Inventing the American Dream: A History of Curious, Extraordinary and Just Plain Useful Patents - Tapa dura

The American Dream is popularly conceived as a search for the perfect consumer commodity. We all know about the more successful products to come out of America - popcorn, drive-in movies and cartoons to name a few. Less well-known are the patents registered for a thumb-sucking alarm system, a self-cleaning house and an adjustable gastric band for the overweight. This is an entertaining look at the great and not-so-great inventions which have helped shape American society today. Fully illustrated with original patents and trademarks, it is a must for social historians and trivia-lovers everywhere.