Patent Bending is a Canadian reality television series that premiered August 22, 2006, on the Discovery Channel. The series is based on building some of the weird, fantastical ideas inventors have patented over the last century. Once physically realised, the flaws in these ideas tend to be humorously obvious and explain the ideas' lack of commercial success. The team then tries to come up with an improved version, thus the "bending" part of the title, meeting with varying results.
Bicycle Lawnmower
Aug 22, 2006
Cutting grass and cycling merge in these strange, mostly defective but sometimes effective versions of the "Bicycle Lawnmower." For nearly 100 years, a parade of would-be inventors have envisioned the future of lawn-cutting: a quiet, environmentally-friendly, healthy alternative to mowing the lawn - by bike. The Patent Bender crew takes this one on and goes for the ride of their lives.
Floating Tent
Aug 29, 2006
With lakefront property harder and harder to find for campers, the idea of a floating tent seems to makes sense. The concept of camping by the lake is taken to new levels as the team expands on the “Floating Tent” invention. The team takes the idea to the next level and sets sail with their version and goes camping on the lake.
12-Gauge Golf Club
Sep 5, 2006
Bullets and golf balls collide in an unlikely ballistic combination of clubs and guns. Driving the ball further and further has always been the pursuit of the avid golfer. In this episode, the team modifies a patent designed to blast the ball in ways never imagined by combining a nice straight swing, golf clubs - and shotgun shells!
Helmet Bar
Sep 12, 2006
With the traditional “Beer Helmet” being a staple of sporting events and tailgate parties for the past 20 years, an evolution of the traditional helmet was all but inevitable! The Patent Benders take this invention to new heights and declare the bar officially open with a new-and-improved version that serves not only beer, but a variety of liquors and spirits.
Chute ‘N Shoes
Sep 19, 2006
The Benders take on a 19th century patent that’s designed to be a real lifesaver…but could prove to be just the opposite. The “Chute ’n Shoes” patent is a helmet-mounted parachute to aid emergency evacuation from a burning building. Taking a leap of faith, its wearer hopes that the device will float them down to safety. The crew “bends” this patent in a way that will leave viewers shaking!
Human Carwash
Sep 26, 2006
In this soapy episode, the crew tackles the design and construction of a large scale, multi-level “Human Carwash.” Originally designed in the age of atomic bombs, the human carwash was intended to wash toxic fallout off of human bodies - today it's only relevant at mud wrestling contests… or very messy kids.
Fishing Show
Oct 3, 2006
The Patent Benders experiment with two patents that use helium balloons to do some real ‘fly fishing’, but turn to the air, sea and sky to really do it up right.
Motorized Picnic Table
Oct 10, 2006
The concept of fast food is redefined when the crew reinterprets the design for a “Motorized Picnic Table” - perfect when you can’t stake out your own picnic table at the park or beach. In this episode, watch as this eight-metre long fire-breathing, burger-serving, metal monster goes to town!
The Baby Show
Oct 17, 2006
Having babies is the toughest thing in the world to do. There are endless problems, concerns and disasters lurking around every corner - and scores of inventors have tried to improve upon the situation… with varying results. The team puts some of the most bizarre baby patents to the test and come up with their own ultra-cool baby invention.
Mouse Trap
Oct 24, 2006
Inventors have always dreamed of designing “The Better Mousetrap.” The Patent Benders put some existing inventions to the test and come up with a radical new way of beating these little critters in the ultimate Man vs. Mouse showdown.
The Mancatcher
Oct 3, 2006
In the golden age of bank robbers, when Bonnie and Clyde were doing big business, an inventor created and patented “The Mancatcher” - a 3.5 metre-tall metal monster, designed to catch bank robbers in the act. The Long Arm of the Law takes on new meaning as the Patent Benders make a long-armed, motorized mechanical security guard unit, testing the contraption on some modern day gun-toting gangsters.
Super Shopping Cart
Oct 31, 2006
The Patent Benders combine the best ideas for designing the ultimate shopping cart using motors, ladders, locks, alarms, and benches.
Aqua Motorcycle
Nov 14, 2006
The Patent Benders make the ultimate elevator shoes; testing some patents for shoes that house fishbowls and mop floors.
The Good, The Bad and The Useless
Nov 21, 2006
The boys review the lows and the highs of the first season and decide to take one really cool build to the next level.
