8,951 – Stethoscope and Ear Trumpet
Having a hard time hearing others? Have others speak into your stethoscope, and hear them with both ears.

34,100 – Improved Step Ladder
A step ladder that utilizes braces and supports to improve stability.

59,745 – Whirligig
What? You have never heard of a whirligig? You probably know this invention by its modern name yo-yo.

90,928 – Improvement in Making Blooms of Steel and Wrought-Iron
Use super-heated air to make wrought-iron and low carbon steel.

93,141 - Chewing Gum Compound
Although chewing gum has been around for centuries, it was first patented in 1869 for a chewing-gum compound made of white rosin and olive oil. Over the years more appetizing flavors have been brought to market and now the average person in the United States chews 200 sticks a year!

221,360 – Cash Register and Indicator
A mechanical cash register that has a visual indicator.

268,693 – Device for Indicating Life in Buried Persons
Don’t be buried alive, use this device to let others know you are alive and buried!

622,834 - Golf Ball
This golf ball, also known as the Haskell ball, was patented in 1899. The design provided golfers with a ball that was easier to hit than the competition and gave the striker a sense of power. Its use created a surge in the popularity of golf and the game has never been the same since.

821,393 – Flying Machine
Orville and Wilbur Wright’s flying machine patent.

1,062,025 – Hat
Don’t go bald from tight fitting hats. This hat has a series of depressions on the hat band, allowing blood to freely circulate.

1,150,523 – Engine Starting Device
Before this invention, an owner of a vehicle had to manually "crank" start the engine.

1,160,677 - Paper Milk Bottle
The unique feature of this patent was that the box could be delivered flat, then folded, glued, filled and sealed at the dairy, saving the dairy owners a lot of money in comparison with pre-formed cartons.

1,340,423 – Parachute
Jump from a plane without this invention and you will discover the power of gravity.

1,387,598 – Actuating Device for Windshield Cleaners
A patent covering an invention to wipe a vehicle's windshield.

1,573,846 – Method and Means for Using Motor Fuels
Use lower grade fuels by adding lead compounds.

3,167,440 – Plastic Modeling Composition of a Soft Pliable Working Consistency
A patent on non-drying, pliable modeling compositions.

3,349,949 – Ring-Shaped Tag for Tear Strips of Containers
Do you remember when sodas in the can had pull-tabs?

5,743,035 – Machine Producible Three Dimensional Greeting Card
Two dimensional cards are so boring. Now you can send a three-dimensional card to your friend, or loved one.

7,921,528 – Broken Heart Shaped Coffin
Spend eternity in style in this unusual casket.

7,970,598– System for Automated Translation of Speech
Easier than Spanish 101! On June 28, 2011, Mary A. Flanagan and Philip Jensen of Ohio, along with Douglas Chinnock of Arizona, were granted a patent for a "System for Automated Translation of Speech." This invention allows subscribers of an online service to have real time conferences with users who speak a different language by using a speech recognition feature that automatically translates messages into one or more different languages before broadcasting to other participants.

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6,469 – Buoying Vessels over Shoals
Abraham Lincoln is mostly known for freeing the slaves during the civil war. Few know that he is the only President that received a patent.

D11,023 – Statue
In 1885, Augusta Barthodi gave the United States the Statue of Liberty. Patent #D11,023 is Barthodi's design patent covering the Statute of Liberty.

174,465 – Telegraph
In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was issued a patent for the telephone, changing the world forever.

223,898 – Electric Lamp
Thomas A. Edison’s patent on the incandescent light bulb.

365,701 – Gas Motor Engine
In 1887 James Otto received a patent for the four stroke gas engine. The modern automobile still utilizes the technology developed by James Otto.

390,414 – Dynamo-Electric Machine
During his lifetime, Nikola Tesla advanced electric power production, delivery, and utilization. Patent #390,414 is a fine example of a generator device he invented.

608,845 – Internal Combustion Engine
The diesel engine has been the main power engine for the worlds shipping, trucking and farming needs since Rudolf Diesel invented it in 1894.

748,626 – The Landlord's Game
Most know this game by the name of "Monopoly." In 1904, Lizzie J. Maggie was issued a patent on the game. Twenty years later the game was revised and received another patent #1,509,312.

775,134 – Razor
King C. Gillette received a patent for the safety razor in 1904. Prior to his invention, men shaved with a very sharp bare blade against their skin resulting in many nicks and cuts.

1,005,186 – Transmission Mechanism
The automobile already existed before Henry Ford's Model T, but unfortunately, for most they were too expensive to own. Henry Ford revolutionalized the automotive industry but utilizing more efficient assembly techniques, and more reliable parts.

1,103,503 – Rocket Apparatus
In 1926 Robert Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket. Patent #1,103,503 is for a rocket that is fueled with gasoline and liquid nitrous oxide.

1,370,316 – Diver's Suit
Harry Houdini is best known for his magical death defying stunts; however, few people know that he invented the diver’s suit.

1,460,354 – Package Handle
In 1921, George Washington Carver patented a handle to carry packages bound by rope or twine.

1,475,024 – Traffic Signal
In 1922, Garrett A. Morgan invented the traffic signal. It is hard to imagine what it would be like traveling in today's world without this invention!

1,509,312 – The Landlord's Game
This is the second version of "Monopoly."

1,541,478 – Paint and Stain and Method of Producing the Same
In 1925 George Washington Carver was issued a patent for a paint and stain that used clays and iron compounds as colorants.

1,773,980 – Television System
Philo Farnsworth was the first person to actually patent and demonstrate a working television. In addition to the television, Philo also invented a small fusion device called the Fusor.

1,781,541 – Refrigeration
Almost everyone has heard about Albert Einstein's E=MC2, but few know about the refrigeration system that he invented.

2,058,562 – Light Intensity Self Adjusting Camera
Albert Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his discovery of the Photoelectric Effect. However, he was also an inventor and was issued several patents. In 1936, he was issued a patent from the USPTO for his collaboration with Gustav Bucky on the Light Intensity Self-Adjusting Camera. This was one of the first camera designs that included an auto-exposure feature.

2,230,654 – Tetrafluoroethylene Polymers (Teflon)
Roy Plunkett accidentally created one of the most useful substances know to humankind while attempting to make a new carbon-fluoro-carbon refrigerant. The question remains, if nothing sticks to Teflon, how do they get it to stick to the pan?

2,292,387 - Secret Communication System
Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-born American actress known primarily for her great beauty and her successful film career. However, in an effort to help the allies defeat the Germans in World War II, she co-invented an early form of spread spectrum encoding, a key to modern wireless communication. The invention manipulated radio frequencies between transmission and reception to develop an unbreakable code so that top-secret messages could not be intercepted

2,495,429 – Method of Treating Foodstuff
Percy L. Spencer came up with the idea of a microwave oven after a candy bar melted after being exposed to radar microwave radiation.

2,717,437 – Velvet Type Fabric and Method of Producing Same (Velcro)
Georges de Mestral was walking along the Alps when he noticed that burdock seeds were sticking to his dog and clothes. Being curious, Georges looked at the tiny seeds under a microscope and saw little hooks covering the outside surfaces. Georges then set off to replicate nature and gave us the wonder of Velcro.

3,138,747 – Integrated Semiconductor Circuit Device
Few people have changed the world as much as Jack Kilby, the inventor of the integrated circuit chip. Everywhere you go you are surrounded by them, from phones to watches, they are everywhere!

3,914,799 - Pantyhose with Shaping Band for Cheeky Derriere Relief
Although best known as TV’s Catwoman, Julie Newmar graduated high school at age 15 and has I.Q. of 135. Her invention enhances the natural shape of the wearer’s derriere, rather than a giving it a board-like flatness.

5,239,624 - Pseudo Random Point Sampling Techniques in Computer Graphics
Pixar Animation Studios is an Academy Award®-winning computer animation studio that helped to create a new generation of animated feature films. Their inventions have helped make animated films look more realistic.

5,255,452 – Method and Means for Creating Anti-Gravity Illusion
Michael Jackson an inventor? This patent shows details of one of his trademark moves, in which he leans forward at a slanted angle, seemingly defying gravity. This illusion looks spectacular, but the truth behind it is far less mystifying - hinges on special shoes which stabilize the performer and allow them to lean over at impressive angles!

6,812,392 - Drumhead Tensioning Device and Method
Although best known for his Academy Award–winning performances as Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront, and as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, Marlon Brando also holds several patents. His invention allows an individual to quickly and reliably tune a drum.

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4,150,505 – Bird Trap and Cat Feeder
This inventor must really liked cats, or really dislike sparrows.

4,364,132 – Aquarium Bath
A clear bathtub designed so your fish can swim around you while you bath. Actually a pretty unique invention, but not for the bashful.rs.

4,605,071 – Therapeutic Horseshoe
If your horse has sore, tired hoofs, this is solution!

5,901,666 – Pet Display Clothing
A cool vest that allows your hamster to travel with you. It looks like a costume from a Michael Jackson video.

5,934,226 – Bird Diaper
The title says it all.

6,206,000 – Canine Scuba Diving Apparatus
What dog doesn’t deserve to go scuba diving?

6,416,217 – Aquarium Watch/a>
Another invention illustrating our fascination with the aquarium.

6,490,999 – Collar Apparatus Enabling Secure Handling of a Snake by Tether
Check out Figure 4 of this patent. Kind of sums it all up for you reptile lovers out there!

6,761,131 – Apparatus for Determining Dog's Emotions by Vocal Analysis of Barking Sounds and Method for the Same
Finally! This invention takes the guesswork out of determining if your dog is feeling “assertive” or "wistful."

6,769,382 – Flush Toilet for a Dog
Why shouldn’t your dog have all the modern conveniences of human life?

6,871,616 – Pet Umbrella and Combined Pet Leash and Umbrella
You may be skeptical, but check out this invention – it is actually pretty impressive.

6,883,462 – Doggie Poop Freeze Wand
It is much easier to clean up a “poopsicle” than it is to clean up a warm one.

7,090,268 – Dog Waste Catcher and Holder
This patent is included merely for the humorous drawings of a dog.

7,516,717 – Combined Leash and Jogging Belt for Pets and Caregivers
This combined leash and jogging belt is very interesting…especially if you are a small person with a large pet. Could be fun (or funny!)

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D545,112 – Slot Machine Shaped Toaster
Do you love Las Vegas? Have toast and feel like you’re in the heart of Vegas with this recently issued design patent.

1,466,559 – Exercise Device
Did you know that playing tug-of-war with your teeth is good exercise?

3,938,264 – Sock and Shoe
No more sock wedgies! This invention uses Velcro to prevent socks from creeping between the wearer’s toes.

4,022,227 – Method of Concealing Partial Baldness
These drawings have convinced me that sometimes, bald is better.

4,189,019 – Ski Fan
The gas-powered ski fan was invented back in 1980 and straps onto your back and is steered by hand controls. This might be useful if there are no hills or mountains where nearby…ever heard of uphill skiing?? Don’t even ask about the brakes!!

4,344,424 - Anti-eating Face Mask
Patented in 1982, this invention is supposed to stop you from overeating while you prepare your meals, but looks a bit like a device worn by Dr. Hannibal Lecter in "Silence of the Lambs."

4,431,395 - Gingerbread House Apparatus
These patented cooking molds allow novices in the kitchen to look like Martha Stewart! After cooking the gingerbread, you pop it out of the mold and start decorating with candy and icing.

4,457,509 – Levitationarium For Air Flotation Of Humans
This object of this invention is to create a means of air flotation for fun and enjoyment, or for the more practical purpose of parachute training.

4,536,889 - Nose Wipe
Runny noses happen in cold weather outdoor activities, specifically skiing. When your nose starts to run, a skier has to stop, drop a pole and a ski glove, retrieve tissues from a pocket, use it and stick it back in the pocket. Rather than interrupt the ski run, a wiper holder has been invented that attaches to the lower arm of the skier and has a retractable cover. Insert a package of tissues and you’re in business. “Snot” a bad idea!!

4,656,917 – Musical Instrument Support
Having a hard time holding your instrument while playing? Check out what guitar guru Mr. Eddie Van Halen came up with. Wear this musical contraption and you will play just like him!

4,665,907 – Thumb-Sucking Inhibitor
Steel girders and metal support beams attach to the desired appendage. No way would anyone willingly suck on that!

5,031,161– Life Expectancy Timepiece
In 1991, David Kendrick was issued the patent for his Life Expectancy Timepiece. This brings new meaning to the phrase "death watch".

5,195,917 – Tear-Apart Stress Relief Doll and Method
Doesn’t everyone need a doll (that mimics a referee) to tear apart?

5,197,216 - Combined Camouflage and Decoy Device
Get a “gander” at this!! In order to fool the birds, the inventor suggests a hunter wear this “costume” and move their head from side to side and flap the cape to simulate a goose.

5,225,804 – Treadmill Foot-Control for Electronic Gauging of Classroom Satisfaction
Patented in 1993 by Daniel Silbelus, this invention was intended to give students the opportunity to express their opinions of the instructor’s methods by rolling a treadmill under their desk.

5,380,237 - Snowman Accessory Kit
Want to have the best dressed snowman in your neighborhood? This accessory kit includes all the finishing touches to make your own patented version of “Frosty.”

5,523,741 - Santa Claus Detector
Your little ones will “light up” when they see these stockings aglow. It will mean that Santa has been to their house!

5,548,851 - Aquatic Safety Slide and Wading Pool
After receiving bruises and cuts from the rough terrain under their Slip ‘N Slide®, Noah and Joshua decided to improve on the design. At ages 9 and 11, they went to work designing and refining their design. They filled the slide with air to cushion the ride and put an air-cushion on the end so you won’t slide off onto the grass. At the ages of 13 and 15, were awarded their patent, calling it the Aqua Flight.

5,571,247 – Self Containing Enclosure For Protection From Killer Bees
Virginia Butler of California has invented a way to protect you from oncoming swarms of killer bees. Intended to be used when you hear a swarm coming, this invention could save the day. Let’s just hope that killer bee swarms make plenty of noise!

5,713,603 – Body Mounted Sail Assembly
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s bat boy! Skating his way into a city near you, and able to leap tall speed bumps in a single bound!!

5,758,569 - Poultry Frying Apparatus
More commonly known as a Turkey deep fryer, this invention cuts down on cooking time and allows the turkey to be cooked outdoors. However, careful not to use them on decks or in garages. They might go up in flames!

5,820,534 – Bionic Exersuit
The bionic exersuit attaches to your legs, shoulders, feet, arms and everything in between. It works by providing resistance to any body movement. You can stay in shape with this exersuit just by breathing!

5,823,496 – Outdoor Beverage Holder Assembly
A unique beverage holder that attaches to a fishing pole holder.

5,971,829 – Motorized Ice Cream Cone
Formerly a journalist and public school teacher, Rick Hartman has invented many popular toys like Professional Thumb Wrestling, and Crazy Cords Friendship Bracelet Factory. He was playing with the idea of mechanizing an everyday object for his next invention while reading the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to his son. The caterpillar in the story ate through an ice cream cone and Rick had an idea--put a motor inside a cone-shaped machine to automatically spin your ice cream! Since his "eureka moment," he has sold thousands of units and showed Jay Leno how it is used.

6,244,518 – Snake Repellent System
Thelma Pogue of Arizona has invented a humane and environmentally friendly system to aid in prevention of snake bites. She was granted a patent for her garlic and onion based repellent system on June 12, 2001.

6,368,227 – Method of Swinging on a Swing
Tired of the boring old front to back swinging method? Be the hit of the playground when you show off some new moves.

6,351,867 - Body Squeegee
This invention is a glove that claims to be a convenient way of drying one's body without the use of towels, thereby decreasing laundering time and making life easier. You would have to be pretty talented to be able to dry your back with a glove!

6,612,440 - Banana Protective Device
Patented in 2003, this invention is a banana protective device for storing and transporting a banana carefully. Can’t you just imagine the jealous looks you will receive when you pull this out of your lunch bag?

6,684,552 - Turkey Decoy
For those who want to hunt their own turkey, this device not only looks like a turkey, but can be made to move like a turkey with a remote control.

6,743,460 – Tomato Raisin
The title says it all. The inventor has combined a love for tomatoes and raisins. The patent is assigned to the uniquely named Tomasin company

6,805,657 – Body-Connected Bike
Created for downhill riding, this bike consists of front and rear wheel assemblies which are connected by the body of the rider

7,036,154 – Game Bird Decoy Apparatus
Every bird hunter needs an outfit that makes them look like a giant bird. Seems a little dangerous.

7,037,243 – Cordless Jump Rope
Apparently the patent attorney couldn’t bring themselves to title this one a "Ropeless Jump Rope." Amusing reading nonetheless.

7,051,973 – Airborne Enhancement Device
Why not combine skiing and hang-gliding?

7,178,342 - Instant Snowman
One thing we’ve learned by living in the great State of Ohio; the weather is completely unpredictable. But with this latest invention, you can create an instant snowman…snow or no snow!

7,210,400 – Folding Coffee Maker
In a hurry? Don’t have time for a cup of coffee before leaving home in the morning? Don’t worry…fold up your coffee maker and head on in to the office!

7,227,067 – Tarpin, A String Musical Instrument
This relatively new musical instrument is reminiscent of a lyre and an electric guitar. Looks great, but how does it sound?

7,410,254 – Heated Eyewear
Elton John should be so lucky as to own a pair of these! Keep them off your snowman and keep warm everybody!

PP00001 – Climbing or Trailing Rose
President Hoover signed the amendment of the patent laws on May 23, 1930, allowing plants to patentable. Henry F. Bosenberg, a landscape gardener, received U.S. Plant Patent no. 1 on August 18, 1931, which gave "ever-blooming" characteristics to the climbing rose.

X000001 – Method of Making Pot Ash
This patent, issued July 31, 1790, was the first of the "X-patents." On December 15, 1836 a fire at the patent office destroyed all 10,000 or so of the patent records and several thousand patent models. Fortunately, a total of 2,845 of the earliest patents were restored, most of which were eventually given a number beginning with "X".

1 - Traction Wheels
This patent, issued July 13, 1836, was not the first patent that issued. Prior to July 4, 1936, issued patents were given names and dates rather than numbers. The Patent Office had already issued close to 10,000 patents, but a fire destroyed many of the records. The Patent Office was able to restore some of these patents and these restored records were issued beginning with an X (they were called the X-patents). The patents that couldn’t be restored were cancelled. Patent #1 was the first patent issued with the new numbering system, went to Senator John Ruggles of Maine. It is a cog mechanism for locomotive wheels.

50 – Stove and Fireplace
The stove and fireplace were patented on October 11, 1836 by a man named Jordan L. Mott of New York City. An Article in the New York Times dated July 15, 1915 is attached and gives insight into the inventor’s life and his work.

125 – Improvement in Compositions for Making Boots and Shoes Water-proof.
This patent issued on February 10, 1837 to Patrick J. Nagle. Mr. Nagle’s patent reads like a recipe; take two pounds of balsam-copaiba, five pounds of the essence of the myrtle tree, one pound of gum-copal, two pounds of rosin, and three pounds of rendered suet, cut into small pieces, put into a large pot and boil.

240 – Improvement in the Process of Divesting Caoutchouc, Gum Elastic, or India-Rubber of its Adhesive Properties, and also of Bleaching the Same and thereby Adapting it to Various Useful Purposes
Caoutchouc was the name for rubber used by the Indians of Central and South America. This patent, issued on June 17, 1837, was Charles Goodyear’s first patent for a process that made rubber an easier product to work with. However, this was not the patent Charles Goodyear is best known for. On June 24, 1844, Charles Goodyear was granted U.S. Patent No. 3,633 for vulcanized rubber.

3,973 - Design For Fuel
If it wasn't for the invention of charcoal briquettes more than 100 years ago, many great family cookouts may have been different. The history of charcoal briquettes began when Ellsworth B.A. Zwoyer of Pennsylvania applied for a patent in 1897. However, it was Henry Ford, with the help of Thomas Edison, who helped popularized its use in the 1920s.

6,281 – Safety Pin
Walter Hunt, of New York, NY, received patent #6,281 for the safety pin on April 10, 1849. Hunt's pin was made from one piece of wire, which was coiled into a spring at one end and a separate clasp and point at the other end, allowing the point of the wire to be forced by the spring into the clasp.

D8593 – Flag
This patent, issued on August 31, 1875, is the first “flag” patent we could locate. Invented by Joseph Deming of Norfolk, Virginia, it consists of a tree, whose 13 roots represent the original 13 colonies of the United States. The depicted tree also has 18 branches which represent the 18 administrations (to date) and the foliage contains the names of the 37 states and 12 territories which composed the Union at that time.

D27,483 – Design For Fuel
Ellsworth Zwoyer made cooking outside and creating an even cooking temperature easier when the design patent for the familiar shape of charcoal briquettes was issued to this Pennsylvania inventor on August 3, 1897.

139,121 - Fastening Opening Pockets
In 1872, Levi Strauss received a letter from Jacob Davis, a Nevada tailor. Davis was one of Levi Strauss' regular customers. In his letter, Davis told about the interesting way he made pants for his customers: he placed metal rivets at the points of strain-pocket corners and the base of the fly. He didn't have the money to patent his process so he suggested that Levi pay for the paperwork and that they take out the patent together. The patent was granted on May 20, 1873, and the first blue jeans were born.

188,292 – Ear-Mufflers
In 1873, 15 year-old Chester Greenwood was ice skating out on a pond near his home in Farmington, Maine. Although he was bundled up, his ears wouldn’t stay warm. He didn’t want to wrap them in a scarf because wool made his ears itch. Therefore, he decided to cut a piece of wire, shape it around his head, and have his grandmother sew together some fur onto each end. The ear protector proved an instant hit and he was awarded a patent for his invention at the age of 18. Before his death in 1937, he received over 130 patents and was quite a celebrity in his home state of Maine.

D516,730 – American Flag Bandage
This patent, issued on March 7, 2006, was invented by Craig Anduss of San Antonio, Texas, and consists of a band-aid with a flag ornamental design. Note there are only 17 stars…evidently, you need to have a larger wound in order to get the one with 50 stars!!

540,648 - Road Vehicle
This patent issued on June 11, 1895. In a roundabout way, we can all blame Duryea for high gas prices; after all, he is credited with one of the first gasoline powered car in the United States.

557,085 – Power Sled
The first U.S. patent awarded to a power sled came on March 24, 1896, to Moses, William and Joseph Runnoe of Crested Butte, Colorado. Their power sled had an endless track of chain and eight steel crossbars supported by spring straps. The cleats had spurs on the outer edges for traction.

D567,137 – Heart Shaped Diamond or Similar Article
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then heart shaped diamonds are her soul mate! Roni Rydlewicz has been awarded many patents for his diamond designs, but none more romantic than his 2008 design patent for his heart shaped diamond.

D590,269 - Bottle with Applicator
Julian Pavone’s invention was born out of necessity. After making a mark on his father’s white shirt, Julian felt bad and wanted to “fix it.” Three-year-old Julian climbed up, grabbed some white-out to correct his mistake, and applied it to his father’s shirt. After applying the correction fluid, the stain was no longer visible and Julian waved his arms and declared, “Abracadabra.” It was at that time Julian's "Abracadabra" Stain Cover-Up invention was born. Being a drum prodigy, he designed the container to look like a bass drum and an applicator to look like a drumstick.

737,371 - Jack-O’-Lantern Helmet
John J. Du Ket’s invention begs us to ask the question: a cardboard mask tied around your head with a lit candle…. what could go wrong? Hopefully those who used his invention did not end their Halloween festivities in the burn unit of their local hospital.

1,090,778 – Confetti-Bomb
An early U.S. patent awarded for a confetti-bomb came on March 17, 1914, to Harrison Clark of San Francisco, California. His invention is a serpentine roll with confetti inside. When the serpentine roll is thrown, it opens and discharges a shower of confetti. Sanitation Workers are forever grateful.

1,400,791 – Ouija Board
This invention has been scaring folks since 1921!

1,404,539 - Confection
Christian Kent Nelson, a schoolteacher and candy store owner, claimed to have received the inspiration for his invention in 1920 when a boy in his store was unable to decide whether to spend his money on ice cream or a chocolate bar. He initially sold the treat as the "I-Scream Bar," but later changed the name to "Eskimo Pie."

1,447,090 - Necktie
Considered to be the father of the Modern Necktie, New York tie maker Jesse Langsdorf came up with a method of cutting the fabric on the bias and sewing it in three segments. This technique improved elasticity and allowed the tie to return to its original shape. Since that time, most men have worn the "Langsdorf" tie.

1,505,592 - Frozen Confectionery
In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson left a mixture of powdered soda, water, and a stirring stick in a cup on his porch. It was a cold night, and Epperson awoke the next morning to find a frozen pop. He called it the "Epsicle." It later was a hit with his own kids who called it "Pop's 'sicle." So in 1924, Epperson changed the name to Popsicle and applied for a patent.

1,679,834 - Stringed Musical Instrument
No jug band would be complete without a musical pitchfork!

1,703,786 – Snow Removing Machine
Growing up on a dairy farm in Canada, Arthur Sicard saw just how inconvenient snow-covered roads could be. His family couldn't get milk to market when deep snow made the roads impassible. It wasn't until the winter of 1925 that Sicard developed a snowblower that worked. That year, residents of Montreal saw a strange four-wheel-drive truck rumbling through the streets of the city. Instead of pushing the snow aside, the way plows did, the new machine could cart it off or throw it well out of the way.

1,718,305 - Basket Ball
Although basketballs were made by the A.G. Spalding Co. and the Overman Wheel Co. prior to 1900, neither company decided to patent it. An inventor named G.L. Pierce applied for and was awarded the first basketball patent in 1929.

1,867,377 - Machine for Slicing an Entire Loaf of Bread at a Single Operation
The phrase "the greatest thing since sliced bread" is a commonly used way of praising an invention, however, the phrase certainly applies to Otto Frederick Rohwedder’s invention of the first "loaf-at-a-time" bread-slicing machine. Wonder Bread launched a 1930s ad campaign touting the innovation.

2,089,171 - Electrical Stringed Instrument
Where would popular music be today without this invention? This patent for an early electric guitar was issued to G.D. Beauchamp in 1937.

2,208,049 - Toy Construction Block
This was inventor C.H. Pajeau’s second patent for Toy construction blocks. The patent for the predecessor to the Tinkertoy was issued in 1916.

2,556,800 - Diaper Wrap
With May celebrating Mother's Day, it seems fitting to highlight a Marion Donovan, a mother and inventor who was a pioneer in the diaper industry. After changing her baby's dirty cloth diapers, bed sheets and clothing yet again, she sat down at her sewing machine with a shower curtain and, after several attempts, she completed the first waterproof diaper cover. She later developed a fully disposable diaper. It was not until nearly a decade later, in 1961, that Victor Mills drew upon Donovan's vision to create Pampers®.

2,611,901 – Glove or Mitten Construction
Calling it a "love glove," Mark Neider describes his 1952 patented invention as a mitten where the different sexes can hold hands within the mitten, keeping covered and warm while the boy and girl have “hand-to-hand engagement with one another.” Donna Reed would approve!

2,714,326 - Stringed Musical Instrument of the Guitar Type and Combined Bridge and Tailpiece Therefor
Gibson Guitar Corporation president Ted McCarty was granted a patent in 1955 on a “Stringed Musical Instrument of the Guitar Type and Combined Bridge and Tailpiece Therefor” thereafter dubbed The Les Paul Guitar.

2,737,842 – Combined Bridge and Tail Piece for Stringed Instruments
The inventor listed on this patent is none other than Lester William Polfuss. Haven’t heard of him? How about guitar pioneer Les Paul? This patent, issued in March of 1956 was for the now famous trapezoidal tailpiece and bridge.

2,738,595 – Classroom Communicator
A high tech classroom in 1952 may have included this invention. Patented in 1952 by F.T. John, et al, the Classroom Communicator was intended to be used as an electronic means of gathering and recording a group’s responses to multiple choice questions.

2,768,109 – Alcohol-Catalyzed Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Composition
During World War II, Harry Coover was part of Eastman-Kodak's chemical division conducting research with chemicals known as cyanoacrylates in an effort to find a way to make a clear plastic that could be used in precision gunsights for soldiers. While working with the chemicals, he discovered that they were extremely sticky, and this property made them very difficult to work with. Years later, he realized these sticky adhesives had unique properties in that they required no heat or pressure to bond and "Eastman 910," later renamed "Super Glue," was born. During the Vietnam War, this accidental invention was used to treat war wounds. Field surgeons began using the substance by spraying it over open wounds, which stopped bleeding instantly and allowed hurt soldiers to be transported to medical facilities for conventional treatment.

2,817,025 – Control System
Dr. Adler’s TV remote had buttons that controlled the power, volume on and off, and channel up and down. The sound made by the tiny hammers striking the rods gave birth to the nickname that would endure for generations, referring to your remote as the "clicker". His device was sold with more than nine million televisions before the advent of infrared technology in the 1980s

3,018,680 - Electrical Music Instrument
USPN 3,018,680 covers another Les Paul invention. On January 30, 1962, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Les Paul a patent for an invention titled "Electrical Music Instrument.” The invention related to improvements magnetic pick-ups that converted string vibrations into electrical variations. The principal object of the invention was to produce tones without the harshness and metallic sound usually produced by most electrical instruments.

3,044,989 - Segmented Copolymers
Joseph Shivers invention of Spandex allows fabric made with this fiber to stretch up to 600% and then recover to its original shape. Swimmers, Super Heroes, members of 80’s Rock bands and Thanksgiving overeaters are forever in his debt. DuPont's annual sales of Lycra® spandex are estimated at more than $1.5 billion.

3,235,259 - Toy Boxers
The Red Rocker and the Blue Bomber have been knocking each other’s block off since 1966.

3,285,228 – Anti Gravity Pen
NASA programs previously used pencils, but because of the danger that a broken-off pencil tip poses in zero gravity and the flammable nature of the wood present in pencils, a better solution was needed. Paul Fisher independently invented his pen, and then asked NASA to try it. After the introduction of the AG7 Space Pen, both the American and Soviet space agencies adopted it. Today, the Fisher Zero Gravity Pens are still used on all manned space flights.

3,597,875 - Toy Building Set
Danish inventor, Ole Kirk Christiansen named his invention LEGO after the Danish words “leg” and “godt” which translates as “play well”.

3,725,561 – Method of Electrically Reproducing Music and Improved Electrical Pickup for Practicing the Same
This Gibson guitar patent covers yet another invention by the legendary Les Paul. The patent is directed to the selective reproduction of the low and high frequency content of an audio output. Les Paul is the only individual to share membership into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Amazing.

3,832,556 - Luminescent Backing Sheet for Writing in the Dark
In 1972, 10-year-old Becky Schroeder was sitting in the car, waiting for her mother to return from shopping. She decided to try to finish her math homework, but it was getting dark and hard to see the paper. She wished her paper would light up somehow, and that’s when the idea came to her. After visiting the hardware store she created the first Glo-sheet, a clipboard that glows, illuminating the paper that is placed on top of it.

4,365,802 - Deformation Preventing Swingable Mount For Basketball Goals
Growing up on a farm, Arthur Ehrat was familiar with “thinking outside of the box” when trying to solve a problem at hand. It was this set of skills he used to help his nephew, a university basketball coach, solve the problem of bending rims and broken bones when his players were trying to slam dunk the ball and created the first Breakaway Goal.

4,800,783 – Method and apparatus for removing a cork or plastic stopper from a champagne bottle
Born in Texas to poor parents, Herbert Allen first made his mark and fortune inventing tools for the oil industry and parts for jet engines. In 1951 he travelled to Europe where he developed a passion for wine and, over the next 20 years, assembled one of the best wine cellars in Texas. After Allen’s wife had a particularly frustrating experience opening a bottle of wine, she asked her husband to produce a corkscrew that would extract the cork effortlessly and perfectly every time. He succeeded and launched the Screwpull line of cork extractors. In this cork extractor line is the Metal Star Champagne & Sparkling Wine Opener, based on this patent.

5,339,741 - Precision Fireworks Display System Having a Decreased Environmental Impact
Fireworks were invented in ancient China to scare away evil spirits, but leave it to The Walt Disney Company, the largest consumer of fireworks, to improve upon the invention. In 2004, Disney developed the commercial use of aerial fireworks launched with compressed air rather than gunpowder. The benefits of this method are a reduction in fumes; greater precision in height and timing; and more “Oohs” and "Aahs!"

7,306,112 – Spill-Proof Container
Melinda Shepard came up with the idea of a weighted snack container after her toddler spilled Cheerios all over the back seat of her minivan for the umpteenth time. Melinda described her "spill-proof bowl" concept to her husband Brad, an engineer, who created the initial design. The spill-resistant invention swivels, dips and oscillates in all directions to keep snacks in the bowl, and has kids of all ages "playing" with their food once again.

7,594,669 - Halloween Portable Container
When the bags, backpacks, duffel bags, pillowcases or the ever popular pumpkin-shaped orange plastic pail becomes too heavy to carry all of your goodies, what is a kid to do? Linda Acosta cleverly came up with the idea of goodie bag on wheels, much to the delight of dentists across the country.