I don't know where to put this. I am so pissed.

[Maraya1969]

I just watched a part of "American Inventor" where they showed previous inventors and their "things". Many were absurd but this young boy came in with a fan that you put in your car window to keep it cool for a dog.

Well 3 judges said "yes" and 1 "no" so he was off.

The thing is I have within the last couple weeks seen an advertisement for a fan that is almost the absolute same as the one this kid invented. Did these people rip off this kids Idea? I actually thought it was a great idea because it pulled hot air from the car and kept it at some cooler temperature, (they had it tested). I am going to keep looking for it on the net - haven't found it yet.

All I know is it that car cooler makes money and the company that made it got the idea from this kid on the show then ABC owes that kid some money.

In South Florida keeping your car '"cool" is very important. People go for shade trees rather than closeness when picking a parking spot and many, as I do, have these shades that you put up on your front windshield to keep the heat out.

Who the hell are these people anyway?

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Solar Powered Car/Vent Fans.

http://blackenergy.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info¤cy=USD&products_id=424

http://store.yahoo.com/comfort/elshavgrunpr.html

http://www.nextag.com/solar-car-vent/search-html

http://www.brucemedical.com/ik1605.html

http://www.brandsonsale.com/solar-car-fan.html


I have seen these in catalogs for years.

This is what I use if I MUST leave my dog in the car for any amount of time. I have one for the driver side and one for the passenger side.

Automobile pet vent.

For use in car windows. Allows pet to get fresh air without the worry of them escaping.

http://www.carealotpets.com/item-detail/?ItemID=000000000002586

[FormerDittoHead]

2. I've seen those things for years... solar powered... n/t

[wtmusic]

3. Ripping off inventions is an art in itself -- known as "inventing around"

And if there is a case there is never a lawyer far behind, they will get popped, and the kid will have some money for college.

[Maraya1969]

8. I hope so.

[Robbien]

4. I have a solar car fan which helps keep the car from getting hot

here is a link
http://www.brandsonsale.com/solar-car-fan.html

or just google solar car fan and you will see many links.

Sorry about the kid.

[allalone]

5. I've had one of those fans for 5 years

operates on solar. Unless his was drastically different, I wouldn't leave a kid or pet in the car.
It only cools it about 10 degs.

[WinkyDink]

6. They built up that boy, and he got slammed at the end. Very sad.

[Maraya1969]

7. I hate that show. And why don't they just tell him his idea is not new?

I found the link to the solar powered air coolers. The one I saw on TV somehow pulled the hot air out of the car. Maybe it is the same.

Either way I don't like this show at all. Telling someone they can't sing is one thing, especially if they have never had lessons but telling a person who has worked for YEARS and spent tons of money on an idea that their idea is stupid is just plain cruel.

[TreasonousBastard]

10. I hate it for another reason...

it's winner take all, but still no real followup to see the idea in production. The whole concept is just plain stupid and does nothing for the inventors.

At least with HSN, when they look at your ideas the sellable ones get air time and guranteed sales. And without all the hoopla and bullshit of the "reality" shows."

[wtmusic]

9. All of those "American Idol" type shows exploit people's perverse

pleasure in watching failure. Can't stand 'em.