American Inventor - OAD 6/6/07 *spoilers*

[MisterBubble]

Thanks to reading the thread posted earlier about this coming up, I decided to give it a chance - as I somehow missed out on this show last season. I was waiting for someone else to start the thread, but then I noticed most of the fans who posted on the other thread were West Coasters, so I'm going to get the ball rolling.

I wish I *had* watched last season, because I usually like this type of show, and it didn't disappoint. I was especially happy (as will be many here, bahahahaha) to see "My Therapy Buddy" was back - and thanks to this forum, even though I missed it the first time, I knew exactly what it was as soon as I saw the little clip of him during the "coming up next..." teaser.

Vindication!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Oh, and I love how George Foreman seems to be the Paula Abdul of the judges. I can't remember much that he rejected (at least on camera) other than that psycho dude with the bicycle hubcaps. For those who watched last season... was that guy a returning contestant? Because he kind of acted like he had been there before, or at least had a lot of attitude anyway. I think he's the secret love child of Gary Busey and Ted Nugent. :p

I don't know about that "Guardian Angel" though... it's a clever idea but I thought it was a little shameless in the heartstring tugging with not only the guy coming out in his fireman's outfit, but then him describing a dead child being carried out of fire to set the tone for his pitch. How could they have said NO to that??? I'm with Peter (who said he wanted to see it WORK). If it makes it through to development, I think we'll see a lot of problems getting it to work properly. And will people REALLY want all that gizmo under their tree? Not that any lives saved wouldn't be worth it all, but as most people think "it won't happen to me" - would it be too cost-pre-emptive for people to bother with it?

[nataylor]

I want some sponge gloves. Seriously, I would use those.

[DancnDude]

I thought the kid's idea of having a baby wipe attached to each diaper was a pretty good idea. His implementation was crude, but I could see a pocket built into the diaper where you could pull out a wet-nap to be convenient instead of needing to tote both things around.

I'd like to see the Guardian Angel in action. I think he has a solid concept and using the money to develop a working version would be great.

[wendiness1]

I guess I misunderstood the kid's diaper & wipe idea. I thought he was suggesting selling the wrapped wipes with sticky tapes so the parents could slap it onto their kid's diaper stash. Makes more sense now the way you describe it.

I think Peter is out of touch with American wants and needs. And he doesn't know how to talk to kids. Of course, as exec. producer, he's the only returning judge and perhaps he's cast himself in the role of the "Simon". I'm glad they got rid of He Who Knows Everything. What was his name? Doug?

Interesting that it wasn't Foreman who escorted the maniac out the door. And wasn't it sweet when Foreman helped the kid out?

[ping]

Yep, I couldn't stop saying "why don't I have sponge gloves?" And I've definitely been there with an unexpectedly full diaper with the wipes out of reach.

As absurd as it is to say so early, Guardian Angel, though, I think may be the ultimate winner. :up:

[kewpie]

The diapers w/wipes idea was nice, but I might need only 1 wipe for a wet diaper, but like 3 for a poopy diaper. Unless there were 3 wipes on each diaper (which would be pretty wasteful), I still wouldn't be able to get out of carrying around both diapers AND a package of wipes.

[unicorngoddess]

The diaper/wipe idea seems to me to be a rip off of the Always pads that now have a moist toilete attached.
Link (http://www.always.com/products/detail.jsp?productid=ap1_3)

The therapy buddies really freak me out! I just don't believe everything's going to be all right when you sound like one of the children of the corn or something!!!

I REALLY liked the Guardian Angle. I don't mind that he didn't have a working demo, because part of the premis of the show is to help the american inventor bring his dream to reality...as he said, he's a firefighter with a bunch of kids so he can't really afford it. I'd like to see him at least get to the stage where he can build a mock up of this to see it in action.

Also, I miss the guy from last year. Can't remember his name, but he's always the one who seemed to have invented everyone's invention already and proceeded to tell them why it wouldn't work.

[nataylor]

I think the Guardian Angel has some significant hurdles. I bet there's some kind of UL certification that needs to be done on fire extinguishing devices. And I don't think it could use water, as you wouldn't want water sprayed all over electric lights. It'd probably have to be some kind of modified ABC fire extinguisher material.

[ping]

Actually, now that I've searched it, I think prior art may be Guardian Angel's biggest problem. Judging just by titles, I see about a dozen possible hits. Here's a really strong one:

http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5031702.html

They might be able to get a design patent on the angel hiding the extinguishing nozzle and the gift hiding the pump, but they're very likely going to have to license this one for the actual functionality.

Especially interesting is that this was filed in 1990 (and references other earlier patents) but I personally have never seen a commercial product like this.

I really thought they'd do a search before putting it before the judges.

[ping]

Yikes, the granddaddy of them all, US3171493 (issued in 1965) is an angel!

Well, at least it's public domain, now.

[katbug]

Ohhhh, I'm SO happy to see the Therapy Buddy back. I'm considering ordering one for my dd for her bday since she laughs as hard as I do about it. Still trying to decide about the $70 price tag though. The t-shirts may do the trick at only $15. Hmmm...

I laughed and cried during this episode. I really wish that they would do away with the slow-mo and emotional music!

[ElJay]

I hope the next prototype of Therapy Buddy has a different recording of the message... The one in it now is quite discomforting IMHO.

[katbug]

I hope the next prototype of Therapy Buddy has a different recording of the message... The one in it now is quite discomforting IMHO.
Especially now that we know that they are both men (kinda high voice)...not only that, but men who together can procreate. ;0)

[weaver]

Actually, now that I've searched it, I think prior art may be Guardian Angel's biggest problem. Judging just by titles, I see about a dozen possible hits. Here's a really strong one:

http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5031702.html

They might be able to get a design patent on the angel hiding the extinguishing nozzle and the gift hiding the pump, but they're very likely going to have to license this one for the actual functionality.

Especially interesting is that this was filed in 1990 (and references other earlier patents) but I personally have never seen a commercial product like this.

I really thought they'd do a search before putting it before the judges.


I can't say for this year, but I know they searched last year's inventions. I did some of the searching.

Mark

[bareyb]

I want some sponge gloves. Seriously, I would use those.
Can't you just put gloves on and hold the sponge? It's the same thing only you'd have more versatility with sponge angles and you'd be able to replace the sponge without having to throw away the gloves... Just sayin'... :p

[bareyb]

Ohhhh, I'm SO happy to see the Therapy Buddy back. I'm considering ordering one for my dd for her bday since she laughs as hard as I do about it. Still trying to decide about the $70 price tag though. The t-shirts may do the trick at only $15. Hmmm...

Me too. I think he will sell more of them for gag gifts than for the purpose it was invented, but who cares? They will still sell. It's easily one of the most memorable pieces from last year. Not sure something like that would make me feel better if I was sad, but I do know my Brother will laugh his ass off if I get him one and he opens it in front of everybody at his birthday party. :D

[bareyb]

I wonder what ever happened with last years winner. THAT was an emotional story. The guy whose baby died in the car accident. He invented the "Anecia Safety Sphere" or something like that. Anybody know if it's any closer to being manufactured? Seems like it would sell.

[mattack]

The diaper/wipe idea seems to me to be a rip off of the ...

TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!

(heh)

[mattack]

I wonder what ever happened with last years winner. THAT was an emotional story. The guy whose baby died in the car accident.

<BUZZ>

You are the weakest link, goodbye.

This is certainly the implication given, but he actually had a daughter in her *20s* who died in a car accident.

Not that it really matters for his invention, but the implication was really that "he had a baby die in a car accident and he wants to prevent it from happening again", which is a total lie.

[mattack]

Also, I miss the guy from last year. Can't remember his name, but he's always the one who seemed to have invented everyone's invention already and proceeded to tell them why it wouldn't work.

Yeah, the guy who seemed a lot like Clint Howard.

I don't even remember who the 3rd judge was... Some annoying lady.

[JLucPicard]

Especially now that we know that they are both men (kinda high voice)...not only that, but men who together can procreate. ;0)
As if it wasn't creepy enough, that part really pegged my creep-o-meter!

Hey, that gives me an idea for next year's competition. :eek:

[JLucPicard]

I cannot for the life of me figure out where people get the idea that they have a solid, competition-worthy invention (to use the term lightly).

A paper bib for in the car??? Straps that go all around your body to hold your hat on??? "Here, baby, pee on this and the animals get colored"???

My gosh, do they not have anyone around them to talk some sense into them?

I do get a kick out of the train wreck aspect of this thing, but please - you're embarrassing yourselves some of you folks!

[MisterBubble]

Ha! I forgot the toilet training lady... how she totally forgot that a kid might have to make "number 2"! Talk about a brown crayon!!! :p

And how about the lady with the carsick dog??? Maybe if your dog gets carsick you shouldn't take them for car rides (except for vet visits, etc)! Thought at least her name for it was clever. "Arf Bag" or whatever, LOL!

[grant33]

A paper bib for in the car???

It looked like the bib they put on you when you go to the dentist, except it didn't have the chain clipped on it to hang it around your neck. So not only did she not really "invent" anything, she took something that exists and left out a very useful part of it.

[nataylor]

So not only did she not really "invent" anything, she took something that exists and left out a very useful part of it.
You guys are harsh!

Remember, a big part of "inventing" is just adding improvements to existing things, or re-purposing existing things. I think the Auto Bib could sell.

Also, it looked like instead of the chain, it had little Velcro or sticky squares to hold it to your clothes. That would obviously be a lot easier to use than a chain.

[newsposter]

Ohhhh, I'm SO happy to see the Therapy Buddy back. I'm considering ordering one for my dd for her bday since she laughs as hard as I do about it. Still trying to decide about the $70 price tag though. The t-shirts may do the trick at only $15. Hmmm...

I laughed and cried during this episode. I really wish that they would do away with the slow-mo and emotional music!

c'mon vindicate him! I can't believe he didnt mention he sold X of these things and that's what enabled him to develop JR.

As soon as i watched this last night i told my wife "Kat is probably so happy to see our buddy back!" And since my dvd drive crashed, I now have a 2nd chance to record this permanently and play it whenever 'things aren't alright' lol. I still laugh every time i even thing of the TB.

Hey does the 70 bucks include junior? And that tshirt ...almost worth it itself.

------------
i hate that they put obvious losers through just so it's easier to push the ones they do like forward. I dont know if the format is the same as last year but (just making these up for my example) putting together a group of 4 with 1. babywipe boy 2. dental cloth woman 3. poo paper woman 4. fire guardian man...it's obvious 4 would win in his group. I think they more are concerned about getting sure losers in so the others will have more of a chance. And the dramatic pauses, especially by the all too aged for her age spanking woman, are too much. I dont know how old she was but she definitely put long hours in and she looks much older than she probably is.

Geo is hilarious. I wonder if someone will come up with a boxing invention. And i wonder why he didnt offer to put his name on after someone made a comment about the one invention he liked so much.

the brit is annoying. bring doug back! just kidding

i assume these people know about the money and how much it is. I always ask myself things like, if i had 50K to improve this babywipe, what could i possibly even spend that money on? I think they look for ideas that the money can really be used for. What will you do with a wipe? gold plate it?

[ping]

She advanced with that bib idea, didn't she? Yet another one that won't survive a search:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5701605.html

[newsposter]

Ha! I forgot the toilet training lady... how she totally forgot that a kid might have to make "number 2"! !

I think they could make the paper thing sing and dance as a reward for 2!

[montag]

Someone fill me in as to how this show works. Is this just an American Idol clone?

Last night I tried to watch a bit and I saw the segment with some goof in a cowboy hat and sunglasses who "invented" spinner rims for a bike. It was obviously made for TV, over-the-top, bad acting. Is this show like AI in that they spend 4 or 5 episodes auditioning folks for the main competition. And of course most of the auditions are fake, over the top, ridiculus phony inventors for entertainment purposes. Or is what I saw rare for this show.

[ping]

No, that's about it. Just like Idol, we won't see most of the legit ones that made it through to the next round until the auditions are over.

[ElJay]

Is there something significantly different to the autobib from stashing napkins or some paper towels in the glove compartment? I thought that one was amazingly lame, but I seem to recall it actually got approved?

The "pee on this and make pretty colors" thing was hilarious... I can't believe Peter is the first person that asked her what happens when the kid needs to take a dump. The woman seemed to be quite perplexed by the question. (Or at least the editing made it look like that.)

[katbug]

c'mon vindicate him! I can't believe he didnt mention he sold X of these things and that's what enabled him to develop JR.

As soon as i watched this last night i told my wife "Kat is probably so happy to see our buddy back!" And since my dvd drive crashed, I now have a 2nd chance to record this permanently and play it whenever 'things aren't alright' lol. I still laugh every time i even thing of the TB.

Hey does the 70 bucks include junior? And that tshirt ...almost worth it itself.

No, unfortunately it only includes one therapy buddy. One hesitation I have is that I like the new, improved version that he brought on the show better than the original. Yet, the original is what they show on the website...they don't even have Jr. in the shop yet. I was about to buy it anyway, but decided to email them to find out shipping time since my dd's bday is on the 16th. Don't want it to arrive too late.
I wondered if he would mention how many he'd sold. He did mention how popular they were, but didn't say anything about selling them, probably 'cuz it would seem like too much of an established product.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I love the new panel of judges, especially Sarah and George! I've always loved both of these people (and have been a fan of Sarah's since buying my first pair of Spanx), and loved Sarah on "Billionaire Branson" or whatever that show was called where she almost won.

As for my opinions on the inventions:
The bib: I wasn't so sure at first, but this really is an innovation that makes sense! Simple, yes, but something none of us came up with and would be very helpful, especially since I'm such a clutz and am always spilling on myself, especially in the car (and what was with the Brit's surprise at how many people eat in their car? I thought it seemed like a low estimate!

The Toilet Trainer thingy: This really didn't seem ridiculous to me considering that variations of exactly the same thing have been around forever (well, at least since my oldest was little...she's almost 17 now). I think the difference of this woman's was that you could print your own pictures on it. Otherwise, it's pretty much the same thing that's out there currently (and pretty popular if I'm not mistaken).

The diaper wipe: Again, I'm surprised that no one mentioned that this has already been invented. I remember when they were first being considered. Not sure how well they did since I don't seem them in the stores, but I distinctly remember them being talked about at some point...I think it was on a talk show (yes! I remember it being a celeb who was inventing them!). I think the idea too was that they would be eco-friendly, along with the diaper...the wipe was somehow attached inside the diaper.

The Arf Bag: A little skeptical at first, but then started thinking of our dog when she was a puppy and got carsick all the time. Gross to have to constantly clean it up (we took her camping with us a lot). Not sure how well this invention would have worked the way it was, as the judge pointed out how little they would be able to open their mouths, but that is something the $$ could have helped with.

I guess I'm the George Foreman of this thread, lol. I also earned my Jr. High nickname of "Chatty Kathy". Sorry for such a long post. :o

[ping]

Woah, I had no idea Therapy Buddy was already on sale. According to archive.com, it's been on sale since 2002. Personally it feels like that violates the spirit (if not the letter) of the invention eligibility rules.

[katbug]

Yep, someone was nice enough to post a link to it in a prior thread (sorry, too lazy to go see who it was...maybe newsposter?):
http://www.mytherapybuddy.com

I actually have had it open in a separate tab for the past couple of days, lol. (had to mute it though, as it plays annoyingly "soothing" music...go figure)

[DancnDude]

Umm....I don't get why people like "My therapy buddy". It's a stuffed animal that says "Everything will be alright" in a very creepy voice. Surely talking stuffed animals are not new inventions?? And even if you call it an invention, why in the world would something like this cost $70?! :eek:

[katbug]

It's the ridiculousness of it that everyone loves. I know that's why I'm considering buying it. It's been a family joke since it premiered last season, always good for a laugh when something wasn't going well, someone saying "Everything IS going to be allllllllright". It always lightens the mood (not exactly in the way he made it for since it's the joke of it that lightens the mood rather than the message). My kiddos would think they hit the jackpot in getting this thing. ;0)

[DancnDude]

It's the ridiculousness of it that everyone loves. I know that's why I'm considering buying it. It's been a family joke since it premiered last season, always good for a laugh when something wasn't going well, someone saying "Everything IS going to be allllllllright". It always lightens the mood (not exactly in the way he made it for since it's the joke of it that lightens the mood rather than the message). My kiddos would think they hit the jackpot in getting this thing. ;0)
OK this I can understand. As an "it's so bad it's good" kinda thing. The inventor though thinks people love his invention when in fact they are just laughing at it. People don't really like this as a serious product. If he cut the price to $20, he'd probably sell a ton as gag gifts.

I also have to admit it was good TV to have him on though :o

[katbug]

Yeah, I think he's a little delusional, lol. Ignorance is bliss, especially in his case. Rake in the $$ and believe it's 'cuz you're brilliant? Not a bad delusion...

[ping]

I'm beginning to think he understands exactly what the joke is and is embracing it. After trying to sell this thing for five years I think he realizes there's a novelty market out there if he can get people laughing at it.

[kewpie]

what was with the Brit's surprise at how many people eat in their car? I thought it seemed like a low estimate!



Aren't most cars in the UK manual transmission? Maybe its just too hard to eat while trying to shift, so its not as common to eat in the car in Britain as it is here.

[katbug]

Well, that would explain his shock at the number of Americans who eat in their cars...

[brianp6621]

It looked like the bib they put on you when you go to the dentist, except it didn't have the chain clipped on it to hang it around your neck. So not only did she not really "invent" anything, she took something that exists and left out a very useful part of it.

I actually really liked this idea.

I thought it was rather clever to take something that basically already existed (low development costs) and change it slighty and apply it to a new use.

It would be a lot more effective than a napkin because it is plastic backed so it can't leak through. That, and napkins never stay where they're supposed to and fall off or get pushed between your legs. I could see using this quite often.

However on second thought I do agree that the velcro might not be a great idea because depending on what you are wearing the velcro might not stick.

[NatasNJ]

How is a BIB a INVENTION and a doll that says "Everything is going to be ALRIGHT!"?

This show loses ALL creditability when they let JOKES go through. And why have George on this show? The guy backed into a grill (was suppost to be Hulk Hogan who turned it down) and is now some great inventor? PLEASE! Let him invest in the potsniffer and lose all his cash.

There was NOT 1 good invention in the first show. Not one. The xmas tree thing at least makes sense and is an IDEA for an invention. Unlike all the other crap shown to us.

[nataylor]

Some of the best selling products are just simple ideas. An "invention" doesn't have to be some kind of complex machinery ala Doc Brown.

[unicorngoddess]

I wonder what ever happened with last years winner. THAT was an emotional story. The guy whose baby died in the car accident. He invented the "Anecia Safety Sphere" or something like that. Anybody know if it's any closer to being manufactured? Seems like it would sell.

I thought the guy with the football trainer invention won???

[nataylor]

I also think the guy with the toilet deodorizer thingy was on to a good idea. To say there's no market for that is ridiculous. Anyone that's been to a Target can tell you there's a whole freaking aisle devoted to various deodorizing/smell making stuff. This would fit right up there with that stuff.

[NatasNJ]

I also think the guy with the toilet deodorizer thingy was on to a good idea. To say there's no market for that is ridiculous. Anyone that's been to a Target can tell you there's a whole freaking aisle devoted to various deodorizing/smell making stuff. This would fit right up there with that stuff.

This product basically already exists. Just like the AUTOBIB. THey are not NEW. That is my point. Putting aside their practicallity and all.

The good thing is only 1 person from each city makes it. So most of these crap things won't go beyond round 2.

Here is my issue with autobib. Not a bad concept. (though hardly an invention since anyone could just go buy a bib) but the reason MOST peopel would be eating in a car is because of time. This is my assumption so it may be wrong statiscally. But unless the fast food places offer these FOR FREE who is going to TAKE the time to buy them, and use them? I can't see a large market for it.

[nataylor]

I can totally see women pick up Auto Bibs. Place them right next to travel packs of Kleenex, and they will buy them. It's not the fact that it's a bib that makes it new, it's the fact that it's packaged and marketed for use in a car. Just like when Kleenex came up with those car packs that fit in areas in your car a normal box of Kleenex wouldn't.

[katbug]

Yep, I'd buy them for the car. Another example: the cups that have been specially designed for cars. We have bought tons of coffee mugs that are made for the car cup holders, as well as waterbottles. Neither is a new invention, but the innovation is what sells them. The bibs would be as handy to have as the handy wipes I keep in my car (but I like the idea of restaurants giving them out too!).

[newsposter]

all you newcomers...you missed the privacy pee thing last year. If i ever remember to look i'll find a pic hopefully. Basically if you are waiting for a bus and must pee, you take this thing out of your pocket ( i guess) and it's like you step in a glad bag, snap it up around ur neck and there is a thing for you to pee in all while standing next to your sidewalk mates. But it's TOTALLY private so he says!

oh it's bladder buddy, memory just kicked in

edit ...there already is a bladder buddy online and it's not this one..so i forget what it is

here it is...watch it!...you will laugh your ass off

http://www.guzer.com/videos/bladder_buddy.php

[katbug]

Ahhhh, the Bladder Buddy. I'm so glad that I haven't run into that guy at a bus stop. Suuuure, he's just peeing. Ick!

[getreal]

Umm....I don't get why people like "My therapy buddy". It's a stuffed animal that says "Everything will be alright" in a very creepy voice. Surely talking stuffed animals are not new inventions?? And even if you call it an invention, why in the world would something like this cost $70?! :eek:
I agree. Just paint it red and call it "Coddle Me Elmo".

[uncdrew]

It looked like the bib they put on you when you go to the dentist, except it didn't have the chain clipped on it to hang it around your neck. So not only did she not really "invent" anything, she took something that exists and left out a very useful part of it.


But she'd been working on it for 13 years. :D


I think in about 13 hours would be sufficient.

[Fl_Gulfer]

Why are they already doing a rerun tonight? The dam show just started.

[MisterBubble]

here it is...watch it!...you will laugh your ass off

http://www.guzer.com/videos/bladder_buddy.php

bahahahahahahaha!!!! Thanks for posting that! I remember people discussing that in the other thread too while reminiscing about last year's weirdest inventions. Peter is right - it DOES look like a giant garment bag. It WOULD be much nicer (and even more noticable) in leather with rhinestones though! Ha!!!

And that funnel thing!!!! :eek: