Customizable Yo-Yo System

Abstract

The customizable yo-yo system of the present invention makes available a plurality of yo-yos, e.g. two yo-yos or three or more yo-yos, which can easily be disassembled and reassembled to make a set of custom yo-yos. Each of the custom yo-yo has a unique set of performance characteristics selected by the user's preference and skill level. In addition, each of the yo-yos parts are color coded to indicate its associated skill level.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Use

These teachings relate generally to a Yo-Yo system and in particular to a customizable. Yo-Yo system

2. Description of Prior Art (Background)

Among the significant features of a yo-yo is the manner in which the dynamic manner in which the yo-yo engages the string to initiate the rewinding and retrieval of the yo-yo. It is desirable for the yo-yo to catch the string in a consistently responsive manner in order to enhance the player's control over the yo-yo. In some cases, it may be preferred for the yo-yo to have a “hair trigger” response in which very slight manipulation of the string is required to cause the string to become caught in the yo-yo to effect the retrieval. Others may prefer a less sensitive trigger reaction in which a more distinct manipulation is necessary in order to initiate the retrieval. Regardless of the degree of responsiveness, it is important that the response is consistent so that the player can best control the yo-yo.

Other significant features of a yo-yo include the peripheral entry to the string slot between the yo-yo halves and the weight of the yo-yo halves. These features contribute to the feel and responsiveness of the player's retrieval command (slackening the string to relieve it of all tension) and are, in part, a matter of personal preference and skill and may depend on the types of tricks to be performed.

Over the years, many different shapes have been employed for the yo-yo's side portions. Traditional yo-yos will usually feature substantially planar side portions that have a bulge in the area of the rim to provide an improved weight distribution that increases spin time and stability. Butterfly yo-yos feature side portions that are stretched outwardly, away from the center of the yo-yo, thereby increasing the width of the yo-yo and giving the yo-yo a butterfly shape when viewed in cross-section.

It is also known to use different materials for, or on, the rim portion of each of a yo-yo's side portions. For example, while most yo-yos have rim portions made of a hard plastic material, it is known to employ rubber either as the rim material, or in the form of an o-ring that is placed on the periphery of each of a yo-yo's side portions.

The different shapes and materials employed in a yo-yo's side portions not only make the yo-yo distinctive, they also affect the yo-yo's performance. For example, a user performing looping tricks with a yo-yo will usually prefer a traditionally shaped yo-yo that has substantially planar side portions. Such a shape is best at looping since the weight distribution is close to the tether's (string's) attachment point on the yo-yo, thereby enabling the yo-yo to flip over relatively easily during each loop. For yo-yo tricks in which the user attempts to catch the spinning yo-yo on a medial portion of the tether, a butterfly shaped yo-yo is preferred. The more widely spaced-apart side portions improve the yo-yo's stability whereby the yo-yo is less prone to tilt off the tether. Furthermore, the wider stance of a butterfly-shaped yo-yo facilitates a user being able to land the yo-yo on a medial portion of the tether.

To take advantage of the different yo-yo performance characteristics provided through the use of side portions of different shapes and/or materials and/or that have different tether engagement adaptations, many experienced yo-yo players will own a large variety of different yo-yos. This enables the player to pick a yo-yo from his or her collection that will work best for the particular trick(s) that the player wishes to perform. However, the costs involved in buying and maintaining a large number of yo-yos can be considerable. In addition, transporting a large number of yo-yos can be bothersome and is usually accomplished using a bulky and expensive transport case specially adapted for carrying yo-yos.

Prior art solutions for yo-yo customization, such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,310 to Van Dan Elzen (Van Dan Elzen) provide minor customization with removable disks forming a part of the yo-yo rim; or U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,142 to Rehkemper et al. (Rehkemper), disclosing a modular yo-yo which can be disassembled by the user. However, these prior art solutions, on the one hand, do not provide enough customization, and on the other hand too much customization. Rehkemper's yo-yo, for example, discloses a myriad of small parts for custom building a yo-yo. In addition to none of the small parts being easily identified for its yo-yo performance characteristics it would take a sophisticated user a considerable amount of time and patience to assemble. Similarly, Van Dan Elzen's yo-yo allows for replacement of a disk forming a part of the rim but is silent as to other customizable features of a yo-yo and how those customizable features are readily identified.

It is desirable, therefore, to provide a customizable yo-yo system where the features of a yo-yo are readily identifiable and customizable by the user to provide yo-yos to meet the user's yo-yo performance preference. It is also desirable to provide a set of yo-yos having customizable and interchangeable components to allow for performance customization ranging from basic yo-yo performance to very advanced yo-yo performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The foregoing and other problems are overcome, and other advantages are realized, in accordance with the presently preferred embodiments of these teachings.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a customizable yo-yo system includes a plurality of yo-yos where each of the plurality of yo-yos includes a plurality of matching weighted shells, a plurality of matching pads, a plurality of matching spacers, a bearing, and an axle with a blind threaded hole for engaging a hex screw when the yo-yo is in an assembled condition. Each of the plurality of matching weighted shells, the plurality of matching pads, and the plurality of matching spacers are weighted and sized for different skill levels and each of the corresponding pluralities are interchangeable.

The invention is also directed towards a yo-yo system having interchangeable components wherein each of the interchangeable components is associated with a yo-yo performance characteristic. The yo-yo system includes: a basic skill yo-yo having matching dins weighted for a basic or beginner performance; matching spacers selected for basic or beginner performance; a bearing and an axle and screw for threadably securing the basic skill yo-yo in an assembled condition. The yo-yo system also includes an intermediate skill yo-yo having matching rims weighted for a intermediate performance; matching spacers selected for intermediate performance; another bearing and an another axle and screw for threadably securing the intermediate skill yo-yo in an assembled condition. Lastly, the yo-yo system includes an advanced skill yo-yo having matching, rims weighted for an advanced performance; matching spacers selected for advanced performance; another bearing and an another axle and screw for threadably securing the advanced skill yo-yo in an assembled condition. Each of the aforementioned yo-yo components are interchangeable. For example the matching rims weighted for a basic or beginner performance are interchangeable with the matching rims weighted for intermediate performance. In addition, each of the aforementioned yo-yo components are color coded, or otherwise marked, to indicate its respective skill level.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a customizable yo-yo system is provided. The customizable yo-yo system includes a plurality of interchangeable weighted rims, wherein each of the weights of plurality of weighted rims comprises substantially the range of 57 gram weights to 69 gram weights. The customizable yo-yo also includes a plurality of interchangeable spacers, wherein each of the widths of the plurality of interchangeable spacers comprises substantially the range of 3 mm width to 4 mm widths. The yo-yo system also includes a plurality of pads, wherein each of the pads comprises a responsive characteristic ranging from basic to very advanced. In addition, each of the aforementioned yo-yo components are color coded, or otherwise marked, to indicate its respective skill level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the customizable features of a basic yo-yo in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the customizable features of an advanced yo-yo in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the customizable features of a very advanced yo-yo in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an exploded view of the customizable features of a basic yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. The basic yo-yo 10 includes basic axle 11, a basic first half shell 12 enclosing a basic first weight 12a, a basic second half shell 13 enclosing a basic second weight I 3a, a basic first pad 17, a basic first spacer 14, a bearing 15, a basic second spacer 16, a basic second pad 17a, and a basic hex screw 19. It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown in FIG. 1 are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent a basic skill level associated with each of the parts. For example, the basic axle 11, the basic first half 12 enclosing the basic first weight 12a, the basic second half 13 enclosing the basic second weight 13a, the basic first pad 17, the basic first spacer 14, the basic second spacer 16, the basic second pad 17a, and the basic hex screw 19 may be color coded green to represent a yo-yo suitable for basic tricks.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic axle 11 may be any suitable shaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head 11a for fitting in a recessed portion of either the basic first half 12 or the basic second half 13. The other end of the basic axle 11 includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the basic hex screw 19 to threadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will be appreciated that either hex head 11 a or hex screw 19 may be slotted to permit tightening with a screwdriver or coin.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first half shell 12 and the basic second half shell 13 may be any suitable shell material for enclosing the basic first weight 12a and the basic second weight 13a, respectively. Also, for example the basic first half shell 12 and the basic second half shell 13 may be a substantially transparent polycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded basic first weight 12a or the color coded basic second weight 13a, respectively. It will be appreciated that the basic first half shell 12 and the basic second half shell 13 may be any suitable material and likewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosing the basic first weight 12a or the basic second weight 13a, respectively.

It will also be appreciated that the basic first shell 12 and the basic first weight 12a can be an integrated or single piece unit. For example the basic first shell 12 and the basic first weight 12a can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It will also be understood that basic first shell 12 and the basic first weight 12a are substantially balanced around a center axis of the assembled basic first shell 12 and the basic first weight 12a. Likewise, the basic second shell 13 and the basic second weight 13a may be similarly constructed.

Likewise, still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first weight 12a can be any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded to indicate a particular feature associated with the basic first weight 12a. For example, the basic first weight 12a can be anodized aluminum color coded green and visible through the basic first half shell 12 to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately 59 grams suitable for basic performance. Again, the basic second shell 13 and the basic second weight 13a may be similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first pad 17 may be any suitable material such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood that the basic first pad 17 hardness and texture is selected to provide a very responsive return feature associated with basic performance. It will also be appreciated that the basic first pad 17 may be color coded, for example, green, or otherwise marked, to correspond to basic performance. The basic second pad 17a is similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the basic first spacer 14 and the basic second spacer 16 may be any suitable material having a thickness of approximately 3.3 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yo is assembled the basic first spacer 14 and basic second spacer 16 help determine the space between the basic first half shell 12 and the basic second half shell 13 when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be further appreciated that a narrower space between the basic first half shell 12 and the basic second half shell 13 corresponds to a more responsive yo-yo. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yo parts, the basic first spacer 14 and the basic second spacer 16 may be color coded, for example, green, or otherwise marked, to correspond to basic performance.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the bearing 15 may be any suitable bearing such as a 6 mm bearing.

Referring also to FIG. 2 there is shown an exploded view of the customizable features of an intermediate yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. The intermediate yo-yo 20 includes intermediate axle 21, an intermediate first half shell 22 enclosing a intermediate first weight 22a, an intermediate second half shell 23 enclosing a intermediate second weight 23a, an intermediate first pad 27, an intermediate first spacer 24, a bearing 25, an intermediate second spacer 26, an intermediate second pad 27a, and an intermediate hex screw 29. It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown in FIG. 2 are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent an intermediate skill level associated with each of the parts. For example, the intermediate axle 21, the intermediate first half 22 enclosing the intermediate first weight 22a, the intermediate second half 23 enclosing the intermediate second weight 23a, the intermediate first pad 27, the intermediate first spacer 24, the intermediate second spacer 26, the intermediate second pad 27a, and the intermediate hex screw 29 may be color coded blue to represent a yo-yo suitable for intermediate tricks.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate axle 21 may be any suitable shaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head 21a for fitting in a recessed portion of either the intermediate first half 22 or the intermediate second half 23. The other end of the intermediate axle 21 includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the intermediate hex screw 29 to threadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will be appreciated that either hex head 21a or hex screw 29 may be slotted to permit tightening with a screwdriver or coin.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediate second half shell 23 may be any suitable shell material for enclosing the intermediate first weight 22a and the intermediate second weight 23a, respectively. Also, for example the intermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediate second half shell 23 may be a substantially transparent polycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded intermediate first weight 22a or the color coded intermediate second weight 23a, respectively. It will be appreciated that the intermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediate second half shell 23 may be any suitable material and likewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosing the intermediate first weight 22a or the intermediate second weight 23a, respectively.

It will also be appreciated that the intermediate first shell 22 and the intermediate first weight 22a can be an integrated or single piece unit. For example the intermediate first shell 22 and the intermediate first weight 22a can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It will also be understood that intermediate first shell 22 and the intermediate first weight 22a are substantially balanced around a center axis of the assembled intermediate first shell 22 and the intermediate first weight 22a. Likewise, the intermediate second shell 23 and the intermediate second weight 23a may be similarly constructed.

Likewise, still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first weight 22a can be any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded to indicate a particular feature associated with the intermediate first weight 22a. For example, the intermediate first weight 22a can be anodized aluminum color coded blue and visible through the intermediate first half shell 22 to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately 64 grams suitable for intermediate performance. Again, the intermediate second shell 23 and the intermediate second weight 23a may be similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first pad 27 may be any suitable material such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood that the intermediate first pad 27 hardness and texture is selected to provide a very responsive return feature associated with intermediate performance. It will also be appreciated that the intermediate first pad 27 may be color coded, for example, blue, or otherwise marked, to correspond to intermediate performance. The intermediate second pad 27a is similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the intermediate first spacer 24 and the intermediate second spacer 26 may be any suitable material having a thickness of approximately 3.76 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yo is assembled the intermediate first spacer 24 and intermediate second spacer 26 help determine the space between the intermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediate second half shell 23 when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be further appreciated that the space between the intermediate first half shell 22 and the intermediate second half shell 23 defined by the intermediate first spacer 24 and the intermediate second spacer 26 corresponds to a less responsive or sensitive yo-yo than the basic yo-yo shown in FIG. 1 which allows for intermediate class yo-yo tricks. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yo parts, the intermediate first spacer 24 and the intermediate second spacer 26 may be color coded, for example, blue, or otherwise marked, to correspond to intermediate performance.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the bearing 25 may be any suitable bearing such as a 6 mm bearing.

Referring also to FIG. 3 there is shown an exploded view of the customizable features of an advanced yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. The advanced yo-yo 30 includes advanced axle 31, an advanced first half shell 32 enclosing a advanced first weight 32a, an advanced second half shell 33 enclosing a advanced second weight 33a, an advanced first pad 37, an advanced first spacer 34, a bearing 35, an advanced second spacer 36, an advanced second pad 37a, and an advanced hex screw 39. It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown in FIG. 3 are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent an advanced skill level associated with each of the parts. For example, the advanced axle 31, the advanced first half 32 enclosing the advanced first weight 32a, the advanced second half 33 enclosing the advanced second weight 33a, the advanced first pad 37, the advanced first spacer 34, the advanced second spacer 36, the advanced second pad 37a, and the advanced hex screw 39 may be color coded black to represent a yo-yo suitable for advanced tricks.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced axle 31 may be any suitable shaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head 31a for fitting in a recessed portion of either the advanced first half 32 or the advanced second half 33. The other end of the advanced axle 31 includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the advanced hex screw 39 to threadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will be appreciated that either hex head 31a or hex screw 39 may be slotted to permit tightening with a screwdriver or coin.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first half shell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 may be any suitable shell material for enclosing the advanced first weight 32a and the advanced second weight 33a, respectively. Also, for example the advanced first half shell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 may be a substantially transparent polycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded advanced first weight 32a or the color coded advanced second weight 33a, respectively. It will be appreciated that the advanced first half shell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 may be any suitable material and likewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosing the advanced first weight 32a or the advanced second weight 33a, respectively.

It will also be appreciated that the advanced first shell 32 and the advanced first weight 32a can be an integrated or single piece unit. For example the advanced first shell 32 and the advanced first weight 32a can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It will also be understood that advanced first shell 32 and the advanced first weight 32a are substantially balanced around a center axis of the assembled advanced first shell 32 and the advanced first weight 32a. Likewise, the advanced second shell 33 and the advanced second weight 33a may be similarly constructed.

Likewise, still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first weight 32a can be any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded to indicate a particular feature associated with the advanced first weight 32a. For example, the advanced first weight 32a can be anodized aluminum color coded black and visible through the advanced first half shell 32 to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately 68 grams suitable for advanced performance. Again, the advanced second shell 33 and the advanced second weight 33a may be similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first pad 37 may be any suitable material such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood that the advanced first pad 37 hardness and texture is selected to provide a very responsive return feature associated with advanced performance. It will also be appreciated that the advanced first pad 37 may be color coded, for example, black, or otherwise marked, to correspond to advanced performance. The advanced second pad 37a is similarly constructed.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the advanced first spacer 34 and the advanced second spacer 36 may be any suitable material having a thickness of approximately 3.96 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yo is assembled the advanced first spacer 34 and advanced second spacer 36 help determine the space between the advanced first half shell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be further appreciated that the space between the advanced first half shell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 defined by the advanced first spacer 34 and the advanced second spacer 36 corresponds to a less responsive or sensitive yo-yo than the intermediate yo-yo shown in FIG. 2 which allows for advanced class yo-yo tricks. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yo parts, the advanced first spacer 34 and the advanced second spacer 36 may be color coded, for example, black, or otherwise marked, to correspond to advanced performance.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the bearing 35 may be any suitable bearing such as a 6 mm bearing.

Still referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 it will be appreciated that any of the yo-yo parts shown and discussed herein may be interchanged to assemble a yo-yo having specific desired performance features. For example, the lightly weighted basic first half shell 12 and the basic second half shell 13 may be interchanged with the more heavily weighed advanced first half shell 32 and the advanced second half shell 33 to assemble yo-yos having mixed performance characteristics. It will also be appreciated that each of the yo-yo parts are color coded, or otherwise marked, to readily identify the yo-yo's performance characteristics.

For example, the play attributes of an interchangeable yo-yo system form a customizable mix of play experiences and performance attributes inclusive of, but not limited to the following:

1. Different weighted yo-yo halves—when combined with the many internal part combinations (bearings and rubber return pads) different spin characteristics will become possible—some mixed combinations capable of longer spin times and/or greater RPMs. These weighted yo-yo halves are used to customize the play experience. Example: for many players, heavier yo-yos are more stable and allow for easier string tricks combinations. For others, a lighter yo-yo is easier to use and presents better for other types of string trick play. With the use of this system, exact player preference becomes achievable.

2. Spacers—the yo-yo system contains numerous spacers each with the same internal diameter but with different overall widths. When combined with the other interchangeable parts, the spacers will provide an array of different play experiences. Narrow spacers will provide for more responsive play, while wider spacers can provide for less responsive play and longer spin times. With the multiple spacer possibilities, a player's skill set can grow more easily and their exact play preferences can be obtained.

3. Return Systems—the yo-yo system contains up to 3 or more sets of rubber return pads each made out of a different material with different shore hardness and textures. These return pads will allow a player to customize the behavior of the yo-yo so that its spin and responsiveness meets their play needs. Since these pads can also be mixed and matched, the return settings with this customizable/interchangeable design can allow for a very diverse range of play.

4. Axle system—Three or more axle systems will be used to allow for the parts to be interchangeable with other yo-yo halves.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Thus, various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. A customizable yo-yo system comprising a plurality of yo-yos where the plurality of yo-yos comprise: a first yo-yo, wherein the first yo-yo comprises: a first weighted shell comprising a first weighted rim;a second weighted shell comprising a second weighted;a first pad;a second pad;a first spacer;a second spacer;a bearinga first axle for assembling the first weighted shell, the first pad, the first spacer, the bearing the second spacer the second pad, and the second weighted shell;a first hex screw for threadably securing the first yo-yo in an assembled condition and wherein the first axle comprises a blind threaded hole for engaging the first hex screw;a second yo-yo, wherein the second yo-yo comprises: a third weighted shell comprising a third weighted rim;a fourth weighted shell comprising a fourth weighted rim;a third pad having less responsive characteristics than the first pad;a fourth pad having less responsive characteristics than the second pad;a third spacer;a fourth spacer;a second bearinga second axle for assembling the third weighted shell, the third pad, the third spacer, the second bearing the fourth spacer the fourth pad, and the fourth weighted shell;a second hex screw for threadably securing the second yo-yo in an assembled condition and wherein the second axle comprises a second blind threaded hole for engaging the second hex screw; andwherein the first spacer and the second spacer are interchangeable with the third spacer and the fourth spacer; wherein the first pad and the second pad are interchangeable with the, third pad and the fourth pad; and wherein the first weighted shell and the second weighted shell are interchangeable with the third weighted shell and the fourth weighted shell.

2. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein the first weighted shell, the second Weighted shell, the first pad, the second pad, the first spacer, the second spacer, and the first axle are coded to indicate a first skill level.

3. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein the third weighted shell, the fourth weighted shell, the third pad, the fourth pad, the third spacer, the fourth spacer, and the second axle are coded to indicate a second skill level.

4. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein the first weighted rim and the second weighted rim comprise substantially 59 gram weights, each.

5. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein the third weighted rim and the fourth weighted rim comprise substantially 64 gram weights, each.

6. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein first spacer and the second spacer comprise substantially 3.3 mm thickness.

7. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 wherein third spacer and the fourth spacer comprise substantially 3.7 mm thickness.

8. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 1 further comprising a third yo-yo, wherein the third yo-yo comprises: a fifth weighted shell comprising a fifth weighted rim;a sixth weighted shell comprising a sixth weighted;a fifth pad;a sixth pad;a fifth spacer;a sixth spacer;a third bearinga third axle for assembling the fifth weighted shell, the fifth pad, the fifth spacer, the third bearing the sixth spacer the sixth pad, and the sixth weighted shell;a third hex screw for threadably securing the third yo-yo in an assembled condition and wherein the third axle comprises a third blind threaded hole for engaging the third hex screw;wherein the fifth spacer and the sixth spacer are interchangeable with the first or second yo-yo; wherein the fifth pad and the sixth pad are interchangeable with the first or second yo-yo; and wherein the fifth weighted shell and the sixth weighted shell are interchangeable with the first or second yo-yo.

9. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 8 wherein the fifth weighted shell, the sixth weighted shell, the fifth pad, the sixth pad, the fifth spacer, the sixth spacer, and the sixth axle are coded to indicate a third skill level.

10. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 8 wherein the fifth weighted rim and the sixth weighted rim comprise substantially 68 gram weights, each.

11. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 8 wherein fifth spacer and the sixth spacer comprise substantially 3.9 mm thickness.

12. A yo-yo system having interchangeable components wherein each of the interchangeable components is associated with a yo-yo performance characteristic, wherein the yo-yo system comprises: a basic skill yo-yo having components comprising: a basic first weighted rim;a basic second weighted rim;a basic first pad;a basic second pad;a basic first spacer;a basic second spacer;a basic bearing;a basic axle;a basic screw for threadably securing the basic skill yo-yo in an assembled condition and wherein the basic axle comprises a first blind threaded hole for engaging the basic hex screw;an intermediate skill yo-yo having components comprising:an intermediate first weighted rim;an intermediate second weighted rim;an intermediate first pad;an intermediate second pad;an intermediate first spacer;an intermediate second spacer;an intermediate bearing;an intermediate axle;an intermediate screw for threadably securing the intermediate skill yo-yo in an assembled condition and wherein the intermediate axle comprises a second blind threaded hole for engaging the intermediate hex screw;an advanced skill yo-yo having components comprising: an advanced first weighted rim;an advanced second weighted rim;an advanced first pad;an advanced second pad;an advanced first spacer;an advanced second spacer;an advanced bearing;an advanced axle;an advanced screw for threadably securing the advanced skill yo-yo in an assembled condition and wherein the advanced axle comprises a second blind threaded hole for engaging the advanced hex screw; andwherein each of the components are coded to visually represent its associated skill level.

13. The yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein the basic first weighted rim and the basic second weighted rim comprise substantially 59 gram weights, each.

14. The yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein the intermediate first weighted rim and the intermediate second weighted rim comprise substantially 64 gram weights, each.

15. The yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein the advance first weighted rim and the advanced second weighted rim comprise substantially 68 gram weights, each.

16. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein basic first spacer and the basic second spacer each comprise substantially 3.3 mm thickness.

17. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein intermediate first spacer and the intermediate second spacer each comprise substantially 3.7 mm thickness.

18. The customizable yo-yo system as in claim 12 wherein advanced first spacer and the advanced second spacer each comprise substantially 3.9 mm thickness.

19. A customizable yo-yo system comprising: a plurality of interchangeable weighted rims, wherein each of the weights of plurality of weighted rims comprise substantially the range of 57 gram weights to 69 gram weights;a plurality of interchangeable spacers, wherein each of the widths of the plurality of interchangeable spacers comprise substantially the range of 3 mm width to 4 mm widths; anda plurality of pads, wherein each of the pads comprise a responsive characteristic ranging from basic to very advanced.