Looking for additional input if anyone has any. This all started in 1968-1969.
ITALY: The Pon-pon ball by Ledragomma seems to be the first hopper ever made, with Mr. Cosani credited as having the idea of a rideable PVC ball. Ledragomma patented only their unique hard plastic handle, allowing other companies to make their own versions. Ledra later released the Hop! series with soft handles. Both are still in production.
ENGLAND: the first Space Hopper by Wembley (or was it Mettoy?) was a smash hit. Several versions were released by more than one U.K. company over the years, but there were originally two sizes of the actual horned, grinning Space Hopper, the standard orange and a larger blue model. Several updated Space Hoppers have been released in recent decades, though none appear made in country.
U.S. The Hoppity Hop by Sun Rubber is the main American entry. It had a unique rugged textured surface and a ring handle. Came in red, blue, and yellow. Smaller balls were sold with various character heads. Nothing from Sun's original molds or styling is now in production. Other companies in the U.S. sold smaller hoppers designed for very young kids.
NETHERLANDS: the Skippybal, very similar in design to the Pon-Pon, was released around this time. It appears to still be popular there, though the balls are no longer made in country.
GERMANY: the hupfball, similar to a Space Hopper but with straight plain handles. Unsure at what point this was first produced.
ITALY: The Pon-pon ball by Ledragomma seems to be the first hopper ever made, with Mr. Cosani credited as having the idea of a rideable PVC ball. Ledragomma patented only their unique hard plastic handle, allowing other companies to make their own versions. Ledra later released the Hop! series with soft handles. Both are still in production.
ENGLAND: the first Space Hopper by Wembley (or was it Mettoy?) was a smash hit. Several versions were released by more than one U.K. company over the years, but there were originally two sizes of the actual horned, grinning Space Hopper, the standard orange and a larger blue model. Several updated Space Hoppers have been released in recent decades, though none appear made in country.
U.S. The Hoppity Hop by Sun Rubber is the main American entry. It had a unique rugged textured surface and a ring handle. Came in red, blue, and yellow. Smaller balls were sold with various character heads. Nothing from Sun's original molds or styling is now in production. Other companies in the U.S. sold smaller hoppers designed for very young kids.
NETHERLANDS: the Skippybal, very similar in design to the Pon-Pon, was released around this time. It appears to still be popular there, though the balls are no longer made in country.
GERMANY: the hupfball, similar to a Space Hopper but with straight plain handles. Unsure at what point this was first produced.
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