Abstract
The invention presented in this application is a novel, highly customizable, magnetic spinning device. The main components of the invention are a magnetic hub, numerous magnets, a bearing or similar rotation point, and a finger hold. These components may or may not be permanently attached to one another and may or may not be separate bodies. The main aspect of this invention is the magnetic hub. It is titled such not because it itself is necessarily magnetic, but because it provides positioning and support for the magnetic pieces allowing for customization.
Claims
1. A rearrangeable spinning toy comprising: a hub comprising a ring-form having a substantially cylindrical shape, and an axis of rotation; a plurality of attachment features consistent with a perimetral surface of the ring-form, perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a bearing having an axis of rotation and a central aperture coincident with the axis of rotation of the bearing; the bearing disposed within the ring-form such that the rotation of a first portion of the bearing rotates consistent with the ring-form, and a second portion of the bearing rotates independently of the first portion of the bearing; a first extension element having a first end configured to engage with the attachment features; and a second extension element having a first end configured to engage with a second end of the first extension element.
2. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the attachment features comprise apertures through an external surface of the ring-form.
3. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 2, wherein the extension elements are configured to engage with the attachment features with an engineering fit.
4. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the first extension element is configured to engage with the attachment feature with magnetic fixation.
5. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, further comprising a first finger holder element disposed on a first side of the bearing; a second finger holder element disposed on a second side of the bearing, wherein the finger holder elements are configured to rotate consistent with the second portion of the bearing.
6. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 5, wherein the first finger holder element comprises a raised feature configured to be disposed within an aperture of the bearing from the first side of the bearing; and the second finger holder element configured to be affixed to the first finger holder element, thereby constraining the first finger holder element to the first side of the bearing, and constraining the second finger holder element to the second side of the bearing.
7. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 6, wherein the raised feature comprises a female threaded feature; the second finger element having an aperture; and a finger holder attachment feature, wherein the finger holder attachment feature comprises male threading configured to pass through the aperture of the second finger holder and engage with the female threaded feature of the raised feature.
8. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 6, wherein the raised feature of the first finger holder further comprises a recess configured to be disposed within an aperture of the bearing from the first side of the bearing; the second finger holder further comprises a raised feature configured to be disposed within the aperture of the bearing from the second side of the bearing, and the raised feature of the second finger holder further comprises a recess; a first magnet constrained within the recess of the first finger holder; a second magnet constrained within the recess of the second finger holder, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are drawn toward each other constraining the finger holders.
9. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the first end of the second extension element is configured to engage with the second end of the first extension element with magnetic fixation.
10. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the first end of the second extension element is configured to engage with the second end of the first extension element with an engineering fit.
11. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the engagement of an extension element to an attachment feature comprises magnetic fixation.
12. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 1, wherein the attachment features are symmetrically spaced around a perimetral surface of the ring-form.
13. The rearrangeable spinning toy of claim 12, comprising twelve attachment features.
14. A rearrangeable magnetic spinning toy comprising: a hub comprising a ring-form having a substantially cylindrical shape; said hub further comprising an axis of rotation, twelve symmetrically spaced apertures extending through said ring-form, with said apertures extending radially outward and perpendicular from said axis of rotation of said hub; said hub further comprising an internal surface configured to mate with a bearing; said bearing disposed within said ring-form, said bearing having an axis of rotation and a central aperture coincident with said axis of rotation, with said bearing affixed to said hub with said axis of rotation of said bearing coincident with said axis of rotation of said magnetic hub; a first finger holder element disposed on a first side of said bearing, said first finger holder element having a first finger holder attachment feature; a second finger holder element disposed on a second side of said bearing, said second finger holder element having a second finger holder attachment feature; wherein said first finger holder attachment feature and said second finger holder attachment feature are configured to mate; and a plurality of magnetic cylindrical extension elements configured to mate with said plurality of apertures in said hub.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1AExisting spinning toys within the prior art
[0020] FIG. 1BExisting spinning toys within the prior art
[0021] FIG. 2An exploded section view of an embodiment of a hub
[0022] FIG. 3An exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a spinning toy
[0023] FIG. 4AA perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spinning toy
[0024] FIG. 4BA perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a spinning toy
[0025] FIG. 5A perspective view of an embodiment of a spinning toy
[0026] FIG. 6APerspective view of an embodiment of a spinning toy demonstrating additional configurations of a hub and extension elements
[0027] FIG. 6BPerspective view of an embodiment of a spinning toy demonstrating additional configurations of a hub and extension elements
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Certain embodiments of a spinning toy 1000, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises a hub 1010 having a ring-form 1030 such that a bearing 1020, such as a ball bearing, may be disposed within the ring-form 1030 to permit the spinning of the hub 1010 about an axis of rotation 1040. The ring-form 1030 has an internal surface 1031 and an external surface 1032. The bearing 1020 is held in place within the ring-form 1030 by way of mechanical fastener, interference fit, adhesive, welding, or other attachment means appreciated by those skilled in the art. Such an axis of rotation 1040 is typically, but not required to be, coincident with the center of mass of the hub 1010. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that a bearing 1020 allows for the rotation of a first portion 1021 of a bearing about a second portion 1022 of the bearing. A bearing 1030 further allows the rotation of a first portion 1021 of the bearing at a different rate than that of the second portion 1022 of the bearing. It will be further appreciated that a bearing as used herein refers to all rotational devices appreciated by those skilled in the art to provide reduced friction between rotationally moving parts. As such, a bearing may comprise a plain bearing, a ball bearing, roller bearing, a rolling-element bearing, a jewel bearing, a fluid bearing, a magnetic bearing, a flexure bearing, or any bearing or device allowing rotation between elements with reduced friction between moving parts.
[0029] A hub 1010 of certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises a cylindrical shape having attachment features 1050 for the engagement of extension elements 1060. Such attachment features 1050 may comprise recesses, apertures, through-holes, blind-holes or external facets consistent with the perimetral external surface 1032. The embodiment in FIG. 3. comprises apertures for attachment features 1050. It will be appreciated that attachment features 1050 provide an engagement so an extension element 1060 mated with an attachment feature 1050 is constrained to the external perimeter of the hub 1010 so the spinning of the hub by a user does not result in disengagement of an extension element 1060. In certain embodiments, an extension element 1060 is constrained to an attachment feature 1050 by way of an engineering fit, such as an interference fit or press fit, while in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0030] Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise an engagement feature, shown in FIG. 3, which allows for the interaction between a first extension element 1060, having a first surface 1061 and a second surface 1062, and a second extension element 1060, having a first surface 1061 and a second surface 1062. In such an embodiment, a first surface 1061 of a first extension element is engaged with an attachment feature 1050 of a hub 1010. The first surface 1061 of the second extension element 1060 is engaged with a second surface 1062 of the first extension element 1060. Thus, the first and second extension elements 1060 are constrained to the attachment feature 1050. It will be appreciated that the engagement of a first extension element 1060 and a second extension element 1060 of certain embodiments comprise magnetic fixation, and some embodiments comprise mechanical engagement. It will be further appreciated that mechanical engagement as used herein surrounds mechanical engagement methods such as threaded features, engineering fit, and other mechanical engagement methods known to those skilled in the art, while in keeping with the spirit and the scope of the present invention.
[0031] In certain embodiments, a hub 1010, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises magnetic fixation features 1050 for magnetic fixation with magnetic extension elements 1060.
[0032] Certain embodiments of a spinning toy 1000, shown in FIG. 4A, further comprise finger holding elements 1070. Such finger holder elements 1070 are configured to interface with a second portion 1022 of a bearing to provide a user a higher level of comfort when using such a spinning toy 1000 while preventing user contact with a first portion 1021 of the bearing, or contact with the hub 1010. It will be appreciated that a first portion 1021 of the bearing rotates independently with a second portion 1022 of the bearing. Thus, when the hub 1030 is constrained to the first portion 1021 of the bearing, the second portion 1022 of the bearing rotates independently of the ring-form. In certain embodiments, the finger holder elements 1070 interface with the second portion 1022 of the ring form and prevents simultaneous user contact with the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022. Such contact would interfere with the rotation of the spinning toy. Thus, the finger holder element 1070 provides increased comfort to the user, ensuring rotational movement of the first portion 1021 of the bearing around the second portion 1022 of the bearing without undue interference or resistance.
[0033] Some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4A, comprise a finger holder element 1070 having an indentation 2010 for a user to place their finger. In such embodiments, each of the first and second finger holder elements 1070 further comprise a recess 2020 configured to mate with a finger holder attachment feature 1080, comprising a magnet, so the finger holder attachment feature 1080 is constrained within the recess 2020. It will be appreciated that the finger holder attachment feature 1080 may be constrained within the recess 2020 by way of interference fit, adhesive or other methods appreciated by those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, the finger holder attachment features 1080 comprise a north pole and a south pole. A first finger holder attachment feature 1080 is disposed into the recess 2020 of a first finger holder element such that the north pole is directed toward the finger holder element and the south pole is directed away from the finger holder element. A second finger holder attachment feature 1080 is disposed into the recess 2020 of a second finger holder element such that the south pole is directed toward the finger holder element 1070 and the north pole is directed away from the finger holder element 1070. A first finger holder element 1070 can then be mated with a first side of the hub with the recess 2020 directed into an aperture 2030, and a second finger holder element 1070 is mated with a second side of the hub with the recess 2020 directed into the opposite side of the aperture 2030. Thus, the first finger holder attachment feature 1080 of the first finger holder element 1070 and the second finger holder attachment feature 1080 of the second finger holder element 1070 are attracted toward each other and constrain the first and second finger holder elements 1070 to the hub 1010.
[0034] In certain embodiments, a spinning toy 1000 (shown in FIG. 4B) comprises a first finger holder element 1071 and a second finger holder element 1072. In such embodiments, the first finger holder element 1071 comprises a raised feature 2000, typically resembling a substantially cylindrical element, having a first finger holder attachment feature 2002. The first finger holder attachment feature 2002 can comprise a female threaded feature. The raised feature 2000 is configured to be inserted into the aperture 2030 of a bearing 1020 from a first side of a bearing 1020. A second finger holder element 1072, further comprising an aperture 1090, is mated with a second side of a bearing 1020 such that the aperture 1090 of the second finger holder aligns with the aperture 2030 of the bearing, and is aligned with the finger holder attachment feature 2002 of the first finger holder element 1070. A second finger holder attachment feature 2005 is disposed through the aperture 1090 of the second finger holder, and mates with the first finger holder attachment feature 2002 of the first finger holder element 1070. Certain embodiments of the second attachment feature 2002 comprise male threaded features configured to mate with the female threaded feature of the first finger holder attachment feature 2002. It will be appreciated that a first finger holder attachment feature 2002 and a second finger holder attachment feature 2005, are not limited to the embodiments described and may comprise numerous forms appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0035] While a hub 1010, as shown in FIG. 3 is cylindrical in nature with attachment features 1050 comprising apertures, a hub 1010 is not limited to such embodiments. There are many geometries which are capable of performing the same function. Furthermore, a hub 1010 may be constructed of a magnetic, paramagnetic, or non-magnetic material. Certain embodiments of a hub 1010, may comprise facets 2040 as attachment features 1050 as shown in FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that a hub 1010 may comprise a cylindrical form or a multi-faceted form, but is not limited to geometric forms as described herein. Furthermore, a hub 1010 may have any number of attachment features 1050. Referencing FIG. 2, a hub 1010 may comprise a perimetral external surface 1032 for a singular attachment feature, or may comprise a plurality of attachment features to allow the attachment of an extension element. Such attachment features keep the extension element stable with respect to the hub 1010. An attachment feature 1050 may comprise a permanent magnet, a paramagnetic material, or another means of stable contact.
[0036] Certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, comprise twelve attachment features 1050 equally distributed radially around the perimeter of a hub 1010. It may be desired, but not required, for a hub to have any number of attachment features 1050, permitting a high level of symmetry. As the number twelve has many factors, having twelve attachment features 1050 allows a high degree of symmetry about an axis of rotation 1040 and thus allows a high degree of customization. Although embodiments of the invention as described surround symmetrical placement of attachment features, it will be appreciated that embodiments comprising attachment features of certain embodiments are not symmetrically spaced while in keeping with the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, a hub 1010 provides separation between extension elements 1060 and stability during rotation. It has a number of other functions (e.g. providing tactile interface, etc.) that have not been discussed in the instant application but will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a hub 1010 as disclosed, need not be a separate and distinct body from a bearing 1020 as it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that attachment features 1050 may be integrated into the bearing 1020 itself.
[0038] Extension elements 1060, shown in FIG. 3, are demonstrated as having a cylindrical form. However, it will be appreciated that an extension element 1060 as disclosed may comprise any shape compatible with the invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a plurality of different forms of extension elements 1060 may be employed in a singular embodiment of a spinning toy 1000.
[0039] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B demonstrate two of many possible geometries, of certain embodiments, highlighting the customization of a spinning toy 1000 achieved by reconfiguring the location of extension elements 1060 about a hub 1010. While only two geometries are shown, a plurality of extension elements 1060 and attachment features 1050 permits for a large number of possible geometries.
[0040] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or adding and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.
