Patent Publication Number: US-2018043729-A1

Title: Toy and method of operation

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     The present invention is directed to a toy and method of operation that provides the multi-functional uses of: a writing instrument for marking a substrate; a container for containing candy or medicine or toy; and a spinning toy for entertainment. 
     The inventor of the present invention has extensive experience with toys, and especially traditional mechanical toys. The inventor recognized that in the modern world, children are more prone to playing with digital games than with physical products. The inventor realized that he somehow had to again teach a child to play with physical products, for physical products develop coordination and physical skills that a digital game could never offer the child. 
     The inventor was also aware that a marking instrument, such as a pen, a pencil, or a crayon was often useful and fun to have when playing. The writing instrument could also increase interest in the toy that the inventor had in mind. The inventor wondered if it was possible to combine a writing instrument, a container of candy, medicine, and toys, and a spinning toy. 
     He remembered that in his youth he played with a toy that is similar to the toy described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,161,154 that was issued to I. Gertler. A simple toy that allowed children to grasp the extremities of a toy and manipulate the toy so that the toy could spin along a central axis. The toy was manipulated by the child in the manner described in the Gertler patent. The present invention uses at least a portion of the mechanism of the Gertler patent. 
     The inventor recognized a problem in that the spinning motion of the toy required mechanical energy to operate efficiently. The inventor knew that when a cord was twisted in a first direction, torque and momentum were built up within the cord. And when the cord was released, the momentum forced the cord to twist in an opposite direction. 
     The inventor decided to use this phenomena to enable a cylindrically shaped central spinner to move along the length of the cord from extreme ends of the toy. The cord could also be drawn taut or slackened to change the angular and linear velocity of the spinning central spinner. This manipulation of the cord provided a challenging exercise that enhanced motor skills and provided entertainment. 
     The inventor recognized another problem in that the toy had to be more alluring for a child, going beyond just a spinning toy. The inventor devised a manner of introducing a physical spinning toy to a child in a manner in which the child would not be led to believe that he was being forced to play with a physical product. The physical product would then serve to increase the child&#39;s motor skills. By housing an edible member, such as candy or gum, in the center of the toy and allowing the edible member to spin, the child would be swayed fascinated by the spinning motion and the edible member; thereby causing the child to purchase the toy. Further, after the edible member is consumed, the inventor believes that the child would eventually use the dispenser as a toy. 
     Writing instruments and spinning toys and candy surprises have been utilized in the past; yet none with the characteristics of the present invention. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,804,260; 2,161,154; 7,531,197; and 20100028068. 
     For the foregoing reasons, there is a toy and method of operation that is configured into a multi-functional spinning toy; writing instrument; and a food and toy container. Specifically, the device is configured to operate as: 1) a spinning toy for providing entertainment and developing motor skills; 2) a writing instrument for marking on a substrate; and 3) a dispenser for containing a candy or a medicine or a toy. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention describes a toy and method of operation that offers multi-functionality, including operation as: a spinning toy for providing entertainment and developing motor skills; a container for containing a candy, or a medicine, or a toy; and a marking instrument for marking on a substrate. 
     In one embodiment, the toy comprises a simple to operate spinning toy that leverages the torque generated from twisting a cord, and the momentum released from the cord to create a spinning motion across a central spinner towards extreme ends of a dispenser. The angular velocity and the linear velocity of the spinning and linear motion can be regulated through manipulation of the cord. The cord is preloaded and wound up during packaging, such that the toy spins when initially opened. 
     The toy further comprises a generally elongated dispenser having a tubular shape. The dispenser comprises a cavity that forms a useful container to enable candy, a medicine, or a toy to be stored, carried, and dispensed. The dispenser is defined by a mark end and a cap end. The cap end comprises a circular flange. The mark end and the cap end of the dispenser detachably mate through a threaded engagement. 
     The toy further provides a marking device. The marking device is configured to produce a mark. In some embodiments, the marking device may include, without limitation, a solid pigment core, a solid wax core, or an ink dispenser. 
     The first toy member is defined by a first end wall, a first continuous sidewall, and a circular recess. The central spinner may have a generally cylindrical shape and be defined by a middle continuous sidewall with a transversely disposed wall having a channel. The channel enables passage of a cord for spinning the central spinner; thereby serving as a spinning toy. The central spinner also adds weight to the cord, so that the angular velocity and linear velocity increases during spinning. 
     The second toy member is defined by a second end wall and a second continuous sidewall. At least one gate may form at the end walls or continuous sidewalls. 
     A cord extends between the first end wall of the first toy member and the second end wall of the second toy member. The cord also concentrically passes through the channel in the central spinner. The cord carries the central spinner so as to rotate along the axis of the cord. The central spinner is also configured to move freely in two directions along the length of the cord. 
     In operation of the toy as a writing instrument, the marking device is bifurcated into a mark end and a cap end that detachably mate. The shape of the marking device is elongated and tubular to provide a comfortable writing grip. The mark end leaves a pigment or ink on a substrate, based on the direction and pressure that the marking device is manipulated. 
     In operation of the toy as a container, the dispenser comprises a cavity for containing a candy, or a medicine, or a toy. The candy or medicine or toy may be accessed through the at least one gate that forms in the first end wall or the first continuous sidewall of the first or second toy members. 
     In operation of the toy as a spinning toy, the cord may be manipulated to twist in two directions. As the cord twists in a first direction, the central spinner rotates, and is carried along the length of the cord towards the first or second toy member, depending on the direction of the twisting by the cord. The twisting action in the first direction creates torque in the cord, which carries the central spinner lengthwise along the cord, either towards the first toy member or towards the second toy member. 
     After twisting in the first direction, momentum gained by the cord and the weight of the central spinner force the cord to twist in a second direction; thereby causing the central spinner to move lengthwise along the cord in an opposite direction. The angular velocity and the linear velocity of the central spinner about the cord may be increased by manipulating the cord to draw the cord taut, or decreased by manipulating the cord to slacken the cord. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the dispenser has an elongated barrel shape. 
     In another aspect, the central spinner has a generally cylindrical shape. 
     In another aspect, the first toy member and the second toy member have a generally frustoconical shape. 
     In another aspect, the first continuous sidewall has a first beveled edge. 
     In another aspect, the second continuous sidewall has a second beveled edge configured to mate with the first beveled edge. 
     In another aspect, the dispenser is configured to contain at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a hard candy, a gum, a chocolate, a medicine, a tablet, and a small toy. 
     In another aspect, the at least one gate slidably moves between an open position and a closed position. 
     In another aspect, the cord is configured to form a continuous loop. 
     In another aspect, the central spinner is rotatably carried towards the first toy member and the second toy member at an angular velocity and a linear velocity. 
     In another aspect, the angular velocity and a linear velocity of the central spinner is increased by drawing the cord taut. 
     In another aspect, the angular velocity and a linear velocity of the central spinner is decreased by slackening the cord. 
     In some embodiments, a method for operating a toy comprises an initial Step of containing a candy or a medicine or a toy in a cavity of a dispenser. A Step may also include dispensing the candy or the medicine or the toy through at least one gate of the dispenser. A further Step comprises separating the toy into a first toy member, a central spinner, and a second toy member. 
     In some embodiments, a Step may include extending a cord between the first toy member and the second toy member. A Step comprises passing the cord through a channel in the central spinner. A further Step includes twisting the cord in a first direction to generate torque and rotatably carry the central spinner towards the first toy member. Another Step may include twisting the cord in a second direction to release momentum from the generated torque and rotatably carry the central spinner towards the second toy member. 
     One objective of the present invention is to provide an entertaining spinning toy. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a dispenser that contains candy or medicine. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to regulate access to the candy or medicine through at least one gate. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is to generate sufficient torque on a cord, such that the central spinner are rotatably carried to the first toy member or the second toy member. 
     Yet another objective is to release momentum from the generated torque, such that the central spinner are rotatably carried towards the second toy member. 
     Yet another objective is to consume the contents of the dispenser either after or before playing with the device. 
     Yet another objective is to enable the cord to be manipulated so that the angular velocity and linear velocity of the central spinner is increased or decreased. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a candy or pill dispenser that converts into a toy after the candy or pill is consumed. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a physical toy to a child that will allow the child to improve his or her motor skills. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a child with a non-digital toy or game. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary toy; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the toy, shown in  FIG. 1 , where a first toy member, a second toy member, and a central spinner are separated; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary toy separated into a first toy member, a second toy member, and a central spinner; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the dispenser shown in  FIG. 3 , where the first toy member, the second toy member, and the central spinner are fully extended and rotating on a cord, and where the central spinner is carried towards the first toy member on a cord; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the toy, shown in  FIG. 1 , where the dispenser is screwed off the marking device; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the toy, shown in  FIG. 1 , where the dispenser is fully extended from the marking device; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the marking device separated into a mark end and a cap end, and detached from a first toy member. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is directed to a toy  100  and method of operation, as referenced in  FIGS. 1-7 . The toy  100 , hereafter “toy  100 ” provides the multi-functional use of a marking instrument, a storage and dispensing container, and a spinning toy. Specifically, the toy  100  is configured to operate as: 1) a spinning toy for providing entertainment and developing motor skills; 2) a writing instrument for marking on a substrate; and 3) a container for containing a candy or a medicine or a toy. 
     Looking at  FIG. 6 , the toy  100 , as utilized as a spinning toy, provides a simple to operate spinning toy that leverages the torque generated from twisting a cord  128 , and the momentum released from the cord  128  to spin a central spinner  134  towards extreme ends of a dispenser  102 . The angular velocity and the linear velocity of the spinning motion by the central spinner  134  may be increased or decreased by manipulating the cord  128 , i.e., draw the cord  128  taut or slacken the cord  128 . The cord  128  is preloaded, i.e., wound up during packaging, such that the toy spins when initially opened. This manipulation of the cord  128  helps develop motor skills and also provides entertainment. Suitable materials for the toy  100  may include, without limitation, a rigid polymer, polyurethane, a metal, wood, and fiberglass. 
     The toy  100 , as utilized as a dispenser  102 , enables facilitated gripping for writing characters on paper or similar substrate. The toy  100 , as utilized as a container provides a useful attachment to the dispenser  102  that can store, carry, and dispense a variety of edible items and toys. In one embodiment, a dispenser  102  detachably mates with the dispenser  102 . The dispenser  102  securely and safely contains candy and medicine for storage, portability, refilling, and dispensing. The candy and medicine may be filled and dispensed through at least one gate (not shown) in the dispenser  102 . The candy and medicine may also be filled and dispensed by disassembling the dispenser  102 . 
     As referenced in  FIG. 1 , the edible spinning toy  100  comprises a generally elongated dispenser  102  defined by a mark end  130  and a cap end  118 . The cap end  118  comprises a circular flange  120 . The mark end  130  attaches to a marking device  132  that is configured to produce a mark on a substrate, such as paper or a chalkboard. In some embodiments, the marking device  132  may include, without limitation, a solid pigment core, a solid wax core, or an ink dispenser. 
     In one embodiment, the mark end  130  and the cap end  118  of the dispenser  102  detachably mate through a threaded engagement between a first threaded section  138  of the cap end  118  and a second threaded region  140  of the mark end  130 —generally at the terminus of each end  118 ,  130 . Though in other embodiments, the mark end  130  and the cap end  118  may detachably mate through other means, including through a friction-fit mechanism, a magnet, or an adhesive. 
     At least one gate may form at the dispenser  102 . The gate may slide or hinge between an open position and a closed position. The open position enables the candy and the medicine to be dispensed or filled in the cavity  116  of the dispenser  102 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the toy  100  may further include a toy portion  142  that detachably mates with the dispenser  102 . The toy portion  142  separates into a first toy member  104 , a central spinner  134 , and a second toy member  110 . In one embodiment, the toy portion  142  may have a generally barrel shape. Though in other embodiments, a triangular or multi-faceted shape may be used for the toy portion  142 . 
     The first toy member  104 , central spinner  134 , and second toy member  110  are configured to both, come together to form the toy portion  142 , or separate and work in conjunction with a cord  128  to operate as a spinning toy. The central spinner  134  is disposed between the first and second toy members  104 ,  110 , forming a bridge therebetween. 
     As  FIG. 3  illustrates, the first toy member  104  is defined by a first end wall  106  and a first continuous sidewall  108 . The first toy member  104  is further defined by a circular recess  124  that detachably couples to the circular flange  120  of the dispenser  102 . The circular recess  124  may receive the circular flange  120  of the dispenser  102  in a friction-fit relationship to enable the detachable mating between the dispenser  102  and the dispenser  102 . 
     As  FIG. 4  shows, the second toy member  110  is disposed opposite the first toy member  104 , and is defined by a second end wall  112  and a second continuous sidewall  114 . The second toy member  110  is shaped and sized substantially the same as the first toy member  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the central spinner  134  may have a generally cylindrical shape and have sufficient weight to create momentum when spinning about a cord  128 . The central spinner  134  is defined by a middle continuous sidewall  136  and a transversely disposed wall  126  having a channel  122 . 
     The toy members  104 ,  110  may have beveled edges to facilitate connections therebetween. For example, the first continuous sidewall  108  has a first beveled edge and the second continuous sidewall  114  has a second beveled edge that is configured to mate with a pair of middle wall beveled edges in a snap-fit engagement. 
     In some embodiments, the first toy member  104  and the second toy member  110  may have a generally frustoconical shape ( FIG. 5 ). In yet another embodiment, the central spinner  134  has a generally cylindrical shape. Though in other embodiments, the toy members  104 ,  110  and the central spinner  134  may be shaped in other sizes and dimensions. In some embodiments, each of the toy members  104 ,  110  and the central spinner  134  may have a different color or pattern to provide greater entertainment value. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a cord  128  extends between the first end wall  106  of the first toy member  104 , and the second end wall  112  of the second toy member  110 . Each end of the cord  128  may fasten securely to the respective end wall  106 ,  112  through at least one anchor, or other fastening mechanism known in the art. The cord  128  also concentrically passes through the channel  122  in the central spinner  134 . 
     As  FIGS. 3-4  show, the cord  128  forms a continuous loop between the toy members  104 ,  110 . In this case two parallel lengths of the cord pass through the channel  122 . Suitable materials for the cord  128  may include, without limitation, a fiber, rubber, polyester, bamboo, and a polymer. 
     The cord  128  is also configured to twist in a first direction so as to generate torque and gain momentum. The momentum on the cord  128  is released when the cord  128  twists in the second direction. The cord  128  may be manipulated to alter the velocity of the spinning. The central spinner  134  is configured to rotate along the axis of the cord  128 . The central spinner  134  is also configured to move freely in two directions along the length of the cord  128 . As the cord  128  twists in the first or second direction, the central spinner  134  is carried in either direction, dependent on the direction of the twisting motion. 
     It is significant to note that the cord  128  is preloaded during manufacture. The cord  128  is twisted ion the first direction, such that the toy portion  142  spins when initially opened. 
     In operation of the toy  100  as a writing instrument, the marking device  132  leaves a pigment or ink on a substrate, based on the direction and pressure that the dispenser  102  is manipulated. The marking device  132  may include, without limitation, a pencil, a pen, a crayon, and a marker. Any assortment of ink or pigment colors may be used. 
     In operation of the toy  100  as a container, the dispenser  102  comprises a cavity  116  for securely containing a candy, or a medicine, or toy. The candy or medicine may be filled into the cavity  116 , or depositing the candy or medicine into the cavity  116  by removing the toy portion  142  from the dispenser  102 . 
     In operation of the toy  100  as a spinning toy, the cord  128  may be manipulated to twist in two directions. As the cord  128  twists in a first direction, the central spinner  134  rotates and is carried along the length of the cord  128  towards the first or second toy members  104 ,  110 , depending on the direction of the twisting by the cord  128 . The twisting action in the first direction creates torque in the cord  128 , which carries the central spinner  134  lengthwise along the cord  128 , either towards the first toy member  104  or towards the second toy member  110 . 
     After twisting the cord  128  in the first direction, momentum gained by the cord  128  and the weight of the central spinner  134  force the cord  128  to twist in a second direction. This causes the central spinner  134  to move lengthwise along the cord  128  in an opposite, second direction. The angular velocity and the linear velocity of the central spinner  134  about the cord  128  may be increased by drawing the cord  128  taut, or decreased by slackening the cord  128 . 
     A method for operating a toy  100  enables the utilization of the toy  100  as: a spinning toy; a marking instrument for marking on a substrate, and a container for containing candy or medicine or a toy. The method comprises an initial Step of containing a candy or a medicine or toy in a cavity  116  of a dispenser  102 . The toy  100 , as used as a container, provides a dispenser  102  that securely and safely contains candy and medicine for storage, portability, refilling, and dispensing. 
     A Step may also include dispensing the candy or medicine or toy. 
     A further Step comprises separating a toy portion  102  into a first toy member  104 , a central spinner  134 , and a second toy member  110 . The first toy member  104 , central spinner  134 , and second toy member  110  are configured to both, come together to form the dispenser  102 , or separate and work in conjunction with the cord  128  to operate as a spinning toy. The central spinner  134  is disposed between the first and second toy members  104 ,  110 , forming a bridge therebetween. 
     In some embodiments, a Step may include extending a cord  128  between the first toy member  104  and the second toy member  110 . A Step comprises passing the cord  128  through a channel  122  in the central spinner  134 . The cord  128  extends between the first end wall  106  of the first toy member  104 , and the second end wall  112  of the second toy member  110 . Each end of the cord  128  may fasten securely to the respective end wall  106 ,  112  through at least one anchor or other fastening mechanism known in the art. The cord  128  also concentrically passes through the channel  122  in the central spinner  134 . 
     A further Step includes twisting the cord  128  in a first direction to generate torque and rotatably carry the central spinner  134  towards the first toy member  104 . A final Step may include twisting the cord  128  in a second direction to release momentum from the generated torque and rotatably carry the central spinner  134  towards the second toy member  110 . 
     While the inventor&#39;s above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the toy  100  may utilize two central spinners adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.