Early Device for Tracking Objects with a Pen
This 1962 patent describes an early system for tracing the path of an object using a pen-like stylus that records its movement on a surface.
Original patent title: “Tracing device”
This 1962 patent describes an early system for tracing the path of an object using a pen-like stylus that records its movement on a surface. Granted to Individual in 1962 with 31 forward citations, and it is now in the public domain.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent describes a tracing device that allows a user to track the movement of an object. A pen or stylus is attached to the object, and as the object moves, the pen draws its path on a surface. The device includes a mechanism to ensure the pen maintains contact with the surface and records the movement accurately. This could be used to map out the trajectory of a moving item.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Digital or electronic tracing systems
- Devices that do not physically mark a surface
- Automated tracking without a physical stylus
- Systems for tracking airborne or underwater objects
- Methods of data storage or analysis of traced paths
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in its purely mechanical design to translate physical movement into a traceable line on a surface, offering a direct, analog method for recording paths without complex electronics.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Early mechanical plotters
Analog motion recording devices
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent represents an early, mechanical approach to capturing motion data. While rudimentary by today's standards, it highlights the fundamental desire to record and analyze movement, a concept that underpins modern motion capture and GPS technologies.
Filed
July 23, 1959
Granted
September 25, 1962
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Given the age and mechanical nature of this patent, it's unlikely that specific modern companies are directly building on this exact technology. However, the foundational concept of translating physical motion into recorded data is a precursor to modern digital tracking and mapping systems.
Market impact
This patent likely had minimal direct market impact due to its early and mechanical nature. It represents a conceptual step in the evolution of tracking and recording technologies rather than a product that defined a market.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent describes a tracing device that allows a user to track the movement of an object. A pen or stylus is attached to the object, and as the object moves, the pen draws its path on a surface. The device includes a mechanism to ensure the pen maintains contact with the surface and records the movement accurately. This could be used to map out the trajectory of a moving item.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in its purely mechanical design to translate physical movement into a traceable line on a surface, offering a direct, analog method for recording paths without complex electronics.
What it does not cover
- Digital or electronic tracing systems
- Devices that do not physically mark a surface
- Automated tracking without a physical stylus
- Systems for tracking airborne or underwater objects
- Methods of data storage or analysis of traced paths
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
This patent is in the public domain
See the Freedom to Build guide — what is free to use, what is not, and how to cite this patent.
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
30/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$10K – $31K
Midpoint $19K · expired or expiring · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Arthur, G. (1962). Early Device for Tracking Objects with a Pen (U.S. Patent No. 3,055,113). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3055113/etch-a-sketch
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Early Device for Tracking Objects with a Pen cover?
This 1962 patent describes an early system for tracing the path of an object using a pen-like stylus that records its movement on a surface.
Who owns patent US 3055113?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 1962.
When does this patent expire?
This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.
What is patent US 3055113 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 31 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent represents an early, mechanical approach to capturing motion data. While rudimentary by today's standards, it highlights the fundamental desire to record and analyze movement, a concept that underpins modern motion capture and GPS technologies.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Digital or electronic tracing systems
Same assignee
More from Individual
Patent monitoring