Convenient Creations!

Remember last week's blog about inventions created by women? Welcome to our mini-series!

This week's inventions are also made by women! These marvelous women created the conceptions that have minimized the constant daily struggles. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!

1. DISPOSABLE DIAPERS! - Marion Donovan

• This diaper revolutionized parenting forever! Now, you are able to just toss the yucky mess without worrying about reusing diapers or cleaning them either!

• Marion Donovan originally created the Boater (shower curtains), but she repurposed them as diapers. She added snaps to secure them in place instead of safety pins. Boaters had a fantastic run as it was sold to Keko corporations for a million dollars!

• Her other inventions include: a pull cord (to zip up the back of a dress) and a checkbook (to record past purchases and help balance account)

2. DISHWASHERS! - Josephine Cochrane

• Everyone uses the dishwasher as it is able to speed up your daily cleaning! The dishwasher combines water pressure, a wheel, a boiler, and a rack to rapidly clean all your dishes.

• Josephine Cochrane first started to build a dishwasher when she commonly found chipped plates from hand washing. Her invention started with wire compartments to hold cups, plates, pots, and pans. The Tupperware was then held in place while hot water was sprayed all around with soap. This, however, used too much hot water which most homes could afford, so it was not a realistic method. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when hot water heaters became more available, that the dishwasher became as useful as it is now. Due to the efficiency of this machine, dishwashers are a typical piece in a household.

• Cochrane’s company eventually became the well-known KitchenAid!

3. RETRACTABLE DOG LEASH! - Mary A. Delaney

• The retractable dog leash allows your dog to run around, but also be contained. This invention is a thin length of cord inside a comfortable handheld device that controls the length of the leash. This allows your dog to have freedom, but not run across the street and cause chaos.

• Mary A. Delaney patented her idea of a retractable dog leash in 1908 when dogs were feared by society. Dogs were known to bite children, and carry rabies! These dogs were uncontrollable throughout these times. Mary A. Delaney knew, however, with the right amount of training, these pooches could be domesticated to be your best friend! Thanks to Mrs. Delaney and her retractable dog leash, we can now live with dogs as pets and family!

Stay tuned for next week's inventions created by women!