The paperclip, pencil eraser, until the post-it note, every day we use as the office equipments without prejudice. However, there is history and interesting stories behind the inventions.
One of them, the paperclip which turns on used as a popular symbol of Norway resistance against the Nazi occupation. Or Pritt Stick glue that apparently inspired by the lipstick. Here are the stories as quoted from the BBC on September 11, 2014.
1. Paperclip
No one is sure about the origin of a paper clip. One of the widely circulated theory is that it was discovered by Johann Vaaler, a Norwegian and register the patent in 1899. However, it is considered less practical creation and never mass produced. However, Vaaler still known as the inventor of the paperclip. Even making it into a folk hero in his country.
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| Paperclip and its statue as high as 7 meter as a form of homage to Johann Vaaler in the front of BI Norwegian Business School. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1y50oRh) |
Here's the story: during the years of Nazi occupation, paperclip used as a symbol of resistance in Norway. Mounted on the collar. As a reminder that the people of Norway united against the invading forces. "We are bound together".
Many years after the war, Vaaler the belief that Vaaler was the paperclip inventor become widespread. The story went encyclopedia Norway - mingled with stories of resistance that makes paperclips approaching as an image of national symbol. In 1989, BI Norwegian Business School was built a paperclip statue as high as 7 meter as a form of homage to Vaaler - although not the same design with his paperclip creation.
2. Pink Pearl Eraser
Although not as popular in the United States, Pink Pearl eraser can be easily recognized by UK residents. Distinctive pink color and striking texture is the result of mixing of volcanic pumice mixed with rubber and factually given during the manufacturing process.
Pencil eraser made of natural or synthetic rubber. However, rubber is usually only used as a binder, about 10-20 percent. Other materials include a mixture of vegetable oil mixed with sulfur and is known as factually given - which serves as an eraser.
Pink Pearl was launched in 1926, when the compulsory rules are enforced in the United States. Cheap price and decent quality make it a common part in classes across the country. In 1967, Vija Celmins, an artist made a sculpture of balsa wood - shaped and painted like the original. Ten years later, Avon cosmetics manufacturers produce Pink Pearl pink nail brush - to remove eraser dirt in the students nails.
The shape and color of Pink Pearl even known until now - in the version marketed by PaperMate. The 'eraser' icon in Photoshop also mimic its shape. Currently also available Pink Pearl magnets, badges, USB is also included in the eraser.
3. Pritt Stick Glue
In 1967, Dr. Wolfgang Dierichs, a researchers at the German company, Henkel was on a business trip. He checked in to get on the plane, sitting in a chair, install and tighten the belt, ready for take-off conditions.
When the aircraft was about to land, suddenly sparked an idea to revolutionize the world. He was inspired by women who are wearing lipstick. Dierichs who watched, thinking the lip shape can be used for different things such as glue.
Solid glue is placed in a container like a lipstick, can be issued by way of playing. Easy to use and not dirty. "People who see women wearing lipstick will be thinking," imagine that she smeared the glue on the lips. "
Henkel launched Pritt Stick in 1969. Within 2 years, the product is available in 38 countries around the world. And now has sold in more than 120 countries worldwide. Approximately 130 million Pritt stics produced each year and more than 2.5 billion sold since it was first produced. "Enough to carve the glue line that extends from the Earth, past the Moon, to Mars, and then back again," claims the company. In 1987, Henkel began launching glue ads with a character called Mr. Pritt.
4. Drawing Pin
Just as it is called, was originally used drawing pins to hold the paper drawer that they draw upon. Now often used as tacks paper in offices. Drawing pin or thumbtacks that have a variety of shapes and designs - evolved from simple shape of straight nails.
As well as the rapid development, there is much debate over the drawing pin inventor. Some people claim, nails was found a German clockmaker named Johann Kirsten between 1902 and 1903. Aware that the base of the nail with a wider more comfortable for the thumb, he hammered brass plate and attach it on the nail.
Despite being the inventor, Kirsten did not get the benefit from his work. He was only able to sell a small number of spikes for other local artisans - possibly because of his drinking habits - are forced to sell the tacks design to the factory owner Arthur Lindstedt. With a few changes, tacks bring money into the Lindstedt's coffers. Workers can produce thousands of nails every day are exported to all over Europe.
In 2003, Christa Kothe, the owner of a small hotel outside of Lychen build a statue to commemorate 100 years of the discovery of tacks. At least, there are those who remember the figure of Kirsten.
5. Post-it Note
Spence Silver joined 3M in 1966 as a senior chemist in the corporate research laboratory. Where he joined the team is developing a pressure-sensitive adhesive - can be attached easily, but easily removable.
Working on a formula, Silver change the number one chemical and deliberately create a very weak glue but reliable. Initially, the findings look in vain. However, Silver believes, would be pointless. He show this to his colleagues and even held a seminar to explain the unusual nature of their findings. Silver intends to sell the adhesive in aerosol form - which will be sprayed on the back of a sheet of paper or poster.
One of the employees who attended the seminar Silver 3M is Art Fry - are often frustrated when choir practice. Therefore, the pieces of paper that is used to mark pages in a book singing continues to fall. He realized his artificial adhesive could be a solution.
However, marker adhesive book he proposed that his colleagues did not respond well. One day, Fry wants to write a message to his boss, then he took his bookmarks, write a number sentence and stick it in front of the book.
Then, after receiving the message, the boss also take bookmarks and stick it in front of a paragraph that must be corrected - coupled with a number of comments. Eureka! Sticky note was born. A history begins. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC]
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