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: The present invention relates to a method of printing polymer films and corresponding articles. The invention is useful for providing dimensional stability during printing and/or improving the print quality, particularly for contact or thermal printing methods such as thermal mass transfer printing.

Abstract: A toy top comprising a toy body having a revolving shaft arranged at a lowermost portion of the toy body and a mount support member provided therein; the toy body including a plurality of blade members; the blade members being laid to overlap each other; and the blade members being detachably mounted with respect to the remaining blade members through the mount support member. A revolving shaft control mechanism is provided in the toy body so as to control revolution of the revolving shaft.

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: 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 toy is formed of a pair of substantially disk-shaped body halves joined in a spaced arrangement by a center shaft. A quantity of string is secured to the center shaft and wound within the space. Each body half includes a receptacle and a cover pivotally secured thereto and lachable in a closed position. A plurality of toy items are secured within the receptacle and cover of one body half while the remaining body half defines a play feature background and play surface for the toy figure in the open position.

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: 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 yo-yo structure utilizing a pair of disks connected by a spindle. The disks form a groove to confine a line connected to the spindle. A cover of soft flexible material fits over at least one of the disks. A shield is fixed in the vicinity of the groove between the disks to prevent portions of the cover from entering the groove when the yo-yo is operating.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a yo-yo body having first and second halves joined together with an axle. A string is interconnected at one end to the axle and at the opposite end to a solid body. Tricks may be executed using the yo-yo, including selectively releasing the solid body, supporting the yo-yo by the string at a point on the string between the solid body and the yo-yo body, and throwing the yo-yo body and solid body in the air and catching the solid body.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes an adjustable clutch mechanism having a pair of arms having flyweights mounted thereto and pivotally mounted within a cavity in one of the yo-yo halves. The arms include gear teeth that mesh with gear teeth on a movable member such that pivoting of the arms causes linear actuation of the movable member. The movable member includes engagement teeth that engage a spool. An adjuster mechanism includes a threaded bolt and a limiter threaded onto the bolt. The limiter is positioned by rotating the bolt. The position of the limiter determines the range of motion of the movable member.

Abstract: An improved yo-yo, having a first yo having a first inwardly facing surface; a second yo having a second inwardly facing surface, the second yo arranged in spaced apart relation to the first yo, where the first and second inwardly facing surfaces face one another; an axle secured to and arranged between the first yo and the second yo, where the first and second yos are arranged for rotation about an imaginary axis coincident with the axle; and, a first fibrous pad secured to the first inwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A yo-yo has a recess in one of its faces accommodating a timepiece. The yo-yo is be releasably accommodated in a base, and the base may be worn on a user's person by various means including a wristband in the manner of a wristwatch, a fob or a watch chain in the manner of a pocket watch, a necklace in the manner of a necklace watch, or a holster.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lighting system for a rotating object wherein the lights are made to appear stationary by being turned on and off in synchrony with the rotation of the object. This synchronization is achieved by utilizing magnetic field sensors which determine the instantaneous orientation of the object relative to the Earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: A yo-yo comprising right and left bodies surrounded by thick, radially anchored, soft rubber outer cushions has a string gap having a contour that includes an innermost gap which is narrower than other regions of the string gap. The string gap may have a narrowed neck region located between the innermost gap and the outer diameter of the yo-yo. The yo-yo may include an axle which is permitted to rotate within the left body of the yo-yo but retained by a locknut seated in the right body of the yo-yo.

Abstract: A device for attachment of a yo-yo type toy to a finger is provided which has a durable eyelet reinforced leather strap of sufficient length to wrap at least half way around the finger when attached to a string of the yo-yo. The string is connected to the device when a reduced size slipknot is created and passed through the eyelets before closing therefore enclosing the eyelets in the adjustable loop of the slip knot. When the finger is inserted outside of the loop of the slip knot between the outside top of the slip knot and the device and the slip knot is constricted, the eyelets are pulled together causing the invention to constrict around the finger providing a stable attachment to the finger.

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 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 incorporates a construction that enables the gap between the yo-yo halves to be adjusted simply and quickly. The halves of the yo-yo are threadably mounted on the ends of the yo-yo axle. The yo-yo halves are biased apart axially to maintain firm frictional contact between the yo-yo halves and the axial. The gap may be adjusted simply by rotating the yo-yo halves with respect to each other. The inwardly facing surfaces of the yo-yo halves also incorporate angular relationships to facilitate yo-yo play.

Abstract: A metal yo-yo embodies a construction in which each of the halves of the yo-yo body is formed from a disc and a hub that are made separately and secured to each other in an integral structure. The discs can be die cut from sheet material and may be deformed about the peripheral margin to define a dished configuration. The hub is inserted into the center hole of the disc and the two are assembled together in a swaging operation that constricts the metal of the disc about a portion of the hub. A pair of such yo-yo halves are connected together by an axle assembly that includes a bearing to facilitate extended spin time for the yo-yo. The yo-yo construction and method of fabrication provides substantial economies in the manufacture of metal yo-yos.

Abstract: A yo-yo including a pair of yo-yo body halves each formed as a composite having an inner hub, a central preferably dish-shaped main body portion defining an inward facing surface and an annular-shaped peripheral body portion. An axle is threadably engaged at each end thereof into a hub thread formed into each hub along an axis of rotation of the yo-yo. Each hub also includes a shoulder positioned radially adjacent the hub thread which, when the axle is fully tightened in frictional engagement into each hub thread by tightening rotation between the body halves, bear against one another to define a minimum gap between the inward facing surfaces of the body halves. A miniature bearing is also provided having an inner ring tightly frictionally engaged over each shoulder, each end of the bearing extending into an annular recess formed into each inward facing surface adjacent to the hub to maintain a tether in wrapped engagement around an outer ring of the bearing.

Abstract: A metal yo-yo embodies a construction in which each of the halves of the yo-yo body is formed from a disc and a hub that are made separately and secured to each other in an integral structure. The discs can be die cut from sheet material and may be deformed about the peripheral margin to define a dished configuration. The hub is inserted into the center hole of the disc and the two are assembled together in a swaging operation that constricts the metal of the disc about a portion of the hub. A pair of such yo-yo halves are connected together by an axle assembly that includes a bearing to facilitate extended spin time for the yo-yo. The yo-yo construction and method of fabrication provides substantial economies in the manufacture of metal yo-yos. In another aspect of the disclosure, the inwardly facing surfaces of the yo-yo halves may be formed to define an annular recess that cooperates with the yo-yo string in a manner that affects retrieval of the yo-yo.

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 device for holding and controlling a string-retained article, such as a yo-yo, wherein the device comprises an annular ring of rigid material with a smooth annular channel formed in an outer surface of the ring. The annular channel is defined by an annular base ring and first and second annular ridges. A loop of a string can be retained in the channel so that the ring will be interposed between a body part of a user and the loop of the string to prevent constriction of the loop about the body part of the user. The ring can be used in practicing a method for holding and controlling a string-retained article comprising the steps of providing a string, the ring, and a string-retained article such as a yo-yo; coupling a first end of the string to the string-retained article, forming a second end of the string into a loop; disposing the loop of the string in the channel of the ring; and inserting a body part of a user through the aperture in the ring.

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: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo kit comprises precise metal fitting parts which provide the accuracy and ease of assembly. Metal sleeves are pressed into each yo-yo half. The sleeves provide a mounting point for turning the yo-yo halves and also carry compressive forces of the axle. During assembly, the sleeves are affixed to each body half by an adhesive such as an epoxy glue. Inner and outer hubs located at the ends of the sleeve of each body are rigidly press-fitted into each sleeve. The outer hubs include blind threaded apertures which receive the threaded ends of the axle to secure the parts in a rigidly assembly. The inner hubs are likewise press-fitted into the other ends of the sleeves and act both as radial spacers between the axle and the sleeve and also capture a centrally mounted ball bearing between opposing flanges on their respective inner facing surfaces. The inner hubs also include friction grooves to increase friction between the spinning yo-yo and the string which operates the yo-yo.

Abstract: A doll includes a torso supporting a pivotally attached arm and a string winding spool. A slide is moveably supported within the torso and is coupled to a button extending outwardly from the rear of the doll torso. A pivotable arm is secured to the torso and is operated through a predetermined pivot angle in response to the vertical movement of the button. A spring urges the button to its upper most position. A string passes through an aperture formed in a dolls arm and is wound partially upon the interior string winding mechanism. The outer end of the string supports a simulated yoyo object. As the button is pressed downwardly against the return spring by the user the arm pivots upwardly and the string winds upon the winding spool raising the yoyo. As the button is released the return spring raises the button allowing the arm to pivot downwardly and unwinding a quantity of the supporting string from the spool causing the simulated yoyo to descend.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a yoyo toy is made of resiliently stretchable material. The sleeve is coaxially engaged over the yoyo when not in use. The sleeve, not only protects the yoyo against chips, scratches and other damages, but also keeps its string from unraveling or tangling.

Abstract: A yo-yo include a soft body made of foam material and formed with a cavity having a passage extending through the body, and a vibrator fitted inside the cavity of soft body and including a housing, a transmission device fitted inside the housing, an eccentric disk mounted on the transmission device, and a reel mounted on the transmission device, the transmission device including a casing composed of two symmetric shells, a spiral spring arranged inside the casing and drivingly connected with the reel, a ratchet member engaged with the spiral spring, a gear train engaged with the ratchet and drivingly connected with the eccentric disk, the reel being provided with a string extending through the passage of the soft body, whereby the yo-yo can automatically vibrate and go up a string hence facilitating its operation and making it attractive and interesting.

Abstract: An ultra performance yo-yo having greatly improved spinning characteristics formed of two sections made of it least two materials, so that a substantial portion of the weight of each section is located about a periphery of the section thereby maximizing the rotational inertia of the yo-yo, and an axle assembly positioned between the two sections locating them in a spaced apart relationship. A string finger guard is used with the yo-yo string, and comprises a flexible sleeve having a longitudinal aperture, with a flexible leash slidably positioned in the longitudinal aperture. The yo-yo string is coupled to the leash, and the flexible sleeve protects the player's finger from pinching and discomfort.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a multi-image lenticular instruction system. The system is incorporated into at least one of the yo-yo's side members via a side cap that is secured to the side member and is readily visible. The instruction system functions by displaying sequential images showing how to perform a predetermined yo-yo trick. A user can manually manipulate the yo-yo to display the images in either a forward or reverse order and at any speed the user desires. By watching the images, the user can easily see how to perform the displayed yo-yo trick.

Abstract: A climbing top has two shells connected by an axle assembly, wherein at least one of the shells comprises a hub member receiving the axle assembly and a rotor member extending radially outwardly of the hub member with respect to the axle assembly. The rotor member is mounted on the hub member with a direct snap-on connection which prevents axially outward displacement of the rotor member with respect to the hub member.

Abstract: A yo-yo comprising right and left bodies surrounded by thick, radially anchored, soft rubber outer cushions has a string gap having a contour that includes an innermost gap which is narrower than other regions of the string gap. The string gap may have a narrowed neck region located between the innermost gap and the outer diameter of the yo-yo. The yo-yo may include an axle which is permitted to rotate within the left body of the yo-yo but retained by a locknut seated in the right body of the yo-yo.

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 yo-yo with laser emission means mainly includes two side covers each defining a hollow space for accommodating a middle disc therein. The middle discs are provided at their outward-facing surfaces each with a seat for separately receiving a laser emission means and a light-emitting means therein, and a battery room for accommodating serially connected batteries. The laser emission means and the light-emitting means have terminals led to the batteries. When the yo-yo is manipulated by a player to rotate at a high speed, the terminals of the laser emission means and the light-emitting means contact with electrodes of the batteries due to centrifugal force and are energized by the batteries to emit laser beams and lights, respectively. The laser beams continuously project from an opening provided on the side cover and toward different directions and the lights illuminate the yo-yo, making the yo-yo particularly distinctive in the night or at a dark place.

Abstract: A yo-yo with the hubs made of either acetal or polycarbonate is disclosed. These materials allow the axle to be press fit into the hubs of the inertial disks with the capability of adjusting the gap between the inertial disks by rotating the two inertial disks relative to each other while pushing or pulling. The high mechanical stability of these materials result in a tight fit between the hub and the axle even after many cycles of gap adjustments and or axle replacements. The performance is improved by adding a smooth sloped transition at the periphery of lapper disks to the larger gap between the two inertial disks. A knot is tied in the tether approximately 2.0 inches from the periphery of the inertial disks. The knot wedges in the sloped transition, which substantially reduces tether slippage. A finger strap is used to attach the tether to the hand.

Abstract: A yo-yo includes a left yo-yo half cap, a left half yo-yo body, a clutch mechanism, a right yo-yo half body and a string. A shaft fixed on the left yo-yo half cap fits through a shaft sleeve of the clutch mechanism and the left yo-yo half body and firmly in the right yo-yo half body for an inner end of a string to tie and wind around on to let the yo-yo move up and down with the string. The clutch mechanism has two compression springs respectively located at two sides of the shaft sleeve and fitting in a space in the left yo-yo half cap and two weighted balls respectively located between the shaft sleeve and the springs. The clutch mechanism functions to force the balls to engage and disengage the shaft sleeve or, letting the yo-yo rotate and wind/unwind itself on the string or rotate idle on the end of the string.

Abstract: A high performance yo-yo incorporates an axle ball bearing comprising non-metallic inner and outer races mounted on the central axle. A full complement axle bearing including non-metallic inner and outer races with matching grooves for retaining a plurality of balls between the bearing races is disclosed. Applicants have found, unexpectedly, that this type of bearing has highly desirable low friction characteristics that provide a long spin time, yet permit retrieval of the yo-yo upon command by a simple flick of the wrist. The central axle mounted in one of the yo-yo components is removably engageable in a sleeve mounted in the other yo-yo component to provide a yo-yo that is easily and conveniently assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Improvements in automatically returning yo-yos in which an effective centripetal/centrifugal movement, vector, signal and/or urge of one or more parts of the yo-yo is translated or allowed to be translated into an effectively reciprocating movement, vector, signal and/or urge, substantially along or parallel to the axis of rotation of the yo-yo, of another part or parts of the yo-yo such that the yo-yo string and/or the lateral face(s) of the string bearing member are seized, tripped, freed, laterally supported and/or centered in response to the speed of rotation of the yo-yo. The yo-yo of the present invention displays characteristics of extended spinning time, improved balance and adaptability for performing tricks while providing an easy to operate yo-yo for beginners including an automatic return facility.

Abstract: A combination jewelry article and toy for use as both a necklace and a yo-yo. The combination jewelry article and toy includes a pendant having a front portion and a rear portion connected by a post, and at least one aperture disposed in the pendant. A first end of a cord or chain is attached to the post of the pendant, while a second end of the cord is attached to an engagement member, such as a clasp. In a first position, the clasp is secured through the aperture in the pendant, so that both ends of the cord are attached to the pendant. In this manner, the cord is formed into a large loop which may be positioned around the neck of the user so that the pendant and cord may be worn as a necklace. In a second position, the clasp is secured to the cord in the area of the second end so that a finger loop is formed. The user can then wrap the cord around the post of the pendant, insert his or her finger into the finger loop at the second end of the cord and use the pendant and cord as a yo-yo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved yo-yo wherein a clutching device is disposed between the shaft and the disks such that the spinning stroke can be prolonged. The yo-yo includes first and second disks that are fixedly connected together by means of a shaft. A bushing is rotationally enveloped onto the shaft and is rotationally disposed within one of the disks. One of the disks is provided with a clutching device that is engaged with the bushing that is rotationally disposed therein by means of a resilient force. Wherein when those disks are spun, the centrifugal force generated thereof will overcome the resilient force such that the bushing will be released by the clutching device and the first and second disks and the shaft will spin independently to the bushing. When the spinning of the first and second disks and the shaft slows down, the clutching device engages the bushing again such that the bushing will spin with the first and second disks and the shaft jointly.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include an array of grooves and/or rubber pads located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves and/or pads extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves and/or pads are employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing-supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo having unique tether engagement areas adjacent the axle. The engagement areas include a starburst pattern of grooves located in the tether-facing surface of each of the yo-yo's side pieces. The grooves extend from a point proximate the axle to a point significantly spaced from the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the grooved engagement area is employed in conjunction with an axle having a ball bearing supported rotatable outer race to which an end loop of the tether is secured.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a unique axle design and end pieces capable of retaining POG-shaped inserts. The axle is designed to increase the yo-yo's sleep time as well as to improve the facility with which the yo-yo can be returned from a sleeping condition. The yo-yo's axle includes an axle block that is itself similar in shape to a yo-yo and has a uniquely shaped central groove. The groove has parallel upper sidewalls and a bottom tapered section. The axle block is preferably made of wood and the yo-yo's end members are preferably made of plastic. When a wooden axle block is used with plastic end members, the yo-yo will display the performance advantages that were previously only afforded by wooden yo-yo's while at the same time providing the lower manufacturing costs and high durability of a plastic yo-yo. The yo-yo's end pieces include retaining structure that allows a user to secure a POG-shaped insert to each end piece.

Abstract: A dual string yo-yo including a dual string interconnection of the yo-yo body to the fingers of an operator and a yo-yo body comprising enlarged end portion and an enlarged central portion separated by two necked portions whereupon the dual strings are separately wound. The yo-yo body may be of solid or structured composition and furthermore may include mass distributions devised to enhance the rotational inertial characteristics of the yo-yo. A pair of adjustable bandlike string attachment bands is provided to engage a pair of fingers of an operator. Irregular shapes and lighted versions are disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable performance yo-yo, allowing the operator to optimize the degree of frictional drag maximizing sleep time and being able to return the yo-yo to the hand at will. The invention uses a single woven polyester cord tether uniquely attached to a yoke on a small diameter threaded floating axle. The standard twisted pair strand tether is also use. Two rotating inertial disks have extended smooth surfaces referred to as lapper disks located near the center of rotation making skimming contact with the tether. The frictional drag is adjusted by rotating a threaded knob on the end of the axle which effects the proximity of the lapper disk to the tether. The two inertial disks spin independently of each other. The two body halves are made of a resilient material which cushions the hand from impact of a rapid return of the yo-yo. A hitch is used to form a running noose on the hand end of the tether. A Velcro strap is also used.

Abstract: A multi-purpose yo-yo structure has a body constituted by two identical disk members which are mounted on a mandrel and spaced from each other to define a gap therebetween for receiving a string wound thereon. Two dome-like cover members are respectively mounted on the disk members, each having a circuit board disposed therein. A plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted on the circuit boards to be controlled thereby and cells are provided to supply electrical power to the light emitting diodes through the circuit boards. Switches which are controlled by centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the yo-yo are respectively disposed within the cover members to turn ON/OFF the circuit boards. A speaker is also provided within the yo-yo structure for generating a funny or exciting sound when the yo-yo is rotated.