“Body-Connected Bike"Media Platforms Design TeamPatent Number: 6,805,657 B2Date of Patent: Oct. 19, 2004 This idea takes two separate wheels and connects them with a body. The front wheel has a set of handlebars centered through the middle of the wheel, and the back has a small platform on which the rider can kneel. When mounted, the end result looks like a low-tech version of the Tron Light Cycle. “Sealed Crustless Sandwich"Media Platforms Design TeamPatent Number: 6,004,596Date of Patent: Dec. 21, 1999 As the name suggests, this patent is basically a PB&J with the crust cut off and the edges crimped to keep the filling from dripping out. Generic-sounding? You bet. In fact, according to Wikipedia, Smucker’s (which owns the patent and put the product to market under the name Uncrustables), sent a cease-and-desist letter in 2001 to a small grocery store in Michigan, demanding they stop serving a similar product. Rather than give in, the store took the food giant to federal court, pointing out that a similar food had been popular in northern Michigan since the 19th century.“Device for the Quick and Easy Use of a Small Cellular Telephone"Media Platforms Design TeamPatent Number: 6,796,467 B2Date of Patent: Sept. 28, 2004 If Wolverine had his adamantium claws replaced with a cellphone, it might end up looking like this. When a call comes in, this vibration-activated quick-draw device pops a phone up from inside the user’s sleeve and into their palm. When the call is finished, the cellphone slides back into its original position. “Golf Alignment Trainer"Media Platforms Design TeamPatent Number: 6,390,823 B1Date of Patent: May 21, 2002 “A device for training a golfer not to turn his head as he hits the ball, including a visor that snaps down in front of the golfer’s face and interrupts his line of sight to the ball.” In other words, the golfer wears blinders—like a horse. “Desk and Removable Bullet-Resistant Desktop Shield"Media Platforms Design TeamPatent Number: 6,170,379Date of Patent: Jan. 9, 2001 Worried about a workplace assassination? This bulletproof shield attaches to a desk frame, offering pencil pushers cover from crossfire.
