Unsung Inventors: The Minds Behind Everyday Innovations
Looking at stories of some of the unsung inventors, from a patent attorney's perspective, who have made significant contributions to the world of technology and innovation, but are often overlooked in history books. These include the inventor of the paper clip to the creator of the first successful mechanical television. These individuals have had a lasting impact on our daily lives and yet are basically unknown. In the world of innovation and technology, everything thinks of big names like Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Steve Jobs. But what about the inventors whose names we don't know, yet whose creations we use every day? Let's talk about these unsung inventors and heros that have made significant contributions to our world, yet are often overlooked. One example is Johan Vaaler He was a Norwegian inventor and he patented the paper clip in 1899. The paper clip is a small invention, but it has become a staple in offices--despite actual staples. Vaaler's invention was a simple, yet effective solution to the problem of keeping papers together but unlike a staple, no damage to the papers. Johan Vaaler was a Norwegian inventor who is best known for inventing the paper clip. He was born in 1866. And like many early inventors, worked as a patent clerk--in this case in Germany and Austria--before returning to Norway in the late 1800s. In 1899, Vaaler was granted a patent for his design of the paper clip in Norway. The design consisted of a simple loop of wire that could be easily opened and closed to hold papers together. Vaaler's invention was quickly adopted. It became immensely popular in Norway and other parts of Europe. However, his patent was not filed in [...]
