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Lloyd Groff Copeman

Lloyd Groff Copeman (December 28, 1881 – July 5, 1956) was an American inventor and entrepreneur renowned for pioneering household appliances, including the electric stove, the flexible rubber ice cube tray, and the automatic toaster, among over 600 patents that influenced everyday technology. Born in the rural community of Farmers Creek in Hadley Township, , Copeman grew up on a farm east of Flint and demonstrated early inventive talent, creating a clock-driven grindstone mechanism at age 10. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and Lapeer Senior High School before studying engineering at Michigan Agricultural College (now ), from which he gained practical experience working at electric utilities in , Spokane, and . In 1904, he married Hazel Berger, with whom he had three children: Lloyd Berger Copeman (1907–1968), Ruth Mary Copeman Ronstadt (1914–1982), and Elizabeth Jane Copeman Gerlach (1918–1998); his granddaughter, singer , later achieved international fame. Copeman's inventive career began with a patented surgical instrument in 1901, but he gained prominence in 1909 with an electric thermostat that enabled the first practical electric stove, leading him to found the Copeman Electric Stove Company in Flint, Michigan, in 1912. He sold the company to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1917 for a substantial sum, after which he established Copeman Laboratories in Flint in 1918 to pursue further innovations, often in collaboration with partner Edwin Wood Atwood. Among his most commercially successful creations was the 1928 flexible rubber ice cube tray, inspired by frozen slush on rubber boots and licensed to General Electric, which earned him over $1 million in royalties and revolutionized refrigeration by allowing easy ice removal without cracking. Other notable inventions included a 1913 automatic toaster that flipped bread for even toasting, the Flexo-Line retractable clothesline made from braided rubber surgical tubing (still in production today), a grease gun for automobiles, self-extinguishing cigarettes, and early microwave oven concepts, alongside refrigeration systems, latex-based products like non-run stockings, and tamper-proof envelopes. Throughout his life, Copeman amassed between 600 and 650 patents from the and , spanning automotive tools, kitchen appliances, and bird feeders produced under his Cope-Craft Products Company in the , continuing to invent nearly until his death. Despite his prolific output and contributions to modern conveniences, he is often called the "forgotten inventor" due to the widespread adoption of his ideas without lasting personal recognition. He resided at the Kinnikinic estate near Lapeer and was buried at Oakwood–Mount Pleasant .

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Lloyd Groff Copeman was born on December 29, 1881, in Hadley Township, near the Farmers Creek area of . He was the son of John Wesley Copeman, a farmer who immigrated from , where he was born in 1842, and Carrie Estelle Groff, who was born in 1859 in . The couple married in 1881 and settled on a farm in rural , where John managed agricultural operations amid the challenges of frontier life. Copeman had several siblings, including Albert "Bertie" Copeman, Cary Copeman, and Willie Copeman, though some may have been half-siblings from his father's earlier marriage. The family dynamics, shaped by the father's immigrant background and the mother's local roots, emphasized self-reliance in a close-knit rural household. Tragically, she passed away in 1889 when Copeman was just seven years old, leaving the family to navigate hardships that further honed practical skills. Growing up on the farm exposed Copeman from a young age to rigorous chores like tending and harvesting crops, which cultivated his manual dexterity and problem-solving abilities. These experiences ignited an early fascination with mechanical improvements to streamline daily tasks, particularly addressing practical needs such as basic in the harsh winters.

Childhood and Early Interests

Lloyd Groff Copeman spent his childhood on the family farm in Farmers Creek, (Hadley Township), during the 1880s and 1890s, where he engaged in typical rural manual labor essential to farm operations. Tasks included turning the to sharpen tools for his father, as well as seasonal activities such as gathering sap for production, which were common on Michigan farms of the era. This demanding environment, characterized by physical chores and limited access to modern conveniences, shaped his early exposure to practical problem-solving. Copeman attended a one-room schoolhouse in Farmers Creek, where formal was basic and supplemented by his innate curiosity. His initial interest in emerged through self-taught experiments with farm tools, demonstrating a precocious for . At around age 10 ( 1891), he devised a clock-like to automate the grindstone operation, allowing it to run independently so he could pursue leisure activities like and —his first documented inventive effort to alleviate a daily rural chore. The rural isolation of the farm fostered Copeman's resourcefulness, as limited resources encouraged to address everyday challenges. Family accounts describe him as exhibiting inventive tendencies early, including a folkloric tale of rigging a remote-controlled paddle in the school privy for pranks, highlighting his playful yet mechanical mindset. This environment of self-reliance on the farm not only sparked his tinkering but also laid the groundwork for later innovations addressing practical needs like , though specific childhood experiments in that area remain undocumented.

Education and Early Career

Formal Education

Lloyd Groff Copeman attended Lapeer Senior High School in the late , following his early education in a one-room schoolhouse in Farmers Creek, . His time there was marked by rebellious behavior and a preference for independent projects over structured coursework, leading to his expulsion. According to accounts from his daughter, Elizabeth Jane Copeman Gerlach, Copeman was summarily expelled from each school he attended due to his disruptive focus on personal tinkering rather than adhering to the curriculum. Around 1900, Copeman enrolled at Michigan Agricultural College (now ) to study , including coursework in mechanics. However, his independent streak again prevailed; he was expelled from the institution for similar reasons of nonconformity and prioritizing self-directed pursuits over academic requirements. These expulsions from both high school and college limited his formal training, fostering a practical, self-taught approach to that defined his later career. In his later years, offered Copeman an honorary doctorate in recognition of his achievements as an inventor. He refused the honor, reportedly stating, “When the degree would have done me some good, you wouldn’t give it to me. Now I have little desire to accept it,” underscoring his disdain for institutional validation after enduring earlier rejections. This episode highlighted how his limited formal education, shaped by these challenges, reinforced his reliance on experiential learning over academic credentials.

Initial Professional Roles

After completing his formal education, Lloyd Groff Copeman entered the workforce as an apprentice mechanist at the in , , around 1902-1903, where he gained hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems in locomotive construction. This entry-level role honed his foundational skills in mechanics, exposing him to and processes essential for industrial machinery. From 1903 to 1910, Copeman transitioned to several electric utility companies, starting with the Edison Company, where he performed electrical installations and troubleshooting for emerging urban power systems. He then moved to the Washington Water Company in Spokane, , briefly relocating to the in 1904 to handle similar tasks in hydroelectric and distribution infrastructure. Later positions at the Edison Company and the Consumers Company in involved diagnosing and repairing electrical faults in power grids and substations, further developing his expertise in the practical application of electricity. These early roles immersed Copeman in the rapid expansion of electrical technologies during the early , including the deployment of grids and early technologies, which provided critical insights into and that would influence his later innovations. Through troubleshooting high-voltage systems and installing wiring for applications, he built a practical understanding of electrical reliability and mechanical integration in real-world settings.

Inventive Career

Household Appliance Inventions

Lloyd Groff Copeman's contributions to household appliances centered on innovations that enhanced , convenience, and efficiency in domestic kitchens and . His early work laid the for modern electric cooking devices, beginning with the development of a thermostatically controlled . Conceived around the , this invention addressed the limitations of open-flame cooking by providing precise heat regulation through an integrated . Copeman patented the key component, a and mechanism, on March 11, 1909, under U.S. No. 1,055,446, which allowed for automatic temperature control in heating elements. This breakthrough enabled the first commercial model in 1912, marketed as a "fireless cooker" that eliminated the dangers of gas leaks and uneven heating, revolutionizing home cooking for urban households adopting . Building on his expertise in electric heating, Copeman invented the automatic "flip-flop" toaster, a device that automated the toasting process to prevent burning and reduce manual intervention. Inspired by his wife, Hazel Berger Copeman, who suggested a mechanism to turn bread without handling it, the invention featured a pivoting grid that flipped the toast mid-cycle upon reaching the desired doneness, signaled by a timer or heat sensor. Hazel was named as assignee on the patent, filed in 1913 and granted on August 25, 1914, as U.S. Patent No. 1,108,552 for a "toast-turner." This semi-automatic toaster represented a significant advancement over manual models, making breakfast preparation safer and more reliable for busy families, and it became one of the first commercially viable electric toasters produced by the Copeman Electric Stove Company. Copeman's most financially successful household invention was the flexible rubber tray, which simplified the extraction of ice from domestic refrigerators. The idea originated in 1928 during a winter walk in the woods near his home, where he observed how frozen slush easily popped out of his rubber boots, prompting him to adapt the concept for ice molds. He patented the design on July 3, 1928, under U.S. Patent No. 1,675,599 (reissued as No. RE17,278 on April 23, 1929), featuring a rubber container divided into compartments that allowed cubes to release with a simple flex without chipping or tools. The tray's ease of use quickly gained popularity in mechanical refrigerators, earning Copeman approximately $500,000 in royalties before he sold the patent rights to in the 1930s, underscoring its widespread adoption in American homes. In the 1930s, Copeman turned his inventive focus to safety enhancements for everyday items, including the self-extinguishing , aimed at reducing fire hazards from unattended . This innovation incorporated heat-sensitive materials into the cigarette paper that would smolder and self-extinguish if the cigarette was left idle, preventing accidental ignition of fabrics or . Developed during a period of growing awareness about household fires, the design was patented in the mid- and reflected Copeman's broader interest in protective coatings and materials. These appliances collectively transformed domestic routines, emphasizing Copeman's emphasis on practical, user-friendly solutions that prioritized and minimized labor.

Automotive and Industrial Inventions

Copeman's innovations in automotive began in the early with the development of a high-pressure greasing designed to efficiently force into bearings, addressing the challenges of manual greasing in emerging automobiles. This , known as the Copeman Lubricating , featured a pistol-grip that allowed for precise, high-pressure application, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving reliability. He secured multiple related patents, including US 1,190,382 for a collapsible grease capsule in 1916 and several for grease cups issued between 1917 and 1921, such as US 1,222,185 and US 1,269,159. These inventions formed the basis of a process still employed today in modern automotive , enhancing durability and operational efficiency. Beyond lubrication, Copeman contributed to automotive protection through patents involving coatings applied to body stampings to prevent during shipping and storage, a practical for the expanding auto industry in the early . His work extended to engine-related components, including and fittings integrated into lubrication mechanisms that minimized leaks and in high-stress environments. Overall, Copeman held numerous patents in these areas during the and 1920s, reflecting his focus on mechanical efficiency in transportation technologies. In applications, Copeman pioneered mechanical designs tailored for factory cooling, with his first such patent, US 1,396,996 for a apparatus, issued on November 15, 1921. This invention featured compact, efficient cooling units using evaporative principles to maintain low temperatures in settings, such as and chemical production facilities. Subsequent patents, like US 1,409,283 in 1922, refined these systems for scalable use, improving and reliability in non-domestic environments. During World War II, Copeman's expertise in latex-based materials led to tamper-proof and waterproof packaging systems that secured military supplies against tampering and environmental damage. These innovations involved coating paper with latex to create self-sealing envelopes and containers, as detailed in his 1934 patent US 1,976,329 for waterproof and puncture-proof paper. The U.S. government consulted him on these designs for secure sealing in wartime logistics, ensuring the integrity of rations and equipment shipments.

Miscellaneous Innovations

In 1943, Copeman invented the Flexo-Line, a portable retractable clothesline constructed from braided rubber surgical tubing that could stretch up to seven feet, designed for use by travelers and in homes where space was limited. This innovation addressed practical needs for compact drying solutions, remaining in production for decades and still available today. During the 1920s, motivated by his Hazel's seasonal exacerbated by and heat, Copeman developed an early home cooling and system. The initial design incorporated a network of water-filled pipes circulating from the basement through room walls to cool the interior, while a subsequent iteration used four rooftop lawn sprinklers to flow water over the house, filtering air and removing irritants. These efforts, stemming from personal family needs, resulted in his first issued in November 1921 and laid the groundwork for over a dozen related patents between 1921 and 1930, all assigned to E. W. Atwood of the Copeman Laboratories in Flint. In 1918, Copeman developed an early concept for a , known as "cold heat," which used high-frequency radio waves to cook food rapidly without direct heat. Although not patented, it demonstrated his forward-thinking approach to cooking technology. In the early 1950s, Copeman refined his earlier rubber tray design with improvements focused on easier ejection of cubes. U.S. No. 2,514,476, granted on , 1950, described a flexible tray that could be bent to release ice without twisting or excessive force, enhancing in domestic refrigerators. This update built on his 1928 original concept, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency in everyday applications. Copeman's farm upbringing in Farmers Creek, , inspired several utility devices adapted from agricultural needs, including early s and holders. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 1,361,021 (December 7, 1920) covered a versatile tool holder suitable for farm implements, while U.S. Patent No. 1,314,078 (August 26, 1919) addressed shanks and handles for general utility. Later, in 1950, he patented a for agricultural purposes (U.S. Patent No. 2,528,947), reflecting ongoing adaptations of his rural experiences into broader practical inventions.

Business Ventures

Copeman Electric Stove Company

The Copeman Electric Stove Company was founded in 1912 in , by inventor Lloyd Groff Copeman to commercialize his thermostatically controlled , a device he had patented in 1909 that allowed precise temperature regulation for cooking. Backed by prominent local investors including J. Dallas Dort, a partner of automobile pioneer , the company raised $500,000 from 22 stockholders to establish operations in a dedicated facility known as the Copeman Building. This venture marked Copeman's first major foray into manufacturing, focusing on bringing his innovative appliance designs to market amid the growing adoption of household in the early . The company's initial products included early electric ranges, such as the "fireless cooker" model, which resembled an insulated oak-clad equipped with removable hot plates and relied on retained heat for efficient cooking after initial heating. Over the subsequent years, production expanded to encompass more conventional electric stoves featuring ovens at waist height for easier access and surface burners arranged for convenience, alongside simpler hotplate variants. These appliances represented a shift from wood- or gas-fired cooking, emphasizing safety and control through Copeman's thermostat technology, though the company faced challenges in scaling distribution during an era dominated by gas alternatives. Despite producing innovative goods, the Copeman Electric Stove Company struggled with a weak sales organization, limiting its . In 1917, during a manufacturers' convention in , Copeman met the president of while manning a solitary booth; this encounter led to a rapid negotiation and the sale of the company to , which sought to bolster its appliance lineup. Westinghouse absorbed the operations, relocating production to its facility in , and continued manufacturing the stoves and related products under its brand while retaining Copeman's patents on the nameplates. This transaction provided Copeman with financial security, allowing him to pursue further inventions.

Copeman Laboratories and Later Enterprises

In 1918, following the sale of his earlier stove manufacturing interests, Lloyd Groff Copeman co-founded Copeman Laboratories Company in , with investor and former Flint mayor Edwin Wood Atwood. The facility, located on the upper floor above the Durant-Dort Carriage Company building, served as a dedicated hub, enabling Copeman to focus exclusively on inventing and prototyping practical technologies without the demands of large-scale production. The laboratories emphasized patent development and licensing as a core business model, particularly in refrigeration innovations. In 1930, Copeman Laboratories entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Inland Manufacturing Company—a division of —granting rights to manufacture and sell sharp-freezing containers, including flexible rubber ice trays and related grids, along with associated patents such as U.S. Patent No. 1,932,731 for nonmetallic freezing devices. This deal generated over $1 million in royalties for Copeman from ice tray sales before the patents were fully acquired by . The arrangement extended to broader systems, underscoring the labs' role in commercializing Copeman's designs for household appliances through strategic industry partnerships. During World War II, Copeman Laboratories contributed to government efforts through consultations on packaging solutions, including latex-based, tamper-proof, and waterproof designs developed at the facility. These innovations addressed wartime needs for secure and durable materials, aligning with Copeman's expertise in rubber and flexible technologies. In the post-war era of the 1940s and 1950s, the laboratories diversified into miscellaneous consumer products, exemplified by the 1943 invention of the Flexo-Line—a portable, retractable clothesline made from braided latex rubber tubing and , capable of stretching to seven feet without requiring clothespins, produced by The Flexo-Line Company established in 1945. Around 1940, Copeman also formed the Cope-Craft Products Company, a mail-order business that marketed bird feeders, birdhouses, and related items. This item, still commercially produced today, highlighted Copeman's shift toward compact, everyday utilities. The labs' operations benefited from Copeman's networks in the automotive sector, including connections with figures like , the and brothers, and associates of through the Athletic Club, as well as financial backing from auto pioneer J. Dallas Dort. These ties facilitated resource access and collaboration, sustaining the laboratories' inventive output until Copeman's later years.

Personal Life and Legacy

Marriage, Family, and Personality

Lloyd Groff Copeman married Hazel Dawn Berger on September 19, 1904, in Spokane, Washington. The couple had three children: Lloyd Berger Copeman (1907–1968), Ruth Mary Copeman Ronstadt (1914–1982), and Elizabeth Jane "Betty" Copeman Gerlach (1918–1998). Hazel played an instrumental role in inspiring one of Copeman's early inventions; during a shopping trip, she suggested creating a toaster that could automatically turn the bread, and family accounts describe her prototyping the initial mechanism using hairpins. The family eventually settled on a farm in Farmers Creek, Michigan, where Copeman maintained a basement workshop that served as the hub for his inventive pursuits, often involving his grandchildren in tinkering sessions. Copeman's personality was marked by independence and a rebellious spirit, evident in his expulsion from for protesting a grading policy, which he later cited when declining an honorary from the in the 1950s, stating that it would have been more useful earlier in his career. He was a self-taught tinkerer from a young age, channeling his curiosity into practical innovations despite lacking formal advanced education. An avid outdoorsman, Copeman enjoyed and , and he kept a of pets including dogs, horses, an , and even a trained to drive his car, reflecting his deep affinity for nature and animals. His daughter described him as "a character from one end to the other," capturing his eccentric and inventive demeanor. Through his daughter Ruth Mary, Copeman became the grandfather of singer , who fondly remembered him as a "character" in her 2013 autobiography and in public remarks, highlighting his influence on the family's creative legacy.

Impact and Recognition

Lloyd Groff Copeman amassed between 600 and 700 patents over his lifetime, a figure he personally tallied, with his inventive output spanning from 1901 to 1957 and featuring notable peaks in the 1920s focused on technologies and in the 1940s related to wartime applications. His contributions left a profound mark on everyday technology, as modern electric stoves, automatic toasters, and flexible trays—now often made of —directly trace their foundational designs to Copeman's innovations, while his became a standard tool in automotive maintenance worldwide. Despite his prolific output and personal connections to luminaries like and through memberships in elite Detroit circles, Copeman remains a "forgotten inventor," receiving primarily local recognition in Michigan—such as entries in historical society archives—rather than major national awards, largely because he frequently sold his patents to larger corporations like and . Copeman died on July 5, 1956, at the age of 74, and was buried at Oakwood–Mount Pleasant Cemetery in , with his legacy enduring through family anecdotes and dedicated online resources that highlight his overlooked role in shaping 20th-century domestic life.

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