During the unpredictability of the Great Depression, Richard Gurley Drew of 3M responded with increased innovation. Building on his already popular Scotch® masking tape, Drew invented transparent Scotch® cellophane tape. As people grew increasingly worried about what their financial futures might look like, Drew’s tape (U.S. Patent Nos. 1,760,820 and 2,331,894) became popular for repairing ripped and broken items, thereby alleviating the need to buy new ones. Books, window shades, toys, clothing, and even paper currency were mended using his inventions.
To this day, many future innovators still make their first forays into engineering with creations made from his tape. Learn more about Drew: http://bit.ly/3c7j9cy #NationalEngineersWeek
U.S. Patent no. 1,760,820
Title: Adhesive Tape
Patented: May 27, 1930
U.S. Patent no. 2,331,894
Title: Adhesive Tape and Method of Making Same
Patented: October 19, 1943