See Historic Patent Models at the NIHF Museum

When an inventor turns an idea into a reality, they can change the world for us all. At the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Museum, telling the stories of world-changing, patent-holding inventors is at the heart of our mission to inspire the next generation of creators and innovators.

Each year, we put new museum exhibits on display, inviting visitors to explore the past, present and future of American ingenuity. Among the artifacts you’ll find on display right now are some fascinating patent models.

Learn About the History of Patent Models

Patent models are small, operational representations of inventions. They demonstrate skilled craftsmanship and showcase America’s rich history of innovation.

Beginning in 1790, inventors were required to submit working scale models, no larger than 12 by 12 by 12 inches, along with their patent applications. Though Congress removed the patent model requirement in 1870, the United States Patent Office continued to request models until 1880.

Because some inventors had limited legal training, patent models offered an alternative method of demonstrating the capabilities of their invention alongside a formal application with diagrams. Even after the U.S. Patent Office stopped requesting patent models in 1880, some inventors still submitted working models to prove reduction to practice, or successfully building and testing an invention to prove its functionality.

Though the collection of patent models was affected by a major fire in 1836 and another in 1877 that destroyed 76,000 models, there are still opportunities to view some of these invaluable pieces of America’s innovative heritage.

Visit Us to Explore Heat and Light Technology

Did you know the National Inventors Hall of Fame holds a collection of more than 250 patent models? This collection allows us to create a variety of rotating displays, giving visitors the chance to learn about different inventions, fields and industries with each new patent model exhibit.

The models you’ll currently find on display include a selection of inventions that have enabled heat and light technology in our homes and businesses. You can enjoy exploring models of patented inventions including cooking stoves, lamps, fire alarms and furnaces – inventions that have made our lives easier, safer and more comfortable.

We Hope to See You Soon!

Admission to the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum is always free, and visitors of all ages are sure to find inspiration. To plan your visit to see our patent models and so much more, explore invent.org.