19th century inventions that are still used at home
Patent applications representing technological advancements at home.
Toothbrush
![](/documents/1319360/2811217/ipday2017_us18653-0_840.jpg/0634e405-a63e-7c51-394f-b51e3c7ab137?version=1.1&t=1707726897621)
H. N. Wadsworth was granted a patent for a “tooth-brush” in 1857.
Liquid soap
![](/documents/1319360/2811217/ipday2017_us49561_840.jpg/be5cf757-69e9-3da3-dbe0-f6d47e64b982?version=1.1&t=1707726910791)
William Sheppard was granted a patent for “improved liquid soap” in 1865.
Refrigerator
![](/documents/1319360/2811217/ipday2017_kaeltetechnik_840.jpg/5e21b5c0-5d71-a124-0efa-bcf74b7231af?version=1.1&t=1707726888474)
Carl von Linde was granted a patent for a “refrigerating machine” in 1878. The image on the right is a Linde refrigeration machine from 1900. Photos: Linde Group.
Electric lamp
![](/documents/1319360/2811217/ipday2017_us223898-0_840.jpg/5b703525-2304-27c1-c43b-ce29b4136d50?version=1.1&t=1707726899881)
Thomas Alva Edison was granted a patent for an “electric lamp” in 1880.
Toilet paper roll
![](/documents/1319360/2811217/ipday2017_us459516-0_840.jpg/1e2e8862-8378-25f0-1e57-3583dc9f70fa?version=1.1&t=1707726909831)
Seth Wheeler was granted a patent for a “wrapping or toilet paper roll” in 1891.