Boy, 9, invents better buns for brats

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis., June 16 (UPI) -- A Wisconsin father said curved bratwurst buns designed by his 9-year-old son earned the boy an inventor's prize as well as some cash from selling the food.

Jeremy Claxton of Chippewa Falls said his son, Sydney, who just finished third grade, came up with the idea to make buns that are curved to fit the shape of a bratwurst for an inventor's fair at Parkview School, the Eau Claire (Wis.) Leader-Telegram reported Wednesday.

Claxton said the buns, which they made with the help of Ralph Couey, owner of Connell's Orchard shop in Chippewa Falls, earned Sydney two ribbons at the fair, including the Judges' Choice ribbon.

Sydney said he was not disappointed about not receiving the Inventors' Choice ribbon, voted on by participants.

"I don't care -- at least I'm making money," he said.

The products, dubbed Sydney's Curvy Brat Buns, are now sold in packs of five for $2.50 at Connell's Orchard.

Couey said the buns are baked fresh Fridays and have been rapidly selling out.