An idea before its marketSourced
A windshield-wiper patent did not quickly find a buyer
Mary Anderson patented a window-cleaning device in 1903, operated from inside a vehicle by a lever. In 1905, a firm rejected her attempt to sell the rights. A convenience now taken for granted did not immediately persuade the prospective seller.
A useful idea can arrive before its commercial welcome.
Summary / translation: Unbubly · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Mary Anderson (inventor) · Wikimedia contributors
Adapted, summarized and translated from the source. Adapted text is also available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reviewed: 2026-10-05