U.S. patent application number 11/447448 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for games with adjustable spinning tops.
Invention is credited to Scott Derman, Erich Weidetz.
Application Number | 20070021029 11/447448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37499091 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070021029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weidetz; Erich ; et
al. |
January 25, 2007 |
Games with adjustable spinning tops
Abstract
Toy top kits may include a spindle having a lower end configured
to engage a surface, an upper end having a first coupling portion,
and a plurality of mounting sites, one or more weight members each
configured to be removably mounted to a mounting site, and one or
more caps each having a top surface, a bottom surface,
configuration indicia, and a second coupling portion adapted to
releasably engage the first coupling portion. Tops may be assembled
by engaging a randomly selected cap with the upper end of a spindle
and mounting weight members to the spindle according to the
configuration indicia of the selected cap. Assembled tops may be
spun simultaneously on a play surface, and the score corresponding
to the top that remains spinning longest may be incremented.
Inventors: |
Weidetz; Erich; (Playa Del
Rey, CA) ; Derman; Scott; (Playa Del Rey,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
200 PACIFIC BUILDING
520 SW YAMHILL STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
37499091 |
Appl. No.: |
11/447448 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60688223 |
Jun 6, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 1/04 20130101; A63F
2250/121 20130101; A63F 9/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/256 |
International
Class: |
A63H 1/00 20060101
A63H001/00 |
Claims
1. A toy top kit, comprising: a spindle, having a lower end
configured to engage a surface; an upper end having a first
coupling portion; and a plurality of mounting sites; one or more
weight members, each weight member configured to be removably
mounted to one or more mounting sites; and one or more caps, each
cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, configuration indicia,
and a second coupling portion adapted to releasably engage the
first coupling portion.
2. The toy top kit of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality
of mounting sites is disposed on the spindle between the upper end
and the lower end.
3. The toy top kit of claim 2 wherein the spindle further includes
a plurality of annular ridges, and wherein each of the plurality of
mounting sites is defined by at least one annular ridge.
4. The toy top kit of claim 1 wherein the configuration indicia is
disposed on the top surface of the cap.
5. The toy top kit of claim 1 wherein the configuration indicia is
adapted to indicate a method by which one or more weight members is
removably mounted to one or more mounting sites.
6. The toy top kit of claim 5 wherein the method indicates one or
more predetermined mounting sites to which one or more weight
members are removably mounted.
7. The toy top kit of claim 5 wherein the method indicates one or
more predetermined weight members to be removably mounted to one or
more mounting sites.
8. The toy top kit of claim 1 wherein the second coupling portion
is disposed on the bottom surface of the cap.
9. The toy top kit of claim 8 wherein the second coupling portion
comprises a sleeve extending from the bottom surface, the sleeve
including one or more ribs disposed on the interior of the sleeve,
and wherein the first coupling portion comprises one or more
detents configured to receive one or more of the ribs.
10. The toy top kit of claim 9 wherein the one or more detents are
arranged to define a plurality of predetermined positions of the
cap relative to a vertical axis of the spindle.
11. The toy top kit of claim 8 wherein the spindle further includes
a projecting portion configured to be releasably retained in any of
a plurality of predetermined positions relative to a vertical axis
of the spindle, and wherein the first coupling portion is disposed
on the projecting portion.
12. The toy top kit of claim 1 wherein each cap further includes
categorizational indicia adapted to indicate that the cap is
included in one of a plurality of predefined categories.
13. The toy top kit of claim 1, wherein the toy top kit further
comprises: a length of string, and a spinning device fastened to
one end of the length of string, the spinning device including a
handle and a brace configured to receive a portion of a
spindle.
14. A toy top play set, comprising: the toy top kit of claim 13;
and a play structure, having a play surface defined by a perimeter;
a launching site disposed at the perimeter of the play surface, the
launching site configured to releasably receive a toy top and to
release a toy top to which rotational force is imparted; a wall
extending upwardly from at least a portion of the perimeter, and
scoring means disposed on the play structure.
15. The toy top play set of claim 14 wherein the scoring means
comprises a plurality of slots disposed on the retaining wall, each
slot configured to receive at least a portion of a cap.
16. The toy top play set of claim 14 further comprising a plurality
of pegs, and wherein the scoring means comprises a plurality of
numbered holes, each numbered hole configured to receive a peg.
17. A method of game play, comprising: (a) providing a plurality of
toy top components including a plurality of spindles, each having a
lower end configured to engage a surface, an upper end, and a
plurality of mounting sites; a plurality of weight members each
configured to be removably mounted to a mounting site; and a
plurality of caps each configured for releasable engagement with
the upper end of a spindle, and each including configuration
indicia adapted to indicate a manner in which one or more weight
members is removably mounted to one or more mounting sites; (b)
assembling each of at least two toy tops by: engaging a
randomly-selected cap with the upper end of a spindle; and mounting
one or more weight members to the spindle according to the
configuration indicia of the randomly-selected cap; (c) spinning
the assembled toy tops simultaneously on a play surface; (d)
incrementing the score corresponding to the top that remains
spinning longest.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: (e) repeating (b)
through (d) until the score corresponding to a top reaches a
predetermined value.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein incrementing the score
corresponding to the top that remains spinning longest includes
removing the cap of the at least one other simultaneously spun top
and associating the at least one removed cap with the scoring
top.
20. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing scoring
means, and wherein wherein incrementing the score corresponding to
the top that remains spinning longest includes modifying the
scoring means to indicate the incremented score.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein each cap further includes
categorizational indicia adapted to indicate that the cap is
included in one of a plurality of predefined categories, including
a first category and a second category; and wherein incrementing
the score corresponding to the top that remains spinning longest
includes, if the cap is in the first category, removing the cap and
associating it with the scoring top, or, if the cap is in the
second category, transferring a previously associated cap of the
first category from another top to the scoring top.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/688,223 entitled "Game with Adjustable Spinning Tops" and filed
on Jun. 6, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to spinning tops, and
more particularly to adjustable tops and methods of game play
suitable for use with adjustable tops. An adjustable top may be
configured to have one or more adjustable characteristics such as
weight, center of gravity, and so forth, which may affect spin
behavior of the top. Such characteristics may be adjusted, for
example, by use of a telescoping spindle, a removable cap, and/or
one or more weights that may be removably mounted to the spindle.
Some caps may include indicia indicating a specific configuration
or adjustment of a top to which such a cap is attached, and/or
other decorative, ornamental, or game play indicia. Methods of game
play for such tops may include selecting a cap, assembling or
adjusting a top according to the indicia on the cap, spinning
several assembled tops simultaneously, and incrementing the score
corresponding to the top that remains spinning longest.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Examples of spinning tops are found in the disclosures of
U.S. Pat. Nos. 537,887, 541,802, 1,139,119, 1,160,618, 1,974,516,
3,906,660, 5,324,226, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 301,259, and U.S. Patent
Application Pub. No. 2004/0077271. Examples of spinning tops with
adjustable and/or removable components are found in the disclosures
of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,876,205, 5,020,798, 6,626,729, and UK Patent
Application No. GB 2,371,496. Examples of play structures suitable
for use with spinning tops are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,982,961;
6,739,939; and 6,905,389. Examples of games that include spinning
tops are found in the disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,639,921
3,143,347, 4,007,935, 4,256,306, 4,856,790, 4,982,961, 6,739,939;
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 162,100; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.
2004/0198152; BeyBlade's "Battle Tops" line of toys; and the Mattel
"Battling Tops" game. All of the aforementioned disclosures are
incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY
[0004] In some embodiments, an adjustable toy top may be assembled
from components of a toy top kit including a spindle, a cap that
may be affixed to the upper end of a spindle, and one or more
weight members that may be removably mounted to the spindle. The
spindle may include a plurality of mounting sites to which the
weight members may be mounted, such as to initially configure or to
adjust one or more characteristics of the assembled top, such as
weight, center of gravity, and so forth. Optionally, some tops or
top components may include telescoping structure to allow a cap to
be affixed in one of a plurality of predetermined positions
relative to a vertical axis of the spindle. Such structure may be
included in or on the cap, the spindle, or both. Optionally, each
of a plurality of interchangeable caps may be used to adjust one or
more characteristics of an assembled top. Adjusting top
characteristics such as weight or center of gravity may affect one
or more aspects of the top's spin behavior when spun on a surface,
such as duration of spin, translational movement of the spinning
top on the surface, stability of the spinning top after colliding
with an obstacle (such as another spinning top), and so forth.
[0005] In some embodiments, each cap may include configuration
indicia, such as to indicate a configuration of one or more top
components in an assembled top. For example, configuration indicia
may indicate the number and position of weight members mounted to
one or more mounting sites on the spindle, a predetermined position
of the cap relative to the spindle, and so forth. Each cap may
optionally include other game indicia such as categorizational
indicia, decorative indicia, trade dress indicia, and/or other
indicia.
[0006] Play sets for use with the toy tops of the present
disclosure may include a play structure with a play surface and one
or more launching sites configured to release a toy top onto the
play surface when a rotational force is imparted to the top. Such
play structures may further include slots configured to display
caps, numbered holes with removable pegs, and/or other scoring
means. Methods of game play for such adjustable tops may include
affixing a randomly-selected cap to a spindle, assembling or
adjusting a top according to the indicia of the cap, spinning
several assembled tops simultaneously, and incrementing the score
corresponding to the top that remains spinning longest. In some
embodiments, caps may be selected from a supply of caps, such as
provided with a game set. Between two players, the results of
spinning competitions may be indicated by rewarding the winning
player with the cap of the defeated player's top, which the winning
player may display on the play structure.
[0007] Optionally, some caps may have limited availability relative
to other caps, which may provide a collectible element to some
aspects of game play. Thus, in some embodiments, caps for game play
may be selected from a player's personal collection. In such
embodiments, players may compete for or otherwise exchange caps,
and/or exercise strategy in selecting one or more caps to use
during game play.
[0008] The adjustable tops and methods of the present disclosure
will be understood more readily after a consideration of the
drawings and the Detailed Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an exemplary
embodiment of an assembled toy top according to the present
disclosure, which shows a cap attached to an upper end of a spindle
having several mounting sites, a removable weight mounted to a
mounting site, and how another removable weight may be mounted to a
different mounting site.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the assembled toy top of
FIG. 1, without the removable weights, showing how the cap is
attached to the upper end of the spindle.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section view similar to that shown
in FIG. 2, showing how the cap engages the upper end of the
spindle.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section view of an alternative
embodiment of an assembled toy top, showing a spindle with an
elongate upper end and a cap with an elongate hollow sleeve
extending from the bottom surface, the cap attached to the upper
end.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section view of another
alternative embodiment of an assembled toy top, showing a spindle
with an elongate upper end, an extension member attached thereto,
and a cap attached to the extension member.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows exemplary cap shapes suitable for use with the
tops of FIGS. 1-5.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows the top surfaces of two exemplary caps, each of
which are shown to include configuration indicia and differentiable
categorizational indicia.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a play structure with a central play surface and
several launching sites disposed at the perimeter, and scoring
means including a plurality of slots disposed on a retaining wall,
with two assembled toy tops spinning on the play surface and one
toy top received in a launching site.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows a partial three-dimensional view of an
alternative embodiment of a play structure with scoring means
including a plurality of numbered holes each configured to receive
a scoring peg.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary toy top 10 is shown to
include a vertically-oriented spindle 12, to which is affixed a cap
14 and a weight member 16.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, spindle 12 includes a lower end
20, an upper end 22, and a plurality of mounting sites 24 disposed
between the ends 20, 22. Lower end 20 is shown to be rounded, but
may be configured as desired to engage, and rotate upon, a surface.
Upper end 22, also shown in FIG. 3, further includes a first
coupling portion 30, shown as an outwardly protruding shoulder 32
adjacent a groove 34. As explained in more detail below, first
coupling portion 30 is adapted to releasably engage corresponding
coupling structure on a cap.
[0020] Mounting sites 24 on spindle 12 are shown to be a series of
channels 36, defined by a series of protruding ridges 38. As shown
in FIG. 1 and as explained in more detail below, the mounting sites
are adapted to removably receive weight members 16.
[0021] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, cap 14 is shown to be
substantially disc-shaped, with a generally flat top surface 40, a
bottom surface 42, and a peripheral edge 44. Cap 14 includes a
second coupling portion 50, shown as a hollow sleeve 52 extending
from bottom surface 42. Hollow sleeve 52 further includes an
interior rib 54.
[0022] First and second coupling portions 30, 50 are configured to
be releasably engaged with each other, to allow cap 14 to be
affixed to (and removed from) the upper end of spindle 12. As shown
in FIG. 3, the various components of the coupling portions of
exemplary top 10 allow the cap to be affixed to the spindle in a
snap fit relationship, with hollow sleeve 52 shaped to accommodate
upper end 22. More specifically, when cap 14 is urged downward on
the upper end of spindle 12, interior rib 54 engages groove 34,
affixing the cap in place. Shoulder 32 provides additional
structural support for cap 14 on spindle 12, and may also serve to
limit downward motion of the cap on the spindle beyond the point at
which interior rib 54 engages groove 34.
[0023] Although a snap fit relationship is shown, the coupling
portions may take any appropriate form, and may include any manner
of components including mechanical linkages, magnetic linkages,
adhesive linkages, and so forth, that are collectively configured
to establish a releasable connection or other engagement of the cap
with the spindle. Some embodiments may include combinations of such
components. For example, some embodiments that include coupling
portions that are adapted to fit together in a snap fit
relationship may also include a magnetic linkage, such as a
magnetically attractive part on one of the coupling portions and a
magnetically attracted part on the other coupling portion.
[0024] Some embodiments, such as a toy top kit, may include a
plurality of interchangeable caps, each with similarly structured
coupling portions, so that each cap may be affixed to (and
thereafter removed from) spindle 12 or any other similarly
configured spindle.
[0025] Weight members 16 may also be removably mounted to the
spindle. FIG. 1 shows two weight members 16, one of which is
mounted to a mounting site on the spindle, the other of which is
shown separately to illustrate structural features of the weight
member. Specifically, weight member 16 includes mounting portion
60, shown as a notch 62 defined by an interior wall 64. As shown,
interior wall 64 is configured to engage a mounting site so that
the weight member may be removably mounted to the spindle. In the
illustrated embodiment, notch 62 and/or interior wall 64 are
configured for a frictional engagement with spindle 12, and more
specifically to a mounting site of spindle 12, of sufficient
retention so that the weight members do not come loose when the top
is spun. As such, one or more ridges 34 may enhance the frictional
engagement. Optionally, or in other embodiments, weight members 16
may include clip structure or other structural components by which
the weight members may be removably mounted to one or more of the
mounting sites on a spindle.
[0026] As described in more detail below, weight members 16 may be
used to configure an assembled toy top to have a desired weight
distribution or center of gravity. More specifically, in
embodiments that include a plurality of identically configured
weight members, such as a toy top kit, the center of gravity of a
toy top may be initially configured by removably mounting one or
more weight members to one or more of the mounting sites, and
thereafter adjusted by changing the number and/or position(s) of
the weight member(s) on the spindle. In embodiments that include a
plurality of weight members with different weights, weight
distributions, or other characteristics, the nature of the weight
members mounted to the spindle, in addition to the number and
position(s) of the weight member(s) on the spindle, may adjust spin
behavior of the assembled top.
[0027] In addition, or as an alternative, to adjusting
characteristics of the top by means of weight members, some
embodiments may include top components with telescoping structure.
Such structure may allow the length of the spindle to be adjusted,
or allow the cap to be affixed in one of a plurality of
predetermined positions relative to a vertical axis of the spindle,
and so forth. Such structure may be included in or on the cap, the
spindle, or both.
[0028] For example, FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a top
60 in which a spindle 12 includes a first coupling portion 30
having a shoulder 32 and three grooves 34 disposed along an
elongate upper end 22. A cap 14 includes second coupling portion 50
with an elongate hollow sleeve 52 with an interior rib 54. As
described above with respect to top 10, first and second coupling
portions 30, 50 are configured to be releasably engaged with each
other, to allow cap 14 to be affixed to (and removed from) spindle
12. However, in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, cap 14
may be affixed to spindle 12 in any of a plurality of predetermined
and separate positions. Specifically, the cap may be pushed
downward or pulled upward on the spindle so that the interior rib
engages any of the grooves 34. Each position results in adjusting
the length of the top, and thus may also result in changing the
center of gravity of top 60. In a telescoping embodiment, the
spindle may also be configured to receive removable weight members,
such as to provide or to limit options for adjusting the weight
and/or center of gravity.
[0029] Another example of a top with telescoping structure is shown
in FIG. 5, in which a top 70 includes a spindle 12 with a first
coupling portion 30, similar to that shown in FIG. 4, and a cap 14
with a second coupling portion 50 having a hollow sleeve 52 and an
interior rib 54, similar to that shown in FIG. 2. However, second
coupling portion 50 is also shown to include an extension member 72
that includes structural elements adapted to allow a cap 14 with a
"short" sleeve to be affixed in any of several predetermined
positions on a "long" upper end of a spindle. Specifically,
extension member 72 itself is shown to include a upper end portion
74 adapted to be affixed to a cap, and a lower end portion 76
adapted to allow cap 14 to engage a first coupling portion on a
spindle, in any of a plurality of predetermined and separate
positions--specifically, positions in which structure in the lower
end portion 76 engages any of the grooves 34.
[0030] Thus, tops 10, 60, and 70 are adjustable in the sense that
the mass and/or the center of gravity may be adjusted by removably
mounting one or more weights to the spindle and/or by using the
telescoping structure to affix a cap in one of a plurality of
predetermined positions relative to the spindle.
[0031] As briefly mentioned above with respect to weight members
16, the various top components may be fabricated from a material
such as plastic or some other resinous material, and/or may have
metal parts, or be otherwise fabricated from one or more suitable
materials, so that the various components may have a weight
distribution and/or center of gravity. These components may in turn
determine or affect spin behavior of the top when spun on a
surface, such as duration of spin, translational movement of the
spinning top on the surface, stability of the spinning top after
colliding with an obstacle (such as another spinning top), and so
forth.
[0032] Thus, some embodiments may include a plurality of each top
component, each of which may have a different weight, weight
distribution, center of gravity, and so forth, from others of its
type, such that a top may be assembled to achieve a desired spin
behavior, either by randomly assembling top components or by
assembling specific components according to a predetermined
configuration. In such embodiments, each component may be shaped or
marked differently to indicate, for example, a different weight or
other characteristic, such as to provide a visual reference for a
user assembling or configuring a top in a desired
configuration.
[0033] As such, the exemplary tops are also adjustable in the sense
that the various components may be interchangeable with other
components of the same type.
[0034] In some embodiments, the shapes of the various components
may also affect one or more characteristics of an assembled top.
Although the components of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 are shaped to have substantially radial symmetry (i.e.,
the spindles are cylindrical, the spindle components are shown to
be annular and of consistent form with respect to the vertical axis
of the spindle, the weight members and caps are shown to be
disc-shaped), some embodiments may include top components shaped to
have a different symmetry, or no symmetry at all.
[0035] For example, FIG. 6 shows top views of a variety of caps,
each of which include a differently configured peripheral edge 44,
some of which include outwardly-extending protrusions or other
features that may affect the stability or spin behavior of the toy
top if it collides with an object while spinning. Moreover, such
structural features may affect the spin of another toy top with
which a top with such a cap comes in contact, such as if several
tops are spun at once during game play. Optionally, other top
components may have different shapes. For example, the different
shapes illustrated in FIG. 6 may represent different cross-sections
of parts of a spindle and/or of the spindle itself, weight members,
and so forth.
[0036] Caps may optionally include indicia, such as configuration
indicia adapted to indicate a configuration of one or more top
components in an assembled top, categorizational indicia adapted to
indicate that a cap belongs to one or more predetermined
categories, and/or other game indicia. FIG. 7 shows views of top
surfaces 40 of two caps 14, each of which are shown to include
configuration indicia 80 and categorizational indicia 82.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the configuration indicia 80 is a
stylized representation of an assembled top, such as the top shown
in FIGS. 1-3, which has three mounting sites 24. The configuration
indicia indicates a configuration of components of an assembled
top. Specifically, the configuration indicia 80 on the caps of FIG.
7 shows one weight member mounted on one of three mounting sites.
However, the configuration indicia may be adapted as suitable to
indicate any desired configuration of components. For example, in
embodiments that include telescoping structure, the configuration
indicia may indicate a top configuration in which a cap is affixed
in one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to a
spindle. Moreover, although configuration indicia 80 is shown in
FIG. 7 as stylized graphical images of tops, the configuration
indicia may include any suitable indicia such as images, text,
symbols, and so forth, or any combination thereof, to indicate a
top configuration.
[0038] In some methods of game play, as described in more detail
below, players may be provided with a variety of top components,
including a plurality of different caps. Players may assemble caps
from the components as desired, compete to see which player
assembles a top that stays spinning the longest, or achieves some
other spin characteristic, and so forth. In embodiments that
include caps with configuration indicia, a player may follow or
otherwise use the configuration indicia to assemble a toy top as
indicated. For example, a player may select a cap that indicates a
weight member mounted to a predetermined mounting site, and
assemble a top according to the indicated configuration.
[0039] Caps 14 are also shown in FIG. 7 to include categorizational
indicia 82 adapted to identify the cap as belonging to one or more
predetermined categories. Such categorizational indicia may be used
during game play, for example, in a game setting wherein caps
represent members of opposing teams or factions, such that spinning
competitions between tops having caps with different
categorizational indicia may represent battles between opposing
teams or factions. Optionally, in methods of game play that
incorporate a scoring methodology, the categorizational indicia may
be used to establish a value hierarchy among caps. For example,
winning a spinning competition with a cap from one category may
result in incrementing a score differently than winning a
competition with a cap from another category. As such,
categorizational indicia may be related to a set of rules for use
in a game play method, for decorative purposes only, some
combination thereof, or for any desired purpose.
[0040] As an example of categorizational indicia not necessarily
related to game play, some caps (or other top components) may have
limited availability with respect to other caps (or top
components), and such limited availability may enhance the
collectible aspect of the tops, such as if users desire to collect
a number of caps (or top components) or a certain type, shape,
character, category, or other attribute. The categorizational
indicia thus may indicate that the cap is rare or common, and/or
belongs to a certain set of caps with limited availability, and so
forth.
[0041] Thus, categorizational indicia may take any form suitable to
identify that a cap belongs to one or more categories. For example,
the categorizational indicia shown on the caps in FIG. 7 represent,
respectively, a superhero and a villain. Thus, the exemplary tops
may be part of an embodiment that incorporates a superhero and
villain theme in terms of opposing forces that engage in combat,
symbolized by a spinning competition between tops.
[0042] As shown, configuration indicia 80 is shown separate from
categorizational indicia 82, but some embodiments may include
indicia indicating both initial configuration or adjustment of a
top and categorizational membership. Optionally, although not
shown, caps (and other top components) may include other game play
indicia, trade dress indicia, decorative indicia, and so forth. In
some embodiments, the configuration indicia and categorizational
indicia, as well as other indicia, may appear on top components
other than the caps.
[0043] In use, the adjustable tops may be spun in any suitable
manner in which a rotational force is applied to a top sufficient
to balance the spinning top on its lower end. Such a force may be
applied by hand, such as a user grasping the cap of the top and
releasing it with a sharp twisting motion. Or, a string may be
wrapped around the stem or base portion and pulled away.
Optionally, a launching component may be configured to deliver such
a force to a top, such as by positioning a top in a launching
component and ejecting the top onto a surface. Such a component may
be a hand-held spinning device, part of a larger play structure, or
as desired.
[0044] FIGS. 8 and 9 show exemplary embodiments of a play structure
suitable for use with the adjustable tops discussed above, in which
a hand-held spinning device may be used in conjunction with
structural components of the play structure to spin one or more
tops. An exemplary spinning device 90 is shown to include an
elongate body 92 with a handle 94 at one end and a brace 96 shaped
to receive a spindle at the other, with a length of cord 98 affixed
to the body near the brace. In use, the cord may be wrapped around
a spindle of an assembled top.
[0045] A play structure 100 is shown in the form of a stylized
miniature stadium having a play surface 102 defined by a perimeter
104 and substantially bounded by a retaining wall 106. Disposed
around perimeter 104 are several launching sites 108, each of which
is configured to releasably receive an assembled top and to release
a top to which rotational force is imparted. Each launching site
108 is shown to include launch structure 110 having generally
horizontal upper and lower braces 112, 114, each of which include a
shaped holder 116, 118.
[0046] An assembled top 10, attached to a spin device 90, is shown
seated against one of launching sites 108 so that the handle 94
protrudes through an opening in the launch structure 110. So
positioned, the handle may be pulled in the direction indicated by
arrow 120, by which motion a rotational force is imparted to the
top as the cord is rapidly unwrapped from the spindle. The spinning
top is then propelled by friction onto the play surface, generally
in the direction indicated by arrow 122, where it may come into
contact with other spinning tops 10.
[0047] Play structure 100 also includes scoring means 130, shown as
a plurality of slots 132 disposed on the retaining wall, each slot
configured to receive at least a portion of a cap 14. Several caps
14 are shown displayed in slots 132. In methods of game play that
include a scoring component, slots 132 may be used by players to
display caps 14 taken from opponents defeated tops.
[0048] An alternative embodiment of a play structure 100 is shown
in FIG. 9 to include scoring means 130 consisting of a series of
numbered holes 134 configured to receive scoring pegs 136, such as
to indicate and increment a numerical score.
[0049] Exemplary methods of game play utilizing the concepts and
components discussed above are outlined in the paragraphs below.
Games may be played by one or more players, attempting to spin a
top for the longest amount of time. Tops may be adjusted or
initially configured according to a set of game rules (e.g.,
according to a configuration indicia of a cap) or as desired, to
attempt to achieve a longer spin. Tops may be spun simultaneously
in a bounded or contained area such that two or more tops may
contact each other as they spin. These and other aspects of the
methods herein described may be articulated in a set of rules or
other printed matter that may accompany a game.
[0050] A method of play may include providing a plurality of toy
top components including a plurality of spindles, weight members,
and caps as described above, assembling at least two toy tops by
engaging a randomly-selected cap with the upper end of a spindle
and mounting one or more weight members to the spindle according to
the configuration indicia of the randomly-selected cap, spinning
the assembled toy tops simultaneously on a play surface, and
incrementing the score corresponding to the top that remains
spinning longest.
[0051] For example, in a method of game play between two players, a
plurality of caps may be placed "face-down" on a play surface, such
that any indicia on the top surface of each cap is not visible. The
plurality of caps may be for common use for all players, such as
that provided with a game kit. Alternatively, each player may have
a plurality of caps consisting of caps selected by the player from
his or her own personal collection, from a set of caps provided
with a game kit, or otherwise.
[0052] In this example, play may proceed with players taking turns
each drawing a cap and affixing the drawn cap to a spindle and
configuring the top as indicated by the cap. Optionally, initial
configuration of a top may be as indicated in a set of rules, which
may provide that a given set of indicia on a cap corresponds to a
given top configuration. Each player may then wrap a string around
the base portion of the top and seat the top into a launching site
on a play structure. Each player may then simultaneously spin his
or her top and wait to see which top spins for the longest time.
The player whose top spins for the longest time may be declared to
be the winner of the round.
[0053] The method may optionally include repeating the assembling,
spinning, and incrementing steps until the score corresponding to a
top reaches a predetermined value. For example, rounds of play may
be completed until one player, or a particular top, has won a
predetermined number of rounds. The scoring method may vary, and
may consist of an incrementalization of a numerical score
associated with a player or top, so that the first player or top to
reach a predetermined number wins the competition, or the player or
top with the greatest score after a number of individual rounds of
spinning may be the winner, and so forth. Score may be kept by
using scoring pegs in numbered holes on the play structure, or by
any suitable recording means.
[0054] Optionally, some methods may incorporate a scoring
methodology that includes removing the cap of the "losing" top and
associating the at least one removed cap with the scoring top.
Thus, instead of recording an incremental score, victories may be
measured by the amount of caps won by a winning player or top.
[0055] In embodiments in which each cap further includes
categorizational indicia adapted to indicate that the cap is
included in one of a plurality of predefined categories, including
a first category and a second category, the scoring methodology may
consist of incrementing the score corresponding to the top that
remains spinning longest includes, if the cap is in the first
category, removing the cap and associating it with the scoring top,
or, if the cap is in the second category, transferring a previously
associated cap of the first category from another top to the
scoring top.
[0056] For example, in a commercial embodiment in which each
character is categorized as a villain or a hero, winning with a
"hero cap" may entitle the winner of the round to display the cap
in one of a plurality of display slots on a play structure, and
winning with a "villain cap" may entitle the winner of the round to
take a hero cap from another player's displayed cap. In such an
example, the winner of the competition may be the player with the
most hero caps at the end of a predetermined number of rounds of
game play.
[0057] Several aspects of the exemplary methods of game play may be
modified from that disclosed above, and may be reflected in the set
of rules to accompany the game. The rules may thus be configured to
provide a game with a desired degree of complexity or difficulty,
for example to adapt the game to players of a predetermined age
range, to incorporate a theme or themes other than that discussed
above, and so forth. Optionally, if the game includes a collectible
aspect, the rules may incorporate the collectibility of the caps.
The rules may include additional methods of game play consistent
with the components and concepts of the game as described above,
and may vary from those as indicated herein.
[0058] It is believed that the disclosure set forth herein
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a specific
form, the embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein
are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations
are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all
novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the
various elements, features, functions components, concepts, and/or
properties disclosed herein. Also, where the claims recite "a" or
"a first" element of the equivalent thereof, such claims should be
understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,
neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
[0059] It is believed that the following claims particularly point
out certain combinations and subcombinations of features,
functions, elements, components, actions, and/or properties that
may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or
presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such
amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different
invention or directed to the same invention, whether different,
broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are
also regarded as included within the subject matter of the
inventions of the present disclosure.
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