Silly Inventions That Made Their Creators Surprisingly Rich

The Iconic Slinky Has $3 Billion In Sales

Like many iconic inventions, the Slinky almost never came to be. Its inventor, Richard James, stumbled upon the idea by pure chance when he dropped a spring on the floor and watched it “slink” around on its own. Intrigued, James spent years experimenting with different designs before finally releasing the now-famous toy. When it hit the market, the Slinky became an instant success, captivating kids and adults alike with its simple yet mesmerizing motion. But the story doesn’t end there

Years later, James moved abroad to join a cult, leaving his wife, Betty, to take over the company. Under her leadership, the Slinky continued to thrive, becoming a household name. After her passing, The New York Times reported that enough Slinkies had been sold to stretch around the Earth 150 times. Isn’t it amazing how a simple spring could become such a cultural phenomenon? From its accidental discovery to its enduring legacy, the Slinky remains a testament to creativity and resilience.