Composition for Cleaning and Preserving Carpets – Patent No. 392,205
Inventor: Robert N. Hyde, of Des Moines, Iowa.
Patent Number: 392,205
Date of Patent: November 6, 1888
Description: Robert N. Hyde’s patent is for a specific chemical formula for a “Composition for Cleaning and Preserving Carpets.” The patent details a fluid compound made from a combination of distilled water, borax, soluble soap, aqua-ammonia, bay-rum, oil of sassafras, and alcohol. The unique aspect of Hyde’s invention was the inclusion of oil of sassafras, which not only contributed to a pleasant odor but also acted as a deterrent for moths and other insects. The product was designed to be sold in bottles and diluted for use, and a key feature was that it allowed carpets to be cleaned without having to be taken up from the floor.
Societal Impact of the Invention and Inventor
Hyde’s invention was a practical solution for a common household problem in the late 19th century. At the time, carpets were a major investment and a key element of home decor, but they were also difficult to clean and susceptible to insect damage.
- Domestic Convenience and Efficiency: Before products like Hyde’s, cleaning carpets was an extremely laborious task, often requiring them to be taken outdoors, hung, and beaten to remove dirt. A liquid cleaner that could be applied directly to the carpet in place, as Hyde’s was, was a significant step toward making household chores easier and more efficient. This was part of a larger trend of inventions that simplified domestic work and contributed to the rise of consumer products for the home.
- Preservation of Goods: The inclusion of an insect deterrent was an important feature. Moths and other pests could ruin expensive carpets, a major financial loss for families. By helping to preserve these textiles, Hyde’s invention offered a valuable economic benefit to consumers.
- The Inventor’s Legacy: Robert N. Hyde was an African American inventor from Des Moines, Iowa. His patent is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of black innovators in the post-Civil War era. During a time of immense racial discrimination and limited opportunities, Hyde not only developed a marketable product but also successfully navigated the patent system. In addition to this patent, he was also known for running a real estate and employment business in Des Moines. His work, alongside that of other black inventors, represents a powerful, though often overlooked, contribution to the technological and commercial development of the United States.
