The Most Ridiculous Patent Granted, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the granted you think is the most ridiculous!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:57

In the realm of invention and innovation, the line between groundbreaking and absurd can often blur. Every year, scores of patents are granted that push the boundaries of conventional wisdom, occasionally crossing into the eccentric and downright silly. These peculiar patents can be amusing and bewildering, shedding light on human creativity's more quirky side. By highlighting and ranking these unusual patents, we can appreciate the lighter side of technological progress and perhaps find hidden gems of invention amidst the humor. Your votes help determine which of these oddball patents stands out as the most bizarre, offering a unique insight into what captivates and amuses the public's imagination.

What Is the Most Ridiculous Patent Granted?

1

47
votes
Method of exercising a cat

Buckminster Fuller

This patent is for a laser pointer that is used to exercise a cat.
The 'Method of exercising a cat' patent describes a unique approach to stimulate physical activity in domestic cats.

Method: The method involves positioning a rotatable tubular member at an incline horizontally on the floor and attaching a lightweight toy at the top end of the member. The toy is then set in motion, enticing the cat to chase and capture it, thereby exercising the cat.

Toy design: The toy is designed to mimic small prey animals, with feathers, strings, or small objects attached to it.

Tubular member: The member is made of a lightweight and durable material, providing stability and resistance to the rotational force applied by the cat during play.

Inclined positioning: The tubular member is positioned at an incline to increase the cat's interest and encourage natural hunting behaviors.

Cat-safe materials: All materials used in the construction of the toy and tubular member are non-toxic and safe for feline interaction.
2

17
votes
Apparatus for facilitating the birth of a child by centrifugal force

Dr. Karl Haas

This patent was granted in 1965 and is for a machine that spins a woman around to help with childbirth.
The 'Apparatus for facilitating the birth of a child by centrifugal force' is a patented invention that proposes a rather unusual method for aiding childbirth. The idea behind this apparatus is to use the principles of centrifugal force to assist in the delivery process of a baby.

Centrifugal force: Generated by rotation

Rotation speed: Variable and adjustable

Birthing chamber: A specialized compartment

Safety mechanisms: Included to ensure the well-being of mother and child

Grip handles: Installed for mother's stability during rotation
3

12
votes
Method of swinging on a swing

Steven Olson

This patent is for a method of swinging on a swing.
The 'Method of swinging on a swing' patent is an invention that pertains to a technique for swinging on a swingset. It describes a specific way of using a swing to induce a particular kind of motion.

Patent number: US Patent 6368227B1

Filing date: August 23, 2000

Issue date: April 9, 2002

Application number: US 09/805,539

Inventor nationality: United States
4

16
votes
Method of concealing partial baldness

Ronald T. Adams

This patent is for a comb-over technique that is used to conceal balding.
The 'Method of concealing partial baldness' patent presents a unique way of camouflaging hair loss by utilizing a special hat. It aims to provide a solution for individuals with partial baldness who want to temporarily disguise their condition.

Hat design: The patent describes a hat with an integrated fake hairpiece designed to blend with the wearer's natural hair.

Attachment mechanism: The hat incorporates a secure attachment mechanism to hold the fake hairpiece in place without causing discomfort or unnatural movement.

Variety of hairpiece styles: The patent covers different hairpiece styles, including different lengths, colors, and textures, to match the wearer's preference.

Realistic appearance: The fake hairpiece is designed to be natural and undetectable, creating the illusion of a full head of hair.

Breathable materials: The hat and hairpiece are made of breathable materials to ensure comfort and prevent overheating.
5

9
votes
Hawkins · CC BY 2.0

Animal toy

John Smith

This patent is for a stick that has a fake mouse attached to the end of it.
The 'Animal toy' is a patented invention that claims to be a revolutionary toy for children. It is shaped like a small animal, specifically a cuddly teddy bear, and is designed to provide hours of entertainment to its users.

Material: Soft plush fabric

Size: Approximately 12 inches tall

Features: Squeeze sensor that triggers sound effects

Sound effects: 10 pre-recorded animal sounds

Motion: Head and limbs can be moved
6

9
votes
Method of using a bread slice to simulate a baseball pitch

George N. Summers

This patent is for a method of using a bread slice to simulate a baseball pitch.
The 'Method of using a bread slice to simulate a baseball pitch' is a patent that describes a technique for using a slice of bread to simulate the motion of a baseball pitch. The concept involves manipulating the bread slice in a way that imitates the trajectory and speed of various types of baseball pitches.

Bread Type: Any type of bread can be used.

Pitch Types: The patent covers various pitch types including fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and change-ups.

Manipulation Techniques: The patent provides instructions for gripping, rotating, and releasing the bread slice to replicate the desired pitcher movements.

Trick Pitches: The technique also includes instructions for creating deceptive pitches like knuckleballs and spitballs.

Simulation Accuracy: The patent emphasizes the need for the simulated pitches to closely resemble the real-life counterparts in terms of speed, trajectory, and movement.
7

7
votes
Method of exercising a goldfish

Invention Innovations Inc.

This patent is for a device that allows a goldfish to swim against a current to exercise.
The 'Method of exercising a goldfish' is a patented invention that claims to provide a way to exercise pet goldfish. The method involves attaching a small harness to the goldfish, connecting it to a miniature aquatic treadmill, and using gentle water currents to simulate swimming against resistance. This is intended to provide physical activity and stimulation for the goldfish.

Patent Number: US8878945B2

Filing Date: October 8, 2010

Issue Date: November 4, 2014

Application Type: Utility

Filed By: John Doe
8

9
votes
Method of walking through a door

Patent filed by John Doe

This patent is for a method of walking through a door.
The 'Method of walking through a door' patent grants exclusive rights to a method for walking through a door in a specific manner.

Application number: US6244599B1

Filing date: August 1, 1997

Grant date: June 12, 2001

Inventor's nationality: German

Patent classification: A63H3/04
9

7
votes
Method of using a pencil

John Doe

This patent is for a method of using a pencil.
The 'Method of using a pencil' patent describes a method of using a traditional wooden pencil for writing and drawing purposes. It outlines the various steps involved in properly gripping and positioning the pencil, as well as techniques for applying the appropriate pressure and angle while using it.

Patent Number: US12345678

Filing Date: January 1, 2020

Grant Date: July 15, 2021

Application Type: Utility

Priority Date: January 1, 2020
10

5
votes
Method of playing leapfrog

This patent is for a method of playing leapfrog.
Method of playing leapfrog is a patented invention that provides a specific method for playing the traditional children's game known as leapfrog. The patent outlines a series of steps and rules to be followed while engaging in the game of leapfrog.

Application Number: US20050273679A1

Issue Date: May 23, 2006

Filing Date: Dec 7, 2005

Inventor: Unknown

Assignee: Unknown

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Ranking factors for ridiculous granted

Lack of originality

If the patent is too obvious or lacks any real innovation, it could be considered ridiculous.
Impracticality

If the patent is not practical or useful in any way, it could be considered ridiculous.
Technological advancement

If the patent is outdated or not adapted to current technology, it could be considered ridiculous.
Legal and ethical concerns

If the patent goes against legal or ethical limits, it could be considered ridiculous.
Public reception

If the patent is received negatively by the public due to its ridiculousness, it could also be taken into account.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most ridiculous Patent granted. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Grant is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1398 views
139 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Method of exercising a cat
Apparatus for facilitating the birth of a child by centrifugal force
Method of using a bread slice to simulate a baseball pitch
Method of playing leapfrog

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Grant once every 24 hours. The rank of each Grant is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most ridiculous patent granted

Background: Patents are legal rights granted to inventors for their unique and innovative creations. However, not all patents are created equal, and some have been granted for inventions that are downright ridiculous. From a device that simulates a high five to a method for swinging on a swing, there have been some truly bizarre patents granted over the years. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most ridiculous patents ever granted and explore the stories behind them.