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US 6,146,233 AGranted
Spinning top
AssigneeHedeen Toys LLC
InventorClemens V. Hedeen, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed herein are spinning tops having an improved pull-string attachment system. The pull-string has a toothed catch at one end that engages with a cylindrical hub of the top. The hub is at the center of a deep radial groove transverse to the top's axis of rotation in which the pull-string is wound. When the top is thrown and the pull-string is pulled, the catch smoothly disengages so that the pull-string releases cleanly from the top. Replaceable tips are also provided.
Claims9
A spinning top, comprising:
- a body having a vertical spin axis, a bottom tip, and a radial groove extending perpendicular to the spin axis and extending into the body to define a cylindrical hub essentially concentric with the spin axis;
- a recess formed on the hub which is accessible from the radial groove;
- and
- a flexible line windable in the groove about the hub, the line having a catch at one end that is matable with the recess;
- whereby the catch and recess can be mated such that the line can be used to apply a transverse force to the body so as to rotate the top about the spin axis on its tip, with the catch and recess capable of separating from each other when the line is completely unwound from the hub.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.