Whitcomb L. Judson
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Whitcomb L. Judson (1836-1909) was an American inventor, born in Chicago, Illinois. Whitcomb is most famous for inventing the forerunner of the modern zipper in 1893, which he called the clasp-locker. During his lifetime, he obtained patents for the zipper, motor improvements and railroad brakes improvements. He also made a number of automobile improvements, one of which made his son a millionaire. This invention is what we now know as the cupholder.
Gideon Sundbäck, who also married Whitcomb's daughter, (1880 - 1954) was a Canadian (Swedish-born) inventor, who invented the modern zipper in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 1913.
Judson has had a high school in Converse, Texas named in his honor.
