There's a Reason For Holes on The Tops of Pen Caps, And It's Surprisingly Awesome

[Judi Lynn]

We had no idea.

FIONA MACDONALD 16 MAY 2018

Sometimes, science is all about the mind-aching big picture. Like the idea that our Universe is just a giant hologram, or that we've actually detected gravitational waves from a neutron star collision. Or that we might not actually have as much free will as we think...

Those are really exciting concepts. But then there are other times when you come across a day-to-day application of technology that's so simple and yet so important, it reminds you what all this innovation is about. Case in point: that ubiquitous hole at the top of your BIC pen cap.

You've probably never given it much thought, or if you have, you've probably brushed it off as some random design feature that regulates air pressure or stops ink from drying out. And, yes, having a hole on their does allow you to close the lid properly without the air pressure issue. But it also serves another simple yet ingenious purpose - reducing the risk of choking deaths.

Turns out it's not just us who love chewing on pen lids - a whole lot of people do it, and that can lead to lids getting accidentally swallowed and lodged in the wind pipe, with potentially fatal consequences.

More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/why-there-are-holes-in-tops-of-pen-caps-lids-bic

[underpants]

1. First I stumble upon Drowning info I didn't know now this. Rec'd

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016206738

[central scrutinizer]

2. Small Legos have a hole for the same reason

[byronius]

3. I own a pen company, and remember well when this change was made.

Important. I did not grumble or complain in the slightest.