United States

On March 30, 1920, Sofia Haag of Fort Sheridan, Illinois, obtained a patent for a lightweight, portable hand-loom designed to let inexperienced or bedridden users weave fabric by hand. Her system allowed the warp threads to shift and form different sheds, making it possible to create patterned weaves (e.

On October 25, 1949, Teresa Cataldo of Boston, Massachusetts, was awarded a patent for a novel safety belt, designed to secure babies in cribs while preventing suffocation. Her device featured a flexible band with tie straps and a central strip, allowing safer movement while keeping the baby securely in place.

On August 13, 1918, Theodosia E. Linfoot of Lambert, Oklahoma, patented an animal nose-yoke designed to keep livestock from escaping enclosures or damaging fences. Her invention featured a wire ring secured to the animal’s nose with a hanging chain, which caught on obstacles if the animal tried to push through or jump a fence.

On September 4, 1917, Theodosia Hamner of Los Angeles, California, patented an improved strainer designed especially for milk and other liquids. Her invention used a removable fabric sack secured by a coiled wire frame with built-in handles, allowing the strainer to fit containers of various sizes and be easily taken apart for cleaning.

On December 11, 1917, Ula Lee Courson of Hahira, Georgia, patented a combined lamp base and match safe designed to conveniently store matches within the base of a lamp. Her invention featured a covered compartment with a removable keeper that kept matches dry, secure, and easily accessible, preventing spills and reducing the risk of accidental fires.

On October 7, 1947, Ula Lee Courson of Remerton, Georgia, patented a wind and water motor designed to harness natural energy for mechanical power. Her invention featured pivoted blades that automatically adjusted to wind or water flow, reducing resistance and eliminating the need for complex mechanisms.

On December 31, 1946, Violet E. Ohlsen of Washington D.C. was awarded a patent for a convertible bag designed to organize both small items and larger objects. Her design featured two main compartments, a removable pocket-lined insert that could function like a portable dressing table, and a readily accessible exterior change pocket to improve convenience for women carrying multiple items.

On February 8, 1916, Zadie E. Jasper of Napanoch, New York, patented an improved kitchen funnel designed for filling glass fruit jars and preserving cans. Her invention featured a removable cap and measuring marks, allowing the funnel to also function as a scoop, ladle, or upright measuring cup.