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.
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.
DownloadEmpire
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).
DownloadIntegrated Plastics
Patent Number D419910
Filed 03/03/1999
Issued 02/01/2000
Given that no official name has been proven, this blow mold is commonly referred to as the “Ghoul Face” by the community.
Download
Patent Number D388360
Filed 01/02/1997
Issued 12/30/1997
Although sold by Drainage Industries as 25" Character Pumpkin-Jolly #80110, the patent declares Donald Shaw as the inventor, with the Shaw family having owned Integrated Plastics Limited.
Unlike many of Donald Shaw’s other patents, Integrated Plastics Limited is not declared as the assignee.
Download
Patent Number D380171
Filed 02/16/1996
Issued 06/24/1997
Although sold by Drainage Industries as 30" Pumpkin Cluster #80106, this patent declares Integrated Plastics Limited as the assignee.
Download
Patent Number D388358
Filed 09/25/1996
Issued 12/30/1997
Although sold by Drainage Industries as 31" Skull Cluster #80118, this patent declares Integrated Plastics Limited as the assignee.
Download
Patent Number D378361
Filed 01/05/1996
Issued 03/11/1997
Although sold by Drainage Industries as 26" Tombstone Ghost, this patent declares Integrated Plastics Limited as the assignee.
Download
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.
DownloadSun 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.
DownloadWherl
Patent Number 1246037
Issued 12/06/1988
This Canadian issued patent describes a “battery-powered lantern which is used by a child to collect Halloween treats.” Other notable uses include its use as an illuminated ornament or novelty toy.
Download