Easy to pull tubes for radios and television sets. A thumbprint impression on each side of the glass envelope near the top would give you a better grip.
By C.E.Harris, Odessa, Texas.
September 1960
October 2022
A currycomb attachment for the vacuum cleaner. A few passes with this and you could rid a household pet of loose hairs or burrs.
By Mrs. Winifred Maker, Douglas City, California.
September 1960
Varicolored fish line with a color change every so many feet. Then it would be simple to tell approximately how much line had been reeled out.
By Peggy Kaluz, Marquette, Mich.
September 1960
A thin, magnetized plate to slip under the cellophane wrap on cigarettes so that you could toss the pack on top of the dash of your car and keep it firmly anchored.
By E.L. Enochs, Glendale, California.
September 1960
An aluminum sawbuck that would support a chain saw as well as cradle the log. A sling arrangement would allow the saw to swing as necessary.
By David Hogg, Westford, Mass.
September 1960
Vacuum-packed safety matches. Packed in the can head down, with a striking surface inside the lid, matches would remain safe, dry, and rodent-proof. – Ray Shoberg, Milwaukee.
Rodents ate safety matches back in the 1950’s?
September 1959
When it comes to safety matches, there is no better option than those that are vacuum packed. Vacuum packing is a process that removes all the air from a container in order to extend its shelf life. This process also makes it almost impossible for the matches to be ignited by anything other than the striker on the box.
Safety matches are an essential item for any household as they can be used for lighting candles and lanterns. Vacuum packed safety matches are the best option as they are less likely to spontaneously ignite and are much safer to store.
Camouflaged cookie boxes. Labeled “macaroni” or “dried beans” maybe then the goodies would stay around long enough for your Dad to get a hand in the box!
By James Martin, East Orange, N.J.
September 1959
A bathtub with its drain at the end opposite the faucets. With the water running the length of the tub, it would be simpler to clean and rinse it.
By John Cronn, North Platte, Nebr.
September 1959
A flexible trouble lamp. A magnetic baseplate would conveniently cling to any part of the car to shed light without glare on the job at hand.
By Chas. Omartoucheski, Linden, N.J.
September 1959
A double-use trailer. In winter, you’d park it over a foundation, slide out the chassis and pull out a weatherproof seal from the trailer to the house door.
By A.Dorman, Everett, Wash.
September 1959