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Margaret E. Knight

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description Margaret E. Knight Overview

Margaret E. Knight (1838–1914) was an American inventor awarded a patent in 1871 for a machine that manufactured flat-bottomed paper bags, a significant improvement over earlier envelope-style bags. She founded the Eastern Paper Bag Company and received dozens of patents during her career across fields including shoe manufacturing and rotary engine design. She is recognized as one of the most prolific female inventors of the 19th century.

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What did Margaret E. Knight invent?

Margaret E. Knight developed a machine that manufactured flat-bottomed paper bags. Her design improved on earlier envelope-style bags by making a more practical bag shape.

When did Margaret E. Knight receive her paper-bag machine patent?

Knight was awarded a patent for the paper-bag machine in 1871. The invention addressed a manufacturing problem that had previously required more limited envelope-style construction.

Did Margaret E. Knight work only on paper bags?

No, she received dozens of patents during her career. The flat-bottomed paper-bag machine is her best-known invention, but it was part of a broader record of mechanical innovation.

What company did Margaret E. Knight found?

She founded the Eastern Paper Bag Company. The company was connected to the commercial development of the flat-bottomed paper bag machine she patented in 1871.