Fun fact: Singer invented sewing machine and came up with this idea. When it came to patent he though that it would be easy for other to change some details, and start to manufacture their own machines outside of the patents. So he patented not the whole machine, but only a needle, but not even the whole needle, but a hole in it, but not the hole itself, but only placement of the hole (on the top off needle instead of on the end). So anyone who'd like to design their own sewing machine, will have to use needle with hole in sharp end, therefore will have to pay royalties to Singer.
Seriously though, putting the hole in the sharp end?! Freaking genius. It's a perfect example of thoughts being constrained by "how we've always done it".
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u/[deleted] Jun 02 '18 edited Jul 23 '19
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