This article was originally published on August 19, 2022.
When chemist Harry Coover tried to create clear plastic precision gun sights to help soldiers aim during World War II, the result was the invention of an incredibly effective adhesive. It was too sticky to use for gun sights but became what we know today as super glue.
The Frisbie Pie Company also used a pie tin that inspired the frisbee. The Wham-O toy company recognized that people were recreationally tossing the pie tin back and forth. So, in the 1950s, they created plastic discs known as frisbees.