Fredrica Vaughan Coates is recognized as the inventor of the first Velcro cloth diaper marketed in the United States. She is also recognized as the inventor of many ‘first to market of their kind products’. These products are covered by one or more of the USA patents& foreign countries.
Fredrica Coates is a multifaceted American individual who excels in the fields of education, business, sculpture, and invention. Her most notable achievement is the invention of the initial Velcro cloth diaper that was commercially introduced in the United States. Additionally, she has pioneered numerous groundbreaking goods that were the first of their kind.
Recognition
*Inventor for China Star Company - ‘Best Eco Product In Hong Kong’, Toys and Baby Fair 2013.
*Inventor for Kidsline and Cocalo Companies - ‘Perfect Bum Advanced Reusable Diaper’ and ‘The Perfect Swaddle’.
Fredrica Vaughan Coates was born in Steubenville, Ohio, USA on June 1st, 1948. Throughout her formative years and academic pursuits, Fredrica skillfully crafted clothing for her acquaintances and loved ones. In addition, she produced paintings and sculptures of people's faces to financially support her postgraduate studies.
Fredrica obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Westhampton College - University of Richmond in 1970 and her Master of Education degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1971.
Fredrica Coatesworked as an art teacher at public schools from 1971 to 1979. Throughout this period, her main emphasis was on providing assistance and direction to children with disabilities in order to help them uncover their artistic abilities. Fredrica, an Art Education teacher, received a grant from the National Committee of Arts for the Handicapped. She was selected by the organization to serve as the Director of the Charleston Committee, which is a specialist Art Education program inside the public school system.
Fredrica utilized the award to facilitate a trip for kids with disabilities to Washington, DC, where they showcased their puppetry skills at the esteemed John F. Kennedy Center. Thanks to her endeavors, the identical cohort of impaired kids, along with over 100 other students with exceptional requirements, were also granted the opportunity to showcase their talents at the renowned Piccolo Spoleto event in Charleston, SC. Fredrica supervised this collaborative endeavor with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. Their collaborative endeavor aimed to provide a unique opportunity for youngsters with exceptional needs to showcase their talents at an international arts festival. Piccolo Spoleto was initiated in 1979 by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with a dedicated cohort of volunteers from the Charleston arts community. Fredrica was tasked with coordinating all the acts at this event featuring children with diverse disabilities, including those with visual and auditory impairments.
Fredrica possesses 48 patents granted in the United States and an additional 28 patents issued in different foreign nations. Some license agreements in her company have included exclusivity restrictions along with consultant provisions, while others have been non-exclusive, permitting numerous companies to simultaneously promote her products. Fredrica is credited for inventing the initial Velcro cloth diaper that was sold in the United States, as well as other protective clothes that utilize hook and loop fastening.
In 1980, Fredrica and her husband, Dr. Michael Coates inaugurated their inaugural enterprise, Designs by Fredrica. Fredrica successfully licensed her initial patents to Kendall, the McCall Pattern Company, the Geri-Care Corporation, Gerber Childrenswear, and a private label program for Walmart Stores through her company.
Fredrica and Dr. Michael Coates founded and established and their own company, Tailored Technologies, Inc. n 1994 for licensing the patents and trademarks the company owns. It was established with the purpose of facilitating the expansion of intellectual rights for international licensing. The company began partnering with European corporations, such as Mothercare, in 1997. Fredrica played a leading role in introducing three distinct types of patented products for Mothercare UK: the SmartNappy system, the Newborn Snuggle Wrap, and the Mothercare Snuggle pod. The Mothercare Snuggle Pod is currently available for purchase in numerous countries through Mothercare franchises. During this period, Fredrica granted a license to China Star Products (HK) Limited for their exclusive brand of diapers, Green Beginnings Asia Limited.
A total of 35 consumer products have been brought to the market, with several being sold globally, as per their license agreements. The product line encompasses a wide variety of items, including numerous types of protective underwear suitable for individuals of all ages, as well as baby wraps and blankets designed to prioritize the comfort and protection of infants. These products are also available for sale globally. Certain licensees have promoted multiple items, with some even marketing up to 5 distinct products that are protected by separate patents.
Fredrica derives pleasure from engaging in consultations with every individual who evaluates her items. Fredrica's forte has consistently been crafting the necessary item, particularly in situations where she was unable to procure it. She began her design career at the age of 6, creating clothing for her dolls. Later, Fredrica's motivation sprang only from love and her dedication to her own children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
Fredrica’s patents have been licensed by 20 different brand-name companies, resulting in the launch of 35 distinct products aimed at protecting various market segments. These segments include products designed for infants, toddlers, special needs children, and adults.
Fredrica has been married to Dr. Michael Coates for 52 years. They have three children and 6 grandchildren.
