Patent Room

A tricycle for little cowboys and cowgirls. 1953. Invented by Richard K. Dix.

Toy soldiers simulating drill maneuvers. The figures are designed to turn, raise their guns to firing position and "explode a cap or otherwise create a noise similar to the firing of the gun, and at the same time cause powder to be ejected through the barrel of the gun..." 1920. Invented by Emil P. Bodin.

This ride-on sailboat looks like fun, and could probably be reconstructed fairly easily in the garage. 1929. Invented by Artie C. Carlson.

A hand-cranked movie toy that features a Mickey Mouse-like character. "We are nom proc toto," says Mickey. 1945. Invented by Charles O. Walls.

A toy gun for a bicycle handlebar. 1954. Invented by Serge Abagoff.

Another toy that looks to be made out of pipe cleaners. This time a bug. 1953. Invented by Fred Hotchner.

A toy racing boat. 1951. Invented by Harold H. Reuther.

A self-propelled toy boat where the engine and blade are mounted on the back of the hooded passenger. 1953. Invented by Harold H. Reuther.

A homely toy bird with a key beak and pipe-cleaner legs. 1950. Invented by Clifford E. Harsh.

An ornamental design for a toy airplane. 1953. Invented by Thorne F. Stout.