#blackpatentproject

The Black Patent Project #4,354,643 - Bathroom tissue holder

What made Mary Kenner’s bathroom tissue holder innovative was its bar that keeps the loose end hanging free. She invented many bathroom related items throughout her career and often collaborated with her sister, Mildred Smith.

The Black Patent Project #1,475,024 - Traffic signal

Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal is perhaps one of the most well known inventions with a black creator. He also led a number of initiatives to promote black employment.

The Black Patent Project #5,074,437 - Pinch trigger pump water gun

Lonnie Johnson invented the Super Soaker in his off time working as an engineer for the US Air Force and NASA. The Super Soaker is still one of the world’s best selling toys of all time. 

The Black Patent Project #6,596,281 - Pager belt buckle device

Gerald Thomas is “a buckle designer” who was fascinated with the idea of wearable technology after seeing clients constantly drop their electronic devices while trying on his clothing.

The Black Patent Project #1,716,173 - Scalp protector

Well known for her Permanent Waving Machine, a lesser known companion invention of Marjorie Stewart Joyner is the Scalp protector, to be used as a barrier from the heat of the curling irons.

The Black Patent Project #572,849 - Lemon squeezer

John Thomas White invented the lemon squeezer for the purpose of efficiently making his own lemonade instead of buying it. Notably, John’s lemon squeezer captures and stores the juice without the need for additional kitchenware.