From Karen Kitchens
WSL State Publications Librarian
It’s that time of year again — ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night! Halloween is a time for costumes, spooky stories, and Trick-or-Treaters. Intellectual Property is not the first phrase that comes to mind when thinking of Halloween celebrations. However, there are patents for every occasion. Here are a few Halloween-themed patents. Enjoy!
First, may we present the just-for-fun patents:
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DECORATIVELY ILLUMINATED CARRYING DEVICE (U.S. Patent No. 6,059,423). Patented in 2000 by Darlene J. Knopick. This handy device provides increased safety for busy Trick-or-Treaters. |
PET COSTUME (U.S. Patent No. D699,403). Patented in 2014 by Target Brands, Inc. this patent allows your dog to proudly Trick-or-Treat with all the neighborhood kids. |
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Next, some Halloween patents to make you shudder:
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JACK-A-LANTERN (U.S. Patent No. 396,252). This patent was granted in 1889 to G.A. Beidler. |
FORMING CONFIGURATIONS ON NATURAL GROWTHS (U.S. Patent No. 2,096,507). Patented in 1937 by John Czeski, an Ohio farmer. This device grows pumpkins with human faces! |
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Last, but not least, may we present the most horrifying Halloween patent of all, the RESPONSIVE TOILET (U.S. Patent Application No. 20120060270). This patent application was submitted in 2012 by Kevin and Timothy Ihlefeld. This talking toilet has a flush responsive audio player plays preselected audio content keyed in response to a toilet flush!
Have questions about patents? The State Library houses Wyoming’s Patent and Trademark Resource Center. We have trained librarians ready to help you. Contact us at (307) 777-6333 or statelibrary@wyo.gov.