Abstract:
The customizable yo-yo system of the present invention makes available a plurality of yo-yos, e.g. two yo-yos or three or more yo-yos, which can easily be disassembled and reassembled to make a set of custom yo-yos. Each of the custom yo-yo has a unique set of performance characteristics selected by the user&#39;s preference and skill level. In addition, each of the yo-yos parts are color coded to indicate its associated skill level.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is related to, claims the earliest available effective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications; claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications), and incorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith; the present application also claims the earliest available effective filing date(s) from, and also incorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s) to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith. 
         [0002]    U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/463114, entitled “Customizable Yo-Yo System”, naming Joyce A. Amaral, John V. Marcantonio, and Todd M. Rywolt as inventors, filed 11 Feb. 2011 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Field of Use 
         [0004]    These teachings relate generally to a Yo-Yo system and in particular to a customizable. Yo-Yo system 
         [0005]    2. Description of Prior Art (Background) 
         [0006]    Among the significant features of a yo-yo is the manner in which the dynamic manner in which the yo-yo engages the string to initiate the rewinding and retrieval of the yo-yo. It is desirable for the yo-yo to catch the string in a consistently responsive manner in order to enhance the player&#39;s control over the yo-yo. In some cases, it may be preferred for the yo-yo to have a “hair trigger” response in which very slight manipulation of the string is required to cause the string to become caught in the yo-yo to effect the retrieval. Others may prefer a less sensitive trigger reaction in which a more distinct manipulation is necessary in order to initiate the retrieval. Regardless of the degree of responsiveness, it is important that the response is consistent so that the player can best control the yo-yo. 
         [0007]    Other significant features of a yo-yo include the peripheral entry to the string slot between the yo-yo halves and the weight of the yo-yo halves. These features contribute to the feel and responsiveness of the player&#39;s retrieval command (slackening the string to relieve it of all tension) and are, in part, a matter of personal preference and skill and may depend on the types of tricks to be performed. 
         [0008]    Over the years, many different shapes have been employed for the yo-yo&#39;s side portions. Traditional yo-yos will usually feature substantially planar side portions that have a bulge in the area of the rim to provide an improved weight distribution that increases spin time and stability. Butterfly yo-yos feature side portions that are stretched outwardly, away from the center of the yo-yo, thereby increasing the width of the yo-yo and giving the yo-yo a butterfly shape when viewed in cross-section. 
         [0009]    It is also known to use different materials for, or on, the rim portion of each of a yo-yo&#39;s side portions. For example, while most yo-yos have rim portions made of a hard plastic material, it is known to employ rubber either as the rim material, or in the form of an o-ring that is placed on the periphery of each of a yo-yo&#39;s side portions. 
         [0010]    The different shapes and materials employed in a yo-yo&#39;s side portions not only make the yo-yo distinctive, they also affect the yo-yo&#39;s performance. For example, a user performing looping tricks with a yo-yo will usually prefer a traditionally shaped yo-yo that has substantially planar side portions. Such a shape is best at looping since the weight distribution is close to the tether&#39;s (string&#39;s) attachment point on the yo-yo, thereby enabling the yo-yo to flip over relatively easily during each loop. For yo-yo tricks in which the user attempts to catch the spinning yo-yo on a medial portion of the tether, a butterfly shaped yo-yo is preferred. The more widely spaced-apart side portions improve the yo-yo&#39;s stability whereby the yo-yo is less prone to tilt off the tether. Furthermore, the wider stance of a butterfly-shaped yo-yo facilitates a user being able to land the yo-yo on a medial portion of the tether. 
         [0011]    To take advantage of the different yo-yo performance characteristics provided through the use of side portions of different shapes and/or materials and/or that have different tether engagement adaptations, many experienced yo-yo players will own a large variety of different yo-yos. This enables the player to pick a yo-yo from his or her collection that will work best for the particular trick(s) that the player wishes to perform. However, the costs involved in buying and maintaining a large number of yo-yos can be considerable. In addition, transporting a large number of yo-yos can be bothersome and is usually accomplished using a bulky and expensive transport case specially adapted for carrying yo-yos. 
         [0012]    Prior art solutions for yo-yo customization, such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,310 to Van Dan Elzen (Van Dan Elzen) provide minor customization with removable disks forming a part of the yo-yo rim; or U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,142 to Rehkemper et al. (Rehkemper), disclosing a modular yo-yo which can be disassembled by the user. However, these prior art solutions, on the one hand, do not provide enough customization, and on the other hand too much customization. Rehkemper&#39;s yo-yo, for example, discloses a myriad of small parts for custom building a yo-yo. In addition to none of the small parts being easily identified for its yo-yo performance characteristics it would take a sophisticated user a considerable amount of time and patience to assemble. Similarly, Van Dan Elzen&#39;s yo-yo allows for replacement of a disk forming a part of the rim but is silent as to other customizable features of a yo-yo and how those customizable features are readily identified. 
         [0013]    It is desirable, therefore, to provide a customizable yo-yo system where the features of a yo-yo are readily identifiable and customizable by the user to provide yo-yos to meet the user&#39;s yo-yo performance preference. It is also desirable to provide a set of yo-yos having customizable and interchangeable components to allow for performance customization ranging from basic yo-yo performance to very advanced yo-yo performance. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0014]    The foregoing and other problems are overcome, and other advantages are realized, in accordance with the presently preferred embodiments of these teachings. 
         [0015]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a customizable yo-yo system includes a plurality of yo-yos where each of the plurality of yo-yos includes a plurality of matching weighted shells, a plurality of matching pads, a plurality of matching spacers, a bearing, and an axle with a blind threaded hole for engaging a hex screw when the yo-yo is in an assembled condition. Each of the plurality of matching weighted shells, the plurality of matching pads, and the plurality of matching spacers are weighted and sized for different skill levels and each of the corresponding pluralities are interchangeable. 
         [0016]    The invention is also directed towards a yo-yo system having interchangeable components wherein each of the interchangeable components is associated with a yo-yo performance characteristic. The yo-yo system includes: a basic skill yo-yo having matching dins weighted for a basic or beginner performance; matching spacers selected for basic or beginner performance; a bearing and an axle and screw for threadably securing the basic skill yo-yo in an assembled condition. The yo-yo system also includes an intermediate skill yo-yo having matching rims weighted for a intermediate performance; matching spacers selected for intermediate performance; another bearing and an another axle and screw for threadably securing the intermediate skill yo-yo in an assembled condition. Lastly, the yo-yo system includes an advanced skill yo-yo having matching, rims weighted for an advanced performance; matching spacers selected for advanced performance; another bearing and an another axle and screw for threadably securing the advanced skill yo-yo in an assembled condition. Each of the aforementioned yo-yo components are interchangeable. For example the matching rims weighted for a basic or beginner performance are interchangeable with the matching rims weighted for intermediate performance. In addition, each of the aforementioned yo-yo components are color coded, or otherwise marked, to indicate its respective skill level. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a customizable yo-yo system is provided. The customizable yo-yo system includes a plurality of interchangeable weighted rims, wherein each of the weights of plurality of weighted rims comprises substantially the range of 57 gram weights to 69 gram weights. The customizable yo-yo also includes a plurality of interchangeable spacers, wherein each of the widths of the plurality of interchangeable spacers comprises substantially the range of 3 mm width to 4 mm widths. The yo-yo system also includes a plurality of pads, wherein each of the pads comprises a responsive characteristic ranging from basic to very advanced. In addition, each of the aforementioned yo-yo components are color coded, or otherwise marked, to indicate its respective skill level. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the customizable features of a basic yo-yo in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the customizable features of an advanced yo-yo in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the customizable features of a very advanced yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown an exploded view of the customizable features of a basic yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. The basic yo-yo  10  includes basic axle  11 , a basic first half shell  12  enclosing a basic first weight  12   a,  a basic second half shell  13  enclosing a basic second weight I  3   a,  a basic first pad  17 , a basic first spacer  14 , a bearing  15 , a basic second spacer  16 , a basic second pad  17   a,  and a basic hex screw  19 . It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown in  FIG. 1  are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent a basic skill level associated with each of the parts. For example, the basic axle  11 , the basic first half  12  enclosing the basic first weight  12   a,  the basic second half  13  enclosing the basic second weight  13   a,  the basic first pad  17 , the basic first spacer  14 , the basic second spacer  16 , the basic second pad  17   a,  and the basic hex screw  19  may be color coded green to represent a yo-yo suitable for basic tricks. 
         [0023]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the basic axle  11  may be any suitable shaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head  11   a  for fitting in a recessed portion of either the basic first half  12  or the basic second half  13 . The other end of the basic axle  11  includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the basic hex screw  19  to threadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will be appreciated that either hex head  11  a or hex screw  19  may be slotted to permit tightening with a screwdriver or coin. 
         [0024]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the basic first half shell  12  and the basic second half shell  13  may be any suitable shell material for enclosing the basic first weight  12   a  and the basic second weight  13   a,  respectively. Also, for example the basic first half shell  12  and the basic second half shell  13  may be a substantially transparent polycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded basic first weight  12   a  or the color coded basic second weight  13   a,  respectively. It will be appreciated that the basic first half shell  12  and the basic second half shell  13  may be any suitable material and likewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosing the basic first weight  12   a  or the basic second weight  13   a,  respectively. 
         [0025]    It will also be appreciated that the basic first shell  12  and the basic first weight  12   a  can be an integrated or single piece unit. For example the basic first shell  12  and the basic first weight  12   a  can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It will also be understood that basic first shell  12  and the basic first weight  12   a  are substantially balanced around a center axis of the assembled basic first shell  12  and the basic first weight  12   a.  Likewise, the basic second shell  13  and the basic second weight  13   a  may be similarly constructed. 
         [0026]    Likewise, still referring to  FIG. 1 , the basic first weight  12   a  can be any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded to indicate a particular feature associated with the basic first weight  12   a.  For example, the basic first weight  12   a  can be anodized aluminum color coded green and visible through the basic first half shell  12  to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately 59 grams suitable for basic performance. Again, the basic second shell  13  and the basic second weight  13   a  may be similarly constructed. 
         [0027]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the basic first pad  17  may be any suitable material such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood that the basic first pad  17  hardness and texture is selected to provide a very responsive return feature associated with basic performance. It will also be appreciated that the basic first pad  17  may be color coded, for example, green, or otherwise marked, to correspond to basic performance. The basic second pad  17   a  is similarly constructed. 
         [0028]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the basic first spacer  14  and the basic second spacer  16  may be any suitable material having a thickness of approximately 3.3 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yo is assembled the basic first spacer  14  and basic second spacer  16  help determine the space between the basic first half shell  12  and the basic second half shell  13  when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be further appreciated that a narrower space between the basic first half shell  12  and the basic second half shell  13  corresponds to a more responsive yo-yo. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yo parts, the basic first spacer  14  and the basic second spacer  16  may be color coded, for example, green, or otherwise marked, to correspond to basic performance. 
         [0029]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the bearing  15  may be any suitable bearing such as a 6 mm bearing. 
         [0030]    Referring also to  FIG. 2  there is shown an exploded view of the customizable features of an intermediate yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. The intermediate yo-yo  20  includes intermediate axle  21 , an intermediate first half shell  22  enclosing a intermediate first weight  22   a,  an intermediate second half shell  23  enclosing a intermediate second weight  23   a,  an intermediate first pad  27 , an intermediate first spacer  24 , a bearing  25 , an intermediate second spacer  26 , an intermediate second pad  27   a,  and an intermediate hex screw  29 . It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown in  FIG. 2  are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent an intermediate skill level associated with each of the parts. For example, the intermediate axle  21 , the intermediate first half  22  enclosing the intermediate first weight  22   a,  the intermediate second half  23  enclosing the intermediate second weight  23   a,  the intermediate first pad  27 , the intermediate first spacer  24 , the intermediate second spacer  26 , the intermediate second pad  27   a,  and the intermediate hex screw  29  may be color coded blue to represent a yo-yo suitable for intermediate tricks. 
         [0031]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the intermediate axle  21  may be any suitable shaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head  21   a  for fitting in a recessed portion of either the intermediate first half  22  or the intermediate second half  23 . The other end of the intermediate axle  21  includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the intermediate hex screw  29  to threadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will be appreciated that either hex head  21   a  or hex screw  29  may be slotted to permit tightening with a screwdriver or coin. 
         [0032]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the intermediate first half shell  22  and the intermediate second half shell  23  may be any suitable shell material for enclosing the intermediate first weight  22   a  and the intermediate second weight  23   a,  respectively. Also, for example the intermediate first half shell  22  and the intermediate second half shell  23  may be a substantially transparent polycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded intermediate first weight  22   a  or the color coded intermediate second weight  23   a,  respectively. It will be appreciated that the intermediate first half shell  22  and the intermediate second half shell  23  may be any suitable material and likewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosing the intermediate first weight  22   a  or the intermediate second weight  23   a,  respectively. 
         [0033]    It will also be appreciated that the intermediate first shell  22  and the intermediate first weight  22   a  can be an integrated or single piece unit. For example the intermediate first shell  22  and the intermediate first weight  22   a  can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It will also be understood that intermediate first shell  22  and the intermediate first weight  22   a  are substantially balanced around a center axis of the assembled intermediate first shell  22  and the intermediate first weight  22   a.  Likewise, the intermediate second shell  23  and the intermediate second weight  23   a  may be similarly constructed. 
         [0034]    Likewise, still referring to  FIG. 2 , the intermediate first weight  22   a  can be any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded to indicate a particular feature associated with the intermediate first weight  22   a.  For example, the intermediate first weight  22   a  can be anodized aluminum color coded blue and visible through the intermediate first half shell  22  to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately 64 grams suitable for intermediate performance. Again, the intermediate second shell  23  and the intermediate second weight  23   a  may be similarly constructed. 
         [0035]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the intermediate first pad  27  may be any suitable material such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood that the intermediate first pad  27  hardness and texture is selected to provide a very responsive return feature associated with intermediate performance. It will also be appreciated that the intermediate first pad  27  may be color coded, for example, blue, or otherwise marked, to correspond to intermediate performance. The intermediate second pad  27   a  is similarly constructed. 
         [0036]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the intermediate first spacer  24  and the intermediate second spacer  26  may be any suitable material having a thickness of approximately 3.76 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yo is assembled the intermediate first spacer  24  and intermediate second spacer  26  help determine the space between the intermediate first half shell  22  and the intermediate second half shell  23  when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be further appreciated that the space between the intermediate first half shell  22  and the intermediate second half shell  23  defined by the intermediate first spacer  24  and the intermediate second spacer  26  corresponds to a less responsive or sensitive yo-yo than the basic yo-yo shown in  FIG. 1  which allows for intermediate class yo-yo tricks. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yo parts, the intermediate first spacer  24  and the intermediate second spacer  26  may be color coded, for example, blue, or otherwise marked, to correspond to intermediate performance. 
         [0037]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the bearing  25  may be any suitable bearing such as a 6 mm bearing. 
         [0038]    Referring also to  FIG. 3  there is shown an exploded view of the customizable features of an advanced yo-yo in accordance with the present invention. The advanced yo-yo  30  includes advanced axle  31 , an advanced first half shell  32  enclosing a advanced first weight  32   a,  an advanced second half shell  33  enclosing a advanced second weight  33   a,  an advanced first pad  37 , an advanced first spacer  34 , a bearing  35 , an advanced second spacer  36 , an advanced second pad  37   a,  and an advanced hex screw  39 . It will be appreciated that each of the parts shown in  FIG. 3  are color coded, or otherwise marked, to represent an advanced skill level associated with each of the parts. For example, the advanced axle  31 , the advanced first half  32  enclosing the advanced first weight  32   a,  the advanced second half  33  enclosing the advanced second weight  33   a,  the advanced first pad  37 , the advanced first spacer  34 , the advanced second spacer  36 , the advanced second pad  37   a,  and the advanced hex screw  39  may be color coded black to represent a yo-yo suitable for advanced tricks. 
         [0039]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the advanced axle  31  may be any suitable shaft with one end comprising or including a square or hex head  31   a  for fitting in a recessed portion of either the advanced first half  32  or the advanced second half  33 . The other end of the advanced axle  31  includes a blind threaded hole for engaging the advanced hex screw  39  to threadably secure the yo-yo in its assembled condition. It will be appreciated that either hex head  31   a  or hex screw  39  may be slotted to permit tightening with a screwdriver or coin. 
         [0040]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the advanced first half shell  32  and the advanced second half shell  33  may be any suitable shell material for enclosing the advanced first weight  32   a  and the advanced second weight  33   a,  respectively. Also, for example the advanced first half shell  32  and the advanced second half shell  33  may be a substantially transparent polycarbonate shell allowing the user to view the color coded advanced first weight  32   a  or the color coded advanced second weight  33   a,  respectively. It will be appreciated that the advanced first half shell  32  and the advanced second half shell  33  may be any suitable material and likewise color coded to indicate the weight of the shell enclosing the advanced first weight  32   a  or the advanced second weight  33   a,  respectively. 
         [0041]    It will also be appreciated that the advanced first shell  32  and the advanced first weight  32   a  can be an integrated or single piece unit. For example the advanced first shell  32  and the advanced first weight  32   a  can be any suitable material such as aluminum. It will also be understood that advanced first shell  32  and the advanced first weight  32   a  are substantially balanced around a center axis of the assembled advanced first shell  32  and the advanced first weight  32   a.  Likewise, the advanced second shell  33  and the advanced second weight  33   a  may be similarly constructed. 
         [0042]    Likewise, still referring to  FIG. 3 , the advanced first weight  32   a  can be any suitable material such as anodized aluminum color coded to indicate a particular feature associated with the advanced first weight  32   a.  For example, the advanced first weight  32   a  can be anodized aluminum color coded black and visible through the advanced first half shell  32  to indicate a lightly weighed rim on the order of approximately 68 grams suitable for advanced performance. Again, the advanced second shell  33  and the advanced second weight  33   a  may be similarly constructed. 
         [0043]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the advanced first pad  37  may be any suitable material such as silicone or other rubber. It will be understood that the advanced first pad  37  hardness and texture is selected to provide a very responsive return feature associated with advanced performance. It will also be appreciated that the advanced first pad  37  may be color coded, for example, black, or otherwise marked, to correspond to advanced performance. The advanced second pad  37   a  is similarly constructed. 
         [0044]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the advanced first spacer  34  and the advanced second spacer  36  may be any suitable material having a thickness of approximately 3.96 mm each. It will be appreciated that when the yo-yo is assembled the advanced first spacer  34  and advanced second spacer  36  help determine the space between the advanced first half shell  32  and the advanced second half shell  33  when the yo-yo is assembled. It will be further appreciated that the space between the advanced first half shell  32  and the advanced second half shell  33  defined by the advanced first spacer  34  and the advanced second spacer  36  corresponds to a less responsive or sensitive yo-yo than the intermediate yo-yo shown in  FIG. 2  which allows for advanced class yo-yo tricks. Similar to the aforementioned yo-yo parts, the advanced first spacer  34  and the advanced second spacer  36  may be color coded, for example, black, or otherwise marked, to correspond to advanced performance. 
         [0045]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the bearing  35  may be any suitable bearing such as a 6 mm bearing. 
         [0046]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  it will be appreciated that any of the yo-yo parts shown and discussed herein may be interchanged to assemble a yo-yo having specific desired performance features. For example, the lightly weighted basic first half shell  12  and the basic second half shell  13  may be interchanged with the more heavily weighed advanced first half shell  32  and the advanced second half shell  33  to assemble yo-yos having mixed performance characteristics. It will also be appreciated that each of the yo-yo parts are color coded, or otherwise marked, to readily identify the yo-yo&#39;s performance characteristics. 
         [0047]    For example, the play attributes of an interchangeable yo-yo system form a customizable mix of play experiences and performance attributes inclusive of, but not limited to the following: 
         [0048]    1. Different weighted yo-yo halves—when combined with the many internal part combinations (bearings and rubber return pads) different spin characteristics will become possible—some mixed combinations capable of longer spin times and/or greater RPMs. These weighted yo-yo halves are used to customize the play experience. Example: for many players, heavier yo-yos are more stable and allow for easier string tricks combinations. For others, a lighter yo-yo is easier to use and presents better for other types of string trick play. With the use of this system, exact player preference becomes achievable. 
         [0049]    2. Spacers—the yo-yo system contains numerous spacers each with the same internal diameter but with different overall widths. When combined with the other interchangeable parts, the spacers will provide an array of different play experiences. Narrow spacers will provide for more responsive play, while wider spacers can provide for less responsive play and longer spin times. With the multiple spacer possibilities, a player&#39;s skill set can grow more easily and their exact play preferences can be obtained. 
         [0050]    3. Return Systems—the yo-yo system contains up to 3 or more sets of rubber return pads each made out of a different material with different shore hardness and textures. These return pads will allow a player to customize the behavior of the yo-yo so that its spin and responsiveness meets their play needs. Since these pads can also be mixed and matched, the return settings with this customizable/interchangeable design can allow for a very diverse range of play. 
         [0051]    4. Axle system—Three or more axle systems will be used to allow for the parts to be interchangeable with other yo-yo halves. 
         [0052]    It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Thus, various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention.