JUMP SKIPPER TOY

Abstract

In various embodiments, a device may include a collar configured to fit around an ankle region of a person; a tether comprising a first end connected to the collar; and an element connected to the second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to lengthen and channel liquid during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This description relates to toys, and more particularly to skipping toys.

BACKGROUND

Conventional toys may include an element attached to a loop. A person may play with such a toy by, for example, continuously moving the loop in a small circular motion. In this way, the element horizontally revolves around the loop. A person’s ability to continuously twirl the element may provide a game of physical dexterity and coordination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Conventional toys may include an element attached to a loop. A person may play with such a toy by, for example, continuously moving the loop in a small circular motion. In this way, the element horizontally revolves around the loop. A person’s ability to continuously twirl the element may provide a game of physical dexterity and coordination.

Embodiments of the present invention features the ability to have fun while also getting your body moving. This toy gives the challenge of keeping the toy rotating around a person’s ankle with the enjoyment of having the toy spin around and lift off the ground via the coiled cord.

In various embodiments, a device may include a collar configured to fit around an ankle region of a person; a tether comprising a first end connected to the collar; and an element connected to the second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to expand during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.

In various embodiments, a device may include a collar configured to fit around an ankle region of a person; a tether comprising a first end connected to the collar; and an element connected to the second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to lengthen and channel liquid during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.

In further embodiments, a method may include connecting a collar with a tether at a first end of the tether, wherein the collar is configured to fit around an ankle region of a person; and connecting the tether with an element at a second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to expand during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.

The details of specific implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of the device with nested tubes, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cut through view of a nested tube of the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates a plan view of an open nested tube, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the device with a weave covered cord, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut through view of the weave covered cord, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the device with a fabric covered cord, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut through view of fabric covered cord, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a removably attached device with a coiled tether, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the coiled tether, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a device connected with a fluid conduit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a blowout view of a fluid collar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the fluid collar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of the fluid collar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12B illustrates a fluid source conduit in connection with the fluid collar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12C illustrates a fluid tether in connection with the fluid collar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of assembling the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Thus, any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Reference to various aspects within the drawings does not mean that all embodiments of the present invention or claims must include the referenced aspects. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary, or the following detailed description.

In this description, reference is made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with the reference numerals throughout. As used in the description herein and throughout, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “said” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “into” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments describe a device, which may be utilized as a toy, with a collar, a tether, and an element. The collar configured to fit around an ankle region of a person. The tether may connect the collar and the element. Also, the tether may be configured to expand during rotation of the element around the ankle region of the person as the person rotates the element around the ankle. A person may play with such a device by, for example, continuously moving the collar in a small circular motion. In this way, the element horizontally revolves around the collar based on the circular motion made be the person. This tether may have unique properties, such as elongation, based on how fast or how much centrifugal force is applied to the element in virtue of the rotational movement applied to the collar. Also, in certain embodiments, a liquid may be channeled through the device and flow from the collar to the element via the tether. The liquid, which may or may not be pressurized from a fluid source, such as from the tap or a hose of a water supply, may flow out of the element while the device is played with.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of the device 100 with nested tubes 102A-D, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 100 may include a collar 104 and an element 106. The collar may be configured or sized to fit around a person’s ankle, with some give for movement around the ankle. In certain embodiments, the collar 104 may be from between 10 centimeters to 50 centimeters in diameter. The collar may be made with a generally rigid material such that movement of the collar around the ankle would generally not force the collar to deform. The element 108 may be an object, such as an object in the shape of a toy airplane. A tether 110 may be configured to connect the collar 104 with the element 108. In certain embodiments, the tether 110 may be a string or other elongated structure between the collar 104 and the element 108. In various embodiments, the tether 110 may be made of an elastic material configured to expand or stretch when pressure is applied. Stated another way, the tether 110 may include a cord that is made of the elastic material. In various embodiments, the tether 110 may have such elasticity that rotational motion applied to the collar 104 to induce rotation of the element 108 may cause the tether 110 to expand its length between the element 108 and the collar 104 (without breaking) by up to, for example, four times its length (or other variations of its length) when rotational motion is applied to the collar, compared with when rotational motion is not applied to the collar. In the illustrated embodiment, the tether 110 may include, or be encapsulated by, nested tubes 102A, 102B, 102C that cover an underlying cord of the tether 110 completely when rotational motion is not applied to the collar or when the tether is not extended due to centrifugal force. Although four nested tubes are included in the illustrated embodiment, devices may include any number of nested tubes as desired for different applications in different embodiments. For example, the tether 110 may include five or more or three or fewer nested tubes in other embodiments. Also, in certain embodiments, the device 100 may include a collar tube 102D that is a tube that includes a clamp 103 which would limit an amount of give of a cord within the collar tube 102D. In various embodiments, the tether 110 may be connected to the element 108 via a removable attachment 114, such as a release buckle. For example, the tether 110 may terminate at one end of the removable attachment 114 and the element may begin at the other end of the removable attachment 114.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cut through view of a nested tube 202 of the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the nested tube 202 may radially encapsulate a cord 204 of a tether 206. The nested tube 202 may include a narrowing focused region 208 that may be generally conical in shape. The cord 204 may include a clamp 210 that is configured to be limited by the narrowing focused region 208 such that further tension applied to the cord 204 would not extend the length of the cord 204 due to the clamp 210 being unable to fit through and move beyond (e.g., to be stuck at) the narrowing focused region 208.

FIG. 2B illustrates a plan view of the open nested tube 202, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, the open nested tube 202 may include a side clasp 250 that may be configured to be opened and closed via a clasping mechanism. Also, the open nested tube 202 may include a hinge 252 that may open to allow the open nested tube 202 to open.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the device 302 with a weave covered cord 304, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 302 may be like the device 100 already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and thus further features will not be repeated here for brevity. The weave covered cord may be part of a tether between a collar and an element

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut through view of a weave covered cord 402, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The weave covered cord 402 may include an inner core 404 that is made of a consistent material, such as an elastic material. The weave covered cord 404 may also include an outer cladding 406, which may also possess elastic properties, but may be made of a weaved material that is more robust and less prone to scratches or breaking than the inner core 404. In certain embodiments, the weave covered cord 402 may be a bungee cord.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the device 502 with a fabric covered cord 504, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 502 may be like the device 100 already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and thus further features will not be repeated here for brevity. The fabric covered cord 504 may be part of a tether between a collar and an element.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut through view of fabric covered cord 602, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The fabric covered cord 602 may include an inner core 604 that is made of a consistent material, such as an elastic material. The fabric covered cord 602 may also include an outer cladding 606, which may also possess elastic properties, but may be made of a material that is more robust and less prone to scratches or breaking than the inner core 604. Also, the outer cladding 606 may be made of a less elastic material than the inner core 604. For example, the outer cladding may be made of a scrunched or a compressed material that may be configured to expand to match the expansion of the inner core 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates a device 700 with a coiled tether 702, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The coiled tether 702 may be a tether that includes a coiled end portion 706 that is secured to the element 708. The coiled tether 702 may be removably attached via a removable attachment 710, such as a release buckle. The part of the tether 702 between the removable detachment 710 and the secured end of the coiled end portion 706 may be biased in a state of minimum extension at rest between the removable detachment 710 and the secured end of the coiled end portion 706. Otherwise, the device 700 may be like the device 100 already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and thus further features will not be repeated here for brevity.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cut through view of the coiled end portion 706, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The coiled end portion 706 may include a reel 802 and a spring 804. The spring 804 may be secured to the element (discussed above) and be biased to cause a cord 806 of the coiled tether (discussed above) to be secured as the reel 802. This reel 802 may release the cord 806 in a release direction 810 in response to increased centrifugal force applied to the coiled end portion 706 as the element (discussed above) is spinning. Also, the reel 802 may retract the cord 806 in a retraction direction 812 in response to decreased centrifugal force applied to the coiled end portion 706 as the element (discussed above) is winding down.

FIG. 9 illustrates a device 902 connected with a fluid conduit 904, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The device 902 may be configured to channel fluid from the fluid conduit 904 through the fluid collar 906, the fluid tether 908 and to an element (not illustrated) via a connector 910 to the element (not illustrated). The fluid conduit 904 may be coupled with the fluid collar 906 via a fluid conduit connector 905, which may be a watertight seal connector, such as a connector in a screw or other adhesive configuration, between the fluid conduit 904 and the fluid collar 906. In certain embodiments, the element connector 910 may be a watertight seal connector, such as a connector in a screw or other adhesive configuration, between the fluid tether 908 and the element (not illustrated). In various embodiments, the fluid collar 906 may include a feature 912 that may function like a handle for ease of handling for the fluid collar 906. In the illustrated embodiment, the feature 912 may be removably connected with the fluid collar 906 via mounts 914A, 914B, which may be removable connections as discussed above. Additional features of the device 902 may be like the device 100 already discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 and thus further features will not be repeated here for brevity.

In certain embodiments, the device 902 may include an on/off mechanism that controls fluid flow through the device 902. For example, the feature 912 and/or the fluid conduit connector 905 may function as a valve that, when on or open, allows for fluid flow and, when off or closed, stops fluid flow through the device 902. In further embodiments, the device may be configured such that fluid may flow through the device 902 (e.g., through the tube 904) when the element connector 910 is rotating (e.g., rotating relative to an ankle region of a person operating the device 902). Also, the device may be configured such that fluid may not flow through the device 902 (e.g., through the tube 904) when the element connector 910 is not rotating (e.g., rotating relative to an ankle region of a person operating the device 902). For example, the feature 912 and/or the fluid conduit connector 905 may start or stop fluid flow through the device 902 based on whether the element connector 910 is rotating.

FIG. 10 illustrates a blowout view of a fluid collar 1002, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The fluid collar 1002 may include a top portion 1004, a gasket 1006, an annular channel 1008, and a bottom portion 1010. Fluid may be channeled from a fluid conduit to the annular channel 1008. The fluid in the annular channel 1008 may be channeled out of the annular channel 1008 via a gasket through hole 1012 and a top portion through hole 1014. The channeling of fluid through the gasket through hole 1012 and a top portion through hole 1014 will be discussed further below. During operation, the annular channel 1008 may be configured to be stationary while the top portion 1004, gasket 1006, and bottom portion 1010 rotates around the annular channel 1008. Each of the top portion 1004, gasket 1006, annular channel 1008, and bottom portion 1010 may be mechanically secured together, such as via conventional mechanical connections.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a fluid collar 1102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the fluid collar 1102 may include a top portion 1104, an annular channel 1106, and a bottom portion 1110. Fluid may be channeled from a fluid conduit to the annular channel 1106. The fluid in the annular channel 1106 may be channeled out of the annular channel 1106 via a gasket through hole and a top portion through hole, discussed above. A fluid conduit 1108 may be connected to the annular channel 1106. Also, the bottom portion 1110 may be formed of one piece to directly contact the top portion 1104, thus allowing some vertical give between annular channel 1108 relative to the radial extremities of the bottom portion 1110 and the top portion 1104. In addition, a fluid tether 1014 may be configured to interface with the gasket through hole and a top portion through hole (and as represented by vertical line 1112), discussed above, so that fluid of the annular channel 1106 may be channeled into the fluid tether 1014 and toward an element.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of a fluid collar 1202, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the fluid collar 1202 may include a top portion 1210, an annular channel 1204, and a bottom portion 1208. Fluid may be channeled from a fluid conduit to the annular channel 1204. The fluid in the annular channel 1204 may be channeled out of the annular channel 1204 via a gasket through hole and a top portion through hole 1210, discussed above. The bottom portion 1208 may be formed of one piece to directly contact the top portion 1202, thus allowing some vertical give between annular channel 1204 relative to the radial extremities 1212 of the bottom portion 1208 and the top portion 1202.

FIG. 12B illustrates a fluid source conduit 1230 in connection with the fluid collar 1234, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the fluid source conduit 1230 may be in fluid communication with the annular channel 1234.

FIG. 12C illustrates an exploded view of a fluid tether 1252 in connection with the fluid collar 1254, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As discussed above, the fluid tether 1252 may be configured to interface with a gasket through hole and a top portion through hole (and as represented by vertical line 1256), discussed above, so that fluid of the annular channel 1258 may be channeled into the fluid tether 1252 and toward an element.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although the method in FIG. 13 is illustrated in a particular order, in certain embodiments the blocks herein may be performed in a different order or omitted, and additional blocks can be added. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the process of the illustrated embodiment may be implemented with any device.

At block 1302, a fluid conduit ay be connected to an annular channel. At block 1304, fluid may be released to the annular channel. For example, if the fluid conduit is a water hose, the water hose may release water that is in turn channeled and released into the annular channel. At block 1306, an element may be rotated around the annular member. As discussed above, a tether may be configured to expand during rotation of the element around an ankle region of a person as the person rotates the element around the ankle. A person may play with such a device, for example, continuously moving the collar in a small circular motion. In this way, the element horizontally revolves around the collar based on the circular motion made be the person. At block 1308, the tether may be expanded as the element rotates. At 1310, the fluid may be released from the element.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of assembling the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although the method in FIG. 14 is illustrated in a particular order, in certain embodiments the blocks herein may be performed in a different order or omitted, and additional blocks can be added. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the process of the illustrated embodiment may be implemented with any device. At block 1402, a collar may be connected to or coupled with a tether at a first end of the tether. At block 1404, the tether may be connected to or coupled with an element at a second end of the tether.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of certain embodiments have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, the embodiments may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Various modifications of the above-described embodiments will be readily apparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Thus, the present application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

The embodiments of the invention described above are exemplary in nature. A wide variety of other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a collar configured to fit around an ankle region of a person;

a tether comprising a first end connected to the collar; and

an element connected to the second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to expand during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the tether is configured to expand radially via liquid channeled from the collar to the element.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the tether is configured to expand by at least ¼ of its length via centrifugal force.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the tether comprises at least two nested tubes.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end is a removable connection between the tether and the collar.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end is a removable connection between the tether and the element.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end is continuous, and the second end is a removable connection between the tether and the element.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the element is in a shape of an airplane configured to take flight during the rotation.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the collar comprises an annular channel configured to channel flowing liquid.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein a fluid source conduit is in fluid communication with the annular channel.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the annular channel is configured to remain stationary during the rotation.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein fluid from the fluid source conduit is configured to be channeled out of the element.

13. A device, comprising:

a collar configured to fit around an ankle region of a person;

a tether comprising a first end connected to the collar; and

an element connected to the second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to lengthen and channel liquid during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the tether is configured to expand by at least ¼ of its length via centrifugal force and the tether comprises at least two nested tubes.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the collar comprises an annular channel in which liquid is configured to flow.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein a water source conduit is in fluid communication with the annular channel, and the annular channel is configured to remain stationary during the rotation.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the collar comprises an outer annulus that is configured to rotate while the annular channel is stationary.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the annular channel is in a U shape.

19. The device of claim, wherein the tether comprises an elastic material.

20. A method, comprising:

connecting a collar with a tether at a first end of the tether, wherein the collar is configured to fit around an ankle region of a person; and

connecting the tether with an element at a second end of the tether, wherein the tether is configured to expand during rotation of the element around the angle region of the person.