Amazing Inventors of Ordinary Things

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Mechanical engineer Whitcomb Judson developed this idea just in time for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, but was overshadowed by the Ferris Wheel and exotic dancer 'Little Egypt'. Nowadays it's on everything from pencil cases to coats, pants, boots, backpacks and a plethora of other items. What was it? The Zipper Plastic fasteners Patch Kits Buttons

2. The first patent issued for this item, found in stores worldwide, was back in 1952, when this item looked more like a bull's eye with concentric circles than its present-day shape. Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver are credited with inventing what item? Bar codes Price tags Neon signs 'Open-Close' signs

3. As early as 1820, a French metallurgist named L. Bertheier worked on a type of metal that would be the savior in kitchens world wide, but it wasn't until 1920 that the first type of this cutlery was commercially sold in Meridian, Connecticut. What was it? Iron Steel wool Stainless steel Chrome

4. In December of 1886, Mrs. Josephine Cochrane of Shelbyville, Illinois patented the first of these after being fed up with the kitchen staff constantly breaking her good china. What was the invention called? Paper plates Dishwashing liquid The automatic dishwasher The pink slip

5. Robert Chesebrough of Brooklyn, New York owned a failing kerosene business when he accidentally discovered a waxy residue that clung to oil rigs in Pennsylvania in 1879. What did he eventually unleash upon the world? Castor Oil Beeswax Candlewax Vaseline

6. Dr. Benjamin Green was a doctor who helped the U.S. military devise ways to keep soldiers from getting sunburned in the Pacific theater of World War II. His early concoction of 'red petrolatum' soon took on a white form with a scent of jasmine. He took the concoction to start a business under what name? Hawaiian Tropic Panama Jack Coppertone Bain de Soille

7. There has been some form in use since the time of the ancient Egyptians, but the man who made it popular in the U.S. in the 1930s was a balding Massachusetts volunteer fireman named John Breck. What was the product? Body wash Liquid soap Hand soap Shampoo

8. Charles Goodyear's process to vulcanize rubber in the 1860s was the impetus for this later invention. The first of these to come off the assembly line in 1917 had a black bottom covered by brown canvas. What were these items? Rain boots Sneakers Raincoats Automobile tires

9. Acetylsalicylic acid, derived from the bark of the willow tree, was first discovered at the University of Montpellier in 1853, then forgotten for the next 40 years. In 1893, German chemist Felix Hoffman discovered this product could do what? Cure many forms of infection Grow hair Relieve body aches and pains Improve eyesight

10. On May 15, 1940, this long-awaited material surfaced for the first time for commercial use, which caused long lines, near riots and a virtual end to the silk market. What was the material? Knitted wool Nylon Synthetic cotton Fishnet

11. This piece of footwear magic was invented by a Belgian musical instrument maker named Joseph Merlin in 1759 for a costume party. What was it? Plaform boots Moon shoes Roller skates Stilts

12. What candy staple was introduced to the U.S. by Mexican general and dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna? Chewing gum Popsicle Licorice Taffy

13. It was in 1957 Walter Fredrick Morrison of California took his obsession with UFOs to create what popular childrens toy? The Slinky The Hula Hoop The Frisbee The 'Singing' Yo-Yo

14. It was in 1951 that a divorced bank secretary named Bette Nesmith Graham found a way to use a form of white tempura paint to go over typewriting mistakes (the original formula was mixed with a blender). Originally called 'Mistake-Out', under what name is it better known? I Can't Believe It Was A Typo The Office Brush Liquid Paper Secretary Helper

15. The first person to approach this idea was Leonardo Da Vinci, but the first operational model wasn't perfected until 1877 by Swiss physician Dr. A.E. Fick. Since then, they have become the savior of the vain and the sight-impaired. What is it? Sunglasses Contact lenses Bifocals Eye drops