Mark Twain’s invention

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

Was not used during his life.

 

The long-term uses for a product do not always materialize during the inventor’s lifetime. Such was the case with Mark Twain — the celebrated writer born Samuel Clemens — who filed a patent for a clothing accessory when he was 35 years old. Twain found wearing suspenders uncomfortable, so he came up with a device he called an “Improvement in Adjustable and Detachable Straps for Garments.” What he envisioned was a versatile two-piece strap — preferably elastic — that fastened with hooks. The hooks were inserted into a series of rows of small holes, chosen depending on how snug (or loose) the wearer wanted their garment. Twain thought this simple, gender-neutral tool could customize the fit of a wearer’s vests, shirts, pantaloons, or stays, a corset-like object that women wore under dresses.

 

When Twain submitted his patent in September 1871, Henry C. Lockwood was attempting to patent a similar invention he described as an “elastic waist-strap.” Utilizing a process known as “interference,” the U.S. Patent Office had both men compose statements in order to determine which design originated first. Twain responded by writing a characteristic short story, explaining how he had given the idea thought for four or five years before making his prototype that August. The office accepted his claim to being first, and patent No. 121,992 was granted to Twain on December 19, 1871. However, thanks to changing fashions — waistcoats with adjustable buckles, dropped waistlines that accommodated belts — his garment straps were not produced for several decades. In 1914, four years after Twain’s death and long after his hard-won patent expired, Mary Phelps Jacob patented the first bra from handkerchiefs and ribbon. When she sold her patent to the Warner Brothers Corset Company, they added Twain’s straps to the back to keep the garment in place.   

[Blackwater 53393]

Just like most Twain stories, his invention was/is “UPLIFTING”!!

[Rip Snorter]

Titillating! 

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

1 hour ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

Just like most Twain stories, his invention was/is “UPLIFTING”!!

T'ain't funny, McGee!   

 

 

Oh hell, yes it is.

[Subdeacon Joe]

[Big Gus, SASS# 66666]

Thanks for keeping us abreast of the times. 

[Blackwater 53393]

2 hours ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

T'ain't funny, McGee!   

 

 

Oh hell, yes it is.

AT YOUR SERVICE, SIR!! 😜

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

So much for the story … invented by Otto Titzling.

[Eyesa Horg]

Or German hosenfrumflopin

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

Oberdeshoulderboulderholder

[Rye Miles #13621]

Here’s what AI says about belts…….

 

they evolved independently in ancient civilizations, long before written history. Archaeological evidence shows belts were used as early as 3000–3500 BCE.

 

Early uses of belts:

 

• Ancient Egypt: Decorative and symbolic belts worn by elites
• Mesopotamia: Practical belts to hold tools and weapons
• Ancient China: Belts indicated rank and social status
• Ancient Rome: Soldiers used belts (cingulum) to carry swords and armor

 

 

Originally, belts were made from leather, cloth, rope, or metal and served practical purposes—holding clothing, tools, or weapons—before becoming fashion accessories.

 

So, rather than being invented by one person, the belt is a shared human innovation that developed across many cultures over thousands of years.

[Dapper Dave]

6 hours ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

T'ain't funny, McGee!   

 

 

Oh hell, yes it is.

Fibber McGee and Molly? You are dating yourself sir - my stepfather used to quote that show.  

[Rip Snorter]

Back in single days, a very long time ago, I would, should have thanked Sam.  I could undo the evolution of his invention, one hand, either hand, first try in a couple of seconds.  I did have one long time girl friend who bought one that snapped in front, grins!

[Texas Lizard]

12 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

Just like most Twain stories, his invention was/is “UPLIFTING”!!

In  some cases yes...Others, not much to lift....

 

Texas Lizard

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

Four hooks, that was a job, one handed.

[Ozark Huckleberry]

Not with the right motivation.

[Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme]

3 hours ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

Four hooks, that was a job, one handed.

It's all about perseverance........with the goal in mind.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

I recall being asked "How do you know how to do it?"

[Eyesa Horg]

Was just part of the learning curves!

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

28 minutes ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

I recall being asked "How do you know how to do it?"

 

15 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

Was just part of the learning curves!

I think I said "comes after learning to drive."