1982
Sinclair patents the Spectrum's distinctive case design
A patent covering the distinctive external design of Sinclair's new computer has a priority date of 14 April 1982, just nine days before the ZX Spectrum was officially launched.
The design was created by Richard J. Dickinson, Sinclair Research's industrial designer, who was responsible for the distinctive appearance of the company's early computers. Dickinson designed the Spectrum's case and rubber keyboard, giving the new machine its instantly recognisable appearance.
The patent describes the ornamental design of the computer through seven drawings, showing front and rear perspective views together with front, rear, top and side views. The US design patent was subsequently granted as USD277484S on 5 February 1985.
The corresponding British application was GB1006157. The patent therefore provides a contemporary record of the physical design of the computer immediately before its public launch on 23 April 1982.
The design was created by Richard J. Dickinson, Sinclair Research's industrial designer, who was responsible for the distinctive appearance of the company's early computers. Dickinson designed the Spectrum's case and rubber keyboard, giving the new machine its instantly recognisable appearance.
The patent describes the ornamental design of the computer through seven drawings, showing front and rear perspective views together with front, rear, top and side views. The US design patent was subsequently granted as USD277484S on 5 February 1985.
The corresponding British application was GB1006157. The patent therefore provides a contemporary record of the physical design of the computer immediately before its public launch on 23 April 1982.
