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Howe kept the patents, and later even teamed with Singer - without a penny to be paid to Hunt. Unfortunately, while the judge acknowledged Hunt as the inventor, the statute of limitations didn't allow for a patent so far out. Singer - trying to discredit the patents Howe had filed - had Hunt attempt to claim a backdated patent on his 1833 machine. However, when two businessmen (Elias Howe and Isaac Singer) fought to control the patent of the sewing machine in the 1850s, Hunt was brought back in. So Hunt sold the idea the company that bought it made the machine in metal and put the machine on public display. In 1833, Hunt created his prototype in wood, which didn't work so well. Hunt was the first to actually invent some of the significant parts of the machine, including a curved needle and shuttle. Sure, the story of Walter Hunt and his inventions won't help you hold together that broken spaghetti strap on your dress, but you just might gain a stronger appreciation for the tiny pin that does.Ĭhief among those? The sewing machine. Please take a moment to imagine the royalties you could receive from every safety pin sold in the world today.ĭepressed that you didn't think of it (and patent it) first? Well, just wait. In fact, legend has it that Hunt was simply fiddling with a piece of wire while trying to figure out a way to pay off a $15 debt when he invented the safety pin in 1849.

#SAFETY PIN HOW TO#

Hunt knew how to sell his products he just didn't know how much the ideas were really worth. The guy was pretty much a genius at finding simple improvements to everyday objects, but the poor dude did not know the first thing about how to market, sell or - most important - trademark and patent his products.

And Walter Hunt's tale is one of those achingly unfortunate stories that seem to accompany so many inventors. No amount of research can determine the cause of this phenomenon, and the mystery will remain until we unlock the secrets of space, or the pyramids, or all those other things that are eerie and obnoxiously hard to understand.Ī surprisingly interesting account of the man who invented the safety pin.

Safety pin