Mother’s Day is this upcoming weekend. So, we thought you might enjoy some interesting patents for mothers and children.
You can think of US 4,710,979 as Batman’s utility belt, but for moms. It describes a mother’s apron or bib with detachable multicolored two-dimensional infant toys to aid supervised baby play.
Babies, toddlers, and cats love experimenting in physics by throwing things (bottles, etc.) over the edge of anything like a high chair, just to see what happens. You can avoid playing retriever with this bottle leash (US 4,989,811). Clumsy moms and dads might also use this with their favorite beverage.
Is your baby fond of eating metallic objects? If they are, then you would benefit from this invention, a pacifier with a magnet in its nipple. Or you might want to get them checked out for Acuphagia, a type of pica. It’s a real thing.
Speaking of mom inventors, this Mother’s Day, we should also celebrate a few moms who have made remarkable contributions to science, engineering, technology, and ice cream with their patented inventions.
Katalin Karikó – Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)-Mediated Mechanisms. Katalin Karikó, a Hungarian biochemist recognized for her pioneering work in messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. She holds key patents involving modified mRNA and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023. Beyond her scientific achievements, Karikó is also the mother of Susan Francia, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing, reflecting Karikó’s influence both in science and motherhood.
Patricia Bath – Laserphaco Probe to Treat Cataracts Dr. Patricia Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, designed to treat cataracts using laser technology to remove cataracts. Dr. Patricia Bath was also a devoted mother to her daughter, Eraka Bath, who followed in her footsteps to become a physician and psychiatrist. A copy of Dr. Bath’s patent can be seen here.
Marie Van Brittan Brown – Home Security System
Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system in 1966 because of her concerns with high crime rates in her neighborhood. Her invention included a camera, a monitor, and a remote-controlled lock, allowing homeowners to view visitors before opening the door. This laid the foundation for modern CCTV and home security systems.
Hedy Lamarr – Frequency-Hopping Technology
Hedy Lamarr, an actress and inventor, co-developed a frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum communication system during World War II that laid the foundation for modern wireless communications. This technology, which allowed radio signals to jump between frequencies, became crucial in the development of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. Hedy Lamarr was also a mother of three children, raising a family while making significant contributions to both film and technology.
Nancy M. Johnson – Artificial Freezer, The First Hand-Cranked Ice Cream Maker
Nancy Johnson is best known for patenting the first hand-cranked ice cream maker in 1843, which revolutionized the process of making ice cream at home and paved the way for modern ice cream machines.
At MaxVal, we celebrate the amazing women who balance motherhood with professional excellence, including several group heads, who play a key role in advancing IP strategy and solutions. On Mother’s Day, we honor the strength and dedication of mothers everywhere, whose influence inspires us all. Happy Mother’s Day.
