Masking tape, transparent (cellophane) tape, duct (or duck) tape… we use tape when we paint, wrap gifts, mend things, and create clothing. Yes clothing! My daughter made a dress from duck tape for her junior prom – it is quite the competition. Where did it all begin?
An engineer by the name of Richard Drew is credited with the invention of both a masking tape (1925) and a transparent cellophane tape (1930) during his time with the Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company (3M). His patent application was filed on May 28, 1928 and he was granted the patent (#1,760,820) on this date, May 27, 1930.
Richard has been highlighted by the Lemelson-MIT Program, Inventor of the Week and in 2007 was inducted into the Inventor’s Hall of Fame. In an Adhesives & Sealants Industry article, also from 2007, it was expected that the worldwide market for pressure-sensitive tapes and labels to reach nearly $97 billion.