Patent Stories
History of the Croquet
The 1883 croquet patent by Alfred Farley introduced luminous balls for easier play. Explore croquet's history from paille-maille to patent art prints.
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History of the Fire Extinguisher
Almon Granger patented the chemical fire extinguisher in 1880, building on a 1723 gunpowder design. The dry chemical unit arrived in 1928 and changed firefighting.
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History of the Dart Board
The 1937 dartboard patent by Thomas Tempest introduced a removable bullseye. Explore dart's history from medieval soldiers to the U.S. patent art print.
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History of the Hot Air Balloon
The history of the hot air balloon from 1783 to Ralph Upson's 1923 patent. How lighter-than-air flight went from royal spectacle to military tool to sport.
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History of the Christmas Lights
The history of Christmas lights from open candle flames to Edison's 1880 electric strands and Henry Diek's 1892 patent. Prints available framed or unframed.
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History of the Christmas Stocking
The history of the Christmas stocking from Saint Nicholas folklore to S. H. Howe's 1889 ornamental patent. Prints of the original U.S. patent available framed or unframed.
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History of the Blue Fishing Lure
Lawrence Loeb patented the translucent artificial fishing lure in 1950, creating a hook hidden inside an insect-imitating body that fish could not detect. The lure has roots in 2000 BC.
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History of the Cigar
The history of cigars from ancient Mayan origins through Columbus, Cuban trade monopolies, and Heraclio Farias's 1887 manufacturing patent. Prints framed or unframed.
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History of the Christmas Star
The history of the Christmas star from 15th-century Paradise Trees to Millard Pretzfelder's 1936 illuminated star patent. Prints available framed or unframed.
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