Sparing the Rod

http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=lkBLAAAAEBAJ

In 1953 George F. Jorgenson invented a paddle with a breakaway handle, for use by overzealous disciplinarians.

“A primary object of this invention is to provide a paddle for use in disciplining a child, the paddle having means for preventing accidental injury to the child by striking too hard a blow.”

Ten years later, Ashley Pond did the same thing for angry golfers.