Transparent yo-yo

Abstract

A transparent yo-yo includes two rotatable yo-yo halves (10) two half-spherical, rotatable yo-yo halves (10) each having a valve (12); two caps (13) each fastened in the valve (12); two sealing plates (40) sealingly engaged with the yo-yo halves (10) respectively; two spaced anchoring members (50); and an axle (20) comprising a threaded shank (21) and a nut (22); wherein the threaded shank (21) is adapted to dispose in both the anchoring members (50) and threadedly secure to the nut (22) in the other anchoring member (50) to fasten the axle (20) and the anchoring members (50) together; and wherein the anchoring members (50) are complimentarily secured to the sealing plates (40) respectively.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to yo-yos and more particularly to a transparent yo-yo.

2. Description of Related Art

Yo-yo is a toy consisting of a length of string knotted at one end to a flat spool. It is played by holding the free end of the string, usually by inserting one finger in a slip knot, and pulling at it so as to cause the spool to turn while suspended in mid-air, either taking up or releasing the string. Yo-yoing is very much enjoyed by both children and adults.

In the simplest play, the string is wound on the spool by hand. Next, the yo-yo is thrown downwards so that it first descends unwinding the string, then climbs back winding it up, and finally the yo-yo is grabbed, ready to be thrown again.

There are a great number of different yo-yos disclosed in patents throughout the world. Some of them are commercially available.

Notwithstanding prior literature, the invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a transparent yo-yo comprising two half-spherical, rotatable yo-yo halves each having a two half-spherical, rotatable yo-yo halves each having a valve; two caps each fastened in the valve; two sealing plates sealingly engaged with the yo-yo halves respectively; two spaced anchoring members; and an axle comprising a threaded shank and a nut; wherein the threaded shank is adapted to dispose in both the anchoring members and threadedly secure to the nut in the other anchoring member to fasten the axle and the anchoring members together; and wherein the anchoring members are complimentarily secured to the sealing plates respectively.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transparent yo-yo according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the yo-yo of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the yo-yo of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the yo-yo of FIG. 3 with string disposed therein;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the yo-yo with two different flashing media filled therein respectively;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transparent yo-yo according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the yo-yo of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the yo-yo of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the yo-yo of FIG. 9 with string disposed therein;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a transparent yo-yo according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the yo-yo of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the yo-yo of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a transparent yo-yo in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

Two half-spherical, rotatable yo-yo halves 10, a threaded axle 20 for connecting the yo-yo halves 10 together, and a ball bearing 30 put on a threaded shank 21 of the axle 20. The axle 20 has a disk shaped enlarged head and further comprises a hexagonal nut 22 secured to an end. The head of the axle 20 and the nut 22 are retained by two spaced anchoring members 50 respectively. As a result, the yo-yo halves 10 secured together in a spaced fashion. An annular gap 100, having a blind bottom (i.e., the ball bearing 30) and an open edge, is thus formed between the yo-yo halves 10.

One knotted end of a string 60 is secured to the ball bearing 30 and the string 60 is wound thereon prior to extending through the gap 100 with, for example, a slip knot formed at the other end. A player may insert one finger in the slip knot. The player may pull at the string 60 so as to cause the yo-yo to turn while suspended in mid-air, either taking up or releasing the string 60.

The yo-yo halves 10 are formed of transparent TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). A circular sealing plate 40 is disposed at an annular edge of each yo-yo half 10 to seal an internal space 11 of the yo-yo half 10. The sealing plates 40 are also formed of TPU. A valve 12 is formed on the yo-yo half 10. Fluid (e.g., air or liquid (as implemented by the invention)) may be injected through the valve 12 into the yo-yo half 10 by means of a pumping device (not shown). For example, a flashing medium (e.g., gold anthracene powder or pearl powder) may be disposed in the yo-yo half 10 before assembling. Alternatively, tiny suspendable articles or flashing LEDs (light emitting diodes) may be disposed in the yo-yo halves 10. Thus, the flashing members inside the yo-yo halves 10 may be more interesting and/or attractive to players when playing.

The sealing plate 40 comprises a central convex member 46 on one surface, and an annular projection and recess assembly 45 on the edge adapted to lockingly engage with an annular corresponding recess and projection assembly 15 on the edge so as to sealingly engage the sealing plate 40 with the yo-yo half 10. Thickness of the flat portion of the sealing plate 40 between the projection and recess assembly 45 and convex member 46 is about 13 mm. The sealing plate 40 further comprises a disk shaped cavity 41 on the other surface of the convex member 46, and a hexagonal well 42 in a central portion of the cavity 41.

The anchoring member 50 is hollow and fitted in both the cavity 41 and the well 42. The anchoring member 50 comprises a bossed hole 51 on one surface, the bossed hole 51 having both inner and outer surfaces shaped as a hexagon. The bossed hole 51 is fitted into the well 42. The anchoring member 50 further comprises a central through hole 52 on the other surface communicating with the bossed hole 51, an annular groove 53 spaced around the through hole 52, and a plurality of ridges 54 on the edge of the other surface.

An assembly of the invention will be described in detail below. First, put, for example, a flashing medium (e.g., gold anthracene powder or pearl powder) into both the yo-yo halves 10. Next, lockingly engage the other sealing plate 40 with the other yo-yo half 10 by fastening the projection and recess assembly 45 and the corresponding recess and projection assembly 15 together. Next, dispose the nut 22 in the bossed hole 51 of the other anchoring member 50. Next, fit the other anchoring member 50 into the cavity 41 of the other sealing plate 40. Next, insert the shank 21 of the axle 20 through both the bossed hole 51 and the through hole 52 of one anchoring member 50, the ball bearing 30, and the through hole 52 of the other anchoring member 50 into the bossed hole 51 of the other anchoring member 50 until the head of the axle 20 is stopped by the shoulder between the bossed hole 51 and the through hole 52 of one anchoring member 50. Also, the nut 22 in the bossed hole 51 of the other anchoring member 50 is secured to the shank 21. A distance between two anchoring members 50 is slightly greater than a width of the ball bearing 30 so that the ball bearing 30 may be free to rotate between the anchoring members 50. Next, fit one anchoring member 50 into the cavity 41 of one sealing plate 40. Next, lockingly engage one sealing plate 40 with one yo-yo half 10 by fastening the projection and recess assembly 45 and the corresponding recess and projection assembly 15 together. Next, inject a desired fluid into the spaces 11 of the yo-yo halves 10 through the valves 12 by means of a pumping device (not shown). Next, insert a substantially conic cap 13 into the conic opening of the valve 12 to close the valve 12. Finally, secure one knotted end of the string 60 to the ball bearing 30 and the string 60 is wound thereon prior to extending through the gap 100 with, for example, a slip knot formed at the other end. A player may insert one finger in the slip knot. The player may pull at the string 60 so as to cause the yo-yo to turn while suspended in mid-air, either taking up or releasing the string. The provision of the ridges 54 can clamp the string 60 slightly so that the playing can be smoother.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a transparent yo-yo in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the first preferred embodiment except the following:

A substantially crescent wall 14A is provided to divide either yo-yo half 10A into two yo-yo quarters 10C, 10D each having a cap 13 fastened thereon. A passage 141A is formed on a portion of an open edge 11A of the wall 14A. A diametrical slit 41A is formed through outer surface of a stepped-diameter protrusion 44A. A hexagonal well 43A is formed on a central portion of an inner surface of an annular cavity 42A on an inner surface of the protrusion 44A. The open edge 11A of the wall 14A may be inserted into the slit 41A to tightly engage the yo-yo half 10A with a sealing plate 40A. As such, four yo-yo quarters 10C, 10D, 10E and 10F are such formed. Space of each yo-yo quarter 10C, 10D, 10E or 10F may be filled with a different flashing medium which can be retained therein by means of the cap 13.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a transparent yo-yo in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the third preferred embodiment are substantially the same as that of the second preferred embodiment except the following:

There are three equally spaced wall sections 14B formed as a unitary member and are used to divide either yo-yo half 10B into three yo-yo sections 10U, 10V, and 10W each having a cap 13 fastened thereon. A passage 141B is formed on a joining portion of the three wall sections 14B. Three equally spaced slits 41B are formed through outer surface of a stepped-diameter protrusion 44B. A hexagonal well 43B is formed on a central portion of an inner surface of an annular cavity 42B on an inner surface of the protrusion 44B. The open edges of the wall sections 14B may be inserted into the slits 41B to tightly engage the yo-yo half 10B with a sealing plate 40B. As such, six yo-yo space 10U, 10V, 10W, 10X, 10Y, or 10Z of any yo-yo section 14B, may be filled with a different flashing medium flashing medium which can be retained therein by means of the cap 13.

While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transparent yo-yo comprising:

two half-spherical, rotatable yo-yo halves (10) each having a valve (12);

two caps (13) each fastened in the valve (12);

two sealing plates (40) sealingly engaged with the yo-yo halves (10) respectively;

two spaced anchoring members (50); and

an axle (20) comprising a threaded shank (21) and a nut (22);

wherein the threaded shank (21) is adapted to dispose in both the anchoring members (50) and threadedly secure to the nut (22) in the other anchoring member (50) to fasten the axle (20) and the anchoring members (50) together; and

wherein the anchoring members (50) are complimentarily secured to the sealing plates (40) respectively.

2. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein the yo-yo halves (10) are formed of. transparent TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

3. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein gold anthracene powder is adapted to fill in the yo-yo halves (10) prior to sealingly engaging the sealing plates (40) with the yo-yo halves (10) respectively, and injecting fluid into the yo-yo halves (10).

4. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein pearl powder is adapted to fill in the yo-yo halves (10) prior to sealingly engaging the sealing plates (40) with the yo-yo halves (10) respectively, and injecting fluid into the yo-yo halves (10).

5. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein the yo-yo halves (10) are adapted to fill with tiny suspendable articles prior to sealingly engaging the sealing plates (40) with the yo-yo halves (10) respectively, and injecting fluid into the yo-yo halves (10).

6. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein the yo-yo halves (10) are adapted to fill with LEDs prior to sealingly engaging the sealing plates (40) with the yo-yo halves (10) respectively.

7. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein the sealing plates (40) are formed of TPU.

8. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein each of the sealing plates (40) comprises a plurality of peripheral ridges (54) facing the ridges (54) of the other sealing plate (40) with the string (60) clampingly passing between the ridges (54) of the sealing plates (40).

9. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein one of the yo-yo halves (10A) is divided into two equal compartments (10C, 10D), and the other yo-yo halve (10A) is divided into two equal compartments (10E, 10F).

10. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, wherein each of the yo-yo halves (10B) is divided into three equal compartments (10U, 10V, 10W,10x,10Y,10z).

11. The transparent yo-yo of claim 1, further comprising a ball bearing (30) rotatably disposed on the threaded shank (21) and between anchoring members (50).

12. The transparent yo-yo of claim 11, further comprising a string (60) having one end secured to the ball bearing (30), the string (60) being wound the ball bearing (30) prior to extending through a gap (100) defined between the yo-yo halves (10).