|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From the fun to the functional, suction cups have been supporting everything from breasts to babies’ toys since the mid-1800’s.
|
|
|
Here are some interesting patents we found in the United States Patent Office archives:
|
|
|
Photographic Dipper,
Patented February 20, 1866 by T.C. Roche
 A new and improved developing stick with a suction pad of India rubber at one end which can raise a glass plate or other material and hold it in the proper position for applying developing solution. With the advent of this invention, it was no longer necessary to handle the plate or soil the fingers with solution.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
Atmospheric Knob,
Patented September 29, 1868 by Orwell H. Needham
 A knob or handle, applicable to opening drawers or doors, in which not only the suction plate or face of the handle is made of rubber or other suitable flexible material, but in which the knob portion of the handle is also flexible or elastic and made of the same piece as the sucker portion. This allowed stronger suction, creating a strong, direct pull on the object to be opened without destroying the shape of the handle.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
Device for Holding Letters, Cards, Photographs, etc.,
Patented February 7, 1882 by W. H. Jones and C. L. Middleton
 The first truly modern retail display technique, this adhesive device holds and supports letters, cards, photographs and similar articles. Also ideal for hanging light goods or other materials in showcases, or for the purpose of holding articles used in decorating store windows, and for holding rods for that and for other purposes, and as a toy for lifting weights, consisting of a concave rubber cup with a cap and clip-spring regulated by a screw-knob and rod or bar to hold the desired objects.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
Vacuum Hook,
Patented February 26, 1889 by F. White
 From caps to coats, it keeps all your hang-ups handy! A metal hook projecting from the convex side of a cup or holder made of yielding elastic material such as India-rubber which can be secured to a smooth, airtight surface using atmospheric pressure.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
 Bosom Form,
Patented April 9, 1889 by J. W. Greene
 A breast form and suction cup consisti ng of a compressible spring-frame and elastic rubber cup which can be compressed against the breast for the purpose of developing and enlarging it. When not used as a suction cup, the form may be worn as a bosom form held in place by a corset…until such time as the breast is sufficiently enlarged that the form no longer needs to be used.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
Projectile,
Patented August 4, 1903 by G. Schrodel
An improved projectile to be used as an arrow or dart, which will carry a small, cup-shaped elastic disk or plate to the target and cause the plate to adhere to the target. Completely harmless to childre n and animals, it will adhere to angles or corners and to soft, concave, convex or other surfaces.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
 Combined Force Cup and Cleaner,
Patented February 23, 1915 by L.O. Howell
An early toilet plunger/cleaner making use of simple suction cup technology.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
 Nursing Attachment,
Patented by H. B. Cunningham, February 15, 1910
The nursing attachment was designed to “avoid unpleasant and embarrassing situations in which mothers are sometimes placed in public places by the necessary exposure of the breast in suckling”. Worn underneath the blouse, the device, comprised of breast shield, suction cup with threaded stem and tube and a nursing nipple, allowed the mother to slip the nipple out for feeding without exposing her own breast.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
 Dart,
Patented October 5, 1926 by N.E. Samsel
A game device, comprising a body portion and an integral tail portion, spaced apart fins on the free end of the tail, a rubber vacuum cup integral with the body and a longitudinal tube within the body, and means to regulate the passage of air through the tube. The device, when thrown, will adhere to the target object by creating a suction which will hold until it is released by the thrower.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
Wind Operated Toy and Mounting,
Patented October 18, 1927 by E. Ischinger
  A wind-operated toy and mounting which can be attached to a flat surface such as a windshield , head light or other portion of an automobile to be operated by the air current created by the movement of the car or by the wind when the car is standing still. The toy is comprised of a pinwheel-like device attached to a shaft and rubber suction cup
[Go to top of page]
.
|
|
|
|
 Suction Cup Rattle,
Patented December 5, 1950 by B. Gelardin
A child’s toy which mounts securely with a suction cup to high chair tray or table top, allowing baby to push and wobble clown figure without knocking it to the floor.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
Toy Missile,
Patented March 28, 1961 by L.C. Crisci
 A trigger-operate d toy aircraft which can be released either from the hand or from a holder in the hand or on the ground. The nose of the aircraft is equipped with a suction cup for playing dart type games, with an added benefit of protecting furniture, mirrors or other delicate and fragile objects.
[Go to top of page]
|
|
|
|
