Hoepel

Hoepel is a circular ring, typically hollow, made from metal or plastic, designed to form a closed circle and to be used as a movable frame, a toy, or a component in various applications. The term is Dutch, and in Dutch usage it covers both general circular hoops and specific forms such as those used in the hula hoop toy and in crafts or sports equipment. Hoepels come in a range of diameters and thicknesses depending on their purpose; materials include steel, aluminum, PVC, and other plastics, sometimes with coatings or padding.

In play and sport, the hoepel is used as a toy for spinning around the body, rolling along the ground, or for performing routines in hoop-based games. In construction and horticulture, hoops act as lightweight frames to support nets, fabrics, or protective coverings. In metalworking or textiles, hoops can function as forms or guides in shaping processes, or as components in equipment and machinery.

Historically, hoops have existed in many cultures as simple circular objects with a variety of uses, including children’s games. The modern hula hoop, a lightweight plastic hoop used for spinning around the waist, was popularized in the United States in the late 1950s by the company Wham-O and soon spread worldwide. Today, hoepels remain common in toys, arts and crafts, sports equipment, and as functional components in design and horticulture.