French inventions at Concours Lépine

Innovation prize has been running since 1901 and was the first place to recognise the ballpoint pen and steam iron

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A CAR-wash for supermarket shopping trolleys and a cross between a child's scooter and an electric bike are among the inventions rewarded this weekend with prizes at the Concours Lépine.

Almost 600 inventions were assessed by judges at the annual innovation contest in Paris. Saxophonist Jean-Luc Vignaud took the top prize for a small brass device that protects the reed of his instrument and helps maintain its sound for longer.

The Concours Lépine has been running since 1901 and was the first place to showcase the ballpoint pen, the steam iron and contact lenses.

Second prize this year went to a system called "Clean Shopping" - a washing device for shopping trolleys. Third prize was for Freeway, a foldable electric scooter which has been awarded almost 150 patents.

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