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15 Innovative Creations You Didn’t Realize Came from U.S.

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America, the land of the free and home of the brave, has given the world some truly groundbreaking inventions. But hold onto your hats, folks! While everyone knows about the lightbulb and the internet, here are 15 inventions you maybe didn’t know originated from the U.S.

The Super Soaker

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Invented by Lonnie Johnson in 1982, this high-powered squirt gun turned backyard battles into epic water wars. Forget water balloons that explode like a confetti bomb; the Super Soaker made soaking your friends an Olympic sport! Who knew a childhood squabble could lead to a billion-dollar toy empire? 

The Pet Rock

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In the 1970s, Gary Dahl decided that people were overcomplicating pet ownership. Enter the Pet Rock, a rock sold as a live pet, complete with a cardboard box and care instructions. This ingenious (and slightly ridiculous) invention capitalized on the pet craze while requiring zero feeding or walking. “Just feed it some love,” they said. 

Post-It Notes

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In 1968, Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M, tried to make a strong adhesive but ended up creating a weak one instead. Fast-forward to 1980, when his colleague Art Fry had a revelation: Why not use the weak adhesive to create bookmarks that stick? And just like that, the world became a little stickier—and a whole lot more organized. 

The Electric Toothbrush

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For those of us who struggle with the fine motor skills required for manual brushing, this invention is nothing short of miraculous. Finally, a way to brush teeth without the need for an Olympic-level arm workout! With an electric toothbrush, you can multitask: brush your teeth while contemplating life’s mysteries or practicing your karaoke skills. 

Corn Dog

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A deliciously corny creation, it is a staple at state fairs across America. The corn dog, which is essentially a hot dog on a stick, was reportedly invented in the 1930s by G.G. “Gus” Belt in Texas. This brilliant idea came to him after he realized that regular hot dogs needed a little more pizzazz. Thus, the corn dog was born.

The Snuggie

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Invented in 2008 by the people behind the “As Seen on TV” phenomenon, this genius product allows you to lounge like a couch potato while looking like you’re ready for a cozy winter evening. Sure, it might look silly, but when the temperature drops, there’s no better fashion statement than looking like a walking blanket. 

The Frisbee

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Originally created as a pie tin, the Frisbee was transformed into a flying disc by Walter Morrison in 1948. After years of throwing pie tins around, Morrison realized that people enjoyed hurling these discs for fun. The Frisbee took off (literally) and has since become a backyard staple and even a means of communication in certain dog circles. 

The Slinky

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The Slinky—a simple, springy toy that has entertained generations. Invented in 1943 by Richard James, an engineer, the Slinky was originally intended to stabilize sensitive equipment on ships. However, when it fell off a shelf and walked down a staircase, the world of toys was forever changed. 

The Remote Control

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Remote controls are a household staple, but they didn’t always exist. The first remote was called “Zenith Space Command” and operated using ultrasonic sound waves. Can you imagine trying to change the channel with a whistle? Today’s remotes have come a long way, but let’s be honest: we still can’t find them half the time. 

Bubble Wrap

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Bubble wrap is the ultimate stress relief tool and the perfect packing material. Originally, it was intended to be textured wallpaper. Thankfully, someone realized that popping those little bubbles was far more satisfying than looking at a wall. Now, bubble wrap is the go-to for protecting fragile items and providing therapeutic popping sessions. 

The Microwave 

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 The microwave was accidentally discovered in 1945 by Percy Spencer, an engineer working on radar technology. While working on a magnetron, Spencer noticed that a candy in his pocket had melted. Instead of crying over a ruined snack, he had an epiphany: why not use this heat to cook food? Hence, the microwave was born.

The 3M Post-It Flag

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Following the immense success of Post-It Notes, 3M introduced the Post-It Flag to help keep people organized. These little sticky flags allow users to mark important pages without damaging the book. It’s like a bookmark that gives a gentle nudge, saying, “Hey, remember this important thing?” 

The Water Bed

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This one on the list was originally designed as a tool for helping patients with spinal issues. But let’s be real: it quickly became a trend that transformed bedrooms into a wave pool. Who doesn’t want to sleep on a giant floating mattress? Sure, they may require a little more maintenance than your average bed, but the feeling is priceless.

The Safety Pin

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The safety pin was created in 1849 by Walter Hunt, who designed it as a way to keep pieces of fabric together. It has since become an essential tool in sewing kits and a quick fix for wardrobe malfunctions. If only all life’s problems could be solved so simply—like securing your pants with a safety pin instead of worrying about a major fashion faux pas.

The Zipper

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Finally, let’s talk about the zipper, which revolutionized clothing and bags forever. Invented by Whitcomb Judson in 1893, the zipper was initially designed for shoes. It has since evolved into the nifty device that makes getting dressed much easier. No more fumbling with buttons or laces; now, just zip and go.

Written by Jace Lamonica

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