Ballpoint Pens
Most of us can’t imagine leaving home without a ballpoint pen tucked into our bag or briefcase; some of us even carry them in all colors. Convenient, easy-to-use and inexpensive, this writing instrument has allowed millions of people the world over to do away with fussy fountain pens.
The idea of a pen that did not run out ink for a very long period is attributed to one John J. Load of the United States, who patented the first ballpoint pen in 1888, but never went into production. Hungarian brothers Laszlo and George Biro, who came along in 1938, made some changes to Load’s original idea, applied for patents, and arranged to put the pen on the market. Their leak-proof ballpoint pen didn’t have to be refilled for a year, and naturally, it was an instant hit. Today Biro is the generic name for ballpoint pens in most parts of the world.
The Biro brothers sold the rights to their ballpoint pen to a British promoter called Henry George Martin, who began manufacturing it in Argentina under the name ‘Eterpen’. In may 1945, patents for American production were licensed to Eversharp, inc. and Eberhard Faber but they did not go into production immediately, to their loss. A shrewd businessman called Reynolds beat them to it. he patented a slightly different version of the ballpoint pen and promptly introduced it to the American and overseas markets. In the first three months, he sold two million pens.
The ballpoint pen was refined over the years and several other famous players entered the fray. while Parker, Sheaffer and Waterman manufacture high-priced upscale varieties, the modern version of the Biro, the BIC Crystal, reportedly sells 14 million pieces across the world every day. Obviously, this is one invention that will never run out of steam – or ink.
Tags: argentina, briefcase, faber, leak proof, shrewd businessman
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:09 pm
It’s actually a cool and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
March 9th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I love looking at and I think this website got some really utilitarian stuff on it!
March 13th, 2012 at 1:41 am
Hi! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!
March 13th, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
March 30th, 2012 at 5:48 am
If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.
March 30th, 2012 at 6:30 am
Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. This sort of clever work and exposure! Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my personal blogroll.
April 2nd, 2012 at 3:44 pm
This is so cute! I love the cute little sandwich
April 2nd, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Perfectly indited content, Really enjoyed examining.
April 4th, 2012 at 10:41 am
I got very encouraged to find this web site. The reason being that this really is an informative post. I needed to thank you in this good read in the subject. I ate every bit than me when i submitted your web blog into a of the most popular social networks so others can discover your web site.
April 4th, 2012 at 11:01 am
Good day. Very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally…I am glad to locate a lot of useful information right here in the article. Thank you for sharing…