Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a multi-image lenticular instruction system. The system is incorporated into at least one of the yo-yo's side members via a side cap that is secured to the side member and is readily visible. The instruction system functions by displaying sequential images showing how to perform a predetermined yo-yo trick. A user can manually manipulate the yo-yo to display the images in either a forward or reverse order and at any speed the user desires. By watching the images, the user can easily see how to perform the displayed yo-yo trick.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include a starburst pattern of grooves located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooved engagement area is employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a unique axle design and end pieces capable of retaining POG-shaped inserts. The axle is designed to increase the yo-yo's sleep time as well as to improve the facility with which the yo-yo can be returned from a sleeping condition. The yo-yo's axle includes an axle block that is itself similar in shape to a yo-yo and has a uniquely shaped central groove. The groove has parallel upper sidewalls and a bottom tapered section. The axle block is preferably made of wood and the yo-yo's end members are preferably made of plastic. When a wooden axle block is used with plastic end members, the yo-yo will display the performance advantages that were previously only afforded by wooden yo-yo's while at the same time providing the lower manufacturing costs and high durability of a plastic yo-yo. The yo-yo's end pieces include retaining structure that allows a user to secure a POG-shaped insert to each end piece.