In the history of strange inventions, let’s not forget the Baby Patting Machine. Thomas V. Zelenka was awarded Patent 3,552,388 in 1968 for an automated baby patting machine. It was a motor-driven device that attaches to a baby crib and gently pats the sleeping baby on the bottom with a padded mitten.
One can’t help but wonder if the invention would have gained more popularity with a revved-up motor, marketed as a hand-free spanker.
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