The frisbee was invented by students using pie tins

One of modern sports' most popular recreational implements has humble origin story rooted in creative improvisation. In the 1940s, Yale University students developed a pastime by throwing aluminum pie tins from the local Frisbie Pie Company bakery, which supplied university dining. The tins flew unexpectedly well, and the activity caught on among students. They called it 'frisbee,' referencing the pie company name. Walter Morrison, inspired watching students, designed a plastic disc for mass production. Morrison patented his design, initially marketing it as the 'Pluto Platter,' drawing on 1950s flying saucer fascination. Wham-O purchased rights and renamed it the 'Frisbee,' trademarking the pie company name. Wham-O's marketing transformed a casual college pastime into a commercial product and organized sport.