Household
Sarah Boone
1832–1904
1892
Improved ironing board
What Sarah contributed
Patented a narrow, curved ironing-board design suited to sleeves and fitted clothing.
The story
Boone improved an existing household tool; she did not invent the electric iron. Her patent clearly described a board shaped to fit sleeves and bodices.
Why it matters
Her design made difficult garments easier to iron and influenced later ironing-board forms.
Patent record
U.S. Patent 473,653
