Useless Knowledge

Do you know what this is? Do you know what its called?

Invented by Charles F. Brannock and patented in 1926, the heel-cupping metal implement, used for generations to torture children who do not want new shoes, is known simply as The Brannock Device.

Still in operation almost a century later, the Brannock Device Company still churns out the devices to stores the world over.

Naturally, end-users generally only need to use it once after reaching maturity, but should your foot be of nondeterministic length, you can get your very own one for a a very reasonable $62.50.

Thanks to Lourie for the useless knowledge.