Abstract: A portable, handheld exercise device comprises a spherical outer shell with multiple parallel handles mounted to the outer surface thereof containing a rotating mass therein. An inner shell located within is spaced from but attached to the outer shell. A gyroscopic energy-generating structure (GEGS) is located within the inner shell. The GEGS comprises a rotating disc or a rotating mass configured to simulate a rotating disc. The rotating disc or a rotating mass is powered to spin around a rotational axis orientated in a preselected orientation to the multiple parallel handles. When the one or more handles of the exercise device are held by an individual the spinning characteristics of the rotating disc or mass creates a force against the user's hands. An internal or external controller allows the user to vary the spinning characteristics of the spinning mass and the level and intensity of the resultant exercise provided to the user in counteracting the forces created.

Abstract: An electrically-driven gyroscope having a housing capable of alternate rotation and a control method thereof, which relate to the field of electrically-driven gyroscopes. The electrically-driven gyroscope includes a rotating housing, an internal rotator, a drive motor composed of an electrical stator part and a rotating part, a drive circuit, and a battery. The internal rotator is mechanically connected to the rotating part of the drive motor, and they can coaxially rotate. The electrical stator part of the motor, the drive circuit, and the battery are mutually electrically connected, and are all connected inside the rotating housing.

Abstract: A control unit drives a drive source to move the moving body. A detection unit detects external force applied to the moving body. A movement information deriving unit derives, based on the detected external force, a movement direction and movement speed of the moving body. The control unit drives the drive source based on the movement direction and movement speed derived by the movement information deriving unit.

Abstract: A toy launcher that can launch multiple consecutive devices into a spin is described. The toy launcher includes a housing adapted to receive an item to be launched. The housing includes a bunching mechanism to force the item from the launcher. Additionally, a protrusion is positioned in front of the launching mechanism such that art item launched from the launching mechanism engages with the protrusion, forcing the item into a spin as it exits the launcher.

Abstract: A self-propelled device operates to interpret an input corresponding to a set of actions that are performed on a controller device.

Abstract: A rotating top assembly toy play set includes at least one track segment having a starter section, a launch section and a guiding path therebetween. Also included is a rotatable top configured to translate along the guiding path. Further included is a top receiving structure positionally spaced from the launch section for receiving the rotatable top subsequent to a flight of the rotatable top, wherein the flight extends along an aerial trajectory between the launch section and the top receiving structure.

Abstract: A top which can facilitate the coupling of a winder is provided. The toy top comprises: a blade; a shaft of which one end is fixed to a lower portion of the blade; a pinion to be inserted and coupled to the middle of the shaft; and a shaft holder capable of accommodating the pinion-coupled shaft in a rotating manner, wherein the shaft holder comprises winder connectors (for rotating the pinion. Particularly, the winder connectors comprise: a cut portion for contacting a part of a first portion of a winder on a lateral side; and a guide groove for allowing a second portion extended from the first portion of the winder to be stopped at stepped protrusions inside the cut portion so as to prevent the second portion from being separated from the lateral side when a part of the first portion of the winder is contacted to a lateral side and then the winder is moved to the lateral side.

Abstract: A spinner for a toy top enables a launching position of a toy top to be easily set and held in place even when a rack belt is vigorously pulled out. The spinner includes an elongated rack belt having a rack gear, and a spinner main body formed with an insertion hole through which the rack belt is inserted. The spinner main body includes a toy top mounting part rotatably provided on one surface thereof. Inside the spinner main body, a rotating mechanism that is actuated by pulling out the rack belt to impart a rotational force to the toy top mounting part is provided. The rack belt can be inserted into and pulled out from the insertion hole in a same direction as an axis of rotation of the toy top mounting part.

Abstract: A top launcher includes at least one track segment having a guiding path for translating a rotatable top thereon. Also included is a launching member moveable between a first position and a second position, the launching member resiliently biased toward the first position. Further included is an engagement portion of the launching member for engaging the rotatable top and launching the rotatable top as the launching member moves toward the first position.

Abstract: A rotating top assembly toy play set includes at least one track segment having a starter section, a launch section and a guiding path therebetween. Also included is a rotatable top configured to translate along the guiding path. Further included is a top receiving structure positionally spaced from the launch section for receiving the rotatable top subsequent to a flight of the rotatable top, wherein the flight extends along an aerial trajectory between the launch section and the top receiving structure.

Abstract: A remote-controlled toy is controllable by an application executing on a wireless communications device. The toy includes a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless control signal from the wireless communications device, a motor for moving the toy in response to receiving the wireless control signal, and a contact sensor disposed on an outer portion of the toy, the contact sensor generating a contact signal in response to physical contact on the contact sensor. The toy may be a wheeled vehicle such as a car, truck, etc. or a spinning top. The spinning top may include a detachable droid-shaped upper portion. The device may be used not only to control the toy and display contact data, but also to view and reconfigure performance characteristics of the toy. In one implementation, the toy includes an elastomeric bumper extending around the toy for accommodating a plurality of contact sensors.

Abstract: A toy vehicle which may have the capability to raise and lower a spin mechanism within the vehicle to lift the vehicle up off of a surface and spin the vehicle in a top-like manner when the spin mechanism is charged. The vehicle may further include a chassis with a cavity to house the spin mechanism and a release mechanism to direct the spin mechanism to lower a spin shaft below wheels on the vehicle. Energy may be generated in a power drive system and transferred to the vehicle via a transfer gear in the spin mechanism. Another embodiment of the vehicle may also transforms between multiple configurations, including a spinning top, and utilizes a launch mechanism to spin the vehicle in a top-like manner. This embodiment may further include a sliding front segment, a sliding rear segment, two sliding side segments and a receiving cavity. When the sliding front segment and rear segment move toward one another, the two side segments are pushed outward and direct a spin shaft downward to extend below the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Abstract: A transforming vehicle and launch system where the vehicle transforms between multiple configurations including a spinning top. The vehicle includes sliding front and rear segments, two sliding side segments and a receiving cavity. The launch mechanism includes a rotating launch shaft in communication with a power system and a release button. The power system includes the capability to generate and store energy. When the front and rear segments move toward one another, the two side segments are pushed outward directing a central shaft downward below the vehicle. The receiving cavity receives the launch shaft and transfers energy from the power system to the vehicle when it rotates. Energy generated and stored in the power system is transferred to the second configuration via the rotation of the launch shaft when a release button is triggered such that the vehicle separates and spins on the central shaft.

Abstract: A toy vehicle which may have the capability to raise and lower a spin mechanism within the vehicle to lift the vehicle up off of a surface and spin the vehicle in a top-like manner when the spin mechanism is charged. The vehicle may further include a chassis with a cavity to house the spin mechanism and a release mechanism to direct the spin mechanism to lower a spin shaft below wheels on the vehicle. Energy may be generated in a power drive system and transferred to the vehicle via a transfer gear in the spin mechanism. Another embodiment of the vehicle may also transforms between multiple configurations, including a spinning top, and utilizes a launch mechanism to spin the vehicle in a top-like manner. This embodiment may further include a sliding front segment, a sliding rear segment, two sliding side segments and a receiving cavity. When the sliding front segment and rear segment move toward one another, the two side segments are pushed outward and direct a spin shaft downward to extend below the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Abstract: A rotatable core is described. The core includes a cylindrically-shaped housing having an indentation area. The indentation area is formed to guide a user where to place their finger for launching, such that by pressing down on the indentation area, the core is forced against a ground surface, which causes it to spin away from the user. Additionally, the core includes a housing with a cavity therein for receiving the object. A release mechanism is attached with the housing. The release mechanism includes a connector for connecting with a corresponding connector on the object and an expelling mechanism for expelling the object. Upon activation of the release mechanism, the connector releases the object and the expelling mechanism forces the object from the housing.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a solution that safely enables a person to safely operate a body-engaging gyroscopic toy. A gyroscopic toy includes a gyroscopic disk body; an elongated central axle rod extending from both sides of the disk body, the axle rod defining a pair of body-engagement handles; and a safety, selectably releasably engaging the axle rod to a rotational axis of the disk body, inducing a rotation of the axle rod about a lateral axis of the axle rod in response to a rotation of the disk body wherein the safety disengages the induced rotation of the axle body upon an application of an anti-rotation force to the axle whenever the anti-rotation force exceeds a predetermined threshold wherein the disk body continues to rotate freely and the axle rod rotates slower than the disk body while the anti-rotation force is applied.

Abstract: A toy top which encases a plurality of repelled magnets and a magnetic controller which encases a controlling magnet. The repelled magnets in the top direct a magnetic field away from their embodiment with an opposing polarity to the magnetic field directed by the magnetic controller and away from its embodiment. Contact of the two opposing magnetic fields results in a magnetic force which repels the top away from the magnetic controller while the top is spinning. The top is put into a rotational spin by pulling a rip cord through a handle and turning a spinning gear fit into the top's gear fitting.

Abstract: An article, such as a towel, having an opening to secure a twirling mechanism thereto. The twirling mechanism having a handle extending from a bottom portion thereof and having a mechanism to permit rotating of the handle with respect to the fabric-article, such that the fabric article is capable of twirling around the twirling mechanism. The twirling mechanism may in other embodiments include noise maker when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: A toy top playing apparatus for one person to play a toy top spinning game. A main body of the apparatus is provided with a display portion for displaying a game point, a play stage for spinning a toy top thereon, a dummy toy top simulating a toy top and arranged on the play stage, a sensor for detecting contact between the toy top and the dummy toy top, and a control section for processing the game point displayed on the display portion when the sensor detects the contact. The dummy toy top rotates on its axis, and a rotational direction thereof is controlled.

Abstract: A safe spinner for a toy top which ensures that a rack gear formed on a rack belt will not directly contact a user's body during a pulling operation of the rack belt is provided. A spinner for a toy top includes a rotation imparting mechanism for imparting rotation to a toy top, having a rack gear and a pinion gear. The rack gear is formed on one surface of a belt body of an elongated plate-shape in such a manner that teeth of the rack gear protrude from the surface of the belt body and are arrayed in a longitudinal direction of the belt body. The belt body includes a pair of protection plates which is disposed on the surface thereof so that the plates face each other across the teeth of the rack gear, the pair of protection plates each being formed to have a height from the surface of the belt body equal to or greater than a height of the teeth of the rack gear.

Abstract: A toy top that can repeatedly jump on a curved playing surface to attack an opponent toy top from above. The jumping toy top includes a toy main body, a spinning shaft body having a spinning shaft, and a shaft body supporting portion disposed on the toy main body to support the spinning shaft body. A distal end of the spinning shaft has one side projecting downward more than another diametrically opposite side to configure a portion to contact a playing surface of a playing board. When the jumping toy top spins on a central axis of the toy main body, the contact portion revolves around the central axis of the toy main body in a circular orbit.

Abstract: A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

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 modified classical spinning top (1) and its horizontal driving (6) without mechanical restraining elements are disclosed. The modified classical spinning top has a small permanent magnet (2) on the rotation axis (3), at its upper part and coaxial with it. A second permanent magnet (4) with the opposite polarity to the first one, it means in an attraction configuration, is manually moved horizontally (7) above the top of the spinning top. The interaction of attraction of the two permanent magnets determines a horizontal driving (6) of the spinning top without modification of the rotation movement. The new toy is more interesting, interactive and attractive than the classical one.

Abstract: A toy actuation device is disclosed which has a device body comprising a holding unit that holds a toy such as a stuffed toy. The holding unit including first detecting unit for detecting that the toy is held in the holding unit; and movable engagement members that are engageable with outer parts of the toy. An actuation mechanism actuates the engagement members. A user-holdable member is detachably disposed at the device body and includes a second detecting unit for sensing that the user is holding the user-holdable member in association with the toy; and a control unit that actuates the actuation mechanism on the basis of the detection results of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit.

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: A rotating toy is provided, the rotating toy having a rotation data measuring means. Data, such as rate of rotation, concerning the rotation of the toy is used to implement amusing games. Various embodiments of the toy of the present invention include a top provided with a synchronized display, a top provided with a transceiver and a top that “walks”.

Abstract: A system comprising a rotating device, a finger supported charging assembly for powering the rotating device, and a hand pad assembly for holding the rotating device as it spins. 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 finger supported charging assembly includes two contacts that are coupled to opposite terminals of a battery pack. The contacts are worn on opposing fingers and come into contact with the rotating device when the base of the rotation device is supported with the opposing fingers. When contacting the rotating device, the contacts on the opposing fingers provide electricity to the rotating device. The hand pad assembly attaches to a user's hand providing rigid surfaces on the hand that support the rotating device as it spins.

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 wafer support system comprising a segmented susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. A plurality of spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the segmented susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the segmented susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer.

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 remote control device that utilizes a variable velocity gyroscope for stabilization as well as directional control. The gyroscope is mounted within a device shell and aligned vertically. When the device is stationary or traveling in a straight line, the rotational velocity of the gyroscope is constant. The direction of the moving device can be controlled by accelerating or decelerating the gyroscope.

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: A gyroscope includes first and second rings positioned orthogonally concentric to one another, an axle mounted for free rotation extending diametrically through the first ring, a rotary disk fixedly attached to the axle, and an engagement structure coaxially aligned with the axle which is fixedly attached to the axle. An apparatus for spinning a gyroscope includes a housing, a compartment within the housing for receiving at least a portion of the gyroscope, and a motor within the housing for transmitting rotational energy to the gyroscope. The apparatus can include a lid having an open position and a closed position, and an electrical contact disposed in the compartment. The electrical contact can be switchable between open and closed conditions. The lid can be configured to urge the gyroscope downwardly into the receptacle and switch the electrical contact to the closed condition when the lid is in the closed position.

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 spinning top includes a driving device and a series of tops. The driving device includes a motor driving a clutch, and each top has a seat for temporary engagement with the clutch which drives the top to spin. The driving device comprises a control switch which links the power to the motor and the linking mechanisms to the clutch. By adjusting the control switch, the motor is started, which drives the clutch to spin. Pressing the control switch further disengages the top from the clutch so that the top will spin itself. Further, the top portion of the top is shaped with a concave portion for receiving another top stacked thereon, by engaging the concave portion with the seat of another top.

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 spinning figurine toy has a weighted skirt or disc to provide angular momentum, a lower spindle, a spring attached to the lower spindle, a foot inserted into the lower end of the spring, and a rod fixed in the foot and able to move vertically within the lower spindle. When the toy is spun upon the foot, bouncing or jumping motion may be imparted to the toy by dropping it from a height because of the resilient nature of the spring. A pull-string operated hand launcher having a helical spindle on top fits into a corresponding helical aperture in the foot to provide a means of setting the toy in motion at high speed and of releasing it.

Abstract: Toy top spinner which uses a toy top body as a spinning wheel to accelerate the spinning speed of the spinning wheel easily, and an adapter used with the spinner to spin toy tops having slightly different diameters. The spinner has its body equipped with a brake in addition to the spinning wheel. The rotor is formed with hook means. Between the spinning wheel and the rotor, there is interposed a gear train which is equipped with an idle gear. The brake includes a braking member and a braked member mounted on the axle of the rotor. The adapter device can be removably mounted on the rotor and has its body formed with a hook member inside of the hook means of the rotor.

Abstract: A toy top which can also be used as a badge, and a drive unit which can mechanically spin the toy top with ease in a simple manner. The toy top has first engaging portions on the upper surface of the main body thereof, a first hook portion on the outer periphery thereof and a central spindle about which a knob is removably screw-fitted. The toy top comprises a main body having first engaging portions, a first hook portion and a central spindle screw-fitted with a knob while the drive unit comprises a rotatable member having second engaging portions to engage the first engaging portions of the toy top, a spring for rotating the rotatable member, a second hook portion to engage the second hook portion of the toy top and operating member for releasing the engagement of the second hook portion with the first hook portion of the toy top. Further, some modifications of the structures of the toy top and the drive unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spin-top which includes a body of substantially rotational symmetry around a longitudinal axis, the body having a curved outer surface for converting force having a vertical component applied thereto into a rotational force, the top being provided with at least one pointed end face along the axis and the top being configured to have a first rest position with the axis substantially parallel with the ground, a second active position with the axis substantially perpendicular to the ground and an intermediate active position of rotation around the axis while the axis is still substantially parallel with the ground, the configuration of the top being such that upon application of a spin imparting force to the outer wall of the body while in the first rest position, the body is imparted with a forward motion combined with a backward spin to achieve the intermediate active position while also being imparted with a simultaneous turning motion around some point along its axis, a gyroscopic reaction causing the top

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 member, such as a top, and an impeller are employed together. The spinning member has a gripping section on an upper portion thereof, while the impeller imparts rotational movement to the spinning member when the spinning member is at rest and when the spinning member is rotating without substantially interrupting the rotation of the spinning member. The impeller includes a brush disposed on a rotatable portion of the impeller and cooperatively engageable with the gripping section of the spinning member for imparting rotational movement thereto, and a driver for supplying rotational movement to the brush.

Abstract: A yo-yo is provided with a construction by which it may be converted easily and quickly to a high performance surface spinning top. After detaching Zone of the yo-yo halves from the axle of the yo-yo, one of the yo-yo halves from the axle of the yo-yo, a spindle is attached to the center of the detached yo-yo half. Means are provided for defining a nib at the opposite face of the detached yo-yo half. The yo-yo string, which will have been removed from the axle may be used as a pull string to be wrapped around the spindle to impart acceleration to the top. The other part of the yo-yo including the other half and the axle are rotatably and telescopically engageable with the end of the spindle to stabilize the position and attitude of the top while it is accelerated. After acceleration, the stabilizer is easily withdrawn thus leaving the top to spin free on supporting surface.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic top is arranged to rotate on one or more surfaces, of a toy induction turret, which are in close proximity to a coil. An electric circuit is arranged to switch the coil in such a manner so as to accelerate the top. A handle is connected to the turret so that the top may be skillfully transferred from one surface to another. In one version it is arranged to generate a tone or musical notes when the top is spinning.

Abstract: A game for spinning tops includes a stage having an upper surface, and a pair of launching devices, each of which includes a pivotally mounted guide which receives a spinning top from above and discharges the spinning top from the side onto the upper surface of the stage.

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.