Quick Facts
Biography
August Schrader (1807–1894) was a German-American immigrant who had a shop dealing in rubber products in Manhattan, New York City, United States. His original shop was located at 115 John Street. In 1845, he began supplying fittings and valves for rubber products made by the Goodyear Brothers, including air pillows and life preservers. He also made daguerreotype apparatus. Shortly thereafter, he went into partnership with Christian Baecher, a brass turner and finisher.
After watching divers at work nearby, Schrader sought to improve the diving helmets of the era. In 1849, he created a new copper helmet. Later, his interest in diving led to him to design an air pump.
Around 1890, after reports of English cyclists' success using pneumatic tires, August Schrader saw the need for a bicycle tire valve. By 1891 he had produced the Schrader valve, which was his most popular invention and is still used today. August’s son, George, is generally credited with the experimental work that resulted in the valve's creation.
Later in 1896, Schrader patented the tire valve cap. Soon after, tire valves for automobiles were introduced.