The slinky is one of the most popular toys in the world. It has been around for over 60 years!
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Who invented it?
The inventor’s name was Richard James, and he came up with this toy while working as an engineer at his father-in-law’s factory. He accidentally knocked some springs off a shelf that were then hooked together by gravity – voila, the first “slinkys” were born!
How Was Slinky Toy Invented?
It all started in 1943 when naval engineer Richard James was working on a spring that would support sensitive instruments. One day, he absentmindedly stepped off the stairs with this new invention and noticed that it stretched down to the bottom step in an interesting way. He thought about how much fun children might have playing with such a toy, so he made some prototypes for his wife Betty’s birthday present.
The slinky was an instant hit. It sold out at Gimbels department store in Philadelphia on the first day, and quickly became a national sensation. Betty James even had to trademark the name “slinky” to prevent other toy companies from cashing in on its success.
Today, more than 300 million slinkys have been sold, making it one of the most popular toys of all time. It’s even been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame!
When was it invented?
Slinky toy was invented in 1943. Richard James was playing with some metal springs and noticed that they walked down the aisle like a snake. From there, the slinky toy was born. It became an instant success and is still popular today. The slinky was actually patented in 1945, so it’s been around for quite some time!
Why is it called a “slinky” toy?
The name comes from the German word “schlinge”, meaning long, flexible object. Another version is that it is a combination of the words “spring” and “link.”
Slinkys in popular culture
What else can you use your slinky for besides walking downstairs or playing with as a child?
- You can tie string throughout the toy and create an obstacle course.
- The springy nature of the toy makes it easy to attach to other objects for fun playtime!
- It’s also great for science experiments – try suspending it from a metal coat hanger and see how long it takes to fall.
- You can even use it as a makeshift phone charger! Wrap the slinky around your phone, plug in the other end, and wait for it to start charging.
If you’re looking for a way to de-stress, stay active, or just have some good old-fashioned fun, the slinky is the perfect option!
Thanks, Richard James, for creating such a timeless classic. Check the best slinkys we can get these days!
