Milka, Burrs and the Invention of Velcro

It was the pesky burrs in Milka's fur that led to the invention of Velcro.

George de Mestral and Milka

In 1941, George de Mestral (a Swiss engineer and inventor) and his dog Milka (an Irish pointer) went for a leisurely hike in the woods. After their walk, Milka was covered in burrs. This intrigued de Mestral, so much that he felt he could replicate the burrs' structure into something useful. After examining the burrs closely, he noticed they had microscopic hooks that allowed them to attach to his dog's fur. It was this discovery that led to his hook-and-loop fastening system. Creating the hook was not difficult, but it would take years for him to create the loop (nylon) for the hook to attach to.

He named his new invention Velcro®, a combination of the French words "velour" (velvet) and "crochet" (hook). He filed a patent in 1955, and marketed it as the "zipper-less zipper". It wasn't until the 1960s before it became a success when NASA adopted its use. Its popularity grew, and now has many uses in homes and businesses.

Dogs Powering Sewing Machines

Before electricity, dogs played a part in the history of sewing machines. In the 1870s-1880s, inventors came up with ways to use dogs to power the machines.

The treadmill was invented by M. Richard of Paris. It is said he used this contraption briefly in the 1880s to power a large number of sewing machines in his factory to make military uniforms.

I am not sure if the following designs were ever used.

The carousel was patented in England around 1874. A hitching position for a second dog is provided.

The wheel was patented by Heinrich Feldt of Hamburg in 1888.

Dogs Powering Tricycles

Dogs played a part in the history of tricycles, but the idea was short-lived.

This unusual tricycle, called the Cynosphere, was designed in France in 1875. The idea was to use two dogs, one in each rear wheel, to propel the tricycle by running on a track in the wheels. The French Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals thought the idea inappropriate and further development was abandoned.