Toy, of the spinning-top type, comprising flyweights

Abstract

Disclosed is a toy (10) comprising a first hub (20); a second hub (30); a plurality of flyweights (12, 14, 16); a plurality of upper connecting arms (42, 44, 46) articulated to the first hub and to one of the flyweights; a plurality of lower connecting arms (52, 54, 56) articulated to the second hub and to one of the flyweights, each flyweight being connected to the first hub via an upper connecting arm as well as to the second hub via a lower connecting arm, the toy being able to assume at least a first configuration in which the first and second hubs are spaced apart from one another, such that the flyweights are close to one another, and a second configuration in which said first and second hubs are more closely-spaced than in the first configuration, such that said flyweights are spaced apart from one another. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

[0001] Description Title of the invention: Toy, of the spinning top type, comprising weights

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of toys, and in particular hand-held spinning tops, allowing a user, whether an adult or a child, to have fun while working on their skill. The invention relates to toys intended to be held in the hand, then rotated and finally placed on a support where it remains balanced due to its rotational movement, like a spinning top.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] A hand-held spinning top type toy called a Hand Spinner is known, consisting of a plurality of weights, generally three, connected to each other by means of a pivoting body. This toy further comprises a mounting piece around which the pivoting body pivots and provided with two gripping buttons. The gripping buttons extend on either side of the mounting piece. In practice, the user grasps the toy via the gripping buttons, which he places between his thumb and index finger. The user then pivots the pivoting body, and the weights, using his other hand, by exerting an impulse on the weights. The toy then resists tilting given the gyroscopic effect generated by the pivoting of the weights and the pivoting body.

[0006] One drawback of this toy is that the user must hold it in their hands in order to use it. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the weights can only be changed by exerting a new impulse on them. Furthermore, this toy has no other use than that described above, which may quickly bore a child. It also does not allow the user to train their dexterity.

[0007] Statement of the invention

[0008] An aim of the present invention is to propose a toy, of the spinning top type, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a spinning top type toy, comprising: a first hub and a second hub arranged opposite the first hub; a plurality of weights; a plurality of upper connecting arms each having a first end portion connected in an articulated manner to the first hub and a second end portion connected in an articulated manner to one of the weights;a plurality of lower connecting arms each having a first end portion hingedly connected to the second hub and a second end portion hingedly connected to one of the weights, each weight being connected to the first hub via an upper connecting arm and to the second hub via a lower connecting arm, the toy being able to take at least a first configuration in which the first and second hubs are spaced apart from each other, so that the weights are close to each other, and a second configuration in which said first and second hubs are closer than in the first configuration, so that said weights are spaced apart from each other.;

[0010] The weights are small masses. The weights are advantageously identical. The weights advantageously have a weight greater than the weight of the first hub or the second hub. The toy preferably comprises at least two weights, more preferably at least three weights.

[0011] Advantageously, each of said weights has the shape of a portion of a torus, preferably the shape of a third of a torus. Preferably, when the toy is placed in the first configuration, the weights extend in line with each other. Said weights are advantageously configured so that when the toy is placed in the first configuration, said weights together define a torus.

[0012] It is understood that the toy comprises as many upper connecting arms as lower connecting arms. It is also understood that the toy comprises as many upper connecting arms as there are weights. The connecting arms advantageously have a length at least twice as long as their width. All the connecting arms are preferably of the same length. The connecting arms are preferably made of plastic material. The connecting arms are preferably identical. Preferably, each of the connecting arms is connected to the corresponding first or second hub by a pivot connection. Preferably, each of the connecting arms is connected to the corresponding weight by a pivot connection.

[0013] In a non-limiting manner, the articulation between the connecting arms and the hubs may be achieved by a flexible junction between said connecting arms and said hubs, for example a portion of material of reduced thickness. Alternatively, the toy may comprise a plurality of hinges connecting the connecting arms and the corresponding hubs in an articulated manner.

[0014] Likewise, in a non-limiting manner, the articulation between the connecting arms and the weights can be achieved by a flexible junction between said connecting arms and said weights. Preferably, but in a non-limiting manner, the articulation between the connecting arms and the weights is achieved by means of a portion of material of reduced thickness.

[0015] The toy according to the invention, or at least the assembly formed by the upper and lower connecting arms, the weights and the first and second hubs, can be rotated in the manner of a top, for example by exerting a lateral impulse on one or more weights. By abuse of language, it will be said that the toy is rotated. It is understood, however, that only the assembly formed by the weights, the first and second hubs and the upper and lower connecting arms is actually rotated. In particular, in the case where the toy is provided with gripping buttons, the latter are not rotated when the toy is rotated.

[0016] Said assembly then pivots around a pivot axis advantageously passing through the first and second hubs, both in the first configuration and in the second configuration. By gyroscopic effect, the rotating toy can then be placed on a support where it remains balanced, like a top. This gyroscopic effect is enabled by the weight of the weights and their spacing relative to the pivot axis. The toy, rotated and placed on the support, then tends to straighten up so that its pivot axis extends substantially vertically. When it is rotated, the toy has an angular momentum which is the sum of the angular momentum of the weights. In the first configuration, the weights are closer to each other than in the second configuration. In other words, the distance between the weights in the second configuration is greater than the distance between the weights in the first configuration.

[0017] When moving from the first configuration to the second configuration, the weights are moved apart from each other. When moving from the second configuration to the first configuration, the weights are moved closer to each other.

[0018] Advantageously, in the first configuration, the weights are closer to the pivot axis of the toy than in the second configuration.

[0019] Preferably, the toy is configured to be held between the user's thumb and index finger.

[0020] In a non-limiting manner, the user can bring the toy from the first configuration to the second configuration by pressing the first and second hubs between his thumb and index finger to bring them closer together. In a non-limiting manner, the user can bring the toy from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving his thumb and index finger apart, to allow the first and second hubs to move apart. The first configuration advantageously constitutes a rest configuration. The second configuration advantageously constitutes an actuated configuration.

[0021] In a non-limiting manner, the toy may be brought from the first configuration to the second configuration while the latter is rotating, in which case the rotational speed of the toy decreases in conjunction with the spacing of the weights. Indeed, the spacing of the weights has the effect of increasing the moment of inertia of the toy and therefore reducing its rotational speed. Conversely, the toy may be brought from the second configuration to the first configuration while the latter is rotating, in which case the rotational speed of the toy increases in conjunction with the movement of the weights closer together. Indeed, the movement of the weights closer together has the effect of reducing the moment of inertia of the toy and therefore increasing its rotational speed.

[0022] The rotation speed of the rotating toy can therefore be increased or reduced by alternately placing the latter in the first configuration or in the second configuration, or in other words by bringing the first and second hubs closer together or further apart. The user can therefore play on the spacing of the hubs in order to modify the rotation speed of the weights.

[0023] Preferably, the toy is configured to take at least one intermediate configuration in which the first and second hubs are closer to each other than in the first configuration but further apart than in the second configuration, and in which the weights are further apart than in the first configuration but closer to each other than in the second configuration. More preferably, the toy is configured to take a plurality of intermediate configurations between the first configuration and the second configuration, preferably an infinite number of intermediate configurations.

[0024] The toy according to the invention has anti-stress properties, in which the user modifies the relative position of the first and second hubs in order to adjust the rotation speed of the weights. It also constitutes a game of skill in which the user must succeed in positioning and holding the rotating toy on the support, like a top.

[0025] The toy according to the invention has several configurations and proves to be more entertaining and playful than the toys according to the prior art.

[0026] Advantageously, said first and second hubs are configured to move in translation relative to each other along a displacement axis, when the toy is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration, and said weights move radially relative to said displacement axis when the toy is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0027] When the toy is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration, the weights advantageously move in a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement. Preferably, when the toy is rotated, said weights pivot in said plane perpendicular to the axis of movement.

[0028] When the toy is moved from the first to the second configuration, the weights move radially away from the axis of movement.

[0029] Preferably, the toy is configured to be rotated about a pivot axis which coincides with said movement axis.

[0030] Advantageously, the toy further comprises at least one gripping knob mounted to pivot relative to one of the first and second hubs. This gripping knob is advantageously kept stationary when the toy pivots. In other words, the assembly formed by the first and second hubs, the upper and lower connecting arms and the weights pivot relative to said gripping knob. This gripping knob forms a base for pivoting the hubs, connecting arms and weights. One advantage is that it allows the toy to rotate without bringing the hubs into contact with the user's hands or with a support. The friction exerted on the hubs is therefore reduced, allowing the weights to pivot faster and for longer. The gripping knob can, for example, be placed on a support while the other elements of the toy pivot relative to this gripping knob, which remains substantially stationary.

[0031] The gripping knob advantageously comprises a concave-shaped gripping portion. The gripping knob advantageously comprises a mounting rod.

[0032] Preferably, the toy further comprises at least one ball bearing arranged between said gripping button and said first or second hub, for mounting said gripping button to said hub in a pivoting manner. Such a ball bearing makes it possible to reduce the friction between the gripping button and the corresponding hub. Consequently, the assembly formed by the hubs, the connecting arms and the weights can pivot all the faster and for a longer time relative to said gripping button.

[0033] Preferably, but not limited to, the grip knob includes a mounting rod configured to cooperate with an inner race of the ball bearing.

[0034] Advantageously, an orifice is provided in said first or second hub, said orifice defining a housing configured to receive said ball bearing. One advantage is to reduce the size of the toy by integrating the ball bearing within the corresponding hub. The ball bearing advantageously comprises an inner ring fixed relative to the grip button and an outer ring fixed relative to the corresponding hub. Said outer ring is advantageously configured to cooperate with an inner wall of the housing formed in said hub.

[0035] According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the toy comprises a first gripping button pivotally mounted relative to the first hub about a first axis of rotation and a second gripping button pivotally mounted relative to the second hub about a second axis of rotation, said first and second gripping buttons extending on either side of the first and second hubs. This configuration makes it easier to grip the toy between the user's thumb and index finger. To do this, the user places his index finger on one of the two gripping buttons and his thumb on the other gripping button.

[0036] The first and second gripping buttons can thus be kept stationary while the assembly formed by the connecting arms, the upper and lower hubs and the weights pivots relative to these gripping buttons. The first and second hubs are therefore not in direct contact with the user's fingers, which further reduces friction on said hubs and allows said assembly formed by the connecting arms, the upper and lower hubs and the weights to pivot faster and for longer.

[0037] When the assembly formed by the link arms, the upper and lower hubs and the weights pivots relative to the grip buttons, the toy tends to resist tilting, by gyroscopic effect.

[0038] It is understood that the first and second hubs extend between the first and second grip knobs. That is, the first grip knob protrudes from the first hub toward the outside of the toy, while the second grip knob protrudes from the second hub toward the outside of the toy.

[0039] Preferably, the first axis of rotation coincides with the pivot axis of the toy. Preferably, the second axis of rotation coincides with the pivot axis of the toy.

[0040] These two gripping buttons also facilitate the handling of the toy and its placement in the first or second configuration. Preferably, when the toy is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration, the first and second gripping buttons are moved axially towards each other. Advantageously, to bring the toy into the second configuration, the user brings the first and second gripping buttons closer to each other, for example by bringing their thumb and index finger closer together.

[0041] Preferably, said first and second axes of rotation are substantially coincident. Said first and second axes of rotation are advantageously coincident with the pivot axis of the toy. One advantage is to improve the balance and allow it to turn even faster and for a longer time, like a top. Said first and second axes of rotation are advantageously coincident with the axis of movement of the first and second hubs.

[0042] Advantageously, the toy further comprises a spring element disposed between the first hub and the second hub, said spring element tending to separate the first and second hubs when the toy is in the second configuration. To bring the toy into the second configuration, the user must exert a force on the first and second hubs in order to compress the spring element. The spring element makes it possible to return the toy to the first configuration, from the second configuration. Also, to bring the toy from the second configuration to the first configuration, the user simply releases the pressure exerted on the first and second hubs.

[0043] We understand that the first configuration then constitutes a rest configuration while the second configuration constitutes an actuated configuration.

[0044] The spring element also improves the axial positioning and relative movement of the first and second hubs along the axis of movement. The balance of the toy is improved.

[0045] The spring element also allows the toy to bounce when it is thrown onto a support, for example.

[0046] Preferably, the spring element has a first end cooperating with the first hub and a second end cooperating with the second hub. More preferably, the first end of the spring element is attached to the first hub while the second end of the spring element is attached to the second hub.

[0047] Preferably, the spring element extends along the axis of movement of the hubs. Preferably, the spring element extends along the pivot axis of the toy.

[0048] Preferably, the spring element is positioned between the weights.

[0049] Preferably, when the toy is in the first configuration, the weights extend close to the spring element, without however coming into contact with said spring element. Alternatively, the weights could come into contact with the spring element. The spring element preferably comprises a spring, more preferably a compression spring.

[0050] Preferably, at least one of the first and second hubs comprises at least one skirt portion at least partially surrounding said spring element and projecting towards the other hub. An advantage is to maintain the spring element in position, while preventing the spring from bending, in order to maintain the spring along the axis of movement when changing from the first to the second configuration and vice versa. Preferably, said skirt portion has the shape of a tooth. Preferably, said hub comprises a plurality of skirt portions, advantageously three skirt portions, spaced apart from each other and surrounding said spring element.

[0051] Preferably, the first hub comprises at least one skirt portion at least partially surrounding said spring element and projecting towards the second hub. Preferably, the second hub comprises at least one skirt portion at least partially surrounding said spring element and projecting towards the first hub. Preferably, the first hub comprises a plurality of skirt portions, advantageously three skirt portions. Preferably, the second hub comprises a plurality of skirt portions, advantageously three skirt portions.

[0052] Preferably, the skirt portions of the first hub and the skirt portions of the second hub are configured to cooperate with each other to guide the relative movement of the first and second hubs. Preferably, the skirt portions of the first hub are configured to engage with the skirt portions of the second hub when the toy is in the second configuration, such that the skirt portions of the first hub fit between the skirt portions of the second hub.

[0053] Advantageously, one of the first and second hubs comprises an engagement portion projecting towards the other hub, while said other hub comprises a receiving portion configured to receive said engagement portion. One advantage is to guide the movement of the first and second hubs relative to each other when the toy is brought from the first to the second configuration and vice versa. This makes it possible to ensure axial movement, along the same axis of movement, of the first and second hubs relative to each other. Consequently, the balance of the toy is improved, in particular when the weights pivot and it is brought from the first to the second configuration and vice versa.

[0054] It is further understood that in the second configuration, the cooperation between the engagement portion and the receiving portion makes it possible to limit the lateral movement of the first hub relative to the second hub. The weights are thus maintained in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the toy, which further improves the balance of the toy.

[0055] Preferably, said engaging portion engages the receiving portion when the toy is in the second configuration but not in the first configuration.

[0056] Preferably, the engaging portion and the receiving portion are in cooperation of form.

[0057] Advantageously, said engagement portion is conical in shape, and a corresponding conical-shaped cavity is provided in said receiving portion, said cavity being configured to receive said engagement portion. An advantage is to further improve the guidance of the movement of the first and second hubs between the first and second configurations and the cooperation between the engagement portion and the receiving portion in the second configuration.

[0058] Preferably, the engagement portion has a truncated conical shape, or in other words a frustoconical shape.

[0059] Preferably, said weights have the shape of a puck. One advantage is to improve their retention in a horizontal plane when they are rotated around the pivot axis of the toy. Alternatively, said weights may be spherical.

[0060] Advantageously, said weights comprise a main portion to which the second end portions of the upper and lower connecting arms are hingedly connected, and a peripheral portion surrounding said main portion, said main portion and said peripheral portion comprising different materials. This configuration further improves the balance of the toy when it is rotated in the manner of a top. The weights can therefore pivot for a longer time and faster.

[0061] The main portion is preferably made of plastic material. The peripheral portion is preferably made of metal material, more preferably a dense metal material. Preferably, the main portion of the weights is formed by assembling assembly portions formed at the end of the upper and lower link arms.

[0062] Preferably, the peripheral portion is formed from a material that is denser than the material of the main portion.

[0063] Preferably, the connecting arms and the main portion of the weights are formed from the same material, more preferably from the same plastic material. In this configuration, the articulation between each weight and the connecting arms connected to it is advantageously produced by a portion of material of reduced thickness at the junction between said main portion and the connecting arm.

[0064] Preferably, each of the connecting arms and the main portion of the weight to which they are connected form a single piece. In other words, each arm forms a single-piece assembly with the main portion of the weight to which it is connected.

[0065] Preferably, the main portion of each weight and the upper and lower link arms connected thereto form a single piece.

[0066] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, each weight can be connected to the upper and lower connecting arms which are connected to it by mechanical assembly.

[0067] Preferably, each weight has a through-hole configured to receive a first assembly portion formed at the end of the corresponding upper connecting arm and a second assembly portion formed at the end of the corresponding lower connecting arm. The first and second assembly portions are advantageously configured to allow the assembly of the weight and said upper and lower connecting arms. In this configuration, an articulation is formed between the assembly portion and the corresponding connecting arm. The first and second assembly portions, once assembled in the hole of the weight, together define a main portion of the weight.

[0068] Preferably, the first and second assembly portions cooperate by clipping with the corresponding weight for the assembly of the upper and lower connecting arms and said weight. Preferably, the assembly of the weights and the corresponding upper and lower connecting arms is irreversible. Preferably, said first and second hubs extend on either side of a plane passing through said weights. Preferably, the first and second hubs approach said plane when the toy is brought from the first to the second configuration. Said plane is advantageously perpendicular to the axis of movement of the first and second hubs. Said plane is advantageously perpendicular to the pivot axis of the toy. Said plane advantageously forms a plane of symmetry for the toy.

[0069] Preferably, the upper arms and the lower arms extend on either side of said plane passing through the weights.

[0070] Advantageously, the toy comprises three weights, three upper connecting arms each connecting one of the weights to the first hub and three lower connecting arms each connecting one of the weights to the second hub.

[0071] In this configuration, considered in projection in a plane passing through the weights, the consecutive upper connecting arms describe an angle of approximately 60°. Similarly, considered in projection in a plane passing through the weights, the consecutive lower connecting arms describe an angle of approximately 60°.

[0072] Brief description of the drawings

[0073] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0074] [Fig. 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a toy according to the invention;

[0075] [Fig. 2]Figure 2 is a side view of the toy of Figure 1;

[0076] [Fig. 3]Figure 3 is a sectional view of the toy of Figure 1;

[0077] [Fig. 4]Figure 4 is a perspective view of the toy of Figure 1, in the first configuration;

[0078] [Fig.5]Figure 5 is a top view of the toy of Figure 1, in the first configuration;

[0079] [Fig. 6]Figure 6 is a side view of the toy of Figure 1, in the first configuration;

[0080] [Fig. 7]Figure 7 is a perspective view of the toy of Figure 1, in the second configuration; [Fig. 8]Figure 8 is a side view of the toy of Figure 1, in the second configuration;

[0081] [Fig. 9]Figure 9 is a top view of the toy of Figure 1, in the second configuration;

[0082] [Fig. 10]Figure 10 is a sectional view of the toy of Figure 1, in the second configuration;

[0083] [Fig. ll]Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a toy according to the invention; and

[0084] [Fig. 12]Figure 12 illustrates a variant of a weight of the toy according to the invention.

[0085] Description of the embodiments

[0086] The invention relates to a toy, of the spinning top type, which can take at least two different configurations.

[0087] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a toy 10 according to the invention. The toy 10 extends in a main direction L. In this first non-limiting embodiment, the toy comprises a first weight 12, a second weight 14 and a third weight 16. Each of the weights 12, 14, 16 comprises a main portion 12a and a peripheral portion 12b surrounding the main portion 12a. The main portions 12a of the weights 12, 14, 16 are here formed from plastic material while the peripheral portions 12b of the weights are formed from metallic material, for example cast steel.

[0088] The toy 10 further comprises a first hub 20 and a second hub 30 arranged opposite one another. Referring to the side view of FIG. 2, it can be seen that the first and second hubs 20, 30 each comprise a body 22, 32 having the shape of a hexagonal prism. The first hub 20 further comprises an engagement portion 24, integral with the body 22 and projecting towards the second hub 30. The engagement portion 24 has a truncated conical, or frustoconical, shape.

[0089] The second hub 30 further comprises a receiving portion 34 secured to the body 32 and projecting towards the first hub 20. In the sectional view of FIG. 3, it can be seen that a cavity 36 is formed in the receiving portion 34 of the second hub 30. The shape of this cavity 36 corresponds to the shape of the engagement portion 24 of the first hub 20. This cavity 36 is also of truncated conical shape.

[0090] Furthermore, an orifice 26 is provided in the first hub 20. This orifice 26 passes through the body 22 of said first hub and opens into the engagement portion 24. The orifice 26 forms a housing 27 inside the first hub. Similarly, an orifice 38 is provided in the second hub 30. This orifice 38 passes through the body 32 of said second hub and opens into the cavity 36 of the receiving portion 34. This orifice 38 forms a housing 39 inside the second hub 30.

[0091] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the toy 10 further comprises a spring element consisting here of a spring 40 extending between the first and second hubs 20, 30. This spring 40 comprises a first end 40a fixed to the engagement portion 24 of the first hub 20 and second end 40b fixed to the receiving portion 34 of the second hub 30. The spring 40 surrounds said engagement portion 24 and said receiving portion 34.

[0092] The toy 10 further comprises a first upper connecting arm 42, a second upper connecting arm 44 and a third upper connecting arm 46. The three upper connecting arms 42, 44, 46 are identical. Each of said upper connecting arms 42, 44, 46 comprises a first end portion 42a, 44a and a second end portion 42b, 44b. The end portions of the third upper connecting arm 46 are not visible in the figures and are therefore not referenced. The third upper connecting arm 46 is however identical to the first and second upper connecting arms 42, 44.

[0093] The first end portions 42a, 44a of the first, second and third upper connecting arms 42, 44, 46 are connected in an articulated manner to the first hub 20, via an articulation 43. The articulations 43 are formed by a portion of plastic material of reduced thickness compared to the thickness of the arms.

[0094] Furthermore, each of the upper connecting arms 42, 44, 46 is connected in an articulated manner to a separate weight 12, 14, 16. More precisely, the second end portion 42b, 44b of each of the upper connecting arms 42, 44, 46 is connected to the main portion 12a of one of said weights via an articulation 45. These articulations 45 are also formed by a portion of plastic material of reduced thickness compared to the thickness of the arms.

[0095] The toy 10 further comprises a first lower connecting arm 52, a second lower connecting arm 54 and a third lower connecting arm 56. The three lower connecting arms 52, 54, 56 are identical. Each of said lower connecting arms 52, 54, 56 comprises a first end portion 52a, 54a and a second end portion 52b, 54b. The end portions of the third lower connecting arm 56 are not visible in the figures and are therefore not referenced.

[0096] The first end portions 52a, 54a of the first, second and third lower connecting arms 52, 54, 56 are connected in an articulated manner to the second hub 30, via an articulation 53. The articulations 53 are formed by a portion of plastic material of reduced thickness compared to the thickness of the arms.

[0097] Furthermore, each of the lower connecting arms 52, 54, 56 is connected in an articulated manner to a separate weight 12, 14, 16. More precisely, the second end portion 52b, 54b of each of the lower connecting arms is connected to the main portion 12a of one of said weights via an articulation 55. These articulations 55 are also formed by a portion of plastic material of reduced thickness compared to the thickness of the arms.

[0098] The upper connecting arms 42, 44, 46 are substantially identical to the lower connecting arms 52, 54, 56. The first weight 12 is connected to the first hub 20 via the first upper connecting arm 42 and to the second hub 30 via the first lower connecting arm 52. The second weight 14 is connected to the first hub 20 via the second upper connecting arm 44 and to the second hub 30 via the second lower connecting arm 54. The third weight 16 is connected to the first hub 20 via the third upper connecting arm 46 and to the second hub 30 via the third lower connecting arm 56.

[0099] In this non-limiting example, the first upper connecting arm 42, the first weight 12 and the first lower connecting arm 52 form a single piece. The second upper connecting arm 44, the second weight 14 and the second lower connecting arm 54 form a single piece. The third upper connecting arm 46, the third weight 16 and the third lower connecting arm 56 form a single piece.

[0100] Taking into account the articulations 43, 53 between the connecting arms and the hubs and the articulations 45, 55 between the connecting arms and the weights, the first hub 20 and the second hub 30 can be moved relative to each other, according to a translational movement, according to a displacement axis D which is coincident with the main direction L of the toy. The first and second hubs 20, 30 can be moved away from or closer to each other.

[0101] As illustrated in Figure 3, the toy 10 further comprises a first gripping knob 60 comprising a concave-shaped gripping portion 62 and a mounting rod 64 projecting from said gripping portion 62. The first gripping knob 60 is pivotally mounted relative to the first hub 20 by means of a first ball bearing 66 disposed between the first hub 20 and the mounting rod 64 of the first gripping knob 60. The first ball bearing 66 is positioned in the housing 27 formed in the first hub. More specifically, the first ball bearing 66 has an outer ring secured to the first hub 20 and an inner ring secured to the mounting rod 64 of the gripping button 60. The first gripping button is pivotally mounted relative to the first hub 20 around a first axis of rotation Xi illustrated in FIG. 3. This first axis of rotation Xi coincides with the main direction L of the toy.The first gripping knob 60 protrudes outwardly from the toy relative to the first hub 20.

[0102] The toy 10 also comprises a second gripping button 70, identical to the first gripping button 60, and pivotally mounted relative to the second hub 30 in a similar manner, by means of a second ball bearing 76. The second gripping button 70 is pivotally mounted relative to the second hub 30 about a second axis of rotation X2. This second ball bearing 76 is arranged in the housing 39 formed by the orifice 38 formed in the second hub 30.

[0103] The first and second gripping knobs 60, 70 extend on either side of the first and second hubs 20, 30. The first and second gripping knobs 60, 70 allow the user to hold the toy, for example by placing their index finger on the first gripping knob 60 and their thumb on the second gripping knob 70. The user therefore holds the toy between their thumb and index finger.

[0104] The first hub 20 and the second hub extend on either side of a plane P perpendicular to the main direction L of the toy and passing through the weights 12, 14, 16. Without taking into account the engagement portion 24 and the receiving portion 34, said plane P forms a plane of symmetry for the toy 10.

[0105] Therefore, the assembly formed by the upper 42, 44, 46 and lower 52, 54, 56 connecting arms, the weights 12, 14, 16, the first hub 20 and the second hub 30 can be rotated relative to the first and second gripping buttons 60, 70, around a pivot axis X. This pivot axis X coincides with the main direction L of the toy as well as with the first and second rotation axes Xi, X2 of the first and second gripping buttons 60, 70 and with the displacement axis D of the first and second hubs. To do this, the user advantageously holds the gripping buttons 60, 70 between his index finger and his thumb, so as to keep them stationary and exerts a lateral impulse on one or more weights. This impulse causes the weights, the link arms and the hubs to rotate around the pivot axis X, as illustrated by the arrow in Figure 1. By abuse of language, we say that the toy 10 is then set in rotation.The gripping buttons 60, 70, however, remain substantially immobile. The weights pivot around the pivot axis, in said plane P perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0106] The toy 10, the weights 12, 14, 16 of which are rotating, can then be placed on a support, for example by placing one of the first and second gripping buttons 60, 70 on said support. By gyroscopic effect caused by the rotating weights, the toy 10 is kept in balance on the support. The toy then tends to straighten up, by gyroscopic effect, until the plane P in which the weights extend is horizontal and the pivot axis X is substantially vertical.

[0107] We will now detail different configurations of the toy 10, and in particular a first configuration with reference to figures 4 to 6 and a second configuration with reference to figures 7 to 10.

[0108] In the perspective view of Figure 4, the toy 10 is shown in a first configuration. This first configuration constitutes a rest configuration in which the user does not exert any force on the first and second hubs. The spring 40 is not compressed, or only slightly compressed.

[0109] As can be seen in the side view of Figure 6, in this first configuration, the first and second hubs 20, 30 are spaced apart from each other, according to a spacing which is substantially maximum. The engagement portion 24 does not engage with the receiving portion 34. The inclination of the connecting arms 42, 44, 46, 52, 54, 56 relative to the plane P passing through the weights 12, 14, 16 is maximum.

[0110] In the top view of Figure 5, it can be seen that in this first configuration, the weights 12, 14, 16 are close to each other. The spacing between the weights 12, 14, 16 is substantially minimal. In addition, the weights are then positioned close to the spring 40 and the pivot axis X and the displacement axis D of the toy. The distance between the weights and the pivot axis X or the displacement axis D is minimal.

[0111] The toy can further be placed in a second configuration illustrated in figures 7, 8, 9 and 10. The transition from the first configuration to the second configuration is illustrated by the transition from figures 4, 5 and 6 to figures 7, 8, 9 and 10. To transition from the first configuration to the second configuration, the user brings the first and second hubs 20, 30 closer to each other, for example by bringing together his thumb and index finger positioned respectively on the first grip button 60 and on the second grip button 70. The user must exert an effort making it possible to compress the spring 40.

[0112] When moving from the first configuration to the second configuration, the first hub 20 and the second hub 30 are moved in translation, one towards the other, in the direction of movement D, and therefore along the pivot axis X. In other words, the first and second hubs 20, 30 are axially brought together. In addition, the weights 12, 14, 16 move away from each other. They move in translation along said plane P perpendicular to the axis of movement D, and move away from the pivot axis X of the toy. In other words, the weights move radially relative to said axis of movement D, in a direction opposite to said pivot axis X. The weights move away from the pivot axis X and from the spring 40.

[0113] In the second configuration, as can be seen in the perspective view of Figure 7 or in the side view of Figure 8, said first and second hubs 20, 30 are closer to each other than in the first configuration. They are also closer to the plane P perpendicular to the axis of movement D and passing through the weights 12, 14, 16. Furthermore, as illustrated in the top view of Figure 9, compared to the first configuration, the weights 12, 14, 16 are further apart from each other. The distance between the weights and the axis of movement D or the pivot axis X is greater than in the first configuration.

[0114] It can be seen in the sectional view of Figure 10 that in the second configuration the engagement portion 24 of the first hub 20 engages in the cavity 36 of the receiving portion 34 of the second hub 30. One advantage is to improve the guidance of the movement of the first and second hubs 20, 30 relative to each other in order to maintain an axial movement of said hubs. The balance of the toy is improved.

[0115] In this non-limiting example, the second configuration is a configuration in which the first and second hubs 20, 30 are brought together as closely as possible and in which the spring 40 is compressed as much as possible.

[0116] Furthermore, in the second configuration, the spring 40 is compressed and tends to move the first and second hubs 20, 30 away from each other, and therefore to bring the toy back into the first configuration. To bring the toy into the first configuration, the user spreads his thumb and index finger apart, so that the first and second hubs 20, 30 move away from each other under the return force of the spring 40. The weights 12, 14, 16 are then brought closer to each other and moved radially towards the pivot axis X.

[0117] When the assembly formed by the weights 12, 14, 16, the first and second hubs 20, 30 and the connecting arms 42, 44, 46, 52, 54, 46 is rotated about the pivot axis X and the toy is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration, the rotation speed of this assembly decreases taking into account the radial spacing of the weights relative to the pivot axis X, in the manner of a skater spreading her arms. This is symbolized by a small arrow in figure 7. Indeed, the moment of inertia of the toy 10 increases when moving from the first to the second configuration. Conversely, when the toy 10 is brought from the second configuration to the first configuration, the weights 12, 14, 16 move closer to the pivot axis X. Also, the moment of inertia of the toy decreases and the rotation speed of the weights 12, 14, 16 increases, which is symbolized by a large arrow in figure 4.The user can therefore play on the spacing of the hubs 20,30 in order to modify the rotation speed of the weights during their pivoting.

[0118] In a non-limiting manner, the toy 10 can take a plurality of intermediate configurations between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0119] Figure 11 illustrates a second embodiment of the toy 10 according to the invention. In this second embodiment, the first hub 20 comprises three tooth-shaped skirt portions 72 projecting towards the second hub 30. These skirt portions 72 are located between the upper connecting arms 42, 44, 46. These skirt portions 72 are spaced apart from each other and surround the spring element 40 in order to hold it.

[0120] The second hub 30 also comprises three tooth-shaped skirt portions 74 projecting towards the first hub 20. These skirt portions 74 are each located in line with one of the lower connecting arms 52, 54, 56. These skirt portions 74 are spaced apart from each other and surround the spring element 40 in order to hold it.

[0121] In the second configuration of the toy, the skirt portions 72 of the first hub fit with the skirt portions 74 of the second hub in order to prevent the spring element 40 from bending, in order to maintain it axially along the axis of movement. More precisely, the skirt portions 72 of the first hub fit between the skirt doors 74 of the second hub and vice versa.

[0122] Figure 12 illustrates a variant of a weight 12 of a toy according to the invention. In this embodiment, the weight 12 has the shape of a third of a torus. When the toy is placed in the first configuration, said third-torus-shaped weights together define a complete torus surrounding the spring element 40. The weight further comprises a through-orifice 13 configured to receive assembly portions of the corresponding upper and lower connecting arms, for assembling said connecting arms to the weight 12.

Claims

Claims 1. A spinning top type toy (10) comprising: a first hub (20) and a second hub (30) arranged opposite the first hub; a plurality of weights (12, 14, 16); a plurality of upper connecting arms (42, 44, 46) each having a first end portion (42a, 44a) connected in an articulated manner to the first hub and a second end portion (42b, 44b) connected in an articulated manner to one of the weights;a plurality of lower connecting arms (52,54,56) each having a first end portion (52a, 54a) hingedly connected to the second hub and a second end portion (52b, 54b) hingedly connected to one of the weights, each weight being connected to the first hub via an upper connecting arm and to the second hub via a lower connecting arm, the toy being capable of taking at least a first configuration in which the first and second hubs are spaced apart from each other, so that the weights are close to each other, and a second configuration in which said first and second hubs are closer than in the first configuration, so that said weights are spaced apart from each other.; 2. A toy according to claim 1, wherein said first and second hubs (20,30) are configured to move in translation relative to each other along a movement axis (D), when the toy (10) is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration, and wherein said weights (12,14,16) move radially relative to said movement axis when the toy is brought from the first configuration to the second configuration.

3. A toy according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one gripping knob (60,70) pivotally mounted relative to one of the first and second hubs (20,30).

4. A toy according to claim 3, further comprising at least one ball bearing (66,76) disposed between said grip knob (60,70) and said first or second hub (20,30), for pivotally mounting said grip knob to said hub.

5. A toy according to claim 4, wherein an orifice (26,38) is provided in said first or second hub (20,30), said orifice defining a housing (27,39) configured to receive said ball bearing (66,76).

6. Toy according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a first gripping button (60) pivotally mounted relative to the first hub (20) around a first axis of rotation (Xi) and a second gripping button (70) pivotally mounted relative to the second hub (30) around a second axis of rotation (X2), said first and second gripping buttons extending on either side of the first and second hubs.

7. Toy according to claim 6, wherein said first and second axes of rotation (Xi, X2) are substantially coincident.

8. A toy according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a spring element (40) disposed between the first hub (20) and the second hub (30), said spring element tending to move the first and second hubs apart when the toy (10) is in the second configuration.

9. A toy according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first and second hubs (20,30) comprises at least one skirt portion (72,74) at least partially surrounding said spring element (40) and projecting towards the other hub (74,72).

10. A toy according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one of the first and second hubs (20,30) comprises an engagement portion (24) projecting towards the other hub, while said other hub comprises a receiving portion (34) configured to receive said engagement portion.

11. A toy according to claim 10, wherein said engaging portion (24) is conically shaped, and wherein a corresponding conically shaped cavity (36) is provided in said receiving portion (34), said cavity being configured to receive said engaging portion.

12. A toy according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said weights (12,14,16) comprise a main portion (12a) to which the second end portions (42b,44b,52b,54b) of the upper (42,44,46) and lower (52,54,56) connecting arms are hingedly connected, and a peripheral portion (12b) surrounding said main portion, said main portion and said peripheral portion comprising different materials.

13. A toy according to claim 12, wherein each of the connecting arms (42,44,46,52,54,56) and the main portion (12a) of the weight (12,14,16) to which they are connected form a single piece.

14. Toy according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which said first and second hubs (20, 30) extend on either side of a plane (P) passing through said weights (12, 14, 16).

15. Toy according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising three weights (12, 14, 16), three upper connecting arms (42, 44, 46) each connecting one of the weights to the first hub (20) and three lower connecting arms (52, 54, 56) each connecting one of the weights to the second hub (30).

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