NASA, Home to Preeminent Inventors

Today’s Patent of the Day coincides with and celebrates today’s Space Shuttle launch.  What better topic than some space shuttle patents?  Not only are they very interesting, but they offer a view of a professional path of product and intellectual property development. 

First, we see the early stage embodiment, with generally broad claims protecting the concept, even though development continues.  This first patent is described by some as the “lunar capsule with wings”, but surely it is the precursor to the shuttle:  

U.S. Patent 3,576,298, Filed in 1967

By 1978, the technical details of the launch were ready for disclosure and protection:

U.S. Patent 4,265,416, Filed in 1978

Finally, after decades of development, the sexy design was completed, and protected:

U.S. Patent D302,148, Filed in 1986

 There are, of course, numerous patents related to the shuttle, and many, many that have resulted from space exploration.  Today, with the final launch of Endeavor, Innovative IP says “hat’s off” to NASA innovators. 

 

If you’d like to take a look at these patents in detail, click over to http://www.innovativeip.us/ofinterest.html where you can find all of the “Patent of the Day” patents.  I suggest, give a quick read, and take in the launch this afternoon.  I’ll be watching from my boat.  Science, Law, History and boating all in one day!  Enjoy!