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Who invented the plastic Slinky?
Richard James
The creator of the Slinky, Richard James (1914-74), did not set out to invent a toy. In 1943, four years after he earned a mechanical-engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University, James was working at the Cramp Shipbuilding Co.
How much did a Slinky cost in the 1950’s?
After the demo they sold out of the 400 Slinky’s they had made and by the early 1950s they were mass producing the little toy and selling thousands per month. One key to the success was the couple’s desire to make the toy accessible to poor children. They set the price at $1.00 and fought hard to try and keep it there.
What is plastic Slinky?
The Original Slinky Brand Plastic Slinky is the only made in the USA, plastic spring toy that gets to call itself a Slinky. Slinky toys stretch like an accordion and wiggle and jiggle in your hands providing endless fun everyone. Watch the Slinky walk down stairs one step at a time or race down a pair!
How much did a Slinky cost in 1945?
In 1945, the Slinky sold for $1.00; by the late 90s, the same model sold for just 89 cents more. “So many children can’t have expensive toys, and I feel a real obligation to them,” she reiterated in the New York Times. “I’m appalled when I go Christmas shopping and [see] $60 to $80 toys.”
What year did the Slinky first come out?
1945
The Slinky was invented and developed by American naval engineer Richard T. James in 1943 and demonstrated at Gimbels department store in Philadelphia in November 1945.
How was the Slinky accidentally invented?
In 1943, an engineer named Richard James was trying to design a new tension spring. He wanted the spring to keep electronic equipment secure aboard U.S. Navy ships during World War II. He accidentally knocked a spring off of his work table. It fell to the floor and began “walking” across the floor.
How much did the Slinky cost in 1940?
The Slinky was originally priced at $1, but many paid much more due to price increases of spring steel in Pennsylvania. It has, however, remained modestly priced throughout its history as a result of Betty James’ concern about the toy’s affordability for less affluent customers.
What is plastic Slinky made of?
It is composed of high carbon steel and coated for durability. The plastic is also purchased from a supplier and then forced through an extruder to form long thin strands. Some of the slinky toys have animal heads and tails attached to either end.
Were Slinkys popular in the 90s?
14) Slinky It’s the simplest of the fad toys of the 90’s, but yet one of the most desirable and entertaining.
Was Slinky made by accident?
Mechanical engineer Richard James invented the Slinky by accident. In 1943, he was working to devise springs that could keep sensitive ship equipment steady at sea. After accidentally knocking some samples off a shelf, he watched in amazement as they gracefully “walked” down instead of falling.
How big is the original Plastic Slinky toy?
Original Plastic Slinky measures 3.25in. diameter wide by 2.5in. high. Recommended for children 5 years of age and older. The POOF-Slinky 110 Plastic Original Slinky continues to be a constant entertainer as it walks down stairs or comes alive in a child’s hands.
Where did the idea for the Poof Slinky come from?
The origins of Poof-Slinky go back to the invention of the Slinky in the mid-1940s by Richard James, a marine engineer working for the U.S. war effort. His inspiration for the toy had come in 1943 when he saw a torsion spring, part of some test equipment he was using, fall from a shelf and then move jerkily across the floor.
What was the patent number for the slinky?
Reum manufactured the Plastic Slinky for Betty James for several years. Eventually Betty James decided to manufacture the product exclusively through James manufacturing, effectively ending the production of the toy by the small Minnesota company. Reum’s patent number, 4120929 was filed on Dec 28,…
When did the first Slinky Dog come out?
72 years ago, an ambulatory coil of galvanized steel slinked into the history books. Save this story for later. The Slinky has had spinoffs like Slinky Dogs and plastic variations, but the original retains the crown.