Donald George Watson

US Patent:

51003619, Mar 31, 1992

Filed:

Jun 28, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/722965

Inventors:

Thomas R. Kuhn - San Francisco CA
Donald W. Watson - Rohnert Park CA

International Classification:

A63H 130
A63H 132

US Classification:

446250

Abstract:

Yo-Yo embodiments with extended spin time and reliable initiation for rewinding of the tether are disclosed. An axle bearing of low friction or "frictionless" type is used for extended spin time. Player control of tether tension causes elastic deformation of tether diameter, especially in a tether strand wrapped around the axle bearing. Tension constricts the cross-sectional diameter of the strand, holding it free of the Yo-Yo sides; loss of tension expands the strand, engaging it laterally in clutch-like surface contact with the Yo-Yo sides. Tension in the tether and its wrapped strand under conditions of common Yo-Yo weight and ordinary play produce small variations in strand diameter. Player control of strand engagement with and disengagement form the Yo-Yo sides is assured by infinitely fine adjustment of the gap between the sides and by secure seizing of the Yo-Yo parts to fix the desired gap. Long periods of reliable Yo-Yo performance and extended capability to players of ordinary skill are among the attained objectives and advantages of the invention.