March is Women’s History Month.
March 1 through March 31 marks the celebration of Women’s History Month. This month-long celebration is meant to pay tribute to the “generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society.”
Throughout the course of history, women have played an integral role in the development of technology.
While we celebrate the skilled women we have working at Inventionland everyday – like Prototype Builder Sharon, Master Seamstress Bev, and more – today, we take a moment to shine the spotlight on three women in particular whose inventions have changed the way we carry out our daily lives.
Invention: Car Heater
Inventor: Margaret A. Wilcox
In 1893, Margaret A. Wilcox received credit for inventing and patenting a car heater. The first car heater was created in a certain way that it would direct air from over the engines to warm the feet of 19th century motorists. But, that’s not the only invention that can be credited to Wilcox; in fact, she also invented a combined clothes and dishwasher. Talk about efficiency! Though the latter never took off, it’s safe to say that we’re thankful for her first invention that keeps us warm in the cold weather!
Invention: The Fire Escape
Inventor: Anna Connelly
In 1887, in an effort to prevent the deaths of many living in multi-story buildings, Anna Connelly patented the exterior fire escape. This invention was actually a fire escape bridge that was surrounded by railings and with openings at the ends. Connelly’s innovative idea allowed for the safe escape from one building to the next in the event there was a fire.
Invention: Windshield Wipers
Inventor: Mary Anderson
Could you imagine driving around during a rainstorm without the help of a pair of windshield wipers? Odds are that car ride would be a very arduous journey. Luckily, thanks to Mary Anderson, drivers can see clearly now because of her invention of the windshield wipers. During a visit to New York City, Anderson noticed that many drivers were sticking their heads out the window in order to see during bad weather. So, after some hard work and creativity, in 1903 Anderson received a patent for a rubber blade that drivers could use by pushing a lever inside of their car. Thirteen years later in 1916, her invention became standard equipment for vehicles!
Today and every day, we’d like to thank those innovative women whose inventions have impacted all of our lives with their ingenuity.
Copyright Inventionland, 2016
Sources:
https://www.sliptalk.com/women-inventors/
https://www.levo.com/articles/news/10-female-inventors-that-saved-our-lives
Images:
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https://nightfame.com/style/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/68C5D5E7F92E2137D3BBEE012865E.jpg
https://georgemdavison.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/mary-anderson.jpg
