Rarely considered, patents give us an extensive look into the design decisions made by manufacturers with each patent showcasing several pages of descriptions and illustrations. Better yet, patents provide a historical insight through their declared inventor, assignee and filing dates.
Each patent has been sorted by its manufacturer and given a brief description to explain its context. Additionally, a link provided to each patent’s US Patent and Trademark Office claim page for more information.
Companies
Bayshore Industries
Combined Jack-O-Lantern Toy and Container
UnconfirmedPatent Number D204464
Filed 05/04/1965
Issued 04/19/1966
Although sold by Barton’s Candy Corporation as the “Whistle Nose Pumpkin”, this pumpkin is believed to have been manufactured by Bayshore Industries, but remains unconfirmed.
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Come Play Products
Patent Number 5984754
Filed 12/02/1996
Issued 11/16/1999
Unlike many battery powered candy pails produced by other manufacturers, Come Play Products opted to illuminate at least some of their candy pails with a patented glow stick holder in the center of the candy pail.
ViewEmpire
Patent Number 3681588
Filed 11/16/1970
Issued 09/01/1972
This patent sheds light on how Empire’s 5 Lite Candoliers worked whilst being illuminated with only a single bulb instead of one per candle.
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Patent Number 5911501
Filed 12/23/1996
Issued 06/15/1999
This patent describes and illustrates the mounting and lighting system for Empire’s “Tree Light Topper” and “Pathway Light Topper” style blow molds (as both replacement tops and stake mounted).
ViewHoliday Hues
Integrated Plastics
Patent Number D388359
Filed 09/25/1996
Issued 12/30/1997
While patented, no blow molds have yet to been found matching this design. It is assumed, but unproven, that the design was never produced.
Unlike many of Donald Shaw’s other patents, Integrated Plastics Limited is not declared as the assignee.
ViewL.A. Goodman
Miller Electric
Patent Number D169324
Filed 06/20/1952
Issued 04/14/1953
Although plainly named as “Figurine”, this patent describes Miller Electric’s iconic “Hi-Ho Santa on Reindeer”.
ViewSanta's Best
Patent Number D423982
Filed 06/26/1995
Issued 05/02/2000
A unique and slightly unnerving patent describing the design and attachment mechanism of the inserted eyes used by Santa’s Best products.
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Patent Number 5605314
Filed 02/09/1995
Issued 02/25/1997
A patented staking system using three specially designed stakes for use with Santa’s Best products.
ViewSun Hill Industries
Patent Number 5436817
Filed 12/23/1993
Issued 07/25/1995
This patent extensively describes and illustrates various design, electrical and mounting elements of Sun Hill Industries' light kits.
ViewWherl
