### The hidden story behind that little pocket in jeans
If you've ever wondered about the purpose of that small pocket in your jeans, you're in for a surprise. Originally, this tiny piece of fabric wasn't designed to hold coins or other small items – it was created to store pocket watches. Introduced in the 1800s by Levi's, this 'watch pocket' offered workers a safe place to keep their timepieces. Although pocket watches have become obsolete, the pocket remains a staple in modern jeans, a nod to its historical roots.
### The mysterious hole in airplane windows
Ever noticed the small hole in airplane windows and wondered if it's a design flaw? In reality, this so-called 'bleed hole' plays a crucial role in maintaining cabin pressure. Airplane windows comprise multiple layers, and the bleed hole is located in the middle pane. It helps regulate the pressure between the inner and outer layers, thereby preventing the window from shattering due to the pressure difference. Next time you're above the clouds, you can rest easy knowing that tiny hole is there to keep you safe.
### The origin of the QWERTY keyboard
Typists today might take the QWERTY keyboard layout for granted, but its design emerged from a need to solve a significant problem with early typewriters. When the typebars frequently jammed due to rapid typing, a solution was needed. Inventor Christopher Sholes developed the QWERTY layout in the 1870s to slow typists down, making jamming less frequent. The design remains in use despite later inventions of more efficient keyboards, a testament to its lasting impact.
### The reason behind the '57' on Heinz ketchup bottles
The number '57' on Heinz ketchup bottles is more than just a quirky marketing choice. In fact, it stems from the company's founder, Henry Heinz, and his belief in the significance of the number. Heinz initially picked 57 since it sounded catchy and memorable, even though the company had more than 57 varieties of products. The number '57' quickly became a symbol of quality and has stuck ever since, forever linking the condiment with the idea of excellence.
### The enigma of the empty mailbox flag
Many of us may not give a second thought to the little red flag on a mailbox. However, its purpose is vital, particularly in rural areas. When the mailbox flag is up, it signals to the postal carrier that outgoing mail is waiting to be collected. This has been a standard feature since mailboxes became widespread in the early 20th century. Although it may seem like an insignificant feature, it plays a crucial role in ensuring timely mail collection and delivery.
### The history of the barcode
Barcodes are ubiquitous today, but their history traces back to a simpler era. Developed by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in the late 1940s, the initial concept was inspired by Morse code. First implemented in supermarkets in 1974, barcodes revolutionized inventory management and checkout processes. This technological innovation has grown to become an integral part of global commerce.
### The curious case of Kleenex tissue
Kleenex tissues were originally intended as a substitute for cotton in gas mask filters during World War I. However, after the war, the tissues found a new, surprisingly popular use as disposable face towels. Marketed as a means to remove cold cream and makeup, Kleenex became a household name. Its repurposing offers a fascinating glimpse into how wartime innovations can find peacetime applications.
### The unexpected origin of bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is not just for protecting fragile items; it was initially designed as textured wallpaper by engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes in 1957. While their initial idea flopped, they soon realized bubble wrap's potential as a packaging material. This discovery changed the course of shipping and packaging forever, turning a failed design concept into a global industry staple.
The untold facts about everyday objects you never realized
