Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that has structure that enables a user to configure the yo-yo in either a looper configuration or a butterfly configuration without needing to disassemble the yo-yo. The mechanism that enables the change in shape of the yo-yo's sides can be set to an automatic mode in which the yo-yo can automatically change from a looper configuration to a butterfly configuration when the yo-yo's rotational rate reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that that has at least one side that incorporates components that create a powered rotation system. The system is connected to either a circuit board or a weighted board that is similarly rotatable and is located in the yo-yo's other side and/or employs a circuit board that is non-symmetric about its rotational axis and/or uses the powered rotation system to only push on a side portion's body member.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that that has at least one side that incorporates components that create a powered rotation system. The system is connected to either a circuit board or a weighted board that is similarly rotatable and is located in the yo-yo's other side and/or employs a circuit board that is non-symmetric about its rotational axis and/or uses the powered rotation system to only push on a side portion's body member.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo in which at least one of the yo-yo's sides includes a powered rotation system capable of maintaining the yo-yo's rotation when the yo-yo is sleeping at the end of its tether. The system functions by converting one of the yo-yo's sides into a motor, and in one embodiment includes a number of permanent magnets, an electromagnet, a sensor capable of detecting a magnet field, and a power source. Also disclosed is the use of a programmable controller to control the system. In another embodiment of the rotation system, a reflector, an energy emitter and a complementary sensor are employed to lead to an actuation of the electromagnet.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that includes movable shuttles that a user can quickly reposition between predetermined set points in order to adjust the yo-yo's responsiveness. Repositioning of the shuttles is accomplished via a cam surface connected to a rotatable dial. Preferably, the yo-yo also includes readily visible indicia associated with the shuttle's positioning apparatus so that a user can easily set and/or ascertain the yo-yo's responsiveness setting.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo in which at least one of the yo-yo's sides includes a powered rotation system capable of maintaining the yo-yo's rotation when the yo-yo is sleeping at the end of its tether. The system functions by converting one of the yo-yo's sides into a motor, and in one embodiment includes a number of permanent magnets, an electromagnet, a sensor capable of detecting a magnet field, and a power source. Also disclosed is the use of a programmable controller to control the system. In another embodiment of the rotation system, a reflector, an energy emitter and a complementary sensor are employed to lead to an actuation of the electromagnet.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo in which at least one of the yo-yo's sides includes a powered rotation system capable of maintaining the yo-yo's rotation when the yo-yo is sleeping at the end of its tether. The system functions by converting one of the yo-yo's sides into a motor, and includes a number of permanent magnets, an electromagnet, a sensor capable of detecting a magnet field, and a power source.

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 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 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 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.