What are the 3 common types of patents? They are utility, design, and plant patents.This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. 7K votes, 245 comments. 19M subscribers in the Damnthatsinteresting community. It turns out that the original idea for perforated toilet paper was patented in 1871 as patent number US117355A. For general assistance in completing patent forms, please contact the USPTO at 1-800-786-9199 and select option 2. top. Trademark Overview and Resources. Here's one for all the history buffs out there. Seth Wheeler's 1891 patent shows the original placement of the toilet paper roll using an "over" approach.