June Kroenke facts for kids
June Eudora Kroenke (born October 19, 1925, died November 11, 1993) was a clever inventor from Hartland, Wisconsin, USA. She created several special tools for sewing and started her own company, June Tailor, Inc., in 1962. Her inventions helped make sewing and ironing much easier for many people.
Contents
June Kroenke's Early Life and Inventions
June Kroenke loved to sew ever since she was a child. She often found it tricky to iron clothes that had unusual shapes. This problem gave her an idea! She decided to design a special board for ironing.
How the Pressing Board Was Invented
June first made her ironing board out of cardboard. It had many different shapes to fit various parts of clothing. Later, she had the final design built from wood. She even got a patent for her invention, which meant she officially owned the idea.
Starting June Tailor, Inc.
In 1962, June Kroenke started her company, June Tailor, Inc. She began selling her special ironing board and other tools to help with pressing clothes.
Growth of the Company
At first, June sold her products from her own basement. But her inventions were so popular that her business quickly grew! She soon moved her operations to a manufacturing building in Richfield, Wisconsin. By 1976, June Tailor, Inc. was selling 24 different products. Her original ironing board, which had 12 different shaped surfaces, was still the most popular item.
June Kroenke's Amazing Patents
June Kroenke received several patents for her helpful inventions. A patent is like a special permission from the government that says you are the only one who can make and sell your invention for a certain time.
Key Inventions by June Kroenke
- Contour Pressing Forms: These were special boards that helped iron clothes with curves. They were sold as the "June Tailor Board." She received a patent for this in 1965.
- Universal Pressing Ham Support: This invention helped hold a Tailor's ham (a firm, ham-shaped cushion used for pressing curved seams) in place while you worked. She got a patent for this in 1979.
- Cushioned Needlework Blocking Board: This board was designed to help shape and dry needlework projects, like knitting or crochet, so they would look perfect. She received a patent for this in 1982.
- Integrated Cutting and Pressing Board: This was a clever board that combined a cutting surface with a pressing area. It even had a measuring scale on the handle! She received a patent for this in 1995.
