Who were the first ballpoint pens aimed for?
The first successful ballpoint pen was invented by a Hungarian editor in the 1930s named László Bíró, who was looking for a way to use fast-drying newspaper ink for handwriting. When he noticed how quickly the ink dried in the newspaper presses, he was determined to create a pen that used such ink.
Together with his brother, they experimented with different thicknesses of the ink and the ball construction. In 1938, the patent was approved and the success was a fact. British pilots from the RAF were equipped with László Biró’s ballpoint pens during World War II as it was the only pen that could be used at such altitudes.
More Info:
blog.ballograf.se
What are your thoughts on this subject?
21 Comments
John McLardie
Biro licensed production of the new pens to the British who produced them for RAF pilots to use. They were not 'aimed at' pilots in the first instance. That was not Biro's original intention.
A Swedish blog and/or Wikipedia is not the best verifiable evidence to use for this question.
Stephen W. Gerrard
Anyone have a clue as to what state wave ratio means? Never heard of it and my search revealed nothing.
Paul Greenslade
The original intention of the ballpoint was for a pen that could write on rough surfaces, which a fountain pen could not.
Kenneth Jacobs
The first patent for a ballpoint pen was issued on 30 October 1888 to John J. Loud, who was attempting to make a writing instrument that would be able to write "on rough surfaces — such as wood, coarse wrapping-paper, and other articles" which fountain pens could not. Loud's pen had a small rotating steel ball, held in place by a socket. Although it could be used to mark rough surfaces such as leather, as Loud intended, it proved to be too coarse for letter-writing. With no commercial viability, its potential went unexploited and the patent eventually lapsed.
johnbheymann
Appallingly badly worded question .
And incorrect answer given .
Ken Putnam
No where does your reference say that they were "aimed at pilots"
flanderschristy
I didn't know the answer to this question but by using deductive reasoning, I got it correct.
This was a great question & I learned something new. That's one of the reasons that I take these quizzes. That's also why giving us the correct answers is so important,
Donna Miller
Stephen W. Gerrard, I believe they are erroneously referring to SWR which is commonly known as "standing-wave ratio.
Elsy O. Stromberg
Great invention, especially for left-handed people.
Albeck1994
Richard G Schwartz, yes
ninakamwene
I did not know that, thank you for educating us and be well.
Keith Richard Mears
Nor the correct answer, the pilots use was the first official use of the pen, they were not invented for that purpose.
Sue Grayson
Of course it should say intended for. But hey, it’s Carol Whites. Say no more.
Anne Roberts
Something I wasn’t aware of and never thought about so learning has taken place and this great invention hasperhapsbeen a revolution for so many people thank you
John W Shreve
What was the pen that could write on butter?
jshehan
Mike Hibner, throw the pen at Carol it'll just bounce off the hard drive case she's a program in.
jshehan
Susanna Viljanen, Why does my private "pilots" certificate say pilot then?