15 Strange Vintage Inventions That Didn't Catch On
Neill Lynskey
Published
03/27/2025
in
Science & Technology
Inventors are incredibly brave creatives, especially when no one likes what they've created.
During the early 20th century, technology was progressing at a rapid pace. No one could guess what would be the next big thing, so inventors were trying it all: orb-wheeled bicycles, cigarette umbrellas, radio hats, and even baby cages. They all tried and failed, but at least these things are good for a laugh today.
Here are some interesting contraptions that didn't sell well enough to stick around.
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1. Reduc'O'Matic
A portable sauna popular in the 1940s that was believed to melt fat. -
2. The Cat-Mew Machine
A device invented in 1963 that produces cat sounds, meant to keep away rodents. -
3. The Chain Smoker
Invented in the 1940s when doctors believed smoking had health benefits, this device allowed people to smoke ten cigarettes at once. -
4. Vibrating Belt Exerciser
A device featuring a vibrating belt intended to aid in weight loss by shaking the user's midsection. -
5. The radio hat
Introduced in 1949, this was a portable radio built into a pith helmet that would bring in stations within a 20-mile (32 km) radius. -
6. The Blink Test
This was invented in 1949 at Stamford University, to track blinking for researching the smog in California. -
7. Rocket Belt
A personal propulsion device allowing the wearer to fly short distances, resembling a jetpack. -
8. Baby Cage
A wireframe cage designed to be attached to the outside of apartment windows, allowing babies to get fresh air. -
9. The Cyclomer
Invented in 1932, this was an amphibious push bike that could float due to the fact it had buoys as wheels and also attached to both the front and back. -
10. Cigarette Umbrella
A small umbrella that attaches to a cigarette to shield it from rain. -
11. Gas-Powered Roller Skates
Roller skates fitted with miniature engines to propel the wearer at higher speeds. -
12. The Family Bicycle
A bicycle invented in 1939 by Charles Steinlauf as a way for the whole family to enjoy biking all at once. -
13. Siamese Shoes
Footwear invented for couples to practice ballroom dancing together. -
14. The Jetboard
A motorized surfboard invented in 1939 to teach novice surfers. -
15. TV Helmet
A helmet with an integrated screen, functioning as an early version of virtual reality headsets.
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Replay - 15 Strange Vintage Inventions That Didn't Catch On
Reduc'O'Matic
A portable sauna popular in the 1940s that was believed to melt fat.
A portable sauna popular in the 1940s that was believed to melt fat.
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