Every month, Inventors Digest celebrates emerging inventions and innovations in its Under the Radar section.

Spinning Your Weeds

WS Drill GradientThe Weed Spinner is a new breed of garden and lawn tool for removing weeds from lawns, flower beds and gardens.

It’s a 30-inch drive rod with metal blades at the tip. Slip the device into any conventional cordless drill (not included) and you’re set to eradicate weeds. The blades on the cutter head spin weeds out by the roots; the Weed Spinner works in all types of soils, near curbs, driveways, sidewalks, gravel and even rock gardens.

www.weedspinner.com

Plug ‘n Play

Star Trache 1Showering can be a pain in the neck if you have a tracheotomy. What to do?

Patrick Marshall invented StarTrac, patented filters designed to allow tracheotomy patients to shower without fear of soap seeping into the cavity. StarTrac also prevents noxious fumes, gases and other foreign objects from entering the stoma.

StarTrac comes in disposable and non-disposable varieties, as well as different skin tones.

Marshall is seeking a licensing deal – 704 Sixth St., Merritt Island, Fla. 32953; phone 321.458.2791; email [email protected]

Clean Kickers

sneakwashKeep your kickers looking fresh with the Sneak Wash, a mini-washing machine that cleans sneakers.

Twenty-year-old college student Ameer Sorrell of Edison, N.J., invented the device, which features a front-loading door and two interior trays to hold several pairs of sneakers.

“Using the power of steam, the Sneak Wash cleans and disinfects soiled and germ-laden shoes, sneakers, and so much more,” Sorrell says. He seeking to sell or license the rights of his product. Contact Invention Resource International, 2929 E. Camelback RD, Suite 230, Phoenix, Ariz. 85016; phone 800.778.8814

Pedal Power

DSC01244What’s more fun than riding a bike? Riding a bike inside.

Brazilian inventor Joao de Contagem’s patent-pending indoor bike is half the length of a conventional bicycle and turns on a dime. He’s looking to sell the rights to his idea. Email him at [email protected]

Germ-nasium

20101016PJ_PhitGrip -622-EditGyms are full of germs. But now folks have a new way to shield themselves from coming into contact with germs on free weights, weight machines and treadmill handles.

PhitGrips are inexpensive, palm-sized, anti-microbial cushioned grips that fit around weight bars and equipment handrails.

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association says, “skin infections in athletes are extremely common and account for more than half of the outbreaks of infectious diseases.” Think about that the next time you reach for a set of dumbbells.

www.phitgrip.com

Load and Lock

Lockabye_black-frontFashion meets security with the Lock-A-Bye tote bag.

Kathleen Parisi and her sisters conceived of the theft- and knife-resistant bag while vacationing in the Caribbean. One had to stay with their stuff while the other two frolicked in the water.

The bag uses a locking zipper, enclosed galvanized cable strap and slash-resistant material. Unlatch one end of the strap to secure around a fixed object, and your stuff ain’t goin’ anywhere.

The trio of inventor/entrepreneurs plans to roll out a line of fashion-forward security bags for business people, college students and travelers of all stripes.

www.lockabye.com

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