Combination timepiece and yo-yo

Details Combination timepiece and yo-yo Combination timepiece and yo-yo

2000-04-19

2001-12-11

Rimell, Sam (Department: 3712)

Amusement devices: toys

Rotating or having visible rotating portion

Having attached cord for imparting rotation

C968S406000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06328624

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to yo-yos, and particularly to a yo-yo incorporating a time indicating element.
2. Description of the Related Art
Yo-yos have been known for many years and exist in a variety of forms and adaptations. Typically, existing yo-yos serve a single function, namely, that of entertainment. In recent times modem technology has been used to enhance the yo-yo's entertaining function by including various visual and audible features as well as to improve the yo-yo's operability such as by improving the yo-yo's ability to “sleep”, i.e., to spin at a constant vertical position for a length of time. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,444 (VanKuiken) discloses a yo-yo utilizing light emitting diodes connected to a circuit for illumination when the yo-yo is in use. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,966 (Capps et al.) uses a string of synchronized light emitting diodes to display messages stored in a memory circuit contained in a yo-yo housing. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,547 (Amaral) discloses a yo-yo having an improved “sleeping” performance by incorporating a free spinning spool about the yo-yo axle.
While the various mechanical and electrical improvements to yo-yos discussed in the aforementioned patents are interesting, they do not provide additional benefits or functions to the yo-yo other than the primary entertainment purpose, and do not provide a convenient yo-yo carrying mechanism or feature.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a yo-yo is provided having a mountable feature to allow the yo-yo to be conveniently carried on a user's wrist as a wristwatch, and including a timekeeping feature to allow the yo-yo to be used as a wristwatch. The inventive yo-yo is releasably mounted to a wrist brace or holder worn by the user. In operation, the yo-yo is released from the wrist base and can then be used as a conventional yo-yo. When the yo-yo is not in use, it can be easily remounted to the wrist mount base in a manner which displays the timekeeping function so that the yo-yo can be used as a wristwatch.
The releasable connection between the yo-yo and the wrist mount is preferably in the form of a snap type arrangement where a base is fastened to a wrist brace, and includes a support member under which a back half of the yo-yo is inserted and a detent member opposite the barlike member which snaps onto the back half of the yo-yo as the yo-yo is pressed into the base. The detent member is releasable by finger pressure to permit removal of the yo-yo from the base.
In an alternative embodiment, the releasable connection between the yo-yo and the wrist mount is configured as a lock and key or bayonet arrangement wherein a centrally located key hole is formed in the yo-yo housing for mating with a key or protrusion formed on the wrist mount base. To secure the yo-yo to the wrist mount base, the yo-yo is simply placed over the key so that the key enters the keyhole, whereupon the yo-yo is rotated about the yo-yo axis for locking it in place. In another embodiment, radially-spaced prongs are formed on the wrist mount which create a living spring arrangement about the yo-yo housing for providing releasable securement of the yo-yo to the wrist mount.
In another embodiment, a separate timekeeping function may be included on the wrist mount base so that a wearer can determine the time while the yo-yo is in operation.
In another embodiment, the yo-yo is releasably mounted in a fob, with provision for releasably attaching the fob to a portion of a user's clothing, such as a belt loop.
In another embodiment, the yo-yo is releasably mounted in a holster adapted to be worn on a user's person. The holster may additionally contain parts and tools for maintenance of the yo-yo.
In another embodiment, the yo-yo is releasably mounted in a base to which is attached one end of a chain, and the other end of the chain may be fastened to a portion of the user's clothing, enabling the yo-yo to be worn in the manner of a pocket watch.
In another embodiment, the yo-yo is releasably mounted in a base to which is attached a loop of cord or chain for wearing around a user's neck.
In another embodiment, the yo-yo is releasably mounted in a base which is attached to a glove for wearing on a user's hand.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.


REFERENCES:
patent: D. 346558 (1994-05-01), Hiromori
patent: 3136551 (1964-06-01), Ruderian
patent: 4456384 (1984-06-01), Murakami
patent: 4571199 (1986-02-01), Murakami
patent: 4632245 (1986-12-01), Lerner
patent: 4895547 (1990-01-01), Amaral
patent: 5145444 (1992-09-01), VanKuiken
patent: 5842574 (1998-12-01), Nunes

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