Flexible steel arm for hands-free calling, 1948

This was how hand-free calling worked, according to the September, 1948 ish of Popular Mechanics:

Holding the telephone ready for use, a “third hand” of flexible steel leaves both the operator’s hands free to take notes during phone conversations. The spring arm holds the receiver to the ear and can be adjusted to the height and position of the user. The third hand was developed in Australia.

Link

[#1 posted by Boring Market , January 7, 2008 1:38 AM]

When there is a demand, it shows that someone out there is going to fill it. Simple, innovative and easy to use. All the ingredients for a great product.

[#2 posted by Ocker3 , January 7, 2008 1:52 AM]

I'm going to blow my country's horn here and point out that on average, Australians generate more patents per capita than Americans do. Some say we live in a harsher land, so we have to be more ingenious. I wonder however what our rate of innovation is compared to a more rural, agrarian USA, when most people had to come up with their own tools/machines rather than simply going out and buying something. Making something yourself has a very satisfying feeling, especially if other people end up using it as well.

[#3 posted by Landowner , January 7, 2008 3:46 AM]

Ocker3

Who holds the patent for stringing wine corks on the brim of a hat? Thats my favorite.

[#4 posted by NoahApples , January 7, 2008 4:25 AM]

I want one of those now; I hate headsets.

[#5 posted by chezzo , January 7, 2008 4:37 AM]

How long before someone mods a bluetooth headset into one of these?

[#6 posted by historyman68 , January 7, 2008 8:53 AM]

@5 "How long before someone mods a bluetooth headset into one of these?"

hahaha, a wireless transmitter BOLTED TO THE TABLE

[#7 posted by Paul Maurice Martin , January 7, 2008 9:16 AM]

I guess humankind coudn't really hope to improve on the Third Eye.

[#8 posted by elsmiley , January 7, 2008 9:44 AM]

LOL #6, literally, I can't stop laughing!--bolted to the table...HA!... Just make the arm brass instead of steel and we can all call it steampunk.

[#9 posted by kmoser , January 7, 2008 10:22 AM]

Here's a more practical commercial version that survived well into the 1980s and which my father actually used in his business:

http://www.kmoser.com/rotary-phone/

--K

[#10 posted by KFont , January 7, 2008 11:35 AM]

I want one of these!

In the meantime, I guess I can ductape my receiver to my desktop lamp arm...

Also, a nice alternative to the bluetooth headset- just bolt your phone to the side of your head.

[#11 posted by Welcome to Wallyworld , January 7, 2008 12:05 PM]

It was an Aussie that developed the Third Leg as well - Rolf Harris - with his "Jake the Peg" but he's probably better known for his rendition of "Stairway to Heaven" - complete with his trademark wobble-board.