GYROSCOPE

Abstract

A gyroscope includes a frame that surrounds a wheel and a weight that is connected to the wheel. A pair of wheel axles extend from the wheel and connect the wheel to the frame so that the wheel may rotate with respect to the frame. The frame also includes end pivot frames that provide a mounting point for end pivots to be removably attached to the frame. A zip cord may interact with a starting gear on one of the wheel axles to cause rotation of the wheel with respect to the frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure deals with toy gyroscopes.

BACKGROUND

Gyroscopes are devices formed from a spinning wheel or disc attached to a mounting. The spinning disc has an axis of rotation that is unaffected by tilting or rotation of the components of the mounting. This makes gyroscopes useful for measuring or maintaining a desired orientation for navigation. In addition to their usefulness in navigation systems, gyroscopes may also be used for entertainment as a toy, similar to a spinning top. However, repeated use of the gyroscope may damage the spinning wheel or the mounting.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments include a gyroscope. The gyroscope may include a frame that includes a first frame section and a second frame section that are attached to each other. A first end pivot frame may be positioned at an end of the first frame section, and a second end pivot frame may be positioned at an end of the second frame section.

In some instances, the first end pivot may be removably attached to the first end pivot frame, and the second end pivot may be removably attached the second end pivot frame, so that a different end pivots may be attached as desired. As an example, the first end pivot frame may include a first end pivot post and the first end pivot may be removably attachable to the first end pivot frame at the first end pivot post. The first end pivot may be rotatable about the first end pivot post to secure the first end pivot to the first end pivot frame. The first end pivot frame may include an end pivot shoulder and the end pivot shoulder may fit within a first end pivot slot defined at an edge of the first end pivot and may be rotatable into a first end pivot recess to secure the first end pivot to the first end pivot frame. The second end pivot may be removably attached to the second end pivot frame in a similar fashion.

The frame may surround a wheel that is rotatable within the frame. A wheel axle may include a first wheel axle portion that extends from a first side of the wheel and a second wheel axle portion extends from a second side of the wheel. A weight may be attached to and surround the wheel. A bearing pin and a ball bearing connect each of the portions of the wheel axle to the frame and allow the wheel axle portions and wheel to rotate with respect to the frame. In some examples, the first ball bearing and an inner end of the first bearing pin may be positioned within a first bore hole defined through the first wheel axle portion. An outer end of the first bearing pin may be surrounded by the first end pivot frame. Likewise, the second ball bearing and an inner end of the second bearing pin may be positioned within a second bore hole defined through the second wheel axle portion. An outer end of the second bearing pin may be surrounded by the second end pivot frame.

Each of the wheel axle portions may include a starting gear adjacent the ends of the wheel axle. The starting gears are configured for interaction with a zip cord with teeth, e.g. a rack gear, cord that may be fed through the frame. After feeding the zip cord through the frame adjacent to the starting gear, the zip cord is quickly removed from the frame, causing the wheel to rotate as the teeth of the starting gear interact with teeth on the zip cord. The wheel and the weight rotate about a rotation axis defined by the wheel axles, while the frame remains stationary.

In some instances, the first frame section may include first connection flanges that fit into second connection slots defined in the second frame section when the first frame section is connected to the second frame section. The second frame section may include second connection flanges that fit into first connection slots defined in the first frame section when the first frame section is connected to the second frame section. In some examples, the first frame section may be sonic welded to the second frame section.

In some instances, wheel connection flanges may extend from the wheel. The wheel connection flanges may fit within weight slots defined through a weight ledge of the weight when the weight is attached to the wheel.

In some examples, the first end pivot may include a first end pivot head, and a V-shaped slot may be defined through the first end pivot head. The second end pivot may include a second end pivot head, and a circular recess may be defined in the second end pivot head.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gyroscope with a zip cord.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a frame of the gyroscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wheel of the gyroscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a weight of the gyroscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end pivot of the gyroscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an end pivot of the gyroscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the zip cord from FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional view of the gyroscope of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gyroscope 100. The gyroscope 100 includes a frame 110 that surrounds a wheel 130. A weight 150 is mounted to and positioned around the perimeter of the wheel 130. End pivots 160, 170 are attached to the frame 110 at respective upper and lower ends of the frame 110. A zip cord 180 may be included with the gyroscope 100 and may be used to start rotation of the wheel.

An exploded view of the frame 110 is illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown, the frame 110 includes a top frame section 112 and a bottom frame section 122. The top frame section 112 includes a top frame body 114 and includes top frame openings 115 defined through the top frame body 114. An end pivot frame 116 is positioned at one end of the top frame body 114 and is configured to receive the end pivot 160. A plurality of connection flanges 118 extend from a bottom surface of the top frame body 114 and a plurality of connection slots 119 are defined through the bottom surface of the top frame body 114 to assist with connection of the top frame section 112 to the bottom frame section 122.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the bottom frame section 122 is a mirror image of the top frame section 112 and includes a bottom frame body 124 and includes bottom frame openings 125 defined through the bottom frame body 124. An end pivot frame 126 is positioned at one end of the bottom frame body 124 and is configured to receive the end pivot 170. A plurality of connection flanges 128 extend from a top surface of the bottom frame body 124 and a plurality of connection slots 129 are defined through the top surface of the bottom frame body 124.

The position of the connection flanges 118 corresponds to the position of the connection slots 129 so that connection flanges 118 on the top frame body 114 may fit within the connection slots 129 defined in the bottom frame body 124 when the top frame section 112 is attached to the bottom frame section 122. Likewise, the position of the connection flanges 128 corresponds to the position of the connection slots 119 so that connection flanges 128 on the bottom frame body 124 may fit within the connection slots 119 defined in the top frame body 114 when the top frame section 112 is attached to the bottom frame section 122. In some embodiments, when the connection flanges 118, 128 and the connection slots 119, 129 are aligned the top frame section 112 may be sonic welded to the bottom frame section 122 to connect the top frame section 112 to the bottom frame section 122. In other embodiments, other suitable attachment methods for securing the top frame section 112 to the bottom frame section 122 may be used, for instance a snap-together arrangement or adhesive.

The frame 110 of the gyroscope provides a bigger diameter than if the gyroscope 100 just included the wheel 130 and the weight 150 without including the frame 110 that surrounds the wheel 130 and the weight 150. This larger diameter makes the gyroscope easier to grip and hold onto, while starting the gyroscope 100 and while the gyroscope 100 is spinning. Further, the frame 110 acts to protect the wheel 130 and the weight 150 while the wheel 130 is spinning. The frame 110 limits possible damage to the wheel 130 and/or the weight 150 and helps to prevent debris from interfering with the wheel 130 as the wheel 130 spins.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the top frame section 112 and the bottom frame section 122 are fit together to form the frame 110, frame openings 117 are defined between the top frame section 112 and the bottom frame section 122. The frame openings 117 allow a user to view the wheel 130 as the wheel is spinning. Additionally, in some embodiments, decorative inserts may be created to be fit into the frame openings. These inserts may be customized to allow decoration or embellishment of the gyroscope 100. In some embodiments, the inserts may be 3D printed and may be secured in one or more of the frame openings 117 in a manner that does not affect the spinning of the wheel 130.

A top perspective view of the frame 110 is illustrated in FIG. 4 to give a better view of the end pivot frame 116. As shown, the end pivot frame 116 includes an end pivot post 190 and an end pivot frame opening 191 that is defined through a portion of the end pivot frame 116 and surrounds the end pivot post 190. The end pivot post 190 narrows at one end to form an end pivot mount 192. One or more end pivot shoulders 194 extend from the end pivot frame 116 into the end pivot frame opening 191 and assist to retain the end pivot 160 on the end pivot frame 116 when the end pivot 160 is attached to the top frame section 112. Although the top frame section 112 is shown in FIG. 4, it should be realized that the end pivot frame 126 of the bottom frame section 122 has the same arrangement for securing the end pivot 170 to the bottom frame section 122.

A perspective view of the wheel 130 is shown in FIG. 5. The wheel 130 has a wheel body 132 and optional wheel openings 134 defined through the wheel body 132. In the embodiment shown, the wheel openings 134 are various geometric shapes defined through the wheel body 132. These wheel openings 134 decrease the weight of the wheel 130; however, in other embodiments the wheel body 132 may not include the wheel openings 134. Additionally, in other embodiments different sizes or shapes of wheel openings 134 may be included as desired.

Wheel connection flanges 136 extend from a surface of the wheel body 132 and help to couple the wheel 130 to the weight 150. In the embodiment shown, the wheel connection flanges 136 are evenly spaced around the wheel body 132 so that there are a total of five wheel connection flanges 136. In other embodiments, the number of wheel connection flanges 136 may be increased or decreased as desired.

The wheel 130 also includes a wheel axle that includes wheel axle portions 142, 144 extending from opposite sides of the wheel body 132. Each wheel axle portion 142, 144 includes a starting gear 143, 145 at the end of the wheel axle portion 142, 144. The teeth on the starting gears 143, 145 correspond to teeth 185 on the zip cord 180 so that the zip cord 180 may interact with either of the starting gears 143, 145 and cause rotation of the wheel 130 when the zip cord 180 is pulled across either starting gear 143, 145. A wheel axle bore hole 147 is defined through each of the wheel axle portions 142, 144 at the starting gears 143, 145. The wheel axle bore hole 147 is configure to receive a ball bearing 146 and a bearing pin 148 (see FIG. 10) to allow for rotation of the wheel 130 within the frame 110.

In some embodiments, the wheel 130 including the wheel axle portions 142, 144 and the starting gears 143, 145 may be cast or molded as a unitary structure. The unitary casting of the wheel 130 may decrease friction between components of the wheel 130 while the wheel 130 is spinning and may assist to decrease issues with components of the wheel 130 breaking due to use. Casting wheel 130 as one piece also minimizes the chance of debris getting caught between components of the wheel 130 and disrupting the rotation of the wheel 130.

The weight 150 for gyroscope 100 is shown in FIG. 6. As illustrated, weight 150 has a circular shape to fit around the wheel body 132. The weight 150 includes an interior weight recess 152 that receives the wheel body 132 and a weight ledge 154 that extends into the interior weight recess 152 to support the wheel 130. Weight slots 156 are defined through the weight ledge 154 and positioned to correspond to the location of the wheel connection flanges 136 that extend from the wheel body 132. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, there are five weight slots 156 defined through weight ledge 154 to correspond and connect to the five wheel connection flanges 136. However, in other embodiments, the number of weight slots 156 may be greater or fewer than five as desired, depending on the number of wheel connection flanges 136 included on the wheel body. In some embodiments, the weight 150 may be made from zinc. In other embodiments, any other suitable material may be used to form the weight 150.

Example end pivots 160, 170 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, end pivot 160 includes a head 162 and a V-shaped slot 163 defined at the end of head 162. The opposite end of end pivot 160 includes a slot 164 that extends through an edge of end pivot 160 and that leads into an end pivot recess 165. The slot 164 is shaped so that the shoulder 194 of end pivot frame 116 of the frame 110 may fit through slot 164 and be positioned within end pivot recess 165. The end pivot 160 also includes an arm 166 that covers a portion of end pivot recess 165. When the end pivot shoulder 194 of end pivot frame 116 is fit within the end pivot recess 165, the end pivot 160 may be rotated with respect to frame 110 so that the shoulder moves within end pivot recess 165 adjacent to arm 166. Arm 166 then prevents the shoulder from being removed from end pivot recess 165, connecting the end pivot 160 to the frame 110 at end pivot frame 116. Although not visible in FIG. 7, the other side of end pivot 160 includes an additional slot 164 and end pivot recess 165 arrangement for receiving the second shoulder of end pivot frame 116.

The end pivot 160 is removable from the end pivot frame 116. To remove the end pivot from the end pivot frame 116, the end pivot 160 is rotated so that the slot 164 is once again aligned with the end pivot shoulder 194 so that the end pivot 160 may be pulled away from the end pivot frame 116.

As shown in FIG. 8, end pivot 170 includes a spherical head 172 and a circular recess 173 defined through a portion of head 172. The opposite end of end pivot 170 includes a slot 174 that extends through an edge of end pivot 160 and that leads into an end pivot recess 175. The slot 174 is shaped so that the shoulder of end pivot frame 126 of the frame 110 may fit through slot 174 and be positioned within end pivot recess 175. The end pivot 170 also includes an arm 176 that covers a portion of end pivot recess 175. When the shoulder of end pivot frame 126 is fit within the end pivot recess 175, the end pivot 170 may be rotated with respect to frame 110 so that the shoulder moves within end pivot recess 175 adjacent to arm 176. Arm 176 then prevents the shoulder from being removed from end pivot recess 175, connecting the end pivot 170 to the frame 110 at end pivot frame 116.

The end pivot 170 is removable from the end pivot frame 126. To remove the end pivot from the end pivot frame 116, the end pivot 160 is rotated so that the slot 164 is once again aligned with the end pivot shoulder 194 so that the end pivot 160 may be pulled away from the end pivot frame 116. Although not visible in FIG. 8, the other side of end pivot 170 includes an additional slot 174 and end pivot recess 175 arrangement for receiving the second shoulder of end pivot frame 126.

Although the end pivot 160 including the V-shaped slot 163 is shown as connecting to the end pivot frame 116 that is attached to the top frame section 112, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the end pivot 160 may be connected to the end pivot frame 126 attached to the bottom frame section 122. Likewise, in some embodiments, the end pivot 170 including the circular recess 173 may be connected to the end pivot frame 116 attached to the top frame section 112. In some embodiments, both end pivots 160, 170 may include a V-shaped slot 163 or both end pivots 160, 170 may include a circular recess 173. In still other embodiments, different shapes or features other than a V-shaped slot 163 or a circular recess 173 may be found on the head 162, 172 of the end pivots 160, 170. For example, the head of the end pivot 160 or 170 may be flat or may include a square or rectangular recess.

In some embodiments, the end pivots 160, 170 may be made from rubber or any other suitable elastomeric material to prevent scratching or damaging the surface on which the gyroscope 100 is supported while in operation. In an illustrative embodiment, the end pivots have Shore A 80 durometer hardness rating. In other embodiments, the end pivots 160, 170 may be made from any other suitable material that is able to support the gyroscope 100 as the gyroscope 100 as in use. Because the end pivots 160, 170 are removable from the end pivot frames 116, 126, the end pivots 160, 170 may be replaced when necessary due to wear or may be replaced to include different desired features on the end pivots 160, 170.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the zip cord 180. Zip cord 180 is made with a bendable/flexible plastic strip forming a cord body 184. The zip cord 180 includes a handle 182 at one end. In some embodiments, the handle 182 may include contours 183 that make the handle 182 easier to grip and to pull. Cord body 184 extends from the handle 182. A plurality of teeth 185 extend along at least a portion of the length of the cord body 184 forming a flexible rack gear. The teeth 185 are spaced on the cord body 184 to correspond to the starting gears 143, 145 on the wheel axle portions 142, 144 so that the teeth 185 may mate with the teeth on the starting gears 143, 145 when the zip cord 180 is slid along the starting gears 143, 145.

A cross-sectional view of the gyroscope 100 is shown in FIG. 10. As illustrated, the wheel 130 sits atop the weight 150 on the weight ledge 154. To connect the wheel 130 to the weight, the wheel connection flanges 136 are aligned with the weight slots 156 so that the wheel connection flanges 136 are inserted into the weight slots 156. The connection may be press-fit or snap-fit, it may use adhesive or fasteners may be used.

The wheel 130 and the weight 150 are surrounded by the frame 110. The wheel axle portions 142, 144 extend vertically from the wheel 130. The wheel axle portion 142 is at least partially surrounded by the top frame section 112 and the wheel axle portion 144 is at least partially surrounded by the bottom frame section 122.

A pair of opposing bearing pins 148 are arranged in the frame and axially aligned with the opposing ends of wheel axle portions 142, 144. Each bearing pin 148 has an outer end received in top frame section 112 or bottom frame section 122 and an inner end extending into the axially aligned wheel axle bore hole 147 in wheel axle portion 142 or 144. The diameter of the bore holes 147 is slightly larger than the diameter of the bearing pins. The bore hole 147 may overlap with the respective starting gears 143, 145. The bore hole 147 preferably has a hemispherically shaped inner end. The inward end of each bearing pin defines a slightly hemispherically shaped indent. Within each bore hole 147, a ball bearing 146 is arranged between the inward end of each bearing pin 148 and the inner end of the bore hole 147. The wheel axle portions 142, 144 and wheel 130 are able to spin on the ball bearings 146 while the bearing pins 148 remain stationary. Therefore, while in operation, the wheel 130 and the weight 150 spin, while the frame 110 and the end pivots 160, 170 are stationary or move independently of the wheel 130.

In operation, a user inserts the zip cord 180 through a slot defined by the frame 110 and either one of the starting gears 143, 145. The teeth 185 of the zip cord 180 interact with teeth of the starting gear 143, 145 to feed the length of the zip cord 180 through the frame, spinning the wheel 130 and the weight 150 spin in a first direction. The slot between the frame 110 and the starting gear 143 or 145 assists to hold the zip cord 180 against the starting gear 143, 145 as the zip cord 180 is pulled. As the wheel 130 starts to spin in the first direction, the zip cord 180 may be automatically fed through the frame by the rotation of the starting gear 143 or 145 as the teeth of the starting gear 143 or 145 interact with the teeth 185 of the zip cord 180.

Once the zip cord 180 is fed along the starting gear 143 or 145 the desired distance, the zip cord 180 may be quickly pulled in the opposite direction and removed from the frame 110 while the frame is held in position. As the zip cord 180 is pulled, the teeth 185 on the zip cord 180 interact with the starting gear 143 or 145 to spin the wheel 130 and the weight 150 in a second direction, opposite of the first direction. Typically, the zip cord 180 is pulled with greater force as it is removed from the frame 110 compared to the force used to insert the zip cord 180 between the frame 110 and the starting gear 143 or 145.

As the wheel 130 and the weight 150 are spinning, the gyroscope may be supported on a surface by either the end pivot 160 or the end pivot 170. Different surfaces may be used to support the gyroscope 100 including a string, a table, a floor, or even the finger of a user. In some embodiments, the V-shaped slot 163 on the end pivot 160 or the circular recess 173 on the end pivot 170 may interact with the support surface. For example, a string may act as the support surface by inserting the string into the V-shaped slot 163. Alternately, the circular recess 173 may support the gyroscope on a pointed object or on a circular shaped surface. In some embodiments, the ball shaped end pivot 160 or 170 may be supported in a cup-shaped recess. The spin axis of the wheel 130 and the weight 150 through the wheel axle portions 142, 144 is maintained even as the frame 110 of the gyroscope 100 is rotated.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A toy gyroscope comprising: a frame including a first frame section and a second frame section attachable to said first frame section, wherein a first end pivot frame is positioned at an end of said first frame section, and wherein a second end pivot frame is positioned at an end of said second frame section;a wheel positioned within said frame, wherein said wheel is rotatable within said frame;a wheel axle including a first wheel axle portion extending from a first side of said wheel and a second wheel axle portion extending from a second side of said wheel;a weight mounted to said wheel;a first end pivot removably attached to said frame at said first end pivot frame; anda second end pivot removably attached to said frame at said second end pivot frame.

2. The toy gyroscope of claim 1, further comprising: a zip cord including spaced teeth along a length of said zip cord;wherein said first wheel axle portion includes a first starting gear having a plurality of teeth; andwherein the teeth of said zip cord correspond to the teeth of said first starting gear, and wherein pulling said zip cord along said first starting gear causes rotation of said wheel within said frame.

3. The toy gyroscope of claim 2, wherein said second wheel axle portion includes a second starting gear having a plurality of teeth; andwherein the teeth of said zip cord correspond to the teeth of said second starting gear, and wherein pulling said zip cord along said second starting gear causes rotation of said wheel within said frame.

4. The toy gyroscope of claim 1, wherein said first frame section includes first connection flanges that fit into second connection slots defined in said second frame section when said first frame section is connected to said second frame section; andwherein said second frame section includes second connection flanges that fit into first connection slots defined in said first frame section when said first frame section is connected to said second frame section.

5. The toy gyroscope of claim 1, wherein said first frame section is sonic welded to said second frame section.

6. The toy gyroscope of claim 1, wherein a plurality of frame openings are defined through said first frame section; andwherein a plurality of frame openings are defined through said second frame section.

7. The toy gyroscope of claim 1, further comprising: wheel connection flanges extending from said wheel; andwherein said wheel connection flanges fit within weight slots defined through a weight ledge of said weight when said weight is attached to said wheel.

8. The toy gyroscope of claim 1, wherein said first end pivot frame includes a first end pivot post;wherein said first end pivot is removably attachable to said first end pivot frame at said first end pivot post; andwherein said first end pivot is rotatable about said first end pivot post to secure said first end pivot to said first end pivot frame.

9. The toy gyroscope of claim 8, wherein said first end pivot frame includes an end pivot shoulder; andwherein said end pivot shoulder fits within a first end pivot slot defined at an edge of said first end pivot and is rotatable into a first end pivot recess to secure said first end pivot to said first end pivot frame.

10. The toy gyroscope of claim 8, wherein said second end pivot frame includes a second end pivot post;wherein said second end pivot is removably attachable to said second end pivot frame at said second end pivot post; andwherein said second end pivot is rotatable about said second end pivot post to secure said second end pivot to said second end pivot frame.

11. The toy gyroscope of claim 1, wherein said first end pivot includes a first end pivot head, and wherein a V-shaped slot is defined through said first end pivot head; andwherein said second end pivot includes a second end pivot head, and wherein a circular recess is defined in said second end pivot head.

12. A toy gyroscope comprising: a frame including a first end pivot frame and a second end pivot frame;a wheel positioned within said frame, wherein said wheel includes: a wheel axle including a first wheel axle portion extending from a first side of said wheel, wherein said first wheel axle portion defines a first bore hole extending within said first wheel axle portion, and a second wheel axle portion extending from a second side of said wheel, wherein said second wheel axle portion defines a second bore hole extending within said second wheel axle portion;a first ball bearing positioned within said first bore hole;a first bearing pin, wherein an inner end of said first bearing pin is positioned within said first bore hole and an outer end of said first bearing pin is surrounded by said first end pivot frame;a second ball bearing positioned within said second bore hole; anda second bearing pin, wherein an inner end of said second bearing pin is positioned within said second bore hole and an outer end of said second bearing pin is surrounded by said second end pivot frame.

13. The toy gyroscope of claim 12, wherein said first wheel axle portion includes a first starting gear, and wherein said first bore hole extends through said first starting gear; andwherein said second wheel axle portion includes a second starting gear, and wherein said second bore hole extends through said second starting gear.

14. The toy gyroscope of claim 13, further comprising: a zip cord including spaced teeth along a length of said zip cord;wherein the teeth of said zip cord correspond to teeth of said first starting gear, and wherein pulling said zip cord along said first starting gear causes rotation of said wheel within said frame.

15. The toy gyroscope of claim 12, wherein said first bore hole has a hemispherically shaped inner end; andwherein said second bore hole has a hemispherically shaped inner end.

16. The toy gyroscope of claim 12, further comprising: a first end pivot removably attached to said frame at said first end pivot frame.

17. The toy gyroscope of claim 16, wherein said first end pivot frame includes a first end pivot post;wherein said first end pivot is removably attachable to said first end pivot frame at said first end pivot post; andwherein said first end pivot is rotatable about said first end pivot post to secure said first end pivot to said first end pivot frame.

18. The toy gyroscope of claim 16, further comprising: a second end pivot removably attached to said frame at said second end pivot frame.

19. The toy gyroscope of claim 18, wherein said second end pivot frame includes a second end pivot post;wherein said second end pivot is removably attachable to said second end pivot frame at said second end pivot post; andwherein said second end pivot is rotatable about said second end pivot post to secure said second end pivot to said second end pivot frame.

20. The toy gyroscope of claim 12, further comprising: a weight mounted to said wheel, wherein said weight is positioned around a perimeter of said wheel.