by Mark Malek

I was just a bit curious as to the types of patents that have been issued with some holiday themes, so I did a little search.  The patents below are real patents that have been issued.  Please enjoy and let us know what you think.

	U.S. Design Patent No. 527,217 is directed to a Thanksgiving embossed insert for a baking pan.  If I am not mistaken, it appears as though there are two distinct embodiments claimed in the design patent.  The first one, shown in Figure 1, allows the user to make a cake that will display the words “Happy Thanksgiving” as would normally be read from left to right when the cake is removed form the pan.  Figure 2, however, must be directed to that market that desires to read backwards since cake that comes out of that pan will have the lettering backwards – maybe this is used for those that like to look at their cakes in mirrors.
	U.S. Patent No. 5,878,698 is directed to an ornamental pet collar cover.  This is something that you can slip over the collar of your pet to get your pet more in the holiday mood.  Although an Easter Bunny collar design is disclosed, several other holidays are contemplated by the invention.
	U.S. Patent No. 6,690,120 discloses year round holiday lights.  Not a bad idea when it is all said and done, but I think the controller is utter genius.  Please take a look at FIG. 1.
	U.S. Design Patent No. 250,700 discloses a Santa stocking.  I actually think I have one of these.
	And finally, only the best for last, U.S. Design Patent No. 333,546 discloses Santa shaped pasta.  I’m going to leave this one alone.

Happy holidays, everyone!