The Slinky
image from iStock
The fun toy Slinky was invented by accident by Richard James in 1943. Mr. James was trying to find ways to keep ship equipment steady while at sea, and he was experimenting with various types of springs. He knocked over some of the spring samples, and he watched in amazement as they "walked down" instead of falling. (Information from Museumofplay.org)
The toy began being sold in stores in 1945, and the "Slinky Song" became famous and helped to sell many of the toys. Here is an old commercial:
Slinky Manipulation became popular in 2010. Slinky artists can twirl, spin, bounce, and jump the slinky toy in incredible ways. Much like the yo-yo artists, the slinky artists are bringing new excitement to an old toy.
Josh Jacobs, a Slinky manipulator, demonstrates his tricks in this video:
Note: there is a brief audience reaction bleeped at 2m06s.
