Prompt Cast
The Fascinating Story of the Invention and Success of the Slinky
TLDR The Slinky was invented by Richard Thompson James, who accidentally discovered its unique movement and went on to create the perfect tension and shape for the toy. Despite facing financial difficulties and personal challenges, the Slinky became a popular toy and was successfully revived by Richard's wife Betty, leading to its continued success and recognition in the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The hosts discuss their recent tour and express their love for Seattle, but also mention the gloomy weather.
04:43
The inventor of the Slinky, Richard Thompson James, was a mechanically oriented kid who later became a naval engineer and worked on improving weapons of war during World War II.
09:21
The inventor of the Slinky accidentally discovered its unique movement when he knocked over a spring and observed it falling in a graceful arc, leading him to refine the design over the course of a year to create the perfect tension and shape for the Slinky.
13:57
The inventor gets neighborhood kids to test out the slinky and they love it, making him believe that he has a hit toy on his hands.
19:29
The inventor takes the slinky to toy stores, but it doesn't sell until it is displayed in Gimbles' Christmas display.
24:15
Richard James takes the slinky to Gimbles where he sells all 400 units in 90 minutes, leading to the sale of 20,000 slinkies by Christmas, and the slinky becomes a popular toy.
29:06
Richard James created a machine that could make a slinky in five seconds, leading to the sale of 100 million slinkies in the first two years and the expansion of the slinky line to include other toys and products.
34:18
Richard James became increasingly isolated from his family and withdrew from society as he turned to religion, causing strain in his marriage and financial difficulties.
39:31
Richard James funneled all of the money from the Slinky business to religious groups, leaving the company in debt, before leaving his family and joining a missionary group in Bolivia, while his wife Betty took over the company and successfully revived it.
44:46
Betty James successfully revived the Slinky business by investing in advertising and moving the facility closer to Philadelphia, and the popularity of the Slinky increased even more when a plastic version was introduced and featured in the movie Toy Story.
49:38
Betty James sold the Slinky business to Poof Products in 1998, lived to the age of 90, and was recognized by the Toy Industry Association's Hall of Fame, while scientists discovered that a Slinky has the amazing property of momentarily levitating when the top is released.
Categories:
Society & Culture
