When was duct tape invented?

Duct tape, also known as duck tape, was invented between 1943 and 1945 by the Revolite division of the American company Johnson and Johnson. It was initially invented as a means to provide a waterproof seal on ammunition boxes.

The tape was made by combining a thin cotton duck cloth with waterproof polyethylene and a rubber-based adhesive. It was easily applied and removed by hand and was quickly adapted to provide temporary repairs to vehicles and weapons for the duration of the conflict. Post-war, the tape became popular for household repairs. The rights to it were purchased by the Melvin A. Anderson Company in 1950, which was bought out in 1975 and renamed Manco.