Dream makers: They’re quirky, they’re original — and they could make millions

Michelle Swafford

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2004 | 10:50 a.m.

About 50 inventors from the Las Vegas Valley and around the world gathered on the Strip this week to showcase their innovative ideas to infomercial buyers and home-shopping programs, which are part of a $256 billion industry.

Las Vegas inventor Thomas Arganese was among those who hoped his invention was suitable for the impulse-buyer shows during the 20th annual Electronic Retailing Association conference.

After years of playing golf, he was tired of trying to juggle his watch with his golf game.

"I grew up golfing and you can't wear a glove and a watch together because it impedes the flow of your swing," Arganese said. His solution: Glove Time, a Cabretta leather glove with a built-in, water-resistant watch face.

Other leisure inventions included bicycles with two-wheel drive. Jorge Patino traveled from Colombia to share his full-body workout bicycle. A standard bicycle can be retrofitted with his creation, which propels the front wheel forward by using the rider's body movements as they go side to side.

"It's a more efficient bicycle," Patino said.

Sarasota, Fla., resident Patrick Clark presented his "seatcase," which is a reinforced boarding suitcase with a fabric seat to keep travelers comfortable when they are standing in the multiple airport lines.

The suitcase with a fabric bench on top of it makes it easier for identifying suitcases at the baggage claim, Clark said, adding that it will hold people that weigh as much as 300 pounds.

Marjorie Weir traveled from Afton, Minn., to debut her food preparation containers that she says make eating healthy easier.

Her product, Fitware, is a 9-inch by 12-inch plastic container with three compartments that store various vegetables or sandwich toppings. Weir said a few of the shopping programs were interested in selling her product.

Other products at the inventors' showcase included desk lamps with surround-sound speakers in them, corner-shaped microwaves, and nightlights that never burn out.