Wham-O
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Hula Hoop Inventor Dies at 101
Joan Anderson, credited with popularizing the hula hoop, recently passed away at 101. Inspired by Australians twirling wooden hoops, Anderson introduced the toy to Wham-O, resulting in a handshake deal that launched a global craze. The Hula Hoop generated $30 million in two months, though Wham-O reaped most of the financial benefits. The Andersons settled a lawsuit for a small sum, highlighting the challenges inventors face within the toy industry regarding contracts and intellectual property.
