Object Details
maker
Knight, Margaret E.
Description (Brief)
Margaret Knight (1838–1914) applied for a patent using this model to demonstrate her machine that folded and pasted flat-bottomed paper bags. She was granted patent number 220925 for the invention in 1879. As stated in her patent specification, this design is an improvement on her earlier patent, number 116,842, granted in 1871. Her concept continues to be used in the manufacture of today's paper grocery bag.
Margaret was born in Maine, later living in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Her first patented invention, inspired by her work at a Springfield, Massachusetts paper company, was her machine for improvement in paper-feeding; it was given patent number 109224 in 1870. She received patents for inventions having to do with the paper bag, shoe manufacturing, and rotary engine industries.
While many women had innovative ideas during the 19th century, it was sometimes difficult for them to secure patents under their own names. Knight's inventions are celebrated because they demonstrate women's participation in the American patent system.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Pravel, Gambrell, Hewitt, Kirk, Kimball, and Dodge
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-10-28
ID Number
1980.0004.01
accession number
1980.0004
catalog number
1980.0004.01
patent number
220925
catalog number
GA*89797.220925
Object Name
patent model
Object Type
Patent Model
papermaking
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 6 3/8 in x 6 3/4 in x 12 3/16 in; 16.2052 cm x 17.145 cm x 30.9372 cm
Related Publication
Harris, Elizabeth M.. Patent Models in the Graphic Arts Collection
See more items in
Work and Industry: Graphic Arts
Food
Patent Models, Graphic Arts
Communications
Work
Industry & Manufacturing
National Treasures exhibit
Patent Models
Artifact Walls exhibit
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_214303