Pocket-Protectors

Known as a fashion accessory for nerds in the 1950s and 60s, the pocket protector was invented by an engineer named Hurley Smith during World War Two. He wanted to avoid ink and pencil stains on engineers' white shirts, and fraying around the pocket edges. Awarded a patent in 1947, Smith never pursued legal action against the many companies that produced these cheap plastic or vinyl pouches, often emblazoned with corporate or other logos.