The Toggle Idea: 1948

[Copierguy]

I stumbled across this last weekend.

Three things of note.

1. The file date of 11/27/1948

2. They actually use the word toggle repeatedly in the application.

3. They had not married the idea of an adjustable to a toggle yet.

 

[amishmotorboat]

I stumbled across this last weekend.

Three things of note.

1. The file date of 11/27/1948

2. They actually use the name toggle repeatedly in the application.

3. They had not married the idea of an adjustable to a toggle yet.

Sweet. So we know there must be at least 1 non-adjustable toggle out there as a prototype for the patent application, right?

 

[eyeguy]

Sweet. So we know there must be at least 1 non-adjustable toggle out there as a prototype for the patent application, right?

Just when you think you have em all, another one comes up. Potentially, at least!

 

[Copierguy]

Sweet. So we know there must be at least 1 non-adjustable toggle out there as a prototype for the patent application, right?

I'm not sure if "out there" is applicable. It may have escaped, but odds are that it's still under lock and key....Just my guess of course.

 

[eyeguy]

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1890334.pdf

Here's another of his patents

 

[Copierguy]

Sweet. So we know there must be at least 1 non-adjustable toggle out there as a prototype for the patent application, right?

Amish brings up an interesting point. Seems to me that I've heard down through the years that working models were submitted along with a request for a patent.

Does anyone here have any working knowledge on this subject?

 

[blantyre]

Were these patents assigned to Gillette?

 

[Radar O\'Reilly]

Amish brings up an interesting point. Seems to me that I've heard down through the years that working models were submitted along with a request for a patent.

Does anyone here have any working knowledge on this subject?

There used to be a requirement, but after awhile, I believe the patent office got so overwhelmed with models they stopped requiring them, since the models either needed to be small for large items, or large for small items. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/07/patent-models/

Found this:
The U.S. Patent Office stopped requiring models as part of patent applications in 1880. Many applications were still in the system when the requirement changed, and many post-1880 patent grants had corresponding models as a result.

 

[luvmysuper]

Sweet. So we know there must be at least 1 non-adjustable toggle out there as a prototype for the patent application, right?

I have it in my desk drawer with the Tan Tip Superspeed.

 

[texbilly]

I have it in my desk drawer with the Tan Tip Superspeed.

Thought so, Phil but...

I've also read prototype model requirements were steadily phased out due to the previously mentioned logistical issues. I can attest that prototypes are often impossible at the time of filing due to lack of capital to produce the model and in many cases, the patent is largely theoretical. Several patents awarded to companies in my early career proved to be anything but practical.

Tom, great find. Love the "what if" direction it points to...

 

[Copierguy]

I have it in my desk drawer with the Tan Tip Superspeed.

Phil....what can I say, but you are bad to the bone......LOL

Were these patents assigned to Gillette?

The one I posted was.....

 

[hypo_style]

Joseph Muros is one of the three inventors listed on the later Toggle patent as well, along with Meyer Shnitzler & Edward Lewiecki.

It looks like he passed away in 1984, at age 81.
Apparently, Meyer Shnitzler was a bit younger, and passed away much more recently, in 2007. He sounds like he was an interesting guy.
I could not find any similar notice for Edward Lewiecki. Perhaps he is still among us?

Maybe we should set up a little B&B shrine to these guys, and all the other unsung inventors at Gillette.

 

[blackfoot]

I have it in my desk drawer with the Tan Tip Superspeed.

 

[Oldguy]

Amish brings up an interesting point. Seems to me that I've heard down through the years that working models were submitted along with a request for a patent.

Does anyone here have any working knowledge on this subject?

Tom,
Jim is quite correct about not needing to supply prototype models with patent applications. While the prototype is very important to prove out the design, maintaining precise, dated and witnessed design ideas and pertinent information in a laboratory notebook is probably more important. It is documentation that is used to write the applications and to prove original date of invention during patent disputes. In my 40 years with my company I spent about 25 years actually designing products. I filled over 30 laboratory notebooks which tracked designs from the original design idea until release to production. It was these notebooks that ended up in court during disputes with other companies and not the prototypes. Even though I retired 5 years ago I still know where my notebooks are stored. I have no idea if the prototypes still exist.

Len

 

[americanarmsdealer]

Thanks for the cool thread, Copierguy.

 

[Copierguy]

Tom,
Jim is quite correct about not needing to supply prototype models with patent applications. While the prototype is very important to prove out the design, maintaining precise, dated and witnessed design ideas and pertinent information in a laboratory notebook is probably more important. It is documentation that is used to write the applications and to prove original date of invention during patent disputes. In my 40 years with my company I spent about 25 years actually designing products. I filled over 30 laboratory notebooks which tracked designs from the original design idea until release to production. It was these notebooks that ended up in court during disputes with other companies and not the prototypes. Even though I retired 5 years ago I still know where my notebooks are stored. I have no idea if the prototypes still exist.

Len

Thanks Len,

From various design / production related posts I've read, I had a feeling this subject was up your alley. Thanks for the straight scoop.

Seeing this design on paper does lead one to think......but, I doubt that I ever will see a nonadjustable Toggle on ebay.....but then again who would have thought we would have seen a closed comb Super Speed there either.

This is great food for day dreams.....

 

[DavyRay]

It is common practice to patent a new method or feature by itself. That is why you see so many patent numbers on some products. I would guess, though, that the Gillette model shop made several toggle prototypes that are very similar to the illustrations in this patent.