They Invented What? (No. 37)
U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,724: Human free-flight catapult.
JW Note: Reference numeral 7 in the below figure points to the “human rider.” I’ll stick with roller coasters, thank you.
Abstract:
An amusement ride for catapulting a human rider, enclosed within a capsule, into the air in much the same fashion as ancient armies would hurl large boulders over the walls of castles. The ride provides many of the sensations and thrills encountered by fighter pilots launching from the decks of aircraft carriers without the requirement for flight training or the associated dangers. The ride essentially consists of a siege type catapult and a releasably connected launch pod. When in the launch position, a release mechanism is triggered by the operator and the rider is catapulted into the air at a physiologically safe rate of acceleration along a predictable free-flight arc. When an acceptable elevation is reached, the rider is separated…
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They Invented What? (No. 36)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,639,236: Toy vehicle and launcher.
Background:
This invention relates to a toy in general and in specific to a novel toy into which a simulated explosive charge is placed to propel the toy from the charge.
It is known in the art of toy design to provide various simulated events which stimulate the imagination of the user. Such would include simulated rocket launchers for example, or simulated guns which make noise or flash light. It would also include, for example, toy planes or autos which separate into pieces under simulated crash conditions. The present invention adds a different dimension to simulated or imaginary activity in that it creates the fanciful impression that the vehicle is being blasted on its way by an explosive charge.
Claims:
1. A toy comprising:
(a) a toy vehicle having formed therein an opening at the rear of the vehicle;
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New Patent Design Unveiling – March 11, 2018
For only the second time in a hundred years, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has redesigned the patent grant cover. Often decorated with an iconic ribbon and seal, patent covers are what we generally think of as the physical award document issued to inventors. The USPTO will unveil the new cover design at this special South by Southwest (SXSW) event and discuss the significance and history of the document with intellectual property stakeholders and the press.
They Invented What? (No. 35)
Happy Valentine’s Day 2018 from AT!
U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,386: Aroma-generating greeting card
Background:
This invention relates generally to greeting cards, and more particularly to a mailable card which not only conveys a greeting and a message related to the greeting, but also an aroma associated with the occasion for the greeting. . . .
By way of example, we shall assume that the occasion for a greeting card in accordance with the invention is Valentine’s Day. This day which is celebrated annually on February 14, is a holiday in which it is customary to exchange romantic messages, called Valentines. While in the United States, the first Valentine’s Day greeting card was produced in 1840, today millions of such cards are sold annually.
When a gentleman personally delivers or has delivered a Valentine’s Day greeting card to a lady, it is traditionally accompanied by a gift in the form of a bouquet of roses packaged…
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Happy National Inventors’ Day 2018!
Per Wikipedia:
In recognition of the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and the world, the Congress, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 140 (Public Law 97 – 198), has designated February 11, the anniversary of the birth of the inventor Thomas Alva Edison who had over 1,000 patents, as National Inventors’ Day.
The Proclamation establishing National Inventor’s Day was filed with the Office of the Federal Register by President Ronald Regan on January 13, 1983, and reads as follows:
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Almost two hundred years ago, President George Washington recognized that invention and innovation were fundamental to the welfare and strength of the United States. He successfully urged the First Congress to enact a patent statute as expressly authorized by the U.S. Constitution and wisely advised that “there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of science . . .” In 1790, the first patent statute initiated the transformation of the United States from an importer of technology to a world leader in technological innovation.
Today, just as in George Washington’s day, inventors are the keystone of the technological progress that is so vital to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of this country. Individual ingenuity and perseverance, spurred by the incentives of the patent system, begin the process that results in improved standards of living, increased public and private productivity, creation of new industries, improved public services, and enhanced competitiveness of American products in world markets.
In recognition of the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and the world, the Congress, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 140 (Public Law 97 – 198), has designated February 11, 1983, the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Alva Edison, one of America’s most famous and prolific inventors, as National Inventors’ Day. Such recognition is especially appropriate at a time when our country is striving to maintain its global position as a leader in innovation and technology. Key to our future success will be the dedication and creativity of inventors.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 11, 1983, as National Inventors’ Day and call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of Jan., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
Ronald Reagan
Presenting on Intellectual Property Law to the Inventors’ Association of Metropolitan Detroit – February 15, 2018.
The Inventors Association is a non-for-profit association established to educate inventors of all levels to navigate through the inventing process. In addition to being an important resource center, IAMD serves as a support group for inventors, who can exchange information, experiences and other advice on how to successfully complete a project.
Come join us at our next meeting!
February Meeting: Jacob Ward- Registered Patent Attorney admitted to practice in the State of Michigan, before the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He is also registered as a patent agent, non-resident, in Canada.
Date: Thursday February 15, 2018
Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: Lawrence Tech University, Engineering Building, 21000 W. Ten Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48075
There is a $5 guest fee to attend the meetings (but your first visit is free and annual membership is $30).
For…
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Top Patent Blogs for 2018 – Anticipate This!™ | Patent and Trademark Law Blog
The IP Watchdog blog recently published an updated listing of the top patent law blogs. We are proud to report that the Anticipate This!™ | Patent and Trademark Law Blog has once again been named among the top patent law blogs in this listing!
As mentioned in the article, AT! has always been about sparking interest in patents, and having fun. Other blogs are more academic and much better at breaking news – but we’re very happy with our niche. Looking forward to many more years of patent blogging, and bringing patents to the masses!
The full table of patent law blogs in this year’s listing is reproduced below.
They Invented What? (No. 34)
U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,382: Lottery ticket scraper.
Background:
Human history is cyclic. Civilizations rise from primitive cultures or previously decadent and crushed civilizations, often after a long period of darkness. As civilizations begin a birth, or the rebirth, moral values of the group, and ultimately of the individual rise and become dominate. The wealth of civilizations is often first enjoyed only by a small, select few, sometimes determined by heredity and sometimes by ability. The recognition of moral values, the integrity of the individual, the responsibility of each individual to look after his own needs and to care his own rises as a civilization grows toward maturity. Gradually, the oppressed and the less fortunate begin to partake of the feast of civilization and the conscience of society is turned toward taking care of those who are unable to care for themselves.
Those who have wealth and power are…
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