Walter Hunt was a notable American inventor, best known for creating the safety pin in 1849. He designed it as a way to quickly pay off a $15 debt. The safety pin’s clasp was made from a single piece of thread, with a coiled section to act as a spring and a clasp to protect the wearer from being pricked. Hunt patented the invention on April 10, 1849, but sold the rights for only $400, missing out on the significant profits that would have come later. While the safety pin was his most famous invention, Hunt was a prolific inventor with a creative mindset that led him to create many innovations. In 1833, he designed one of the first working sewing machines, with a chain stitch mechanism. However, he did not patent his creation, which allowed others, such as Elias Howe and Isaac Singer, to find commercial success with improved versions. Hunt also worked on a repeating rifle, which would later inspire the famous Winchester rifle, as well as a fountain pen, a nail-making machine, and a tram bell, which improved public transport safety. Despite his great inventiveness, Hunt rarely took advantage of the financial opportunities that his inventions offered. He preferred to sell his patents quickly rather than develop his ideas commercially, which led to other entrepreneurs exploiting his creations. His story highlights how creativity can transform everyday life with ingenious solutions, but it also emphasizes the importance of protecting and developing ideas to realize their true potential.