There are hundreds of women who made incredible inventions that are listed in my latest book the Women’s Inventor Book.
I made a list of the top ten inventions that were the catalyst to inventions we still use today!
1. Thimble
Patent holder: Marie Demme
Patent: Thimble
Patent Date: April 22, 1884
Marie Demme made improvements to the construction of a thimble that was typically used by tailors, seamstresses and other operations that involved sewing. Marie noted that many thimbles available were lined with lead that created issues of pain or discolored fingers. Led-lined thimbles also led to inflammation or in extreme cases, blood poisoning to wounded fingers. The intention behind the invention was to add an elastic material lining that would pose no danger to the finger or issues of oxidized metal bothering a wounded finger.
Patent Holder: Mary Couplin
Patent: Milk-can elevator
Patent Date: December 23, 1884
In the fields of Iowa, Mary made a useful improvement for milk-can elevators that combined a simple construction with affordable materials that were still durable for use. The improvements allowed for milk cans to be removed from the cooling tank or elevated to remove the milk. This took away the cumbersome issue of having to raise a heavy can by hand.
Patent Holder: Marcia Adkins
Patent: Improvement in hair-curling apparatus
Patent Date: July 27th, 1869
In the heart of Oswego, New York, Marcia Adkins made a heating and curling tool that comprised of a combing, pressing, and spiral laying apparatus. The curling tool was easily adjustable by drawing the hair through the comb and under the brush to create perfect spiral curls. Marcia’s improvements to hair curling made curling hair faster and with greater perfection.
4. Submarine Telescope and Lamp
Patent Holder: Sarah P. Mather
Patent: Submarine Telescope and Lamp
Patent Date: April 16, 1845
In the state of New York, Sarah P. Mather made a useful improvement to examine objects under the surface of the water. The device consisted of a tube with a lamp attached that could be sunk into the water to illuminate objects and make examinations under the surface. The invention could be used to examine hulls of vessels, objects underwater, as well as for fishing, blasting rocks, clearing channels, or discovering geological formations.
5. Cattle Car
Patent Holder: Nancy P. Wilkerson
Patent: Cattle Car
Patent Date: November 20th, 1881
In the county of Vigo in the state of Indiana, Nancy P. Wilkerson constructed a cattle car that could be easily adapted for livestock and freight. The application of the design created a car body with sliding partitions that left room for carrying food and water troughs. The walls were completely adjustable for livestock to be able to lie down or stand with gates that could be opened from either side for easy loading and unloading.
Patent Holder: Eliza M.C. Anderson
Patent: Green Corn Cutter Patent
Date: October 23rd, 1883
Eliza M.C. Anderson designed a home use corn-scraper that readily removed kernels of corn from the cob when in a soft condition. The device consisted of a frame that had curved edges with affixed knives or cutters. While there were other corn cutters available at the time, none of them consisted of a curved exterior with an interior that held a strip set of knives for thoroughly efficient corn cutting.
7. Bath or Bathing Apparatus
Patent Holder: Sarah C. Neal
Patent: Bath or Bathing Apparatus
Patent Date: January 19th, 1886
Sarah C. Neal developed an apparatus for sustaining and holding water or other liquids that made it easier for washing or treatments. The design included a cheap construction that still held its integrity when in use. The apparatus was able to be quickly folded up for ease of transport or to be stored in small spaces. The material suggested in the design would be soft and free from stiffness or hardness to not bruise or bother the object or infant being bathed. The tall sides also ensured no infant could climb or fall out. On the side, pockets could be stitched in for holding brushes, sponges, soap, or other toiletries.
8. Hat Mirror
Patent Holder: Susan Jane Thiers
Patent: Hat Mirror
Patent Date: May 4th, 1886
Susan Jane Thiers made a new and useful improvement in hat mirrors. Susan held a disdain for hats that had imperfections due to the previous nature of screws or pivots being fastened in with a cement-like material that made the hat disfigured and unsuitable for outings. The new design combined a mirror and frame with perforated projections, the lining of a hat, and attachments with strong stitches. The hat mirror then would not be detected on the outside of the hat.
9. Bale Tie
Patent Name: Eliza A. Copeland
Patent: Bale Tie
Patent Date: June 7th, 1887
Eliza A. Copeland made a new and useful approach to a bale tie buckle. The tie buckle could be readily applied without exuding too much effort in fastening it together with the re-entering angles. This allowed for the fastening device to be used repeatedly, held tightly in place, and be manufactured without waste of materials or expensive costs.
10. Ice Sandal
Patent Holder: Catherine Maxwell
Patent: Ice Sandal
Patent Date: October 11, 1887
Catherine Maxwell developed an ice sandal that was made of jersey cloth for warmth and elasticity, a rubber fox outer layer for lightweight and flexibility, and a felt sole that was waterproof and frictional. This allowed for dry feet and the ability to prevent slipping on ice. The lined insole also protected the foot from any moisture, making it a more comfortable shoe accessory.