Classic Goods from the U.S. Patent Office

posted by Michael Williams

You can find some serious gear from the U.S. Patent Office archives. It is amazing what turns up on the internet these days. A months ago I received an email from an ACL reader name Gary that included a few links to some clothing patent diagrams. I wasn’t moved at the time, but once I got a hang of the search procedures I uncovered some really interesting stuff and some serious Americana. A hat tip and a cold beer to Gary for the inspiration. Indulge in diagrams and patents for some classic gear, some of which is probably sitting in your place right now.

LL Bean Duck Boots c.1921

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SPLIT BACKSTAY

The original Levi’s rivet patent by Jacob Davis from May 20th, 1873.

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IMPROVEMENT_IN_FASTENING_POCKET_OPENINGS-2

The first Zippo lighter design and patent.

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Steel lunch box with thermos holder, for the workin’ man.

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Hamilton Carhartt’s denim overalls from April 17, 1916.

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CC Filson shirt design from 1912.

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Coleman steel-belted cooler aka the Official Beverage Temperature Control Device of ACL.

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Thermos design from The American Thermos Bottle Company c.1915.

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Comments on “Classic Goods from the U.S. Patent Office”

    Brad on August 25, 2009 8:23 AM:

    I don’t know what’s going on with that Filson shirt.

    Michael Williams on August 25, 2009 8:25 AM:

    Here’s the Filson pages: http://bit.ly/CnSkq

    Jack on August 25, 2009 10:09 AM:

    wow even the patent drawing of the bean boots makes them look good.

    ad ease on August 25, 2009 10:12 AM:

    Nice finds. Inspiring for my own work

    James of Secret Forts on August 25, 2009 10:14 AM:

    Amazing stuff. Love the hand-drawn-ness of them. Who drafts stuff like this these days. It’s all CAD, etc…Really great finds.

    Jedd at Men & Women of Industry on August 25, 2009 10:49 AM:

    I was going to say the same about the Filson shirt “. . . additional pockets of various design for special purposes.” Good enough for me. Even if I don’t get it, I sure like it.

    plaidout on August 25, 2009 11:08 AM:

    The Filson shirt is a great find. I’ve knocked at least a year off my life digging through old patents: buckles, fasteners, buttons, zippers. Great post. Thanks for including the Filson pages in the comments.

    Lesli Larson on August 25, 2009 1:01 PM:

    An advertisement to go with the Filson patent:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/archivalclothing/3803312632/in/set-72157621971186402/

    CE on August 25, 2009 4:48 PM:

    Awesome! As part of securing a patent you are required to disclose everything about your invention, including exactly how to reduce it to practice (how to make it) — and that information is available to the public. There’s a wealth of information at the US Patent Office — and apparently through that new google search site too!

    Isaac Buie on August 25, 2009 9:41 PM:

    Absolute brillinace once again. Thanks Michael.

    Andrea on August 25, 2009 10:59 PM:

    The text for the Filson shirt is great reading. Replicating the 1912 shirt is now officially on my life list of vintage sewing projects.

    jfox on August 26, 2009 1:07 PM:

    total daywrecker. a+

    Harold & Zooey on August 27, 2009 12:04 AM:

    Oddly fascinating. Great post!

    jt on August 27, 2009 11:17 AM:

    http://www.madamal.com more examples here<<

    Strong Kent Wythe on August 27, 2009 9:51 PM:

    these are such beautiful documents. Leon L Bean’s hand written signature – does it get better? amazing stuff, ACL!

    Ivan Mendizabal on August 29, 2009 12:09 PM:

    We just started talking about patents in law school, so this post really, really, hits home. I may have to share this one with the Prof.

Comments are closed.