Classic toys that continue to entertain digital-age kids

Patent applications relating to emblematic toys.

Slinky

Richard T. James filed a patent application for a “toy and process of use” in 1946.

Rubber duck

Peter Ganine filed a patent application for a “toy duck” in 1947.

Wheeled stick horse

Noble Van Voorhis filed a patent application for a “sound-making wheeled stick horse” in 1950.

Lego

Godtfred Kirk Christiansen filed a patent application for a “toy building brick” in 1958.

Space hopper

Aquilino Cosani filed a patent application for a “process for the industrial production of balls, balloons and hollow bodies which may be inflated, for recreative and sporting use” in 1969.

Star Wars action figures

George W. Lucas filed several patent applications for “toy figures” in the late 1970s and early 1980s.