Everyday objects such as Chupa Chups lollipops and ballpoint pens contain some uncanny qualities. We use them every day, but there are certain things we probably didn’t know about them. These are 28 facts you probably didn’t know about ordinary objects.
1. The bobble on winter hats
Many people think that the bobble on winter hats is a mere symbol of fashion. Most people show their loyalty to teams or accentuate their attire by wearing these hats, but there is a story being the bobble. The sailor hats of French marines had this bobble to prevent injuries on cabin ceilings. The soft fur protected the head from blows and acted as a sign of danger if the bobble grazed across one’s scalp. Later, the bobbles were used to distinguish the different military branches from each other based on shape, size, and color. Later, the name changed to pompoms. It is believed that the Vikings were the first to wear pompoms. Many pictures of Viking gods showed them wearing hats with pompoms and this is still a folk costume in Scandinavia.
2. Colored lines at the bottom of toothpaste tubes
People used to think that these lines revealed whether the toothpaste was organic or non-organic. The fact is that these lines are bar codes that are read by light beam sensors in factories to indicate where the tube will be forded or cut.
3. Chupa Chups stick hole
Chupa Chups is a common, delicious lollipop brand and the stick has a weird hole. Many assumed that the hole was meant for kids to whistle through or prevent choking, but its purpose is to stop people from pulling out the candy. This ensures that the candy is difficult to swallow. The stick is inserted in the factory when the candy is in liquid form to allow the candy to go through the hole and solidify so that it doesn’t fall out.
4. Keyboard stands
People used to think that keyboard stands or hind legs added to typing ergonomics. However, the truth is that they were supposed to help people see the keys by placing the keyboard at the appropriate angle. Tip: it is ergonomically beneficial to type when the keyboard is not raised.
5. Creased dress pants and trousers
A pair of trousers or dress pants will definitely have some creases and folds. In the nineteenth century, European factories had to transport their clothing in shipping containers to international destinations. They had to fold clothes in order to send as many clothes as possible. The shirts and pants would reach their destinations with many creases and folds and people embraced this as a part of their everyday attire.
6. The diamond-shaped sign on backpacks
There is a diamond-like, pig-nose sign on many backpacks and although many people thought that it was just a symbol of fashion, it is used for a reason. Climbers and hikers can attach a metal loop or rope through it while athletes can tie their shoes hands free.
7. The tiny hole in the middle section of ballpoint pen shafts
Many old-fashioned ballpoint pens have this hole and some people assume that it had no use or it was an error. The purpose of this hole is to allow air in to ensure that the ink keeps running smoothly. If the pen stops working, you should remove the shaft and shake it.
8. Spaghetti strainer hole
The primary purpose of a spaghetti strainer is to remove your al dente noodles from boiling water. The strainer has a hole that acts as a measuring tool. A hole full of uncooked spaghetti strands is equal to one full serving, so a measuring cup is not necessary!
9. The blue and white eraser
As kids, we were made to believe that the purpose of the blue side of the eraser was to remove pen errors while the purpose of the other side was to remove pencil errors. However, we realized the blue part would also damage our papers by smudging them. The truth is that the purpose of the blue part was to remove pencil marks on soft and sensitive art and graphic papers.
10. Number “57” on Heinz ketchup bottles
Some people think that the number “57” on Heinz ketchup bottles signifies Henry John Heinz’ age when he discovered his own ketchup or an anniversary. However, the number helps to dispense the right amount of ketchup. “To release ketchup faster from a glass bottle, apply a firm tap to the sweet spot at the neck of the bottle—the 57. Only 11% of people know this, now you’re in the know” (Heinz website).
11. Rearview mirror tabs
Many people place car fresheners or adornments on the rearview mirror tab, but the primary purpose of the tab is to dim light. You can reduce light from other vehicles by flipping the tap downwards. It helps you to drive safely without blinded eyes.
12. Tic Tacs
Perhaps you have experienced difficulty trying to control your Tic Tac cravings. Don’t worry because the manufacturer designed a tab on the box to ensure that one Tic Tac fits perfectly. One Tic Tac falls when you tilt the box. Enjoy the instant minty breath!
13. Car headrest
Most of us are aware of the benefits of this car part, but we have probably neglected one more purpose. If you are accidentally trapped in a car and you want to get yourself out, remove the headrest and place it on the car window sill and wedge the metal tongs into the car window properly. Next, crank it lightly and the window will shatter and allow you to get out.
14. Metal gauges at gas stations
You’ve probably wondered why there are some weird metal gauges at some gas stations. The metallic joiners were designed for people who fail to take the pump out before leaving the gas station. Magnets are used to prevent explosions by detaching from the pump when someone decides to drive off.
15. Plastic lids on throw-away cups
You often get throw-away cups with plastic lids when you visit fast food restaurants. These lids can prevent spills on you or your car, but you can use them as coasters. The plastic cup fits into the lid when you place the lid face up.
16. Women’s underwear inner layer
Health standards require underwear for both men and women to have a soft inner layer. However, the extra soft tissue in women’s underwear cannot be sewn in to avoid discomfort and create a secret pocket.
17. Wine bottle punt
Wine bottles have a punt at the bottom part to ensure that they stand upright. Another use of the punt is to allow the residue inside the bottle to fit into the tight space at the circular bottom. This ensures that the sediment remains inside the bottle when you are pouring the wine.
18. The hole in padlocks
You have probably noticed the tiny hole in padlocks and you will be pleased to know their purpose. This is where you put oil if the padlock becomes rusty. The hole also allows liquids to flow out of the padlock.
19. Soda can tab
You will find this information useful if you are a fan of soda or diet soda. The can tab has a purpose. Turn it backward and you will be able to balance your straw perfectly as you enjoy your drink.
20. The small plastic disc in soda caps
Perhaps you have noticed a small plastic disc in soda caps. This is not a decoration or a hidden prize during contest seasons. The soda would go flat in the absence of the plastic disc.
21. The tiny hole in between your iPhone’s camera lens and the flash
You have probably noticed this tiny hole and you definitely want to know its purpose. It is one of the three microphones on your iPhone and its purpose is to record clear audio as you record your videos.
22. Buttons on plastic lids
I guess you have drunk from plastic lids and noticed the buttons on top of these lids. These buttons tell you the type of drink you are taking. For instance, if your friend buys regular soda and you buy diet soda, you can distinguish the two drinks by depressing the buttons.
23. Beer bottleneck
There is a reason why beer bottlenecks are designed the way they are. The main reason is to make it easy to hold beer bottles. Moreover, the shape of the bottleneck ensures that the person who is drinking the beer does not transfer too much body heat to the drink.
24. Ice cream scooper colors
You have probably realized that some ice cream scoopers come in different colors. These colors help to indicate scoop sizes based on the number of scoops that can fill a 32-ounce container.
25. The loop on the back of a shirt
This loop has a number of uses and the most obvious one is to help you hang your shirt. Sometimes ago, men used to remove the loop to show that they were dating a woman.
26. The cylinder on your laptop power cable
I know you have always wondered why your laptop power cable has this cylinder. Its purpose is not to decorate the cable, which is what most of us think. It suppresses the high-frequency noises generated by electrical circuits. In addition, its shape prevents damage.
27. The tiny holes in airplane windows
You probably freaked out when you saw that tiny hole in the window of an airplane during a flight. There is no need to worry because the hole regulates air pressure between the outer and inner panes of the window.
28. The extra eyelets on running shoes and sneakers
These eyelets hold your shoes in place during a race or any physical activity. They also ensure that your ankle is stable and protects your skin when the shoe rubs against your body.