Susan M. Hibbard
Susan M. Hibbard | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Inventor |
| Known for | Invention of an improved feather duster |
| Spouse | George Hibbard |
Susan M. Hibbard (fl. 1870s) was an American inventor from Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, who patented an improved design for the feather duster in 1876. Her successful legal defense of her intellectual property against her husband is cited in histories of American patent law and women’s rights.[1][2]
Invention
On May 30, 1876, Hibbard was granted U.S. Patent No. 177,939 for an “Improvement in Feather-Dusters.”[1] Prior designs often utilized imported ostrich feathers, which were relatively expensive. Hibbard’s design utilized turkey feathers—a byproduct of the poultry industry—which were steamed and softened to increase their effectiveness in attracting dust before being secured to a handle in a reinforced arrangement.[2][3]
Patent interference case
During the application process, Hibbard’s husband, George Hibbard, claimed the invention was his own. In the subsequent patent interference case, Susan Hibbard testified that the concept and construction were entirely her work. The Patent Office ruled in her favor, a notable achievement for a woman in the 1870s to successfully defend intellectual property rights against a spouse.[2][3]
Legacy
Hibbard’s design was widely adopted for household use and influenced the manufacturing of subsequent cleaning tools. Her innovation is noted in the broader history of the feather duster, where she is credited with transitioning the industry toward more accessible materials.[2] She has no other known patents on record.
References
- ^ a b US patent 177939, Susan M. Hibbard, "Improvement in Feather-Dusters", published 1876-05-30
- ^ a b c d "Feather Duster". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved March 16, 2026.
- ^ a b "Women Inventors Who Changed the World". Inventors Digest. Retrieved March 16, 2026.