Editor’s note: This article was first published in April 2014; the prices, pre-order status and availability it gives for each product are 2014 data, and several of these products may no longer be sold.
We are continuing our search for innovative new products that may be little known to the general public. Although it is getting harder and harder to keep innovating, the truth is that the original ideas of these inventors and entrepreneurs still surprise us. Today’s selection, as you will see, is very varied in terms of products and uses.
1. The flexible self-defense arm
The company ArmStar designed this arm, which promises to become the future of self-defense. It is not a lethal weapon, but it has everything needed to deter a would-be attacker built in. It is a laptop, it is a smartphone, it has hands-free calling and it includes a deterrent device that emits a high-density projected sound capable of stunning the attacker. If things get serious, it can also give the attacker an electric shock. While all this is happening, the device records images that can later serve as evidence of the crime. An excellent idea.
2. Night-vision camera for smartphones
Last week we looked at 5 very original iPhone cases; this time, a group of entrepreneurs has designed the “Snooperscope“, a night-vision camera that attaches to your phone. Ideal for recording images in the dark. The company is currently taking pre-orders after successfully completing its Kickstarter funding campaign.
3. Baby stroller and scooter
Why just push when you can also hop on and pedal? A very simple, adaptable invention. In other words, it is an ordinary baby stroller, and when we want to ride it, we just have to unfold it.
4. The first 3D pen
The 3Doodler is the first pen designed for drawing in 3D. That is, not just drawing on a flat surface, but making drawings that stand out in relief.
Watch: video of the 3Doodler
5. Windproof umbrella
The Senz stormproof is an idea born from how useless an umbrella becomes when we face storms with strong winds. According to its creators, this umbrella design withstands winds of more than 100 kilometers per hour, and it comes with a sleeve so you can hang it discreetly. It is one of those business ideas that come from improving an existing product.
6. A product that turns you into an aquatic Iron Man
Jet skis and pedal boats are a thing of the past. The new water entertainment is the Flyboard, a pair of boots that use water to make you literally fly. They only work on water. You can see how they work in this YouTube video.
7. The backpack bike
The BikePack is a light folding bicycle, ideal for hikers and mountaineers who want to cover the long stretches by bike and then turn it into a backpack for the parts where cycling is no longer possible.
8. Hooded backpack
The Backpack is an idea with plenty of market in countries where the weather is not kind. If only Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook and a lover of hoodies, had known that backpacks like this existed…
9. A one-of-a-kind umbrella design
The inventor of this umbrella is said to have come up with the idea while looking for a way to smoke while walking down the street on rainy days. He did find a way to keep his hands free for any kind of activity, such as talking on the phone or putting on lipstick, but smoking inside this device is not recommended (he never found a way to get the smoke out).
10. Kitchen table that doubles in size
A table we can double in size in less than 5 seconds. It also has an elegant design and an incredible finish. The company Fletcher sells it from 50,000 dollars (not something you would want anyone damaging at home…).
We will keep adding to this series on original products.
Further reading
- 11 profitable micro-business ideas for young people, the unemployed and homemakers
- 29 ideas for making money from home or online
Featured image: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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