james, betty

A story of the invention of an iconic American toy describes how engineer Richard James observed the remarkable movements of a coiled spring that fell from his desk.

One day a spring fell from the desk of Richard James, an engineer and a dreamer. Its coils took a walk...and so did Richard's imagination. He knew right away that he had stumbled onto something marvelous.

Did you know that the Slinky was inspired by a plain old spring? Learn all about the incredible innovators behind one of the world's most popular toys.