MCI fixes many a packaging machine, so it is not surprising that we are celebrating Paper Bag Day today.
Whether you are using them to hold your groceries or hold your burger and fries, paper bags are an indispensable part of our lives. The ‘first generation’ paper bag making machine was first invented in 1952 by Francis Wolle, but it only carried out part of the process.
The next machine for paper bags was invented in 1859 by William Goodale, when he got his patent this day in history. The machine cut the paper ready to be assembled, but it still didn’t carry out the whole process.
The flat bottomed paper bag that we all know today, was invented by Margaret E Knight. She developed the machine in 1870 that carried out the whole bag making process, and she was hailed as the one of the greatest inventors of the 20th century.
Tragically, one of the people who worked at the company making her machine out of iron tried to patent the machine before she did. She took him to court to contest his application. Shockingly, his ‘proof’ that he had invented the machine himself was that ‘she could not possibly understand the mechanical complexities of the machine’ and that no woman could have designed it.
Appallingly, this was a prejudice of the time and was even considered as an acceptable defence. Needless to say though, Margaret had extensive preliminary drawings and models of her machine, as well as witnesses who had seen her building the machine prototypes out of wood.
Naturally, she won her case and her patent was granted. In 1871, the same year as her victory, she was decorated by Queen Victoria.We at MCI have extensive experience of installing, repairing and maintaining packaging machinery.
If you are having problems with your machinery, just give us a call on 01324 611371 to see how we can help keep your machinery going. So, happy Paper Bag Day! Have a great weekend everyone!