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Inventors turn creations into cash

Booster Blades are worn like skates but pedal to propel forward.

GENEVA, Switzerland (AP) -- What do the automatic fish catcher, the easy sushi-maker, and the body-shaping petticoat all have in common? They're creations of some of the world's most innovative minds for the world's laziest bodies.

Hoping to turn their contraptions into capital, some 700 inventors from 42 countries have gathered at the International Exhibition of Inventions to show off gizmos ranging from a multifunction umbrella that contains an anti-mugger alarm to personal armor made of coconut-fiber.

The fair -- the world's largest of its kind -- features some 1,000 new inventions by industrial and commercial companies, independent researchers and even amateurs like one who offers a way to eat spare ribs without burning your fingers.

Solutions for those resistant to exertion seem to be a recurring theme at this year's 35th edition, which runs until Sunday.

One notable invention is the spring-loaded fish hook -- the equivalent of an underwater mouse trap. After attaching the float to the fishing pole, the "sportsman" lowers a lever into the set position. The fish has only to nibble on the bait to trigger the spring and find itself with a dart through the lips. (Caution: Do not bait the hook while the device is cocked, the pamphlet warns).

But isn't that considered cheating?

"Well, it could be," admitted inventor Michael Adcock, the only U.S. entry at the fair. "It's a lazy-man's way of fishing. That way you can drink more beer. That's what more fishermen are really out there for anyway. ... Normally, you've got to be watching the float. With this, you can look away, take a sip, do whatever."

He said the fish catcher is most effective for pan fish such as bream, crappie, bass and catfish.

Once they've nabbed their fresh fish, chefs who like to cut corners might be interested in Easy Sushi, a contraption that resembles a cigarette roller and allows any clumsy cook to whip up a masterful-looking maki in just minutes.

Couch potatoes who are disinclined to diet can turn to custom-made body-shaping underwear.

read more //edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/04/20/geneva.inventions.ap/index.html
POSTED: 1354 GMT (2154 HKT), April 20, 2007

Create Date : 19 เมษายน 2550

Last Update : 21 เมษายน 2550 0:17:09 น.

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