While researching this blog, I came across a number of articles that discussed technological innovations (i.e. patents) that were geared towards making Thanksgiving easier, especially for the cook. Most of the patents I came across are related to the preparation of Thanksgiving foods. For example, US2928748A (Preparation of Frozen Stuffed Fowl – Rogers, et al. 1960), describes a frozen, pre-stuffed turkey that could be taken out of the freezer and put directly into the oven. As such, the cook could save all that time they would have spent thawing the bird and stuffing it.
A more recent patent, US10849460B2 (Rotisserie turkey deep fryer), is for a combined turkey fryer-rotisserie that constantly rotates the turkey. Allegedly the device cooks a turkey in just an hour with very little oil.
As I alluded to earlier, most of the Thanksgiving patents are meant to help the cook. But let’s face it, many of us will be guests at dinner and won’t be cooking. So, are there any Thanksgiving-related patents that benefit the rest of us? Thanks to US innovation, it turns out there are.
First, let’s give a shout-out to the most industrious among us. Those that actually go into the woods and fields to hunt for their turkey. These patents are meant to help them. USD882034S is a design patent for a turkey decoy.
US9474267B2, is a more interesting decoy as it is designed to mimic the courtship or mating ritual of a tom turkey and a hen turkey.
Another help for the hunter, US10448629B2 describes a Turkey Call, a device for luring a turkey to its fate with sound.
As for the rest of us. This recent patent, US2024341512A1, is meant for that uncle we all seem to welcome over the Holidays. It describes a drinkware vessel that can be used with a plurality of interchangeable and collectible icon attachments (e.g., figurines) one of which can be a turkey for Thanksgiving. While the patent specification describes that the figurine could be a turkey, the patent figures did not include such a figure, so I have included a figure depicting a gold ball figurine instead. Those of you who play golf will understand the connection.
To pass the time while waiting for the feast, US7490833B2, describes a scent-based board game in which players may purchase theme backgrounds with the special scented cards having specific themes. For example, a Thanksgiving theme may include theme scents such as roasted turkey, sweet potato, cranberries, and the like.
Another game to pass the time is described in US6042446A (Perking turkey paddle). The turkeys are actuated by the players to peck at a ball in a circular raceway. The patent does not explain how one wins the game.
Finally, the meal is ready. Finding all those food selections daunting? Perhaps, USD468589S (Plate having condiment wells) can help you stay organized.
US9314206B2 (Diet and calorie measurements and control), describes systems and methods for utilizing sensors to track a person’s food intake. While this patent suggests it could be useful around the Holidays, I’ll wager it gets completely ignored on Thanksgiving, Lets push this one into January.
My favorite Thanksgiving-ish patent is US8216061B2, for a wagering game in which the content of the game updates may reflect the season (e.g., turkeys for Thanksgiving). This is because it reminds me of the time my brother and I decided to skip Thanksgiving and head out to Vegas, instead.
Lastly, we have, USD1021329S, a design patent for a turkey costume. I am really not quite sure what to say about this one. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
