U.S. patent application number 12/798576 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for spinning toy.
Invention is credited to Steven Douglas DeLacy, Greg Leong, Jim McCafferty.
Application Number | 20100255752 12/798576 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42826584 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100255752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCafferty; Jim ; et
al. |
October 7, 2010 |
Spinning toy
Abstract
A manually powered spinning toy is described. The spinning toy
includes a core having two ends. The core and ends are formed in a
suitable shape to allow the toy to spin, such that a user can
position one of the user's fingers against one of the ends and, by
pushing down on the end, the end is forced down and ultimately away
from the user's finger, thereby causing the toy to spin.
Inventors: |
McCafferty; Jim; (Santa Ana,
CA) ; Leong; Greg; (Irvine, CA) ; DeLacy;
Steven Douglas; (Santa Ana, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARY TOPE-MCKAY;TOPE-MCKAY & ASSOCIATES
23852 Pacific Coast Highway #311
Malibu
CA
90265
US
|
Family ID: |
42826584 |
Appl. No.: |
12/798576 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61212065 |
Apr 6, 2009 |
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61212064 |
Apr 6, 2009 |
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61212085 |
Apr 6, 2009 |
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61212084 |
Apr 6, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/265 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 1/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/265 |
International
Class: |
A63H 1/28 20060101
A63H001/28 |
Claims
1. A spinning toy, comprising: a core having two ends, the core and
ends being formed in a suitable shape to allow the toy to spin,
such that a user can position one of the user's fingers against one
of the ends and, by pushing down on the end, the end is forced down
and ultimately away from the user's finger, thereby causing the toy
to spin.
2. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 2, further comprising at
least one cap formed to attach with at least one of the two
ends.
3. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the core and
two ends are cylindrical shaped.
4. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the cap is
formed of an elastic material to allow it to stretch over and affix
with one of the two ends.
5. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the core
includes a hole formed therein, with the hole formed to operate as
a whistle such that as the core is spin, air passing through the
hole forms a whistling sound.
6. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the core is
formed to include a translucent outer layer with a liquid
positioned thereon that is viewable through the translucent outer
layer.
7. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the core
includes a translucent outer layer with a light positioned therein
and, further comprising, a centrifugal force switch positioned
within the core for completing a circuit when the core is spun to
activate the light and thereby illuminate the core while
spinning.
8. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 2, wherein the cap is
formed of an elastic material to allow it to stretch over and affix
with one of the two ends.
9. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core and
two ends are cylindrical shaped.
10. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core
includes a hole formed therein, with the hole formed to operate as
a whistle such that as the core is spin, air passing through the
hole forms a whistling sound.
11. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core is
formed to include a translucent outer layer with a liquid
positioned thereon that is viewable through the translucent outer
layer.
12. The spinning toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core
includes a translucent outer layer with a light positioned therein
and, further comprising, a centrifugal force switch positioned
within the core for completing a circuit when the core is spun to
activate the light and thereby illuminate the core while spinning.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application is a Non-Provisional Utility Patent
Application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/212,065, filed
on Apr. 6, 2009, entitled, "Spinning Toy;" and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/212,064, filed on Apr. 6, 2009, entitled,
"Perpetual Spinning Toy;" and U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/212,085, filed on Apr. 6, 2009, entitled, "Perpetual Spinning
Toy with Externally Spinning Wheel;" and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/212,084, filed on Apr. 6, 2009, entitled,
"Launching Device for a Spinning Toy."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a spinning toy and, more
particularly, to toy that is weighted and formed to spin
protractedly upon initiation by a user.
[0004] (2) Description of Related Art
[0005] Spinning toys (or tops) have long been known in the art. A
top, or spinning top, is a toy that can be spun on an axis,
balancing on a point. This motion is typically produced by holding
the axis firmly while pulling a string. An internal weight then
rotates, producing an overall circular motion. The top is one of
the oldest recognizable toys found on archaeological sites.
Spinning tops originated independently in cultures all over the
world. Besides toys, tops have also historically been used for
gambling and prophecy. Some role-playing garners still use tops to
augment dice in generating randomized results; it is in this case
referred to as a spinner.
[0006] The action of a top relies on the gyroscopic effect for its
operation. Typically the top will at first wobble until the shape
of the tip and its interaction with the surface force it upright.
After spinning upright for an extended period, the angular
momentum, and therefore the gyroscopic effect will gradually
lessen, leading to ever increasing precession, finally causing the
top to topple in a frequently violent last thrash.
[0007] Typical tops or spinning toys are formed as a disk or
conical shaped item that includes a rounded circumference with a
single tip upon which the item spins. While operable for simple
spinning, such typical tops do not provide further interaction and
functionality to the user. For example, typical spinning tops
generally spin in place and are not formed to allow the user to
shoot or direct the top at a particular target.
[0008] Thus, a continuing need exists for a spinning toy that is
formed differently than a traditional top and that provides for
enhanced functionality and interaction to a user.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] While considering the failure of others to make use of all
of the above components in this technology space, the inventor
unexpectedly realized that an approximately cylindrical core can be
used as a spinning toy. Further, such a shape provides for
alterations and enhancements to the shape to alter the spinning
characteristics of the toy.
[0010] Thus, the present invention relates to a spinning toy. The
spinning toy includes a core having two ends. The core and ends are
formed in a suitable shape (e.g., cylindrical shaped) to allow the
toy to spin, such that a user can position one of the user's
fingers against one of the ends and, by pushing down on the end,
the end is forced down and ultimately away from the user's finger,
thereby causing the toy to spin.
[0011] Additionally, at least one cap is included that is formed to
attach with at least one of the two ends. The cap can be formed in
a variety of shapes to perform a variety of functions, as described
herein. To assist the cap with attaching with the core, the cap can
be formed of an elastic material to allow it to stretch over and
affix with one of the two ends.
[0012] In another aspect, the core includes a hole formed therein,
with the hole formed to operate as a whistle such that as the core
is spin, air passing through the hole forms a whistling sound.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the core is formed to include a
translucent outer layer with a liquid positioned thereon that is
viewable through the translucent outer layer.
[0014] In another aspect, the core includes a translucent outer
layer with a light positioned therein and, further comprising, a
centrifugal force switch positioned within the core for completing
a circuit when the core is spun to activate the light and thereby
illuminate the core while spinning.
[0015] Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the
present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the
spinning toy described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions
of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with
reference to the following drawings, where:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side-view illustration of a spinning toy
according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side-view illustration of a spinning toy
according to the present invention, depicting the spinning toy
being spun by a user;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side-view illustration of a spinning toy
according to the present invention, depicting caps being attached
with e core;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side-view illustration of several caps and cores
according to the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a spinning toy according to the
present invention, depicting additional aspects.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention relates to a spinning toy and, more
particularly, to toy that is weighted and formed to spin
protractedly upon initiation by a user. The following description
is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and
use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of
particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a
variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined
herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with
the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[0023] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific
details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are
shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to
avoid obscuring the present invention.
[0024] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and
which are open to public inspection with this specification, and
the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated
herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this
specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and
drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same,
equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is
only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar
features.
[0025] Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly
state "means for" performing a specified function, or "step for"
performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a
"means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112,
Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of "step of" or "act" of in the
claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
112, Paragraph 6.
[0026] Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back,
top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have
been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to
imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to
reflect relative locations and/or directions between various
portions of an object.
[0027] (1) Description
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a
spinning toy 100. The spinning toy 100 includes a core 102 that
operates as the frame of the toy 100. The core 102 includes two
ends 104 that operate as gripping portions to allow a user to spin
the toy 100. The core 102 and ends 104 are formed in any suitable
shape to allow the toy to spin. As a non-limiting example, the core
102 and each of the ends 104 are formed in a cylindrical shape. As
yet another non-limiting example, the core 102 includes a figure
shaped thereon (as depicted in FIG. 1) while each of the ends 104
is formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the figure can be
integrally molded or formed with the core 102.
[0029] A distinction between the present invention and a standard
top is in the manner in which it is spun. For example and as
depicted in FIG. 2, a user can apply pressure 200 to one of the
ends 104, which causes the core 102 to spin 202. As a more specific
example, a user can position one of the user's fingers 203 against
one of the ends 104. By pushing down (applying pressure 200) on the
end 104, the end 104 is forced down and ultimately away from the
user's finger 203 (it is forced away due to the cylindrical shape
of the end 104), thereby causing the toy 100 to spin about a
central axis 204.
[0030] To provide additional benefits to the present invention, the
toy can be customized to provide a variety of aesthetic and
functional features. For example and as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4,
the toy 100 can be customized by adding style caps 300. The style
caps 300 are formed to be attached with the end 104 of the core
102. The caps 300 are attached using any suitable technique or
mechanism or device for attaching one object with another. For
example, each cap 300 may be attached with an end 104 of the core
102 through threads or through a snap configuration. Alternatively,
the cap 300 can be formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber)
that allows a user to stretch out the cap 300 and attach the cap
with the core 102.
[0031] Additionally and as shown in FIG. 4, the style caps 300 can
be formed in a variety of forms to provide a variety of different
appearances. Further, the different shapes of the caps alter the
spinning, function of the toy 100 (due to the shape and weight of
the cap). As a non-limiting example, a cap 300 with bumps or
protrusions could cause a bouncing effect when the toy 100 is
spinning.
[0032] The toy 100 can be used for simple spinning or for use in a
variety of games, such as battle games where multiple spinning toys
100 are spun toward each other. In this aspect, it may be desirable
to include caps 300 of different colors so that each competitor can
identify their spinning toy by the color. The color becomes
important because when the toys are actually spinning, any shape
distinction becomes blurred. However, the color remains while
spinning and thereby enables identification of a particular toy
while spinning.
[0033] As noted above and described herein, several variations to
the spinning toy 100 can be employed to provide a variety of
functional and aesthetic benefits. For example, listed below are
several variations of caps 300 and/or cores 102: [0034] a. STYLE
CAPS: Stylized caps are used to change the look of the core. For
example, the stylized caps can be formed to represent figures or
characters (e.g., genetic mutations) of a television show. [0035]
b. COLOR CAPS: Color caps are caps that are formed in a variety of
colors to help a user separate their spinning core from the
competitor's spinning core during battle. As a non-limiting
example, one user could use blue caps while another user could use
yellow caps. [0036] c. WEAPON CAPS: The spinning toy can be used in
a battle game where different players spin their cores toward one
another. In a battle game, it may be desirable to alter the
physical characteristics of the toy to increase the core's
offensive capability when battling against other spinning toys. For
example, caps can be provided with different weights, lengths, etc.
A heavier cap would provide a greater spinning momentum and force
when impacting a spinning core with a lighter cap. Additionally, a
longer or elongated cap may also increase the spinning momentum or
force, in addition to the diameter or reach of the spinning toy.
[0037] d. SHIELD CAPS: As noted above, the spinning toy can be used
in a battle game where different players spin their cores toward
one another. For example, shield caps can be used to increase the
spinning core's defensive capability when battling against other
spinning toys in a battle game by altering the physical
characteristics of the caps (e.g., Heavier, shorter caps). [0038]
e. DURATION CAPS: The spinning toy is formed to allow a user to
spin it across or on top of a surface. Thus, in some circumstances,
it may be desirable to increase the spin time at the expense of
accuracy and distance. This can be done by further altering the cap
characteristics. For example, super heavy caps can be added to the
core. In other words, caps that are considerably heavier than other
provided caps. [0039] f. DISTANCE CAPS: To propel the spinning toy
during long range competitions, it may be desirable to alter the
characteristics of the toy such that it travels further. This can
be accomplished using a light weight cap or a cap with a larger
diameter (with respect to other caps). [0040] g. ACCURACY CAPS: In
some cases, it may be desirable to propel the spinning toy toward a
particular target for pinpoint or target shooting. In doing so, it
is desirable to alter the characteristics of the toy such that it
maintains a more direct line once propelled. This can be
accomplished using a lighter weight cap with a smaller diameter
(with respect to other caps). [0041] h. GRIP CAPS: To increase the
spinning toy's traction with a surface, (which may be desirable for
shorter range shots), a grip cap can be employed. The grip cap is a
cap with increased traction over other caps, such as through the
use of a rubber cap or rubber coating over the cap. [0042] i. SLICK
CAPS: Should a user be using the spinning toy on a high-grip
surface, it may be desirable to have a cap that decreases such a
grip or traction to increase the ability of the spinning toy to
spin. In this aspect, the cap can be formed of a low traction
material, such as nylon or a polished metal. [0043] j. STANDING
CAP: In another aspect, the cap can be formed to allow the spinning
toy to stand on its end during a spin cycle. For example, the cap
is weighted and shaped (e.g., a bulbous shape) to allow the
spinning toy to stand. [0044] k. SOUND EFFECTS CAP: In yet another
aspect, the cap can be used to create different sound effects while
spinning. This can be accomplished through caps having different
textures formed thereon to create different sounds during a spin.
For example, a series of bumps can be included in one cap to create
a particular sound, while another cap can have a series of ridges
to create a different sound. [0045] l. FIGURAL CENTER PIECE: In
another aspect, the core has a three-dimensional sculpted central
aesthetic figure which may or may not be removable. The core may
have one or two curved caps to allow for spin action and game play
[0046] m. STUNT CAPS: In yet another aspect, the caps can be formed
to create high elevation angles when the toy is spinning. For
example, the caps can be shaped with elliptical ends such that as
the toy spins, it raises the altitude of the spinning toy. [0047]
n. BALANCE CORE: In another aspect, the core can be formed such
that it includes a weight which can be variably positioned to
affect the core's center of gravity. For example, a weighted ring
is positioned about the core that can be slid across the core to
the desired location. This has the effect of producing different
spin characteristics. [0048] o. DISSIMILAR END CAPS: In this
aspect, the core has a modular capability to accept various
replaceable end cap designs. Each cap can have a different weight,
size and texture. Each end-cap gives the core a different
performance effect due to its physical properties. [0049] p.
ILLUSION CORES: This core provides optical illusion images that are
not illuminated with an LED. This item produces visual effects
without electronics by using decorated images or shapes on the
actual core that become increasingly visible when the spinning toy
is spun. [0050] q. VIEWER CORE: In yet another aspect, the core can
take the form of a plastic tube that contains a fixed focusing lens
and a viewable translucent cell image. Light can be transmitted
thru the tube to take advantage of ambient conditions to illuminate
the image. The image can be viewed when held close to the eye like
a Viewmaster.TM. or a kaleidoscope. [0051] r. SOUND CORE: In yet
another aspect, the core has a mechanical sound generating device
in the form of a semi-rigid metallic element which is positioned
within the core (or on the exterior of the core) and that vibrates
when the core is spinning. [0052] s. CENTER SPIN RING: In another
aspect, the core comes with a raised central ring wrapped around
the core that allows the core to rotate on this feature when it is
spinning flat on the surface. Due to the reduced contact area, the
core will continue to spin for a longer period of time.
[0053] Additional aspects are depicted in FIG. 5. For example, the
spinning toy 100 can come in the form of a whistle core 500. The
whistle core includes a hole on one of the ends or end caps. As the
product spins, the aerodynamic shape of the hole creates a
whistling sound. Thus, the hole is designed to operate as a whistle
when the core is spun.
[0054] Yet another aspect is the liquid core 502, which includes a
liquid inside the core. In this aspect, the core may have an outer
layer formed of a clear or translucent material (e.g., clear
plastic or acrylic) so that the liquid inside the core can be
viewed externally.
[0055] Finally, another aspect is the light core 504 which includes
a light positioned inside the core to illuminate the core. The
light can be exposed from the core or positioned within the core
and viewable therein using a translucent shell that forms the core.
The light can be actuated via a manual switch or through a
centrifugal switch that completes a circuit when the core is spun,
thereby lighting the core while spinning.
* * * * *