There described a computerized yo-yo toy that uses an acceleration measuring device, a computation and control device, a communication device and entertaining devices to enhance the entertaining experience of playing with the computerized yo-yo toy. The acceleration measuring device measures the acceleration values of the computerized yo-yo toy. The computation and control device uses the measured acceleration values to generate control signals to control the entertaining devices such as a light display device, an audio play device and an auxiliary device for an enhanced entertaining experience. The entertaining devices may be latched to a latching base, which allows using different and new entertaining devices with the computerized yo-yo toy. The computation and control device may also use the measured acceleration values to generate control signals to control the motion of the computerized yo-yo toy, using an electric clutch device and an electric motor device. The control signals are based on the measured acceleration values, the type of entertaining device latched to the latching base and setup parameters received by the communication device from an external device, such as smartphone or tablet. The communication deice may also send data from the computerized yo-yo toy to the external device, which allows the external device to analyze, store or display the data for an enhanced entertaining experience.

A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a sensor module adapted to attach to the trailer and generate a trailer yaw rate or a trailer speed. The trailer backup assist system also includes a vehicle sensor system that generates a vehicle yaw rate and a vehicle speed. Further, the trailer backup assist system includes a controller that estimates a hitch angle based on the trailer yaw rate or the trailer speed and the vehicle yaw rate and the vehicle speed in view of a kinematic relationship between the trailer and the vehicle.

A motorized yo-yo includes a body and a tether coupled to the body to support the body for rotation. A drive mechanism of the body drives rotation of the body when a user throws the yo-yo.

Interactive entertainment devices including a toy magic wand with integrated electronics for, among other things, detecting wand motion and responding accordingly, such as illuminating one or more LEDs, displaying images on one or more LCD displays, playing sound effects or character speech, emitting infrared (IR) signals via one or more IR emitters, or some combination thereof. An exemplary device may include a fairy house or wizard tower playset with integrated electronics for receiving one or more received IR signals and responding or reacting accordingly. For example, depending on the nature of the received IR signals, the electronics may illuminate one or more LEDs, display images on one or more LCD displays, play sound effects or character speech, emit IR signals via one or more IR emitters, or some combination thereof.

A system and method for controlling an action toy without electronics or motors. A spinning sphere includes a set of magnets supported by a cross beam. A magnet assembly, such as a ring or wand, may be held by an operator and used to control the spinning embodiments. Special play surfaces may be provided to enhance an experience and challenges of steering a spinning sphere.

In an example embodiment, a yoyo includes an axle, a first body and a second body coupled to the axle, and a string windable about the axle within a gap between the first body and the second body. The first body includes an outer rim and multiple propeller blades that extend inward from the outer rim toward the axle. The gap between the first body and the second body is smaller than three times a diameter of the string. A diameter of the axle is no larger than one sixth of the diameter of the first or second outer rim. An aggregate mass of the first and second outer rims is at least one quarter of an aggregate mass of the yoyo, string excluded.

In an example embodiment, a yoyo includes an axle, a first body and a second body coupled to the axle, and a string windable about the axle within a gap between the first body and the second body. The first body includes an outer rim and multiple propeller blades that extend inward from the outer rim toward the axle. The gap between the first body and the second body is smaller than three times a diameter of the string. A diameter of the axle is no larger than one sixth of the diameter of the first or second outer rim. An aggregate mass of the first and second outer rims is at least one quarter of an aggregate mass of the yoyo, string excluded.

A spinning device, comprising: (a) a base portion comprising: a base face; a side face; and a top face; a substantially ring-shaped groove extending upwardly from the base face, and a spinning edge portion between the side face and the base face; and (b) a top portion connected to the top face of the base portion, the device having a mass distribution balancing the device on the spinning edge portion while the device is spinning.

A spinning device, comprising: (a) a base portion comprising: a base face; a side face; and a top face; a substantially ring-shaped groove extending upwardly from the base face, and a spinning edge portion between the side face and the base face; and (b) a top portion connected to the top face of the base portion, the device having a mass distribution balancing the device on the spinning edge portion while the device is spinning.

A motorized yo-yo includes a body and a tether coupled to the body to support the body for rotation. A drive mechanism of the body drives rotation of the body when a user throws the yo-yo.