Yo-yo string assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a tether assembly for use with a yo-yo to limit tangling of the tether while the yo-yo is in use. The tether assembly includes a securement component adapted to be releasably coupled to at least one finger of a user and a bearing component configured to be secured to the securement component. The tether assembly further includes a flexible tether segment secured at a first end to the yo-yo and at a second end to the bearing component. The connection of the flexible tether to the yo-yo forms a first axis of rotation and the connection of the flexible tether to the bearing component forms a second axis of rotation to allow the user to use the yo-yo without tangling and knotting the tether.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 603,973, filed November 29, 2023, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to yo-yos, and more specifically to tethers used with yo-yos. Background Technology

[0003] It is known that a yo-yo includes a tether or cord, attached at one end to the yo-yo's axle and at the other end to the user's finger. During yo-yo use, problems arise regarding unwanted twisting of the tether caused by the yo-yo's rotation around a vertical axis formed by the tether. When excessive twisting occurs, the user must stop playing with the yo-yo and untangle the tether before continuous use can occur. During extended display periods, twisting or tangling limits the duration of yo-yo play. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure may include one or more of the following features, as well as combinations thereof.

[0005] In an illustrative embodiment, this disclosure relates to a tether assembly for a yo-yo. The tether assembly is an elongated flexible component that includes a first elongated tether segment that is folded and twisted together, wherein the first end forms a loop when partially untied, the loop being positionable on a yo-yo axle and a fixed component.

[0006] In the illustrated embodiment, the first elongated tether segment of the tether assembly includes: a first end secured to the yo-yo to form a first axis of rotation; and a second end rotatably coupled to a fixed member held by the user to form a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The fixed member is formed of a cord segment or a plastic finger member including a finger loop or other finger engagement element to releasably secure the yo-yo to the user. The tether assembly is configured to allow the first tether segment to rotate relative to the fixed member about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed member to also rotate. This allows the first tether segment to rotate independently of the second fixed member to prevent cord twisting and tangling. The swivel member includes one or more ball and socket segments or ball bearing arrangements to allow the first tether segment to rotate independently of the fixed member.

[0007] In an illustrative embodiment, the tether assembly may include a first elongated tether segment pivotally coupled to a gripping member to form a second axis of rotation. The gripping member is configured to include a first finger rest and a second, opposite finger rest. The finger rests are configured to be positioned around adjacent fingers on the same hand to allow a user's hand to grip the gripping member. A central portion is located between the first and second finger rests. The central portion includes a central passage that receives a bearing member. A first end of the tether segment is configured to be positioned within the bearing member to allow the tether segment to rotate independently of the gripping member. The gripping member is preferably held between the user's ring and middle fingers to secure the yo-yo to the user, allowing for yo-yo use. The tether segment can rotate relative to the gripping member to prevent any unwanted twisting of the tether segment and extend the play length of the yo-yo.

[0008] In an illustrative embodiment, the tether assembly includes a first elongated tether segment that is folded and twisted together, wherein the first end forms a loop when partially untied, the loop being positionable on a yo-yo axle. The first elongated tether segment includes a second end that is pivotally coupled to a fixed member. The tether also includes a fixed member in the form of a second shortened tether segment. The second shortened tether segment is formed of a twisted cord segment and includes a finger loop formed at the second end. The tether assembly is configured to allow the first tether segment to rotate relative to the fixed member about a second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed member to rotate simultaneously. This arrangement prevents the first tether segment from becoming excessively twisted and tangled. The swivel assembly includes a housing and an inner bearing member. The first tether segment is configured to be coupled to the inner bearing segment, and the second tether member is configured to be coupled to the housing to allow the first tether segment to rotate independently of the second tether segment.

[0009] In an illustrative embodiment, the tether assembly includes a tether segment connected to a ball cage, which in turn is connected to a bead, which is connected to a flexible finger ring. The bead is connected to the flexible finger ring by using a cord segment formed as part of the finger ring, or by using a pair of openings in the sidewall of the finger ring. Alternatively, a rubber tube or tubing may be used in conjunction with the cord to secure the bead.

[0010] In the illustrative embodiment, the flexible finger ring is co-molded or overmolded with the ball joint component to allow the swivel coupling to be secured thereto.

[0011] The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, embodiments, objectives, and features of this disclosure, in addition to the illustrative embodiments and features described herein, will become fully apparent from the figures, detailed description, and claims.

[0012] Additional features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art when taken into account the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that are now considered the best mode for carrying out this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The above and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar elements unless the context otherwise requires. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments and variations may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that, as generally described herein and shown in the drawings, aspects of this disclosure can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in many different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and constitute a part of this disclosure.

[0014] A detailed description is given in particular with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the tether assembly, showing the gripping components without the tether connected to them; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view showing the components of the gripping part, including the housing, tubular insert, end cap, and bearing; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the casing; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the tubular insert, lower end cap, and bearing; Figure 5 It is a side view of one half of the tubular insert, showing the vertical through hole and the knot chamber, and also showing the lower end cap; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tether assembly, showing a lower fastening segment that is larger than the upper fastening segment that wraps around the user's fingers, and also showing gaps between the upper and lower fastening segments to allow the user to insert their fingers. Figure 7 The lower perspective view of another embodiment of the tether assembly shows a pair of flexible straps pivotally connected to a lower fixed section and removably connected to an upper fixed section. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The top perspective view of the tether assembly shows a pair of flexible straps pivotally connected to the lower fixed section and removably connected to the upper fixed section. Figure 9This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tether assembly, showing a flexible strip molded with the housing, wherein the flexible strip can be removably attached to the upper fixed section; Figure 10 It is a side view of the tether assembly connected to the yo-yo, showing that the yo-yo has a first axis of rotation and the tether assembly has a second axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the tether of the present disclosure, showing a first tether segment fixed to the swivel component and a second tether segment fixed to the swivel component to allow the first tether segment to rotate independently of the second tether segment; Figure 12 This is a perspective view of another embodiment, showing a gripping component having a tether rotatably attached to the gripping component, and the gripping component having a first finger rest and a second finger rest to allow a user to secure the gripping component between their fingers. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of another embodiment, showing a rotating component having a housing and a bearing positioned within the housing, and also showing a first tether segment fixed to the housing and a second tether segment fixed to the bearing to allow the first tether segment to rotate independently of the second tether segment; Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment, showing a rope segment connected to a cage component, which in turn is connected to beads that are secured to a flexible finger ring. Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment, showing the tubular component and the cord, which is attached to the beads and bead cage to secure the cord. Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment, showing a flexible finger ring co-molded or overmolded with a ball joint that allows attachment to a ball cage, and also showing a tether attached to the ball cage. Figure 17 yes Figure 11 Another perspective view of the rope in the picture; Figure 18 yes Figure 11 Another perspective view of the rope in the middle; and Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Another perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following describes in detail certain specific embodiments of the technology. Reference is made to figures in this description, and similar parts or steps may be named with similar reference numerals in various places for clarity. References to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in this specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The phrases “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” appearing in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, and individual or alternative embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that may be present in some embodiments but not in others. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements concerning some embodiments but may not be requirements concerning other embodiments.

[0016] The tether assembly 100 includes a tether segment 102 configured to be attached to the yo-yo 110 at a first end 118 and pivotally connected to a gripping member or retaining segment 104 at a second end 120, such as Figure 1 and 10 As shown in the diagram. The gripping component 104 is releasably secured to the user's hand and is designed not to rotate. The tether assembly 100, when used in combination with the yo-yo 110, generates a first axis of rotation 122 and a second axis of rotation 124, as shown in the diagram. Figure 10 As shown in the diagram. When the yo-yo 110 is in use, the second axis of rotation 124 is generally perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 122. The tether assembly 100 is configured to allow the tether segment 102 to rotate about the second axis of rotation 122 relative to the gripping member 104 without requiring the gripping member 104 to also rotate. This arrangement allows the tether segment 102 to rotate independently of the gripping member 104. This arrangement prevents the tether segment 102 from becoming excessively twisted and tangled. The yo-yo 110 can rotate about the first axis of rotation 122 independently of the rotation of the tether segment 102 about the second axis of rotation 124 relative to the gripping member 104. When the yo-yo 110 rotates about the first axis of rotation 122, the tether segment 102 can also rotate about the second axis of rotation 124.

[0017] The gripping component 104 of the tether assembly 100 includes a housing 126, a bearing 116 positioned within the housing 126, and a tubular center pin 130 positioned within the bearing 128 and within the housing 126, as shown below. Figure 1-5As shown in the diagram, the housing 126 of the gripping member 102 is made of a flexible plastic or elastomeric material (e.g., such as silicone or rubber). The housing 126 includes a central portion 112 and a first finger rest 106 and a second finger rest 108 located on the sides of the central portion 112. Each finger rest 106, 108 includes an upper finger retainer 132 and a spaced-apart lower finger retainer 134. The upper finger retainer 132 and the lower finger retainer 134 are fixed to the central portion 112 at a first end and have opposite free ends 136. The upper finger retainer 132 and the lower finger retainer 134 are arcuate in shape and configured to form a finger receiving space 138, which allows the user's finger to be positioned between the upper finger retainer 132 and the lower finger retainer 134. The gripping member 102 is formed to include a first finger receiving surface 140 and a spaced-apart second finger receiving surface 142. Bearing 116 is preferably a ball bearing assembly having an outer raceway, an inner raceway, and a series of ball bearings located between the raceways. Although a ball bearing assembly is shown, any suitable bearing may be incorporated.

[0018] The central portion 112 of the gripping member 102 includes a stepped central passage 114. The central passage has a first aperture 144 and a larger second aperture 146 positioned above the diameter of the first aperture 144. The second aperture 146 is configured to receive and hold the bearing member 116, and the first aperture 144 is configured to allow the passage of a center pin 130. The first aperture 144 has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the center pin 130 to allow the center pin 130 to rotate freely within the housing 126 of the gripping member 102. The tether segment 102 and the center pin 130 are configured to rotate together about a second axis of rotation 124.

[0019] The center pin 130 of the gripping component 104 is preferably made of plastic and can be molded as a one-piece unit or a two-piece unit. If molded as a two-piece unit, it includes a first pin half 130a and a second pin half 130b, such as... Figure 2 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, the two pin halves are secured together by the use of an end cap 148, which is removably coupled to the lower end of the center pin 130. The center pin 130 includes a tapered end 150 and a flanged head portion 152 opposite to the end 150. This arrangement allows the center pin 130 to fit into and be held by the bearing 116. When assembled, the flanged head portion 152 is fixed relative to the bearing 116. The center pin also includes a through hole 154, which allows the tether segment 102 to pass through.

[0020] The center pin 130 also includes an internal cavity 156, which has a larger diameter than the hole 154, such as Figure 5As shown in the diagram. Cavity 156 is configured to retain the knotted end of tether segment 102 or to hold tether segment 102 in place by some form of clip or retainer to secure tether segment 102 within center pin 130. First pin half 130a may be engaged to second pin half 130 at engagement area 158. In a preferred embodiment, the remainder of the first and second pin halves are not engaged, but include a gap 160 between the segments. The orientation of the upper ends of the pin halves is maintained by bearing 116. If center pin 130 moves upward relative to gripping member 104 and bearing 116, the user can spread the first pin half 130a and second pin half 130b sufficiently to allow adjustment or replacement of tether segment 102. End cap 148 includes cavity 162 configured to receive the lower end of center pin 130. End cap 148 also includes through opening 164 that allows tether segment 102 to pass through.

[0021] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of the gripping member 104 is shown. In this embodiment, the upper gripping retainer 132 is shorter than the lower gripping retainer 134, which alters the position of the opening between the free ends 136 of the gripping retainers 132 and 134. Figure 7-8 Another embodiment of the gripping member 104 is shown. In this embodiment, the lower finger retainer 134 includes a groove 166 configured to receive one end of a flexible band 168. The flexible band 168 is preferably made of flexible plastic, silicone, or rubber and includes a series of adjustment openings 170. The adjustment openings 170 are configured to engage with a retainer 172 formed on the free end 136 of the upper finger retainer 132. The user can quickly adjust the band 168 to secure the gripping member 104 to their hand. Although a flexible, rubber, silicone, or plastic band is shown, it is contemplated that a flexible Velcro band could also be used to secure the gripping member 104 to the user's hand. Figure 9 Including with Figure 7-8 The gripping member 104 is similar in design to the one in the previous embodiment, but the strap 168 is molded with the lower finger retainer 134 of the gripping member 104. In this embodiment, the strap 168 and the gripping member 104 may be molded from the same material or co-molded using different materials. The use of the strap 168 allows the tether assembly 10 to be quickly placed and removed from the user's hand and prevents the use of looped tethers that could cause the tether to tighten excessively around the user's fingers.

[0022] The tether assembly 10 disclosed herein is in Figure 11As shown in the diagram, the tether 10 includes a first tether segment 12. The first tether segment 12 is an elongated flexible component, preferably formed from folded and twisted rope segments 14 to form the first tether segment 12. The first tether segment 12 includes a first end 16 and a spaced-apart second end 18. When partially untied, the first end 16 of the first tether segment 12 forms a loop 20, which can be positioned on the axle stalk 22 of the yo-yo 24.

[0023] The second end 18 of the first tether segment 12 is knotted or includes a fastener or connector. The second end 18 of the first tether segment 12 is coupled to a swivel member 26. The swivel member 26 may include one or more swivel joints 28 and acts as a bearing to allow rotation of the first tether segment. The tether 10 also includes a second shortened fixed tether segment 30. The fixed tether segment 30 is formed of a twisted cord segment 32 including a first end 34 and a second end 36. The first end of the fixed tether segment 30 is coupled to the swivel member 26. The fixed tether segment 30 includes an adjustable finger loop 38 formed at the second end 36, which can be removably coupled to a user's finger. The tether 10 is configured to allow the first tether segment 12 to rotate independently of the fixed tether segment 30. This arrangement prevents the first tether segment 12 from becoming over-twisted. The swivel component 26 includes one or more ball and nest segments to allow the first tether segment 12 to rotate independently of the fixed tether segment 30.

[0024] In another embodiment, the tether assembly 100 may include a first elongated tether segment 102 pivotally coupled to the gripping member 104, such as Figure 12 As shown in the diagram. The gripping member 104 is preferably made of metal or plastic and is formed to include a first finger rest 106 and a second opposite finger rest 108. The finger rests 106, 108 are configured to be positioned around adjacent fingers of the user's same hand to allow the hand to grip the gripping member 104, the tether 100, and the yo-yo 110. Between the first finger rest 106 and the second finger rest 108 is a central portion 112. The central portion 112 includes a central passage 114, which includes a bearing member 116. A first end 118 of the tether segment 102 is configured to be positioned within the bearing member 116 to allow the tether segment 102 to rotate independently of the gripping member 104. The gripping member 104 is held between the user's ring and middle fingers to secure the yo-yo 110 to the user to allow use of the yo-yo 110. The tether segment 102 can rotate relative to the gripping member 104 to prevent any unwanted twisting of the tether segment 102.

[0025] In another embodiment, the tether 200 includes a first elongated tether segment 202 formed from folded and twisted rope segments, wherein a first end 204, when partially untied, forms a loop 206 that can be positioned on the axle of the yo-yo, such as... Figure 13 As shown in the diagram, the first elongated tether segment 202 includes a second end secured to the swivel member 208. The tether 200 also includes a second, shorter tether segment 212. The second tether segment 212 is formed of a twisted cord segment that is attached at a first end 216 to a second end 214 of the swivel member 208 and includes a finger loop 218 at the second end. The tether 200 is configured to allow the first tether segment 202 to rotate about an axis of rotation without requiring the second tether segment 212 to rotate simultaneously. This arrangement prevents the second tether segment 212 from becoming over-twisted. The swivel member 208 includes a housing 220 and an inner bearing member 222. The first tether segment 202 is configured to be coupled to the inner bearing member 22, and the second tether segment 210 is configured to be coupled to the housing 220 to allow the first tether segment 202 to rotate independently of the second tether segment 212 to prevent unwanted twisting. Alternatively, the tether segment can be connected to the swivel component 208 in a reverse manner.

[0026] In another embodiment, the tether 300 includes a tether segment 302 connected to a ball cage 304, which in turn is connected to a bead or ball 306, which is connected to a flexible finger ring 308. Figure 14 As shown in the diagram. The bead 306 is attached to the flexible finger ring 308 by the use of a cord segment 310 formed as part of the finger ring 308, or by the use of a pair of openings 312, 314 in the sidewall 316 of the finger ring 308. Alternatively, a rubber tube or tubing 318 may be used with the cord 320 to secure the bead 306, as shown in the diagram. Figure 15 As shown in the image.

[0027] Alternatively, the flexible finger ring 400 may be co-molded or overmolded with the ball joint component 402 to allow the swivel coupling to be secured thereto, such as Figure 16 As shown in the diagram. The finger ring 400 remains flexible and stretchable to fit on fingers of various diameters. The ball joint component 402 may include a small flat plate component molded to the finger ring 400 to engage the ball joint component 402 to the finger ring 400.

[0028] Figure 17 A first tether segment 500 is shown, which is connected to a swivel component 502, which includes three ball swivels 504. The first tether segment 500 is secured to the swivel component 502 by knotting, adhesive, or other fastening devices. Figure 17A second, smaller tether segment 506 is also shown, which is secured to the user's finger. The second tether segment 506 is secured to a second end of the swivel member 502, and a heat-shrinkable sleeve 508 is placed on the second tether segment 506 and a portion of the swivel member 502 to maintain proper tether orientation relative to the swivel member 502. Alternatively, the shrinkable sleeve can be used on both sides of the swivel member to secure the first and second tether segments. Figure 18 The diagram shows first and second tether segments 500 and 506 connected to a pair of ball cages 510 and 512, and each of the ball cages 510 and 512 is connected to one of a series of interconnected balls 514, such that the first tether segment 500 can rotate independently of the second tether segment 506.

[0029] The tether assembly is designed for use with a yo-yo and includes a fixed member adapted to be releasably attached to at least one of the user's fingers, as shown in the figure. The tether assembly also includes: a bearing member configured to be secured to the fixed member; and a flexible tether segment including a first end configured to be secured to the yo-yo at the first end and to the bearing member at a second end. The connection between the flexible tether and the yo-yo forms a first axis of rotation, and the connection between the flexible tether and the bearing member forms a second axis of rotation.

[0030] When the yo-yo is in a sleep state, the second axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The tether assembly is configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed component to rotate with the flexible tether segment. The sleep state is a yo-yo motion in which the yo-yo is completely unwound and rotates about the tether without traveling back up along the tether. The tether assembly allows the yo-yo to rotate about the first axis of rotation independently of the rotation of the tether segment about the second axis of rotation, and wherein, when the yo-yo rotates about the first axis of rotation, the flexible tether segment can also rotate about the second axis of rotation. The fixed component includes a first finger rest and a second finger rest, and a bearing component is positioned between the first finger rest and the second finger rest.

[0031] During play, the yo-yo has a fully extended position in which the fixed end of the tether assembly is held by the user, and the flexible tether segment is unwound from the yo-yo's axle. In the fully extended position, the yo-yo can freely rotate about a first axis of rotation, and the flexible tether segment can rotate about a second axis of rotation relative to the fixed end of the tether assembly. The yo-yo has a retracted position in which the tether is wound around the yo-yo's axle, and the yo-yo is in the user's hand. In the retracted position, the yo-yo cannot freely rotate about the first axis of rotation, and the flexible tether segment does not rotate relative to the fixed end of the tether assembly.

[0032] The fastening member is flexible and includes an opening that slides onto the user's finger. The tether assembly also includes a pin positioned within a bearing, rotatable relative to the fastening member, to which a flexible tether segment is connected. Each finger rest includes an upper finger holder and a spaced-apart lower finger holder. The upper and lower finger holders are shaped to form a finger receiving area that allows the user's finger to rest between the upper and lower finger holders. The pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half, secured together by the use of an end cap removably connected to the lower end of the pin. The pin includes a through-hole that allows a flexible tether segment to pass through.

[0033] Each lower finger retainer includes a flexible band adapted to be releasably secured to an upper finger retainer. Each band includes a series of adjustment openings. The adjustment openings are configured to engage with a retainer formed on the upper finger retainer to secure the band in a closed position. A tether assembly is configured for use with a yo-yo. The tether assembly includes a gripping member having a first finger rest and a second finger rest. The assembly also includes: a bearing member configured to be secured to the gripping member; and a flexible tether segment configured to be secured to the yo-yo at a first end and to the bearing member at a second end. The connection between the flexible tether and the yo-yo forms a first axis of rotation, and the connection between the flexible tether and the bearing member forms a second axis of rotation.

[0034] When the yo-yo is in a sleeping position, the second axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The tether assembly is configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring any fixed components to rotate with the flexible tether segment. The tether assembly allows the yo-yo to rotate about the first axis of rotation independently of the rotation of the tether segment about the second axis of rotation, wherein, when the yo-yo rotates about the first axis of rotation, the flexible tether segment can also rotate about the second axis of rotation.

[0035] The tether assembly also includes a pin positioned within a bearing and rotatable relative to the fixed member, to which a flexible tether segment is connected. Each finger rest includes an upper finger holder and a spaced-apart lower finger holder. The upper and lower finger holders are shaped to form a finger receiving area that allows the user's finger to rest between the upper and lower finger holders. The pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half, which are secured together by the use of an end cap removably attached to the lower end of the pin.

[0036] The pin includes a through-hole that allows a flexible tether segment to pass through. Each lower finger retainer includes a flexible band adapted to be releasably secured to the upper finger retainer, and each band includes a series of adjustment openings. The adjustment openings are configured to engage with a retainer formed on the upper finger retainer to secure the band in a closed position.

[0037] A gripping component for use with a yo-yo, the gripping component comprising a housing having a pair of opposing finger rests, each finger rest including an upper finger retainer and a lower finger retainer arranged to form a finger receiving space. The gripping component further includes: a bearing positioned within the housing between the finger rests; and a central pin positioned within the bearing and configured to rotate relative to the housing. The gripping component also includes a first flexible band coupled to a first finger rest and a second flexible band coupled to a second finger rest.

[0038] The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, embodiments, objectives, and features of this disclosure, in addition to the illustrative embodiments and features described herein, will become fully apparent from the figures, detailed description, and claims.

[0039] While the present disclosure has been shown and described in detail in the foregoing figures and description, it is to be understood that it is illustrative and non-limiting in nature, and that only illustrative embodiments thereof are shown and described, and that protection is intended for all variations and modifications that fall within the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A tethering assembly for use with a yo-yo, the tethering assembly comprising: A fastening component, said fastening component being adapted to be releasably attached to at least one finger of a user; A bearing component, the bearing component being configured to be fixed to the connecting component; A flexible tether segment having a first end, the flexible tether segment being configured to be rotatably connected to the yo-yo at the first end and removably connected to the bearing component at a second end, wherein the connection between the flexible tether and the yo-yo forms a first axis of rotation, and the connection between the flexible tether and the bearing component forms a second axis of rotation. Wherein, when the yo-yo is in use, the second axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, and the tether assembly is configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed component to also rotate with the flexible tether segment. The tether assembly allows the yo-yo to rotate around the first rotation axis independently of the rotation of the tether segment around the second rotation axis, and the flexible tether segment can also rotate around the second rotation axis when the yo-yo rotates around the first rotation axis.

2. The tethering assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing component includes a first finger rest portion and a second finger rest portion, wherein the bearing component is positioned between the first finger rest portion and the second finger rest portion.

3. The tethering assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening component is flexible and includes an opening that can slide onto the user's finger.

4. The tethering assembly of claim 2, further comprising a pin positioned within the bearing component, the pin being rotatable relative to the fixed component, and wherein, The flexible tether segment is removably connected to the pin.

5. The tethering assembly according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the finger rests includes an upper finger holder and a spaced-apart lower finger holder, wherein the upper finger holder and the lower finger holder are shaped to form a finger receiving area, the finger receiving area allowing the user's finger to be positioned between the upper finger holder and the lower finger holder.

6. The tethering assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half, which are secured together by the use of an end cap removably attached to the lower end of the pin.

7. The tethering assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The pin includes a through hole that allows the flexible tether segment to pass through.

8. The tethering assembly according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the lower finger retainers includes a flexible band adapted to be releasably secured to the upper finger retainer.

9. The tethering assembly according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the bands includes a series of adjustment openings.

10. The tethering assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The adjustment opening is configured to engage with a retainer located on each of the upper finger retainers to secure the strap in the closed position.

11. A tethering assembly for use with a yo-yo, the tethering assembly comprising: A gripping component, the gripping component having a first finger resting portion and a second finger resting portion; A bearing component configured to be fixed to the gripping component; A flexible tether segment is configured to be releasably fixed to the yo-yo at a first end and releasably fixed to the bearing component at a second end. The connection between the flexible tether and the yo-yo forms a first axis of rotation, and the connection between the flexible tether and the bearing component forms a second axis of rotation. When the yo-yo is in use, the second axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The tether assembly is configured to allow the flexible tether segment to rotate about the second axis of rotation without requiring the fixed component to also rotate with the flexible tether segment. The tether assembly is configured to allow the yo-yo to rotate about the first rotation axis independently of the rotation of the tether segment about the second rotation axis.

12. The tethering assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pin positioned within the bearing and rotatable relative to the gripping member, wherein, The flexible tether segment is connected to the pin.

13. The tethering assembly according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the finger rests includes an upper finger holder and a spaced-apart lower finger holder, wherein the upper finger holder and the lower finger holder are shaped to form a finger receiving area, the finger receiving area allowing the user's finger to be positioned between the upper finger holder and the lower finger holder.

14. The tethering assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The pin includes a first pin half and a second pin half, which are secured together by the use of an end cap removably attached to the lower end of the pin.

15. The tethering assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The pin includes a through hole that allows the flexible tether segment to pass through.

16. The tethering assembly according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the lower finger retainers includes a flexible band adapted to be releasably secured to the upper finger retainer.

17. The tethering assembly according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the bands includes a series of adjustment openings.

18. The tethering assembly according to claim 17, wherein, The adjustment opening is configured to engage with a retainer located on each of the upper finger retainers to secure the strap in the closed position.

19. A gripping component for use with a yo-yo, the gripping component comprising: A housing, the housing including a pair of opposite finger rests, each finger rest including an upper finger retainer and a lower finger retainer, the upper finger retainer and the lower finger retainer being arranged to form a finger receiving space; The bearing is positioned within the housing between the finger rests; A center pin, which is positioned within the bearing and configured to rotate relative to the housing.

20. The gripping component according to claim 19, further comprising a first flexible band connected to the first finger rest portion and a second flexible band connected to the second finger rest portion.

Images