For every invention that actually makes it to production, there are dozens of failed ideas, most of which failed for very good reasons. Like the fact that they’re painfully inefficient, totally unnecessary or just plain bizarre. These 15 weird and wacky creations developed between the 1920s and 1970s might be ridiculous, but they’re fun to look (and laugh) at.
The Isolator
The Isolator, by Hugo Gernsback: a terrifying hood with an attached oxygen tank, for when you want to be really, really isolated. “Outside noises being eliminated, the worker can concentrate with ease upon the subject at hand.”
Wooden Swimsuits
Swimsuits have come a long way since the days when they were long-sleeved wool monstrosities, but this wooden swimsuit invention, pictured in Washington State in 1929, wasn’t exactly a step forward.
Hangover Mask
Nothing will make you feel better when you’re suffering from a hangover than a mask that looks like this.
Radio Hat
All this poor guy wanted was an iPod. The portable straw radio hat was made by an American inventor in 1931.
Bicycle Tire Swimming Aid
This group of teenagers in 1925 Germany seem pretty proud of their invention, a swimming aid made of bicycle tires.
