Patent an Idea; Register a Design
Maggie Snell
JAMES WEIR clearly understood the differences between filing a patent for an idea, and registering a design.
Drawings for the famous wooden box with secret drawer for his ubiquitous Weir sewing machine were registered with the Design Office on November 29, 1869 from his 5 Carlisle Street, Soho Square address.
The notes included with the drawing stated: "The purpose of utility to which the shape or configuration of this design has reference is to provide a more convenient box or case than heretofore for the hand sewing machine..
"In the upper part of the case is a spring drawer C for holding the tools required by the operator of the machine...... The whole of this design is new so far as regards the shape or configuration of the detachable parts. A and B forming the case and the parts for locking and releasing the drawer -- the remainder is old."
A second "Design for a Sewing Machine Case" was provisionally registered for George Douglas Carrington, Cabinet Maker of 2 Bowling Green Walk, Hoxton July 15, 1870 claiming protection for the "shape or configuration" of new parts, the rest of the design being old.
However, on Feb 23, 1872 Weir patented his new "U-shaped" spool holder that appears on the later, and, incidentally, rarer machines.
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