This writing object, so popular among adults and children, has many surprises in store for us. In fact, there is a detail on the cap of the pen that will surprise you. Why do pens have a small hole on top of the cap?
Here is the history and explanation of this function of the pen that deserves to be known.
Ballpoint pen caps – Source: spm
Discover the history of the invention of the pen
In 1888, American John J. Loud was granted a patent for his invention, but his pen was never sold. The writing instrument used around the world today was designed in 1938 by László József Bíró, a journalist and artist.
Discovering that the ink used to print newspapers dried much faster than that of a conventional ballpoint pen, he realized that it would be much more useful to writers.
Since the printing ink was too thick and had a pasty composition that prevented it from running down the nib if it was placed in the pen reservoirs, Bíró created a new type of nib, a tubular nib with a very small ball on the end. upper part. When the pen was pressed against the paper to write, it rotated around the nib and spread the pasty ink on the paper.
His invention ended up being bought by the British Royal Air Force, an institution that was looking for a suitable writing instrument for its pilots. He wanted one whose ink would not explode in the cockpit of the plane if the pilot flew at high altitude.
What is the explanation of this small hole in the cap of the pen?
Since the appearance of the first writing instruments, the inventors, and then the companies that manufacture them, have made a number of changes to their appearance. Over time, one of the biggest challenges they had to overcome was related to a dangerous habit of many people, especially children: putting the cork in their mouths, risking suffocation.
This is how the idea of forming the small hole in the cap of the pens arose, allowing the person who is in such a situation to breathe.
Child with object in mouth – Source: spm
What to do if a child swallows an object?
We all know that small objects should not be left in the hands of children under 3 years of age. There are occasions when children can, in a moment of carelessness on our part, put the cork in their mouths. What if they end up putting a pen cap, coin, or bullet in their mouth? And if he swallows it?
The first and most difficult thing is not to panic and try not to yell at him or make him nervous. The swallowed object may go straight into the stomach, or it may be quite large and pass through the stomach. In this case, panicking will not help you at all.
As we said, the object can go directly to the digestive system or get stuck before; in the throat (generating a cough) or in the airways (the child chokes). In these cases, you have to put it inclined downwards (not totally upside down, but quite inclined) and give it strong blows (which does not mean very strong) between the shoulder blades to expel it.
If it has been swallowed and goes to the stomach (less painful and less painful option), the little one may gag and even vomit a little due to the passage of the object in the esophagus. Under no circumstances should you make him vomit.
Whether it was expelled or not, it is necessary to take it to the emergency room, especially if the object can puncture or cut. If he kicked it out, it’s good to see if he did any damage to his throat. If you haven’t kicked it out, it’s good to see where it is with an x-ray. The disadvantage of X-rays is that metal objects such as coins show up perfectly, but plastic objects do not.
Therefore, never leave small items like pen caps lying around the house. And you will have understood it, the small hole in the cap of a pen is very important.
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