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{{Short description|Toy produced by Playskool}}
{{For|the Flash animated series|Weebl and Bob}} {{For|the Flash animated series|Weebl and Bob}}
] ]
'''Weebles''' is a range of children's ]s that was introduced in 1971<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muir |first=John Kenneth |date=2016-06-26 |title=45 Years Later: Weebles Wobble but They Don't Fall Down |url=https://flashbak.com/45-years-later-weebles-wobble-but-they-dont-fall-down-63318/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=Flashbak |language=en-US}}</ref> by the US toy company ] and currently marketed under their ] brand. They are ]-shaped, so tipping one causes a weight located at the bottom-center to be raised. Once released, the Weeble is restored by ] to an upright position. Weebles have been designed with a variety of shapes, including some designed to look like people or animals.
'''Weebles''' is a trademark for several lines of children's ]s originating in ]'s ] division on July 23, 1971. Shaped like ] with a weight at the fat, or bottom end, they wobble when pushed, but never fall completely over, hence the name and the slogan "weebles wobble, but they don't fall down." Some Weebles were designed to look like humans. The "Weebleville" series of 2004 and 2005 looked more like ], but the "Storybook World" series of 2006 has returned to more humanlike faces for the figures.


The popular ], "Weebles ] but they don't fall down", was used in advertising during their rise in popularity in the 1970s and during the relaunch in the 2000s. The ] "Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down" was used in advertising during their rise in popularity in the 1970s and during successive relaunches in the early 2000s. The line was coined by advertising executive J. Mitchell Reed in his Madison Ave Office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gurley |first=R. J. |date=2023-07-09 |title=Weebles Wobble But They Don't… |url=https://medium.com/bouncin-and-behavin-blogs/weebles-wobble-but-they-dont-2c16ca031df8 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs |language=en}}</ref>


In the ], Weebles were manufactured and marketed by ] under licence from 1973 until Airfix's collapse in 1981.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ward |first=Arthur |title=The Other Side Of Airfix: Sixty Years of Toys, Games & Crafts |date=2013 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=978-1-4738-2231-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VLLNDwAAQBAJ&q=airfix%20weebles&pg=PT115 |access-date=26 December 2020 |ref=airfix}}</ref>
A wide range of accessories were available for the Weebles including vehicles, buildings and furniture. Some sets had a theme to them, such as the Weebles circus set.

In 2023, ] acquired an international licence from ] to manufacture and sell Weebles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PlayMonster weebles and wobbles into new licenses |url=https://kidscreen.com/2023/03/29/playmonster-weebles-and-wobbles-into-new-licenses/ |access-date=2024-07-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartsock |first=Bug |date=2023-03-28 |title=PlayMonster and Hasbro Expand Partnership, Relaunch Weebles |url=https://toybook.com/playmonster-hasbro-expansion/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=The Toy Book |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Design principle==
{{Multiple issues|section=yes|
{{unreferenced|section|date=November 2018}}
{{original research|section|date=November 2018}}
}}
]
Weeble is shaped like an egg—in order for the physics principles to work as intended, the shape must have a bottom which is a more or less smooth (unfaceted) ] (to allow the Weeble to roll) and from the central ] the shape must be nearly ] (that is, any plane cut through the vertical axis line must produce close to the same profile). Next, the shape must be filled with two basic types of unmixed ]s, and the ] of the lighter solid must be greater than that of the heavier solid. Next, the overall shape must have ]. Next, the relationship between the heavy solid and the light solid must be such that any orientation of the object off of the vertical axis line must cause the object's ] to raise and to become offset. Lastly, the object must have only one position in which it can achieve stable ].

Combining these characteristics produces a basic Weeble. In theory, it is not possible to have a Weeble with a centroid that is too low to achieve a stable mechanical equilibrium.


== List of playsets == == List of playsets ==
Numerous playsets were made and marketed in the US throughout the 1970s including a ],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QedtWlEPoyM |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/QedtWlEPoyM| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live| title=1970's Weebles Haunted House Commercial| publisher= spuzzlightyeartoo| date=17 November 2012|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rpcY7NGVxU |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/2rpcY7NGVxU| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live |title= 1970s Weebles Treehouse Commercial | publisher =spuzzlightyeartoo|date=19 September 2011|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ], <ref>{{cite web| url= https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wJYBW0FSUYE |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/wJYBW0FSUYE| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title= Weebles Tarzan Jungle Hut Set Commercial |publisher= spuzzlightyeartoo| date=27 September 2011|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDf83tS-kxE |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/cDf83tS-kxE| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title= 1970's Weebles Camper Commercial |publisher =spuzzlightyeartoo|date=8 October 2011|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxOh_HSboc4 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/rxOh_HSboc4| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status= live| title= Commercial for Weebles Playground| publisher =spuzzlightyeartoo|date=20 September 2011|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-l7sphiJffo |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/-l7sphiJffo| archive-date= 2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=1970's Commercial for Weebles Marina |publisher=spuzzlightyeartoo|date=17 November 2012|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4293jP2KWTk |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/4293jP2KWTk| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live| title= Commercial for Weebles Circus Toy| publisher= spuzzlightyeartoo| date=20 September 2011|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob-LM4XELLI|title=1977-1978 Romper Room Tumblin' Weebles Fun House TV commercial|last=D Heine|date=18 August 2012|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}</ref> ] Set,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=593G1_kji-4 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/593G1_kji-4| archive-date= 2021-12-12 |url-status=live |title= Commercial for Weebles Mickey Mouse Club Set| publisher=spuzzlightyeartoo| date=20 September 2011|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ] ],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ozcSLpQ0WY8 |archive-url= https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/ozcSLpQ0WY8| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live |title= Mickey Mouse Magic Kingdom (Commercial, 1977)| publisher=The Museum of Classic Chicago Television; FuzzyMemories.TV|date=23 September 2017|access-date=24 November 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ] Theme Set, Weekender and others. Playsets often came with certain figures, though these could also be purchased separately.
Numerous playsets were made and marketed in the USA throughout the 1970's including a Haunted House, Western Theme Set, Weekender, Circus, Mickey Mouse Playset and others. Playsets did come with certain figures. Figures could also be purchased separately. More detailed lists can be found in the Weebles Price Guide Book and can be purchased through online sites such as www.ebay.com

The ''Weebles 1971–2011 Price Guide and Index'' lists and shows every Weeble model made over the preceding 40 years. There are 116 Weebles in total (83 regular; 21 peelable; 12 tumbling) including all egg-shaped sizes and variations made during 1971–1983. In 2011 Hasbro started making a new line of larger egg-shaped Weebles and had produced 42 new Weebles by July 2011. A wide range of accessories was available for the Weebles, including vehicles, buildings and furniture. Some sets had themes, such as the Weebles circus set.{{Needs citation|date=July 2024}}

There are 44 Weebles sets that include at least one Weebles figure and a vehicle, or larger sets made between 1972 and 1982.


A new line of Weebles was created in 2004 that were not egg-shaped but rather shaped like different animals. These were produced for a couple of years.
{{Expand list|date=August 2008}}


=== Weebleville (2004&ndash;2005)<ref name="WEEBLES_browse"> on Playskool web site</ref> === ===Weebleville (2004&ndash;2005)===
'''Source:'''<ref name= "WEEBLES_browse">{{cite web| url= http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/weebles/default.cfm?page=browse | title = Weebles – browse| publisher = Playskool| website= hasbro.com| accessdate = }}</ref>
*Weebleville Town Center *Weebleville Town Center
*Weeschool *Weeschool
Line 25: Line 43:
*Mini Weebles Pals (larger figures) *Mini Weebles Pals (larger figures)


=== Storybook World (2006)<ref name="WEEBLES_browse" /> === ===Storybook World (2006) ===
'''Source:'''<ref name="WEEBLES_browse"/>
*Hansel and Gretel's Wobbly Adventure *]'s Wobbly Adventure
*Jack and Jill's Wobbly Adventure *]'s Wobbly Adventure
*Goldilocks' Adventure Cottage *]' Adventure Cottage
*Cinderella Carriage *] Carriage
*Weebly Knight & Ogre Adventure *Weebly Knight & Ogre Adventure
*Weebalot Castle *Weebalot Castle
*Figures *Figures

=== New Weebles (since 2011) ===
* Musical Treehouse
* Wobble-Go-Round
* Figures
* Weebles on the Bus
* Bobblin' Boat
* Wobblin' Wings
* Turnin' Whirlin' Racers
* Turn 'n Tumble Home
* Rock 'n Wobble Playground

==In popular culture==
* In 1975, the ] introduced a balloon of the standard Weeble design, which lasted until 1978. Almost 20 years later, ]s with the Weebles characters Tibbey, Tooey, and Bumpus made their debut.<ref>{{Cite web|title= What Thanksgiving Was Like the Year You Were Born|date=November 11, 2020|url=https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/thanksgiving-ideas/g4869/100-years-of-thanksgiving/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210509015856/https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/thanksgiving-ideas/g4869/100-years-of-thanksgiving/|website=]|archive-date=May 9, 2021|access-date=December 10, 2021|first=Hannah|last=Doolin}}</ref>


== See also == == See also ==
Line 41: Line 74:


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references />


{{Hasbro}}
==External links==
*
*
* - A history of the Weebles
*
*


⚫ ]

⚫ ]
] ]
] ]

]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 07:20, 28 October 2024

Toy produced by Playskool For the Flash animated series, see Weebl and Bob.
Diddy Wishingwell figure in top of Weebles Barn Dance playset

Weebles is a range of children's roly-poly toys that was introduced in 1971 by the US toy company Hasbro and currently marketed under their Playskool brand. They are egg-shaped, so tipping one causes a weight located at the bottom-center to be raised. Once released, the Weeble is restored by gravity to an upright position. Weebles have been designed with a variety of shapes, including some designed to look like people or animals.

The catchphrase "Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down" was used in advertising during their rise in popularity in the 1970s and during successive relaunches in the early 2000s. The line was coined by advertising executive J. Mitchell Reed in his Madison Ave Office.

In the United Kingdom, Weebles were manufactured and marketed by Airfix under licence from 1973 until Airfix's collapse in 1981.

In 2023, PlayMonster acquired an international licence from Hasbro to manufacture and sell Weebles.

Design principle

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Diagram of the principles of operation of a Weeble. The grey material is of a higher density than the red material, causing the center of mass of the object (labelled C) to be very low. This means that when the Weeble is wobbled, as in position B, the center of mass will be on the other side of the pivot point (where the Weeble is in contact with the ground), and so gravity will cause it to return to an upright position.

Weeble is shaped like an egg—in order for the physics principles to work as intended, the shape must have a bottom which is a more or less smooth (unfaceted) hemisphere (to allow the Weeble to roll) and from the central vertical axis the shape must be nearly cylindrically symmetrical (that is, any plane cut through the vertical axis line must produce close to the same profile). Next, the shape must be filled with two basic types of unmixed solids, and the volume of the lighter solid must be greater than that of the heavier solid. Next, the overall shape must have constant positive curvature. Next, the relationship between the heavy solid and the light solid must be such that any orientation of the object off of the vertical axis line must cause the object's centroid to raise and to become offset. Lastly, the object must have only one position in which it can achieve stable mechanical equilibrium.

Combining these characteristics produces a basic Weeble. In theory, it is not possible to have a Weeble with a centroid that is too low to achieve a stable mechanical equilibrium.

List of playsets

Numerous playsets were made and marketed in the US throughout the 1970s including a Haunted House, Treehouse, Tarzan, Camper, Playground, Marina, Circus, Fun House, Mickey Mouse Club Set, Mickey Mouse Magic Kingdom, Western Theme Set, Weekender and others. Playsets often came with certain figures, though these could also be purchased separately.

The Weebles 1971–2011 Price Guide and Index lists and shows every Weeble model made over the preceding 40 years. There are 116 Weebles in total (83 regular; 21 peelable; 12 tumbling) including all egg-shaped sizes and variations made during 1971–1983. In 2011 Hasbro started making a new line of larger egg-shaped Weebles and had produced 42 new Weebles by July 2011. A wide range of accessories was available for the Weebles, including vehicles, buildings and furniture. Some sets had themes, such as the Weebles circus set.

There are 44 Weebles sets that include at least one Weebles figure and a vehicle, or larger sets made between 1972 and 1982.

A new line of Weebles was created in 2004 that were not egg-shaped but rather shaped like different animals. These were produced for a couple of years.

Weebleville (2004–2005)

Source:

  • Weebleville Town Center
  • Weeschool
  • Wegetable Stand
  • Weebles Barn Dance
  • Weehicles (four sets)
  • Weemobile
  • Wescue Wagon
  • Weegoaway Camper
  • Weebly Wobbly Tree House
  • Figures
  • Mini Weebles Pals (larger figures)

Storybook World (2006)

Source:

New Weebles (since 2011)

  • Musical Treehouse
  • Wobble-Go-Round
  • Figures
  • Weebles on the Bus
  • Bobblin' Boat
  • Wobblin' Wings
  • Turnin' Whirlin' Racers
  • Turn 'n Tumble Home
  • Rock 'n Wobble Playground

In popular culture

  • In 1975, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade introduced a balloon of the standard Weeble design, which lasted until 1978. Almost 20 years later, balloonicles with the Weebles characters Tibbey, Tooey, and Bumpus made their debut.

See also

References

  1. Muir, John Kenneth (2016-06-26). "45 Years Later: Weebles Wobble but They Don't Fall Down". Flashbak. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
  2. Gurley, R. J. (2023-07-09). "Weebles Wobble But They Don't…". Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
  3. Ward, Arthur (2013). The Other Side Of Airfix: Sixty Years of Toys, Games & Crafts. Pen and Sword. ISBN 978-1-4738-2231-3. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  4. "PlayMonster weebles and wobbles into new licenses". Retrieved 2024-07-11.
  5. Hartsock, Bug (2023-03-28). "PlayMonster and Hasbro Expand Partnership, Relaunch Weebles". The Toy Book. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
  6. "1970's Weebles Haunted House Commercial". spuzzlightyeartoo. 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  7. "1970s Weebles Treehouse Commercial". spuzzlightyeartoo. 19 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  8. "Weebles Tarzan Jungle Hut Set Commercial". spuzzlightyeartoo. 27 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  9. "1970's Weebles Camper Commercial". spuzzlightyeartoo. 8 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  10. "Commercial for Weebles Playground". spuzzlightyeartoo. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  11. "1970's Commercial for Weebles Marina". spuzzlightyeartoo. 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  12. "Commercial for Weebles Circus Toy". spuzzlightyeartoo. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  13. D Heine (18 August 2012). "1977-1978 Romper Room Tumblin' Weebles Fun House TV commercial". Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  14. "Commercial for Weebles Mickey Mouse Club Set". spuzzlightyeartoo. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  15. "Mickey Mouse Magic Kingdom (Commercial, 1977)". The Museum of Classic Chicago Television; FuzzyMemories.TV. 23 September 2017. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 24 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ "Weebles – browse". hasbro.com. Playskool.
  17. Doolin, Hannah (November 11, 2020). "What Thanksgiving Was Like the Year You Were Born". Good Housekeeping. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
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