In 1901, African-American inventor Sarah Boone received a patent for her innovative ironing board design. Her invention aimed to enhance the efficiency of pressing sleeves and garments, crucial for domestic tasks. Despite its potential to streamline ironing, traditional garment manufacturers and tailors resisted it, fearing reduced demand for manual services. This opposition delayed its market adoption, impacting its initial acceptance as a household staple, despite its significant benefit to domestic labor, especially for women.