The initial patent application for Barbie was submitted on July 24, 1959, by inventor John W Ryan on behalf of Mattel. Patent # 3,009,284 was officially approved on November 21, 1961, focusing on doll construction. This innovation allowed the doll to maintain a realistic and balanced stance when not being used. Several more patents followed, including Patent # 3,277,601, granted on October 11, 1966. This patent revolved around Barbie having limbs that could be adjusted at different angles, enabling her to move more naturally.