Inventing a Better Mousetrap: 200 Years of American History in the Amazing World of Patent Models

292 Pages·115.449 MB·English

by  Alan Rothschild, Ann Rothschild et al.

Technology & Engineering / Inventions
“Alan and Ann have preserved the physical history of the first two centuries of Yankee ingenuity, and for this, as a nation, Make: Inventing a Better Mousetrap 200 Years of
may we be truly grateful. Now, they have brought all of these wonderful models to us in their book, so how ‘bout it,
Americans—let’s put down those electronic tablets and start THINKING again.” American History in the Amazing World of Patent Models
Sandy Lerner
Pioneer of the Internet

Ayrshire Farm Learn about the role that patent models played in American history—and even build your own replica! I
n
Patent models, working models required for US patent filings from 1790 to 1880, offer insight into—and inspiration v
from—a period of intense technological advancement, the Industrial Revolution. The Rothschild Patent Model Collection e
“Ingenuity, invention, finding a better way—these qualities so shaped our nation’s experience that they now feel like the
n
consists of thousands of patent models, many from the 19th century. Make: Inventing a Better Mousetrap features the
very definition of “being American.” The patent models tell the story of a people inspired by opportunity and endlessly
t
creative in solving challenges. As shown in this amazing book, these small objects have as much to teach us today as at most outstanding of these patent models, and offers deep insight into the cultural, economic, and political history of the in
United States.
any earlier time in our history.” g
The Margaret and Terry Stent Director, Smithsonian AmEelriiczaanb Aertth M Bursoeuumn This book not only catalogs hundreds of the most compelling models from the collection, but shows you how to build your a inventing
own replicas of several selected models using Lego, 3D printing, and other materials and techniques.
B
“Many of these intricate and amazing models have been on display at Disneyland Paris since it opened in 1992. They are e
t
very popular with our guests and have become an integral part of the turn of the century ambiance of Main Street U.S.A.” t
“The Rothschild Patent Model Collection lets us see how different our lives would be without the spirit of invention.
e
Peter Steinman Seeing what other inventors have done is what motivates us to think outside of the box and to look at life differently. r
Deputy Chief Counsel, Walt Disney Imagineering
Do we want to watch life go by or be a part of it?” M
Steve Wozniak
Co-Founder of Apple Computer o
“Innovation has been America’s differentiating advantage from the very birth of our country, and ‘Inventing a Better
u
Mousetrap’ captures the uptake in inventing, its tremendous breadth, and its unique way of putting both intellect and s
drive on display for our country.  With splendid pictures and succinct textual descriptions, Alan and Ann Rothschild “A national treasury of inspiration for tinkers, model-makers, inventors, hobbyists, innovators, and designers. Both the e
have created a new chronicle of American innovation and innovators.” ingenious mechanisms animating each of these inventions as well as their delightful small-scale model embody a genius tr Mousetrap
David J. Kappos that is celebrated by this unique book.” a Patent No. 62,455
Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP Kevin Kelly p
Former Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property & Director Co-Founder of Wired Magazine
Past Editor & Publisher of Whole Earth Review
of the United States Patent & Trademark Office
Editor & Publisher of Cool Tools Website

200 Years of American History in the
“Manufacturing transformed the United States into a global power, and the ideas of innovative Americans made that
“The Rothschild Patent Model Collection reminds us that our nation’s economic growth is tied to our ability to turn Amazing World of Patent Models
possible. With this book, our generation can look back, in vivid detail, at how those transformative ideas came to be. And,
promising ideas into job-supporting innovations. This book illustrates how ideas hatched going back as far as 200 years A
as a result, the thinkers of the past will inspire the innovators of the future.”
Jay Timmons ago become innovations that were often protected by patents that helped advance our economy. Our culture’s embrace of la
National Association of Manufacturers, President and CEO ingenuity and creativity encourages the inventors of our country to continue pursuing their ideas, and those patents are n

absolutely the center of our global leadership in business.” &
Chris Coons
“Innovation fans will have endless fun browsing ‘Better Mousetrap,’ with its delightful photos and descriptions covering United States Senator, (D-Delaware) A

everything from Henrietta Vansittart’s historic steamship propeller to the original ‘Whitman’s Sampler’ candy-making n
machine. This book catalogs the authors’ vast collection of small-scale, working models created for the U.S. Patent Office n
“The superheroes of the worlds of sports and entertainment are all around us, all the time. That is fine, but, in our culture,
and displays their deep historical knowledge. Highly recommended!” R
Jay Walker where we only get the best of what we celebrate, we need to see the titans of innovation presented and explained in a way o
Founder of Priceline.com that is equally exciting, accessible, and engaging. Inventing a Better Mousetrap is an artfully humanized collection of t
h
World’s 11th Most Patented Living Inventor
great inventors and their beautiful creations that elegantly achieves that goal.If we want the next 200 years of American s Patent No. 122,944
growth and innovation to be as exciting as the last two centuries, this book should be required reading.” c Patent No. 159,846
h
“Inventing a Better Mousetrap” provides a marvelous glimpse into the ingenuity of 19th century inventors. It should also Dean Kamen
i
serve as a wonderful inspiration for inventors of future generations. Thank you, Alan and Ann Rothschild for preserving President of DEKA Research and Development Corp. ld
Founder of FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognitionof Science and Technology
this bit of history and sharing it with us all.”
Peter C. Schultz, PhD National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee
Co-inventor of Fiber Optics for Communication
Awarded the National Medal of Technology
National Medal of Technology Recipient
National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee
$24.99 US, $28.99 CA
Alan & Ann Rothschild
“In this marvelous book the Rothschilds’ collection dazzles the eye while telling an irresistible story of American ingenu- ISBN 978-1-4571-8718-6
ity and of some of the nation’s most remarkable and colorful innovators.”
Frederick E. Allen
Founding Editor, American Heritage of Invention & Technology
Includes Step-By-Steps & Resources for Making 6 Patent Models
Foreword by Forrest Morton Bird, M.D., Ph.D., Sc.D., D.S. • Introduction by Gareth Branwyn
MousetrapCoverFINAL.indd 1 10/20/15 10:31 PM
Technology & Engineering / Inventions
Make: Inventing a Better Mousetrap 200 Years of
American History in the Amazing World of Patent Models
Learn about the role that patent models played in American history—and even build your own replica!
Patent models, working models required for US patent filings from 1790 to 1880, offer insight into—and inspiration
from—a period of intense technological advancement, the Industrial Revolution. The Rothschild Patent Model Collection
consists of thousands of patent models, many from the 19th century. Make: Inventing a Better Mousetrap features the
most outstanding of these patent models, and offers deep insight into the cultural, economic, and political history of the
United States.
This book not only catalogs hundreds of the most compelling models from the collection, but shows you how to build your
own replicas of several selected models using Lego, 3D printing, and other materials and techniques.
“The Rothschild Patent Model Collection lets us see how different our lives would be without the spirit of invention.
Seeing what other inventors have done is what motivates us to think outside of the box and to look at life differently.
Do we want to watch life go by or be a part of it?”
Steve Wozniak
Co-Founder of Apple Computer

“A national treasury of inspiration for tinkers, model-makers, inventors, hobbyists, innovators, and designers. Both the
ingenious mechanisms animating each of these inventions as well as their delightful small-scale model embody a genius
that is celebrated by this unique book.”
Kevin Kelly
Co-Founder of Wired Magazine

Past Editor & Publisher of Whole Earth Review
Editor & Publisher of Cool Tools Website
“The Rothschild Patent Model Collection reminds us that our nation’s economic growth is tied to our ability to turn
promising ideas into job-supporting innovations. This book illustrates how ideas hatched going back as far as 200 years
ago become innovations that were often protected by patents that helped advance our economy. Our culture’s embrace of
ingenuity and creativity encourages the inventors of our country to continue pursuing their ideas, and those patents are
absolutely the center of our global leadership in business.”
Chris Coons
United States Senator, (D-Delaware)

“The superheroes of the worlds of sports and entertainment are all around us, all the time. That is fine, but, in our culture,
where we only get the best of what we celebrate, we need to see the titans of innovation presented and explained in a way
that is equally exciting, accessible, and engaging. Inventing a Better Mousetrap is an artfully humanized collection of
great inventors and their beautiful creations that elegantly achieves that goal.If we want the next 200 years of American
growth and innovation to be as exciting as the last two centuries, this book should be required reading.”
Dean Kamen
President of DEKA Research and Development Corp.

Founder of FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognitionof Science and Technology
National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee
Awarded the National Medal of Technology
$24.99 US, $28.99 CA
ISBN 978-1-4571-8718-6
“Alan and Ann have preserved the physical history of the first two centuries of Yankee ingenuity, and for this, as a nation,
may we be truly grateful. Now, they have brought all of these wonderful models to us in their book, so how ‘bout it,
Americans—let’s put down those electronic tablets and start THINKING again.”
Sandy Lerner
Pioneer of the Internet

Ayrshire Farm
“Ingenuity, invention, finding a better way—these qualities so shaped our nation’s experience that they now feel like the
very definition of “being American.” The patent models tell the story of a people inspired by opportunity and endlessly
creative in solving challenges. As shown in this amazing book, these small objects have as much to teach us today as at
any earlier time in our history.”
Elizabeth Broun
The Margaret and Terry Stent Director, Smithsonian American Art Museum

“Many of these intricate and amazing models have been on display at Disneyland Paris since it opened in 1992. They are
very popular with our guests and have become an integral part of the turn of the century ambiance of Main Street U.S.A.”
Peter Steinman
Deputy Chief Counsel, Walt Disney Imagineering

“Innovation has been America’s differentiating advantage from the very birth of our country, and ‘Inventing a Better
Mousetrap’ captures the uptake in inventing, its tremendous breadth, and its unique way of putting both intellect and
have created a new chronicle of American innovation and innovators.”
David J. Kappos
Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP

Former Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property & Director
of the United States Patent & Trademark Office
“Manufacturing transformed the United States into a global power, and the ideas of innovative Americans made that
possible. With this book, our generation can look back, in vivid detail, at how those transformative ideas came to be. And,
as a result, the thinkers of the past will inspire the innovators of the future.”
Jay Timmons
National Association of Manufacturers, President and CEO

“Innovation fans will have endless fun browsing ‘Better Mousetrap,’ with its delightful photos and descriptions covering
everything from Henrietta Vansittart’s historic steamship propeller to the original ‘Whitman’s Sampler’ candy-making
machine. This book catalogs the authors’ vast collection of small-scale, working models created for the U.S. Patent Office
and displays their deep historical knowledge. Highly recommended!”
Jay Walker
Founder of Priceline.com

World’s 11th Most Patented Living Inventor
“Inventing a Better Mousetrap” provides a marvelous glimpse into the ingenuity of 19th century inventors. It should also
serve as a wonderful inspiration for inventors of future generations. Thank you, Alan and Ann Rothschild for preserving
this bit of history and sharing it with us all.”
Peter C. Schultz, PhD
Co-inventor of Fiber Optics for Communication

National Medal of Technology Recipient
National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee
“In this marvelous book the Rothschilds’ collection dazzles the eye while telling an irresistible story of American ingenu-
ity and of some of the nation’s most remarkable and colorful innovators.”
Frederick E. Allen
Founding Editor, American Heritage of Invention & Technology
MousetrapCoverFINAL.indd 1
Alan & Ann Rothschild
Introduction by Gareth Branwyn
Foreword by Forrest Morton Bird, M.D., Ph.D., Sc.D., D.S.
Inventing a Better Mousetrap
200 Years of American History in the Amazing World of Patent Models
By Alan and Ann Rothschild
Copyright © 2016 Alan and Ann Rothschild. All rights reserved.
Printed in Canada.
Published by Maker Media, Inc., 1160 Battery Street East, Suite 125, San Francisco, California 94111.
Maker Media books may be purchased for educational, business, or sales promotional use. Online editions are also available for most
titles (http://safaribooksonline.com). For more information, contact our corporate/institutional sales department: 800-998-9938 or
[email protected].
Editor: Gareth Branwyn, Emma Dvorak, and Brian Jepson
Photography: Scherzi Studios
Proofreader: Brian Jepson
Indexer: Brian Jepson
Interior Designer: Holly Scherzi Design
Cover Designer: Holly Scherzi Design
November 2015: First Edition
Revision History for the First Edition
2015-11-15: First Release
Make:, Maker Shed, and Maker Faire are registered trademarks of Maker Media, Inc. The Maker Media logo and the Makey robot are
trademarks of Maker Media, Inc. Make: Inventing a Better Mousetrap and related trade dress are trademarks of Maker Media, Inc. 
Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those
designations appear in this book, and Maker Media, Inc. was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in caps or
initial caps. 
While the publisher and the author have used good faith efforts to ensure that the information and instructions contained in this work
are accurate, the publisher and the author disclaim all responsibility for errors or omissions, including without limitation responsibility
for damages resulting from the use of or reliance on this work. Use of the information and instructions contained in this work is at your
own risk. If any code samples or other technology this work contains or describes is subject to open source licenses or the intellectual
property rights of others, it is your responsibility to ensure that your use thereof complies with such licenses and/or rights.
978-1-4571-8718-6
[TI]
Dedication
This book is dedicated to the four hundred men and women inventors whose patent models
are featured throughout this book. Some of the inventors became famous, such as B.F.
Goodrich, Christian Steinway, Nelson Goodyear, and Linus Yale, Jr., known for patenting
life-changing inventions. But for most of the inventors chronicled here, their hopes and
dreams of becoming rich and famous, or creating some revolutionary new technology, never
materialized. Their inventions remained in obscurity, until now. These inventors are finally
being recognized for their ingenuity, their imagination, and their efforts in obtaining a
United States Patent. May their memories live and be remembered into perpetuity.
We would also like to dedicate this book to our good friend,
Dr. Forrest Bird (June 9, 1921-August 2, 2015). Dr. Bird’s
respiratory inventions have been responsible for saving
hundreds of thousands of lives throughout the world.
Not only was he a major inspiration to us, but his
impact on our world will continue to be felt.
Forrest Bird was a brilliant yet humble
man who was one of the world’s greatest
inventors. We will miss him very much.
Alan & Ann Rothschild
Foreword page iii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 History ............................................................................page 2
Chapter 2 Steam ............................................................................page 12
Chapter 3 Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) ............................page 26
Chapter 4 Heat, Light & Fire ........................................................page 41
Chapter 5 Locks .............................................................................page 49
Chapter 6 Mining ..........................................................................page 56
Chapter 7 Toys ...............................................................................page 62
Chapter 8 Home ............................................................................page 71
Chapter 9 Kitchen ..........................................................................page 81
Chapter 10 Laundry .........................................................................page 90
Chapter 11 Leather & Shoes ...........................................................page 98
Chapter 12 Manufacturing ............................................................page 106
Chapter 13 Paper & Printing ..........................................................page 115
Chapter 14 Textiles ........................................................................page 125
Chapter 15 Marine & Navigation .................................................. page 133
Chapter 16 Agriculture .....................................................................page 144
Chapter 17 Tools & Machines ........................................................page 154
Page iv Table of Contents
Chapter 18 Miscellaneous .............................................................. page 164
Chapter 19 Personal ....................................................................... page 177
Chapter 20 Healthcare .................................................................. page 186
Chapter 21 Music ...........................................................................page 196
Chapter 22 Sports & Entertainment ..............................................page 206
Chapter 23 Transportation ..............................................................page 216
Chapter 24 What’s That Model? ....................................................page 226
Chapter 25 Six Patent Models You Can Make .............................. page 234
afterword What’s Next? ...............................................................page 269
All of the patent models featured in this book are part of the Rothschild Patent Model Collection.
This symbol indicates its corresponding Patent Model was in the Smithsonian American Art Museum
exhibit “Inventing a Better Mousetrap: Patent Models from the Rothschild Collection.” November
2011 - November 2013. The model was donated to the Smithsonian American Art Museum permanent
collection by Ann & Alan Rothschild.
This symbol, “Makey” indicates its corresponding Patent Model is included in Chapter 25, Six Patent
TM Models You Can Make.
Table of Contents page v
“The patent system added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius.”
—Abraham Lincoln
Foreword
For ninety years the U.S. Patent Office required anyone who sought a patent to submit a model of
their invention. Patent models represent American ingenuity at its finest. They represent the imag-
ination that innovators have, and a fever for changing the world. Hundreds of thousands of models
created a unique tangible record of human ingenuity unlike anything before or since.
Since many of the early inventors were common people without the technological, legal or
commercial training that we have today, it was a difficult task for them to undertake to build a
model not to exceed 12" by 12" by 12" to demonstrate the operation of their inventions. After the
model requirement was abolished in 1880, America was in danger of losing its priceless record of
innovation.
Fortunately for our America, a few historians who recognized the historic, scientific and artistic
value of patent models had the vision to collect, protect and share our national treasure
of patent models.
Alan and Ann Rothschild dedicated a significant part of their lives to preserving the history and
legacies of their forefathers. The Rothschild Patent Model Museum is unmatched amongst private
museums. They have given of themselves unto others and to history.
As the inventor of the Bird Respirator, I understood the challenges that inventors face on a daily
basis and what they bring to the world. Inventors not only create jobs, they create industries.
My path and the Rothschilds’ have crossed several times. I have been fascinated with their time,
energy, efforts and ingenuity to refurbish, restore and nurture these precious patent models in history.
The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center is particularly grateful to Alan and Ann for their
gifts of historic examples of ingenuity to share with all people who walk through our museum and
our lives. Their gifts have ever endeared the hearts of my wife, Pamela, and I as we watch people of
all ages marvel at these rare pieces of our nation’s history.
Alan and Ann, YOU have changed the world. You have preserved history for others to see. You
have opened your arms, home and hearts and given of yourselves. I commend you. We forever thank
you. God speed!
Forrest Morton Bird, M.D., Ph.D., Sc.D., D.S.
Inventor, Medical Respirator
National Inventor Hall of Fame Inductee
Foreword page vii
uv