Patent Stories
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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History of the Flute
The flute is the world's oldest instrument, predating drums by millennia. Djalma Julliot's 1908 U.S. patent refined its key system. Framed prints available.
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History of the Football
The football's 1939 patent by Wilton Reach redesigned the lacing that every quarterback still grips today. The full history of how football became America's sport.
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History of the Guitar Pickup
From George Beauchamp's 1931 horseshoe pickup to Leo Fender's 1961 hum-canceling patent, the history of the guitar pickup and how it shaped electric music. Prints from $49.99.
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History of the Fishing Tackle Box
The fishing tackle box traces from ancient Egypt to Julius Borcherdt's 1889 U.S. patent. Explore the full history and shop framed patent art prints.
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History of the Ferris Wheel
George Washington Ferris Jr. patented the Ferris wheel in 1893, building a 264-foot giant for the Chicago World's Fair to rival the Eiffel Tower.
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