Polyethylene, a plastic introduced by Imperial Chemical Industries in the s was the key to making the tape waterproof. Polyethylene was a critical insulating material used in the construction of radar equipment, its light weight allowing airplanes to be equipped with radar. Soldiers found that the new tape had uses beyond sealing ammunition boxes. It came in handy when repairs were needed for all sorts of equipment and even was pressed into use for wounds when nothing else was available.
The colour was changed from the original military olive green to silver by using aluminum powder so as to blend in with the tin ducts. In , Apollo 17 astronauts Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan managed to repair a fender on their lunar rover with duct tape.
Then in came a stunning bit of research. As one might expect, the revelation that duct tape should not be used on ducts caused quite a media frenzy. Indeed, building codes have been changed to prevent the inappropriate use of duct tape.
Of course, duct tape remains popular for other applications. It has been used to hold broken tail lights in place, secure wigs and even remove warts.
A much-publicized research paper in reported that duct tape applied to a wart for two months was more effective than the usual treatment with liquid nitrogen, although subsequent studies failed to corroborate this finding. Its waterproof qualities and mallard green color led to the nickname "Duck Tape". The tape was so versatile that it gained a vast variety of other uses and repair work. After the war it was used to connect heating and air conditioning ducts and manufacturers changed the color to silver to match the ducts which led to its name "Duct Tape".
Thanks so much to everyone involved for ensuring that this family 'tale' was unveiled and shared for all to enjoy. I knew the Stoudt Family always stuck together but now I know why! It's what they do!! Great to see yet again that it is the man or woman in the arena, never giving up, that truly makes the difference. We should all be reminded of this and Vesta after all these years gives us the example. Cheers to the Stoudt family and all who have Vesta's spirit in their heart. Great story.
As a veteran and a heavy user of mile an hour tape during my many years in the military, I am glad I learned the roots of how it came to be! Such an amazing story on the creativity of a mother trying to help her sons stay safe in combat.
What an amazing story! Vesta was way ahead of her time and thanks to Kari for sharing this story with us. She is obviously very proud of her incredible great grandmother! I have just discovered this wonderful blog and, I would like to thank you for the phenomenal job you are doing in reminding us some pivotal pieces of our history. Thank you. Keep going, this is just great. I really like how this is sorted and it really does help me on my passion project In reply to by chambass Bakr.
Although we invented the product, the operating company that made it, Permacel, was divested several decades ago. This is so cool! A simple idea changed so may lives much less it is the staple to every single womans home. One roll of duct tape and a butcher knife! You can fix anything, trim trees, broken bike wheels, pipes you name it. Your tool kit is complete! Wondering if Mrs.
Stoudt received any monetary compensation for her brilliant idea? I know - her reward was ensuring her boys had quick access to ammo. But if the Johnson Family actually made the idea come to fruition, wouldn't it be great to know that, still, Mrs. Stoudt received even a minor kickback of some sort. Not just as a fellow civilian, but also as a woman I beam with pride for Vesta's incredible, life-saving invention. It is a good thing she went above her bosses' heads on this, otherwise many of our fathers and grandfathers would not have made it back alive from war.
I too am an inventor and I can't find the words to express the words of joy reading this story. God works in strange ways. Russ C This is awesome! As a mom of two soldiers, I can relate to what Mrs. Stoudt was feeling! Duck Brand. Plan for Your Move. Packing Up. Getting Organized.
0コメント