S.O.S Soap Pad

As a way of introducing himself to potential new customers, Cox made the soap encrusted steel-wool pads as a calling card.

Cox soon found out that the S.O.S pads were a hotter product than his pots and pans.

By removing the last period, the name was unique and could then be registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

[2] The product was indirectly featured in a widely circulated black & white photograph taken by William Safire of the Kitchen Debate.

An S.O.S box is clearly visible on the right side of the picture, standing on the countertop above the washing machine.