Abstract: A spin top toy comprising a base having a handle, a spring motor frame mounted to the base and having a portion of ratchet mechanism therein, a spin top having a drive mount and a portion of a ratchet mechanism on a bottom side thereof and a spin point on the top side thereof, a spring motor in the spring motor frame including a spring and a spring driven drive shaft having a drive on one end that is engageable with the drive mount on the spin top to permit the spin top to wind the drive shaft and the spring, upon rotation of the spin top in a first direction when the spin top drive mount engages the drive on the drive shaft and wherein the ratchet mechanisms on the spring motor housing and top are engaged to permit the rotation in the first direction, but prohibit rotation in an opposite direction to allow the top to wind the spring, and a release trigger mounted on the base handle operable to raise the drive shaft to a point where the ratchet mechanism on the shaft no longer engages the ratchet mechanism on

Abstract: A toy top includes a toy body having a main spring power device therein, the main spring power device being rotatively linked with a revolving shaft provided on a center of a bottom surface of the toy body. The main spring power device includes latch means for maintaining a winding-up position when a main spring is wound up and a button for releasing the latch means so as to release a revolving force of the main spring. The toy body is provided with a press mechanism for pressing the button according to a rise or a reduction in a centrifugal force during the revolution of the toy body.

Abstract: A whipping top based bubble toy includes at least a whipping top, a fluid tube, a bracket board and a pull rod in which the whipping top, a conic block, has a central post to be mounted with sleeve and a ground tip. The bracket board has a vertical opening to receive the protruded sleeve from the whipping top and a transverse go-through aperture to house the rack which meshes the pinion gear installed in the bracket board. The whipping top forms a hollow vessel to be filled with bubble fluid. Aside from the whipping function, the whipping top also produces the bubbles.

Abstract: A toy top game unit is provided, the unit comprising a toy top, driving means for rotating said toy top, a game board for receiving said toy top thereon, means for interacting the toy top and the game with each other, and for imparting a change to an operational mode of the toy top on said game board. The interacting means include first magnet means arranged on the toy top and second magnet means arranged on the game board.

Abstract: A system comprising a rotating device and a support structure for the rotating device, wherein the support structure provides the power to the rotational device than is required to maintain spin. The rotating device has a housing with a base upon which the housing spins. An electric motor is contained within the housing that causes the housing to spin when the motor is activated. The base of the rotating device can be selectively placed on a support structure. The support structure can promote spinning in the rotating device in one of two ways. In the first way, the support structure provides electricity to the rotating device that powers the motor in the rotating device. In the second way, the support structure can generate a magnetic field that reinforces the magnetic field created by the motor in the rotating device.

Abstract: A hollow rotatable member preferably made from a clear plastic material and a hollow cover are attached to each other in a spinning top. A ring is disposed within the top on the cover at a position of the top's substantially maximum diameter to provide stability and inertia to the top during the top's rotation, thereby significantly increasing the top's spinning time. A cap fits tightly on the upper portion of the rotatable member. A strap having teeth defining a rack gear extends through an aperture in the cap and engages a pinion gear in the aperture. When the strap is pulled from the aperture, the pinion gear rotates and causes the top to spin. Because of the tight fit between the top and the cap, the top can be thrown outwardly and downwardly toward a support surface and can be spinning as it reaches the support surface.

Abstract: A safety spinning top is formed by stamping on a rigid and flexible round card to produce two diametrically opposite strips that could be upward bent at inner ends and then engaged with each other to provide a revolving shaft, and a conic member located between and perpendicular to the two strips and adapted to downward bent to provide a supporting and revolving center below the round card. A player may pinch at the revolving shaft and apply a twisting force to eject the spinning top, so that the spinning top spins about the pointed end of the conic member. The spinning top does not include any separate small parts that tend to be wrongly swallowed by small children, and is therefore safe for play.

Abstract: A remote control toy top, which is capable of remotely controlling performance characteristics of a toy top spinning on a stadium and freely changing performance characteristics, is provided. The remote control toy top is composed of the toy top and a remote controller device for remotely controlling the performance characteristics of the toy top. The toy top is provided with a motor, and regular and reverse rotation of the motor is controlled by a control signal generated from the remote controller device, and a shaft body of the toy top is rotated in cooperation with a motor shaft of the motor.

Abstract: The Electronic RPM Yo-Yo will contain electronics for purposes of measuring typical yo-yo game play including the speed and RPMs, the duration of the spin of the yo-yo and it will also calculate overall score based upon a combination of the speed and duration. It may also calculate the scale speed in miles per hour and the distance which the yo-yo would have traveled had it been rolling along a flat plane. The electronics will save high scores for each of the result categories. The high scores can be recalled. The electronics will include a sound transducer to provide audio signals that will alert a player when his current play has exceeded a high score. Results of game play will be conveyed using LCD read-out, a bar graph comprised of colored LEDs or heard audibly via a speaker and electronic speech. Results can also be transmitted to similar yo-yo's via IR (infrared) or IF radio frequency technology.

Abstract: A top toy comprises a hand-held paddle with a contact portion and a handle portion, designed to manipulate, catch and throw a spinning top. The toy has two or more sides configured with substantially flat contact surfaces meeting at a periphery juncture to define an acute angle, such that the spinning top may be scooped or lifted from another surface onto the contact portion. The contact portion includes a perimeter ridge having a gap adjacent the handle, to enable a user to direct the spinning top onto the handle portion, to thereby manipulate, catch, or throw the spinning top from either the contact portion or the handle. The top and/or paddle may be constructed from or covered with glowing or glow-in-the-dark materials or substances to cause the top and/or paddle to glow in the dark, or provide enhanced visibility in daylight.

Abstract: A built-up spinning top is formed from a plurality of flat pieces, which are detachably connected to a flat board before being used to build up the top. The built-up spinning top mainly includes an elongate central shaft formed from two axially intersected shaft members to have a cross-shaped cross section, and a set of differently shaped and sized disc members sequentially mounted on the central shaft in a predetermined manner. The built-up spinning top may be spun with fingers or with the help of an ejecting platform and a push member. In the latter case, the disc members include two gear members to mesh with a toothed edge of a sliding way on the ejecting platform, so that the spinning top is rotated along the sliding way to finally eject therefrom to spin on a plane.

Abstract: A hollow rotatable member preferably made from a clear plastic material and a hollow cover are attached to each other in a spinning top. A ring is disposed within the top on the cover at a position of the top's substantially maximum diameter to provide stability and inertia to the top during the top's rotation, thereby significantly increasing the top's spinning time. A cap fits tightly on the upper portion of the rotatable member. A strap having teeth defining a rack gear extends through an aperture in the cap and engages a pinion gear in the aperture. When the strap is pulled from the aperture, the pinion gear rotates and causes the top to spin. Because of the tight fit between the top and the cap, the top can be thrown outwardly and downwardly toward a support surface and can be spinning as it reaches the support surface.

Abstract: A toy top game unit is provided, the unit comprising a toy top, driving means for rotating said toy top, a game board for receiving said toy top thereon, means for interacting the toy top and the game with each other, and for imparting a change to an operational mode of the toy top on said game board.

Abstract: A toy top comprises a body having an external surface with at least one external cavity and at least one extendable protrusion; in a static position, the protrusion is situated within the cavity and in a spinning motion, the protrusion is in an extended position from the cavity.

Abstract: A spinning top is built up with rigid flat parts and includes a central shaft extended through a horizontal body having a pair of radially oppositely projected fixed wings. A pair of movable wings are pivotally connected to an outer periphery of the horizontal body via two fixing arms to move between a fully folded position concealed below the horizontal body and a fully extended position projected from the outer periphery of the horizontal body. When the central shaft is twisted to eject the spinning top, the movable wings are pivotally thrown outward to serve as weapons providing enhanced attacking force in a fighting game using spinning tops and produce more fun.

Abstract: A spinning top is manufactured from a single element and has a central curved portion. The central curved portion generally forms an open circle. The central curved portion is provided with a pair of linear elements, one on each side. The central curved portion includes a central point. By grasping either or both linear elements by the digits of the hand and rapidly twisting, the top will rotate on a surface about the central point. The spinning top may have a height in the range of about ½ of an inch to about 3 feet. When spun, the top will give a three dimensional effect. Appropriately sized objects may be placed in the central curved portion to alter the top's appearance while spinning. The single element has a cross-section which may be chosen from, but not limited to, the group of a circle, a triangle, a polygon, a cross, a hexagon, an octogon and an ovoid.

Abstract: A doll is provided that is custom designed to resemble a specific person, either living or dead. These characteristics of sex, hair color and style, eye color and the like are selected from a group of various characteristics. A tape-recording mechanism provides for the recording of the represented person's voice, if still living, or for the recording of voices by friends or relatives, if deceased.

Abstract: A spinning top including a hollow body having a vertical spin axis and including an upper and a lower body portion rigidly connected together directly or preferably interconnected by a weighted annular ring for increased rotational inertia. A replaceable pointed tip is connected to the lower end of the lower body portion for free rotation only with respect to the body, the pointed tip engaging against a support surface when the body is in spinning motion. A second bearing-mounted pointed tip may be releasably connected concentric with the spin axis and upwardly extending from an upper end of the upper body portion whereby the spinning top may be lifted from one support surface and placed onto another support surface without interrupting spinning motion of the top.

Abstract: A method of customizing a toy comprises receiving at a remote location information from a customizing device of a user, and transmitted to the customizing device customizing information for customizing the toy of the user and personalizing information selected based upon a personal profile, the personal profile being selected so that the toy appears familiar with the user. The toy is customized by transferring information to the toy from the customizing device and storing the information in the toy. Customizing apparatus is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A tethered top is provided with a construction by which it can be accelerated, controlled and/or manipulated using a tether that remains attached to one end of the top, top body, or spindle. The tether can optionally be used as a pull string to be wrapped around top or spindle to impart acceleration to the top. The tether remains attached to at least one end of the top via at least one low friction housing connector but does not substantially retard the top's rotation, either when spinning on a surface or as supported in the air by the attached tether, low friction housing connector, and/or spindle.

Abstract: A game call having a bellows coupled to a reed for producing sound, together with a reed controller which is operable by contact with the bellows, thereby changing the pitch of the sound produced.

Abstract: A combination spinning top and yo-yo for providing a new type of spinning top and yo-yo. The combination spinning top and yo-yo includes a conoidal-shaped member having a top end, a tapered lower portion, and a tip disposed at a bottom end thereof; and also includes a spin inducing assembly for spinning the conoidal-shaped member.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic and electromechanical games having a visual display in which the user can obtain feedback on his or her performance during, or after, play, play a game stored in memory, and/or interact with a virtual pet or other character and, more particularly, to a hand-held game apparatus comprising a rotatable body rotating about an axis of rotation incorporating a display coupled to the apparatus for displaying graphics and textual images, a controller coupled to the apparatus for receiving, processing, and outputting data, graphics, and textual images to the display, memory coupled to, and accessible by, the controller for storing information relating to the electronic game, a sensor coupled to the controller for receiving information related to the use of the electronic game and for transmitting the information to the controller, and one or more user inputs for inputting commands to the electronic game.

Abstract: A kit for spinning tops having an spindle, at least one body element which has a hole roughly in the area of its center of gravity and which constitutes the body of the top, with a cross section which is essentially equal to the cross section of the spindle, a lower support and an upper support which can be placed on the spindle, at least one of the supports being made to be removed or pulled off from the top body. In accordance with another feature, the kit has a plate-shaped carrier with a recess in which a spindle is supported, with at least one body element being a flat, punch-out top body supported in a punch-out hole in the carrier of the same outline.

Abstract: A multi-purpose interlocking pentagonal block having five points each formed with a slot, the slot having a width slightly greater than a thickness of the block, two adjacent edges of the block having a notch therebetween, the notch having a width greater than the width of the slot, whereby the multi-purpose interlocking block can be assembled with other similar blocks into many different structures and can be used as a dart or top to play with.

Abstract: A rotor (1) is of a substantially spherical shape with one complete half of the sphere (2) still remaining. The rotor (1) effective takes the shape of the head of a "mushroom." The other half of the sphere has had its material removed or omitted forming the stem (3). The depth of the cut "D" and the length "L," the radius of the sphere, will determine the ratio of the respective weights of the complete half sphere (2) and the stem portion (3). Suitably the weight of the one half to the other half of the spherical body is between about 0.75 and 0.85 and more preferably 0.8. When an external force is applied to the rotor (1), it rotates simultaneously about a pair of orthogonal axes one of which is defined by the edge (6) of the spherical body between the two halves.

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 spinning top system, comprising a plurality of spheres, each sphere having a center. The spinning top are arranged according to one of several geometric formations, including a tetrahedron, octahedron, icosahedron, cube octahedron, and a hexagon, each of said geometric formations having several vertices. The spheres of the spinning top are arranged according to the particular geometric formation, wherein each vertice of the geometric formation corresponds to the center of one of the spheres. Arranging the spheres in this manner creates an symmetrical spinning top, which is capable of balancing and spinning upon one of these spheres. The spinning tops are also capable of stacking to form a stack of considerable height.

Abstract: A constructable spinning top maze kit having a base upon which rail pieces may be removably mounted to form a maze through which the spinning top may travel when launched from a launcher. Multiple bases may be joined together in a single plane to create an indefinitely-extendable maze, or multiple bases may be assembled in multiple planes to create an indefinitely-extendable multi-level maze. Because rail pieces are removably mounted on the base pieces, a maze may be disassembled and reconstructed to form another maze have a completely different geometry, or one or more rail pieces may be repositioned to less drastically alter the geometry of the maze. As with the rail pieces, the launcher may be removably mounted on the base pieces. Therefore, the launcher may be positioned at a variety of locations in a maze, easily repositioned, and used within a variety of maze geometries.

Abstract: A gyroscopic figurine (10) is disclosed having a body (11) and a gyroscope (12) mounted within the body. The gyroscope (12) has a rotatable wheel (15) coupled with the shaft (23) of an electric motor (16). The shaft is oriented at an angle to the axis of rotation (21) of the gyroscope wheel to cause a slight unbalancing or wobbling effect as the wheel rotates. The body has a torso (26), a head (28), pivoting arms (29), a fixed leg (30), and a moveable leg (33). The relative positioning of the arms, legs and torso cause the figurine to become unbalanced and thus move while the gyroscope operates. The unbalancing of the gyroscopic wheel causes the figurine to vibrate and thus enhance the skating effect of the figurine upon an underlying surface.

Abstract: A combination of a top, and a base that has a flat surface upon which the top may be spun and a cavity for storing the top when the top is not in use. The top has a pointed end upon which it is spun, an opposite handle end and an intermediate disk-like mass. The surface has an upstanding peripheral ridge to keep the spinning top on the surface. The cavity is sized to receive the top pointed end first. An O-ring is held in a groove in the cavity surface and extends into the cavity. When the top is pushed into the cavity, the disk engages the O-ring and is resiliently held in place. The top is removed for use by reaching fingers into the cavity opening, grasping the handle and withdrawing the top. A base having a number of these cavities may also be provided for storing a number of the tops.

Abstract: A rotating object, such as a toy top or yo-yo, is provided with a display mechanism which permits the display of letters, number and graphics as the object moves. In one embodiment a toy top is taught which incorporates such a display made up of string of light emitting diodes. As the top is spun a switch is closed by centrifugal force which activates the display circuitry. A message previously stored in the display circuitry memory is then read out of memory and is used to control the illumination of the LED's. As the top reaches a revolutionary speed which is in synchronization with the clocking speed of the display, the message is viewable by the user, and remains viewable until the rotational speed of the top slows enough to defeat the visual synchronization.

Abstract: A top spindle designed especially for use in connection with parts of a construction toy set, to enable the assembly of spinning tops having a wide variety of inertia members. The spindle includes a main stem provided with an integral support platform. A symmetrically arranged pair of drive lugs project upwardly from the support platform. The stem includes a locating and gripping hub adjacent to the platform and adapted to receive and tightly grip the central hub opening of a construction part from the construction toy set, such parts being in the form of wheels, pulleys, gears or connector elements. Such construction parts are pressed onto the retaining hub, after being positioned such that the upwardly projecting drive lugs engage drive openings in the construction part.

Abstract: A magnetically balanced spinning apparatus having an upright rotating shaft assembly that is balanced by circumscribing magnets is disclosed. The rotating shaft assembly is constructed from a single shaft with at least two magnets mounted thereon in a spaced apart relationship. The rotating shaft assembly is balanced on a pivot point at the bottom and spins on a weight bearing surface. A frame having side support magnets generally circumscribes the rotating shaft assembly wherein the support magnets and the rotating magnets of the rotating shaft assembly react to repel each other thereby balancing the rotating shaft assembly in a vertical orientation, and simultaneously levitating the rotating shaft assembly to minimize the effects of gravity thereon.

Abstract: A top is provided with a conical body having a soft porous parabolic point at the top's conical apex which simultaneously grips and tracks a writing surface over which the top travels. When the top is spun, the point at the apex grips the writing surface and allows the top to travel over the writing surface leaving an ink imprint in its path. During spinning, the top precesses with the rotating angular velocity characteristic of a top spinning down about a fixed point. However, the tip of the top at the conical apex does not remain fixed with respect to the writing surface; rather, the tip travels on its own course over the writing surface as a function both the angle of the tip with respect to the writing surface and the angular spin velocity of the top. As a consequence, the travel of the tip interacts with the forces of top precession to produce a group of characteristic traced spirals on the writing surface.

Abstract: A top is provided with a conical body having a soft porous parabolic point at the top's conical apex which simultaneously grips and tracks a writing surface over which the top travels. When the top is spun, the point at the apex grips the writing surface and allows the top to travel over the writing surface leaving an ink imprint in its path. During spinning, the top precesses with the rotating angular velocity characteristic of a top spinning down about a fixed point. However, the tip of the top at the conical apex does not remain fixed with respect to the writing surface; rather, the tip travels on its own course over the writing surface as a function both the angle of the tip with respect to the writing surface and the angular spin velocity of the top. As a consequence, the travel of the tip interacts with the forces of top precession to produce a group of characteristic traced spirals on the writing surface.

Abstract: A color variation device for educational and/or entertainment purposes has a color mixing unit which comprises a number of color variation components.. The color mixing unit can be set in motion by a motion manipulation unit while each color variation component contains a mechanism that can make the color on the visible surface of the color variation components be changible by the players. The color variation components are suggested to be configured with triangular pyramidal shape that are radially placed around the horizontal center of a circular color mixing unit sequentially in the direction of the color mixing unit motion. Different combination of colors selected on each color variation component on the color mixing unit can generate different colors when the color mixing unit is set in motion by the motion manipulation unit.

Abstract: A flying disk includes a circular plate and a bowl-shaped member attached to the circular plate. The bowl-shaped member includes a threaded recess extending into the same. A threaded rod is threadably inserted into the threaded recess. A threaded rod has a tapered end so that the whole assembly serves as a top as well as a flying disk.

Abstract: A shallow inverted circular saucer shaped first member has upper and lower exposed surfaces. A flat ring shaped second member has an inner periphery spaced from and surrounding the first member and also has upper and lower exposed surfaces. The first and second members are detachably interconnected. A plurality of vertical prongs cooperate with the members. One prong has an upper end secured to the center of the lower surface of the first member. The remaining vertical prongs have upper ends secured to the lower surface of the second member and are equidistantly spaced from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-reversing pendular-top formed as a symmetrical solid body of hard rigid material such as acrylic, the configuration being such that the center of gravity is oscillated relative to the geometric center of the pendular-top. The center of gravity may be further displaced from the geometric center by increasing the frequency with the symmetrical addition of counterweights at each end of the device. When rotated counter-clockwise on a smooth surface, the pendular-top will eventually stop rotating, and thereafter, without further input of energy will start to rotate in the reverse direction (clockwise). Similarly, when the pendular-top is oscillated end-to-end or side-to-side, the oscillations will eventually be converted, without further input of energy, into a rotational spin about the vertical axis, which is clockwise and counter-clockwise respectively.

Abstract: A path game including a generally serpentine path rising from a start to a higher finish. Removably seated adjacent the finish is a top together with a winding and release mechanism for the top. Card play provides for forward and backward movement of tokens, exchange of tokens with opposing players and release of the spinning top. When the mechanism is removed, the top may be readily mounted on the winding and release mechanism for winding. The wound top, together with the winding and release mechanism is then reseated for release upon play of a particular type of card. Upwardly projecting ridges between segment of the path generally provide a guide for downward movement of the released spinning top along the path. Gaps in the ridges provide for movement of the top from one segment of the path to a nonconsecutive segment while skipping intervening consecutive segment and also permit the top to leave the path entirely.

Abstract: Toy tops are provided having the appearance of human boxers and simulated boxing gloves. A motorized launch is used for spinning the tops and causing the boxing gloves of one top to strike another top. A simulated boxing ring is used to conduct a simulated boxing match with the tops.

Abstract: A spinning top toy having minimal size and weight which when used in combination with a familiar commonplace coin exhibits significantly improved spinning and balancing properties. The toy can also be spun on its edge so that it can be raced across a flat surface.

Abstract: A spinnable top comprises a flywheel component and a spindle component which are readily adapted to assembly and disassembly by reason of mutually threaded engagement to a shoulder stop. As a kit, these component parts and a wrench component, for use in torquing the assembly and/or disassembly, are retained in the base of a two-part thin cylindrical container; the other part of the container is a selectively removable cover which is configurated as a concave area by means of which each run of the top can be limited.

Abstract: A top spinning toy has a spring wound mechanical motor which rotates a socket having a spiral groove formed therein. A top has a spiral projection formed on an outer surface thereof and is screwed into the socket. The socket is rotated in the same direction as the top-inserting direction until a coil spring within the spring wound mechanical motor is wound tight. A release mechanism causes the spring tension to release and rotate the socket in a direction opposite the winding direction. The top leaves the socket automatically at a high speed and is capable of spinning for a long time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a top which may be used as a toy and/or as a marketing promotional tool. The top has a base member with a central aperture, at least two bendable arms, each having an aperture for receiving a stem member, and a stem member for holding the arms in position relative to the base member and for acting as a pivot.

Abstract: A driving device for initiating and maintaining a spinning top in a continuous movement of rotation and precession. The driving device is made of a shaft adapted to axially rotate in a tube on which is concentrically fixed a rim. A top is hingely connected by its central post to the end of the shaft adjacent the rim. The post is able to rotate around the rim through a ball-bearing joint and the friction between the post and the rim causes the top to spin around the rim. By momentarily braking or changing the direction of the shaft with a manual contact on the shaft, it is possible to create a precession movement to the spinning top which will raise above the rim.

Abstract: A game makes use of top-like game pieces in order to test the manual dexterity and mental acuity of a player who must keep as many game pieces as possible spinning simultaneously on a playing surface. The game pieces are spun by twirling them between the thumb and finger of the player, who then projects them onto the playing surface as they continue to spin. In playing the game, the period of play can terminate upon the expiration of a preselected length of time or when one of the game pieces stops spinning or after a predetermined number of game pieces have been put into play.

Abstract: A magnetically operated rotative amusement device or unit of a substantially self-starting nature has a see-through or transparent container or bowl-like support base provided with a lower, centrally disposed, pivot-receiving socket. A spinner has a pivot pin adapted to rest in the socket and to extend upwardly towards an open mouth portion of the support base. The support base has either an inner collar or a relatively narrow bowl to support the spinner in an upright, slightly tilted position in a ready-to-operate relation therein. A dome-shaped lid is used to close-off an open mouth portion of the support base and has a centrally, downwardly extending, permanent magnet supported in a vertically adjustable relation in which it is slightly spaced from and aligned with a second and opposing magnet carried by an upper end of the spinner.