Slashdot Mirror
England Salutes 150 Years of Eccentric Patents
jonerik writes "Want to patent a moustache protector? Or perhaps you've hit upon the idea of improving chickens' lives by giving them eyeglasses. Well, don't bother - they've already been invented. The BBC has this piece today on the bizarre ideas that have trickled into the U.K. Patent Office on a regular basis since it opened 150 years ago this month. Other doozies which are saluted are a rifle fitted into a helmet, 'the recoil [of which] broke a man's neck during early trials' and the parachute hat. According to Steve van Dulken, who oversees the patent archive at the British Library, 'For every 100 applications lodged, I'd say that 10 are a bit whacky.'"
Someone has watched too many Austin Powers movies. I've yet to meet a former GB'er here in the states that has that type of problem (maybe just the typical teeth problems, no worse than the average American).
Complaints of flavourless food is a bit hypocritical coming from a yank - a nation who's sole contribution to international cuisine seems to be the hamburger.