The simple (in hindsight), yet extremely useful, paint roller is
another great Canadian invention. In 1940, Norman Breakey, a
Toronto inventor, patented the device which would subsequently
revolutionize the painting business and help usher in a new era
of self-help home improvements. Once the paint roller became
known to the public, imitators popped up everywhere, and
Breakey did not have the resources to enforce his rights.
Despite his great contribution, Breakey reaped few of the
rewards which might have flowed from his ingenuity. Breakey
invented a few other devices, but none as significant as the
paint roller.
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