Paint Roller

(1940) Invented by Norman Breakey (1891-1965)

The origins of the paint roller make for a sad story. Around 1940, a Torontonian named Norman Breakey devised a time-saving painting tool that allowed anyone to produce a smooth finish. He peddled his invention to local hardware stores and painters, but neglected to patent it. The result: plenty of imitations, patents that benefitted others, and the disappearance of Mr. Breakey into the mists of time. Prior to the invention of the paint roller, house painting was a chore best left to professionals who had the time and dexterity to create a smooth finish with their brushes