Every week the USPTO records thousands of patents whose protection has ended. Patent Yard finds the ones a small team could build, checks them against official records every day, and helps you turn one into your own invention with Claude.
Fifteen picks across every field, refreshed daily. Each one is free to make, use and sell in the US.
Lapsed, fee not paid5 drawingsA collar-and-tab bracket that hangs a fire detector above a ceiling panel so it is concealed but still works.
Lapsed, fee not paid14 drawingsWrite a single email where each recipient sees a different message section meant only for them.
Likely abandoned4 drawingsA pot inside a pot with a gap that feeds water straight to the inner root zone.
Lapsed, fee not paid11 drawingsShows a spreadsheet formula as plain text, a tree and a visual layout at once, and edits in any view update the others.
Expired, full term2 drawingsA snug disposable liner for a laboratory splash pan, with a reservoir for polishing agents, so the pan needn't be disinfected after each use.
Lapsed, fee not paid10 drawingsA stick grip with folding legs that turns into a stand to set a phone at any angle.
Likely abandoned3 drawingsInjection-molds a part with a volume hologram inside it, for anti-counterfeit labels or decoration.
Expired, full term4 drawingsA small capsule that attaches to clothing or gear; turning the cap lines up holes so the user can pull out wisps of fiber.
Lapsed, fee not paid7 drawingsArchitectural lights that pass LED light through a glass ball lens, then a second optic, for a tight, clean beam.
Likely abandoned21 drawingsA handle with two cavities that grips plumbing supply-line nuts for hand tightening in tight spots.
Lapsed, fee not paid6 drawingsA telescoping hoop frame with pressure pads that lets you apply chiropractic-style pressure to your own back.
Lapsed, fee not paid9 drawingsA carry case with an inflator, gauge and tools to inflate, maintain and check tires on the go.
Expired, full term4 drawingsA robot on a rotating pedestal whose tool plate hangs from a central arm on a universal joint and is tilted by several linear driving arms.
Expired, full term4 drawingsA charger that uses a voltage multiplier so a lower-voltage source, such as a solar cell, fuel cell or battery, can charge a higher-voltage battery.
Lapsed, fee not paid4 drawingsA tube rig that drops an object from above to show workers how little time they have to react to falling tools.
Every patent links to the official record it came from, with its drawings, claims and full description, and is rechecked daily.
One click writes a ready-made prompt and a PDF brief for your own Claude: modern directions, a novelty screen and a provisional draft.
Reserve a patent for 30 days so other builders here know you're on it, then file your provisional with the USPTO yourself.
Software & Apps25 patents
AI & Machine Learning13 patents
Medical Devices36 patents
Hardware & Electronics22 patentsIndustrial Equipment25 patents
Consumer Products71 patents
Robotics & Automation20 patents
Tools & Workshop51 patents
Agriculture & Food Tech45 patentsBiotech & Lab6 patents
Materials & Chemistry10 patents
Energy & Sustainability27 patents
Vehicles & Drones40 patents
Sports & Fitness52 patentsThe latest patents to clear every check.
Lapsed, fee not paid10 drawingsA housing for an underwater power turbine that takes in part of a current, extracts energy, and shapes how the spent flow rejoins the stream.
Lapsed, fee not paid8 drawingsA loop worn on the hand or wrist that holds a small side mirror upright, so a rider can glance behind without turning around.
Lapsed, fee not paid4 drawingsA form-fitting guard for an angler's index finger, held by a strap and wrist band, that protects it while casting a spinning reel.
Lapsed, fee not paid6 drawingsShort cords with snap fasteners that clip into a race-number belt and attach through the two holes of a race bib.
Lapsed, fee not paid6 drawingsA magnet-collar pet door set in a hinged door, with a gyro that senses the main door swinging and briefly locks out false openings.
Lapsed, fee not paid12 drawingsA window shutter whose side members and end caps have matching attachment features, so the caps can be fastened on and removed.
Lapsed, fee not paid5 drawingsA powered recreational vehicle steered by the rider shifting weight, with a suspended drive and an independent front ski.
Lapsed, fee not paid5 drawingsA sharps container with a slot and ramp that guides a scalpel blade upward until a spring-loaded catch locks behind it, freeing the blade from the handle.
The invention studio turns it into a prompt and brief for Claude, with a novelty screen and a provisional patent draft. Free.