Alexei Volkov
The plastic Easter egg has become a staple of Easter celebrations, with millions of children worldwide receiving plastic eggs filled with treats. The use of plastic Easter eggs is a modern custom, with colourful plastic eggs becoming popular in the 1970s. However, the history of Easter eggs goes back much further, with early Christians in Mesopotamia staining eggs with red colouring to symbolise the blood of Christ. So, when were plastic Easter eggs invented, and who is responsible for their creation?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Father-and-son duo Erwin and Donald Weder |
| Year of Invention | 1978 |
| Date of Patent | November 7, 1978 |
| Patent Number | U.S. Patent 4,124,135 |
| Company | Highland Supply Corporation of Highland, Illinois |
| Location | Peoria, Illinois |
| Egg Type | Hinged Plastic Easter Egg |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic Easter eggs were patented in 1978
Plastic hinged Easter eggs were patented in 1978 by father-and-son inventors Erwin and Donald Weder from Illinois. The patent, U.S. Patent 4,124,135, was granted on November 7, 1978. The simple yet innovative design features a small plastic hinge that connects the two halves of the egg, allowing it to be opened and closed. This made it ideal for concealing treats such as candy, toys, and figurines, revolutionising the post-holiday clean-up process for parents.
The Weder family has a rich history of inventions. Erwin Weder, the father, was also an inventor and created the beauty corsage container in 1937 using parts from a wringer washing machine and a treadle sewing machine. Donald Weder, the son, is one of America's most prolific inventors, with over 1,400 U.S. patents to his name, surpassing Thomas Edison. He is the president of Highland Supply Corporation in Highland, Illinois, a company heavily involved in the floriculture industry, which inspires many of his inventions.
While the Weder family patented the hinged plastic Easter egg, the origins of plastic Easter eggs can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s. Peoria Plastic Co., also known as Peoria Plastics, was a significant manufacturer of plastic Easter eggs, producing over 250 million eggs per year. The company was established in 1948 and initially focused on plastic wall tiles and kitchen items. However, they expanded into Easter-related products, including plastic Easter eggs, grass, baskets, and hollow bunnies.
The popularity of plastic Easter eggs grew in the 1970s, and they became a common alternative to traditional decorated or dyed chicken eggs. These plastic eggs could be easily filled with treats such as candy, chocolate, jelly beans, and small toys, making them a favourite for Easter egg hunts and celebrations.
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The inventors were father-son duo Erwin and Donald Weder
The plastic Easter egg was patented in 1978 by father-son duo Erwin and Donald Weder. The Illinois-based inventors' simple yet effective concept changed the post-Easter clean-up process for parents across the nation. The hinged plastic Easter egg, featuring a small plastic hinge binding both halves together, became the perfect container for treats.
The Weders were prolific inventors, with Donald Weder holding an impressive 1,413 US patents, surpassing Thomas Edison's 1,093 US patents. Donald is the president of Highland Supply Corporation in Highland, Illinois, a major player in the floriculture industry. Many of his inventions and patents are inspired by the industry.
The Weders' innovative spirit appears to be hereditary. Erwin Weder, Donald's father, was also an accomplished inventor. In 1937, he invented the beauty corsage container, creating the equipment to produce it using parts from a wringer washing machine and a treadle sewing machine.
While the Weders are credited with the invention of the hinged plastic Easter egg, the manufacturer Peoria Plastic Co., also known as Peoria Plastics, is believed to have played a significant role in popularising plastic Easter eggs. Based in Peoria, Illinois, the company was once the nation's largest and only maker of plastic Easter eggs, producing over 250 million Easter eggs a year.
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The eggs were hinged and could be filled with treats
The plastic Easter egg was patented in 1978 by father-and-son inventors Erwin and Donald Weder from Illinois. The egg was hinged and could be filled with treats, revolutionizing the post-holiday clean-up process for parents. The simple yet effective design meant that parents no longer had to match discarded egg halves with their correct pieces, as the hinge kept the two halves together. This made it a perfect container for concealing treats, which could be easily accessed by children without scattering egg pieces everywhere.
The idea for the hinged plastic Easter egg came from the same inventive spirit that had led the Weders to develop other successful products, such as flower pot covers, bouquet wrappers, and a process for making Easter grass. The company they owned, Highland Supply Corporation, was a major player in the floriculture industry, which served as inspiration for many of their inventions.
The patent abstract for the hinged plastic Easter egg, U.S. Patent 4,124,135, describes its functionality:
> "The Easter egg may be opened or closed to enable candy, toys, figurines or any other items desired to be placed therein so that they will appear to be inaccessible but yet they can be easily accessed."
The Weder family's invention added a new twist to the ancient tradition of decorating and filling eggs during Easter. The practice of decorating eggshells is quite ancient, with decorated, engraved ostrich eggs found in Africa that are 60,000 years old. In the pre-dynastic period of Egypt and the early cultures of Mesopotamia and Crete, eggs were associated with death, rebirth, and kingship.
In Western cultures, the giving of chocolate eggs at Easter is now commonplace, with various fillings and decorations. The Weders' invention of the hinged plastic Easter egg contributed to this tradition, providing a fun and convenient way for families to celebrate the holiday.
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Peoria Plastics was once the largest manufacturer of plastic Easter eggs
Although it is unclear whether Peoria Plastics invented the plastic Easter egg, the company was certainly the largest manufacturer of plastic Easter eggs in the United States. The company was established on April 9, 1948, by World War II veterans Russell Wendland and William "Bill" Chinuge. Initially, the company specialised in "Style Tile", a plastic wall tile, and manufactured plastic kitchen items, including tumblers and cups.
In the 1950s, Peoria Plastics began producing Easter eggs. A March 28, 1958, Journal-Star article described Chinuge and Wendland as "newcomers in the egg market", with Chinuge expressing that "there has been a need for plastic eggs". By the 1980s, the company was making over 250 million Easter eggs a year, solidifying its position as the nation's largest manufacturer of plastic Easter eggs. The plastic eggs were sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Toys "R" Us under the brand name Eggsville, USA.
In addition to plastic Easter eggs, Peoria Plastics also manufactured other Easter-related products, including Easter grass, baskets, and hollow bunnies for holding candy. The company also produced plastic tableware, toys, and novelties. For example, in 1992, Peoria Plastic Co. introduced a toy guitar with packaging featuring a photo of a 15-year-old sophomore.
However, in March 2004, Peoria Plastics began facing challenges. Between 40 and 50 of the factory's 55 remaining full-time workers were laid off due to declining sales caused by foreign competition. The company was seeking a buyer or partner to bring a new product line to the plant. Unfortunately, in January 2005, Bleyer Industries Inc., which owned the plant, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Today, many Peoria Plastic Co. products can be found on eBay and other websites.
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Plastic eggs are now commonly used at Easter egg hunts
Plastic Easter eggs were invented in 1978 by father-and-son inventors Erwin and Donald Weder from Illinois. Their "Hinged Plastic Easter Egg" was patented on November 7, 1978, as U.S. Patent 4,124,135. The egg features a small plastic hinge binding both halves together, making it the perfect container for treats.
The widespread usage of Easter eggs can be attributed to the Christian custom of abstaining from eggs during Lent, after which eggs are blessed and consumed on Easter. While the traditional custom involves dyeing and painting chicken eggs, modern alternatives include chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with confectionery.
The use of plastic Easter eggs has become increasingly popular since the 1950s, with companies like Peoria Plastic Co. mass-producing them. Plastic eggs are commonly used at Easter egg hunts, providing a convenient and mess-free option for parents. They can be easily filled with treats such as candy, toys, or figurines, and their hinged design ensures that the contents remain inaccessible until opened.
The Weder family's invention has had a significant impact on the Easter traditions of many families. The hinged plastic Easter egg revolutionized the post-holiday cleanup process, reducing the number of discarded egg halves that parents have to deal with. This innovative design has become a staple of Easter celebrations, bringing joy to children and convenience to adults.
While the traditional practice of decorating chicken eggs remains important in Christian culture, plastic eggs have carved their own place in modern Easter celebrations. Their durability, ease of use, and ability to hold treats make them a popular choice for Easter egg hunts and community events. Plastic eggs have become synonymous with Easter, reflecting the joy and excitement of the holiday while creating lasting memories for children and families.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic Easter eggs were invented in 1978.
The plastic Easter egg was invented by father-son duo Erwin and Donald Weder.
Plastic Easter eggs are containers in the shape of eggs that are usually filled with candy, toys, or figurines.
Easter eggs are symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus in Christianity. They are also seen as a symbol of fertility and rebirth.
Some modern alternatives to plastic Easter eggs include chocolate eggs, hand-carved wooden eggs, cardboard eggs, or satin-covered eggs filled with treats.
