She deserved better than she got.

And we are better off for knowing her story.

The Five Patents, Summarized

For the record, here are Mary Kenner’s five United States patents, in the order they were granted:

U.S.

Patent 2,717,599, granted 1956: An improved sanitary belt with a moisture-proof napkin holder, designed to provide more secure and reliable management of menstrual products.

U.S.

Patent 3,294,291, granted 1966: An improved back washer, specifically a moistened washcloth holder mountable on a shower wall or tub to allow more effective self-washing of the back.