In case you’ve been hiding in the lab the past few months, you should know: Shark Week is finally here! Originally aired by Discovery in 1987, Shark Week was designed to raise awareness and respect for one of the ocean’s most important – if not terrifying – creatures. Now in its 26th year, Shark Week can claim the title as the longest running television event in history.
So, to commemorate the occasion, I thought I’d dive in to the patent database and see what interesting shark-centric patents I could find to share. Who would have thought that “shark repellant” “shark suit” and “shark cage” alone would turn up over 12,000 different shark-related patents?
Not me.
But it did.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to look at them all (unless you want to!). Here are 6 of the best… from swimming amongst them to keeping them away… for your viewing pleasure:
US 4135256 – Floating Swimming Pool (with shark-proof cage)
Ever wanted to swim with the sharks? Here’s your chance.
US 4356569 – Armored Skin Diving Suit
It’s designed to be worn “like a chain mail” over a regular wet suit.
US 4602384 – Aquatic Attack Protector Suit and Material Therefor
The material is hard to cut, AND it tastes disgusting!
US 3683280 – Shark Repelling Device Including Pulse Generator Producing Electrical Field In Water Between Widely Spaces Electrodes
US 3683280 – The title says it all, don’t you think?
US 4166462 – Self-Propelled Shark-Proof Cage
Avoid shark bites AND the bends with this handy little underwater vehicle!
US 3477074 – Anti-Shark Safety Device
US 3477074 hopes do deter sharks by boring them into more interesting waters…
What’s your favorite shark-related patent? Tell us in the comments!
Want more Shark Week? Get it here!