Samuel E. Thomas, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, was granted U.S. patent #371,107 on October 4, 1887, for a “Waste-Trap for Basins and Water-Closets.” This invention was a sanitary improvement to plumbing fixtures, designed to prevent foul-smelling sewer gases from entering a building.
Details of the Patent
Thomas’s patent was an improved design for the P-trap that is still used in plumbing today. The trap’s function is to hold a small amount of water to create a seal, blocking gases from flowing back up the drainpipe.
- The Invention: The design featured a trap with a unique shape that was more effective at maintaining its water seal. It included a specialized screw cap at the bottom for easy cleaning.
- Key Features: The patent specified a trap with a lower, wider section that was less likely to dry out and lose its seal, a common problem with earlier traps. The removable cleanout cap at the bottom made it easy for plumbers to access and remove blockages without having to dismantle the entire pipe system.
- Problem Solved: This invention solved a significant public health problem by ensuring that noxious and potentially harmful sewer gases were contained within the drainage system, making indoor plumbing safer and more hygienic.
Significance of the Invention and Inventor
Samuel E. Thomas’s patent for a waste trap, while not as widely celebrated as other inventions, was a crucial step in the development of modern plumbing and sanitation.
- Impact on Public Health: The invention contributed to the widespread adoption of sanitary plumbing in homes and businesses, which was a vital step in preventing the spread of disease and improving public health in urban areas.
- Legacy as a Black Inventor: As an African-American man in the 19th century, Samuel E. Thomas’s ability to secure a patent demonstrates his technical skill and perseverance. His patent is part of the historical record that documents the often-overlooked contributions of Black inventors to American innovation and quality of life.
