Ball spinner

Abstract

A hand-held amusement device is provided for spinning a ball. The ball spinning device has a ball shaft having a hand-held portion and a finger portion. The hand-held portion is configured to be grippe by a user's hand. The finger portion has a distal end which includes a receiving space that is adapted to receive a connection shaft. The ball spinning device has a cup that receives the connection shaft. The cup has a recessed hole configured to receive a bearing ball. The bearing ball is in contact with the connection shaft providing a low friction surface which allows the cup to freely rotate on the ball shaft.

Description

RELATED CASE INFORMATION[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 874,389 filed Dec. 12, 2006 and is incorporated herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an amusement device or toy, and more particularly to a hand-held device for spinning a ball.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the world of sports, the ability to spin a ball, such as a basketball, volleyball or football on the tip of one's finger never ceases to amaze spectators. With a lot of practice, a great deal of coordination, and a bit of luck, one can learn how to spin a ball on one finger. Many people would like to have the skill of being able to spin a ball on their finger, however, this skill can be difficult or impossible for some to master.[0004]For those who would be satisfied with creating the illusion of spinning a ball, some form of mechanical aid could provide the desired control.[0005]U.S. Pat. No 5,261,851 to Siebert provides a hand...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention provides a ball spinning device that is concealed in the palm of a user's hand, which amply supports the weight of a ball and adds to the illusion of being able to spin a ball on one finger and which does not require complex, precision parts.

[0008]In one embodiment, a ball spinning device according to the invention includes a ball supporting member or spinner having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is configured as a hand-held portion to be gripped by a user's hand. The second end portion is configured to support a ball and be substantially concealed behind a user's finger. The second end portion includes a recessed slot configured to receive a metal ball cup connection shaft. A ball cup is configured with an extension that is configured to be disposed on and receive the connection shaft in order to provide a connection between the cup with the ball shaft. The cup extension includes a recessed hole that is dimensioned to receive a single bearing ball. The single bearing ball provides a curved metal surface that is in contact with the flat surface of the metal connection shaft. This low-friction interface enables the cup to freely rotate. A ball or basketball can be placed on the cup and a user can spin the basketball by imparting rotational force to start the ball in a spinning motion. This creates the illusion of spinning a ball on one finger while the weight of the ball is well supported on the end of the shaft that may be otherwise substantially concealed by the extended finger upon which the ball appears to be spun.

[0010]An advantage of the spinning device according to the present invention is that the spinning device can be concealed in a user's hand to create the illusion of spinning the ball on one finger while the weight of the ball is well supported via the shaft and hand-held portion. Another advantage of the spinning device according to the present invention is that the device provides control, support, ease of handling, stability and balance, making the device relatively easy to use. The present invention also provides a ball spinning device that is light weight and requires a minimal amount of material to manufacture the device. Complex parts such as motors or precision bearings are not required.

Problems solved by technology

Many people would like to have the skill of being able to spin a ball on their finger, however, this skill can be difficult or impossible for some to master.

Disadvantageously, the splined finger gripping device fits over the finger but does not conceal the device in a user's hand.

Further, such device does not provide support for the weight of the ball on the finger that is disposed in the gripping device.

Further the precision bearing in the Porter device adds cost, weight and complexity.

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