Celebrity patents
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Celebrity Patents — Daily trivia Friday, April 10, 2026: questions and answers
All 10 questions with answers and explanations. Play this daily
Q 01What stage illusion did Michael Jackson's patented shoes help him create?
- AAnti-gravity lean
- BInstant costume changes
- CLevitating dance moves
- DWalking on walls
Show answer
Anti-gravity lean
Michael Jackson's 1993 anti-gravity patent hooked a slot in each heel onto pegs rising from the stage, so he could do the Smooth Criminal lean live; the video had used cables.
Q 02What innovative feature did Jamie Lee Curtis's patented 'Infant Garment' diaper include?
- AA moisture-proof pocket for wipes
- BA built-in temperature sensor
- CAn expandable waste disposal compartment
- DSelf-fastening adhesive strips
Show answer
A moisture-proof pocket for wipes
Jamie Lee Curtis's 1988 patent puts a moisture-proof pocket for wipes on the diaper itself, and she refused to market it until diaper makers went biodegradable.
Q 03Which legendary rock guitarist patented a guitar support device?
- AJimmy Page
- BEddie Van Halen
- CJimi Hendrix
- DEric Clapton
Show answer
Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen's flip-out support attaches to the back of the guitar and turns its face upward, so he could tap the strings with both hands much like a piano.
Q 04Which iconic actress co-patented a WWII frequency-hopping 'Secret Communication System' meant to guide torpedoes?
- AKatharine Hepburn
- BElizabeth Taylor
- CHedy Lamarr
- DGrace Kelly
Show answer
Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr and composer George Antheil were granted the patent in 1942; similar technology wasn't used in operational systems until 1962, and Bluetooth relies on related principles.
Q 05What did Prince receive a design patent for in 1994?
- AA voice modulator microphone
- BA purple electric violin
- CA custom-designed drum machine
- DA portable electronic keyboard instrument (keytar)
Show answer
A portable electronic keyboard instrument (keytar)
Prince received a design patent in 1994 for a portable electronic keyboard instrument, commonly known as a keytar, which he dubbed the 'Purpleaxxe'.
Q 06Science communicator Bill Nye holds a patent for an improvement to what type of footwear?
- ABallet pointe shoes
- BRunning sneakers
- CSnow boots
- DRollerblades
Show answer
Ballet pointe shoes
Ballet pointe shoes are the subject of Bill Nye's 2007 toe-shoe patent, granted years after The Science Guy began; it says the traditional design had barely changed in centuries.
Q 07What drumming accessory did percussion enthusiast Marlon Brando patent?
- AA silent practice pad system
- BA drumhead tensioning device
- CA cymbal dampening device
- DAn automatic drumstick holder
Show answer
A drumhead tensioning device
Marlon Brando, an amateur percussion enthusiast, patented a device for tensioning drumheads in 2004, aiming to ensure uniform tension and consistent sound quality.
Q 08What problem did Harry Connick Jr.'s patented orchestra display system address?
- APreventing instrument feedback
- BDigitally synchronizing sheet music
- CAutomating instrument tuning
- DCreating virtual reality orchestral performances
Show answer
Digitally synchronizing sheet music
Harry Connick Jr.'s 2002 patent covers digitally synchronizing sheet music: a conductor's changes go to every player's screen, an idea reportedly born when wind blew his band's music away.
Q 09Which practical item did author Mark Twain patent?
- AAn automated bookmark
- BAn adjustable reading lamp
- CA portable writing desk
- DA self-pasting scrapbook
Show answer
A self-pasting scrapbook
Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, patented a self-pasting scrapbook in 1873. His invention featured pre-gummed pages, eliminating the need for separate adhesive and simplifying the scrapbooking process.
Q 10Which Marx Brother, known more for business than comedy, patented a pulse-rate monitor?
- AGroucho Marx
- BChico Marx
- CZeppo Marx
- DHarpo Marx
Show answer
Zeppo Marx
Zeppo Marx co-invented the monitor with Albert D. Herman to sound an alarm when a cardiac patient's pulse ran too high or too low; after leaving the act, he also owned a manufacturing firm, Marman Products.
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