Abstract: An adjustable performance yo-yo, allowing the operator to optimize the degree of frictional drag maximizing sleep time and being able to return the yo-yo to the hand at will. The invention uses a single nylon woven cord uniquely attached to a yoke on a small diameter threaded axle. Two rotating inertial disks have extended smooth surfaces refered to as lapper disks located near the center of rotation making skimming contact with the cord. The cord frictional drag is adjusted by rotating a threaded knob on the end of the axle which effects the proximity of the lapper disk to the cord. The two inertial disks spin independently of each other. The two body halves are made of a resilient material which cushions the hand from impact of a rapid return of the yo-yo up the cord. A hitch is used to form a running noose on the hand end of the cord. Variations of the invention using a twisted looped string are also disclosed.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a pair of rotation bodies spaced from each other by a shaft, with the shaft means having a string connected thereto. Mechanisms are provided between the shaft and the rotation bodies such that: the shaft is fixed with respect to the rotation bodies as the string is unwound and the yo-yo travels downward; the shaft my rotate with respect to the rotation bodies for a selected number of rotations when the string has been completely unwound; and the shaft is fixed with respect to the rotation bodies after completion of the selected number of rotations and may therefore rewind the string to return the yo-yo to the user's hand. This mechanism may take various forms, including gears, locking tines, and tape reels.

Abstract: A device for holding or controlling a bandalore or yo-yo type toy is provided having a resilient, rubberized or plastic o-ring and a string. The string is permanently connected to the o-ring and when passed through the o-ring, a loop is created for the user's finger thereby allowing the user to hold and control the toy. Additionally, the user may pass a finger directly through the o-ring to hold and control the bandalore or yo-yo type toy.

Abstract: Yo-Yo embodiments with extended spin time and reliable initiation for rewinding of the tether are disclosed. An axle bearing of low friction or "frictionless" type is used for extended spin time. Player control of tether tension causes elastic deformation of tether diameter, especially in a tether strand wrapped around the axle bearing. Tension constricts the cross-sectional diameter of the strand, holding it free of the Yo-Yo sides; loss of tension expands the strand, engaging it laterally in clutch-like surface contact with the Yo-Yo sides. Tension in the tether and its wrapped strand under conditions of common Yo-Yo weight and ordinary play produce small variations in strand diameter. Player control of strand engagement with and disengagement form the Yo-Yo sides is assured by infinitely fine adjustment of the gap between the sides and by secure seizing of the Yo-Yo parts to fix the desired gap.

Abstract: A device for eliminating the twisting and accompanying stress associated with yo-yo strings during operation by providing for rotation of the string about its central elongate axis without rotation of the yo-yo. The device of the present invention is inserted in-line between the yo-yo and the operator grip. The device includes two segments attached by a pivotal axis concentric with the string central axis. The string is divided into two segments, a device-yo-yo segment and a device-operator segment.

Abstract: A yo-yo is provided with a construction by which it may be converted easily and quickly to a high performance surface spinning top. After detaching Zone of the yo-yo halves from the axle of the yo-yo, one of the yo-yo halves from the axle of the yo-yo, a spindle is attached to the center of the detached yo-yo half. Means are provided for defining a nib at the opposite face of the detached yo-yo half. The yo-yo string, which will have been removed from the axle may be used as a pull string to be wrapped around the spindle to impart acceleration to the top. The other part of the yo-yo including the other half and the axle are rotatably and telescopically engageable with the end of the spindle to stabilize the position and attitude of the top while it is accelerated. After acceleration, the stabilizer is easily withdrawn thus leaving the top to spin free on supporting surface.

Abstract: A high performance yo-yo displays extended spinning time and is easy to use even by a beginner. The yo-yo includes two yo-yo halves connected by the axle. A spool formed from low friction polymeric material is mounted for free rotation on the axle and the yo-yo string is attached to the spool. When the yo-yo spins, the axle rotates freely within the spool. The axial play of the spool on the axle and the space between the yo-yo halves adjacent the spool are subject to certain critical values which provide the yo-yo with its desirable operating characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotatable device including a body adapted to be supported for rotation about an axis of rotation. A resilient electrically conductive member is supported by the body for rotation with the body, and has first and second blades, the second blade being generally parallel and spaced radially inwardly of the first blade with respect to the axis of rotation of body. The first and second blades of the resilient electrically conductive member define a battery receiving area therebetween adapted to house a button type battery. A electrically operable device is mounted on the second blade of the resilient electrically conductive member and is centrifugally activated when the body is rotated about the axis.

Abstract: An ascending and descending balloon action toy includes an envelope filled with a lighter-then-air gas, the envelope repeatedly ascending and alternately descending a tether.

Abstract: This invention, a return top with multiple designing means enables the child to make numerous design changes in his or her return top to satisfy the creative desire or need of the individual.

Abstract: A toy capable of combined rotational motion about an axle and translational motion in a vertical direction. Two parallel discs are connected through their centers and are maintained in a spaced-apart position, by an axle. The axle is non-circular in cross-section, and is supported by a tape which is inserted along the axle's longitudinal axis between the two axle-halves. The opposite end of the tape may be attached to a swivel which is in turn connected to a holding apparatus. In order to operate the toy, the end of the tape or the holding apparatus is held in the operator's hand and a down-and-up motion is imparted to the toy. The body of the yo-yo may alternatively be suspended from a string which is firmly anchored to the axle.