Abstract: The present invention relates a rotatable play body suitable for a children's game consisting of a freely rotatable swing body (S) arranged between two mutually opposite disc-shaped side caps (K1) and (K2), wherein the swing body (S) exhibits an outer shell (M) and a centred ball bearing (L), the first disc-shaped side cap (K1) exhibits an outer edge (R1), an outer face (F1) and, on the inner face (I1), a first centred extension (P1), the opposite second disc-shaped side cap (K2) exhibits an outer edge (R2), an outer face (F2) and, on the inner face (I2), a second centred extension (P2), and the extensions (P1) and (P2) are suitable for engaging in the swing body (S), wherein the disc-shaped side caps (K1) and (K2) are movable at the outer edge (R1) and (R2) towards the freely rotatable swing body (S) in order to fix the freely rotatable swing body (S) in its position.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having a first outer bob attached to a first outer looped tethering means, a second outer bob attached to a second outer looped tethering means, and a central bob attached to a central looped tethering means, the first outer looped tethering means being attached at an outer end of a first segment of the central looped tethering means, and the second outer looped tethering means being attached at an outer end of a second segment of the central looped tethering means. The outer looped tethering means are attached to the central looped tethering means by means of half hitches, the outer looped tethering means are attached via apertures in the bobs by means of half hitches, thereby allowing the toy to be rapidly disassembled and reassembled, possibly with the incorporation of components from additional toys, in other configurations.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having three bobs constrained to a string with at least the center bob being slideable along the string. Each bob is modular and consists of two hemispheric elastomeric mantle pieces, a three-component throughbore sheath, and one or two hex nuts mounted on a threaded central component of the throughbore sheath. The two end components of the throughbore sheath are flared and are non-elastomeric, while the threaded central component is elastomeric. The outside ends of the flared end components of the sheath are recessed relative to the mouths of the throughbore so that all exterior impact surfaces of the bob are elastomeric. The string has a circular cross-section and has a width greater than 50% of the width of the narrowest diameter of the throughbore.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a tornado yoyo, including two rotating disks and a connecting axle configured to connect back portions of the two rotating disks, in which a protruding cylinder provided with a bearing thereon is disposed in the rotating disk and located in the middle of the rotating disk; a rotating cap is disposed outside the rotating disk and provided with a connecting hole portion extending from the middle of the rotating cap to the rotating disk, and the connecting hole portion is sleeved on the bearing to realize a rotation of the rotating cap relative to the rotating disk; and an outer edge of the rotating cap is provided with an edgefold configured to envelop an edge of the rotating disk, so that when the yo-yo is held or pinched in a forward direction, the rotation of the rotating disk will not be influenced.

Abstract: A mechanism allowing the control of multiple orbiting bodies comprising: a bearing surface (306) which may or may not be integral to a handle (300); a rotatable section (308) free to move through 360 degrees upon the bearing; and, attached to the rotatable section, an array of two or more pendulums (314, 316) which are first whirled in coplanar orbits and subsequently, via changes made to the attitude of the axis of the rotatable section, in precessing, non-coplanar, non-chaotic orbits equaling the pendulums in number. The pendulums may be identical or have differing properties of length, weight, or aerodynamics affecting their relative tendencies to precess and may be decorated and incorporate elements which emit light and/or sound. In certain applications some or all of these characteristics of length, weight, and aerodynamics, as well as the visual and auditory components are customizable.

Abstract: A tethered ball toy is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the tethered ball toy includes a handle, first and second tethers, first and second balls, a tether cavity configured to receive and secure the tethers, and first and second fasteners to secure the tethers to the balls. In at least one embodiment, each ball is tethered at equal distance to the handle by a tether cord and configured to be set in motion and subsequently to collide with one another, thereby remaining in motion through a basic level of acquired skill in use of the tethered ball toy. In at least one embodiment, a ball is filled with one or more inert gases. In at least one embodiment, the tethered ball toy includes lights within each ball that illuminate upon impact.

Abstract: A toy top includes a body and a shaft part. A rotating shaft of the shaft part includes plastic or metal shaft tip segments disposed at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating shaft. The shaft tip segment constitutes part of an outer periphery of the rotating shaft. The part of the outer periphery is configured to come into contact with the ground. Rubber is provided at the outer periphery of the rotating shaft so as to protrude outward beyond outer surfaces of the shaft tip segments. The rubber has higher frictional force than the shaft tip segments. The rubber is disposed between adjacent shaft tip segments in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having three bobs constrained on a string, the middle bob being slideably constrained between the two end bobs, and at least one of the bobs being reversibly separable into two partial bobs. A wide variety of new tricks and maneuvers are made possible by the separability of the bobs. The two partial bobs have roughly the same weight thereby providing balanced orbits. Each of the two partial bobs slides less easily along the string than a non-separated bob. The two partial bobs have roughly the same diameter along at least one axis thereby allowing visual illusions to be performed.

Abstract: A toy having a looped string and three handles, each of the handles having a grip section, an eyelet through which the string passes, and a swivel between the eyelet and the grip section. The swivels allow the eyelets to rotate relative to the grip sections so that a handle can be held at the grip section and one or both of the other handles can be rotated without resulting in tangling of the string about the eyelet of the held handle. The grip sections are considerably larger and more massive than the eyelets so that the centers of mass of the handles are generally displaced from the string. In an alternate embodiment a pivot is included between each grip section and associated eyelet. A wide variety of motions and maneuvers can be performed by swinging one or more of the handles while holding or releasing one or more of the handles and/or holding or releasing one or more sections of the string.

Abstract: Detailed are play and exercise devices providing dynamic distance between a housing and a collar or loop positioned about a limb (typically ankle) of a user. Elastic cord may be used to connect the housing and loop and to allow their relative distances to change in use. The cord also may itself form the loop, avoiding any need for a separate such component.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that includes unique features that enable a user to adjust the yo-yo's string gap. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the yo-yo's side assemblies includes a screw engaged to a nut that has two thru-bores located in a side-by-side relation. The screw is located to one side of the yo-yo's axis of rotation and can be rotated by a user to adjust the position of the associated side assembly on the yo-yo's axle structure. By appropriate positioning of the side assembly, a user can adjust the yo-yo's performance characteristics.

Abstract: A mechanism allowing the control of multiple orbiting bodies comprising: a bearing surface (306) which may or may not be integral to a handle (300); a rotatable section (308) free to move through 360 degrees upon the bearing; and, attached to the rotatable section, an array of two or more pendulums (314, 316) which are first whirled in coplanar orbits and subsequently, via changes made to the attitude of the axis of the rotatable section, in precessing, non-coplanar, non-chaotic orbits equaling the pendulums in number. The pendulums may be identical or have differing properties of length, weight, or aerodynamics affecting their relative tendencies to precess and may be decorated and incorporate elements which emit light and/or sound. In certain applications some or all of these characteristics of length, weight, and aerodynamics, as well as the visual and auditory components are customizable.

Abstract: The invention is an improved yo-yo that features two side assemblies that sandwich a center axle onto which the yo-yo's tether may be secured. According to a first embodiment, each of the side assemblies preferably includes a releasable, disk-shaped rim piece. By replacing one set of replaceable rim pieces with another, a user can quickly and easily change the yo-yo's shape, look and/or functionality. To remove a rim piece, one first removes a lock ring that is secured to the rim piece and blocks a number of openings that lead to grooves in a center-located hub. Next, one employs a twisting movement of the rim piece to cause a number of tabs attached to the rim piece to slide in the hub's grooves until the tabs are aligned with the openings. The rim piece can then be disengaged from the yo-yo.

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 an improved yo-yo that has two side units and a string-formed response system incorporated into each side unit. In its most basic form, the response system employs a string that is threaded through spaced-apart apertures in a side unit to form at least one tether engagement pad. The pad may be contacted by the yo-yo's tether in order to cause a return of the yo-yo to a user's hand.

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 an improved yo-yo that has a rotatable, outwardly-facing roller on each of its two sides. Each roller has an outwardly-facing opening that is sized and shaped to facilitate a non-slip engagement between a finger and the roller. The opening also provides access to an O-ring that functions to secure the roller to the yo-yo.

Abstract: A jousting element for use in a game. The jousting element has a body which is arranged around a cylindrically aligned vertical axis. The body is configured to rotate about the vertical axis and to be carried above a playing surface. A traveling component connected to the body enables the body of the jousting element to be carried above the playing surface along multiple directions of travel. Attached to the body is a first playing component. The first playing component enables the jousting element to engage a second jousting element.

Abstract: A rotatable disk string toy has a disk rotatably mounted on a continuous loop of string. A holder device which includes two connected rings is mounted on each other end of the loop of string to facilitate handling of the toy. The holder device includes a first ring having a central aperture for receiving the fingers of the user.

Abstract: The invention is an improved yo-yo that has two side units and a string-formed response system incorporated into each side unit. In its most basic form, the response system employs a string that is threaded through spaced-apart apertures in a side unit to form at least one tether engagement pad. The pad may be contacted by the yo-yo's tether in order to cause a return of the yo-yo to a user's hand.

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: A symmetrical poi to be used by jugglers to safely perform moves includes a flexible long strap and two weights disposed at each end of the flexible long strap having reversibly deformable soft structure and having dimensions that fit in a human hand for easy grasping, easy releasing and easy catching, wherein the length of said strap and the weights mass is suitable for performing a wide variety of new moves.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that includes features that enable a user to adjust the yo-yo's responsiveness. Each of the yo-yo's sides has a movable shuttle having a tether engagement surface. By changing the position of one or both shuttles, a user can affect the yo-yo's ability to return on command. 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. A user can also change the yo-yo's responsiveness by replacing one set of shuttles with another set that has different tether engagement adaptations. The yo-yo may also include a conventional adjustable string gap and removable rim members.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having two bobs constrained to, yet slidable along, a string. Each end of the string has a pair of low-mass, spaced-apart stoppers which allows the end of the string to be easily grasped so that smooth transitions can be made between various modes of operation. The string is smooth enough and thick enough that it slides over the fingers and wrists with a minimum of friction and abrasion. The even number of bobs on the string allows for configurations with a symmetrical weight distribution so that one bob may act as an exact counterweight to the other bob.

Abstract: The invention is an improved yo-yo that features unique multi-piece sides. Each side has a removable disk that functions to affect the yo-yo's responsiveness via one or more tether engagement structures that can be contacted by the yo-yo's tether. When the removable disk is made of a resilient material, the disk can be compressed to change the yo-yo's responsiveness. Each removable disk may also form the associated side's rim and thereby functions to substantially define the side's shape. By replacing one set of removable disks with another, a user can quickly and easily change the yo-yo's shape and/or rim material and/or responsiveness.

Abstract: The jumping or skipping plaything has a flattened and twisted connector between a roller, drum or wheel at one end and an ankle ring at the other end. The connector rotates with the wheel or roller or drum relative to the ankle ring. The connector also contains day glow material to provide an edge glow.

Abstract: A flying toy has a spiral-shaped tail to which a head portion is coupled to effect a wiggling flight pattern of the toy. In preferred embodiments, the spiral-shaped tail is fabricated from a material that maintains the spiral shape of the tail during flight, and has a configuration effective to impart a wiggling motion of the tail.

Abstract: A toy-type device which is adapted for both yo-yo play and ball-catching play utilizing a ball tethered to a disc-shaped body, wherein the ball can be used as a grasping element when the device is used as a yo-yo or alternatively the ball can be used as a free-body adapted to be caught by the disc-shaped body.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having an outer bob and middle bob on a string, with the middle bob having a bore through which the string passes to allow the middle bob to slide along the string. The middle bob has a substantially toroidal, liquid-containing bladder. The mass of the liquid contributes substantially to the overall mass of the middle bob, but the viscosity of the liquid and the dimensions of the bore of the toroid are such that the dynamic moment of inertia (i.e., a moment of inertia dependent on linear and/or rotational velocity and/or acceleration, of a history thereof) is small as the middle bob begins its rotation as the outer bob passes the top of its orbit.

Abstract: A yo-yo wherein each half body has three essential elements: a axle/hub assembly, a rim, and an interior space containing flexible, compressible material, such as an elastomer or a bladder filled with gas, liquid, or gel. The axle/hub assembly and the rim contain the flexible, compressible material but are not rigidly in contact with each other. In this way a shock to the rim and vibrations to the string are suppressed and dampened by the flexible, compressible material. For greater flexibility and shock damping, there could be cavities (grooves or holes) in the elastomer material or for greater lateral stability, the rim could overlap the gaps between it and the axle/hub assembly. There could also be containment/alignment walls extending into the flexible, compressible material or O-rings in gaps between the rim and the axle/hub assembly.

Abstract: An exercise device for simulating jump roping and for providing a total body workout that is held and rotated in use, comprised of two units; each unit to be held in a hand of a user. The units each comprised of (1) a handle, (2) an elongated first element attached to the handle, and (3) the elongated element has at least a first loop. The units preferably include a loop forming device for forming a loop from a portion of the elongated first element. The loop forming device can be located inside or outside the handle. The units can include additional elongated elements or loops. In other preferred embodiments, the exercise units are comprised of: a handle, and an elongated first element attached to the handle, and the elongated element providing weight and air resistance during the rotation of the elongated first element.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that features a visual indication system capable of facilitating the setting of the yo-yo's variable response system and then providing an indication to the user of the yo-yo's responsiveness setting. Preferably, the yo-yo includes relatively rotatable sides, with each side having a number of identical visual indicators and a number of tether engagement ribs that are in registry with the indicators.

Abstract: A toy with a plurality of lights that a user can suspend from his hands and spin, twirl, whirl, and otherwise manipulate to create amusing patterns of light. The toy consists of a hub (30), power supply (56), a plurality of light emitting elements (72) which are mounted on the hub using connectors (70), and an additional plurality of light emitting elements (92) which are mounted remotely on wires (170) using connectors (90) and attached to the hub (30) using connectors (52, 172) or (162). A tether (40) to suspend the toy from the users hands (48L, 48R), such as string which is passed though holes (42) in the hub (39). The user can then rotate, twist, wind up, spin, swing and otherwise manipulate the toy causing the light emitting elements (72, 92) to move in various circular and random patterns causing amusing displays of light.

Abstract: A yo-yo that provides enhanced performance, expeditiously responds to retrieval movement, and is otherwise responsive upon the string, yet still provides prolonged rotational inertia for the overall facilitation of complex tricks, maneuvers, and general yo-yo play.

Abstract: A toy is described that, during play, is rotated in a horizontal circular path about a player's ankle and simultaneously provides illuminating and eye-catching reflections of ambient light. The toy includes a collar and a transparent housing connected to the collar by a tether. During play, the transparent housing rotates about the player's ankle, while the player simultaneously hops or skips the tether. The transparent housing contains a multi-faceted, reflective sphere. This multi-faceted, reflective sphere rotates or otherwise moves within the transparent housing so as to reflect ambient light in a sparkling manner.

Abstract: A toy assembly and its associated method of play. The toy assembly includes a hub. Two holes are disposed in the hub through which a loop of string is passed. By winding the string and then pulling the string taut, the string can be caused to rapidly unwind, thus rotating the hub. A removable housing is connected to the hub. The housing has a release mechanism. When the release mechanism is engaged, the housing disengages from the hub. Two players face each other and utilize their toy assemblies to cause their hubs and surrounding housings to turn. The turning housings are then brought to battle by creating contact between the spinning housings. If one housing contacts the release mechanism on another housing, the housing on the contacted toy will separate from the hub and become disabled.

Abstract: A bilboquet toy (20) is provided. The toy (20) incorporates a handheld radio (26), such as a cellular telephone or other handheld electronic device, to which is attached a coupler (22). A bille (24), in the form of a stylized ring or cup, is coupled to the coupler (22) by a tether (32). In play, the bille (24) is tossed upward and caught as it falls upon an antenna (28) of the radio (26). The bille (24) may assume any of a plurality of shapes to allow different forms and levels of play. The coupler (22) may be removable, such as an O-ring pressed over the antenna (28), semi-removable, as a two-part hook-and-loop fastener, or permanent. Either the coupler (22) or the bille (24) may display advertising copy (46). The coupler (22), the bille (24), and the tether (32) are fabricated of non-conducting materials to avoid interference with communicative use of the handheld radio (26).

Abstract: A returnable toy assembly including a body enclosing a flowable filler material that is conformable, at least one appendage extending from the body to create a life-like appearance, and an elastically extendable tether to removably couple the body to a portion of a user. The toy assembly may also include an adjustable fastening feature having an adjustable loop formed at an end of the tether such that a circumference of the loop is sizable to couple the body to the portion of the user. Also, a method of playing with a returnable toy assembly includes the steps of securely coupling a body, having at least one appendage extending from the body, to a portion of the user with a sizeable fastening feature; and propelling the body in a direction away from the portion of the user to which the body is coupled.

Abstract: A toy assembly and its associated method of play. The toy assembly includes a hub. Two holes are disposed in the hub through which a loop of string is passed. By winding the string and then pulling the string taut, the string can be caused to rapidly unwind, thus rotating the hub. A removable housing is connected to the hub. The housing has a release mechanism. When the release mechanism is engaged, the housing disengages from the hub. Two players face each other and utilize their toy assemblies to cause their hubs and surrounding housings to turn. The turning housings are then brought to battle by creating contact between the spinning housings. If one housing contacts the release mechanism on another housing, the housing on the contacted toy will separate from the hub and become disabled.

Abstract: An improvement to a flying disc that returns to the user by means of a string using rotational energy in a manner of a yo-yo. The flying disc has a lower wing 1 that generates a lift, a smaller wing 2 and an axle 3. Between the wings 1,2 is a string 4 attached to the axle. The flying disc has at least one circular airfoil 11 and there are openings inside the area bound by its inner edge and the axle 3. Air currents from the direction of the flight that pass over and under the airfoil 11 are able to effectively mix through these openings. When slung with the string 4, the flying disc starts to rotate rapidly and flies away. It returns to the user when winding the string 4 back in the manner of a yo-yo.

Abstract: An amusement device, particularly for use by children for jumping or skipping, has a ring through which one foot is placed, and a tube or rod extending therefrom with a wheel at the far end of the rod or tube. The wheel contains some small lamps and a generator, whereby rotation of the wheel causes the lamps to light. The connector rod or tube is wrapped with holographically printed film.

Abstract: A yo-yo bubble toy mainly comprises a bubble container, a symmetrical shell, a fluid tube and a pulling rope where the bubble container is integrally formed with huge hollow chamber inside. The container has a projected mouth to accept the bubble fluid supplied by the fluid tube and an axially extended shaft tube. The symmetrical shell is in cap form having an opening linked to a bottom cover. The bottom cover has an upward extended connector to accept the insert of shaft tube projected out from the container. The outer wall of the shaft tube has a plurality of lock ring, which can be caught in the lock grooves in same number of the lock rings on the connector so to secure the container to the symmetrical shell, which expands the capacity of the bubble container and allow the fluid tube to penetrate deeply into bottom.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having a middle bob with a non-cylindrically symmetric internal structure. The center of mass is located near the middle of the bore axis, and the percentage azimuthal variation V in the moment of inertia I about an axis in the equatorial plane, given by V=100×[I(&phgr;max)−I(&phgr;min)]/I(&phgr;max), is minimized, for instance by positioning the internal components to produce a weight distribution with n-fold symmetry, where n≧3. In one preferred embodiment, the bobs are equipped with lights powered by on-board batteries. Flat cylindrical batteries are mounted on an equatorial circuit board with their axes of symmetry perpendicular to the bore axis. To allow battery replacement, the top and bottom halves of each bob are removably attached by screw-secured posts parallel to, but offset from, the bore axis. An on/off switch is accessible via a small aperture through a transparent outer shell.

Abstract: A gyroscopic toy is provided having a shaft to which is coupled a flywheel. A drive gear is used to spin the shaft and flywheel for spinning the toy. A pinion gear is rotated to impart spin energy to the shaft and flywheel and thus to the toy. A gearing mechanism couples the drive gear to the pinion gear when the pinion gear is rotated in a first direction and decouples from the drive gear when the pinion gear is rotated in a second opposite direction. A transmission may be provided allowing for at least two different gearing sets to be selectively coupled to the drive gear when the pinion gear is rotated in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention is a yo-yo that employs an active starburst tether engagement system located in one or both of the yo-yo's side members. The system makes use of a starburst-shaped array of movable engagement ribs that face the tether and are located near the yo-yo's axle structure. Each rib is independently movable and is located at the end of a flexible finger that enables the rib to be moved by the tether in a direction substantially parallel to the yo-yo's axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is a swinging toy intended for the purpose of recreation, physical and mental health, agility and leisure purposes. The present invention includes a padded object and a cord with a hand or finger loop. The object includes a central cavity that may selectively or permanently contain a substance. The substance may include colored water, beads which may glow in the dark, chemiluminescent fluid, batteries together with a light, reflective material, e.g, tin foil, chemical compositions that alternate between colors or other such substances, or magnetically powered light sources. Further, a decorative tail may be attached to the end of the object to enhance the user's enjoyment of the toy.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a pair of body halves connected to a hub assembly about an axis of rotation. Each body half includes an outer ring positioned between an outside plate and an inside plate, where the inside plate on each body half is positioned to face the hub assembly. The outer ring has an annular projection extending inwardly along an interior surface, and has a lip defined along one edge of the outer ring. The outside plate and inside plate includes grooves that when assembled inside the outer ring form an annular opening about the annular projection. The outside plate also includes a notch defined along one edge of the outside plate and positioned to receive the lip of the outer ring when the outside plate is positioned within the outer ring. The inside plate further has a recess positioned on a surface that faces the hub assembly.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a first yo-yo half defining a first starburst, a second yo-yo half defining a second starburst, and an axle fixedly mounted between said yo-yo halves. The yo-yo also includes a roller bearing fixedly attached to the axle, and a spool fixedly attached to the roller bearing, the spool having a circumferential outer rim with a groove therein. A bearing pocket defines an annular radial gap between each yo-yo half and the outer rim, the gap sufficiently small that a string cannot wedge in the gap.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes an outer ring, a support arm extending inwardly from the outer ring and a disc supported within the outer ring by the support arm. In addition, a region on the outer ring adjacent the support arm is thinner then another region on the outer ring opposite the support arm to compensate for any additional weight defined by the support arm. Furthermore, the outer ring is defined as having a cavity and the disc has an overall shape smaller then the cavity such that the disc appears to be suspended within the outer ring.

Abstract: A spacer for building a toy yo-yo includes a central axis for receiving a tether string for wrapping around the central axis and two outer sidewalls, each outer sidewall having an attachment hub disposed on the outer sidewall for receiving a compact disc. The spacer in combination with two compact discs may form a toy yo-yo. The spacer may also be included in a kit for building a toy yo-yo where the user supplies the compact discs separately.