Series from 2014
On Thing-a-ma-Bob on H2®, artist/inventor/mad scientist Bob Partington takes to the streets to discover what new wacky inventions the average American…
A box of seemingly random objects arrive at Bob's shop. Now it's time for him and his team to use these items for three unique inventions. Using a print brayer, Bob attempts to build something really cool for a local Brooklyn business. A pair of suspenders are used to charge an everyday item. And Bob uses a boat helm to slice pizzas at one of the most famous pizzerias in New York. But will any of these crazy contraptions work?
Bob makes an invention for a Coney Island deli inspired by the area's world-famous amusement park, and Bob's love of well-sliced pickles. And later Bob builds something to launch the first plane in 40 years off of the USS Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier that's been converted into a museum.
It's a new box with three more random objects: an electrical wall plug, an ice cream cone, and a sousaphone (which everyone mistakes for a tuba). Bob takes the sousaphone to a Bavarian Beer Hall where he builds something that channels the German traditions of good music and great beer. Thankfully he doesn't incorporate lederhosen. Next, Bob doubles efficiency at a gelato shop with an invention he makes on the spot. And with the wall plug, Bob devises a machine to keep order in his shop in a very unconventional way.
When Bob receives a box with three random items somehow related to one another, he and his team have to figure out what to do with each one. A hot dog roller machine reminds Bob of one of his favorite childhood past times, which inspires him to create something that is sure to make baseball fans very happy. Using a pair of Levi's jeans, Bob tries to invent something to help a tired concession stand worker get off of his feet when the boss isn't looking. And using a pair of scales, Bob creates something for himself that will keep him inspired for his next great invention.
A new box of objects means three new inventions. This week it's a jar of BBQ sauce, a cigar, and block and tackle. First, Bob builds a machine to help first-time cigar smokers light their stogies like a pro. Next, Bob uses the BBQ sauce in a machine for a new restaurant that needs a real BANG! to put them on the map. Finally, the team uses the block and tackle to free up some space in Bob's cramped shop.
This week Bob is given three items from America's great inventing past: the Morse code telegraph key, the phonograph, and a roll of tape. Telegraph keys were made to deliver messages, but Bob uses his to deliver beer. Then, Bob puts the phonograph and tape to good use by helping out a local tee-shirt shop.