Rockin’ Patent – Louis Woeste’s “Myriad Reflector”

February 10, 2023

Rockin’ Patent: US Patent No. 1,214,863
Filed: 12 February 1916
In the name of: Louis Woeste
Title: Myriad Reflector
What’s claimed: “A myriad reflector comprising mirrors mounted to form a polyhedron bounded by a convex system of plane faces in combination with means for suspending the device so that it may be swung and rotated simultaneously to produce myriad reflections when light rays from an extraneous source are thrown thereon.”
Why this patent rocks:
- This appears to be the first patent for the disco ball (also known as the mirror ball or glitter ball).
- The patent describes the object of the invention as follows: “[t]he object of my invention is to produce a myriad reflector comprising a plurality of reflecting surfaces, the same to be arranged in such a manner that the several reflections shall be projected at varying angles, the device itself being arranged so that it may be rotated or otherwise moved so that the reflections may spectacular effect”.
- There are suggestions (e.g. here) that something similar to Woeste’s disco ball was documented back in 1897; before the filing date of this patent.

If you’re a patent-savvy music tech business looking for patent help, get in touch with Russell IP here!

The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Share the Post:

Graphical representation of a patent specification

Patent Terms Glossary: Your Guide To The Language of Patents

Patent Terms Glossary: Your Guide To The Language of Patents Are you new to patents? Have you encountered a specific patent term or phrase you’d like to know more about? Our helpful patent terms glossary below offers clear explanations of some of the key terms relating to patents, patent applications and other forms of intellectual property (IP). We hope this glossary provides useful insights into the language of patents and IP, which can be complex topics. Russell IP has the expertise to help guide you through the many nuances, so please do get in touch if you need advice about

International Internet Day: Cryptographic Communications System And Method (US 4,405,829 A)

Celebrating International Internet Day: Five Patents That Have Shaped the Internet

Celebrating International Internet Day: Five Patents That Have Shaped the Internet Introduction: The Dawn Of The Internet Did you know that the first Internet message was just two letters long? On 29 October 1969, the message “lo” marked the beginning of a technology revolution that would change our lives forever. International Internet Day, observed on 29 October each year, commemorates the moment that first message was transmitted over the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET). Interestingly, the intended first message was “login”, but the ARPANET system crashed after only the first two characters had been sent! Over the following 55

Gain the Competitive Edge

Let's see how we can help protect your IP

Get in touch using the contact form or the phone number below to see how we can protect your IP.

There’s no obligation to sign up for anything.

Business address: Russell IP Limited, Fetcham Park House, Lower Road, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9HD (KT22 9ES for sat nav).

Regulated by IPReg. Russell IP Limited is a Private Limited Company registered in England and Wales with company number 12333636 and registered office address 7 St John Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, NG18 1QH.

Rockin’ Patent – Louis Woeste’s “Myriad Reflector”

Related Posts

Patent Terms Glossary: Your Guide To The Language of Patents

Celebrating International Internet Day: Five Patents That Have Shaped the Internet

Let's see how we can help protect your IP