Patent Stories
History of the Garden Tools
Joseph Fornelli's 2000 patent redesigned the garden tool handle for better leverage. The full history of garden tools from Bronze Age shovels to modern ergonomic design.
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History of the Green Car
Harley Earl's 1934 ornamental automobile patent defined the streamlined car body before mass production made it standard. The full history from Benz to the modern automobile.
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History of the Football Field
The football field evolved from a borrowed rugby layout to a patented yard-line color system in 1971 by Michael Noonan. Explore the history and shop framed prints.
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History of the Hair Clipper
The history of hair clippers from 19th-century Serbia to Leo Wahl's 1919 electric patent. Herman Candrian's 1881 adjustable blade patent prints available framed or unframed.
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History of the Garden Plow
Eugene Ruhlmann's 1877 wheel-hoe patent combined a weed cutter with a garden plow in a single tool. The full history of the plow from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern garden.
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History of the Golf Tee
From sand mounds to George F. Grant's 1899 patent, the full history of the golf tee and the Harvard-trained dentist who invented it but never sold a single one. Prints from $49.99.
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History of the Football Pants
Football pants trace to 1880s canvas designs with sewn-in knee pads. Ralph Jones' 1929 U.S. patent improved protection and range of motion. Shop framed prints.
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History of the Football Helmet
The football helmet began as a moleskin cap in 1893. Vernon McMillan's 1935 facemask patent predated its universal adoption by decades. Shop framed prints.
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History of the Golf Ball
From featheries to Cavanagh's 1902 dimple patent, trace the full history of the golf ball and the aerodynamic discovery that still governs every ball made today.
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