The Patent Desk

"Everything that can be invented has been invented." Charles H. Duell, commissioner of the U.S. patent office, 1899.

Ahoy-hoy! Strange rumblings and memos from the patent desk... A celebration of the ideas and illustrations found on patents, where form often follows function. You can follow the desk on twitter or feel free to make contact...

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The Patent Desk

ILLUMINATED DANCING SHOES

Inventor: Aaron Powell
Patent number: 4130951
Filing date: Sep 9, 1977
Issue date: Dec 26, 1978

From September 1977, the year Disco peaked with the release of Saturday Night Fever. Aaron Powell’s dancing shoes with flashing lights and translucent name label were perfect for the self-absorbed, status-obsessed disco boy. Leave his hair alone, but you can kiss his comb.