There are quite a few inventions in 1940 that became staples in the worlds of medicine, transportation, and even the kitchen. This list takes a look at some of those great inventions that came out in 1940 and where they are now.
In 1940, there were plenty of things that we take for granted today. Things like neon lights, canned food, and television. But that year also brought forth some pretty incredible inventiveness and curiosity that created a number of common objects used today. Take a look at these clever tech and inventions in 1940:
Synthetic rubber was created in 1940.
In 1940 the world experienced the official invention of synthetic rubber, better known as neoprene. This rubbery substance and others like it have proven themselves time and time again to be useful in various industries through the years. Synthetic rubber continues to be incorporated into everyday products as well as medical supplies, umbrellas, and even other inventions seen here.
The photocopier was invented in 1940.
The photocopier was invented in 1940 by Chester Carlson, a patent lawyer from New York. Carlson started thinking about the problem of patents when he was working as a patent attorney for the movie industry. He was concerned that inventors were being limited to just a few copies of their work, so he decided to invent a way for people to make as many copies as they needed. His first invention was called Xerox and paved the way for modern photocopiers.
The snorkel was introduced in 1940.
Specifically designed for simplicity, the modern snorkel is comprised of just two parts: a tube and a mouthpiece. The top of the tube is placed in the water while the passenger’s face remains above water. Because it covers only one side of the face, snorkels have been described as training wheels for scuba diving with no more than half of the diver’s air being used to breathe through the tube.
Synthetic rubber was invented in 1940.
1940 was a great year for invention, with the development of synthetic rubber, nylon, and Bakelite. Perhaps the most well-known 1940 innovations, however, are things you may use every day in the kitchen, like Crisco shortening and Ziploc bags. Yes, the cooking world has changed quite a bit since then.
Conclusion
It’s pretty incredible to think of all the cool things that came out in 1940 and are still relevant today. And while there’s nothing wrong with buying into the latest technologies, I think it’s important to recognize that simple ideas can sometimes take on lives of their own—even if they’re built upon previous, more advanced technology. That’s certainly true with these products.