Multi-function yo-yo

Abstract

A multi-function yo-yo switchable between operation as a fixed-axle yo-yo, a free-axle yo-yo, and a centrifugal-clutch yo-yo (i.e., a yo-yo which operates as a free-axle yo-yo when it spins sufficiently rapidly, and as a fixed-axle yo-yo when it spins sufficiently slowly). Within one or both of the fly disks is one or more rotational-speed governors, and about the axle is a cylindrical axle sleeve which is rotatable about the axle. Each governor is spring-biased to an inwards position where a contact pad on the governor contacts the axle sleeve, forcing the axle sleeve to rotate with the fly disks and axle. However, when the yo-yo spins sufficiently rapidly, the governors are thrown by centrifugal force to a radially-outwards position where the contact pads are not in contact with the axle sleeve so that the axle sleeve may rotate independently of the fly disks. A function control switch on the exterior of the yo-yo is easily accessible and allows rapid switching between yo-yo functions. Preferably, the switch has multiple throw levers about the exterior of the yo-yo to facilitate quick access. In its first position, the switch locks the governors in the inwards position and the yo-yo operates as the fixed-axle yo-yo. In its second position, the switch locks the governors in the outwards position and the yo-yo operates as the free-axle yo-yo. In its third position, the positions of the governors is determined by the balance between centrifugal force and the spring biasing, and the yo-yo operates as the centrifugal-clutch yo-yo.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present non-provisional patent application is based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 646,448 filed on Jan. 24, 2005 by Alex Hochstrasser entitled “Multi-Function Yo-Yo.”FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related to yo-yos. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The traditional yo-yo has two closely-spaced fly disks which have their axes of cylindrical symmetry aligned and are joined by a narrow axle along the axis of cylindrical symmetry. In the traditional yo-yo the axle is irrotatably attached to the fly disks. The yo-yo includes a string which is looped around the axle. The basic yo-yoing operation is the unrolling of the string about the axle as the yo-yo moves away from the operator, followed by the rolling up of the string about the axle as the yo-yo returns to the operator. Another basic yo-yoing operation performable with the traditional yo-yo is to make it “sleep,” i.e., spin at the end of the unrolled string with...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a yo-yo having multiple modes of functions.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a yo-yo which can function as a fixed-axle yo-yo or a free-axle yo-yo or a centrifugal-clutch yo-yo.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-function yo-yo which is easily switched between different modes of functioning.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-function yo-yo which has multiple, readily accessible function-switching levers.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is more difficult to induce a free-axle yo-yo than a fixed-axle yo-yo to return along the string after sleeping.

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