Work gloves with transparent plastic cuffs (or one such cuff) so that you could tell time on your wristwatch without taking off the glove.
By David Chamberlain, Butte, Mont.
January 1958
You can purchase transparent gloves on Amazon, although I don’t think they’re quite what the person with the idea had in mind!
One-step starch you could spray on a collar or curtain and iron dry. Soaking, hanging up items, and waiting for them to dry would be eliminated.
By D.Davan, S.Ozone Park, New York.
January 1958
You can purchase spray starch from Amazon. (affiliate link)
Road-block warning lights on throughways for use when accidents or fires stall traffic. Drivers could then be alerted miles ahead to take the next exit.
By Stephen Samuels, Boston.
January 1958
You can purchase vehicle warning lights on Amazon by clicking on the image below. (affiliate link)
Transparent flowerpots for house plants so you could check the depth penetration when watering and even determine when roots were out growing the pot.
By Roger Rachow, Omaha.
February 1963
You can purchase transparent flower pots from Amazon. (affiliate link)
Snow shedding shovels with blades coated with teflon (the plastic used on non-stick frying pans) and a built in hand warmer in the handle.
By H.F.Stephens, Pleasantville, N.J.
February 1963
Or alternatively you could just purchase a snowblower from Amazon by clicking on the image below. (affiliate link)
Easy to load tape recorder reels. They would have a slotted plug, set in flush, that you could turn with a finger to lock in the starter end of the tape.
By David A Odom, Puyallup, Wash.
February 1963
A car heater thermostat that you could set for the desired temperature. This would eliminate being baked, as well as a constant need for adjustment.
By Mrs. Barbara Davis, Rome, Ga.
February 1963
These days, in many cars, there are dual climate controls, so you can set a different thermostat temperature for the passenger and the driver!
An oil-fired flame thrower for clearing ice from sidewalks and driveways. A flame close to the ground would melt thin ice and loosen the thicker ice.
By Ralph Monroe, Pontiac, Mich.
February 1963
Maybe a weed-killing propane burner such as this one from Amazon would have the same effect? (affiliate link)Although I guess it would take a very long time unless you have the smallest of driveways!
Very interesting idea though as it was one I often pondered when I lived in Canada. Clearing the driveway of snow was always one of my big dislikes. My idea was more a kind of plastic cover that warm water circulated through. I never got anywhere with it though!
Perhaps the best bet is the tried and tested snowblower such as this one listed on Amazon. Click the image for more details. (affiliate link)
Pliers with screwdrivers on the handles. With a Philips screwdriver on one end and a regular screwdriver on the other, you would save space in a toolbox.
By Ken Sandvik, Two Harbors, Minn.
February 1962
These days you could simply purchase yourself a multi-tool such as the one below on Amazon. Click on the image form more details. (affiliate link)
Sectional Tire Chains with snap-fastened cross chains. Worn lengths could be removed and replaced easily with a new chain by using the same snap hooks.
By Andrew Vena, Philadelphia.
February 1962
You can purchase tire chains from Amazon by clicking on the image below. (affiliate link)
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