Unusual Patents Discovering: The Device Invented for Performing High Fives Automatically
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When Loneliness Meets a High Five: The Unconventional Solution
Ever found yourself craving a high five when no partners are around? Not to worry, 'cause in 1993 a clever soul decided to put an end to our solo celebration woes with US Patent 5356330. Meet the High Five Machine - an ingenious contraption to sate our high-fiving desires.
The High Five Machine, simply put, is an automated buddy for those moments when the world is against us and our friends are MIA. In patent terms, it's "an apparatus for simulating a 'high-five.'" It boasts a lower arm portion complete with a detachable, life-like hand, an upper arm, a flexible elbow joint, and a spring mechanism to bring the arms together in a friendly greeting.
It all started with the realization that high fives are a human thing - exclusive to matey moments with another human. In the heat of a match when your team scores, you want to send a shout-out with a high five, but when you're a one-person squad, well, it's a hard pill to swallow. As the patent explains, "a solitary fan is unable to perform a 'high five' to express excitement during a televised sporting event."
But no sweat - the High Five Machine steps in to save the day! This baby has a pivotal, self-righting hand-arm, designed to imitate the natural human high five motion in two distinct styles: elbows bent or arms raised like a winner. Adding the cherry on top, the High Five Machine can be used as a fun workout tool! "The hand-arm configuration synergistically improves the hand-eye coordination of a user and/or, depending upon specific placement, provides an exercise device for enhancing the jumping skills of a user," it says.
Hands up if you're game for a High Five Machine! So here's to getting along long after we've grown apart - the High Five Machine is here to keep the party going!
When Novelty Meets NecessityBy now you've got a picture of the High Five Machine, but, if you're like me, you'll have questions about its origins and modern-day status.
In general terms, the High Five Machine is a fun, offbeat gadget that mimics the human high five action - typically for social or promotional purposes. It emerged in the mid-'90s, with its patent including the mechanical or electronic design to detect and respond with a simulated high five. Although these gizmos have found their way into various settings, they never reached the mainstream market as we know it.
As with many inventions, the 20-year patent lifespan for the original High Five Machine concept would have ended around 2013. Since then, there's been no sign of notable updates or active commercial versions, evidently pointing to this device remaining a niche novelty rather than a popular commodity.
Curious for more in-depth info? Digging through 1993 patent filings using related keywords like "High Five Machine" or the names of notable inventors might unearth additional details about this peculiar, yet endearing gadget.
The High Five Machine, initially designed as a novelty gadget, showcases the intersection of technology and entertainment, providing an automated solution for expressing excitement during solo moments, such as watching sports. Despite its unique appeal, the High Five Machine didn't gain mainstream popularity, remaining a niche item after the expiration of its 20-year patent in 2013.
