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US 2011/0256793 A1Published application
Yo-yo having a modifiable string gap
OwnerHans W. Van Dan Elzeninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is a yo-yo that includes unique features that enable a user to adjust the yo-yo's string gap. In the preferred embodiment, at least one of the yo-yo's side assemblies includes a screw engaged to a nut that has two thru-bores located in a side-by-side relation. The screw is located to one side of the yo-yo's axis of rotation and can be rotated by a user to adjust the position of the associated side assembly on the yo-yo's axle structure. By appropriate positioning of the side assembly, a user can adjust the yo-yo's performance characteristics.
Claims20
A yo-yo comprising:
- first and second side portions secured together in a spaced-apart relation by an axle structure, wherein an axis of rotation extends through a center portion of both side portions, and wherein said axle structure comprises an axle member that extends between said side portions;
- a tether secured to a portion of said axle structure;
- wherein said first side portion includes a body member that forms a major portion of said first side portion and is slidably secured to said axle structure;
- wherein said yo-yo has a string gap that has a width dimension that extends between said body member and said second side portion, and wherein during normal use of said yo-yo, said tether will extend outwardly through said string gap;
- and
- an adjustment apparatus operatively connected to said axle structure and to said body member, wherein said adjustment apparatus is capable of causing a change in said width dimension of said string gap and includes a portion that is rotatable by a user to thereby cause said body member to slide in a direction that changes said width dimension of said string gap, and wherein said portion of said adjustment apparatus is rotatable about an axis that is offset from said axis of rotation.
3 more elements
A yo-yo comprising:
- first and second side portions secured together by an axle structure, wherein an axis of rotation extends through a center portion of both side portions, and wherein said axle structure comprises an axle member that extends between said side portions;
- wherein said first side portion includes a body member capable of movement in a direction parallel to said axis of rotation, and wherein a string gap is located between said body member and said second side portion;
- a tether secured to a portion of said axle structure whereby said tether will extend outwardly from said string gap when the yo-yo is sleeping;
- and
- an adjustment apparatus operable by a user to change a width dimension of said string gap, wherein said adjustment apparatus comprises first and second portions, wherein said first portion of said adjustment apparatus is secured to said axle member, wherein said second portion of said adjustment apparatus is operatively connected to said first portion of said adjustment apparatus and to said body member, and wherein said second portion of said adjustment apparatus can be moved by a user to cause said body member to slide in a direction that causes a change in said width dimension of said string gap.
2 more elements
A toy for use with a tether, said toy comprising:
- first and second side portions secured together in a spaced-apart relation by an axle structure, wherein said axle structure includes a nut member fixedly secured to said first side portion, and wherein a string gap is located between said side portions;
- wherein said first side portion is movable in a manner that changes said string gap;
- and
- an adjustment apparatus having a screw member operatively connected to a portion of said first side portion, wherein said screw member is engaged to said nut member in a manner whereby rotation of said screw member can cause pressure to be applied to said portion of said first side portion in a manner whereby said first side portion moves and thereby changes a width dimension of said string gap, and wherein said screw member can be rotated when said yo-yo is in a substantially assembled condition.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.