« Statistical Literacy - Sometimes A Life Or Death Matter
Main
The Omen and I »
June 9, 2009
Just What I Always Wanted
Over at the Mark Twain Forum someone asked if Mark Twain had any patented inventions. The answer, "yes," came rather quickly. The claim was that he had four patents but I think there were only three: # 121,992, filed December 19, 1871 for An Improvement in Adjustable and Detachable Straps for Garments; #140,245, filed May 7, 1873, for An Improvement in Scrap Books; and #324,535, filed October 9, 1984 for a Game Apparatus to assist in learning historical facts. I think he made some money on the scrapbook invention. But I like the Improvement in Adjustable and Detachable Straps for Garments most of all. Here's the illustration from that patent.
And here is how it works and what he actually claimed.
Figure 1 represents an elastic strap made in two parts, C and C', each part being [prvided at one end with one or more button-holes, c, and the other ends of said parts connected by a buckle, c'. Fig. 2 represents an elastic strap made in two parts, D D', each part being provided ar one end with one or more button-holes, d. The part D has the other end several rows of holes, d1 d1, into which hooks d2 at the other end of part D' are to be inserted. This end of the part D' may be lengthened or shortened by means of a slide, d3, as shown. `It is obvious that my adjustable straps may be made non-elastic as well as elastic without departing from my invention; but I prefer to make them elastic.
The vest, pantaloons, or other garment upon which my strap is to b used should be provided with buttons or other fastenings on which the strap is to be detachable and adjusted. When changing garments the strap may readily be detached from on and put on another.
The advantages of such an adjustable and detachable elastic strap are so obvious that they need no explanation.
Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters of Patent, is --
As an article of manufacture, the adjustable and detachable back-strap for garments, it being provided with devices for adjusting its length, and with button-holed ends for direct attachment to the clothing, substantially as set forth.
You've got to love it.
Posted by Duane Smith at June 9, 2009 7:44 AM | Read more on Mark Twain |
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.telecomtally.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2901
Comments
Post a comment
Please read Abnormal Interest's Comments Policy.