October 1963…
Suitable for one-man operation, this truck loader might simplify small-haul loading of gravel and similar cargo. The driver would maneuver his truck to push the scoop into the load, then winch the hopper-shaped scoop up and over the cab roof so it could tip its cargo into the truck.
October 1963…
By moving the hinged side panels of this bed lamp you could direct the light to either or both sides, or shade either side so one person could read while another sleeps. With both ends inward, the lamp would provide indirect room light. Spring balls would hold the flaps in any position.
Here’s a modern-day version from Amazon…
Here we have an early idea for a multipurpose tool – first published in April 1963.
These days our local do it yourself stores are packed full of many, varied, multi-purpose tools…
You could do a lot less interchanging of tools if you had this clever idea for a multi-purpose kit for a handyman job.
This kit incorporates three in one, a saw, a claw, and a hammer and all support each other. Anyone of them can be used without any changes or modifications to the setup of the multipurpose tool.
It also came with an idea for reversing the tool so that you could place chuck matched drills and screwdrivers in the handle.
For a modern-day portable multi-tool check out this one from Amazon (affiliate link).
Ideas like this are great for getting the creative juices flowing. What two or three everyday things could you combine to create a multipurpose device?
What about a throw-away toothbrush that comes complete with enough toothpaste for twenty or thirty brushes? Push a button at the far end to apply a perfect pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the brush head.
List some everyday items that you use regularly and start combining them.
Good luck
May 1963…
Hitch hauls anchor from stern.
You wouldn’t have to clamber forward to cast or haul this anchor. Its line would let out from the stern through a Venetian-blind type of one-way slide.
A fixed-length bowline tied to the slide would hold the anchored boat in the usual way. To haul anchor, you’d pull forward then up.
An idea from July 1963 for high visibility fertilizer and weed killer.
Dying the pellets with bright colors would mean that you could see where you’d been and not overlap on a lawn.
by S.Johnson
(Wesleyville)
October 1963…
An air traveler might avoid excess baggage charges by checking on luggage weight when he packs. He could do it easily by turning the handle of this suitcase to engage a built-in scale. Turning it back would lock out the scale, allow the handle to support the weight of the packed case.
A great idea and we do have something similar these days in terms of the portable weight machines that you can hook on to your suitcase to ensure your case weighs less than the minimum suitcase requirements for holiday flights.
Here’s an interesting idea for an everyday item. Umbrellas have been around for thousands of years. In modern times they are usually collapsible so that they can be fit into a handbag or satchel and then brought out quickly just as a downpour begins to start.
With this inventive change to an umbrella, you’d be well prepared for doubtful whether. The idea is for a collapsible umbrella that is even more potable than a traditional umbrella.
In its portable state its small enough to fit into a pocket. To use it, you’d pull the pleated, plastic canopy out of its case, slip the case onto a plunger, and work the plunger to pump air between the canopy seams. Telescoping joints would extend the handle.
Perhaps the design could be further extended so that it could double as a pump for everyday use – say to add air to your car tyres or to inflate a portable dinghy or football for the kids.
September 1963…
To simplify painting of window frames, wall moldings and other trim, this brush guard would limit the length of exposed bristles and guide them along the edge of the wood. The slip-on sleeve and sliding, thumbscrew adjusted guide would serve also to confine the bristles and keep them from spreading.
May 1963…
Glasses light your work. Tiny bulbs above the lenses of these spectacles and batteries in the earpieces would put light where you want it and let you use both hands.
Opaque reflectors behind the bulbs would focus the light and keep it out of your eyes. Switches in the frames would let you use either or both lights.
by Dean Himmelreich
(Milwaukee)
June 1963…
Garden edging blocks with long stakes precast and protruding from one side would prevent the need for having to dig a trench and would also keep them from moving or getting kicked around your garden.
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