Amusement devices: toys – Balanced or self-righting
Utility Patent
1998-11-20
2001-01-02
Rimell, Sam (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Balanced or self-righting
49, 49
Utility Patent
active
06168492
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains to the field of balancing toys.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a balancing toy having one or more multi-piece or unitary bodies which can be balanced (or stacked) in various positions on a support member, such as a base having an upwardly-extending, elongated support element. The toy can also be balanced on any other suitable support. Attached to each body are preferably two balancing members having weights fixed adjacent outward ends of the balancing members. The locations of the balancing members and/or the position of each weight can be adjusted to vary the center of gravity of the assembly of the body and the balancing members such that the assembly can be balancing upon the base in various positions.
In one embodiment of the invention, the balancing members are integrally connected to the body, and, for example, can be in the form of deformable human- or other animal-like arms. Alternatively, the balancing members can be removably attached to the body in one of a plurality of pre-formed, snap-in recesses. Or, if the body member is comprised of deformable material, such as styrofoam, soft plastic, or the like, the balancing members can be removably inserted into the body.
The weights can be permanently attached to, or integrally formed with elongated support arms of the balancing members, or can be removably attachable such as with a snap-together assembly. If the weights are removable, weights of various mass can be provided. If the weights are integrally formed with the support arms of the balancing members, a plurality of balancing members can be provided with various lengths and/or weight masses. The balancing members can be substantially rigid or can be deformable to vary the center of gravity of the body/balancing member assembly.
In the embodiment comprising a multi-piece body, the body is preferably formed from left and right pieces each having an elongated longitudinal slot through which fastening means, such as a screw
ut assembly can be inserted. The elongated slots in the left and right pieces allow the relative positions and relative angle between the left and right pieces to be adjusted to vary the shape and center of gravity of the body.
The adjustability of the shape and center of gravity of the body, and the adjustability of the positions (and mass) of the weights attached to the body provides that the body/balancing member assembly can be balanced on the support member in various positions. In addition, multiple body/balancing member assemblies can be stacked, one upon the other in a variety of configurations, to form a unique and interesting displays.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1235050 (1917-07-01), Pajeau
patent: 2190800 (1940-02-01), Murphy
patent: 3092384 (1963-06-01), Herne
patent: 3614106 (1971-10-01), Morrison et al.
patent: 5516314 (1996-05-01), Anderson
patent: 5720645 (1998-02-01), Dugan
patent: 5762531 (1998-06-01), Witkin
Rimell Sam
Schweitzer Cornman Gross & Bondell LLP
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