The hopper ball is a fun version of an exercise ball, targeted for kids. The toy is a bouncy ball, with a handle to hold on while you sit on it and bounce. It is known by many different names like skippy ball, hoppity hop, sit ‘n bounce, pertaining to the hopping action. It is available in many colors and cute shapes that attract children. But not only children, adults can also use it for exercise purposes.
The Origin
The hopper ball was patented in Italy in 1968 by the designer, Aquilino Cosani. After trying out many prototypes and getting them tested by children, the final product was designed. The idea struck him when he realized that the children look the happiest when they are jumping, giving him an idea to make a comfortable and safe toy for children that they could use to bounce. To make it even more attractive, he gave different shapes to the handle. Originally it was launched in orange color, but the hopper ball is now available in various colors and shapes. Thanks to the rigid patent that allowed other companies from different countries to make their own interpretations of the ball, making it a worldwide popular product with a lot of variety in its design.
The Hopper Ball
A cultural symbol for children in its era, the ball is still a great product till this date. Because the concept of the ball is unique and the ease and versatility of its use make it fun for children and a toy the parents can trust on.
The bouncy ball has its own benefits that all toy manufacturers and designers try to achieve:
- The hoppity-hop is very easy to use.
- There are many variants available of the ball, with different shapes, colors, and material.
- The ball provides a lot of cardiac activity to the children while being a fun thing to bounce on.
- These are available in many different sizes that suit children and even adults.
- There are many ways this can be used by adults for exercise purposes as well.
Material
Earlier, the ball was made of soft, but heavy rubber, that had a lot of bounce in it. But with the advancement of technology and development of synthetic material, the hopper is now made of PVC, for it has better strength and is also cost effective, resulting in making a cheaper product. The ball is hollow from inside; the outer shell is made of PVC or rubber, attached to a silly handle and a tire intake for inflation of the ball with air.
How to Use It?
This is the best part about the ball (apart from the actual fun of bouncing with it). This is so easy to use that it can be easily used by anyone; all it requires is.
- To be inflated with air through the intake valve.
- The ball can be easily inflated with a bike pump or any low-pressure electric pump.
- After that, hold the handle and,
- Bounce along!
Not only is it used by children for bouncing around, but also by many adults nowadays because it is actually a fun exercise ball. In many countries, adults have made exercise groups who use the hopper ball for various silly but effective exercises. It makes exercise and laughter to go along quite well. It has become a new trend because of the fact that it is a simple way of burning lots of calories. The exercises that have been developed using these hoppity-hops are fun and easy, yet they help burn a lot of fat. Involving its use in competitions like racing doubles the joy and attracts more people to exercise using this.
The hopper ball has been a great product, that gained huge popularity for its unique concept and design. The product has not only associated itself with the childhood memories of many generations, but it still continues to do so. On the while, the use of the product has evolved from being a fun kids toy to a fun cardiac partner for many adults now. The ease and versatility of use have made it a great thing to own.
