Pencil Spinner

Abstract

One embodiment of a portable rotatable spinner to be used in combination with a pencil and an educational curriculum worksheet, where said worksheet incorporates a spinner-type game board image, and where said game board is used by students to generate random results or data.

The spinner has an arrow-shaped body. Located midpoint of the body is an integrally-formed, vertically-oriented cylinder. Said cylinder extends symmetrically from the upper and lower surfaces of the body. Through said cylinder is a hole or aperture, said aperture having an internal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a pencil.

In use, the spinner is placed on top of a worksheet and aligned over the game board. A pencil is inserted through the spinner. One hand holds the pencil vertically while the other hand flicks the spinner. The spinner rotates freely about the pencil until coming to rest.

Claims

1. A portable rotatable spinner, comprising an arrow-shaped body with a pointed forward end and an enlarged rearward end, an integrally-formed, vertically-oriented cylinder located at the midpoint, said cylinder extending symmetrically from the upper and lower surfaces of the body, said cylinder having a hole or aperture, and said aperture having an internal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a pencil.

2. A method of using a portable rotatable spinner in combination with a pencil and an educational curriculum worksheet, where said worksheet incorporates a spinner-type game board image, and where said game board is used by students to generate random results or data, comprising: a. placing the worksheet on a flat hard surface, b. placing the spinner on top of the worksheet and aligning said spinner over the game board, c. inserting a pencil through said spinner, d. holding said pencil vertically with one hand while flicking said spinner with a finger from the other hand, whereby said spinner rotates freely around said pencil until coming to rest over a section of said game board, indicating the result of the spin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The figures in the drawings are briefly described as follows:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention shown placed over a pencil.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention, shown placed over a pencil and positioned on top of a worksheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the pencil spinner. The spinner has an arrow-shaped body 10 with a pointed forward end 11 and an enlarged rearward end 12. Located midpoint is an integrally-formed, vertically-oriented cylinder 13 that extends symmetrically from the upper and lower surfaces of the body. Through the cylinder is a hole or aperture 14 having an internal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a pencil 15.

Additional details of the invention include: [0015] The integrally formed cylinder 13 extends symmetrically from the horizontal centerline of the spinner such that the forward and rear sections of the spinner are not in contact when the spinner is placed on a flat surface. This clearance between the spinner and flat surface minimizes friction and allows the spinner to spin freely even if the pencil is held misaligned from vertical. [0016] The spinner is symmetrical about the horizontal centerline. A user is not required to orient a specific side of the spinner up. [0017] The center of gravity of the spinner is located at the center of the aperture 14. [0018] The shaft of the pencil can be round, hexagon, or of alternate shape. The fit between the pencil and spinner is such that no frictional resistance exists. [0019] The spinner can rotate easily about the pencil, regardless of whether the eraser 16 or point 17 is in contact with the game board. [0020] To assist the user in determining the result of a spin, the forward end 1 of the body can be of a different color than the rest of the spinner. This may aid teachers in guiding students during use of the spinner.

[0021] OperationFIG. 3

[0022] In use, the worksheet 18 is placed on a flat hard surface such as a desk or table. The spinner is placed on top of the worksheet and is positioned over the game board. A pencil is held vertically and inserted through the spinner. One hand holds the pencil vertically while a finger from the other hand is used to flick the spinner. The spinner rotates freely around the pencil until coming to rest. The result of the spin is determined by observing which section of the game board the pointed-end of the spinner has stopped above. After the spin is complete, if the pencil is needed to record a result, the user can lift the pencil out of the spinner, while leaving the spinner in place on the game board.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full-intended scope of the invention.