Skip to content

Biography · Science & Inventions

Mary Kenner

1912–2006

United States

Source image for Mary KennerLoading image…
Visit the source record ↗

Biography

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner (May 17, 1912 – January 13, 2006) was an African American inventor who created an adjustable sanitary belt. to keep menstrual pads securely in place. She has been granted five patents in between 1956 and 1987, one of the highest totals awarded to an African American female inventor. All of her inventions provided solutions to common household and personal care issues; including improving menstrual hygiene products.

Sources & collection details

Wikipedia contributors — original record ↗

Black heritage reference ↗

Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Continue exploring Series 1

Science & Invention →Everyday Life & Community →

Explore all Series 1 cards →

Keep exploring