Ann Moore

Ann Moore was an American nurse who was known for inventing the baby sling called the Snugli and the refined version of it called the Weego.

Early life and education Ann Moore was born in Ohio in 1934, growing up in a farming community known as the Dunkard Brethren Church. The community was similar to the Amish in their morals by living simply, dressing plainly and not using modern devices. Her parents Lucy and Willard Aukerman credit her inventive spirit to her childhood, when she created simple dolls and toys on the farm at a young age. She said the farm taught her many of the values that later shaped her nursing career including the importance of community and making the most of limited resources.

Moore graduated high school in 1952, earned a B.S. in nursing and health from University of Cincinnati in 1956, and then attended Columbia University for her pediatric nursing degree. Her first international experience came when she traveled to Germany to work with Eastern European refugees, followed by a trip to Morocco to aid earthquake victims.

Career

In 1962, Moore was teaching pediatric nursing at Columbia University’s Babies Hospital. for the next two years where she would teach nutrition courses and worked with the medical team, researching preventive medicine and hygiene. In Togo, Moore would often go to the crowded marketplaces, noticing that she would never hear babies crying. However, she saw that her daughter would slip at times, so she asked her mother, Lucy Auckerman, to sew her an improved carrier. However, the company marketed the Snugli in a different direction, cheapening it for mass manufacturing. They took out key aspects of the original design, something that Moore did not expect. After 12 years of being asked where to find an original Snugli, Moore decided to create a new version called the Weego. This new design featured adjustable shoulder straps, a washable bib, an inner and outer pouch, and snaps. Adjustable webbing was also added instead of tucks and darts, after seeing that they were out of date. Moore introduced this version in 1999 after the arrival of her grandchildren.

Creation of Air Lift After selling her first invention, Moore was approached by a respiratory therapist that could aid her patients in carrying their oxygen tanks. Moore and her husband Mike founded Air Lift, a company that creates soft-sided carriers for oxygen canisters and high-tech instruments. Similar to her product for parents, Air Lift allowed those who are dependent on supplemental oxygen to be able to participate in daily activities and become more active. These backpacks featured mesh and air holes to safely carry the cylinders, which contain a highly flammable liquid. She also had begun to work with Hewlett Packard's microwave division, creating a speedometer case that they could carry on their backs. People who are using the bag are being parachuted into rough terrain and climb up microwave towers, meaning it is crucial for the backpack to be durable and protective.

Impact on society Moore's design has received the honor of permanent placement in the Smithsonian Institution and was also recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century.