Section 16 Money in Personal Conveniences
605. The Pocket Umbrella.—Few things are in more common or universal use than the umbrella, and yet what a cumbersome, awkward thing it is. Who will invent one that can be folded, packed and pocketed? A Mr. Higgins, by the invention of the sliding thimble for umbrellas received $100,000 cash as royalties on his patent. A pocket umbrella should realize for its inventor much more than that.
606. The Million Match.—A slow-burning match, which will burn four times as long as the ordinary one. Such a device contains a million dollars, for it would drive all other matches out of the market. “A Hungarian named Janos Irinyi, the inventor of the lucifer or phosphorus match, sold his patent for $3,500.”
607. Finger-Nail Parer.—A fine blade, especially adapted to the rounded shape of the finger-nail. It may be attached to an ordinary penknife.
608. The Watch Pad.—A small watch set in the center of a square pocket pad, so that the engagements for the day may be marked upon a paper opposite the time fixed. The pad should have a sufficient number of leaves to last a month or more. When all have been torn off, the watch can be attached to a new pad.
609. Pocket Bill Holder.—Within a flat, leather case, suitable to be carried in the pocket, construct a device for holding bills for collection on one side and for bills for payment on the other. Every business man wants it.
610. Extension Umbrella.—An umbrella capable of extension in one direction so as effectually to shelter three persons. It must be made on a radically different plan from the kind now in use.
611. Portable Desk.—A desk which can be conveniently carried under the arm, hung upon a nail when it is not desired for use, and in unfolding presents a stand and all the materials for writing.
612. Flower Holder.—A spring between the ends of pieces of wood will cause the opposite ends to press firmly together. These ends will press firmly to the lapel of the coat, and the coil of the spring will hold the stem of the flower.
613. Hat Lock.—A device for securely locking a hat in a public place so that it can be removed only by the owner; a coat lock also would be useful.
614. Spring Shoe Heel.—A spring inclosed within the leather of the heel so as to facilitate walking. It would be of special aid to the sick and the feeble.
615. Self-Igniting Cigar.—Some day an inventor will make a stupendous fortune by a cigar which can be ignited by simply rubbing the end, as a match is now rubbed in lighting.
616. Spring Knife.—A pocket knife in which the blade can be opened by touching the spring, thus avoiding the vexation of broken finger-nails.
617. Phosphorescent Key Guard.—A device which will serve the double purpose of covering the hole when the key is not in use and for finding the hole when the key is inserted.
618. Knot Clasp.—An effective clasp which will securely hold a knot. Parcels are constantly becoming untied and shoes unlaced when an effective clasp would prevent it. It must be very cheap.
619. Single Match Delivery.—A penny-in-the-slot machine for use in cigar stores, but operated free of cost. The machine should deliver but a single match at a time.
620. Watch Head Cane.—A small watch fixed in the head of a cane would be a great convenience to walkers.
621. Book Case Chair.—An easy chair, provided with a small rack for books on each arm. Specially adapted for invalids.
622. Coin Holder.—A device by which coins are in sight in a traveler’s purse, and by touch of a spring he can cause to fall the exact coin he wants. Very convenient for ferries, cars and cabs.
623. The Pocket Punch.—A simple punch by which with a pressure on a pocket one could secretly make a record every time he paid out money, and thus keep an account of his daily expenses without resort to bookkeeping.
624. Mouth Guard.—If you can invent a mouthguard which will be both simple and ornamental and prevent contamination when drinking at public fountains or in partaking of the communion cup in churches, you will confer much favor upon the community and reap large funds for yourself.
625. Parcel Fastener.—A hook and eye capable of instant insertion in the wrapping of paper parcels would be sold by the million.