30 Most Ridiculous Patents in the Last 10 Years

[Buena Fortuna]

Originally Posted by markem

Clearly, noen of you work in this area. This is where I consult (from a technical perspective) and none of my fave ones made it. Here is a sample.

Remember that patents have to be unique and new inventions.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-P...&RS=PN/6368227

United States Patent 6,368,227
Olson April 9, 2002


1. A method of swinging on a swing, the method comprising the steps of:

a) suspending a seat for supporting a user between only two chains that are hung from a tree branch;

b) positioning a user on the seat so that the user is facing a direction perpendicular to the tree branch;

c) having the user pull alternately on one chain to induce movement of the user and the swing toward one side, and then on the other chain to induce movement of the user and the swing toward the other side; and

d) repeating step c) to create side-to-side swinging motion, relative to the user, that is parallel to the tree branch.

OMG! This got a patent??? I've been swinging on swings like that since I was knee high to a grass hopper...I hope I don't owe royalties