Sheela Na Gig Episode 21: Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner

American Inventor Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner is most known (although not widely) for creating an adjustable sanitary belt. Born into a family of inventors, her creations included a convenient attachment to an invalid’s walker and a back washer that could be mounted on a shower or bathtub wall. Her first invention, at age six, was an attempt to create a self-oiling door hinge. Kenner was born in Monroe, North Carolina. Her father’s and grandfather’s many inventions inspired her, although neither profited from their innovations. Kenner’s sister, Mildred Davidson Austin Smith (1916–1993), invented, patented, and commercially sold board games. Kenner briefly attended Howard University but did not complete a degree due to financial hardship. Her first patent was for her adjustable sanitary belt invention, which was granted in 1956. The invention was credited for eliminating “chafing and irritation normally caused by devices of [its] class.” Although a company initially showed interest in her invention, it was ultimately rejected after Kenner was discovered to be an African American female. Although she later invented a “moisture-resistant pocket,” it wasn’t until her patent expired and became public domain that manufacturers used her ideas freely for their profits. Between 1956 and 1987, Kenner was awarded five patents for her household and personal item creations. This is the largest number of patents held by a black woman. Kenner owned four flower shops in D.C. and had various other jobs. She married and divorced before marrying renowned heavyweight boxer James "Jabbo" Kenner. Together, they lived near the Kennedy family complex in McLean, Virginia. They were foster parents to five boys. Kenner never profited from any of her patents.

 

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