Slinky
Slinky was patented by Richard and Betty James in 1947. Richard was trying to develop a spring that would suspend ship instruments even in turbulent waters. He accidentally dropped one of his springs, and the toy was born. Children can “walk” slinkies down an inclined plane by following the easy directions at: Slinky.
Earmuff Patent
National Earmuff Day is today! Earmuffs were patented by Chester Greenwood of Farmington, Maine, in 1877. He was fifteen years old when he invented the Champion Ear Protectors. He had his grandmother add some fur to the ends of a piece of wire. He received Patent Number 188,292. His invention became a factory, employing community members. Children can view the patent at: Earmuff Patent.
Eli Whitney
Cotton gin was patented by Eli Whitney in 1794. It changed the way cotton was raised and processed in the southeastern United States. Prior to the gin, slaves had to hand separate the cotton fibers from cotton seeds and debris. The cotton gin processed the separation ten times faster. More cotton could therefore be planted, and unfortunately more slaves were needed. Children could glean many more details at: Cotton Gin Patent.
Washing machine was patented by Nathaniel Briggs in 1797. A fire in the patent office in 1836 destroyed all records of his patent. However, his patent probably resembled a current wash board.
Modern Replica of Victorian Zoetrope
Courtesy of Andrew Dunn
Zoetrope was patented by William Lincoln in 1867. He received Patent Number 64,117. A zoetrope produces the illusion of a moving picture by creating two cylinders, one inside the other. The outer cylinder contains paintings. The inner cylinder has slits in its side. When the inner cylinder turns, observers see the images on the outer cylinder move. Quite popular in the 1880’s, zoetropes have found new homes in long subway station platforms. Children could see an amazing Pixar video of a zoetrope at: Zoetrope.
Air conditioner was patented by Willis Haviland Carrier in 1914. Idea: Children could research how air conditioners work, and they could find out if different types of coolant exist. Children can learn how an air conditioner works by viewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lFUlA1PZ8U.
Zipper Patent
Zipper was patented by Gideon Sundback of Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1913. However, it was not called a zipper until 1922 when the B. F. Goodrich Company used the term to describe fasteners on its galoshes. Prior to 1922, it was called a “separable fastener.” Idea: Children could make a list of non-clothing items that have zippers. For example, some school children’s binders have zippers. They could view the patent at: Zipper Patent.
Odometer was invented by William Clayton in 1847 while he was crossing the country in a wagon train. He called his invention the Roadometer. An odometer measures distance traveled. Children could research the different “-ometers,” for example, the speedometer, tachometer and odometer. Children could learn more about Clayton’s invention at: Odometer.
First Flight
Airplane was patented by the Wright Brothers in 1906. Wilbur Wright and Orville Wright had applied for the patent in 1903. They received Patent #821,393 for an “improved flying machine.” Children can view the patent at: https://www.google.com/patents/US821393. They flew their first successful flights on December 17, 1903.