In 1928 a patent for a new basketball design was submitted, introducing a ball with irregular seams that put less stress on the "poles" of the ball. Showcasing the sketch that was included with inventor George Pierce's patent, this matted print makes an interesting conversation starter. A striking piece for home or office decor, we think it's a slam dunk.

The patent act of 1790 established the rules for submitting a patent application. Each application had to be submitted with specifications, a patent drawing, and if possible a model of the invention. Eventually, models were no longer required.

The National Archives holds nearly three million patent case files from 1836-1956.