FIG.From Patents

Curious inventions, found in patents.

FEATURED / FIG. 08

The Shape-Shifting Devices in 10 Apple Patents

A phone that becomes a laptop brain, a keyboard key that turns into a mouse, self-protecting displays and more: ten Apple patents with unusual designs for future devices.

10 FIG.APPLERead article →
LATESTWhat Gives an Instrument Its Shape? Yamaha's Patent Drawings
Patent FIG. 25 showing a flat device falling and bending so its edges meet the ground before the display surface.
FIG. 08US20230079485A1Apple Inc. · 2023

FIG. PICKS

FIG. 03

Use a treat to make the pet look into the video-call camera

US20190380303A1

FIG. 08

A camera over the crib reads breathing from the movement of a patterned swaddle

US10874332B2

FIG. 09

Make the wing a giant ring and distribute propellers around it

US11603203B2

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Companies · Yamaha Corporation

What Gives an Instrument Its Shape? Yamaha's Patent Drawings

Folding frames, branching air passages and interchangeable beater weights. Eight Yamaha US patent publications show how an instrument's shape connects to the player's movements and the sound it produces.

8 FIG. · 10/16/2026

Documented 1Related 4Unverified 3

Things · Bicycles

A Bicycle with Feet: Eight Patents That Rework the Ride

Wheels with shoes, energy-storing frames and a push-pull tricycle: eight US patents rethink how cycles meet the ground, take human input and pack away.

8 FIG. · 10/15/2026

Documented 0Related 0Unverified 8

Things · Nintendo Switch 2

Inside Nintendo Switch 2: What Its Patent Drawings Reveal

Nine US patent drawings explain the ideas behind Nintendo Switch 2: detachable controllers, magnetic Joy-Con 2 attachment, mouse controls, a stand, thermal design, a dock, handheld ergonomics, and GameShare.

9 FIG. · 10/13/2026

Documented 5Related 4Unverified 0

Things · Furniture

Giving Chair Frames New Jobs: Ten Patent Drawings

Wear it on your legs. Carry it as a backpack. Turn it into a desk, ironing board, stepladder, bed, cart, stroller or exercise machine. Ten US patent drawings show chairs taking on jobs far beyond sitting.

10 FIG. · 10/12/2026

Documented 0Related 0Unverified 10

COMPANY STORIES

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01Yamaha Corporation8 FIG.02Snap10 FIG.03Canon9 FIG.04Airbus8 FIG.05LEGO10 FIG.06Toyota8 FIG.07Nike8 FIG.08Ford10 FIG.09Walmart10 FIG.10Panasonic10 FIG.11Honda10 FIG.12Dyson10 FIG.13Meta10 FIG.14LG10 FIG.15Samsung10 FIG.16Microsoft10 FIG.17Sony10 FIG.18Disney10 FIG.19Amazon10 FIG.20Google10 FIG.21Nintendo10 FIG.22Apple10 FIG.

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