Articles at InventorSpot.com

SnazL & Flip.to, Social Media Tools For Sharing Content

Ron Callari — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:45:32 -0800

SnazL and Flip.to are two of the first open source tools to bridge the gap between content and community. By allowing users to create and share their videos, photos and content from one central location, the user become the center of his or her own sphere of influence cross social media platforms.

Uneven Feet: Shoe Swap For The Proportionately Disinclined

Fashion Finds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Everyone's feet are slightly different sizes, but some people find themselves proportioned so unevenly at their base that they can't even purchase a pair of shoes, because there will always be one foot that's the wrong size. To address this issue, we've seen companies that sell shoes by the singles, and another is trying something different by offering shoe swapping.

Lucky Break Wishbones:Strange Niche Holiday Business

Beth Hodgson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

If you haven't heard of synthetic wishbones, then you probably should have because it's a six figure industry that makes up a niche holiday business.

Interior Designer's Mr. Potato Head: Mr. Light By Tomás Alonso

Toby — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:44:17 -0800

You may not get the similarity between Mr. Light, by designer Thomás Alonso, and Mr. Potato Head, by toy company Hasbro... not right away.

Pocket Radar: Tiny Speed-Tracking Device

Chris Weiss — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 -0800

The Pocket Radar brings the function of one of the most despised devices on earth to your pocket.

Suzuki Preparing To Unveil Two Green Machines in Tokyo

George Delozier — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:17:49 -0800

As expected, the Tokyo Motor Show will likely be yet another stage for the unveiling of the latest and greatest in alternative fuels. Not to be outdone, Suzuki has already unveiled their plans to bring out two new clean energy vehicles, with the possibility of expanding the platforms to other vehicles.

Music Card MP3 Player Makes Mobile Music Listening A Snap!

Steve Levenstein — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:36:41 -0800

Sounds like a nice camera? Exactly - with this thin, lightweight, portable Music Card MP3 Player you can see the big picture while hearing all your fave tunes.

As Seen On TV: The AeroGarden

John P. Barker — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:04:00 -0800

The AeroGarden is an indoor gardening system that claims to grow herbs, tomatoes, and flowers at an increased rate and size with a minimum amount of time or effort on the part of the gardener. But does it work?

Crime Scene Cleanup In Chicago: Cleaning Up City Streets

Beth Hodgson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Crime scene cleanup is a niche market that's continuing to grow, because someone's got to do the dirtiest jobs in each city. Chicago's got a business that takes care of all of that gross stuff that no one else wants to think about, just as we've seen in other cities, but this one's run by a unique group of people.

Political Statement Pieces: Obama Fashion Has A Political Twist

Fashion Finds — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

This Obama dress was a feature on the red carpet at the Emmy's. I wasn't going to feature it, but for reasons that aren't all positive, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it and just wanted to share this atrocity with all of our readers to get some thoughts.

New GPS Highway System Takes Control of Your Car...Makes Road Trips Easier?

George Delozier — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:27:12 -0800

The seemingly endless hunt for ways to improve our day-to-day commute has led to many interesting and unique ideas. While many are less than feasible, every now and again one comes along that just might be able to make a difference. The GPS based “Sartre” system may be able to join this elite league of automotive innovations.

Yenko Nameplate to Make Return to Muscle Car Tuning

George Delozier — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:21:02 -0800

While many fans of the new Camaro are just happy knowing the muscle car has made a successful return, others are still asking for more. The Z28 version of the new and improved pony car is still in limbo, and for some people the 422 horsepower V8 isn't enough to satisfy their right foot. A revival of the Yenko nameplate might just do the trick though.

Designer Piggy Bank Holds $10,000: Buy Two And Save $20,000

Toby — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:29:30 -0800

A stunningly realistic pig, gilded or polymer coated in hot pink, by a world famous designer, would look smashing on her dark cherry server. She would love it, even be encouraged to shove dollar bills through the cork opening and look forward to saving $10,000....

Anti-Theft Collapsible Bike Wheel

Chris Weiss — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0800

These concept wheels provide an interesting new reason for thieves to pass your bike over (or at least spend an extra 3 minutes stealing it).

Want To Be Sure That Your Mail Won't Explode?

John P. Barker — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

In today's volatile global scenario, the Scanmail 10K offers an element of safety against... well, getting blown up by a letter.

Environmentally Friendly TV Remote Runs On Touch, Not Batteries

Steve Levenstein — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:24:52 -0800

Power your TV remote control just by using it? It's more likely than you think. Practical, environmentally friendly piezoelectric powered devices now being developed could completely replace batteries in the future.

G-Bound R/C Car Travels on Land and Water!

John P. Barker — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:17:00 -0800

Zounds! An amphibious remote-controlled car that can drive upside down?!?!? What kind of craziness is this?!?!?

Beer Bread Company: Pre-Mixed Recipes With One Favorite Ingredient

Beth Hodgson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

If you ask many men what their favorite thing is, one answer they'll likely tell you is beer. If you ask a woman who dreads cooking what she looks for most in meal preparation, she'll likely tell you prefabricated meals that require little preparation. Put those two things together and you get a unique company that brings together the best of both worlds.

Terrifying Trend In The Jason Hoodie By Mark Ecko

Fashion Finds — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Designer Mark Ecko has recently expanded his appeal by designing fashion items that appeal to niche markets - for example movie and video game fanatics. Previously, I posted the Halo Master Chief Hoodie, but this latest design tops it in a rather terrifying way.

Something To Be Thankful For: Scientists Working Hard to Develop Unique Ways To Recycle Feathers

Gloria Campos — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:00:00 -0800

Have you ever wondered what happens to plucked turkey feathers? For the most part turkey feathers as well as feathers from various other poultry are simply incinerated, made in to low -grade animal feedstock or thrown away only to end up in a landfill. Fortunately, several scientists are working hard to develop new eco-friendly ways to recycle these feathers for future use.

Unique Design From So Re Fa Eco-Fashion Show: Jacket That Converts Into Tent!

Fashion Finds — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:57:31 -0800

We've seen clothing that turn into sleeping bags before, but in a recent design competition for green emergency clothing, this concept has been one-upped with a much more practical convertible fashion item.

Robots In Advertising

J. Barker — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:17:00 -0800

Robots have permeated modern culture thanks to the likes of R2-D2 and the Transformers, not to mention a wide-range of real inventions that help daily existence. Is it any wonder that advertising firms utilize these metal constructs to influence product purchasing?

Txt Blocker: Business Offers Will Power Service, Limiting Cell Phone Use

Beth Hodgson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Cell phone bans while driving are being rolled out around the world, with varying penalties for those who still choose to talk or text and drive. While the distractions that cell phones can cause are obvious, there are some who just can't resist answering a ring or responding to a text even when they're on the road. Since some drivers lack willpower, there's a business that's decided to take advantage!

Literary Genius Meets Fashion: Classic Novel Purses

Fashion Finds — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:36:06 -0800

For those who have a love of all things literary, this is a love that can be extended to fashion. Not all books can be read, at least not the kind that you can tote with you on a daily basis to ensure that everyone knows just how much you love the classics. These unique handbag designs are anything but classic accessories, it's the literary aspect that gives them this title!

Portable Air Hockey Brings The Game Where It Never Existed Before

Chris Weiss — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0800

Portable Air Hockey is a great solution that allows for play of the popular game pretty much anywhere.

Sushi Bars For Pets: Where Dogs And Cats Eat "Rawrrr"

Lady Bee — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:44:23 -0800

Even veterinarians are recommending raw food diets for pets these days, but other marketing of raw food diets has lagged behind consumer interest, perhaps because the large pet food manufacturers with big marketing budgets have not jumped into the trend... yet. But at least two small companies with raw food pet diets have found a delicious way to present their raw pet foods: sushi bars.

Valentines Jewelry: Engagement Rings Sold With A Honeymoon On The Side!

Beth Hodgson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

In a period of economic downturn, businesses have got to do what they've got to do in order to make people spend money, particularly when their niche is one that people can take or leave when they're pinching pennies. While some women might not agree that jewelry falls into this category, there's one business that's not taking any chances with a unique business plan!

Sarah Palin Trades In Twitter Tweets For Facebook Powder!

Ron Callari — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:51:14 -0800

How can anyone forget the now infamous 'lipstick on a pig' reference during the last political campaign and the hockey Mom from the Tundra that turned "going rogue" into a mantra. Well now that same lady is using the "powder" of social media to sell books and position herself for a run at the highest post in the land.

"Pirate" Murdoch Claims Search Engines Arrrhhh Stealing His Material

Ron Callari — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:18:57 -0800

What do you get when you cross legacy newspapers with an arch conservative right-wing publisher? Rupert Murdoch, that's who! In a new twist as how to not play nice with Google and the other top search engines, Murdoch's controversial approach might either become a new business model for other newspapers to emulate, or a crash and burn scenario that sees the rise and fall of his own Phoenix!

The Galactic Suite Space Resort: Out Of This World Accommodations Available By 2012

Beth Hodgson — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

A unique vacation is hard to come by, but we're only a few years away from being able to take a vacation that offers a real out of this world experience.

Greepers: Stylish Shoelaces That Never Need To Be Tied!

Fashion Finds — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Sometimes it's unfortunate that the most talked about fashion items only make ito a period of conceptualization and never actually hit the streets or the runways. In some cases, they've been created strictly for the purpose of chatter, where the fashion isn't the focus at all, but a manipulative marketing ploy is. Released earlier this year, there's one concept that should make it off the pages of a magazine despite its role in media manipulation.

Women’s Weird And Whimsical Fashion: The Umbrella Dress

Fashion Finds — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:44:35 -0800

Sometimes it's unfortunate that the most talked about fashion items only make it to a period of conceptualization and never actually hit the streets or the runways. In some cases, they've been created strictly for the purpose of chatter, where the fashion isn't the focus at all, but a manipulative marketing ploy is. Released earlier this year, there's one concept that should make it off the pages of a magazine despite its role in media manipulation.

Bird Song Organ Plays Tweet Music

Steve Levenstein — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:01:00 -0800

The Bird Song Organ from Adult Science magazine is a compact, hand-turned music machine you build yourself with materials provided. The fun never ends... until you actually play it.

Step Aside GPS: Manhole Navigation Concept Is Taking Over

Chris Weiss — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0800

Navigation takes a turn for the steampunk in the Map Hole concept, designed for use in urban environments.

Anthologie Quartett Catena: A Unique Bike Chain Clock

Chris Weiss — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Bored with the traditional LCD or analog clock? For just over two Gs, you can tell time (sort of) with this stunning piece of wall art.

SNL & Social Media Christen Largest Cruise Ship In The World

Ron Callari — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:21:39 -0800

Cruise Ships are not usually the butt of a joke, or comedy-rich fodder for comedians. However, in the case of the largest cruise ship in the world, Seth Meyers has set his lampooning sites on Royal Caribbean's "Oasis of the Seas." Celebrating its global stage 'coming-out' party, Royal Caribbean knows they've made it when SNL takes their cruise ship out for a spin and the social media airwaves hype their maiden voyage.

Grilled Cheese Competition Revs Up With The Grilled Cheese Truck

Beth Hodgson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Chedds is a unique restaurant that I featured a while ago that serves grilled cheese exclusively. With their traditional grilled cheese recipes, and some that are new and unusual, Chedds quickly grew in popularity since its launch; but now, it's getting a little bit of competition from a company that's found one way to top it - making grilled cheese mobile.

Solar City to Provide Charging Stations for Tesla Owners

George Delozier — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0800

One of the problems plaguing the all electric vehicle market is the issue of charging. Not only are there going to be problems when everyone comes home for the day and plugs in, but the issue of traffic and wrong turns could also spell disaster for more than a few motorists. For some California commuters however, a new solution is in the works.

USB Eyelash Curler Brings Beauty To The Geek

Steve Levenstein — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:01:00 -0800

Some USB powered devices are so weird, they'll curl your eyelashes. Some cut to the chase and curl your lashes from the get-go... like this actual USB eyelash curler from Thanko.

5 Sustainable Tables For Eating, Drinking, Growing, Coloring and “Communicating” During The Holidays

Gloria Campos — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:20:13 -0800

Whether we want to admit it or not we eat a lot during the winter holidays so other than the kitchen counters, tables also become a place of gathering, socializing and eating. Show your guests how much you appreciate them eating at your home with unique tables like the ones below.