Center of gravity adjustable twirling device

Abstract

A center of gravity adjustable twirling device detachably attaches to a fabric-article at a peripheral attachment point or a central attachment point, and enables rotation of fabric-article, causing the fabric-article to unfurl and twirl at a rate and style dependent on the center of gravity formed from varying attachment points on the fabric-article. A rod forms the central axis of the device. A textured outer sleeve encapsulates the rod and enables secure grasping of the device. A first axis positions in the outer sleeve, fixedly attaching to a first rod end. A fastening mechanism at a sleeve distal end of the sleeve serves to retain the fabric article. The fastening mechanism rotates freely about the first axis while retaining the fabric-article. The rotating fastening mechanism and the stationary first axis form a rotational relationship with low friction coefficient. A second axis pins a strap to the second rod end.

Claims

1. A center of gravity adjustable fabric-article twirling device, the device comprising: a rod defined by a first rod end and a second rod end; an outer sleeve defined by a sleeve distal end, a sleeve proximal end, and a sleeve sidewall forming a cavity, the outer sleeve configured to at least partially encapsulate the rod; a textured panel disposed on the sleeve sidewall of the cuter sleeve; a cap defined by a cap sidewall and a cap top wall forming an aperture, the cap configured to join with the sleeve distal end; a first axis defined by a pair of first axis ends, the first axis disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve, the first axis configured to penetrate the first rod end; a fabric-article defined by at least one central attachment point and at least one peripheral attachment point, the fabric-article being configured to be resilient, so as to freely unfurl and twirl in correlation to rotation; and a fastening mechanism operatively joined with the first axis; the fastening mechanism configured to rotate freely about the first axis, due in part to the first axis having an exterior cross sectional length sized to correspond with an interior cross sectional length of the fastening mechanism, whereby applying torque to the outer sleeve causes the fastening mechanism to rotate about the first axis, the fastening mechanism further configured to detachably attach to the fabric-article at the at least one central attachment point, the at least one peripheral attachment point, or both.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tube disposed to receive the first axis.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve has a generally elongated, cylindrical shape.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the pair of first axis ends passes through the aperture in the cap top wall.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pin.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the pin is configured to at least partially fasten the fastening mechanism to the first axis.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the fabric-article includes at least one of the following: a towel, a flag, a pennant, a sock, a shirt, and an advertising medium.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to retain the fabric-article in a generally 90 degree angle relative to the outer sleeve.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastening mechanism is a spring-biased clip.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a strap.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the strap is configured to join with the second rod end and the sleeve proximal end.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a second axis defined by a pair of second axis ends, the second axis disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve, the second axis configured to at least partially penetrate the second rod end, the second axis further configured to help fasten the strap to the second rod end.

13. A center of gravity adjustable fabric-article twirling device, the device comprising: a rod defined by a first rod end and a second rod end; an outer sleeve defined by a sleeve distal end, a sleeve proximal end, and a sleeve sidewall forming a cavity; a textured panel disposed on the sleeve sidewall of the outer sleeve; a cap defined by a cap sidewall and a cap top wall forming an aperture, the cap configured to join with the sleeve distal end; a first axis defined by a pair of first axis ends, the first axis disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve, the first axis configured to at least partially penetrate the first rod end; a tube disposed to receive the first axis; a fastening mechanism joined with the first axis, the fastening mechanism configured to rotate about the first axis, due in part to the first axis having an exterior cross sectional length sized to correspond with an interior cross sectional length of the fastening mechanism, whereby applying torque to the outer sleeve causes the fastening mechanism to rotate; a strap configured to join with the second rod end and the sleeve proximal end of the outer sleeve; and a second axis defined by a pair of second axis ends, the second axis disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve, the second axis configured to at least partially penetrate the second rod end, the second axis further configured to help fasten the strap to the second rod end.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a pin configured to at least partially fasten the fastening mechanism to the first axis.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a spring-biased clip.

16. The device of claim 13, further comprising a fabric-article defined by at least one central attachment point and at least one peripheral attachment point, the fabric-article being configured to be retained by the fastening mechanism during rotation, the fabric-article further configured to be resilient, so as to freely unfurl and twirl in correlation to rotation by the fastening mechanism.

17. A center of gravity adjustable fabric-article twirling device, the device consisting of: a rod defined by a first rod end and a second rod end; an outer sleeve defined by a sleeve distal end, a sleeve proximal end, and a sleeve sidewall forming a cavity, the outer sleeve configured to at least partially encapsulate the rod; a textured panel disposed on the sleeve of the outer sleeve; a cap defined by a cap sidewall and a cap top wall forming an aperture, the cap configured to join with the sleeve distal end; a first axis defined by a pair of first axis ends, the first axis disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve, one of the first axis ends configured to penetrate the first rod end; a tube disposed to receive the first axis; a fabric-article defined by at least one central attachment point and at least one peripheral attachment point, the fabric-article being configured to be resilient, so as to freely unfurl and twirl in correlation to rotation; a fastening mechanism joined with the first axis, the fastening mechanism configured to rotate freely about the first axis, due in part to the first axis having an exterior cross sectional length sized to correspond with an interior cross sectional length of the fastening mechanism, whereby applying torque to the outer sleeve causes the fastening mechanism to rotate about the first axis, the fastening mechanism further configured to detachably attach to the fabric-article at the at least one central attachment point, the at least one peripheral attachment point, or both, the fastening mechanism further configured to retain the fabric-article in a generally vertical or horizontal orientation while the fabric-article unfurls and twirls, a lever configured to enable manipulation of the fastening mechanism; a pin configured to at least partially fasten the fastening mechanism to the first axis; a strap configured to join with the second rod end and the sleeve proximal end; and a second axis defined by a pair of second axis ends, the second axis disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve, the second axis configured to at least partially penetrate the second rod end, the second axis further configured to help fasten the strap to the second rod end.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the fabric-article includes at least one of the following: a towel, a flag, a pennant, a sock, a shirt, and an advertising medium.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the first axis and the second axis comprises polymer nails.

20. The device of claim 17, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a spring-biased clip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a sectioned view of an exemplary center of gravity adjustable twirling device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the center of gravity adjustable twirling device shown in FIG. 1 with an attached strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a blow up view of the center of gravity adjustable twirling device shown in FIG. 1 separated into multiple components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a center of gravity adjustable twirling device having a fastening mechanism attached to a central attachment point of a fabric-article, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the center of gravity adjustable twirling device shown in FIG. 4 with torque applied to an outer sleeve to unfurl and twirl the fabric-article, and a central attachment point with a fabric-article creating a center of gravity at the central attachment point, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(7) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(9) A center of gravity adjustable twirling device 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-5. The center of gravity adjustable twirling device 100, hereafter “device 100” is configured to enable facilitated twirling of a fabric-article 126 at different rates of unfurling and twirling. The style of twirling and unfurling is based partially on the amount of torque 200 applied to the device 100, and partially on the point of attachment on the fabric-article 126, which creates a center of gravity 202 that affects the unfurling and twirling thereof.

(10) In one embodiment, the device 100 provides a freely rotating fastening mechanism 132 that detachably attaches to a fabric-article 126 at a central attachment point 128 or a peripheral attachment point 130. The device 100 enables controlled rotational twirling of the fabric-article 126 through application of torque 200. The attachment point between the fastening mechanism 132 and the fabric-article 126 is operable, so as to cause the fabric-article 126 to unfurl and twirl at a rate that is dependent on the center of gravity 202 formed by manipulating the fastening mechanism 132 to vary the attachment points 128, 130 on the fabric-article 126.

(11) The device 100 is unique in that when a torque 200 is applied to an outer sleeve 102, the fastening mechanism 132 rotates freely about a first axis 120a, causing the attached fabric-article 126 to unfurl and twirl. Thus, an angular momentum is generated on the device 100 through application of torque 200. Further, the various point of attachments 128, 130 on the fabric-article 126 form different centers of gravity 202 within the fabric-article 126 that affects the rate and type of unfurling and twirling. This is possible due to the average location of the weight of the fabric-article 126 varying and being quickly adjustable through a quick-release attachment and detachment by the fastening mechanism 132 with the central and peripheral point of attachments 128, 130 on the fabric-article 126.

(12) In one exemplary use of the device 100, attendees at sporting events and rallies can demonstrate their affection or backing for a team, political figure, or performer by waving the device 100, including an attached fabric-article 126, such as towels, flags, signs, and pennants. These pennant articles may comprise indicia such as slogans and colors symbolic of attendee's partisanship. The fabric-article 126 unfurls and twirls to attract attention and create a festive, supportive atmosphere.

(13) As referenced in FIG. 1, the twirling device 100 may include a rod 140 defined by a first rod end 142a and a second rod end 142b. The first rod end 142a may also include a hole, through which a first axis 120a penetrates in a fixed disposition, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the rod 140 is an elongated, cylindrically-shaped wooden dowel. Though in other embodiments, the rod 140 may take other elongated forms and be fabricated from materials, including: polymers, metal, fiberglass, and rubber.

(14) In some embodiments, a textured outer sleeve 102 encapsulates the rod 140. The textured outer sleeve 102 enables a firm grasp of the twirling device 100. A first axis 120a is disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve 102. The first axis 120a is defined by a pair of first axis ends 122a, 124a. The first axis 120a positions, at least in part, within the cavity of the outer sleeve 102, while one of the axis ends 124a penetrates the first rod end 142a, or in some embodiments, a hole in the first rod end 142a. In one embodiment, the first axis 120a is a polymer nail. Though in other embodiments, any elongated pin-like component may be used for the first axis 120a.

(15) The first axis 120a also joins with a fastening mechanism 132. The fastening mechanism 132 rotates freely about the first axis 120a. The fastening mechanism 132 also serves to detachably attach to the fabric-article 126 at a peripheral attachment point 130 or a central attachment point 128 to provide varying centers of gravity 202 along the fabric-article 126.

(16) In one embodiment, a tube 144 may be utilized to receive the first axis; and thereby serve as a washer to facilitate rotation of the fastening mechanism 132 about the first axis 120a. In this embodiment, the fastening mechanism 132 engages the tube 144, and the tube encapsulates the first axis 120a. The tube may include a cylindrical nylon sleeve. The tube 144 reduces the friction between the fastening mechanism 132 and the first axis 120a.

(17) The first axis 120a and the fastening mechanism 132 form a rotational relationship that has a low friction coefficient, so as to facilitate rotation of the fabric-article 126. This is because the fastening mechanism 132 rotates freely about the first axis 120a due in part to the first axis 120a having an exterior cross sectional length 204 sized to correspond with an interior cross sectional length 206 of the fastening mechanism 132.

(18) In this manner, the rate of twirling, unfurling, or display of the fabric-article 126 can be adjusted dependent on the position of the fastening mechanism 132 relative to the attachment point on the fabric-article 126. Thus, by gripping the outer sleeve 102 and twisting the wrist or arm, the fabric-article 126 may be twirled in circles about the first axis 120a with relative ease and without curling or twisting of the fabric-article 126.

(19) Turning now to FIG. 2, the device 100 comprises an outer sleeve 102 defined by a sleeve distal end 104, a sleeve proximal end 106, and a sleeve sidewall 108 that forms a generally elongated cavity. The outer sleeve 102 is generally stationary. The sleeve sidewall 108 provides a surface for gripping and manipulating the device 100. A torque 200 may be applied to the device 100 by twisting, rotating, shaking, or oscillating the outer sleeve 102.

(20) In one embodiment, the outer sleeve 102 has a generally elongated, cylindrical shape. Though in other embodiments, the outer sleeve 102 may be rectangular. Suitable materials for the outer sleeve 102 may include, without limitation, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, a rigid polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, fiberglass, glass, wood, and cardboard.

(21) To enhance the grip on the outer sleeve 102, a textured panel 110 may position on the sleeve sidewall 108 of the outer sleeve 102. In some embodiments, the textured panel 110 may include a grip-textured surface, such as a surface having depressions that correlate to the positions of the fingers. The textured panel 110 may be colored, patterned, or contain indicia. The textured panel 110 may be fabricated from rubber or a resilient polymer that enhances gripping. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the center of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1 with the outer sleeve 102 removed from the rod 140.

(22) In one embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a strap 136 is disposed at the sleeve proximal end 106. The strap 136 may form a loop that wraps around the wrist of a user while twirling the device 100. The strap 136 may be fabricated from a flexible polymer, a nylon, rubber, or rope fibers. Oppositely disposed from the first axis, a second axis 120b may be used to secure the strap to the rod. The second axis 120b is defined by a pair of second axis ends 122b, 124b. The second axis 120b is disposed in the cavity of the outer sleeve, and embedded in the second rod end 142b. The second axis 120b is configured to at least partially penetrate the second rod end 142b. The second axis 120b may include a polymer nail.

(23) Looking now at FIG. 3, the device 100 further comprises a first axis 120a that is defined by a pair of first axis ends 122a, 124a. The first axis 120a is disposed substantially in the cavity of the outer sleeve 102, extending along the length of the outer sleeve 102 in a parallel relationship. The first axis 120a passes through the aperture 118 in the cap top wall 116. The first axis 120a is fixedly embedded in the rod 140. In one embodiment, the first axis 120a passes 2¼″ through the first rod end 142a. In another embodiment, the first axis 120a extends from the rod about 0.35″.

(24) In some embodiments, the device 100 may further include a cap 112 that forms a terminus on the sleeve distal end 104 of the sleeve. The cap 112 is defined by a cap sidewall 114 and a cap top wall 116. The cap top wall 116 may be defined by an aperture 118. The cap 112 is configured to join with the sleeve distal end 104 with the cap sidewall 114 covering a portion of the sleeve sidewall 108. The cap 112 is also efficacious in maintaining the first axis 120a coaxially within the cavity of outer sleeve 102. The cap 112 also helps in securing the fastening mechanism 132 to the sleeve distal end 104, as discussed below.

(25) As referenced in FIG. 4, the device 100 may include a fabric-article 126. The fabric-article 126 is a generally resilient panel defined by at least one central attachment point 128 and at least one peripheral attachment point 130. The fabric-article 126 is sufficiently resilient, so as to freely unfurl and twirl in correlation to rotation by the axis 120. Thus, as the torque 200 is applied in a first direction, the fabric-article 126 unfurls and twirls in a similar fashion.

(26) The fabric-article 126 may include, without limitation, a towel, a flag, a pennant, a sock, a shirt, and an advertising medium. The fabric-article 126 may be formed of relatively thin, flexible material, with a sports team logo, player's name, political symbol, etc., displayed thereon. Suitable materials for the fabric-article 126 may include, without limitation, natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, plastic, rubber, woven materials, nonwoven materials, paper, and felt. The fabric-article 126 may also include advertising material, for example, sponsor information on the surface of the fabric-article 126.

(27) The fabric-article 126 may be of any shape or dimension. According to one embodiment of the invention, the fabric-article 126 is approximately rectangular in shape with a length of approximately 21″ and a height of approximately 8″. The shape of the fabric-article 126 and images printed on the fabric-article 126 may coincide with the mascot or any other image associated with the user's favorite sports team or other entity using the fabric-article 126 for advertisement.

(28) According to one embodiment of the invention, the fabric-article 126 may be made from printed felt which is die-cut to shape, for example in the shape of a triangle or sock. In another embodiment of the invention two or more fabric-articles may be attached to the outer sleeve 102 through a single fastening mechanism 132, described below. In another embodiment, the fabric-article 126 may be manufactured as a dual die-cut terrycloth towel with printing on the surface and a surged edge.

(29) In some embodiments, the device 100 may further include a fastening mechanism 132. In some embodiments, a pin 134 works to help fasten the fastening mechanism 132 to the first axis 120a. The pin 134 may extend axially with the outer sleeve 102 and the first axis 120a. The fastening mechanism 132 is configured to rotate freely about the first axis 120a, due in part to the first axis 120a having an exterior cross sectional length 204 sized to correspond with an interior cross sectional length 206 of the fastening mechanism 132. In some embodiments, a sleeve in the fastening mechanism 132 goes around the first axis end 122a of the first axis 120a to help rotate the fastening mechanism 132 about the first axis 120a. A clip fits around the sleeve to help with the rotation.

(30) Through application of torque 200 to the outer sleeve 102, the fastening mechanism 132 can be made to rotate about the first axis 120a, as shown in FIG. 1. The torque 200 may be applied by to the device 100 by twisting, rotating, shaking, or oscillating the outer sleeve 102. This causes the freely rotating fastening mechanism 132 to rotate in a first or second direction.

(31) The fastening mechanism 132 also serves to detachably attach to the fabric-article 126 at the at least one central attachment point 128, the at least one peripheral attachment point 130, or both 128, 130. The at least one attachment point 128, 130 between the fastening mechanism 132 and the selected attachment point forms a center of gravity 202 at the fabric-article 126. The fastening mechanism 132 is configured to quickly attach and detach from the fabric-article 126 to enable varying the attachment points with the fabric-article 126.

(32) In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 132 may retain the fabric-article 126 in a generally vertical or horizontal orientation as the fabric-article 126 is unfurling and twirling. However in one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 132 retains the fabric-article 126 in a generally 90° angle relative to the outer sleeve 102.

(33) Looking again at FIG. 4, the fastening mechanism 132 may include a spring-biased clip that is biased towards a closed position in which a pair of jaws close down on the selected attachment point 128, 130 at the fabric-article 126. The fastening mechanism 132 may include a lever 138 for manipulation to an open position. Applying pressure on the lever 138 displaces the jaws to an open position to release the fabric-article 126, and thereby enable repositioning of the fastening mechanism 132 to attach to a different central or peripheral attachment point 128, 130 on the fabric-article 126. In this manner, the center of gravity 202 on the fabric-article 126 may be changed to achieve a desired unfurling and twirling effect. The rate of unfurling and twirling by the fabric-article 126 is dependent on the center of gravity 202.

(34) As shown in FIG. 5, the fastening mechanism 132 may be attached at multiple points on the fabric-article 126 between the central and peripheral attachment points 128, 130, so as to achieve a desired rate, or angular velocity, and style of unfurling and twirling by the fabric-article 126. For example, clamping the jaws of the fastening mechanism 132 on the central attachment point 128 of the fabric-article 126 forms a more centrally located center of gravity 202 that puts the average location of the weight of the fabric-article 126 equidistant from the fastening mechanism 132. This may create a more uniform, and faster twirling effect for the fabric-article 126.

(35) For example, if the towel or article being twirled is placed at what is considered the center most point of the towel where its weight is most likely distributed evenly to both sides of the clip or equidistant from the fastening mechanism, the weight distribution will be more uniform and will increase angular velocity and rotational speed at the center of gravity, not slow the twirling down. Having the fastening clip attached to the center of the towel or article will affect the aerodynamic relationship between the clip and the towel or article in a positive way.

(36) Conversely, clamping the jaws of the fastening mechanism 132 to the peripheral attachment point 130 of the fabric-article 126 forms a more one-sided center of gravity 202 on the fabric-article 126. This puts the average location of the weight of the fabric-article 126 at a further distance the fastening mechanism 132. This may create a less uniform, and slower twirling effect, or angular velocity, as the weight of the distal portion of the fabric-article 126 increases the rotational momentum of the fabric-article 126.

(37) This peripheral attachment point is less uniform and slows down the speed of the rotation. The further the attachment point of the fastening mechanism is from the center or the towel or article, the more off balanced the towel or article will be, thus leading to a weight distribution that is now unbalanced. This effects the aerodynamic relationship between the fastening clip and the towel or article in a negative way.

(38) In this manner, an attendee at sporting events and rallies can demonstrate their affection or backing for a team, political figure, or performer by waving the device 100 with the attached fabric-article 126, which may include towels, flags, signs, and pennants with indicia such as slogans and colors symbolic of their partisanship.

(39) These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

(40) Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.