Despite minor changes over the years, the trademarked Flying Wheel insignia and Trooper badge design remain basically as their original designer intended.

THE FLYING WHEEL LOGO
It may have been hard for officials to accept the Flying Wheel logo, but when Ohio Department of Highways Bridge Designer Joseph Goldberg came up with the design in 1933, his focus was the quick assistance provided by the newly formed Patrol. The wheel signifies traffic enforcement, while the wings show the swiftness of its Patrolmen, because the officers were using speedy motorcycles at the time. The words "State Highway Patrol" remain located above the logo, while the state name remains at the bottom.

There have been times over the past 73 years that the small area below and behind the wheel has been left out of the insignia in its usage.

Sometimes known as the "tail," the interpretation of this piece of the artwork remains a mystery. Some Patrol personnel see it as a road on which the Flying Wheel travels, while others believe it to be a "swoosh," denoting the rapid movement of the wheel.

THE BADGE
Goldberg also came up with the design for the Patrol's badge in 1933. The elaborate motif is full of symbolism: the eagle at the top represents our country and state freedom; pillars below the eagle are reminiscent of the dome of the state capitol building; and the center contains the state seal.

The only change the badge has seen in 73 years is the word "Patrolman" at the top changed to "Trooper" in 1976, after the first woman officer earned her commissioned.

The Patrol's insignia and the badge design became a registered trademark/servicemark with the United States and Trademark Office. That means that, when the Flying Wheel symbol is used in conjunction with a combination of the words Ohio State Highway Patrol, or if the badge design is used, both are protected under U.S. trademark laws.