"[25]Several of the first disposable pad manufacturers were also manufacturers of bandages, which could give an indication of what these products were like. Pads have come a long way since ancient cultures used animal fur and scrap rags to collect menstrual flow. But her "inventions had an enduring impact on everyday life." Who invented pad for the first time? From cups to tampons to pads and liners, theres no reason you cant be completely comfortable every single day of your period. And according to "Biographies of Black female scientists and inventors" by Arlene Hambrick, the ideas didn't stop there. Upon discovering that she was black, the representative lost interest and informed her that the company was no longer interested. The invention of pads for periods is credited to American entrepreneur and inventor Martha Matilda Harper. Pads overtake tampon sales, boasting a leak-free solution. [8][9] Before commercially available menstrual hygiene products, most women used pieces of cloth to absorb their menstrual flow. Menstrual WebIt was the pocket for padding and the moisture proof seal that made it revolutionary. The soldier who draws the hardships and hopes of the Ukrainian The Board of Education, Day 11 Jan Ernst Mateliger Mechanical Engineer/Sole Man, Storytelling As A Business Lets Focus On Whats Next, Normal Doesnt Mean Anything Lets Focus On Moving Forward, Making Sense of Time in Quarantine Some Suggestions, Adjusting To Life As An Artist During A Pandemic, Day 11 Jan Ernst Matzeliger Mechanical Engineer/Sole Man. Over time, improvements were made to the design of the pads, making them more comfortable and absorbent. By the early 1900s, problems were arising due to the uncleanliness of reusable rags and cloths. [30], In order to meet the need for achieving an inexpensive solution to reduce unsanitary and unhygienic practices in countries like India, Arunachalam Muruganantham from rural Coimbatore in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, developed and patented a machine which could manufacture low-cost sanitary pads for less than a third of the former cost. In 1895, Harper created the first sanitary napkin, made of cotton and rubber, which was designed to be worn inside a womans clothing. [citation needed] These pads were made of cellulose and were designed to be worn with a belt or girdle. "Although selling just one invention would bring joy to my heart, I invent because it's my talent. 1888. A talented student, she earned admission to Howard University but had to drop out her in the middle of her second year due to financial difficulties. In 1895, Harper created the first sanitary napkin, made of cotton and rubber, which was designed to be worn inside a womans clothing. For example, Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and natural philosopher, wrote that a nude menstruating woman could prevent hailstorms and lightning, and even scare away insects from farm crops. When she first patented it, a company sent a representative down to speak to her. Some of the characters in the comics appear to have been invented by Pijota, but actually come from real experiences. The liner ends were extended front and back so as to fit through loops in a special girdle or belt worn beneath undergarments. In 1895, Harper created the first sanitary napkin, made of cotton and rubber, which was designed to be worn inside a womans clothing. Pads for periods have come a long way since their invention in 1895. "This design, with its paper-tube applicator, became the Tampax tampon." He made the tampon inside the applicator from tightly bound strip of dense cotton that was attached to a string for easy removal. Who Invented Pads For Periods 1929. Medical Daily is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Around this time, the menstrual cup was invented, but the first cups were nothing like the comfortable, flexible silicone cups we have today. Deodorant is also added to some pads, which is designed to cover menstrual odor with a light fragrance. Then they tried to find every reason under the sun as to why I couldn't sign that contract.". Scented pads were introduced as an enhanced pad that would help keep you feeling fresher; however, scented pads are not only unnecessary, they could be dangerous to your health. They would've turned and ran if they could've. Not surprisingly, there was plenty of religious shame associated with menstruation, particularly in medieval Christianity. Pads werent always so plush and absorbent. Although Mary Kenner originally enrolled at Howard University after finishing high school, she was forced to drop out "due to financial constraints." Pads overtake tampon sales, boasting a leak-free solution. Menstrual Pads in Europe. Menstrual Who Invented Pads for Periods Medieval women used scraps of discarded fabric, or rags, to create makeshift pads. Women were expected to hide their periods and not discuss them openly. Early evidence of menstrual pads can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where women used linen wrappings to absorb menstrual blood. Day 9 William Henry Cling Did He Invent The Hospital Bed Before Gatch? Popular styles of cloth menstrual pads include all-in-one, or AIO pads, in which the absorbent layer is sewn inside the pad, "inserts on top" style pads, which have absorbent layers that can be secured on top of the pad as needed, envelope or pocket style pads, which have absorbent layers that can be inserted inside the pad as needed, and a foldable style, in which the pad folds around the absorbent layers. The first cups were made from hard rubber or (wait for it) aluminum. Wood pulp was the perfect material because it could absorb much more than its weight in blood. In 1957, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, filed for her very first patent: a belt for sanitary napkins, an idea she created when she was 18 years old, long before the modern-day maxi pad and at a time when at a time when women were still using uncomfortable and unsanitary cloth pads and rags during their period. While the reusable pad part was actually a pretty good idea, the belts were bulky and leakage was common. But after patenting it, even though there were companies that were interested in the invention, once they found out that she was Black, their interest disappeared. One German doctor wrote in the book Health in the House: It is completely disgusting to bleed into your chemise, and wearing that same chemise for four to eight days can cause infections. Around this time, a report in the British Medical Journal described a new tampon-like device to be inserted into the vagina, though its not clear if it was meant to be used for periods. Washable menstrual pads do not need to be disposed of after use and therefore offer a more economical alternative. Tampons werent thought of as appropriate, leaving hard aluminum menstrual cups, rags, and pricey disposable pads as the only other methods of period care. Mary Beatrice Davidson Inventor of the Sanitary Pad In addition, fragrance and antibacterial agents can be included. [2] The pads are not the same as incontinence pads, which generally have higher absorbency and are worn by those who have urinary incontinence problems. Although producers are generally reluctant to reveal the exact composition of their products, the main materials of disposable menstrual pads are usually bleached rayon (cellulose made from wood pulp), cotton and plastics. He made the tampon inside the applicator from tightly bound strip of dense cotton that was attached to a string for easy removal. Required fields are marked *. These napkins worked as wound care dressings on the battlefield. But although Kenner has never made a profit from her inventions, she says that she never did it for the money. Who invented the clothes wringer? Tampons werent thought of as appropriate, leaving hard aluminum menstrual cups, rags, and pricey disposable pads as the only other methods of period care. the inventor of the menstrual pad illustration by shreyas r. krishna for forgotten women: the scientists American history is peopled with individuals whose contributions to their communities and society at large went underrecognized due to their marginalized identities. Mildred patented the game in 1980 and even copyrighted the written instructions of the game. Menstrual pads are worn by women to absorb menstrual discharge, thereby protecting clothing and furnishings. The modern era of feminine hygiene products began in the mid-19th century when women began to experiment with new materials to use as pads for periods. Who Invented Pads for Periods "The next morning I try to make a model. invented Your email address will not be published. As a result, we dont know whether womens attitude [about menstruation] was the same [as mens] or not, Helen King, Professor of Classical Studies at the Open University, writes. Leona Chalmers invents the menstrual cup: a rubber cup that stays in the vaginal canal and collects menstrual fluid. In the 1800s, nurses in France developed a type of super absorbent napkin made from wood pulp. Menstrual Period From the late 1800s until the 1920s, women could purchase washable pads that were attached to a belt around the waist. In Mayan mythology, menstruation was believed to have originated as a punishment after the Moon Goddess who represented women, sexuality, and fertility disobeyed the rules of alliance when she slept with the Sun god. Who Invented Pads for Periods? And according to Science Museum Group, three years later, Kenner filed another patent for a "'sanitary belt with a moisture proof' pocket, making it even more unlikely for blood to leak on to clothing." In the 1800s, nurses in France developed a type of super absorbent napkin made from wood pulp. After that I dropped it, but never forgot it. It wasnt any ordinary woman who threw, or showed, her menstrual pad to a suitor. However, their use was discouraged since it was "thought to be sexually improper. Pad In one scene, a cow, a pig, some dogs, and a cat are seen following a soldier. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress He had the idea to take strips of cotton fibers connected to a cord that extended out of the vagina for the person to pull out. In 1957, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, filed for her very first patent: a belt for sanitary napkins, an idea she created when she was 18 years old, long before the modern-day maxi pad and at a time when at a time when women were still using uncomfortable and unsanitary cloth pads and rags during their period. Although menstrual pads are not made for this use, some use them for this purpose. Pads for periods have had a significant impact on society and culture. | If I have a legitimate claim, he'll proceed." In ancient Japan, mulberry paper was one of many types of cloth used, while in ancient Egypt, papyrus was used similarly to tampons, according to Blood & Milk. However, theres little evidence surrounding how ancient women handled blood flow. In the 1800s, nurses in France developed a type of super absorbent napkin made from wood pulp. And with her five patents, as of 2020, Kenner still holds the record for "the greatest number of patents awarded [to] a Black woman by the U.S. One of Kenner's patents was a "serving tray and soft pocket" that was attachable to a walker or a wheelchair, so Mildred could carry things around herself, which Kenner patented in 1976. Pads are no exception. After selling the flower shop and moving from Washington D.C. to Virginia, Mary and her husband became foster parents and took care of five boys, eventually adopting a boy named Woodrow. No need to worry about itchy, stiff material or whether or not theyll still offer the same great level of protection that our disposable pads do. Kenner initially invented the adjustable sanitary belt in the 1920s and over the years, she repeatedly improved upon her invention. ", Kenner first started working when she was just 14 years old at a woman's hospital in Washington, D.C. After dropping out of Howard University, she worked various jobs to get by. It is supposed to have been Hypatia, a philosopher, mathematician, teacher and inventor of Alexandria, Egypt. Historical Timeline of the Development of Pads for Periods. Kenner continued to file for and receive patents into the 80s, including one for a toilet tissue holder that she shared with her sister Mildred. Cloth was precious during the Middle Ages, and neither of these fabrics were absorbent enough for practical daily use during a womans period. She saw inventing as finding solutions to everyday problems and menstruation still created major problems for women at the time. Caring for reusable pads is easy, too. 1930s. Here's What Experts Think, World Multiple Sclerosis Day: Warning Signs, Treatment Options, Father's Genetic Impact More On Siblings With Autism, Study Finds, 6 Myths About Urinary Tract Infections Debunked, Improved Mental Health Among Teens Reported Before COVID-19 Pandemic Ended, Brain Signals Cause Gender-Specific Weight Gain Patterns: Study, What Is Hikikomori? In 1957, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, filed for her very first patent: a belt for sanitary napkins, an idea she created when she was 18 years old, long before the modern-day maxi pad and at a time when at a time when women were still using uncomfortable and unsanitary cloth pads and rags during their period. But after 18 years of working for the United States government, in an interview Kenner stated that "when the government promoted people with less seniority than me and with less experience just because they were white, I knew it was time for me to move on.". The history of menstrual pads is long and complex. Between 1854 and 1915, twenty patents were taken out for menstrual products, including the first menstrual cups (generally made of aluminum or hard rubber), rubber pants (literally bloomers or underwear lined with rubber), and Listers towels (a precursor to maxi pads) (3). She also had several siblings, including her sister Mildred Davidson Austin Smith. Some of the characters in the comics appear to have been invented by Pijota, but actually come from real experiences. The ergonomic design and materials used to make pads also changed through the 1980s to today. Without waterproofing, youd be left with a pad that might absorb well but would leak through to your clothing the split second it is full. This invention was revolutionary and marked the beginning of the modern-day menstrual pad. Mary did not make money off of any of her inventions, but she never lost the joy of making things. Your order qualifies for free shipping, Pads feel like a home base for most of us. On January 13, 2006, Kenner passed away in Washington, D.C. at the age of 93. The first commercially available disposable menstrual pads appear, known as Listers Additionally, pads for periods can offer comfort and protection, but it is important for women to choose the right type of pad for their needs in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing. However, they, too, found it impossible to market. Menstrual pads of any type should not be flushed down the toilet as they can cause blockages. "The object of the genealogy game is to earn points by placing on a board three cards from your hand that represent a correct relationship between blood relatives. This design was notorious for slipping either forward or back of the intended position. A company got in contact with Mary Kenner to express an interest in marketing her product and a company rep drove to meet with her in D.C. Leona Chalmers invents the menstrual cup: a rubber cup that stays in the vaginal canal and collects menstrual fluid. Cloth was precious during the Middle Ages, and neither of these fabrics were absorbent enough for practical daily use during a womans period. The menstrual belt is finally patented. At Rael, were with you your entire cycle. Through the ages women have used different forms of menstrual protection. The modern era of feminine hygiene products began in the mid-19th century when women began to experiment with new materials to use as pads for periods. Every inch of their bodies signaled that that's what they wanted to do. This was the first time a pad that could absorb more than its weight was available and offered a more comfortable material to tweed, which women used before this invention. Periods However, since menstrual pads are designed to absorb menstrual flow, they are not as effective in absorbing urinary leaks; incontinence pads are designed for this purpose. Those animals existed, they went in a group through the Bakhmut area, following the military in the hopes of getting something to eat. There are several different types of disposable menstrual pads: The shape, absorbency and lengths may vary depending on manufacturer, but usually range from the short slender panty liner to the larger and longer overnight. Mary filed for a patent in 1957 for a sanitary belt she developed that would allow women to use reusable cloth materials, but with the convenience of a water-resistant lined pouch that would give them more security. As noted in Bustle, when compared with adhesive pads, the belt presented significantly more problems. We live in an age that offers numerous different options for period care. In the 1950s, plastic liners were added to the pads to make them more absorbent. Due to her race, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner was one of these people. She lived from 350370 CE to This allowed women to talk about their periods and seek advice without fear of judgement. [20] Kotex's first advertisement for products made with this wood pulp (cellucotton) appeared in January 1921. The Hoosier sanitary belt was said to be made of metal "stamped from solid sheet spring brass, carefully rounded and polished and heavily nickel plated by a special process of our own.". Between 1854 and 1915, twenty patents were taken out for menstrual products, including the first menstrual cups (generally made of aluminum or hard rubber), rubber pants (literally bloomers or underwear lined with rubber), and Listers towels (a precursor to maxi pads) (3). No longer made from materials that could chafe or irritate your skin, reusable pads are comfortable, completely sanitary, and seriously cost and environmentally effective. If you use them, you already know; no pad can compare to the comfort of Raels pads and liners. 1888. A menstrual pad, or simply a pad, (also known as a sanitary pad, sanitary towel, sanitary napkin or feminine napkin) is an absorbent item worn by women in their underwear when menstruating, bleeding after giving birth, recovering from gynecologic surgery, experiencing a miscarriage or abortion, or in any other situation where it is necessary to absorb a flow of blood from the vagina. for periods After leaving university she worked various jobs, spending time as a babysitter and elevator operator before finding employment as a federal employee. for periods And according to an interview with Kenner, the Sonn-Nap-Pack Company even tried to patent and manufacture Kenner's invention themselves, "but [her] patent was already recorded and they couldn't do it." Maxi/Super: A larger absorbency pad, useful for the start of the. They have become a popular alternative because they are allergen- and perfume-free, and can be more comfortable for women who experience irritation from using disposable pads. In 1957, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, filed for her very first patent: a belt for sanitary napkins, an idea she created when she was 18 years old, long before the modern-day maxi pad and at a time when at a time when women were still using uncomfortable and unsanitary cloth pads and rags during their period. This was a big breakthrough at the time because, as Diversity Inc. writes, at the time, adhesive menstrual pads didn't exist, and with the "moisture-proof napkin pocket built into the belt," leaks could be prevented much more easily. Mary Kenner enjoyed life with her family up until her passing in 2006. Resolutely positive, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner ardently believed that, Every person is born with a creative mind. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. The menstrual belt is finally patented. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Although tampons were also used in medicine, they weren't patented for menstruation until the late 1920s. Kenner was undeterred. Disposable menstrual pads grew from a Benjamin Franklin invention created to help stop wounded soldiers from bleeding,[15][dubious discuss] but appear to have been first commercially available from around 1880[16] with Thomas and William Southall's pad. At first, these pads were made of cotton and rubber and were designed to be worn inside a womans clothing. Between 1854 and 1915, twenty patents were taken out for menstrual products, including the first menstrual cups (generally made of aluminum or hard rubber), rubber pants (literally bloomers or underwear lined with rubber), and Listers towels (a precursor to maxi pads) (3). Weve even come so far as to develop a new type of underwear specifically designed for periods, known as Thinx. While the reusable pad part was actually a pretty good idea, the belts were bulky and leakage was common. 1.5 M Working-Age Japanese Live As Recluses, Scientists Find How Glycine Is Linked To Depression, Mood-Related Disorders, 'Gene Silencing' Technology Offers Fresh Hope For Alzheimer's Patients, New Nanoparticle Sensors Can Help In Detection Of Cancer Through Urine Test, Graphene Tattoo Could Help Maintain Healthy Heart Rhythm, New Study Finds, New Gel Wipes Out Brain Cancer In Mice, Offers Hope For Humans, Middle-Aged Men's Reduced Sexual Satisfaction Linked To Memory Loss: Study, World No Tobacco Day: 12 Ways Cigarette Smoking Affects Your Health, Study Links Heart Attack To Accelerated Cognitive Decline In Later Years, Excessive Alcohol Intake Could Lead To Muscle Loss, Did COVID-19 Come From Wuhan Lab? By this point, Kenner had already come up with an idea and according to Vice, "[she] would stalk the halls of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, trying to work out if someone had beaten her to it and led a patent for an invention first." Who Invented Pads For Periods When Kenner's sister, Mildred, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Kenner invented a number of different items to help her sister's day-to-day activities. Historians do know that in many parts of the ancient world, menstruating women were strongly associated with mystery, magic, and even sorcery. [citation needed]. by sewing together reusable rags made from these materials. WebDisposable menstrual pads grew from a Benjamin Franklin invention created to help stop wounded soldiers from bleeding, [dubious discuss] but appear to have been first commercially available from around 1880 with Thomas and William Southall's pad. It took until the First World War, when designs for menstrual pads were influenced by the recent innovations in surgical dressings, that commercial menstruation products started being used. 1930s. Some Indigenous societies in North America used Sphagnum moss and animal skin, and the Sfag-Na-Kins product, created in the 1910s, copied this technique. The following year, Kenner married James "Jabbo" Kenner, an ex-heavyweight boxer. Not all the improvements to maxi pads have been beneficial. Who invented pad for the first time? This invention was revolutionary and marked the beginning of the modern-day menstrual pad. With organic cotton pads and the confidence you get with Rael, you can feel empowered and impossible to stop.