Did you know that windshield wipers were invented by a woman? Inventor Mary Anderson patented her "car-window cleaning device" in 1903! While visiting New York City, she noticed that streetcar drivers had to open their windows to see when it was raining. She went home and came up with a swinging arm attached to a rubber blade. The device was operated by the driver using a lever. Many people thought Anderson's invention would not catch on and they worried that it would distract drivers. Of course, it did no such thing and by 1916 Anderson's system was standard on most vehicles. By the way, it was another woman inventor, Charlotte Bridgwood, who patented the first automatic windshield wipers in 1917. Women making a difference in the world . . . it's a good thing!
No comments:
Post a Comment