24 Bizarre Inventions With No Staying Power

Cameron Fetter Published Yesterday in Funny

Human ingenuity is nearly boundless, with new technological advancements coming seemingly every day. We also create things like the Yodel Meter. Well, they can’t all be winners.

These zany inventions are all over the place, but they all share one quality: they have not stood the test of time. Take a look at some of the strangest ideas throughout history that people have brought to life

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1. Siamese dancing shoes
These Siamese dancing shoes, created in 1981, were likely a joke. They would also likely make you and your boo look like a joke on the dance floor.
2. Churchill’s Pressurized Egg
Before aircraft pressurization was mainstream, Winston Churchill had scientists build him a special pressurized egg to keep him healthy during aviation. It was rejected for its size and weight, and honestly, probably also for its weirdness.
3. V-shaped bed
The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.
4. Glowing tires
The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.
5. Spring shoes
Created in the 1930s. Let’s be real: if these don’t help you jump higher, then what’s the point?
6. Rain goggles for race car drivers
These goggles from the 1930s had built-in wipers to clear off rain. They were overtaken by a more well-known invention– the windshield.
7. Anti-bandit briefcase
This anti-bandit briefcase from the 1950s would launch its contents across the ground if a thief tried to grab it. You’d better hope nobody tries to rob you while it’s raining!
8. Dynasphere
British inventor John Purves created the Dynasphere in the early 1930s. It could hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. It had only one wheel, but somehow still couldn’t fit in a garage.
9. Chain smoking device
An invention from the 1950s that allowed the user to inhale multiple cigarettes at once. For those impatient smokers who just don’t feel like waiting around for lung cancer.
10. Family bicycle
Invented by Charles Steinlauf in 1932. Even on a bike ride, the wife is expected to be using the sewing machine.
11. The Yodel Meter
Circa 1925. Finally a way to tell how yodel-y a yodeller’s yodels are, on a scale from 0-100.
12. Urban window baby cage
Used in the 1930s, it was dubbed by Time as one of the 50 worst inventions of all time, even though it provides overworked mothers with a few peaceful minutes of quiet.
13. Massage helmet
An air-powered scalp massager from the 1960s. Also protects from psychic intrusion.
14. Gas-resistant stroller
For protection from gas attacks during wartime in England, 1938. Don’t tap the glass.
15. Folding bridge for emergencies
The Netherlands, 1926. Before this invention, if an emergency happened on the other side of a small river, you’d have to throw up your hands and watch helplessly.
16. Gun camera
Invented in 1938, this device took a picture at the moment you pulled the trigger. I don’t know about you, but I’m at my most photogenic with a gun in my face.
17. Fan-powered car
Created in the 1910s, this fan-powered car was not a big hit. All I can imagine is dozens of pedestrians on the sidewalk being blown to the ground as this thing drives by at a cool 15 miles per hour.
18. Piano for the bedridden
Designed in 1935 for use by people who were confined to their bed by sickness, but also very useful for people who are too lazy to get up in the morning but still feel like performing a toccata.
19. All-terrain car
Designed in 1936 to descend slopes of up to 65 degrees. This thing looks like a semi-truck just sneezed.
20. Amphibious bike
This bizarre-looking vehicle was invented in 1932. For riding into the ocean while wearing a full suit, never to be seen again.
21. Monocycle
One-wheel motorcycle, invented in Germany in 1925. Look, I know I went from a tricycle to a bicycle as I got older, but I’m good sticking with two wheels for now.
22. Swimming tires
Bicycle tires used as swimming aids in 1925. I don’t know about the function, but the fashion definitely isn’t its strong suit.
23. Spaghetti Aid
The Spaghetti Aid, invented in 1955, was designed to help twirl pasta on your fork. Or you could, you know, just turn your fork.
24. Portable radio hat
Invented in 1931. The old-timey equivalent of blasting your bluetooth speaker on the subway.

1. Siamese dancing shoes
These Siamese dancing shoes, created in 1981, were likely a joke. They would also likely make you and your boo look like a joke on the dance floor.
2. Churchill’s Pressurized Egg
Before aircraft pressurization was mainstream, Winston Churchill had scientists build him a special pressurized egg to keep him healthy during aviation. It was rejected for its size and weight, and honestly, probably also for its weirdness.
3. V-shaped bed
The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.
4. Glowing tires
The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.
5. Spring shoes
Created in the 1930s. Let’s be real: if these don’t help you jump higher, then what’s the point?
6. Rain goggles for race car drivers
These goggles from the 1930s had built-in wipers to clear off rain. They were overtaken by a more well-known invention– the windshield.
7. Anti-bandit briefcase
This anti-bandit briefcase from the 1950s would launch its contents across the ground if a thief tried to grab it. You’d better hope nobody tries to rob you while it’s raining!
8. Dynasphere
British inventor John Purves created the Dynasphere in the early 1930s. It could hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. It had only one wheel, but somehow still couldn’t fit in a garage.
9. Chain smoking device
An invention from the 1950s that allowed the user to inhale multiple cigarettes at once. For those impatient smokers who just don’t feel like waiting around for lung cancer.
10. Family bicycle
Invented by Charles Steinlauf in 1932. Even on a bike ride, the wife is expected to be using the sewing machine.
11. The Yodel Meter
Circa 1925. Finally a way to tell how yodel-y a yodeller’s yodels are, on a scale from 0-100.
12. Urban window baby cage
Used in the 1930s, it was dubbed by Time as one of the 50 worst inventions of all time, even though it provides overworked mothers with a few peaceful minutes of quiet.
13. Massage helmet
An air-powered scalp massager from the 1960s. Also protects from psychic intrusion.
14. Gas-resistant stroller
For protection from gas attacks during wartime in England, 1938. Don’t tap the glass.
15. Folding bridge for emergencies
The Netherlands, 1926. Before this invention, if an emergency happened on the other side of a small river, you’d have to throw up your hands and watch helplessly.
16. Gun camera
Invented in 1938, this device took a picture at the moment you pulled the trigger. I don’t know about you, but I’m at my most photogenic with a gun in my face.
17. Fan-powered car
Created in the 1910s, this fan-powered car was not a big hit. All I can imagine is dozens of pedestrians on the sidewalk being blown to the ground as this thing drives by at a cool 15 miles per hour.
18. Piano for the bedridden
Designed in 1935 for use by people who were confined to their bed by sickness, but also very useful for people who are too lazy to get up in the morning but still feel like performing a toccata.
19. All-terrain car
Designed in 1936 to descend slopes of up to 65 degrees. This thing looks like a semi-truck just sneezed.
20. Amphibious bike
This bizarre-looking vehicle was invented in 1932. For riding into the ocean while wearing a full suit, never to be seen again.
21. Monocycle
One-wheel motorcycle, invented in Germany in 1925. Look, I know I went from a tricycle to a bicycle as I got older, but I’m good sticking with two wheels for now.
22. Swimming tires
Bicycle tires used as swimming aids in 1925. I don’t know about the function, but the fashion definitely isn’t its strong suit.
23. Spaghetti Aid
The Spaghetti Aid, invented in 1955, was designed to help twirl pasta on your fork. Or you could, you know, just turn your fork.
24. Portable radio hat
Invented in 1931. The old-timey equivalent of blasting your bluetooth speaker on the subway.

These Siamese dancing shoes, created in 1981, were likely a joke. They would also likely make you and your boo look like a joke on the dance floor.

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These Siamese dancing shoes, created in 1981, were likely a joke. They would also likely make you and your boo look like a joke on the dance floor.

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1. Siamese dancing shoes These Siamese dancing shoes, created in 1981, were likely a joke. They would also likely make you and your boo look like a joke on the dance floor.

2. Churchill’s Pressurized Egg Before aircraft pressurization was mainstream, Winston Churchill had scientists build him a special pressurized egg to keep him healthy during aviation. It was rejected for its size and weight, and honestly, probably also for its weirdness.

3. V-shaped bed The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.

4. Glowing tires The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.

5. Spring shoes Created in the 1930s. Let’s be real: if these don’t help you jump higher, then what’s the point?

6. Rain goggles for race car drivers These goggles from the 1930s had built-in wipers to clear off rain. They were overtaken by a more well-known invention– the windshield.

7. Anti-bandit briefcase This anti-bandit briefcase from the 1950s would launch its contents across the ground if a thief tried to grab it. You’d better hope nobody tries to rob you while it’s raining!

8. Dynasphere British inventor John Purves created the Dynasphere in the early 1930s. It could hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. It had only one wheel, but somehow still couldn’t fit in a garage.

9. Chain smoking device An invention from the 1950s that allowed the user to inhale multiple cigarettes at once. For those impatient smokers who just don’t feel like waiting around for lung cancer.

10. Family bicycle Invented by Charles Steinlauf in 1932. Even on a bike ride, the wife is expected to be using the sewing machine.

11. The Yodel Meter Circa 1925. Finally a way to tell how yodel-y a yodeller’s yodels are, on a scale from 0-100.

12. Urban window baby cage Used in the 1930s, it was dubbed by Time as one of the 50 worst inventions of all time, even though it provides overworked mothers with a few peaceful minutes of quiet.

13. Massage helmet An air-powered scalp massager from the 1960s. Also protects from psychic intrusion.

14. Gas-resistant stroller For protection from gas attacks during wartime in England, 1938. Don’t tap the glass.

15. Folding bridge for emergencies The Netherlands, 1926. Before this invention, if an emergency happened on the other side of a small river, you’d have to throw up your hands and watch helplessly.

16. Gun camera Invented in 1938, this device took a picture at the moment you pulled the trigger. I don’t know about you, but I’m at my most photogenic with a gun in my face.

17. Fan-powered car Created in the 1910s, this fan-powered car was not a big hit. All I can imagine is dozens of pedestrians on the sidewalk being blown to the ground as this thing drives by at a cool 15 miles per hour.

18. Piano for the bedridden Designed in 1935 for use by people who were confined to their bed by sickness, but also very useful for people who are too lazy to get up in the morning but still feel like performing a toccata.

19. All-terrain car Designed in 1936 to descend slopes of up to 65 degrees. This thing looks like a semi-truck just sneezed.

20. Amphibious bike This bizarre-looking vehicle was invented in 1932. For riding into the ocean while wearing a full suit, never to be seen again.

21. Monocycle One-wheel motorcycle, invented in Germany in 1925. Look, I know I went from a tricycle to a bicycle as I got older, but I’m good sticking with two wheels for now.

22. Swimming tires Bicycle tires used as swimming aids in 1925. I don’t know about the function, but the fashion definitely isn’t its strong suit.

23. Spaghetti Aid The Spaghetti Aid, invented in 1955, was designed to help twirl pasta on your fork. Or you could, you know, just turn your fork.

24. Portable radio hat Invented in 1931. The old-timey equivalent of blasting your bluetooth speaker on the subway.

1. Siamese dancing shoes

2. Churchill’s Pressurized Egg

3. V-shaped bed

4. Glowing tires

5. Spring shoes

6. Rain goggles for race car drivers

7. Anti-bandit briefcase

8. Dynasphere

9. Chain smoking device

10. Family bicycle

11. The Yodel Meter

12. Urban window baby cage

13. Massage helmet

14. Gas-resistant stroller

15. Folding bridge for emergencies

16. Gun camera

17. Fan-powered car

18. Piano for the bedridden

19. All-terrain car

20. Amphibious bike

21. Monocycle

22. Swimming tires

23. Spaghetti Aid

24. Portable radio hat

Share This Image

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1. Siamese dancing shoes
These Siamese dancing shoes, created in 1981, were likely a joke. They would also likely make you and your boo look like a joke on the dance floor.

2. Churchill’s Pressurized Egg
Before aircraft pressurization was mainstream, Winston Churchill had scientists build him a special pressurized egg to keep him healthy during aviation. It was rejected for its size and weight, and honestly, probably also for its weirdness.

3. V-shaped bed
The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.

4. Glowing tires
The V-shaped bed was invented by Joseph Pilates in 1930. He believed that traditional beds were not comfortable enough, and created this monstrosity. Joseph Pilates’s exercise method may have stood the test of time, but this bed definitely didn’t.

5. Spring shoes
Created in the 1930s. Let’s be real: if these don’t help you jump higher, then what’s the point?

6. Rain goggles for race car drivers
These goggles from the 1930s had built-in wipers to clear off rain. They were overtaken by a more well-known invention– the windshield.

7. Anti-bandit briefcase
This anti-bandit briefcase from the 1950s would launch its contents across the ground if a thief tried to grab it. You’d better hope nobody tries to rob you while it’s raining!

8. Dynasphere
British inventor John Purves created the Dynasphere in the early 1930s. It could hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. It had only one wheel, but somehow still couldn’t fit in a garage.

9. Chain smoking device
An invention from the 1950s that allowed the user to inhale multiple cigarettes at once. For those impatient smokers who just don’t feel like waiting around for lung cancer.

10. Family bicycle
Invented by Charles Steinlauf in 1932. Even on a bike ride, the wife is expected to be using the sewing machine.

11. The Yodel Meter
Circa 1925. Finally a way to tell how yodel-y a yodeller’s yodels are, on a scale from 0-100.

12. Urban window baby cage
Used in the 1930s, it was dubbed by Time as one of the 50 worst inventions of all time, even though it provides overworked mothers with a few peaceful minutes of quiet.

13. Massage helmet
An air-powered scalp massager from the 1960s. Also protects from psychic intrusion.

14. Gas-resistant stroller
For protection from gas attacks during wartime in England, 1938. Don’t tap the glass.

15. Folding bridge for emergencies
The Netherlands, 1926. Before this invention, if an emergency happened on the other side of a small river, you’d have to throw up your hands and watch helplessly.

16. Gun camera
Invented in 1938, this device took a picture at the moment you pulled the trigger. I don’t know about you, but I’m at my most photogenic with a gun in my face.

17. Fan-powered car
Created in the 1910s, this fan-powered car was not a big hit. All I can imagine is dozens of pedestrians on the sidewalk being blown to the ground as this thing drives by at a cool 15 miles per hour.

18. Piano for the bedridden
Designed in 1935 for use by people who were confined to their bed by sickness, but also very useful for people who are too lazy to get up in the morning but still feel like performing a toccata.

19. All-terrain car
Designed in 1936 to descend slopes of up to 65 degrees. This thing looks like a semi-truck just sneezed.

20. Amphibious bike
This bizarre-looking vehicle was invented in 1932. For riding into the ocean while wearing a full suit, never to be seen again.

21. Monocycle
One-wheel motorcycle, invented in Germany in 1925. Look, I know I went from a tricycle to a bicycle as I got older, but I’m good sticking with two wheels for now.

22. Swimming tires
Bicycle tires used as swimming aids in 1925. I don’t know about the function, but the fashion definitely isn’t its strong suit.

23. Spaghetti Aid
The Spaghetti Aid, invented in 1955, was designed to help twirl pasta on your fork. Or you could, you know, just turn your fork.

24. Portable radio hat
Invented in 1931. The old-timey equivalent of blasting your bluetooth speaker on the subway.