Andrew J. Beard – The Safety Connector

Innovation born from experience — and built to protect.

In 1897, Andrew J. Beard, a formerly enslaved man turned inventor, patented the automatic railroad car coupler — a device that drastically improved rail safety. Before Beard’s invention, workers had to risk their lives manually coupling train cars, often resulting in serious injury or death.

Beard’s coupler locked cars together automatically, making railroads safer and more efficient. He knew the danger firsthand, having lost a leg in a rail accident himself.

This tee is a tribute to a genius who used his pain to protect others — and whose brilliance helped move a nation.

From the tracks to the blueprint, Beard kept people safe. Honor his legacy — wear the innovation of Andrew J. Beard.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Side-seamed

Size guide