Once again, Halloween is just around the corner. What scares you on All Hallows’ Eve? Patents were likely not your first answer. But wait! Here are at the Wyoming State Library, we crept into the files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and dug up a few for your Halloween fun.
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HALLOWEEN VAMPIRE DECORATION and HALLOWEEN SKELETON DECORATION
(U.S. Patent No. D332,761 and D332,420). These were patented in 1992 and 1993 to Neal N. Mankey from Charlotte, North Carolina.
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 HALLOWEEN BOARD GAME(U.S. Patent No.5,662,328). Patented in 1997 by Cyrilla Dianne Pecoy from Oswego, New York. Here is a fun board game for all — including neighborhood Trick or Treating, a walk through a cemetery, and a visit to a haunted house. |
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JACK-O’-LANTERN HELMET
(U.S. Patent No.737,371). Patented in 1903 by John J. Du Ket from Toledo, Ohio. Now this mask might be a bit tricky, as it is designed for the wearer to walk with a candle on their head. Hmmm… not a very safe or easy way to go Trick or Treating!
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 FACE MASK(U.S. Patent No.885,802). Patented in 1908 by Harrison D. Sterrick of Pittsburg, Peensylvania. This patent allows the face mask to be changed by the wearer to “produce a grotesque and amusing effect. The mask provides features which are capable of being protruded or withdrawn at will.” Creepy! |
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 NOISE MAKING MASK(U.S. Patent No.4,683,588). Looking to disguise your face and your voice this Halloween? This is the patent for you! Issued to Mel Goldberg in 1987, this face mask will also camouflage your voice, using a microphone secured to the face mask. A voice modifier can amplify or muffle your voice. Not only will you look creepy, but you will also sound creepy. |
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For more information on patents, contact the Patent and Trademark Resource Center, Wyoming State Library at 777-6333. Happy Trick or Treating!