As a child, I remember a number of small toys where each had a sucker that held it to its base until the force of a spring suddenly detached the sucker and launched the toy into the air. What was the name for such toys?

wendypj

I'm not sure if they had a specific name. I have searched the internet and found references to "Jumping Frog" (Japan 1970) and to "Smiley Springy Face" (stress relief toy). This site might help though - I didn't have time to go through all of it but you could post a message there if there is absolutely anything you want to know about the '70s, '80s or '90s. There is a specific toy section half way down the page. http://forums.doyouremember.co.uk/ Jan 15 07, 9:24 PM

Verbonica

Maybe was the UFO pop. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5676988.html Jan 15 07, 10:10 PM

curiousone

I remember something like that called Popping Hoppies Jan 15 07, 11:38 PM

wendypj

Looks like there was a board game called Poppin Hoppies which had loads of these thingies in it. Maybe that's what the individual ones were called as well. Well remembered Curiousone! http://www.popvault.com/toys/default.asp?ID=324&desc=Ideal+Poppin+Hoppies Jan 16 07, 1:09 AM

What-A-Mess

That IS them! I looked everywhere with every conceivable word string EXCEPT Poppin! Good going Wendypj! Jan 16 07, 7:28 AM

gmackematix

Thanks, Wendypj. Those things pictured in your second link certainly look like them. Jan 17 07, 1:30 AM

What-A-Mess

Here is one for you Gmack.... http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/49360 http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/49360 Jan 17 07, 2:29 AM