A gyroscope includes a frame that surrounds a wheel and a weight that is connected to the wheel. A pair of wheel axles extend from the wheel and connect the wheel to the frame so that the wheel may rotate with respect to the frame. The frame also includes end pivot frames that provide a mounting point for end pivots to be removably attached to the frame. A zip cord may interact with a starting gear on one of the wheel axles to cause rotation of the wheel with respect to the frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure deals with toy gyroscopes.

BACKGROUND

Gyroscopes are devices formed from a spinning wheel or disc attached to a mounting. The spinning disc has an axis of rotation that is unaffected by tilting or rotation of the components of the mounting. This makes gyroscopes useful for measuring or maintaining a desired orientation for navigation. In addition to their usefulness in navigation systems, gyroscopes may also be used for entertainment as a toy, similar to a spinning top. However, repeated use of the gyroscope may damage the spinning wheel or the mounting.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments include a gyroscope. The gyroscope may include a frame that includes a first frame section and a second frame section that are attached to each other. A first end pivot frame may be positioned at an end of the first frame section, and a second end pivot frame may be positioned at an end of the second frame section.

In some instances, the first end pivot may be removably attached to the first end pivot frame, and the second end pivot may be removably attached the second end pivot frame, so that a different end pivots may be attached as desired. As an example, the first end pivot frame may include a first end pivot post and the first end pivot may be removably attachable to the first end pivot frame at the first end pivot post. The first end pivot may be rotatable about the first end pivot post to secure the first end pivot to the first end pivot frame. The first end pivot frame may include an end pivot shoulder and the end pivot shoulder may fit within a first end pivot slot defined at an edge of the first end pivot and may be rotatable into a first end pivot recess to secure the first end pivot to the first end pivot frame. The second end pivot may be removably attached to the second end pivot frame in a similar fashion.

The frame may surround a wheel that is rotatable within the frame. A wheel axle may include a first wheel axle portion that extends from a first side of the wheel and a second wheel axle portion extends from a second side of the wheel. A weight may be attached to and surround the wheel. A bearing pin and a ball bearing connect each of the portions of the wheel axle to the frame and allow the wheel axle portions and wheel to rotate with respect to the frame. In some examples, the first ball bearing and an inner end of the first bearing pin may be positioned within a first bore hole defined through the first wheel axle portion. An outer end of the first bearing pin may be surrounded by the first end pivot frame. Likewise, the second ball bearing and an inner end of the second bearing pin may be positioned within a second bore hole defined through the second wheel axle portion. An outer end of the second bearing pin may be surrounded by the second end pivot frame.

Each of the wheel axle portions may include a starting gear adjacent the ends of the wheel axle. The starting gears are configured for interaction with a zip cord with teeth, e.g. a rack gear, cord that may be fed through the frame. After feeding the zip cord through the frame adjacent to the starting gear, the zip cord is quickly removed from the frame, causing the wheel to rotate as the teeth of the starting gear interact with teeth on the zip cord. The wheel and the weight rotate about a rotation axis defined by the wheel axles, while the frame remains stationary.

In some instances, the first frame section may include first connection flanges that fit into second connection slots defined in the second frame section when the first frame section is connected to the second frame section. The second frame section may include second connection flanges that fit into first connection slots defined in the first frame section when the first frame section is connected to the second frame section. In some examples, the first frame section may be sonic welded to the second frame section.

In some instances, wheel connection flanges may extend from the wheel. The wheel connection flanges may fit within weight slots defined through a weight ledge of the weight when the weight is attached to the wheel.

In some examples, the first end pivot may include a first end pivot head, and a V-shaped slot may be defined through the first end pivot head. The second end pivot may include a second end pivot head, and a circular recess may be defined in the second end pivot head.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a gyroscope100. The gyroscope100includes a frame110that surrounds a wheel130. A weight150is mounted to and positioned around the perimeter of the wheel130. End pivots160,170are attached to the frame110at respective upper and lower ends of the frame110. A zip cord180may be included with the gyroscope100and may be used to start rotation of the wheel.

An exploded view of the frame110is illustrated inFIG.2. As shown, the frame110includes a top frame section112and a bottom frame section122. The top frame section112includes a top frame body114and includes top frame openings115defined through the top frame body114. An end pivot frame116is positioned at one end of the top frame body114and is configured to receive the end pivot160. A plurality of connection flanges118extend from a bottom surface of the top frame body114and a plurality of connection slots119are defined through the bottom surface of the top frame body114to assist with connection of the top frame section112to the bottom frame section122.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.2, the bottom frame section122is a mirror image of the top frame section112and includes a bottom frame body124and includes bottom frame openings125defined through the bottom frame body124. An end pivot frame126is positioned at one end of the bottom frame body124and is configured to receive the end pivot170. A plurality of connection flanges128extend from a top surface of the bottom frame body124and a plurality of connection slots129are defined through the top surface of the bottom frame body124.

The position of the connection flanges118corresponds to the position of the connection slots129so that connection flanges118on the top frame body114may fit within the connection slots129defined in the bottom frame body124when the top frame section112is attached to the bottom frame section122. Likewise, the position of the connection flanges128corresponds to the position of the connection slots119so that connection flanges128on the bottom frame body124may fit within the connection slots119defined in the top frame body114when the top frame section112is attached to the bottom frame section122. In some embodiments, when the connection flanges118,128and the connection slots119,129are aligned the top frame section112may be sonic welded to the bottom frame section122to connect the top frame section112to the bottom frame section122. In other embodiments, other suitable attachment methods for securing the top frame section112to the bottom frame section122may be used, for instance a snap-together arrangement or adhesive.

The frame110of the gyroscope provides a bigger diameter than if the gyroscope100just included the wheel130and the weight150without including the frame110that surrounds the wheel130and the weight150. This larger diameter makes the gyroscope easier to grip and hold onto, while starting the gyroscope100and while the gyroscope100is spinning. Further, the frame110acts to protect the wheel130and the weight150while the wheel130is spinning. The frame110limits possible damage to the wheel130and/or the weight150and helps to prevent debris from interfering with the wheel130as the wheel130spins.

As shown inFIG.3, when the top frame section112and the bottom frame section122are fit together to form the frame110, frame openings117are defined between the top frame section112and the bottom frame section122. The frame openings117allow a user to view the wheel130as the wheel is spinning. Additionally, in some embodiments, decorative inserts may be created to be fit into the frame openings. These inserts may be customized to allow decoration or embellishment of the gyroscope100. In some embodiments, the inserts may be 3D printed and may be secured in one or more of the frame openings117in a manner that does not affect the spinning of the wheel130.

A top perspective view of the frame110is illustrated inFIG.4to give a better view of the end pivot frame116. As shown, the end pivot frame116includes an end pivot post190and an end pivot frame opening191that is defined through a portion of the end pivot frame116and surrounds the end pivot post190. The end pivot post190narrows at one end to form an end pivot mount192. One or more end pivot shoulders194extend from the end pivot frame116into the end pivot frame opening191and assist to retain the end pivot160on the end pivot frame116when the end pivot160is attached to the top frame section112. Although the top frame section112is shown inFIG.4, it should be realized that the end pivot frame126of the bottom frame section122has the same arrangement for securing the end pivot170to the bottom frame section122.

A perspective view of the wheel130is shown inFIG.5. The wheel130has a wheel body132and optional wheel openings134defined through the wheel body132. In the embodiment shown, the wheel openings134are various geometric shapes defined through the wheel body132. These wheel openings134decrease the weight of the wheel130; however, in other embodiments the wheel body132may not include the wheel openings134. Additionally, in other embodiments different sizes or shapes of wheel openings134may be included as desired.

Wheel connection flanges136extend from a surface of the wheel body132and help to couple the wheel130to the weight150. In the embodiment shown, the wheel connection flanges136are evenly spaced around the wheel body132so that there are a total of five wheel connection flanges136. In other embodiments, the number of wheel connection flanges136may be increased or decreased as desired.

The wheel130also includes a wheel axle that includes wheel axle portions142,144extending from opposite sides of the wheel body132. Each wheel axle portion142,144includes a starting gear143,145at the end of the wheel axle portion142,144. The teeth on the starting gears143,145correspond to teeth185on the zip cord180so that the zip cord180may interact with either of the starting gears143,145and cause rotation of the wheel130when the zip cord180is pulled across either starting gear143,145. A wheel axle bore hole147is defined through each of the wheel axle portions142,144at the starting gears143,145. The wheel axle bore hole147is configure to receive a ball bearing146and a bearing pin148(seeFIG.10) to allow for rotation of the wheel130within the frame110.

In some embodiments, the wheel130including the wheel axle portions142,144and the starting gears143,145may be cast or molded as a unitary structure. The unitary casting of the wheel130may decrease friction between components of the wheel130while the wheel130is spinning and may assist to decrease issues with components of the wheel130breaking due to use. Casting wheel130as one piece also minimizes the chance of debris getting caught between components of the wheel130and disrupting the rotation of the wheel130.

The weight150for gyroscope100is shown inFIG.6. As illustrated, weight150has a circular shape to fit around the wheel body132. The weight150includes an interior weight recess152that receives the wheel body132and a weight ledge154that extends into the interior weight recess152to support the wheel130. Weight slots156are defined through the weight ledge154and positioned to correspond to the location of the wheel connection flanges136that extend from the wheel body132. In the embodiment shown inFIG.4, there are five weight slots156defined through weight ledge154to correspond and connect to the five wheel connection flanges136. However, in other embodiments, the number of weight slots156may be greater or fewer than five as desired, depending on the number of wheel connection flanges136included on the wheel body. In some embodiments, the weight150may be made from zinc. In other embodiments, any other suitable material may be used to form the weight150.

Example end pivots160,170are shown inFIGS.7and8respectively. As shown inFIG.7, end pivot160includes a head162and a V-shaped slot163defined at the end of head162. The opposite end of end pivot160includes a slot164that extends through an edge of end pivot160and that leads into an end pivot recess165. The slot164is shaped so that the shoulder194of end pivot frame116of the frame110may fit through slot164and be positioned within end pivot recess165. The end pivot160also includes an arm166that covers a portion of end pivot recess165. When the end pivot shoulder194of end pivot frame116is fit within the end pivot recess165, the end pivot160may be rotated with respect to frame110so that the shoulder moves within end pivot recess165adjacent to arm166. Arm166then prevents the shoulder from being removed from end pivot recess165, connecting the end pivot160to the frame110at end pivot frame116. Although not visible inFIG.7, the other side of end pivot160includes an additional slot164and end pivot recess165arrangement for receiving the second shoulder of end pivot frame116.

The end pivot160is removable from the end pivot frame116. To remove the end pivot from the end pivot frame116, the end pivot160is rotated so that the slot164is once again aligned with the end pivot shoulder194so that the end pivot160may be pulled away from the end pivot frame116.

As shown inFIG.8, end pivot170includes a spherical head172and a circular recess173defined through a portion of head172. The opposite end of end pivot170includes a slot174that extends through an edge of end pivot160and that leads into an end pivot recess175. The slot174is shaped so that the shoulder of end pivot frame126of the frame110may fit through slot174and be positioned within end pivot recess175. The end pivot170also includes an arm176that covers a portion of end pivot recess175. When the shoulder of end pivot frame126is fit within the end pivot recess175, the end pivot170may be rotated with respect to frame110so that the shoulder moves within end pivot recess175adjacent to arm176. Arm176then prevents the shoulder from being removed from end pivot recess175, connecting the end pivot170to the frame110at end pivot frame116.

The end pivot170is removable from the end pivot frame126. To remove the end pivot from the end pivot frame116, the end pivot160is rotated so that the slot164is once again aligned with the end pivot shoulder194so that the end pivot160may be pulled away from the end pivot frame116. Although not visible inFIG.8, the other side of end pivot170includes an additional slot174and end pivot recess175arrangement for receiving the second shoulder of end pivot frame126.

Although the end pivot160including the V-shaped slot163is shown as connecting to the end pivot frame116that is attached to the top frame section112, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the end pivot160may be connected to the end pivot frame126attached to the bottom frame section122. Likewise, in some embodiments, the end pivot170including the circular recess173may be connected to the end pivot frame116attached to the top frame section112. In some embodiments, both end pivots160,170may include a V-shaped slot163or both end pivots160,170may include a circular recess173. In still other embodiments, different shapes or features other than a V-shaped slot163or a circular recess173may be found on the head162,172of the end pivots160,170. For example, the head of the end pivot160or170may be flat or may include a square or rectangular recess.

In some embodiments, the end pivots160,170may be made from rubber or any other suitable elastomeric material to prevent scratching or damaging the surface on which the gyroscope100is supported while in operation. In an illustrative embodiment, the end pivots have Shore A 80 durometer hardness rating. In other embodiments, the end pivots160,170may be made from any other suitable material that is able to support the gyroscope100as the gyroscope100as in use. Because the end pivots160,170are removable from the end pivot frames116,126, the end pivots160,170may be replaced when necessary due to wear or may be replaced to include different desired features on the end pivots160,170.

FIG.9illustrates a side view of the zip cord180. Zip cord180is made with a bendable/flexible plastic strip forming a cord body184. The zip cord180includes a handle182at one end. In some embodiments, the handle182may include contours183that make the handle182easier to grip and to pull. Cord body184extends from the handle182. A plurality of teeth185extend along at least a portion of the length of the cord body184forming a flexible rack gear. The teeth185are spaced on the cord body184to correspond to the starting gears143,145on the wheel axle portions142,144so that the teeth185may mate with the teeth on the starting gears143,145when the zip cord180is slid along the starting gears143,145.

A cross-sectional view of the gyroscope100is shown inFIG.10. As illustrated, the wheel130sits atop the weight150on the weight ledge154. To connect the wheel130to the weight, the wheel connection flanges136are aligned with the weight slots156so that the wheel connection flanges136are inserted into the weight slots156. The connection may be press-fit or snap-fit, it may use adhesive or fasteners may be used.

The wheel130and the weight150are surrounded by the frame110. The wheel axle portions142,144extend vertically from the wheel130. The wheel axle portion142is at least partially surrounded by the top frame section112and the wheel axle portion144is at least partially surrounded by the bottom frame section122.

A pair of opposing bearing pins148are arranged in the frame and axially aligned with the opposing ends of wheel axle portions142,144. Each bearing pin148has an outer end received in top frame section112or bottom frame section122and an inner end extending into the axially aligned wheel axle bore hole147in wheel axle portion142or144. The diameter of the bore holes147is slightly larger than the diameter of the bearing pins. The bore hole147may overlap with the respective starting gears143,145. The bore hole147preferably has a hemispherically shaped inner end. The inward end of each bearing pin defines a slightly hemispherically shaped indent. Within each bore hole147, a ball bearing146is arranged between the inward end of each bearing pin148and the inner end of the bore hole147. The wheel axle portions142,144and wheel130are able to spin on the ball bearings146while the bearing pins148remain stationary. Therefore, while in operation, the wheel130and the weight150spin, while the frame110and the end pivots160,170are stationary or move independently of the wheel130.

In operation, a user inserts the zip cord180through a slot defined by the frame110and either one of the starting gears143,145. The teeth185of the zip cord180interact with teeth of the starting gear143,145to feed the length of the zip cord180through the frame, spinning the wheel130and the weight150spin in a first direction. The slot between the frame110and the starting gear143or145assists to hold the zip cord180against the starting gear143,145as the zip cord180is pulled. As the wheel130starts to spin in the first direction, the zip cord180may be automatically fed through the frame by the rotation of the starting gear143or145as the teeth of the starting gear143or145interact with the teeth185of the zip cord180.

Once the zip cord180is fed along the starting gear143or145the desired distance, the zip cord180may be quickly pulled in the opposite direction and removed from the frame110while the frame is held in position. As the zip cord180is pulled, the teeth185on the zip cord180interact with the starting gear143or145to spin the wheel130and the weight150in a second direction, opposite of the first direction. Typically, the zip cord180is pulled with greater force as it is removed from the frame110compared to the force used to insert the zip cord180between the frame110and the starting gear143or145.

As the wheel130and the weight150are spinning, the gyroscope may be supported on a surface by either the end pivot160or the end pivot170. Different surfaces may be used to support the gyroscope100including a string, a table, a floor, or even the finger of a user. In some embodiments, the V-shaped slot163on the end pivot160or the circular recess173on the end pivot170may interact with the support surface. For example, a string may act as the support surface by inserting the string into the V-shaped slot163. Alternately, the circular recess173may support the gyroscope on a pointed object or on a circular shaped surface. In some embodiments, the ball shaped end pivot160or170may be supported in a cup-shaped recess. The spin axis of the wheel130and the weight150through the wheel axle portions142,144is maintained even as the frame110of the gyroscope100is rotated.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected.