Amusement devices: toys – Rotating or having visible rotating portion – Having attached cord for imparting rotation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-06-19
Ricci, John A. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Rotating or having visible rotating portion
Having attached cord for imparting rotation
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247992
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices for holding or controlling a toy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a finger attachment device for holding and controlling a yo-yo.
For many years and in many cultures the bandolier, or yo-yo as it is more commonly known, has been a popular toy. Recently, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the yo-yo. Many of the newer yo-yo's have an appearance designed to be visually striking and have become fashion accessories as well as toys. A yo-yo may be crafted out of many different materials, and while the basic construction of the yo-yo is simple, there are a number of variations on the overall design that have been created and sold to the general public. Throughout these variations, however, the designers have consistently used a string of some sort to allow the user of the yo-yo to hold and control the toy. The string is attached at one end to the yo-yo and at the other end to the user of the toy traditionally by way of a slip knot tied around a finger.
While the use of the slip knot connection has been the most common way one holds and controls the yo-yo, there are inherent problems in using a string tied to a finger. For example, the slip knot has a natural tendency to become tighter and tighter around the user's finger during use, thus cutting off circulation and making the user uncomfortable. Due to the small size of the slip knot, the entire string can become pulled into the slot of the yo-yo. Further, the slip knot itself can become tangled around itself or the yo-yo; or, it may become untied, forcing the user to untangle or re-tie the knot to continue using the toy.
Accordingly, there is a need for a connector or holder for a yo-yo which will significantly improve circulation in the user's fingers when the toy is being used. There is also a need to provide a connector or holder for a yo-yo which will remain tangle-free during use. Furthermore there is a need for such a connector or holder which will prevent the toy from becoming useless due to the string becoming tangled or being pulled into the inner hub or housing member of the yo-yo. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resides in a finger attachment device for holding and controlling a yo-yo type toy. A typical yo-yo comprises a disc rotatable about a major axis of a central axle which is accessible through a peripheral slot of the disc. A first end of a string is secured to the axle and a second end of the string is attachable to a finger of the user. The inventive device generally comprises a harness including an elongated, flexible strap which has apertures through opposite ends thereof for attachment to the second end of the string so that the tightening of the harness about the user's finger is limited to the length of the harness between the apertures.
The harness is preferably comprised of leather and bends around the user's finger to surround at least one-half of the finger's circumference. Durable ring eyelets are attached to the strap and define the apertures so as to protect the strap from unnecessary wear from the attached string.
The harness is permanently attached to the string by means of a slip knot through which the first end of the string is passed through before being secured to the axle. The string adjacent to the knot is adjustable to facilitate insertion of the user's finger into and removal from the harness.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1864318 (1932-06-01), Powell
patent: 4112988 (1978-09-01), Nelson
patent: 5056664 (1991-10-01), Demers
patent: 5470269 (1995-11-01), Ambroz
patent: 5979184 (1999-11-01), Razza
patent: 6113456 (2000-09-01), Hadzicki et al.
Kelly Bauersfeld Lowry & Kelley LLP
Ricci John A.
LandOfFree
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