Mike Gracia

Americus F. Callahan of Chicago, Illinois received the first patent for
a windowed business or commercial envelope. It was originally called
the "outlook envelop", with the patent calling for the use of thin rice
paper as the transparent material forming the window, though this
material has since been replaced by clear plastics. The design has
otherwise remained nearly unchanged.

US Patent 701,839 for a windowed envelope

One of the first shopping carts was introduced by Sylvan Goldman,
(below) owner of the Piggly Wiggly supermarket chain in Oklahoma
City. The cart was a simple metal folding frame that held two wire
baskets. Goldman called his carts “folding basket carriers”. A store
mechanic at Piggly Wiggly developed a method to mass produce 
the carts by inventing an assembly line capable of forming and
welding the wire baskets.

Sylvan Goldman

Sorensen demonstrating his novelty invention the
“Suction Cupped Plate” 

The Joy Buzzer

Soren Sorenson Adams (May 24, 1879 – October 20, 1963) was a 
Danish-born inventor who founded Adams Magic Manufacturing in
1906. He created novelty products such as the Joy Buzzer, Cachoo 
Sneeze Powder, the Dribble Glass and the Exploding Cigar.

Other prank products included the nut can with a spring snake. He
was once offered the rights to the Whoppee Cushion, but deemed
it “too indelicate”. He is credited with having invented over 650 joke
shop items. 

                
                                     The Snake Nut Can

Business executive and food developer Donald Goerke, inventor of
Spaghetti O’s.

SpaghettiOs canned pasta was Introduced by the Campbell Soup Company
under the Franco-American brand. It was created by Donald Goerke (above)
after a year-long study of the appropriate shape for a pasta dish that people
could eat without making a mess. During his 35 years with Campbell, Goerke
created over 100 products including the Chunky line of soups.