BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to spinning tops. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to toy spinning tops and launching devices for launching the toy spinning tops.
2. Description of the Related Art
Toy spinning tops generally spin rapidly on a tip about a vertical axis and generally must have adequate gyroscopic characteristics to maintain that spin for any length of time. For example, a toy spinning top is generally made symmetrical about its vertical axis of spin to provide the best gyroscopic characteristics allowing the top to spin for an adequate amount of time. Since symmetry about the vertical axis is so important, the shapes that toy spinning tops can assume have been somewhat limited.
There are many types of toy spinning tops as well as ways of launching and causing the toy spinning tops to spin. These include string launched spinning tops, mechanically launched spinning tops, manually launched spinning tops, etc. Whatever the design and shape of the toy spinning top or the method of launching the spinning top, children have always enjoyed playing with such toy spinning tops.
Any safe form of play which stimulates and maintains a child's interest and curiosity also presents learning opportunities for the child. It would be beneficial if toy spinning tops could be designed to provide a safe and fun form of play while also providing learning opportunities for the child. In particular, it would be beneficial if a toy spinning top system could be developed to enhance a child's shape recognition and matching skills as well as color recognition and matching skills. These and other skills are important to a child's development.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a toy spinning top and mechanisms for launching and starting the spinning top spinning.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a toy spinning top includes a main body having an upper portion and a lower portion and a vertical axis. A spinning tip extends from a lower portion of the main body. The upper portion has a two-dimensional shape having at least one corner point and the lower portion has the two-dimensional shape rotationally shifted about the vertical axis.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a toy spinning top and launch system includes a spinning top having a main body with an upper portion and a lower portion and a vertical axis and a spinning tip extending from a lower portion of the main body. The upper portion has a two-dimensional shape having at least one corner point and the lower portion comprises the two-dimensional shape rotationally shifted about the vertical axis. The main body includes at least one helical thread extending from the corner point of the upper portion to the lower portion. Also included is a launch die comprising a block of material having a hole extending therethrough and including at least one helical thread corresponding to and for receiving the at least one helical thread extending from the upper portion to the lower portion of the main body of the spinning top.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure a toy spinning top bench includes a plurality of spinning tops each having a main body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion and a vertical axis and a spinning tip extending from a lower portion of the main body. The upper portion comprises a two-dimensional shape having at least one corner point and the lower portion comprises the two-dimensional shape rotationally shifted about the vertical axis. The main body comprises at least one helical thread extending from the upper portion to the lower portion. Also provided is a bench comprising a plurality of launch dies each having a hole extending therethrough and including at least one helical thread formed along an inside surface of the hole, the at least one helical thread corresponding to and for receiving the at least one helical thread extending from the upper portion to the lower portion of the main body of the spinning top.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, the structure is formed from components that are simple to manufacture and assemble.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, toys embodying the disclosed structure are lightweight and easy to store and transport.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, toys embodying the disclosed structure are durable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and/or other aspects of the disclosure will be more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body forming a portion of a toy spinning top according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toy spinning top according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a launch die according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a toy spinning top loaded in a launch die according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5A-5C are views for describing how a toy spinning top is launched from a launch die according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is perspective view of a toy spinning top bench according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the toy spinning top bench depicted in FIG. 6 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8A is a top view of the toy spinning top bench depicted in FIG. 6 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 8B-8F are top and side views of toy spinning tops according to illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9A is a cut-away view showing aspects of the toy spinning top bench according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9B is an exploded view of a portion of the toy spinning top bench according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9C is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the toy spinning top bench according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a toy spinning top bench according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of spinning tops and corresponding launch dies according to illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 12A-12C are various views of a toy spinning top according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIGS. 13A-13C are various views of a toy spinning top according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described below by reference to the attached Figures. The described exemplary embodiments are intended to assist the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
A toy spinning top 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is described by reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. A “twisted” shape forming a main body 1 of the toy spinning top 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. According to one embodiment, main body 1 has a substantially “square” shape when viewed from the top portion 2 and has four corner points. Main body 1 may be visualized as having been formed by extruding downward the two-dimensional square shape top portion 2 (having no thickness) while twisting it clockwise as it is being extruded. In this case, the total number of degrees the square shape is twisted as it is being extruded is one hundred eighty degrees, such that the resulting three-dimensional twisted main body 1 will be symmetrical from top to bottom. More specifically, the resulting main body 1 will be symmetrical about the Z-axis as shown in FIG. 2. It is noted that the total number of degrees the shape is twisted will depend on the shape of top portion 2. For example, depending on the shape of top portion 2, the degree of twist may be selected such that the resulting main body 1 will be symmetrical about its Z-axis. Accordingly, although the present disclosure refers generally to one hundred eighty degrees of twist, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. It should also be understood that the disclosure is not limited to rotations that result in exact symmetry about the Z-axis. Indeed, twists about a variety of angles regardless of the rotational symmetry of the shape of surface 2 will provide sufficient symmetry about the Z-axis. For example, where the main body 1 has a pentagon shape as shown in FIG. 8D and is rotationally twisted by 180 degrees, (and not by about 72 degrees which is the angle of rotational symmetry for a regular pentagon) the top 122 spins well. As the corner points of the two-dimensional square shape top portion 2 are extruded downward and twisted, they form four threads or helical V-like thread protrusions 5 along the side surface 3. The shape of the upper surface portion 11 of main body 1 will look substantially similar to the shape of the lower surface portion 12, except that the shape of the lower surface portion 12 will be rotationally displaced or shifted about the vertical axis “Z” by one hundred eighty degrees. It should be noted the number of threads or helical V-like thread protrusions will depend on the number of corner points on the two-dimensional shape. It will be appreciated that twisting clockwise during the extrusion process creates four threads each with a right-hand helical or a right-hand helix extending from top to bottom. Accordingly, the threads are considered right-handed helical, which is the most common helical thread type used on screws, bolts, jar lids, etc. As will be shown later below, when utilizing the toy spinning top according to embodiments of the present disclosure, this will help the child gain the skills required when learning how to screw in or screw on the most common types of screws, bolts, lids, etc. Of course, the threads may be formed with a left-hand helical pattern if desired.
Toy spinning top 10 includes a circular push-rod 4 extending from the upper surface portion 11 and a pointed bottom tip 6 extending from the lower surface portion 12. Push-rod 4 and pointed bottom tip 6 may be formed in-situ during the manufacture of the spinning top toy 10. Alternatively, push-rod 4 and bottom tip 6 may be added by any known method (e.g., glue, fasteners, etc) to main body 1 after manufacture of the main body 1. Since the resulting toy spinning top 10 is symmetrical about the “Z” axis, it exhibits excellent gyroscopic tendencies, and rotates and rests upon the bottom tip 6. Toy spinning top 10 may be formed from any suitable type of material (e.g., plastics, composites, wood, etc.)
Another portion of a spinning top toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3 and is referred to as spinning top launching die or launch die 8. Launch die 8 is generally a solid block of material (e.g., wood, plastic, composite, etc.) and includes a hole 7 extending therethrough. The side surfaces of the hole 7 extending through launch die 8 have a pattern of twisted grooves as shown by phantom lines in FIG. 3. The twisted grooves are shaped and dimensioned to receive the four threads or helical V-like thread protrusions 5 along the side surface 3 of toy spinning top 10.
A spinning top toy 10 loaded within a launch die 8 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4. The spinning top toy 10 is loaded within launching die 8 by placing the lower portion 12 of spinning top toy 10 against the hole 7 formed in launching die 8 and rotating spinning top toy 10 in a clock-wise direction (looking down from a top perspective) until the spinning top toy 10 is positioned as shown. In this position, the spinning top toy 10 is ready for launching. As noted above, since the child gets to screw the spinning top toy 10 into launch die 8, the child gains important skills and dexterity required for attaching everyday items including, for example, screws, bolts, jar lids, etc.
A method of using and playing with the spinning top toy 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. As shown in FIG. 5A, spinning top toy 10 is first loaded into launching die 8 as described above with respect to FIG. 4. While maintaining launching die 8 in a relatively fixed position, a force is then applied in the “Z” direction to push rod 4 of spinning top toy 10. This force might be applied in any suitable manner including, for example, from a blow from a striking instrument such as a mallet or hammer or from another device such as a plunger as will be described later below. Because of the twisted shape of spinning top toy 10, as it proceeds to move downward through the stationary launching die 8, the spinning top toy begins to rotate or spin very rapidly in the “Y” direction (clockwise when viewed from above) until it exits the bottom of the launching die 8 (FIG. 5B). The rapidly rotating spinning top toy 10 will continue to fall until it lands on surface 30 below, as shown in FIG. 5C. The spinning top toy 10 will continue to spin on its bottom tip 6 providing the child with a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.
A toy spinning top bench 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The toy spinning top bench may be referred to herein simply as bench 100. Toy spinning top bench 100 provides an unlimited amount of fun as well various types of learning experiences for children as will be appreciated from the following description. The toy spinning top bench 100 includes an upper tray 102 having a series of holes 103 provided therethrough. The center of upper tray 102 also includes a recessed center screw hole 144. A lower tray 104 has a substantially flat, hard surface, includes a raised rim 108 and has a center screw hole 139 provided therein. Upper tray 102 and/or lower tray 104 may include one or more designs 141 on the surface thereof. The designs may be painted thereon or applied utilizing one or more decals. Designs 141 may be in the shape of circles as shown or in the shape of coils or any other shape or shapes as desired. Designs 141 may each be the same or different colors as desired. For example, the color of designs 141 may correspond to the color of the launch die and/or toy spinning top being launched from the launch die in upper tray 102 immediately above each design. A center dowel 106 is provided between upper tray 102 and lower tray 104 and acts as a column for supporting lower tray 104 in a spaced relationship relative to upper tray 102. Center dowel 106 includes a screw hole 143 extending through the center thereof. Center dowel 106 has a lower portion 137 having a smaller diameter than its upper portion. Lower portion 137 of center dowel 106 is dimensioned to fit within an orifice 138 provided in base connector 142 which rests on lower tray 104. A grommet 132 includes a recessed hole 146 and rests within recessed hole 144 in upper tray 102. A threaded screw 136 extends through recessed hole 146 of grommet 132 and through recessed hole 144 in upper tray 102. The screw then passes through hole 143 in dowel 106, through hole 138 in base connector 142 and through hole 139 in lower tray 104. A flat nut 140 includes a threaded nut extension 145 which extends up and into hole 139 from the bottom of lower tray 104 for receiving the threaded end of screw 136.
Toy spinning top bench 100 includes a plurality of differently shaped launch dies 110-114 and correspondingly shaped toy spinning tops 120-124. Each launch die includes a raised shape indicating which spinning top corresponds to that launch die. This provides the child with practice matching shapes. The launch dies and corresponding spinning top may also be the same color providing the child with practice matching colors. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, launch die 110 has a raised hexagonal shape 450 indicating to a child which spinning top corresponds to that particular launch die. The corresponding hexagonally shaped spinning top 122 is shown in FIG. 8E. Spinning top 120 includes a raised hexagonal shape 422 on its top surface so the child can match shapes. The launch dies 110-114 and corresponding spinning tops 120-124 may also be color coded. For example, launch die 110 and corresponding spinning top 120 may be the same color so the child can also match colors. The main body 424 of spinning top 120 is generally formed from a hexagonal shape and includes a spiral thread extending down from each corner of the hexagon. Accordingly for the hexagonally shaped spinning top 120, main body 424 includes six spiral threads 426 and has an outer diameter “D”. The inner surface of launch die 110 has grooves 452 corresponding to the threads 426 of spinning top 120. Diameter “D” is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the circular opening 451 provided in launch die 110 so that spinning top 120 moves relatively easily through launch die 110. Spinning top 120 also includes a pointed push rod 428 extending from the upper portion and a pointed tip 430 extending from the lower portion of main body 424.
Launch die 111 has a raised star shape 453 and corresponds to star shaped spinning top 121 as shown in FIG. 8B. Spinning top 121 includes a raised star shape 442 on its top surface so the child can match shapes. Launch die 111 and corresponding spinning top 121 may also be the same color so the child can also match colors. The main body 444 of spinning top 121 is generally formed from a star shape and includes a spiral thread extending down from each corner of the star. Accordingly for the star shaped spinning top 121, main body 444 includes six spiral threads 446 and has an outer diameter “D1”. The inner surface of launch die 111 has grooves 455 corresponding to the threads 446 of spinning top 121. Diameter “D1” is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the circular opening 454 provided in launch die 111 so that spinning top 121 moves relatively easily through launch die 111. Spinning top 121 also includes a pointed push rod 448 extending from the upper portion and a pointed tip 450 extending from the lower portion of main body 444.
Launch die 112 has a raised pentagon shape 456 indicating to a child which spinning top corresponds to that particular launch die. The corresponding pentagon shaped spinning top 122 is shown in FIG. 8D. Spinning top 122 includes a raised pentagon shape 412 on its top surface so the child can match shapes. Launch die 112 and corresponding spinning top 122 may also be the same color so the child can also match colors. The main body 414 of spinning top 122 is generally formed from a pentagon shape and includes a spiral thread extending down from each corner of the pentagon. Accordingly for the pentagon shaped spinning top 122, main body 414 includes five spiral threads 416 and has an outer diameter “D2”. The inner surface of launch die 112 has grooves 458 corresponding to the threads 416 of spinning top 122. Diameter “D2” is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the circular opening 457 provided in launch die 112 so that spinning top 122 moves relatively easily through launch die 112. Spinning top 122 also includes a pointed push rod 418 extending from the upper portion and a pointed tip 420 extending from the lower portion of main body 414.
Launch die 113 has a raised flower shape 459 indicating to a child which spinning top corresponds to that particular launch die. The corresponding flower shaped spinning top 123 is shown in FIG. 8F. Spinning top 123 includes a raised flower shape 432 on its top surface so the child can match shapes. Launch die 113 and corresponding spinning top 123 may also be the same color so the child can also match colors. The main body 434 of spinning top 123 is generally formed from a flower shape and includes a spiral thread extending down from each corner or “leaf” of the flower. Accordingly for the flower shaped spinning top 123, main body 434 includes four rounded spiral threads 436 and has an outer diameter “D3”. The inner surface of launch die 113 has grooves 461 corresponding to the threads 436 of spinning top 123. Diameter “D3” is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the circular opening 460 provided in launch die 113 so that spinning top 123 moves relatively easily through launch die 113. Spinning top 123 also includes a pointed push rod 438 extending from the upper portion and a pointed tip 440 extending from the lower portion of main body 434.
Launch die 114 has a raised square shape indicating to a child which spinning top corresponds to that particular launch die. The corresponding square shaped spinning top 124 is shown in FIG. 8C. Spinning top 124 includes a raised square shape 402 on its top surface so the child can match shapes. Launch die 114 and corresponding spinning top 124 may also be the same color so the child can also match colors. The main body 404 of spinning top 124 is generally formed from a square shape and includes a spiral thread extending down from each corner of the square. Accordingly for the square shaped spinning top 124, main body 404 includes four spiral threads 406 and has an outer diameter “D4”. The inner surface of launch die 114 has grooves 464 corresponding to the threads 406 of spinning top 124. Diameter “D4” is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the circular opening 463 provided in launch die 114 so that spinning top 124 moves relatively easily through launch die 114. Spinning top 124 also includes a pointed push rod 408 extending from the upper portion and a pointed tip 410 extending from the lower portion of main body 404.
The launch mechanism according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9A-9C. While the launch mechanism will be described with respect to the flower shaped launch die 116 and corresponding flower shaped spinning top 123, it will be appreciated the same concepts apply to each of the launch dies and spinning tops described herein. A lower portion 117 of launch die 116 extends into the hole 103 provided in upper tray 102 and the upper portion 119 of launch die 116 rests on upper tray 102. Upper tray 102 includes a notch 181 which engages a nub 183 (see FIG. 9A) extending from the lower portion 117 of launch die 116. This maintains launch die 116 in position with respect to bench 100, preventing launch die 116 from rotating when the spinning top is set in motion. Catch ring 134 is positioned along the bottom surface of upper tray 102 and includes one or more flexible wings 180 having flaps 182 extending therefrom. Flaps 182 engage an outer portion of the lower surface of spinning top 123 and prevent spinning top 123 from falling through launch die 116 when initially loaded in launch die 116. Catch ring 134 may be attached to the lower portion 117 of launch die 116 and/or the bottom surface of upper tray 102 in any suitable manner of attachment including, for example, by an adhesive, a fastener, a snap fit engagement, an interference fit, a weld, or other fastening means known in the field of the disclosure.
Plunger 130 includes a pommel 150 on its proximal end which is ergonomically sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a child's hand. Plunger 130 also includes a circular opening 156 at its distal end having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the push rod 438 of spinning top 123. The bottom of circular opening 156 in plunger 130 includes a pointed tip 157 which engages the pointed tip 164 of push rod 438. A base portion 154 of plunger 130 is dimensioned to fit within opening 439 of launch die 116 when the plunger 130 is pressed down. A stop edge 152 is provided on plunger 130 which engages a top surface of launch die 116 and stops its downward movement during operation. When the child presses down on pommel 150, flexible wings 180 and flaps 182 on catch ring 134 move downward releasing spinning top 123 while at the same time spinning top 123 begins to rotate by action of the corresponding spiral threaded surfaces on spinning top 123 and launch die 116. When stop edge 152 of plunger 130 engages the top surface of launch die 116, the downward motion of pommel 150 is stopped and the spinning top 123 falls from launch die 116 and is sent down spinning onto the lower tray 104 (FIG. 6).
A toy spinning top bench 200 according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 10. Toy spinning top bench 200 may be referred to herein simply as bench 200. Bench 200 is similar to bench 100 described above in many aspects as will be appreciated from the following description. The toy spinning top bench 200 includes an upper tray 202 having a plurality of differently shaped launch dies 210-212 extending through holes provided therein. According to this embodiment, a hexagonally shaped launch die 210 has a raised hexagonal shape as shown and corresponds to hexagonally shaped spinning top 220 which includes a raised hexagonal shape 240 on a top surface thereof. Bench 200 also includes a square shaped launch die 211 having a raised square shape and corresponds to square shaped spinning top 221 which includes a square shape 241 on a top surface thereof. Also provided are a pentagon shaped launch die 212 having a raised pentagon shape and a corresponding pentagon shaped spinning top 222 having a pentagon shape 242 provided on a top surface thereof. Each launch die and spinning top may be color coded so that a child can practice matching shapes and colors while using bench 200. A plunger 230 is also provided and is similar to plunger 130 described above. A lower tray 204 has a substantially flat, hard surface, includes a raised rim 208 and has a pair of columns 206 extending therefrom for supporting upper tray 202. Upper tray 202 and/or lower tray 204 are oblong in shape although other shapes may be utilized. For example, upper tray 202 and/or lower tray 204 may be rectangular, square, triangular, etc., depending on, for example, the number of launch dies being provided. Although not shown, the upper surfaces of upper tray 202 and lower tray 204 may include one or more designs provided thereon. The designs may be painted thereon or applied utilizing one or more decals. Designs may be in the shape of circles, coils or any other shape or shapes as desired. The designs may each be the same or different colors as desired. The designs may themselves be color coded with the launch dies and corresponding spinning tops such that the color of the design corresponds to a color of the die and spinning top provided directly above the design.
Various types of launch dies and corresponding spinning tops according to illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 11A-11D. According to these embodiments, the spinning tops include threads in the form of fins. For example, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, spinning top 300 includes three spiral fins 302 extending from round center body 304. Launch die 301 has a round center opening 305 with three spaced openings 303 which open to spiral grooves or threads 306 extending through launch die 301. The center opening 305 and spiral grooves or threads 306 in launch die 301 are positioned and dimensioned for receiving center body 304 and the spiral fins 302 of spinning top 300. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, spinning top 320 includes four spiral fins 322 extending from round center body 323. Launch die 324 has a round center opening 325 with four spaced openings 326 which open to corresponding spiral grooves or threads 326 extending through launch die 324. Center opening 305 and spiral grooves 306 of launch die 324 are positioned and dimensioned for receiving center body 323 and spiral fins 322 of spinning top 320. The spinning tops and launch dies depicted in FIGS. 11A, 11B may include other elements described above with respect to other embodiments including, for example, a catch ring and may be launched in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the other embodiments.
According to illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the spinning tops may have spiral fins shaped such that when viewed from the top, an outline of the shape is presented. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A-12C, spiral fins 334 extend from round center section 331 of spinning top 330. As shown, the tips 332 of the spiral fins 334 extend out further than the remainder of spiral fins 334. That is, the portion of spiral fins that would otherwise extend into areas “A” (FIG. 12B) are omitted during manufacture or otherwise removed from spiral fins 334. In this way, spinning top 330 presents as a true triangle when viewed from the top end as shown in FIG. 12B.
According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a spinning top 340 has a square outline when viewed from the top as shown in FIG. 13B. Spiral fins 354 extend from round center section 351 of spinning top 340. As shown, the tips 352 of the spiral fins 354 extend out further than the remainder of the spiral fins 354. That is, the portion of spiral fins that would otherwise extend into areas “B” (FIG. 13B) are omitted during manufacture or otherwise removed from spiral fins 354. In this way, spinning top 340 presents as a true square when viewed from the top end as shown in FIG. 13B.
Any suitable type of manufacturing process may be utilized for making the components forming the toy spinning top benches described herein and may depend on the material from which it is made. For example, one or more portions of the above-described toy spinning top benches may be made from wood in which case any suitable type of subtractive manufacturing process may be utilized. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of the components may be made from plastic or plastic like materials in which case any suitable type of manufacturing process may be used including, for example, any suitable type of extrusion or molding processes including blow molding or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing process or subtractive manufacturing process.
The shapes and sizes of the spinning tops may vary as desired. For example, the sizes of the toy spinning tops described herein may be dimensioned depending on the age group to which the toy is targeted. For example, for younger children, the toy spinning tops might be 60 mm-80 mm tall from tip to tip and 50 mm-60 mm in diameter. For older children, the toy spinning tops might be 45 mm-60 mm tall from tip to tip and 30 mm-40 mm in diameter. Of course, these dimensions may vary as desired. The toy spinning tops described herein are not limited to the shapes described. That is, the spinning tops may be formed in virtually any shape desired. As long as the rotational shift between the upper surface and the lower surface of the toy spinning top is selected such that the resulting body is substantially symmetrical about its vertical axis, the toy spinning top will have symmetry and good gyroscopic characteristics.
While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Therefore, the description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
Patent Application
20250001319
