Strong, consistent IP protections throughout U.S. history enabled the creation of innovative and useful technologies that we use regularly today. From air travel to air conditioning, every aspect of our lives has benefited greatly from IP, as shown by these historical examples from the month of May:
- 1920: On May 18, Floyd Smith received a patent for a parachute that could be opened by a ripcord. This innovation enabled parachutists to safely exit an aircraft before activating the parachute, dramatically improving safety. Today, it has become essential to military aviation, air travel safety, and recreational skydiving, where improved equipment and safety practices have helped bring the U.S. fatality rate to its lowest level on record.
- 1899: On May 9, John Albert Burr received a patent for an improved lawnmower. Today, the U.S. lawnmower market is estimated to be worth more than $7 billion. As of 2025, the broader S. landscaping services industry employed more than 1.4 million people across nearly 700,000 businesses.
- 1851: On May 6, John Gorrie received a patent for the first ice-making machine. Initially designed to help patients suffering from fevers, his machine paved the way for commercial ice makers, refrigeration, and ultimately the invention of air conditioning. Today, the average American consumes over 400 pounds of ice each year.