Christmas is a season brimming with cheer, festivities, and the enchanting magic of holiday traditions. Behind the twinkling lights and festive songs, intellectual property plays a vital role in safeguarding the innovations that bring joy to the season. From patented decorations to the trademarked likeness of Santa, IP ensures that the holiday spirit is both celebrated and protected. In the spirit of the season, we’d like to shed some light on the history of two notable inventions.
1.Sleigh
U.S. Patent No. 495,845
Issued April 18, 1893
Another fascinating patent from 1893 is simply titled "Sleigh." While the title may lack creativity, it is certainly descriptive. Technologies from the early 1880s show that more comfortable sleigh rides were on the minds of many inventors. By the mid to late 1890s, improvements included additional features such as removable seats, steps to assist with entering and exiting the sleigh, and various steering mechanisms. What caught our attention was not the title, but the inventor's description of his prized invention:
"My invention relates to improvements in sleighs... and the object of my invention is to improve the running gear of the side-bar spring sleighs, to the end that said running gear may be cheaply made, may be exceedingly strong, and will carry the body of the sleigh in a safe and correct manner."
The mantra "cheaper, stronger, safer" is a timeless inventor's story. Inventors consistently strive to make things more durable, better, easier, faster, and of course, safer. Achieving these improvements economically is even more desirable. This patent, like others, demonstrates the common motivation of the creative mind, which remains unchanged from 1893 to today. The patent system fosters improvement, sometimes in leaps and bounds, but usually at a steady evolutionary pace.
2.Lights for Christmas Tree
U.S. Patent No. 484,304
Patented October 11, 1892
In addition to being adorned with ornaments, Christmas trees have long been illuminated. Initially, candles were used, but with the advent of electricity, lights became the safer and preferred option.
Lighting a tree with candles was perilous; the tree had to be fresh, and buckets of water were kept nearby to extinguish any fires. Typically, the candles were only lit once, on Christmas Eve, due to the risks involved.
In 1882, following Thomas Edison’s development of the practical electric light bulb, Edward Johnson, his friend and partner in Edison’s Illumination Company, created the first set of "Christmas lights." This string of 80 red, white, and blue lights was wound around his Christmas tree. By 1895, the White House Christmas tree was adorned with hundreds of multi-colored incandescent lights.
Incandescent lights illuminated Christmas trees throughout the 20th century. Although there were improvements, they functioned similarly to Edison’s original light bulb. Over time, various Christmas tree light inventions have emerged. As we look to the future, we can only imagine where Christmas tree lighting will go next.
The festive season is, for many, a magical time of the year. When magic is in the air, our imaginations often work a little harder. For some inventors, however, imaginations are focused on solving problems that come but once a year. With that in mind, we wish you and yours a very happy, memorable, and joyful Christmas and holiday season.
#HappyHolidays #MerryChristmas #ChristmasInventions