Undoubtedly, you’ve gone to the bathroom countless times.  We’d even venture to guess that, while there, you never gave a thought to how the toilet holds fast to the floor… but, we’re betting you’re glad that it does.

Now, many historians give all the credit to the man who invented the toilet.  Rumors have swirled that it was Thomas Crapper (not a pun); but, the first toilet actually dates back to around 1596 with Sir John Harrington.

Other than total necessity and obvious convenience, what made that flushing toilet “stick” – in place that is?

Just look down the next time you’re in the bathroom.  Do you see dingy, exposed bolts at the base of the toilet bowl?  Perhaps a disheveled cap that may be half on the bolt, but barely covers it?  Or, do you see a neat, barely noticeable cap that securely covers that ever-important bolt?

Enter Gary and Ruth Frazer, the masterminds behind Twister Caps, the “why didn’t anyone think of that before” answer to exposed or clumsily-covered toilet bolts.

Like most people, the Frazer’s didn’t think much of their existing toilet caps, until they saw their son’s dog running around with one in his mouth.  It was then that they came up with the idea for Twister Caps, a threaded, screw-on toilet bolt cap that fits all toilets – thanks to careful engineering.

The Davison team helped the Frazer’s invent the cosmetically-appealing cap that’s made of high-impact plastic, threaded on the inside and is very affordable.

Twister Caps easily screw onto 1/4″ or 5/16 ” toilet bolts.  Injection molding is the manufacturing process that creates the mass-produced Twister caps affordably.

While the thought process behind Twister Caps and their installation may be quite simple, a lot of work went into creating those convenient toilet caps so they would fit every toilet.

And, thanks to Twister Caps’ unique threading, they won’t easily lift off.  Their success, however… has skyrocketed!

Millions of Twister Caps have sold nationwide at stores like Ace’s, Lowe’s and Home Depot.

So, thank you, Gary and Ruth Frazer, for noticing something so small that many of us just flushed it out of our minds.  Way to make a splash!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

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That’s right, this week, we’re unleashing how the humane tethering device, the Better Tether, was made.

Ed Yoder and his dogs were inseparable; so, it was only natural that when Ed was outside gardening, mowing the lawn or just enjoying some sun, his pups wanted to be there, too.  But, Ed got tired of his dogs knocking over their food and water with their traditional tethers while he completed his yard work.

Ed longed for a better way to allow his pets to remain outdoors with him.  So, he started working on an idea that would provide more convenience for his pets… and for him.

Ed’s Better Tether is devised with a divided dish that holds food and water, solving pets’ outdoor hunger and hydration needs.  Unlike traditional tethers, the Better Tether actually sits at ground-level, thanks to a strong steel post that securely anchors the dish into the ground.

Since pet owners attach their beloved pets’ leashes to the steel post, the Better Tether is impossible to spill and even avoids the lawnmower, because of where it sits.  The dish is bright orange, too: so, it’s visible day or night.

Success for Ed, his dog and pets everywhere?  We’d say so:  The Better Tether was licensed by Hugs Pet Products and was named a 2011 Pet Product News International Retailers’ Top Pick.

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

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Today, we’re stepping into a new pet invention that has made walking in rain, snow, sleet or any other condition a little more comfortable for our four-legged friends.  Let’s venture through how Pugz Shoes were made.

It all started with Kay Thompson, who loved taking her two Shelties, Rough Spot and Autumn Angel, out for their daily walks.  But, Michigan winters were hard on her pups’ paws.  Not only were conditions wet and cold, but the chemicals that were used to treat roads and sidewalks were also damaging.

Kay set out to solve the problem of soggy, soaked paws.

Providing warmth and protection, Pugz are made of a breathable faux leather and faux wool that keep paws clean and dry.  Their soft, cushioned soles also comfort paws and protect hardwood floors from scratch marks.

Finally, Pugz are designed with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap that ensures a secure fit on any pet.

Pugz are now available in sizes extra small through large and they come in fashionable boot or tennis shoe designs.  They’ve sold in retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, SkyMall and many others.

Now that you know how Pugz Shoes are made, see how their worn.

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

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Of course, our pets are never far from any outdoor excitement and it’s National Pet Month; so, we’re taking a look at a refreshing invention that’s made quite a splash in the pet product industry.  Today, we’re examining how the Hydro Bone is made.

If you’re not yet familiar with the award-winning Hydro Bone, it’s a hydrating pet toy that releases water as pets chew and play with it.  And, it all started in the mind an inventor who wanted to find a way to giver her dog a drink when they were traveling on long car trips.

She found the water bowl was a definite “no” and her pup couldn’t exactly drink out of a water bottle.  Knowing that the car wasn’t the only place that pets needed to keep cool, Diane DiRaimo set out to invent a product that would help pets stay cool any-and-everywhere.

The concept behind the Hydro Bone is simple:  with molded rubber and a foam core, the Hydro Bone is made to absorb and hold water.  Through small holes throughout the toy, the water is slowly released when the toy is squeezed during play.

Solving the inventor’s initial problem, the Hydro Bone quenches pet thirst without the mess.  Going the extra mile, it can be used in the car, at the park or at home.  In fact, it can even be frozen to provide longer-lasting refreshment.

What started as an idea has expanded into an entire family of hydrating pet inventions.  The Hydro family now includes the Hydro Bone, Hydro Ball, Hydro Ring, Hydro Saucer and Hydro Fetch.

The Hydro Bone is available in sizes small, medium and large and was even named a 2010 Dog Fancy Magazine Editors’ Choice Award winner!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

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Not only has it finally started to feel a little bit more like spring, the time when we want everything to look and feel like new, April is National Car Care Month.  What better time to find out a little more about an invention that has transformed a common, yet flawed, mechanic’s tool?  Today, we take a look at how the Hover Creeper is made.

What’s wrong with a traditional creeper that you have probably seen your mechanic slide around in, you ask?

Well, the wheels.  They get stuck in floor cracks, make wild turns over bolts or other loose floor debris and are prone to breaking.  Then, you’ve got an unhappy mechanic (whose back is probably stiff) stuck under a probably-still-broken automobile.

Enter the Hover Creeper, now the industry’s lowest ground clearance creeper.  It’s actually designed to float on air, thanks to a compressed air bladder.

By plugging the Hover Creeper in to an air compressor, mechanics are easily able to glide underneath the car or truck they’re working on, then simply shut off the compressor for instant brake action.  Designed at Inventionland, the Hover Creeper includes an outlet to support mechanics’ tools that require compressed air and is even equipped with a built-in tool caddy.

Further improving on traditional creepers, the Hover Creeper is ergonomically-designed for comfort and support while working.

Now, does it work?  The Hover Creeper successfully glides over cracks or other imperfections on garage floors; it is even strong enough to support about 400 pounds!

This corporate product was invented and licensed by Davison for its own benefit.

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