The National Archives of America recently released a free PDF of a coloring book depicting 16 favorite patents from their holdings. Most of the illustrations date back over a century, and they range from the practical (the actual troop lander used on D-Day) to the bizarre (protective goggles for your chickens). While many of the patents never seem to have made it off the ground, maybe this coloring book can be a chance to give them a second look. A mini hammock for trains that hooks onto the seat in front of you would be a perfect fit for movie theaters, and “sandwiched bread”—bread with chunks of meat baked inside—sounds like something today’s Americans would eat right up.
via Mental Floss
Image: The National Archives