Well no wonder they turn on us. We’re turning them into surly short order cooks. Quick, teach it to smoke a cigarette while it flips! – Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Les says,“Hal, flip the pancakes.” “I’m sorry Dave, I can’t flip your pancakes.”
Submitted by: Patrice Guillemette via Submit a Kludge!
Favorite Comments: Czernobog says, “I think this is a fantastic idea that practically radiates creativity.”
Submitted by: nikfish
Favorite Comment: shushnik says, “Don’t expect me to gravel at your doorstep.”
Welcome Fixers to another Historical Thursday! This week we will be entering the wonderful world of accidental creations. In 1943 a naval engineer named Richard T. James was attempting to develop a way to monitor horsepower on naval battleships, when he dropped one of the tension springs and it hit the ground and continued to move he was inspired to create the beloved, Slinky! The name being coined by his wife, Betty James, from the Swedish word for sleek and sinuous.
After spending two years figuring out the best materials to use for the toy, it was presented for debut at Gimbel’s Department Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the 1945 Christmas season. Despite James being nervous about the reception of his product, 400 Slinkies were sold during the 90 minute Gimbel demo.
Following the successful demonstration, the James founded James Spring & Wire Company (later renamed James Industries) with $500 dollars and began production. Today, all Slinkys are made in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania using the original equipment designed and engineered by Richard James. Each one is made from 80 feet of wire and over a quarter billion Slinkys have been sold worldwide.
Information courtesy of: Inventors.com, and WEB.MIT.EDU
Images courtesy of: Inventors.com, and Wikipedia
As always, if YOU have an idea for a future Historical Thursday, please email it to me at thereifixedit@gmail.com.
Submitted by: Joal Morris via Submit a Kludge!
Talk about reinventing the (steering) wheel). -Frankie Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Sarkasm says: “Laadiiiesss and Geeeentlemen. Welcome to the 23rd annual lawnmower jousting tournament. We are proud to announce the return of the legendary Black Craftman, who has fully recovered from his injuries.”
Submitted by: Matt via Submit a Kludge!
But not as painful as having a non-charged smart-phone. Fixers need their apps! – Frankie Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Skyfire says, “It’s shocking what some people will try.”
Submitted by: dunno source via Submit a Kludge!
To paraphrase Pink Floyd, “You’re just another incorrectly-sized stone in the wall.” – Frankie Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Bartsmom says, “This stone lost weight with Slim-Fast and now feels more self-confident and boulder than ever before.”
Submitted by: Dave Watsom via Submit a Kludge!
It’s totally up to code. -Frankie Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Bob-H says: “Build your own balcony out of bamboo and linen — and prepare to meet Kali — in Hell.”
Submitted by: BudMeisner via Submit a Kludge!
This way you can take sharper turns. – Frankie Fix-It
Favorite Comments: Joe says, “Okay, back it in…back it in…back it in….Quit your bellyaching, it’s not that deep, just hold your breath!” to which PsychoDad replies, ” You sound like a Kennedy.”
Submitted by: tures via Submit a Kludge!
Has anyone ever done this? What were your results? – Frankie Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Jag says, “I tried this. Nothing happened. But then I put it in the microwave: WOW.”
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