Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner (1912-2006) was an inventor who received five patents in her life, the largest number of patents held by a Black woman.

Kenner struggled to overcome racism and to afford the cost of patenting. 

In 1957, Kenner developed the sanitary belt, which held sanitary napkins in place and contributed to the development of modern day adhesive maxi pads and tampons. 

Kenner never made any money from the sanitary belt because her patent expired and became public domain, allowing it to be manufactured freely.

Kenner was approached by a company who was interested in marketing the sanitary belt.  They sent a representative to meet with her and Kenner reports that as soon as they found out she was Black, interest dropped and she was told the company was no longer interested.

Later, Kenner invented a modification to the sanitary pocket that included a "moisture resistant pocket."

Kenner shared the patent on the toilet tissue holder with her sister, Mildred Davidson.  After Mildred developed multiple sclerosis, Kenner invented the carrier attachment for a walker.