Inventions By Women, For Women

(CBS)  Plato said, "Necessity is the mother of invention."

He never encountered the need for a strapless bra, an adjustable height heel, or a hands-free blow dryer.

But three women who did invented items to met those needs, and they stopped by The Early Show Monday.

They are Elaine Cato, inventor of the Maidenform Backless Bra, Lauren Handel, inventor of CAMiLEON Heels, and Laurie Coleman, inventor of the Blo & Go hands-free blow dryer.

Cato told how she created the bra and -- how it stays up!

Handel's brother thought of the idea for the retractable heel and the two combined to come up with the adjustable-height high heel -- and it wasn't easy.

Coleman, wife of Sen. Norm Coleman (R., Minn.), who invented the hands-free hair dryer, discussed the research and patenting process (hers is still pending), and demonstrated her hands-free tool. Coleman could inspire the woman at home who has an idea and just doesn't know if she should pursue it.

To watch the segment and see the inventions, click on the arrow in the image below.