserted into a case for safe storage.
  • Seam rippers can be used to slit open button holes; to easily trim small, excess material; or to detach buttons from fabric.
  • Seam rippers come in a variety of shapes and colours, and the blade is typically made of metal, and the usually have a wooden, plastic or metal handle.

 

Bibliography:
Fisher, J 1898, ‘John Edward Fisher’, US604675 A, 24 May, p. 1, Google Patents, Google
Miller, W 1883, ‘Combined Thimble and Thread-Cutter’, US273380 A, 6 March, p. 1, Google Patents, Google
Seam Ripper, 2013, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seam_ripper
What is a Seam Ripper, 2015, WiseGEEK, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-seam-ripper.htm

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Curtain

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Curtain

Do you live in a house without a single curtain?

  • Curtains are an invention typically used to slightly or fully block light, vision, water, or a specific view.
  • ‘Curtains’ are also known as ‘drapes’, and they are typically used on windows, in doorways, in showers or on a stage.
  • Curtains are usually made of fabric of various thicknesses, and they are generally classified as ‘sheer’, ‘uncoated’ or ‘coated’.
  • Many curtains can be moved open or closed, often using human energy; by a string pulley; or mechanical interaction.
  • ‘Curtain’ comes from the word ‘cortine’, which can be translated from the Old French word for the same meaning, and it has its origins in Latin and Greek.
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Photo courtesy of Val Laird
  • Curtains have been used for thousands of years, and those called ‘portières’, were commonly draped over doorways in Ancient Greek and Roman culture.
  • Curtain designs became notably exquisite and extravagant during the Victorian era, and they were used to dress windows, as well as doorways.
  • Curtains became increasingly widespread by the 1900s, when nearly every building contained at least one curtain.
  • Colours, materials, shapes and sizes vary greatly among curtains; and different designs, particularly heights and materials, have different purposes.
  • Curtains are generally held to a specific spot using hooks, rings, buttons or rods, or a combination of these.
Bibliography:
Curtain, 2014, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtain
Curtain, 2015, Encyclopaedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/147125/curtain/

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Transmission Tower

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Transmission Tower

The transmission towers have done their work quite efficiently.

  • Transmission towers are constructed objects that are used to keep electricity lines stable and safe above the ground.
  • ‘Transmission towers’ are also known as ‘electricity pylons’, and in some circumstances they are called ‘hydro towers’.
  • Transmission towers are typically erect off the ground, and stand between 15 to 55 metres (49 to 180 ft) in height, although some can reach heights of 370 metres (1214 feet).
  • Transmission towers generally transmit electricity voltages from 66 to 230 kilovolts, and different towers are needed for different voltages.
  • Typically, wires are carried through transmission towers and are insulated with ceramic, glass, or other materials; while three or more wires can generally be held on the tower at one time.

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  • Transmission towers are generally built with a lattice-work structure and are most often made of metal, but concrete, wood, and other materials can also be used; and the towers usually include a lightening rod that directs any lightning-caused energy towards the ground.
  • Transmission towers are often marked with a notice that notes certain properties and the identification number of the specified tower; and some towers also have lights, that are used to signify their location during nighttime.
  • As at 2014, the tallest transmission towers in the world were 370 metres (1214 feet) high, found in Asia, on China’s Damao and Liangmao Islands, however there is a taller tower planned for a site on Indonesia’s island of Bali, that is proposed to reach 376 metres (1234 feet) in height.
  • Transmission towers can be constructed in position, or on the ground, and put in place using air or land based cranes.
  • Scenic views can be disrupted by the presence of transmission towers, and this is classified as visual pollution; while drops in land or house values can occur as a result.
Bibliography:
Transmission Tower, 2014, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_tower
What is a Power Transmission Tower?, 2015, WiseGEEK, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-power-transmission-tower.htm

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Military Decoration

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Military decorations look quite prestigious.

  • Military decorations are ornamental items that also represent status or achievement, awarded to and warn by members of the military.
  • Military decorations are often given as a token of recognition for courage, service and bravery during a certain situation, such as participation in a war.
  • Honours and awards, similar to military decorations can be awarded to members of the general public for their bravery and service, notably fire fighters and police.
  • The ancient Romans, Egyptians and Celts awarded military decorations to their soldiers and military leaders.
  • The Polish award named the ‘War Order of Virtuti Militari’, the Latin term for ‘military virtue’, first bestowed in 1792, is among the earliest and most senior military decorations still available for nomination.

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  • Military decorations are sometimes illegally replicated, sold and worn, and the offence can lead to serious consequences like jail.
  • Bravery, campaign and service awards, are common military decorations awarded today, and orders of merit can also be awarded, although they are not necessarily restricted to the military.
  • Military decorations often come in the form of ribbons, badges or medals, and multiple decorations are often worn at a time.
  • Awardees of military decorations are typically nominated by someone not directly related to the recipient, typically submitted to the government’s military department by other military personnel.
  • Military decorations come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, and stars, crosses and circles are common shapes.
Bibliography:
Military Awards and Decorations, 2014, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_awards_and_decorations
Military Honours and Awards, n.d., The British Monarchy, http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/MilitaryHonoursandAwards/MilitaryHonoursandAwards.aspx

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