Adjustable yo-yo

Abstract

A yo-yo includes an axle extending along a rotation axis of the yo-yo and a tether having a first end coupled to the axle and a second end configured to be gripped by a user. The yo-yo further includes a first half coupled to a first end of the axle and a second half coupled to a second end of the axle.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 773,876, filed Mar. 18, 2025, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is in the field of user-manipulated toys. More particularly, the present disclosure is an apparatus in the form of a yo-yo that includes a body portion and a tether coupled to the body portion. The yo-yo configured to allow a user to cycle the body portion up and down the tether and to perform tricks with the body portion.BACKGROUND

[0003] Most yo-yos feature two disk-shaped side portions that are rigidly connected to each other, in a spaced-apart relation, by some form of central axle structure. The side portions are typically of a unitary construction and are usually made from plastic, wood and / or metal. The axle structure typically extends through the center of both side portions and can be a simple, single part structure, such as a wooden dowel, or be a more complex assembly of multiple parts. To reduce friction, many modern yo-yos employ an axle structure that includes a center-located rotatable member, such as a ball bearing unit, as the point of attachment for the yo-yo's tether.

[0004] A yo-yo tether is commonly in the form of a long string made from a plurality of cotton or other type fiber strands that are twisted together. To enable the securement of the tether to the axle structure, one end of the tether is usually adapted to have a loop that is positioned to encircle a center portion of the axle structure. The other end of the tether is usually tied to create a second loop that can be placed about one of a user's fingers to thereby secure the tether, and effectively the yo-yo, to the user's hand.

[0005] In a yo-yo's initial starting condition, the yo-yo's tether is wound about the axle structure and is secured to a user's finger. The user can then release / throw the yo-yo from their hand whereby the tether will rapidly unwind from about the axle structure with a concomitant rotation of the yo-yo's two side portions. When the tether fully unwinds from about the axle structure, the yo-yo may “sleep” at the end of the tether, whereby the side portions of the yo-yo continue to spin without the tether rewinding on the axle structure. Once the yo-yo is sleeping, there are a number of tricks that a user can perform, such as “walk the dog,” that a user can perform with the spinning yo-yo. A sleeping yo-yo is also often used to perform “string tricks” that involve temporarily placing the spinning yo-yo onto a portion of the tether intermediate of the tether's two ends.

[0006] Normally, at the finish of a yo-yo trick, the user of the yo-yo will make a quick tug on the tether to cause the yo-yo to return to the user's hand. By tugging on the tether, the user briefly tightens the tether, which is then automatically followed by a temporary slackening of the tether. In most conventional yo-yo's, once the tether goes slack, the tether's twist will cause one, or multiple, portions of the tether located proximate the axle structure to move to the side and thereby engage at least one of the yo-yo's spinning side portions. Once an engagement has occurred, the tether portion can become locked to the contacted side portion. A locking engagement is usually due to the tether becoming snagged on the side portion's surface, or to a bunching of the tether against said side portion. Once a locking engagement has occurred, further rotation of the side portion winds the tether about the axle structure, thereby causing the yo-yo to return to the user's hand.SUMMARY

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an adjustable yo-yo includes an axle extending along a rotation axis of the yo-yo and a tether having a first end coupled to the axle and a second end configured to be gripped by a user. The yo-yo further includes a first half coupled to a first end of the axle and a second half coupled to a second end of the axle.

[0008] In illustrative embodiments, the first half and the second half each include a hub and a rim coupled to the hub and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub. The first and second halves each configured to change from a normal-use mode, in which the hubs and the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, in which the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis independently of the hubs.

[0009] In illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a yo-yo optimized for customizable yo-yo play. In some embodiments, the yo-yo is configured so that a user can adjust the halves of the yo-yo from a looping shape to a wing / wide gap shape by moving the rims of the yo-yo outwards with respect to the hubs.

[0010] In illustrative embodiments, each yo-yo half is supported by a central axle. Each yo-yo half includes a hub and a rim. The hub and rim assembly is adjustable to allow the rim to be moved axially inward our outward at the desire of the user to form a looping shape or a wing shape to allow a user to have different control over the yo-yo.

[0011] In illustrative embodiments, the hub includes one or more retainers that are configured to retain the position of the rims while also allowing a user to axially move the rim with respect to the hub at the desire of the user.

[0012] In Illustrative embodiments, the rim includes multiple modes of operation including a wing mode, a loop mode, and a free spin mode that allows the rims to spin freely with respect to the hubs.

[0013] Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the hub to change a mode of operation of the yo-yo;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the yo-yo in a normal-use mode;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the yo-yo in a free-spin mode after the rims are moved axially inward toward one another;

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the yo-yo;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the yo-yo with a cover removed to show a plurality of lock projections coupled to the hub and biased radially outward into a plurality of notches formed in the rim;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the normal-use mode in which the projections are received in notches to block rotation of the rims relative to the hubs;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the free-spin mode in which the projections are received in a free-spin channel formed in the rim to allow rotation of the rims relative to the hubs;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo with the cover removed to show each of the projections biased toward the notches by springs and a clearance gap provided at an inner end of each projection;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustable yo-yo including an axle, a pair of hubs, and a pair of rims;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the yo-yo with a portion removed to show a cover formed to include a plurality of slots to allow rotation of a portion of the yo-yo to change the mode of operation;

[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded assembly view of the yo-yo including a plurality of lock projections and a lock actuator configured to move the plurality of projections relative to the rim away from a plurality of notches formed on the rim;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo with a portion removed to show the lock actuator rotated counter clockwise to release the lock projections so that the lock projections extend into corresponding notches and block rotation of the rim relative to the hub;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo with a portion removed to show the lock actuator rotated clockwise to retract the lock projections away from notches and free the rim for rotation relative to the hub;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the free-spin mode;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the normal-use mode;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the rim and also showing the retainer mechanism that is configured to retain the position of the rim with respect to the hub in a position selected by a user;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of FIG. 16 showing a pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and a pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the wing mode where the rims are in the outboard position on the hubs;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of FIG. 16 showing a pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and a pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the loop mode where the rims are in the inboard position on the hubs;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the yo-yo with the rims removed to show the hubs coupled with the central axle and also showing the retainers used to retain the position of the rims on the hubs;

[0034] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of FIG. 16 showing the axle, a pair of hubs coupled to the axle and a pair of rims positioned radially outward from the hubs;

[0035] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one of the rims showing an inside surface that includes a free spin mode, a loop mode and a wing mode;

[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a pair of hubs and showing the retainers used to retain the rims to the hubs;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of FIG. 22;

[0038] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the rim and also showing the retainer mechanism that is configured to retain the position of the rim with respect to the hub in a position selected by a user;

[0039] FIG. 25 is a partially disassembled view of FIG. 24 showing one of the rims separated from the hub and showing a retainer mechanism positioned within the rim;

[0040] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the yoyo of FIG. 24 showing a rim installed on a hub and the retainer mechanism;

[0041] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a rim and a retainer mechanism located inside of the rim;

[0042] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of FIG. 24 showing the pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and the pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the loop mode where the rims are in the inboard position on the hubs;

[0043] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of FIG. 24 showing a pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and a pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the wing mode where the rims are in the outboard position on the hubs;

[0044] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the hub with the retainers of the retainer mechanism in a first orientation;

[0045] FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the hub with the retainers of the retainer mechanism in a second orientation;

[0046] FIG. 32 is a top view of the hub with the retainers of the retainer mechanism in the second orientation;

[0047] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of one of the rims;

[0048] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of fifth embodiment of the yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the rim and also showing the retainer mechanism that is configured to retain the position of the rim with respect to the hub in a position selected by a user;

[0049] FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the hubs having integrated grooves as part of the hubs;

[0050] FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo showing the hub and rim;

[0051] FIG. 37 is a top view showing the hubs and rims positioned on the hubs;

[0052] FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the rim; and

[0053] FIG. 39 is another side elevation of the rim showing a retainer positioned on the rim.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] A yo-yo 410 includes an axle 412 extending along a rotation axis 411 of the yo-yo 410 and a tether 414 having a first end coupled to the axle 412 and a second end configured to be gripped by a user as shown in FIG. 1. The yo-yo 410 further includes a first half 416 coupled to a first end of the axle 412 and a second half 418 coupled to a second end of the axle 412. The halves 416, 418 are adjustable to change the mode of operation of the yo-yo 410 and thereby increase the number of uses of the yo-yo 410. A second embodiment of a yo-yo 510 is shown in FIGS. 9-15. A third embodiment of a yo-yo 10 is shown in FIGS. 16-23. A fourth embodiment of a yo-yo 100 is shown in FIGS. 24-32. A fifth embodiment of a yo-yo 200 is shown in FIGS. 33-39.

[0055] The first half 416 and the second half 418 each include a hub 420 and a rim 422 coupled to the hub 420 and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub 420. The first and second halves 416, 418 are each configured to change from a normal-use mode, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the hubs 420 and the rims 422 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 411 in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, as shown in FIG. 3, in which the rims 422 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 411 independently of the hubs 420.

[0056] An interior surface 424 of each rim 422 is formed to include a plurality of notches 426 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Each hub 420 includes an inner hub member 428 coupled to the axle 412, an outer hub member 430 spaced apart from the axle, a bearing 432 located radially between the rim 422 and the inner hub member 428, and a plurality of lock projections 434 each received in at least one of the notches 426 in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches 426 in the free-spin mode. In the illustrative embodiment, there are three equally-spaced lock projections 434, however any suitable number can be used such as one, two, four, etc. The lock projections are equally spaced about the axis 411 to balance the yo-yo 410 for rotation about the axis 411. In some embodiments, the yo-yo further includes a cover 431 coupled to the outer hub member 430 to cover the lock projections 434.

[0057] Each of the lock projections 434 is at least partially received in a respective slot 436 formed in the outer hub member 430. Each of the lock projection 434 is biased radially outward toward the plurality of notches 426 by a corresponding spring 427. As shown in FIG. 5, a radially inner end 435 of each of the lock projections 434 is spaced apart from the outer hub member 430 to provide a clearance gap 438 therebetween so that application of a torque load on the rim 422 above a threshold causes translation of the lock projections 434 radially inwardly while the yo-yo 410 is in the normal-use mode. This minimizes risk of portions of the yo-yo 410 breaking during use at high-rotation rates.

[0058] The rims 422 are configured to translate relative to the hubs 420 to change between the normal-use mode and the free-spin mode. In particular, the rims 422 are configured to translate axially toward one another to change the yo-yo 410 from the normal-use mode to the free-spin mode.

[0059] In illustrative embodiments, the interior surface 424 of each rim 422 is also formed to include a free-spin channel 440 offset axially from the plurality of notches 426 as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The lock projections 434 are received in at least one corresponding notch 426 in the normal-use mode and are received in the free-spin channel 440 in the free-spin mode.

[0060] The axle 412 includes a shaft 452 and a bearing 454. The shaft 452 holds the halves 416, 418 together. The bearing 454 is wrapped around the shaft 452 to facilitate rotation of the yo-yo 410. In some embodiments, the bearing 454 is omitted.

[0061] A second embodiment of a yo-yo 510 is shown in FIGS. 9-15. The yo-yo 510 includes an axle 512 extending along a rotation axis 511 of the yo-yo 510 and a tether 514 having a first end coupled to the axle 512 and a second end configured to be gripped by a user as shown in FIG. 9. The yo-yo 510 further includes a first half 516 coupled to a first end of the axle 512 and a second half 518 coupled to a second end of the axle 512. The halves 516, 518 are adjustable to change the mode of operation of the yo-yo 510 and thereby increase the number of uses of the yo-yo 510.

[0062] The first half 516 and the second half 518 each include a hub 520 and a rim 522 coupled to the hub 520 and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub 520. The first and second halves 516, 518 are each configured to change from a normal-use mode, as shown in FIG. 12, in which the hubs 520 and the rims 522 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 511 in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, as shown in FIG. 13, in which the rims 522 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 511 independently of the hubs 520.

[0063] An interior surface 524 of each rim 522 is formed to include a plurality of notches 526 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Each hub 520 includes an inner hub member 528 coupled to the axle 512, an outer hub member 530 spaced apart from the axle 512, a bearing 532 located radially between the rim 522 and the inner hub member 528, a plurality of lock projections 534 each received in at least one of the notches 526 in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches 526 in the free-spin mode, and a lock actuator 537. In the illustrative embodiment, there are three lock projections 534, however any suitable number can be used such as one, two, four, etc. The lock actuator 537 is coupled to the outer hub member 530 and is configured to move relative to the outer hub member 530 to cause the lock projections 534 to withdraw from the notches 526. In some embodiments, the yo-yo further includes a cover 531 coupled to the outer hub member 530 to cover the lock projections 534.

[0064] Each of the lock projections 534 is at least partially received in a respective slot 536 formed in the outer hub member 530. Each of the lock projection 534 is biased radially outward toward the plurality of notches 526 by springs 527. As shown in FIG. 15, a radially inner end 535 of each of the lock projections 534 is spaced apart from the outer hub member 530 to provide a clearance gap 538 therebetween so that application of a torque load on the rim 522 above a threshold causes translation of the lock projections 534 radially inwardly while the yo-yo 510 is in the normal-use mode. This minimizes risk of portions of the yo-yo 510 breaking during use at high-rotation rates.

[0065] The lock actuator 537 is configured to translate relative to the outer hub member 530. In particular, the lock actuator 537 is configured to rotate relative to the outer hub member 530. The lock actuator 537 includes a grip 540 coupled to an outward-facing surface of the cover 531, a plurality of connectors 542 coupled to the grip 540 and extending through a corresponding slot 544 formed in the cover 531, and an actuator ring 546 located on an opposite side of the end plate 530 from the grip 540. The actuator ring 546 is configured to withdraw the plurality of lock projections 534 away from the plurality of notches 526 in unison with one another.

[0066] The actuator ring 546 includes a ring body 548 extending circumferentially about the rotation axis 511 and a plurality of cams 550 coupled to the ring body 548. Each cam 550 is configured to engage with a corresponding lock projection 534 to urge each lock projection 534 away from the plurality of notches 526 upon rotation of the lock actuator 537 about the rotation axis 511.

[0067] The axle 512 includes a shaft 552 and a bearing 554. The shaft 552 holds the halves 516, 518 together. The bearing 554 is wrapped around the shaft 552 to facilitate rotation of the yo-yo 510. In some embodiments, the bearing 554 is omitted.

[0068] Another embodiment of an adjustable yo-yo 10 is shown in the FIGS. 16-23. Yo-yo 10 is used with tether 12 that is wound about an axle 14 and is secured to a user's finger. The user can then release / throw the yo-yo 10 from their hand whereby the tether 12 will unwind from about the axle 14 with a rotation of first and second halves 16, 18 of yo-yo 10.

[0069] First and second halves 16, 28 of yo-yo are coupled to the axle 14. Axle 14 may or may not include a bearing that assists in the rotation of tether 12 about axle 14. Yo-yo 10 includes a first hub 20 and second hub 22 that are positioned on the axle 14 and are spaced axially apart to form a gap 24. Yo-yo 10 also include first rim 26 and a spaced apart second rim 28.

[0070] Rims 26, 28 are axially adjustable with respect to hubs 20, 22 to either narrow or widen the overall width of the yo-yo 10 to move from loop mode (narrow), as shown in FIG. 18, to wing mode (wide), as shown in FIG. 17. Hubs 20, 22 include retaining mechanisms 30, 32 that are used to retain the position of the rims 26, 28 on the hubs 20, 22 while also allowing the user to move the rims 26, 28 into at least three positions, include wing mode, loop mode, and free spin mode.

[0071] Hubs 20, 22 are shown in FIG. 19. Hubs 20, 22 include a tapered section 34 located adjacent the gap 24 and a cylindrical section 36 positioned radially outwardly from the tapered section 34. Cylindrical section includes a series of openings 38 and a series of stops 40 positioned between the openings 38. Stops 40 are used to limit the overall axial movement of the rims 26, 28. Openings 38 are configured to accept retainers 42 and detents 44. Detents 44 are biased and are configured to temporarily retain the axial position of the rims 26, 28 in the three positions, wing mode, loop mode, and free spin mode. It is possible to have additional modes to fine tune the axial position of the rims 26, 28. Detents 44 are held into position by use of pins 46.

[0072] Rims 26, 28 are configured to be placed over hubs 20, 22 and their position is retained by detents 44. Rims 26, 28 include an inner surface 48 that is formed to include an assembly groove 50, a free spin groove 52, a wing recess 54 and a loop recess 56. To install the rims onto the hubs, assembly groove 50 is aligned with stops 40 on the rims so that the rims can be pushed onto the hubs 20, 22. Detents 44 are configured to sit within free spin groove 52 to allow the rims to spin independently of the hubs.

[0073] Alternatively, a user can move the rims 26, 28 radially inwardly so that detents 44 are located in the loop recesses 56, which places the yo-yo in loop mode. Alternatively, a user can move the rims 26, 28 radially outwardly so that detents 44 are located in the wing recesses 54, which places the yo-yo in loop mode. The rims 26, 28 remain in either the loop mode, wing mode, or the free spin mode unless a user urges the rims 26, 28 to one of the other positions.

[0074] Retaining mechanisms 30, 32 include a base member 58 having a series of radially extending ports 60, as shown in FIGS. 22 & 23. Ports 60 are configured to accept springs 62. Springs 62 are configured to apply a biasing force on retainers 42 to cause radially outward movement of detents 44. This arrangement allows detents 44 to be biased radially outwardly while also allowing detents 44 to rotate about pins 46 to allow rims 26, 28 to free spin around hubs 20, 22.

[0075] Another embodiment of the yo-yo 100 is shown in FIGS. 24-33 which operates similar in that the rims 112, 114 can move axially inwardly and outwardly with respect to hubs 116, 118. Hubs 116, 118 are coupled with an axle 120 and are spaced apart to form a tether gap. Hubs 116, 118 include a base wall 122 and axially outwardly extending skirt segments 124 with gaps 126 formed between the skirt segments 124. Skirt segments 124 include edges 126 including slots 128 to accept rollers 130. Rollers 130 are secured in retainer mechanism 132, 134, which is positioned within rims 112, 114 and adjacent to hubs 116, 118.

[0076] Rollers 130 are disc shaped and are configured to rotate within free spin groove 136 formed inside of rims 112, 114. Rollers 130 are held into position with pins 138. FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate the rims in the loop mode (FIG. 28) and the wing mode (FIG. 29). FIG. 30 illustrates the rollers 130 rotated in a first orientation that is configured the rollers 130 to ride in the groove or grooves 136 located in the rims 114, 116 and a second orientation, shown in FIG. 31, that allows for adjustment of the rims 114, 116 with respect to the hubs 116, 118. In this embodiment, retainers 132 could be part of hubs 116, 118 to allow rollers 130 to be reorientated to allow for adjustment of the rims 114, 116.

[0077] Another embodiment of the yo-yo 200 is shown in FIGS. 34-39. In this embodiment, rims 210, 212 are axially adjustable on hubs 214, 216. Hubs 214, 216 include a series of grooves 218 that provide different axial positions for the rims 210, 212. Rims 210, 212 are two piece and are formed to include a series of pockets 222 that are configured to accept rollers 220 that are configured to ride in the grooves 218 of the hubs 214, 216. Rollers 220 are configured to move to allow the rims 210, 212 to be moved axially inwardly and outwardly to allow for adjustment of the rims with respect to the hubs 214, 216.

[0078] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein have been discussed for the purpose of familiarizing the reader with the novel aspects of the present disclosure. Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, many changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the following claims.

[0079] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0080] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

[0081] Clause 1. A yo-yo includes an axle extending along a rotation axis of the yo-yo.

[0082] Clause 2. The yo-yo of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a tether having a first end coupled to the axle and a second end configured to be gripped by a user.

[0083] Clause 3. The yo-yo of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a first half coupled to a first end of the axle.

[0084] Clause 4. The yo-yo of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a second half coupled to a second end of the axle.

[0085] Clause 5. The yo-yo of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first half and the second half each include a hub and a rim coupled to the hub and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub, the first and second halves each configured to change from a normal-use mode in which the hubs and the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, in which the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis independently of the hubs.

[0086] Clause 6. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and each hub includes an inner hub member coupled to the axle, an outer hub member spaced apart from the axle, a bearing located radially between the rim and the inner hub member, and a lock projection received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches in the free-spin mode.

[0087] Clause 7. The yo-yo of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock projection is at least partially received in a slot formed in the outer hub member.

[0088] Clause 8. The yo-yo of clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock projection is biased radially outward toward the plurality of notches.

[0089] Clause 9. The yo-yo of clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a radially inner end of the lock projection is spaced apart from the outer hub member to provide a clearance gap therebetween so that application of a torque load on the rim above a threshold causes translation of the lock projection radially inwardly while the yo-yo is in the normal-use mode.

[0090] Clause 10. The yo-yo of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each hub includes a plurality of lock projections spaced circumferentially apart from one another about the rotation axis.

[0091] Clause 11. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rims are configured to translate relative to the hubs to change between the normal-use mode and the free-spin mode.

[0092] Clause 12. The yo-yo of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rims are configured to translate axially toward one another to change the yo-yo from the normal-use mode to the free-spin mode.

[0093] Clause 13. The yo-yo of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and a free-spin channel offset axially from the plurality of notches.

[0094] Clause 14. The yo-yo of clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each hub includes a lock projection received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and received in the free-spin channel in the free-spin mode.

[0095] Clause 15. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and each hub includes an inner hub member coupled to the axle, an outer hub member spaced apart from the axle, a bearing located radially between the rim and the inner hub member, a lock projection coupled to the received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches in the free-spin mode, and a lock actuator coupled to the outer hub member and configured to move relative to the outer hub member to cause the lock projection to withdraw from the at least one of the notches.

[0096] Clause 16. The yo-yo of clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock actuator is configured to translate relative to the outer hub member.

[0097] Clause 17. The yo-yo of clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock actuator is configured to rotate relative to the outer hub member.

[0098] Clause 18. The yo-yo of clause 17, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock actuator includes a grip coupled to an outward-facing surface of the outer hub member and a cam configured to engage the lock projection to urge the lock projection away from the at least one notch.

[0099] Clause 19. The yo-yo of clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer hub member is formed to include a slot and the lock actuator further includes a connector extending from the grip and through the slot.

[0100] Clause 20. The yo-yo of clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each hub includes a plurality of lock projections spaced circumferentially apart from one another about the rotation axis.

[0101] Clause 21. The yo-yo of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer hub member is formed to include a plurality of slots, and the lock actuator includes a grip coupled to an outward-facing surface of the outer hub member, a plurality of connectors coupled to the grip and extending through a corresponding slot formed in the outer hub member, and an actuator ring located on an opposite side of the end plate from the grip and configured to withdraw the plurality of lock projections away from the plurality of notches in unison with one another.

[0102] Clause 22. The yo-yo of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator ring includes a ring body extending circumferentially about the rotation axis and a plurality of cams coupled to the ring body and configured to engage with a corresponding lock projection to urge each lock projection away from the plurality of notches upon rotation of the lock actuator about the rotation axis.

[0103] Clause 23. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further including a plurality of rollers coupled to each rim to allow rotation of the rims relative to the hubs in the free-spin mode.

[0104] Clause 24. The yo-yo of clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rollers are configured to rotate about a roller rotation axis parallel with the rotation axis of the axle and about a second axis perpendicular to the roller rotation axis.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0054]A yo-yo 410 includes an axle 412 extending along a rotation axis 411 of the yo-yo 410 and a tether 414 having a first end coupled to the axle 412 and a second end configured to be gripped by a user as shown in FIG. 1. The yo-yo 410 further includes a first half 416 coupled to a first end of the axle 412 and a second half 418 coupled to a second end of the axle 412. The halves 416, 418 are adjustable to change the mode of operation of the yo-yo 410 and thereby increase the number of uses of the yo-yo 410. A second embodiment of a yo-yo 510 is shown in FIGS. 9-15. A third embodiment of a yo-yo 10 is shown in FIGS. 16-23. A fourth embodiment of a yo-yo 100 is shown in FIGS. 24-32. A fifth embodiment of a yo-yo 200 is shown in FIGS. 33-39.

[0055]The first half 416 and the second half 418 each include a hub 420 and a rim 422 coupled to the hub 420 and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub 420. The first and second halves 416, 418 are each configured to change ...

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 773,876, filed Mar. 18, 2025, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is in the field of user-manipulated toys. More particularly, the present disclosure is an apparatus in the form of a yo-yo that includes a body portion and a tether coupled to the body portion. The yo-yo configured to allow a user to cycle the body portion up and down the tether and to perform tricks with the body portion.BACKGROUND

[0003] Most yo-yos feature two disk-shaped side portions that are rigidly connected to each other, in a spaced-apart relation, by some form of central axle structure. The side portions are typically of a unitary construction and are usually made from plastic, wood and / or metal. The axle structure typically extends through the center of both side portions and can be a simple, single part structure, such as a wooden dowel, or be a more complex assembly of multiple parts. To reduce friction, many modern yo-yos employ an axle structure that includes a center-located rotatable member, such as a ball bearing unit, as the point of attachment for the yo-yo's tether.

[0004] A yo-yo tether is commonly in the form of a long string made from a plurality of cotton or other type fiber strands that are twisted together. To enable the securement of the tether to the axle structure, one end of the tether is usually adapted to have a loop that is positioned to encircle a center portion of the axle structure. The other end of the tether is usually tied to create a second loop that can be placed about one of a user's fingers to thereby secure the tether, and effectively the yo-yo, to the user's hand.

[0005] In a yo-yo's initial starting condition, the yo-yo's tether is wound about the axle structure and is secured to a user's finger. The user can then release / throw the yo-yo from their hand whereby the tether will rapidly unwind from about the axle structure with a concomitant rotation of the yo-yo's two side portions. When the tether fully unwinds from about the axle structure, the yo-yo may “sleep” at the end of the tether, whereby the side portions of the yo-yo continue to spin without the tether rewinding on the axle structure. Once the yo-yo is sleeping, there are a number of tricks that a user can perform, such as “walk the dog,” that a user can perform with the spinning yo-yo. A sleeping yo-yo is also often used to perform “string tricks” that involve temporarily placing the spinning yo-yo onto a portion of the tether intermediate of the tether's two ends.

[0006] Normally, at the finish of a yo-yo trick, the user of the yo-yo will make a quick tug on the tether to cause the yo-yo to return to the user's hand. By tugging on the tether, the user briefly tightens the tether, which is then automatically followed by a temporary slackening of the tether. In most conventional yo-yo's, once the tether goes slack, the tether's twist will cause one, or multiple, portions of the tether located proximate the axle structure to move to the side and thereby engage at least one of the yo-yo's spinning side portions. Once an engagement has occurred, the tether portion can become locked to the contacted side portion. A locking engagement is usually due to the tether becoming snagged on the side portion's surface, or to a bunching of the tether against said side portion. Once a locking engagement has occurred, further rotation of the side portion winds the tether about the axle structure, thereby causing the yo-yo to return to the user's hand.SUMMARY

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an adjustable yo-yo includes an axle extending along a rotation axis of the yo-yo and a tether having a first end coupled to the axle and a second end configured to be gripped by a user. The yo-yo further includes a first half coupled to a first end of the axle and a second half coupled to a second end of the axle.

[0008] In illustrative embodiments, the first half and the second half each include a hub and a rim coupled to the hub and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub. The first and second halves each configured to change from a normal-use mode, in which the hubs and the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, in which the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis independently of the hubs.

[0009] In illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a yo-yo optimized for customizable yo-yo play. In some embodiments, the yo-yo is configured so that a user can adjust the halves of the yo-yo from a looping shape to a wing / wide gap shape by moving the rims of the yo-yo outwards with respect to the hubs.

[0010] In illustrative embodiments, each yo-yo half is supported by a central axle. Each yo-yo half includes a hub and a rim. The hub and rim assembly is adjustable to allow the rim to be moved axially inward our outward at the desire of the user to form a looping shape or a wing shape to allow a user to have different control over the yo-yo.

[0011] In illustrative embodiments, the hub includes one or more retainers that are configured to retain the position of the rims while also allowing a user to axially move the rim with respect to the hub at the desire of the user.

[0012] In Illustrative embodiments, the rim includes multiple modes of operation including a wing mode, a loop mode, and a free spin mode that allows the rims to spin freely with respect to the hubs.

[0013] Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the hub to change a mode of operation of the yo-yo;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the yo-yo in a normal-use mode;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the yo-yo in a free-spin mode after the rims are moved axially inward toward one another;

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the yo-yo;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the yo-yo with a cover removed to show a plurality of lock projections coupled to the hub and biased radially outward into a plurality of notches formed in the rim;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the normal-use mode in which the projections are received in notches to block rotation of the rims relative to the hubs;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the free-spin mode in which the projections are received in a free-spin channel formed in the rim to allow rotation of the rims relative to the hubs;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo with the cover removed to show each of the projections biased toward the notches by springs and a clearance gap provided at an inner end of each projection;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustable yo-yo including an axle, a pair of hubs, and a pair of rims;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the yo-yo with a portion removed to show a cover formed to include a plurality of slots to allow rotation of a portion of the yo-yo to change the mode of operation;

[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded assembly view of the yo-yo including a plurality of lock projections and a lock actuator configured to move the plurality of projections relative to the rim away from a plurality of notches formed on the rim;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo with a portion removed to show the lock actuator rotated counter clockwise to release the lock projections so that the lock projections extend into corresponding notches and block rotation of the rim relative to the hub;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo with a portion removed to show the lock actuator rotated clockwise to retract the lock projections away from notches and free the rim for rotation relative to the hub;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the free-spin mode;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross section of the yo-yo in the normal-use mode;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the rim and also showing the retainer mechanism that is configured to retain the position of the rim with respect to the hub in a position selected by a user;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of FIG. 16 showing a pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and a pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the wing mode where the rims are in the outboard position on the hubs;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of FIG. 16 showing a pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and a pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the loop mode where the rims are in the inboard position on the hubs;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the yo-yo with the rims removed to show the hubs coupled with the central axle and also showing the retainers used to retain the position of the rims on the hubs;

[0034] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of FIG. 16 showing the axle, a pair of hubs coupled to the axle and a pair of rims positioned radially outward from the hubs;

[0035] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one of the rims showing an inside surface that includes a free spin mode, a loop mode and a wing mode;

[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a pair of hubs and showing the retainers used to retain the rims to the hubs;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of FIG. 22;

[0038] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the rim and also showing the retainer mechanism that is configured to retain the position of the rim with respect to the hub in a position selected by a user;

[0039] FIG. 25 is a partially disassembled view of FIG. 24 showing one of the rims separated from the hub and showing a retainer mechanism positioned within the rim;

[0040] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the yoyo of FIG. 24 showing a rim installed on a hub and the retainer mechanism;

[0041] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a rim and a retainer mechanism located inside of the rim;

[0042] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of FIG. 24 showing the pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and the pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the loop mode where the rims are in the inboard position on the hubs;

[0043] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of FIG. 24 showing a pair of hubs coupled with a central axle and a pair of rims coupled with the hubs in the wing mode where the rims are in the outboard position on the hubs;

[0044] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the hub with the retainers of the retainer mechanism in a first orientation;

[0045] FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the hub with the retainers of the retainer mechanism in a second orientation;

[0046] FIG. 32 is a top view of the hub with the retainers of the retainer mechanism in the second orientation;

[0047] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of one of the rims;

[0048] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of fifth embodiment of the yo-yo showing a pair of yo-yo halves each including a hub and rim positioned on the hub and configured to be axially displaceable along the rim and also showing the retainer mechanism that is configured to retain the position of the rim with respect to the hub in a position selected by a user;

[0049] FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the hubs having integrated grooves as part of the hubs;

[0050] FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the yo-yo showing the hub and rim;

[0051] FIG. 37 is a top view showing the hubs and rims positioned on the hubs;

[0052] FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the rim; and

[0053] FIG. 39 is another side elevation of the rim showing a retainer positioned on the rim.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] A yo-yo 410 includes an axle 412 extending along a rotation axis 411 of the yo-yo 410 and a tether 414 having a first end coupled to the axle 412 and a second end configured to be gripped by a user as shown in FIG. 1. The yo-yo 410 further includes a first half 416 coupled to a first end of the axle 412 and a second half 418 coupled to a second end of the axle 412. The halves 416, 418 are adjustable to change the mode of operation of the yo-yo 410 and thereby increase the number of uses of the yo-yo 410. A second embodiment of a yo-yo 510 is shown in FIGS. 9-15. A third embodiment of a yo-yo 10 is shown in FIGS. 16-23. A fourth embodiment of a yo-yo 100 is shown in FIGS. 24-32. A fifth embodiment of a yo-yo 200 is shown in FIGS. 33-39.

[0055] The first half 416 and the second half 418 each include a hub 420 and a rim 422 coupled to the hub 420 and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub 420. The first and second halves 416, 418 are each configured to change from a normal-use mode, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the hubs 420 and the rims 422 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 411 in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, as shown in FIG. 3, in which the rims 422 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 411 independently of the hubs 420.

[0056] An interior surface 424 of each rim 422 is formed to include a plurality of notches 426 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Each hub 420 includes an inner hub member 428 coupled to the axle 412, an outer hub member 430 spaced apart from the axle, a bearing 432 located radially between the rim 422 and the inner hub member 428, and a plurality of lock projections 434 each received in at least one of the notches 426 in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches 426 in the free-spin mode. In the illustrative embodiment, there are three equally-spaced lock projections 434, however any suitable number can be used such as one, two, four, etc. The lock projections are equally spaced about the axis 411 to balance the yo-yo 410 for rotation about the axis 411. In some embodiments, the yo-yo further includes a cover 431 coupled to the outer hub member 430 to cover the lock projections 434.

[0057] Each of the lock projections 434 is at least partially received in a respective slot 436 formed in the outer hub member 430. Each of the lock projection 434 is biased radially outward toward the plurality of notches 426 by a corresponding spring 427. As shown in FIG. 5, a radially inner end 435 of each of the lock projections 434 is spaced apart from the outer hub member 430 to provide a clearance gap 438 therebetween so that application of a torque load on the rim 422 above a threshold causes translation of the lock projections 434 radially inwardly while the yo-yo 410 is in the normal-use mode. This minimizes risk of portions of the yo-yo 410 breaking during use at high-rotation rates.

[0058] The rims 422 are configured to translate relative to the hubs 420 to change between the normal-use mode and the free-spin mode. In particular, the rims 422 are configured to translate axially toward one another to change the yo-yo 410 from the normal-use mode to the free-spin mode.

[0059] In illustrative embodiments, the interior surface 424 of each rim 422 is also formed to include a free-spin channel 440 offset axially from the plurality of notches 426 as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The lock projections 434 are received in at least one corresponding notch 426 in the normal-use mode and are received in the free-spin channel 440 in the free-spin mode.

[0060] The axle 412 includes a shaft 452 and a bearing 454. The shaft 452 holds the halves 416, 418 together. The bearing 454 is wrapped around the shaft 452 to facilitate rotation of the yo-yo 410. In some embodiments, the bearing 454 is omitted.

[0061] A second embodiment of a yo-yo 510 is shown in FIGS. 9-15. The yo-yo 510 includes an axle 512 extending along a rotation axis 511 of the yo-yo 510 and a tether 514 having a first end coupled to the axle 512 and a second end configured to be gripped by a user as shown in FIG. 9. The yo-yo 510 further includes a first half 516 coupled to a first end of the axle 512 and a second half 518 coupled to a second end of the axle 512. The halves 516, 518 are adjustable to change the mode of operation of the yo-yo 510 and thereby increase the number of uses of the yo-yo 510.

[0062] The first half 516 and the second half 518 each include a hub 520 and a rim 522 coupled to the hub 520 and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub 520. The first and second halves 516, 518 are each configured to change from a normal-use mode, as shown in FIG. 12, in which the hubs 520 and the rims 522 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 511 in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, as shown in FIG. 13, in which the rims 522 are configured to spin about the rotation axis 511 independently of the hubs 520.

[0063] An interior surface 524 of each rim 522 is formed to include a plurality of notches 526 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Each hub 520 includes an inner hub member 528 coupled to the axle 512, an outer hub member 530 spaced apart from the axle 512, a bearing 532 located radially between the rim 522 and the inner hub member 528, a plurality of lock projections 534 each received in at least one of the notches 526 in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches 526 in the free-spin mode, and a lock actuator 537. In the illustrative embodiment, there are three lock projections 534, however any suitable number can be used such as one, two, four, etc. The lock actuator 537 is coupled to the outer hub member 530 and is configured to move relative to the outer hub member 530 to cause the lock projections 534 to withdraw from the notches 526. In some embodiments, the yo-yo further includes a cover 531 coupled to the outer hub member 530 to cover the lock projections 534.

[0064] Each of the lock projections 534 is at least partially received in a respective slot 536 formed in the outer hub member 530. Each of the lock projection 534 is biased radially outward toward the plurality of notches 526 by springs 527. As shown in FIG. 15, a radially inner end 535 of each of the lock projections 534 is spaced apart from the outer hub member 530 to provide a clearance gap 538 therebetween so that application of a torque load on the rim 522 above a threshold causes translation of the lock projections 534 radially inwardly while the yo-yo 510 is in the normal-use mode. This minimizes risk of portions of the yo-yo 510 breaking during use at high-rotation rates.

[0065] The lock actuator 537 is configured to translate relative to the outer hub member 530. In particular, the lock actuator 537 is configured to rotate relative to the outer hub member 530. The lock actuator 537 includes a grip 540 coupled to an outward-facing surface of the cover 531, a plurality of connectors 542 coupled to the grip 540 and extending through a corresponding slot 544 formed in the cover 531, and an actuator ring 546 located on an opposite side of the end plate 530 from the grip 540. The actuator ring 546 is configured to withdraw the plurality of lock projections 534 away from the plurality of notches 526 in unison with one another.

[0066] The actuator ring 546 includes a ring body 548 extending circumferentially about the rotation axis 511 and a plurality of cams 550 coupled to the ring body 548. Each cam 550 is configured to engage with a corresponding lock projection 534 to urge each lock projection 534 away from the plurality of notches 526 upon rotation of the lock actuator 537 about the rotation axis 511.

[0067] The axle 512 includes a shaft 552 and a bearing 554. The shaft 552 holds the halves 516, 518 together. The bearing 554 is wrapped around the shaft 552 to facilitate rotation of the yo-yo 510. In some embodiments, the bearing 554 is omitted.

[0068] Another embodiment of an adjustable yo-yo 10 is shown in the FIGS. 16-23. Yo-yo 10 is used with tether 12 that is wound about an axle 14 and is secured to a user's finger. The user can then release / throw the yo-yo 10 from their hand whereby the tether 12 will unwind from about the axle 14 with a rotation of first and second halves 16, 18 of yo-yo 10.

[0069] First and second halves 16, 28 of yo-yo are coupled to the axle 14. Axle 14 may or may not include a bearing that assists in the rotation of tether 12 about axle 14. Yo-yo 10 includes a first hub 20 and second hub 22 that are positioned on the axle 14 and are spaced axially apart to form a gap 24. Yo-yo 10 also include first rim 26 and a spaced apart second rim 28.

[0070] Rims 26, 28 are axially adjustable with respect to hubs 20, 22 to either narrow or widen the overall width of the yo-yo 10 to move from loop mode (narrow), as shown in FIG. 18, to wing mode (wide), as shown in FIG. 17. Hubs 20, 22 include retaining mechanisms 30, 32 that are used to retain the position of the rims 26, 28 on the hubs 20, 22 while also allowing the user to move the rims 26, 28 into at least three positions, include wing mode, loop mode, and free spin mode.

[0071] Hubs 20, 22 are shown in FIG. 19. Hubs 20, 22 include a tapered section 34 located adjacent the gap 24 and a cylindrical section 36 positioned radially outwardly from the tapered section 34. Cylindrical section includes a series of openings 38 and a series of stops 40 positioned between the openings 38. Stops 40 are used to limit the overall axial movement of the rims 26, 28. Openings 38 are configured to accept retainers 42 and detents 44. Detents 44 are biased and are configured to temporarily retain the axial position of the rims 26, 28 in the three positions, wing mode, loop mode, and free spin mode. It is possible to have additional modes to fine tune the axial position of the rims 26, 28. Detents 44 are held into position by use of pins 46.

[0072] Rims 26, 28 are configured to be placed over hubs 20, 22 and their position is retained by detents 44. Rims 26, 28 include an inner surface 48 that is formed to include an assembly groove 50, a free spin groove 52, a wing recess 54 and a loop recess 56. To install the rims onto the hubs, assembly groove 50 is aligned with stops 40 on the rims so that the rims can be pushed onto the hubs 20, 22. Detents 44 are configured to sit within free spin groove 52 to allow the rims to spin independently of the hubs.

[0073] Alternatively, a user can move the rims 26, 28 radially inwardly so that detents 44 are located in the loop recesses 56, which places the yo-yo in loop mode. Alternatively, a user can move the rims 26, 28 radially outwardly so that detents 44 are located in the wing recesses 54, which places the yo-yo in loop mode. The rims 26, 28 remain in either the loop mode, wing mode, or the free spin mode unless a user urges the rims 26, 28 to one of the other positions.

[0074] Retaining mechanisms 30, 32 include a base member 58 having a series of radially extending ports 60, as shown in FIGS. 22 & 23. Ports 60 are configured to accept springs 62. Springs 62 are configured to apply a biasing force on retainers 42 to cause radially outward movement of detents 44. This arrangement allows detents 44 to be biased radially outwardly while also allowing detents 44 to rotate about pins 46 to allow rims 26, 28 to free spin around hubs 20, 22.

[0075] Another embodiment of the yo-yo 100 is shown in FIGS. 24-33 which operates similar in that the rims 112, 114 can move axially inwardly and outwardly with respect to hubs 116, 118. Hubs 116, 118 are coupled with an axle 120 and are spaced apart to form a tether gap. Hubs 116, 118 include a base wall 122 and axially outwardly extending skirt segments 124 with gaps 126 formed between the skirt segments 124. Skirt segments 124 include edges 126 including slots 128 to accept rollers 130. Rollers 130 are secured in retainer mechanism 132, 134, which is positioned within rims 112, 114 and adjacent to hubs 116, 118.

[0076] Rollers 130 are disc shaped and are configured to rotate within free spin groove 136 formed inside of rims 112, 114. Rollers 130 are held into position with pins 138. FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate the rims in the loop mode (FIG. 28) and the wing mode (FIG. 29). FIG. 30 illustrates the rollers 130 rotated in a first orientation that is configured the rollers 130 to ride in the groove or grooves 136 located in the rims 114, 116 and a second orientation, shown in FIG. 31, that allows for adjustment of the rims 114, 116 with respect to the hubs 116, 118. In this embodiment, retainers 132 could be part of hubs 116, 118 to allow rollers 130 to be reorientated to allow for adjustment of the rims 114, 116.

[0077] Another embodiment of the yo-yo 200 is shown in FIGS. 34-39. In this embodiment, rims 210, 212 are axially adjustable on hubs 214, 216. Hubs 214, 216 include a series of grooves 218 that provide different axial positions for the rims 210, 212. Rims 210, 212 are two piece and are formed to include a series of pockets 222 that are configured to accept rollers 220 that are configured to ride in the grooves 218 of the hubs 214, 216. Rollers 220 are configured to move to allow the rims 210, 212 to be moved axially inwardly and outwardly to allow for adjustment of the rims with respect to the hubs 214, 216.

[0078] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein have been discussed for the purpose of familiarizing the reader with the novel aspects of the present disclosure. Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, many changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the following claims.

[0079] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0080] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

[0081] Clause 1. A yo-yo includes an axle extending along a rotation axis of the yo-yo.

[0082] Clause 2. The yo-yo of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a tether having a first end coupled to the axle and a second end configured to be gripped by a user.

[0083] Clause 3. The yo-yo of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a first half coupled to a first end of the axle.

[0084] Clause 4. The yo-yo of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a second half coupled to a second end of the axle.

[0085] Clause 5. The yo-yo of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first half and the second half each include a hub and a rim coupled to the hub and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub, the first and second halves each configured to change from a normal-use mode in which the hubs and the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, in which the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis independently of the hubs.

[0086] Clause 6. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and each hub includes an inner hub member coupled to the axle, an outer hub member spaced apart from the axle, a bearing located radially between the rim and the inner hub member, and a lock projection received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches in the free-spin mode.

[0087] Clause 7. The yo-yo of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock projection is at least partially received in a slot formed in the outer hub member.

[0088] Clause 8. The yo-yo of clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock projection is biased radially outward toward the plurality of notches.

[0089] Clause 9. The yo-yo of clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a radially inner end of the lock projection is spaced apart from the outer hub member to provide a clearance gap therebetween so that application of a torque load on the rim above a threshold causes translation of the lock projection radially inwardly while the yo-yo is in the normal-use mode.

[0090] Clause 10. The yo-yo of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each hub includes a plurality of lock projections spaced circumferentially apart from one another about the rotation axis.

[0091] Clause 11. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rims are configured to translate relative to the hubs to change between the normal-use mode and the free-spin mode.

[0092] Clause 12. The yo-yo of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rims are configured to translate axially toward one another to change the yo-yo from the normal-use mode to the free-spin mode.

[0093] Clause 13. The yo-yo of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and a free-spin channel offset axially from the plurality of notches.

[0094] Clause 14. The yo-yo of clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each hub includes a lock projection received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and received in the free-spin channel in the free-spin mode.

[0095] Clause 15. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and each hub includes an inner hub member coupled to the axle, an outer hub member spaced apart from the axle, a bearing located radially between the rim and the inner hub member, a lock projection coupled to the received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches in the free-spin mode, and a lock actuator coupled to the outer hub member and configured to move relative to the outer hub member to cause the lock projection to withdraw from the at least one of the notches.

[0096] Clause 16. The yo-yo of clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock actuator is configured to translate relative to the outer hub member.

[0097] Clause 17. The yo-yo of clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock actuator is configured to rotate relative to the outer hub member.

[0098] Clause 18. The yo-yo of clause 17, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the lock actuator includes a grip coupled to an outward-facing surface of the outer hub member and a cam configured to engage the lock projection to urge the lock projection away from the at least one notch.

[0099] Clause 19. The yo-yo of clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer hub member is formed to include a slot and the lock actuator further includes a connector extending from the grip and through the slot.

[0100] Clause 20. The yo-yo of clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each hub includes a plurality of lock projections spaced circumferentially apart from one another about the rotation axis.

[0101] Clause 21. The yo-yo of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer hub member is formed to include a plurality of slots, and the lock actuator includes a grip coupled to an outward-facing surface of the outer hub member, a plurality of connectors coupled to the grip and extending through a corresponding slot formed in the outer hub member, and an actuator ring located on an opposite side of the end plate from the grip and configured to withdraw the plurality of lock projections away from the plurality of notches in unison with one another.

[0102] Clause 22. The yo-yo of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator ring includes a ring body extending circumferentially about the rotation axis and a plurality of cams coupled to the ring body and configured to engage with a corresponding lock projection to urge each lock projection away from the plurality of notches upon rotation of the lock actuator about the rotation axis.

[0103] Clause 23. The yo-yo of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further including a plurality of rollers coupled to each rim to allow rotation of the rims relative to the hubs in the free-spin mode.

[0104] Clause 24. The yo-yo of clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rollers are configured to rotate about a roller rotation axis parallel with the rotation axis of the axle and about a second axis perpendicular to the roller rotation axis.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0054]A yo-yo 410 includes an axle 412 extending along a rotation axis 411 of the yo-yo 410 and a tether 414 having a first end coupled to the axle 412 and a second end configured to be gripped by a user as shown in FIG. 1. The yo-yo 410 further includes a first half 416 coupled to a first end of the axle 412 and a second half 418 coupled to a second end of the axle 412. The halves 416, 418 are adjustable to change the mode of operation of the yo-yo 410 and thereby increase the number of uses of the yo-yo 410. A second embodiment of a yo-yo 510 is shown in FIGS. 9-15. A third embodiment of a yo-yo 10 is shown in FIGS. 16-23. A fourth embodiment of a yo-yo 100 is shown in FIGS. 24-32. A fifth embodiment of a yo-yo 200 is shown in FIGS. 33-39.

[0055]The first half 416 and the second half 418 each include a hub 420 and a rim 422 coupled to the hub 420 and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub 420. The first and second halves 416, 418 are each configured to change ...

Claims

1. A yo-yo comprising:an axle extending along a rotation axis of the yo-yo,a tether having a first end coupled to the axle and a second end configured to be gripped by a user,a first half coupled to a first end of the axle, anda second half coupled to a second end of the axle,wherein the first half and the second half each include a hub and a rim coupled to the hub and at least partially surrounding an outer perimeter of the hub, the first and second halves each configured to change from a normal-use mode in which the hubs and the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis in unison with one another, to a free-spin mode, in which the rims are configured to spin about the rotation axis independently of the hubs.

2. The yo-yo of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and each hub includes an inner hub member coupled to the axle, an outer hub member spaced apart from the axle, a bearing located radially between the rim and the inner hub member, and a lock projection received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches in the free-spin mode.

3. The yo-yo of claim 2, wherein the lock projection is at least partially received in a slot formed in the outer hub member.

4. The yo-yo of claim 3, wherein the lock projection is biased radially outward toward the plurality of notches.

5. The yo-yo of claim 4, wherein a radially inner end of the lock projection is spaced apart from the outer hub member to provide a clearance gap therebetween so that application of a torque load on the rim above a threshold causes translation of the lock projection radially inwardly while the yo-yo is in the normal-use mode.

6. The yo-yo of claim 2, wherein each hub includes a plurality of lock projections spaced circumferentially apart from one another about the rotation axis.

7. The yo-yo of claim 1, wherein the rims are configured to translate relative to the hubs to change between the normal-use mode and the free-spin mode.

8. The yo-yo of claim 7, wherein the rims are configured to translate axially toward one another to change the yo-yo from the normal-use mode to the free-spin mode.

9. The yo-yo of claim 8, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and a free-spin channel offset axially from the plurality of notches.

10. The yo-yo of claim 9, wherein each hub includes a lock projection received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and received in the free-spin channel in the free-spin mode.

11. The yo-yo of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of each rim is formed to include a plurality of notches and each hub includes an inner hub member coupled to the axle, an outer hub member spaced apart from the axle, a bearing located radially between the rim and the inner hub member, a lock projection received in at least one of the notches in the normal-use mode and withdrawn from the plurality of notches in the free-spin mode, and a lock actuator coupled to the outer hub member and configured to move relative to the outer hub member to cause the lock projection to withdraw from the at least one of the notches.

12. The yo-yo of claim 11, wherein the lock actuator is configured to translate relative to the outer hub member.

13. The yo-yo of claim 12, wherein the lock actuator is configured to rotate relative to the outer hub member.

14. The yo-yo of claim 13, wherein the lock actuator includes a grip coupled to an outward-facing surface of the outer hub member and a cam configured to engage the lock projection to urge the lock projection away from the at least one notch.

15. The yo-yo of claim 14, wherein the outer hub member is formed to include a slot and the lock actuator further includes a connector extending from the grip and through the slot.

16. The yo-yo of claim 11, wherein each hub includes a plurality of lock projections spaced circumferentially apart from one another about the rotation axis.

17. The yo-yo of claim 16, wherein the outer hub member is formed to include a plurality of slots, and the lock actuator includes a grip coupled to an outward-facing surface of the outer hub member, a plurality of connectors coupled to the grip and extending through a corresponding slot formed in the outer hub member, and an actuator ring located on an opposite side of the end plate from the grip and configured to withdraw the plurality of lock projections away from the plurality of notches in unison with one another.

18. The yo-yo of claim 17, wherein the actuator ring includes a ring body extending circumferentially about the rotation axis and a plurality of cams coupled to the ring body and configured to engage with a corresponding lock projection to urge each lock projection away from the plurality of notches upon rotation of the lock actuator about the rotation axis.

19. The yo-yo of claim 1, further including a plurality of rollers coupled to each rim to allow rotation of the rims relative to the hubs in the free-spin mode.

20. The yo-yo of claim 19, wherein the rollers are configured to rotate about a roller rotation axis parallel with the rotation axis of the axle and about a second axis perpendicular to the roller rotation axis.

Images