Father Of Invention

Most of us know the stories of Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers and Benjamin Franklin--American inventors who demonstrated great ingenuity. But how come it's so difficult for most of us to name a modern-day inventor? Our focus on whom to admire seems to have shifted from those who improve our lives to those who entertain us. Well, allow me to introduce a living, breathing inventor who has undoubtedly changed your life.

The next time you peel open a Band-Aid, bite into a granola bar, wear a plastic-underwire bra, squeeze a ketchup bottle, use microwave cookware or wrap a contoured disposable diaper around a baby's bottom, thank 76-year-old Stanley I. Mason.

Mason's inventions are as diverse as his background. He's studied in several fields and worked for many companies, including Hunt Foods, Kimberly-Clark and Volvo. Today, he's president of Simco Inc., a Weston, Connecticut, think tank he established in 1973. As Simco's client list reveals, many Fortune 500 companies have looked to Mason to invent or improve their products. The reason is clear: He has a long track record of success.

Tomima Edmark is the inventor of the TopsyTail and several other products, and is author of The American Dream Fact Pack ($49.95), available by calling (800) 558-6779. Questions regarding inventions and patents may be sent to "Bright Ideas," Entrepreneur, 2392 Morse Ave., Irvine, CA 92614.

This article was originally published in the August 1998 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Father Of Invention.