Yo-yo including adjustable weight system

Details Yo-yo including adjustable weight system Yo-yo including adjustable weight system

1999-11-19

2001-03-06

Rimell, Sam (Department: 3712)

Amusement devices: toys

Rotating or having visible rotating portion

Having attached cord for imparting rotation

C446S247000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06196891

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to yo-yos, and more particularly to the weight and weight distribution of a yo-yo.
BACKGROUND
Many yo-yo tricks require the yo-yo to spin freely at the end of the string without climbing up the string. A yo-yo spinning freely at the end of the string is commonly said to “sleep” or “dwell.” Ideally, a player will cause the yo-yo to sleep, and perform the desired trick while the yo-yo is spinning. After the trick has been executed, the player tugs on the string and the yo-yo climbs up the string again (referred to herein as “waking up” the yo-yo).
The sleep time for a yo-yo will typically increase as the angular momentum of the yo-yo increases. Angular momentum is a function of the rotational speed of the yo-yo and the weight distribution in the yo-yo. It is known to provide a weighted ring that may be mounted on or removed from the yo-yo to alter the yo-yo's angular momentum.
Another factor in performing yo-yo tricks is the weight of the yo-yo. Some tricks are more easily performed with a lighter-weight yo-yo, and some tricks require a heavier yo-yo. Some yo-yo players own several yo-yos of various weights to perform these various tricks.
SUMMARY
It is desirable to provide a yo-yo having an adjustable weighting system that permits several different weight arrangements to accommodate a wide range of yo-yo tricks. Such an adjustable weighting system is also desirable because it permits, to a certain degree, customization of sleep time to fit the skill level of the yo-yo player and the trick sought to be executed. In this regard, a yo-yo having an adjustable weight system may replace several non-adjustable yo-yos.
The present invention provides a yo-yo including first and second side members, an axle extending between the side members, a string interconnected with the axle, and at least one weight releasably attached to at least one of the side members at a first location and movable to a second location on the side member.
A plurality of retainers may be interconnected with the side members, and the weights may be releasably held in place by the retainers at selected locations. Preferably, the retainers include at least one resilient wall such that when the weights are inserted at least partially into the retainers, the resilient wall creates a press-fit connection between the weights and the retainers. Alternatively, the retainers may include hooks, threaded fasteners, clips, or hook-and-loop fasteners. The weights may be arranged in an eccentric weighting pattern, and the pattern of weights may be different in one side member than the pattern in the other side member. The weights are preferably sphere shaped members, such as ball bearings, but the weights may be provided in substantially any shape.
The invention also provides a cover releasably mounted over a cavity in one of the side members. The cover is preferably press-fit over the cavity, and an optional insert may be sandwiched between the cavity and the cover. A tool may be provided having an elongated portion that may be used to pry the cover from the cavity.
One advantage of the present invention is that it permits adjustment of the weight and weight distribution of the yo-yo to modify the yo-yo's angular momentum.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it includes a plurality of retainers in which weights are releasably received such that the weights may be moved from one position to another to adjust the weight distribution.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a cover that extends across the cavity in which the weights are retained, and that may retain a decorative insert.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5254027 (1993-10-01), Mcavoy, Jr.
patent: 5951353 (1999-09-01), Moore
patent: 5984759 (1999-11-01), O'Sullivan
1998 Team Losi, Inc., Revolution Yo-Yo packaging and instructions.

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