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.

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: An improved aerial top, or yo-yo, having a stepped axle and a varied diameter tether is disclosed. The stepped axle is coupled at distal ends to yo-yo body halves and maintains the yo-yo body halves in a space apart arrangement and defines a channel between the body halves. The stepped axle has distal end portions having relatively large diameters and a central axle portion having a relatively smaller diameter. The stepped axle may be provided with intermediate axle portions having intermediate sized diameters. Sidewalls separate the axle portions and the sidewalls may be orthogonal to surfaces of the axle portions, or oblique thereto. A tether is wound onto the stepped axle and a user uses a throwing motion while the tether is connected to the user's finger, to throw the yo-yo so that the yo-yo unwinds the tether. The tether is a cord having a varied diameter along its length.

Abstract: Molded plastic yo-yo halves are connectible to each other by an axial having threaded ends that are adapted to threadably engage threaded inserts press fitted into a specially designed socket. The inserts are polygonal as are the sockets with the insertion end of the socket being provided with a shallow registration socket adapted to orient the threaded insert with respect to the socket. The yo-yo halves are molded separately and the inserts are press fitted into the sockets into a subsequent operation, resulting in manufacturing efficiencies as well as a strong properly aligned yo-yo construction.

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: A hand-held toy that lights when spun, and which includes a shaft, a head attached to, and spins with, the shaft, a light source associated with, and illuminates with movement of, the head, and apparatus associated with, and illuminates, the light source, and which is grasped by the hands of a user. The head is either spherically-shaped or a pair of stacked disks. The light source includes a plurality of bulbs that are disposed on the head, a pair of battery interfaces that are in electrical communication with the plurality of bulbs and hold, and electrically communicate with, a pair of batteries, and a centrifugal switch that is electrical communication with the plurality of bulbs, and which closes when the head is spun, and when closed, illuminates the plurality of bulbs so as to allow the plurality of bulbs to illuminate when the head is spun.

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 hand held toy having a power source with a rotating shaft. A crank is connected with an end of the shaft and extends radially therefrom. An elongated flexible member is connected with the crank at a location radially spaced from its axis. An anchor member is connected with an opposite end of the elongated member and is adapted to control that end of the member. In use, rotation of the shaft causes the elongate member to form controlled substantially uniform convolutions and, selective relative movement between the power source and anchor causes the convolutions to form into varying controlled sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a pair of rotary elements spaced from each other and each having a cavity, a bearing portion formed on each of the pair of rotary elements at a center thereof, and an axle detachably received in the bearing portion so as to be rotatable together with the pair of rotary elements. The axle has an engaging portion formed at each of opposite ends thereof. The axle is loosely inserted into a generally cylindrical spool interposed between the pair of rotary elements. A locking device having a pair of locking parts is mounted in the cavity, and the pair of locking parts have respective holding portions for detachably holding the engaging portion therebetween.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes first and second side members, an axle extending between the side members, a string interconnected with the axle, and at least one weight releasably mounted to one of the side members in a first location, and moveable to a second location.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a string gap in-between first and second side members. The string gap setting is adjustable by relative rotation of the first and second side members. The yo-yo includes an indexing mechanism for resiliently maintaining the string gap setting at discrete increments. The yo-yo axle includes a bore permitting the application of lubricant to the yo-yo bearing without changing the string gap setting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinning tops having an improved pull-string attachment system. The pull-string has a toothed catch at one end that engages with a cylindrical hub of the top. The hub is at the center of a deep radial groove transverse to the top's axis of rotation in which the pull-string is wound. When the top is thrown and the pull-string is pulled, the catch smoothly disengages so that the pull-string releases cleanly from the top. Replaceable tips are also provided.

Abstract: A sounding toy has a sounding member body that defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced internal cavities (12), each of which is enclosed except for a side opening (10) communicating therewith. A pair of flexible cords (30) extend axially through a center portion of the body (2). The cavities (12) and side openings (10) are configured to produce a whistling sound when the sounding member (2) is caused to rotate by winding and then tightening the cords (30). The geometry of the body (2) is chosen to force air into the cavities (12) when the body (2) is rotating in either direction about its axis.

Abstract: An illuminating and sound generating string rotatable toy comprising a sponge disk affixed near one end of a shaft penetrating a sphere. This disk may be rotated by pulling a string that extends perpendicularly from the shaft through a hole in the diameter of the sphere. The free end of that string is furnished with a ring through which a finger of the user of the toy may be inserted. The toy also include a variable illuminating and sound generating device inside the sphere. Upon rotation this illuminates and releases sound. Colorful designs upon the disk create a profusion of color or optical illusion during rotation.

Abstract: A yo-yo is disclosed as including two body-halves which are spaced-apart from each other, and are connected to each other by an axle, in which one of the body-halves includes a spindle which is movable between a first position in which it is received wholly within the body-half, and a second position in which at least part of the spindle extends into the space between the body halves.

Abstract: A disk for throwing or rolling is formed of a central disk shaped core attached to a top and bottom pad assembly. The core includes a slot extending inward from its periphery for the insertion of an accelerator strap. The core includes a plurality of cavities, into which may be inserted plugs of various materials. The disk will possess different characteristics depending upon the composition of the plugs, and where they are placed. Wooden plugs may be used to cause the disk to float, metal plugs may be used to increase the weight of the disk, or porous plugs may be impregnated with scent to train dogs to retrieve. The placement and number of each type of plug affects the performance of the disk.

Abstract: A hand-held device permits playout and retrieval of line with reduced incidence of tangling. A spool is drivingly connected a motor selectively energizable by the user. A line is receivable on the rotating spool for uptake in windings thereabout when the motor is energized during a retrieval operation. When the motor is not energized, and sufficient force is applied to the other end of the line, the spool rotates in a direction opposite to the rotational direction during uptake against the resting rotational resistance of the motor to permit unwinding and playout of the line. The device is conveniently wand-shaped, and includes a rear portion of the device defining a user grip, and a remaining head portion disposed forward of the hand when held. The spool is disposed inside the head portion.

Abstract: A combination jumping game and exerciser providing at least one player with both a physical and cardiovascular workout. The combination jumping game and exerciser includes a base having a face side and defining at least two playing zones. A motor is positioned within the base and includes a rotating shaft. A rotating plate is positioned on the face side of the base and is connected to rotate with the motor shaft. A rod is connected to and extends from the rotating plate for rotating about the base. In operation the rod passes through the at least two playing zones during rotation and ceases its rotation upon contacting an object in its path of rotation. As the rod rotates players are positioned within respective ones of the at least two playing zones and leap over the rod as it passes through their zone. If a player contacts the rod as it passes through their zone, the rod ceases its rotation and the player receives a strike.

Abstract: A ballerina doll (10) comprising a torso (12) and a head (14) having a neck (16) integral with the torso (12). A pair of arms (18) are connected to the torso (12). A pair of legs (20) are also connected to the torso (12). A ribbon (22) is provided with a facility (24) for connecting in a permanent manner a middle portion (26) of the ribbon (22) to a crown portion (28) of the head (14). In a first instance the ribbon (22) can be tied into a decorative bow (30). IN a second instance the ribbon (22) when untied can be gripped on it's free ends (32), by a thumb (34) and index finger (36) of a first hand (38) of a person (40), to be carried therefrom. In a third instance the torso (12) can be rotated in a first direction by a second hand (42) of the person (40) to twist the ribbon (22) when gripped by a first hand (38). When the torso (12) is released, the ballerina doll (10) will rotate in an opposite second direction, to simulate twisting and spinning while dancing.

Abstract: A toy and exercising device that utilizes a rounded body, such as a sphere, a pair of cord segments through said sphere on each side, and a pair of handles attached to the ends of the cord segments. The cord segments are spaced to allow twisting of the cord upon itself on each side of the device to cause the sphere to be rotated in a forward and reverse direction by pulling against the twisted cord with the handles. The exercising device can be adjusted to require variable force to successfully rotate the sphere in both directions by providing for variable spacing of the apertures that receive the cord on each side of the sphere. The device may also include a variable illuminating device inside the sphere that will illuminate above a certain predetermined rotational velocity. The device can also include variable audible sounds generated by surface elements disposed in or on the surface of the sphere.

Abstract: A twirling toy includes an elongate shaft having a first end spaced from a second end in a longitudinally aligned relationship. The second end includes a bifurcated leg structure having a flexible cord directed through the leg structure and extending through a handle shaft bore orthogonally oriented relative to leg bores of each of the legs. Spheres are mounted at free ends of the cord, with the spheres arranged for rotation upon manipulation of the handle shaft.

Abstract: A device for holding or controlling a bandalore or yo-yo type toy is provided having a resilient, rubberized or plastic o-ring and a string. The string is permanently connected to the o-ring and when passed through the o-ring, a loop is created for the user's finger thereby allowing the user to hold and control the toy. Additionally, the user may pass a finger directly through the o-ring to hold and control the bandalore or yo-yo type toy.

Abstract: A novel electric, gear driven, frequency controlled oscillating device that oscillates a toy mouse or other toys to amuse, occupy, and entertain pets. Because this unit is gear driven, it provides enough torque to insure self restarting after being stopped by a playful cat. The device has a low profile, thereby making it difficult to tip over. The cat toy operates in a very low variable voltage range, 6 volts DC, for maximum safety. The device is battery operated and has no exposed wires for pets to chew on. Device may be mounted in virtually any plane for further variation.

Abstract: An animal defensive barrier device comprising a hand-grip portion having end caps; a strap connected to the hand-grip through one of the end caps; a loop portion distal at one end of the hand-grip and a loop portion distal from the first loop end; a plurality of knots between the hand-grip and the distal loop portion; and a plurality of sleeves on the strap between the hand-grip portion and the distal loop portion.

Abstract: A device for eliminating the twisting and accompanying stress associated with yo-yo strings during operation by providing for rotation of the string about its central elongate axis without rotation of the yo-yo. The device of the present invention is inserted in-line between the yo-yo and the operator grip. The device includes two segments attached by a pivotal axis concentric with the string central axis. The string is divided into two segments, a device-yo-yo segment and a device-operator segment.

Abstract: A training device for use in the sport of judo has a circular bottom surface curving upwardly, and a top part tapering inwardly and upwardly. The training device consists of an elastic material and it is symmetrical about its axis. In particular, the curvature of the flat part and the resulting line of the tapered top part are adapted to the anatomy of the foot, in particular, to the length of the foot and the shape of the instep. This device simplifies the practice of ASHI-WAZA.

Abstract: A lighted hoop and a kit for making a lighted hoop are disclosed for use as an amusement or exercise device. The lighted hoop having a tubular member with the ends joined to form a hoop by a coupling member having opposite ends in telescopic relation with the tube. A lighting circuit extends into the tube and includes a plurality of LEDs. The coupling member includes a battery compartment with battery contacts and a switch is mounted on the coupling member and connects the lighting circuit with the battery contacts.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having bobs which are fastened to, or free to slide along a string. The design of the toy provides that: the string will have a lessened tendency to become tangled during operation, the toy will have a smoothness of motion, and be capable of new tricks and maneuvers, the toy will not become tangled during transportation thereof and will be safer to use. The bobs can be made of an edible material or chewing gum. A tubular storage case can be used to store the bob toy.

Abstract: A toy which, during play, is rotated in a horizontal circular path about a player's ankle and automatically counts the number of successive rotations of the toy. The toy includes a collar, a drum interconnected to the collar, and a counter mechanism. The collar comfortably fits around an ankle region of a player. The drum is connected to the collar at a predetermined distance therefrom and engages a ground surface during play. During play, the drum is connected along a generally straight line to the collar in a manner imparting centrifugal rotation thereto while simultaneously permitting the drum to revolve about the straight line between the collar and drum. The counting mechanism automatically counts and provides a visual indication as to the number of successive rotations of the toy about the ankle of the player as a function of a predetermined number of drum revolutions.

Abstract: One face of a hand held device such as a yo-yo snaps over nubs projecting inwardly from a cavity and held securely in a display and transport medium for a yo-yo. Multiple nubs allow for secure retention of both concave and convex faced yo-yos while permitting unobstructed view of an exposed face of the yo-yo.

Abstract: There is described a game, particularly a game of skill, which comprises a hoop, an extensible element secured in a point thereof, and a handle at the end of said extensible element, said extensible element further having such a length and elastic properties as to have when it is not under tension, a length which corresponds to about one-third the hoop diameter, while as it is being used, that is when it is tensioned, the length thereof reaches two-thirds the hoop diameter.

Abstract: A tune playing rotary toy comprises a centrifugally-actuated tune player comprising a casing (10) having a centrifugally-operable switch (30), an music synthesizer (32), and an energy cell (28). Upon rotation of the toy, it will experience centrifugal force, which will close the switch, which will in turn apply electrical energy from the cell to the circuit so that the stored tune will be emitted during rotation. The tune player may be mounted within or upon a toy gyroscopic top, e.g., of the stringless type (FIG. 1), or it may be self-contained with a spinner point and a manual spinning portion (FIG. 2B). The self-contained version may also be covered with sponge rubber (58) and attached to a twirling string (72) for swinging in a wide arc, preferably by means of a handle (78) on the end of the string opposite the tune player.

Abstract: This invention is a method for transfering energy alternately between two moving, rotating and swinging objects, and includes a pair of objects suspended in close proximity to one another in such manner that the suspension means for the two items may be wrapped around one another, and is characterized by one object swinging in a large circle with its suspension means wrapping about that of the other while the other stands relatively still, and subsequently the second object, without external interference, commences a circular and swinging action on its own, bringing the first to rest, and wherein the two objects may transmit motion from one to the other in this manner repetitively.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having bobs which are fastened to, or free to slide along a string. The design of the toy provides that: the string will have a lessened tendency to become tangled during operation, the toy will have a smoothness of motion, and be capable of new tricks and maneuvers, the toy will not become tangled during transportation thereof and will be safer to use. The bobs can be made of an edible material or chewing gum. A tubular storage case can be used to store the bob toy.