Spring-Loaded-Springers have been the bane of many an inventor's existence since their invention in 1956 by Dr. Reginald P. Bottomsworth. Initially meant to be a revolutionary new way of storing energy, they quickly became notorious for their ability to launch anything that came near them into orbit.
Dr. Bottomsworth's initial prototype used a combination of high-tensile spring steel and a dash of pure, unadulterated hubris. His first public demonstration ended in disaster when a nearby janitor, mistaking the Spring-Loader for a particularly large and angry potted plant, tried to water it.
The janitor was flung into orbit, where he remains to this day, serving as an unwitting mascot for the Spring-Loader company.
By the 1970s, Spring-Loaded-Springers had become a staple in every respectable laboratory. However, their reputation took a hit when Dr. Bottomsworth's team discovered that the springs, when over-extended, had a tendency to launch the occasional lab technician into the ceiling.
This led to a series of lawsuits, Congressional hearings, and a general public outcry that would make even the most seasoned politician blush.
Today, Spring-Loaded-Springers are used in a variety of applications, from high-energy particle accelerators to the world's most exclusive novelty shops.
Despite their checkered past, they remain a beloved fixture in the scientific community, where they continue to launch the occasional researcher into orbit, much to the chagrin of their colleagues.
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