Famous Inventions: Scotchgard

When you get an idea for an invention, it is easy to consider the challenges, risks, and possible setbacks you may encounter and become discouraged. However, there are many stories of famous inventions that involved all of those setbacks and challenges—inventions that people can’t imagine living without today. While many products are the result of coming up with an idea first, and then developing it, many other projects are inspired by moments in everyday life. Some of the most famous inventions have even been invented entirely by accident. The invention of Scotchgard is the story of a product that was discovered entirely by accident, but which still required several years, and a great deal of patience, to develop.

Patsy Sherman, a recent graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and Samuel Smith, were working for the 3M Company in 1952, attempting to develop a new kind of rubber for jet aircraft fuel lines. One day, a lab assistant spilled some freshly-made synthetic latex that Sherman had mixed onto his shoe. The canvas tennis shoe didn’t appear changed, but after repeated attempts Sherman and Smith were unable to dissolve the substance with a solvent or scrub it off. Instead of focusing on removing it, the two concentrated on understanding the principles of what caused the substance to behave in that way. The area resisted soiling and repelled water. The two recognized the commercial potential of its application and worked on developing it for four years; the product was first sold in 1956. It would be another several years until Sherman and Smith received their first patent for the chemical, Scotchgard, however. The patent, # 3574791 was approved in 1973. During the products development in the 1950s, Sherman was required to wait for performance results outside of the textile mill during testing, due to a rule at that time that women were not allowed in the mill. Sherman was one of few female chemists working at the time, and a rarity in the corporate environment. She was asked to speak on Minnesota Public Radio in 1969 to appeal to the housewives in the radio audience, discussing the merits of her product.

Scotchgard was the first of 13 patents that Sherman and Smith would go on to hold together in fluorochemical polymers and polymerization processes. In 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began an investigation into the class of chemicals used in Scotchgard, after receiving information about the global distribution and toxicity of the key ingredient the product used. Under pressure from the EPA 3M announced the phase-out of production of products with the chemicals PFOA and PFOS in May of 2000. It took three years for the company to develop another substance that could be used in its place; in June 2003, 3M was able to replace the PFOS with a butane-based acid, which had a much shorter half-life in people than the original PFOS (slightly over one month, as opposed to 5.4 years), and the production of Scotchgard was allowed to recommence. Sherman and Smith were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2001, and Sherman was also inducted into the Minnesota Science & Technology Hall of Fame in 2011; she also received the Joseph M. Biedenbach Distinguished Service Award in 1991 from the American Society for Engineering Education. Smith accumulated 30 United States Patents in total, and retired from 3M in 1998.

The invention of Scotchgard illustrates that the process of developing a new invention requires a great deal of patience. A new product can be discovered by accident, and many are, but the true test of an invention is the ability to gradually develop the idea into a marketable product. There are many trials in front of any inventor, and not all inventions will be successful, but the story of Patsy Sherman, Samuel Smith, and their invention of Scotchgard illustrate that anyone can be an inventor.

Inventionland’s Crafty Cottage

Inventionland, the world's largest invention factory, is where ideas, innovations and new products come to life.  Created by George Davison, founder and CEO of Davison, it is a 61,000 square-foot wonderland located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Inventionland turns out more than 150 new product prototypes every month.

Inventionland is an inspirational, one-of-a-kind factory where employees work in 16 unique themed sets that are specifically designed to spark imagination and foster creative thinking.  In the Crafty Cottage, Inventionland workers develop a variety of products that help crafts enthusiasts; they also work on the ideas for clothing, footwear, and most products that must be sewn. The exterior of the unit looks like a brightly colored fabric cottage,featuring items like craft scissors to indicate the type of projects going on within.

The Crimp Ease is one of the products to come out of Inventionland’s Crafty Cottage. The product answers the troubles of many crafting enthusiasts who enjoy making beaded bracelets and necklaces; beads must be crimped in most applications to finish off the jewelry item, and most of the available crimpers operate in the same way as a pair of pliers, which is tiring for the hands. Especially if the craft enthusiast wants to make several jewelry items, the hands get sore and strained over time. The Crimp Ease solves this problem by operating in an entirely different way. Instead of employing the hand strength of the user, the Crimp Ease operates in the same way as a stapler, resting on the table or other flat surface. The crafter simply pushes down with one hand and the bead is crimped. Another important aspect of this invention is that the product crimps beads of multiple different sizes, making it as useful, if not more so than the standard crimping tool. 

Another product that was created in the Crafty Cottage is the Luma Threader. The Luma Threader tackles the difficult task of threading a sewing machine needle. It is often difficult to see the needle well enough, especially considering the typically dark area under the machine where it is located. The Luma Threader illuminates the area, making it easy to see the thread and eye of the needle. A spring-loaded fork cradles the needle, and when the handle is pushed, the thread goes through the eye. The ergonomic handle is also designed with a slightly flattened edge to keep it from rolling.

The Quilt Class Bag is an example of a product that comes doubly from the Crafty Cottage; both because it is a product that helps craft enthusiasts as well as a product that is an apparel item. As quilting gains in popularity again, those interested in learning the old-fashioned art find it a hassle to carry the many tools and materials it takes to accomplish the goal. The Quilt Class Bag features a design which folds out flat so that everything is easily accessible. Numerous pockets and straps hold all sizes of tools and supplies, along with an included rotary mat and ruler. The bag also has an adjustable shoulder strap to make it easy to carry, and is compact while being surprisingly roomy inside.

Many new ideas come to life every month at Inventionland. The Davison team delivers a constant flow of innovative products and ideas to companies, and also offers individuals with ideas a variety of services to help them develop their idea.

“I find it extremely rewarding to be able to help the everyday ‘idea person’ bring their idea for a new product to life, and then hear their reaction after they actually see it in packaging and on the store shelf,” said Mr. Davison. “There’s nothing more exciting.”

A typical project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.  Up-front fees are required for all services.

The Evolution of Closet Organization and Decoration

Over the years there have been many inventions that have changed how people organize and decorate their closets. Today we are going to review five of the most famous closet furniture innovations. Our hope today is to inspire a new generation of inventors. Let creativity be your guide, as you come up with new storage solutions or just improve on an old idea.

1. Modular furniture. What would a closet be without tons storage? These little cubes and cabinets are as versatile as they are easy to put together. Anything you can dream up can be easily stacked up to create useful storage space. A bonus is, that it is easy to find at your local home improvement store or discount store. Don't like the color? No problem, it is also easy to paint. Modular furniture ranges in price for super thrifty to super pricy. You are guaranteed to find just the right thing for you taste and budget. Don't be afraid to get creative with the endless options. Modular furniture is an excellent blend of form and function.

2. The padded storage benches. With the huge closets of today, nicely covered, padded storage benches fit nicely. The inside can be sectioned off to hold shoes or even stow away seasonal items that you don't want hogging up your closet space. Use a couple of space bags and you will be surprised just how much you can stash way. If you can't find a color you like, they are easily recovered. You can even do it yourself with the fabric of your choice and a staple gun.

3. The shoe tree or shoe rack. Can anyone ever have enough shoes? In any closet you will find lots and lots of shoes. So what do you do with all of those shoes? The simple solution is the shoe tree. Probably the most famous item of all most famous closet furniture, they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be expensive or very reasonable. Easily grab them at a discount store, home organization store or even make your own. There are many options for the appearance of your closets shoe tree. There are even models that hang on the back of the door with many pockets for easy viewing and selection.

4. Set of removable drawers. By including sets of drawers in your closet, you will save valuable space in your closet. This helps to keep things stowed away and out of sight. The perfect solution for the person who likes a place for everything and clutter kept out of sight.

5. The closet island. Not only does an island built right in the middle of the closet add storage space, it also gives you a raised surface to fold and organize clothing. There are many choices for the bottom portion of the island. Simple cabinets can be used to store larger items or drawer can be used to keep items sorted and grouped. It is easy to make an island to fit your needs.

 Do you have an idea for an invention?