HK1146251B - Magnetic top system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A magnetic top system for energizing, launching, and controlling movement of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top launcher may magnetically couple to a top and induce a spinning motion in the top. A top controlling device may magnetically control a traversing movement of the top on a play surface without directly contacting the top.

Description

Magnetic top system and method

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.61/140,016 filed on 22/12/2008, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to spinning top toys, and more particularly to magnetically activated and controlled spinning top toys.

Background

Spinning tops are well known in the toy and gaming arts. While simple versions of spinning tops may entertain children and adults, toy manufacturers have recently introduced more complex spinning tops that are started by rack and pinion saw-like cords and play against each other within the field. With this trend, there is a continuing need for new and interesting spinning top toys and play forms that appeal to consumers.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments present novel sets of devices and play scenarios involving the use of magnets to excite, initiate, and control the motion of a spinning top. In one embodiment, a magnetic top system may include a top and a top launcher and a top control device operable to magnetically guide the top without contacting the magnetic top while the top is spinning. The top and top launcher may also be configured to magnetically couple to each other. In one implementation, a magnetic gyroscopic system may comprise: a magnetic top comprising one or more magnets disposed in an upper portion of the top; and a top launcher having a rotating member configured to magnetically engage an upper portion of the magnetic top. The rotating member may be, for example, a rotating metal disk, a rotating plastic disk with metal inserts, or a rotating disk with embedded magnets.

In one aspect, the top launcher may be configured as a portable joystick that may be grasped by a hand of a user. The joystick may include a battery pack, a motor, a disk magnetically coupled to the motor, and a trigger configured to electrically couple the battery pack to the motor such that engagement of the trigger acts to start and stop a spinning motion in the disk. The disk may be a plastic disk with ferromagnetic inserts (e.g., metal inserts) or a disk made entirely of ferromagnetic material (e.g., metal).

In another aspect, a top launcher may be configured to be worn on a user's hand and may include a rotator, which may contain a rotating member and may be configured to be secured on the user's palm. The rotating member may be configured to magnetically couple to a top and may be, for example, a disk with metal and/or magnetic inserts. In an embodiment, a top launcher may include a power source and a switch configured to electrically couple the power source to a motor in the top launcher. The motor may be mechanically coupled to a rotating member in the top launcher such that the motor drives the rotating member. The rotating member may comprise a disc having a centrally disposed magnet and a plurality of outer ferromagnetic or magnetic portions positioned around the centrally disposed magnet.

In another aspect, the upper facing surface of the magnetic top may be generally flat or slightly convex, such that the central magnet of the magnetic top may be attached to a centrally disposed magnet in the rotating member of the top launcher. The magnetic top may also include a plurality of outer magnets arranged about the central magnet and configured to magnetically couple to outer ferromagnetic or magnetic portions in a rotating member of the top launcher.

In another aspect, the top control device may be configured to be worn on a user's finger and may include a magnet portion configured to be coupled to a central magnet of the magnetic top. When brought into magnetic proximity of the magnetic top while the magnetic top is spinning, the magnet portion of the control device may direct the motion of the magnetic top over a surface without contacting the magnetic top. In this way, a user may control the motion of a magnetic top and may play the top on any surface that enables the top to spin. In addition, a top control device may allow multiple users to control their tops in any plane to contact or avoid each other.

While embodiments are suitable for any surface on which a top may spin, another embodiment provides a defined play surface on which the magnetic top may be placed or onto which the magnetic top may be dropped. The play surface may be, for example, a field having enclosed walls and may include a path and stationary and moving obstacles that guide or limit the motion of the magnetic top.

In another aspect, a magnetic top launcher may be configured to pick up, spin, and throw the magnetic top. The magnetic top launcher may be configured to include a reliable mechanism to engage, spin, and throw the magnetic top. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic starter may have a rotating member that is magnetically coupled to a top having a magnet centrally disposed in an upper portion thereof. The rotating member (e.g., a rotating disk) may have a centrally disposed magnet. The magnetic top launcher may be configured to spin the magnetic top when the motor is powered when the central magnet of the magnetic top is attached to the centrally disposed magnet of the rotating member. Preferably, the rotating member has outer magnetic portions attached to corresponding outer magnetic portions of the magnetic top to provide a twisting action resulting from rotation of the rotating member and transferred to the magnetic top when the rotating member is spinning. The launcher may be configured such that a user may release the magnetic top from the spinning rotating member by a motion, such as a flick of a wrist or a tap or bump on the launcher. The rotating member may also be configured to pick up the magnetic top while the top is spinning when a centrally disposed magnet of the rotating member is placed proximate to a central magnet of the magnetic top. In addition, the rotating member of the magnetic launcher may be brought into magnetic proximity of the spinning top to magnetically couple, but not physically couple, to the spinning top. In this manner, the magnetic top launcher may re-energize a spinning top without physically picking up the top to keep the top spinning longer in duration.

In another aspect, the playing surface may include a fluorescent or phosphorescent material and the top may include a light-emitting portion. The light emitting portion may be disposed in a lower region of the top and may emit light of sufficient energy to cause a nearby portion of the fluorescent or phosphorescent playing surface to emit light. Thus, as a spinning top travels across the play surface, a fluorescent pattern may be created in the play surface that corresponds to the path of the top. Thus, for a magnetic top, a user may magnetically guide the magnetic top using a magnetic control device to perform a series of movements recorded as a temporary light pattern in the play surface.

Another aspect provides a magnetic top toy kit including a magnetic top, a top launcher, and a magnetic controller. The magnetic top may include a top body and at least one magnet disposed in the top body. The top body may have a tip portion and a head portion opposite the tip portion. The top may have an axis of rotation extending from the head portion to the tip portion. The top launcher may include a top launcher body, a top launcher spinning member connected to the top launcher body, a spinning member driver for providing rotation to the top launcher spinning member, and a releasable coupler for coupling the magnetic top to the top launcher spinning member. The top launcher spinning member is rotatable about a spinning axis relative to the top launcher body. The spinning member driver may selectively provide rotation to the top launcher spinning member to cause the top launcher spinning member to spin about the spinning axis relative to the top launcher body. The releasable coupler may couple the magnetic top to the top launcher spinning member such that rotation of the top launcher spinning member may be transferred to the magnetic top, such that the magnetic top spins about the magnetic top rotational axis and may allow the spinning magnetic top to disengage from the top launcher spinning member. The magnetic controller may include a magnet and a magnet holder attachable to a hand of a user.

Another aspect provides a magnetic top system including a top and a top launcher. The top may include a top body and at least one magnet. The top body may have a tip portion and a head portion opposite the tip portion. The top may have an axis of rotation extending from the head portion to the tip portion. The at least one magnet may be disposed in a head portion of the top body. The top launcher may be magnetically coupled to the top and may include a top launcher body and a top launcher spinning member connected to the top launcher body. The top launcher spinning member may spin about a spinning axis relative to the top launcher body. The top launcher spinning member may comprise at least one magnetic portion magnetically coupled to at least one magnet of the top. The axis of rotation of the top and the spinning axis of the top launcher spinning member may be aligned. The top launcher spinning member may spin, thereby rotating the top via a magnetic coupling between at least one magnet of the top and at least one magnetic portion of the top launcher spinning member.

Another aspect provides a magnetic top assembled from a plurality of components. The top may include a magnetic core component, a tip component, and a tip cradle. The tip component may be held between the magnetic core component and the tip holder. The tip component may extend through an opening in the tip cradle. The end bracket may engage the magnetic core components to hold the components together in an assembly. The assembled top may have a tip portion and a head portion opposite the tip portion, and may spin about an axis of rotation extending from the head portion to the tip portion. The core magnetic component may provide at least one magnet disposed in a head portion of the assembled top.

Another aspect provides an alternative magnetic top assembled from multiple components. In this aspect, the top may include a locking magnetic component, a core tip component, and a bumper component. The locking magnetic component may engage the core tip component to retain the bumper component between the locking magnetic component and the core tip component. The locking magnetic member may have a first face facing the buffer member and a second face opposite to the first face. The locking magnetic member may have at least one magnet provided to the second face portion, and may have a switch provided to the second face portion. The magnetic top may spin about an axis of rotation. The switch may be centered on an axis of rotation of the magnetic top. The switch may activate a feature of the core tip component.

Another aspect provides a method for starting and controlling a magnetic top. The method may include: assembling a plurality of components into a magnetic top having a head portion and a tip portion such that at least one magnet is disposed on the head portion; magnetically attaching the magnetic top to a magnetic spinning member of a top launcher by aligning the at least one magnet with at least one magnetic portion that the magnetic spinning member of the top launcher has; spinning a magnetic spinning member of the top launcher, thereby rotating the magnetically coupled magnetic top; and applying a force to the top launcher to release the rotating magnetic top from the magnetic spinning member onto a play surface.

Drawings

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a magnetic top toy system;

FIG. 2.1 is a schematic diagram of a side isometric view of an embodiment of a magnetic top;

FIG. 2.2 is a schematic diagram of a top isometric view of the magnetic top of FIG. 2.1;

FIG. 2.3 is a schematic diagram of a bottom isometric view of the magnetic top of FIG. 2.1;

FIG. 2.4 is a schematic diagram of a bottom side exploded isometric view of the magnetic top of FIG. 2.1;

FIG. 2.5 is a schematic diagram of a top side exploded isometric view of the magnetic top of FIG. 2.1;

FIG. 2.6 is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of another embodiment of a magnetic top;

FIG. 2.7 is a schematic diagram of a top side exploded isometric view of the magnetic top of FIG. 2.6;

FIG. 2.8 is a schematic diagram of a top side exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a magnetic top;

FIG. 2.9 is a schematic diagram of a top side exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a magnetic top;

FIG. 2.10 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the magnetic top of FIG. 2.9 in an assembled state;

FIG. 3.1 is a schematic diagram of a top isometric view of an embodiment of a top launcher;

FIG. 3.2 is a schematic diagram of a bottom isometric view of the top launcher of FIG. 3.1;

FIG. 3.3 is a schematic diagram of a top-view side exploded view of the top launcher of FIG. 3.1;

FIG. 3.4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a top launcher attached to a magnetic top and worn by a user;

FIG. 4.1 is a schematic diagram of a top isometric view of an embodiment of a gyroscopic control device;

FIG. 4.2 is a schematic diagram of a bottom isometric view of the gyro control apparatus of FIG. 4.1;

FIG. 4.3 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross-section of the gyroscopic control device of FIG. 4.1;

FIG. 4.4 is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of another embodiment of a gyroscopic control device;

FIG. 4.5 is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of an embodiment of a magnet and a controller tip for the gyroscopic control device of FIG. 4.4;

FIG. 5.1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a magnetic top launcher and top control device being worn by a user;

FIG. 5.2 is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the magnetic top launcher and top control device of FIG. 5.1;

FIG. 5.3 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the magnetic top launcher and top control device of FIG. 5.1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a magnetic top launcher and a top control device to control a spinning magnetic top;

FIG. 7.1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a playing surface for a magnetic top toy system;

FIG. 7.2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a playing surface for a magnetic top system;

7.3-7.5 are schematic views of embodiments of a spinning member for the playing surface of FIG. 7.2;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a light emitting magnetic gyroscope system;

FIG. 9.1 is a schematic diagram of a side view of another embodiment of a top launcher with a magnetic top attached;

FIG. 9.2 is a schematic diagram of a side cross-sectional view of the top launcher of FIG. 9.1;

FIG. 9.3 is a schematic diagram of a top isometric view of the top launcher of FIG. 9.1 with a removable trim cover piece;

FIG. 9.4 is a schematic diagram of a side view of another embodiment of a top launcher;

FIG. 9.5 is a schematic illustration of a side cross-sectional view of the top launcher of FIG. 9.4;

FIG. 9.6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a magnetic disk having a central metal insert and three outer metal inserts coupled to an embodiment of a magnetic top having a central magnet and three outer magnets;

FIG. 9.7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a magnetic disk having a central metal insert and three outer metal inserts, wherein the embodiment of the magnetic disk is coupled to an embodiment of a magnetic top having a central magnet;

FIG. 10.1 is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of an embodiment of a magnetic top launcher with an adjustable strap;

FIG. 10.2 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the adjustable strap of FIG. 10.1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a side isometric view of an embodiment of a saw-string top launcher attached to a magnetic top;

FIG. 12.1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a top controller and magnetic top that may provide additional features during the spinning of the top;

12.2-12.4 are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of a magnetic top and a top controller that provide movement of a striking member during the spinning of the top;

12.5-12.6 are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of a magnetic top and a top controller that provide movement of a shield member during the spinning of the top;

12.7-12.8 are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of a magnetic top and a top controller that provide a variable tip during the spinning of the top; and

12.9-12.10 are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of a magnetic top and a top controller that provide for movement of a rotating shield member during the spinning of the top.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a magnetic top toy system. In one embodiment, a magnetic toy top system or kit may include a magnetic top, a top launcher, and a magnetic controller. As shown in fig. 1, magnetic top 1 may be a top configured to spin along an axis of rotation when its tip engages a surface, such as play surface 4. Embodiments of a magnetic top are described in more detail with reference to the following figures. Magnetic top 1 may include magnets disposed on an upper portion of the top that may be conveniently engaged by a separate magnet, or a ferromagnetic surface brought near the upper portion of magnetic top 1. Thus, in embodiments, a separate magnet or ferromagnetic surface may be used to pick up, hold, spin, guide, and otherwise manipulate magnetic top 1.

FIG. 1 also depicts a top launcher 2, which launcher 2 may be configured as a glove that is worn on a user's hand. Top launcher 2 may include a top launcher body, a top launcher spinning member, a spinning member driver, and a releasable coupling. The top launcher spinning member may be connected to the top launcher body and may rotate about a spinning axis relative to the body. The spinning member driver may selectively provide rotation to the top launcher spinning member to cause the top launcher spinning member to spin about a spinning axis relative to the top launcher body. The releasable coupling may connect the magnetic top to a top launcher spinning member such that rotation of the top launcher spinning member may be transferred to the magnetic top in order for the magnetic top to spin about a magnetic top spin axis. The releasable coupling may allow the spinning magnetic top to disengage from the top launcher spinning member. In one aspect, the releasable coupling may be a magnetic coupling. In another aspect, the releasable coupling may be a quick release mechanical coupling.

As shown in the embodiment of fig. 1, top launcher 2 may comprise a rotating magnetic disk portion 5, which rotating magnetic disk portion 5 may be configured to fit under the palm of a user's hand, as shown. Top launcher 2 may include a power source, such as a battery (not shown) that may be used to power a motor that rotates magnetic disk 5 in a spinning motion. The term "magnetic disk" as used herein refers to a generally circular feature that may include at least one region of magnetic material, and may generally include a portion of non-magnetic material, such as plastic, that encases or retains the magnetic portion. The term "magnetic material", or "magnetic portion", as used herein generally refers to a ferromagnetic material, which may be a magnet, or may be a magnetizable material that is strongly attracted to a magnet, but does not serve as the magnet itself. According to one embodiment of the present invention, magnetic disk portion 5 may include a centrally disposed magnet, or a metal insert (not shown), which may be configured to attach to a magnet in magnetic top 1.

Thus, magnetic disk 5 may pick up and attach to magnetic top 1, and may cause magnetic top 1 to spin when attached to magnetic disk 5. While spinning and attaching to top launcher 2, magnetic top 1 may be thrown onto play surface 4 by a motion, such as a whip of a user's wrist wearing top launcher 2. Alternatively, the user may tap, bump, or tap the top of the hand holding top launcher 2 with the user's additional hand to release magnetic top 1 from top launcher 2. Magnetic top 1 may then be moved in a manner characterized by the top traversing play surface 4. For example, when magnetic top 1 is thrown onto a surface, it may spin about its axis, making its axis precession and move along the surface, i.e., making a translational motion across the playing surface.

In the embodiment as shown in fig. 1, a gyro control device 3 that can be worn on the user's finger may also be provided, as shown. In one embodiment, the gyro control device 3 and the magnetic disk portion 5 may be integrated into a glove worn by a user. Gyro control device 3 may include a magnetic portion that may strongly magnetically couple to or repel the magnets in magnetic gyro 1. When top control device 3 is brought into the vicinity of the magnet of magnetic top 1, the user may guide the motion of spinning magnetic top 1 by moving his finger attached to top control device 3. The term "magnetic proximity" as used herein means a physical distance between a magnet in a top controlling device and a magnet in a magnetic top within which there is a substantial magnetic attraction or repulsion between the respective magnets, for example, when movement of the magnetic controlling device results in movement of the magnetic top, as an example. In some embodiments, top controlling means 3 may be arranged to magnetically attract or magnetically repel magnetic top 1, such that the movement of magnetic top 1 may be altered by the movement of magnetic controlling means 3. For example, the magnetic control means 3 may cause the magnetic top 1 to change its path (change its translational movement). Control device 3 may also vary the precession of magnetic top 1, or cause precession of magnetic top 1, and may also vary the rotational speed of spinning magnetic top 1.

As discussed in more detail below, play surface 4 may be arranged with a number of different features designed to enhance the play experience when magnetic top 1 is spinning on the play surface.

In an embodiment, top launcher 2 may also be configured to pick up magnetic top 1 while magnetic top 1 is spinning. Thus, a user may pick up magnetic top 1 to re-energize the top and increase its spinning speed after the speed of magnetic top 1 begins to slow down, or simply move magnetic top 1 quickly from one location to another. Additionally, when a top is spinning, a top launcher, whose magnetic disk is rotating, may be brought into magnetic proximity of the top in order to re-energize the top without physically coupling with the spinning top. For example, the rotating member of a top launcher may be magnetically coupled to a spinning top to increase the rotational speed of the top without physically contacting the top.

In one example of a game format, multiple players may each operate a top launcher, magnetic top, and top control device in a common area of the game, such as game surface 4. Thus, each user may direct the user's top around or through an obstacle, around or into an opponent's top, and may pick up the top as desired. Alternatively, the common area of play may be any surface (e.g., a table or floor) that enables the top to spin, other than play surface 4. Indeed, due to the unique control features provided by the top control device and top launcher, it may not be necessary to provide a specialized play surface such as an enclosed play field (e.g., a bowl-shaped field that urges a spinning top by gravity to the central lowest point of the field to facilitate contact between uncontrolled tops). The unique control features may allow a user to control a spinning top on any surface, including flat surfaces or even convex surfaces, to avoid or contact each other as desired.

In some embodiments, a magnetic top may be provided with a generally flat upper surface that allows the top to be conveniently attached to a lower surface of a top launcher, which may be provided with one or more magnetic portions, such as magnets or metal inserts. The substantially flat upper surface of the magnetic top may also facilitate the provision of more than one magnetic portion in a magnetic top, each of which may be attached to a corresponding magnetic portion in a magnetic disk of the top launcher.

In some embodiments, both the top launcher and magnetic top may include centrally disposed magnetic portions positioned along their respective spinning axes. The centrally disposed magnetic portion of the magnetic top is preferably a magnet having at least one surface located on an upper surface of the magnetic top. The centrally disposed magnetic portion of the rotation member of the top launcher also preferably has a surface on the outer surface of the rotation member that may contact and be attached to the centrally disposed magnetic portion of the magnetic top. The top launcher may, for example, have a ferromagnetic rotating member (e.g., a metal disk or a plastic disk with a metal insert) magnetically coupled to the magnetic top.

To facilitate understanding, in the following discussion, the centrally disposed magnetic portion of the magnetic top is referred to as a "central magnet," although in embodiments the centrally disposed magnetic portion of the magnetic top may be a ferromagnetic material that is not a permanent magnet.

In addition to the central magnet, according to embodiments, the magnetic top may be provided with a plurality of outer magnetic portions each having a surface on an upper surface of the magnetic top. The outer magnetic portions may be arranged to surround the central magnet and may be equally spaced around the central magnet, for example in the form of three magnetic portions, or alternatively in the form of four magnetic portions or any convenient number of magnet portions.

In the top launcher, in addition to the centrally disposed magnetic portion (also referred to herein as a "central magnetic portion"), a plurality of outer magnetic portions may be disposed to surround the central magnetic portion. Each of these magnetic portions may be configured to engage a corresponding magnetic portion in the magnetic top. For example, the pattern of the central magnet and surrounding magnetic portions of the magnetic top may be arranged to match a corresponding pattern in the magnetic disk of the top launcher. Thus, the number of outer magnetic portions in the magnetic disk of the top launcher may match the number of outer magnetic portions of the magnetic top, and the relative spacing of the outer portions of the magnetic disk with respect to each other and the central magnetic portion may match the corresponding spacing of the outer portions of the magnetic top.

Thus, in these embodiments, the magnetic top and magnetic disk may be configured to attach to each other at multiple points along their respective surfaces. When the top launcher magnetic disk is energized to spin, the attached magnetic top may be retained not only at its center, but also at multiple outer regions. It is readily understood that the torque acting on the magnetic top increases in proportion to the radial distance of the magnetic portions of the magnetic disk and magnetic top from their respective central magnetic portions.

In the embodiment depicted in fig. 2.1-2.5, the magnetic top 200 may include a series of components 202 and 212 that may be assembled, as shown in more detail in fig. 2.4 and 2.5. Cap member 212 may be configured to couple to three-magnet member 210 by engaging holes 211 of three-magnet member 210 using posts 213 of cap member 212. Cap member 212 may be an interchangeable, collectable, face plate that may or may not include magnets. The three-magnet component 210 may be configured as a set of three magnets (shown as horizontally disposed cylindrical magnets) equally spaced along a triangular central portion, which may be configured to fit into the recess 209 of the magnet holder 208. Post 207 of magnet holder 208 may be provided with a tab configured to interlock with ring 203 of tip 202. When fully assembled, magnet holder 208 may thus lock tip 202 and bumpers 204, 206 together into a single top. The upper bumper 206 and the lower bumper 204 may be configured to be assembled together, as shown in more detail in fig. 2.1 and 2.2. In the embodiment generally depicted in fig. 2.1-2.5, each bumper 204, 206 may include three respective outer portions 214, 216, which may be spaced apart from one another along the perimeter of the central portion. When assembled, the outer portions 214, 216 may alternate around the perimeter of the magnetic top 200. In other embodiments, the bumper may include two, four, or more outer portions.

The outer portions 214, 216 may be configured to extend furthest from the center of the magnetic top 200 and thus may be configured to engage another object, such as another magnetic top. In some embodiments, for example, magnetic top 200 may be constructed in a variety of configurations by replacing one or more of components 202, 204, 206, and 208 with other components. The alternative components may be designed to be assembled together using any other existing components. For example, an alternative upper bumper may be provided in place of bumper 206 and configured to be assembled together with lower bumper 204 and magnet holder 208. For example, the upper bumper may vary in color and shape of the outer portion 216. Similarly, substitutes may be provided for the lower bumper 204, tip 202, and magnet holder 208. Thus, for each corresponding component 202 and 212 of magnetic top 200, a user may assemble and exchange multiple different parts, thereby enabling the user to home-make many different magnetic tops by mixing and matching and interchanging multiple different components.

In the embodiment depicted in fig. 2.1-2.5, the tip 202 may comprise a metal ball enclosed in a housing, such as a socket. However, in other embodiments, the tip may have different shapes, such as cylindrical, conical, pyramidal, and elliptical. Examples of differently shaped tips are shown in fig. 2.6 and 2.7 and discussed below.

In other embodiments, two or more of the upper portions 208 and 212 of the magnetic top 200 may be replaced with a single unitary piece containing both the central magnet and the outer magnet portions. Examples of such configurations are shown in fig. 2.6 and 2.7 and discussed below. Preferably, the magnetic axes of the central magnet and the outer magnetic portions are oriented parallel to the spinning axis of the magnetic top (i.e., generally vertical when the top is spinning upright on a horizontal surface) such that their respective poles are configured to be attracted to corresponding magnetic portions of a magnetic top launcher. In one example, the magnetic north or south pole of the central magnet may face upward so as to be substantially orthogonal to the upper surface of the magnetic top, and the outer magnetic portion may also be a magnet configured in a manner similar to the central magnet.

In one embodiment, the central magnetic portion and the outer magnetic portion of the magnetic disk of the top launcher may each be a magnet arranged such that its respective outwardly facing magnetic pole is configured to be opposite the outwardly facing magnetic pole of the respective opposing component in the magnetic top. Thus, in the magnetic top, all north poles may face upward so as to extend outward from the upper surface, while south poles of all magnets in the top launcher magnetic disk may face outward. In another embodiment, all of the magnetic portions of the magnetic top may be magnets, while all of the magnetic portions of the magnetic disk of the top launcher may be a ferromagnetic material that is not a permanent magnet, such as a metal insert.

Fig. 2.6 and 2.7 show a magnetic top 250 according to another embodiment. As shown, top 250 may include a cap member 252, a magnet member 260, a first bumper 256, a second bumper 254, a tip 252.1, and a tip holder 252.2. Magnet portion 260 may include protrusions 261 that fit through the notches of bumpers 254, 256 and lock into corresponding keyed channels of tip holder 252.2 to hold magnet member 260, bumpers 254 and 256, tip 252.1, and tip holder 252.2 together in the assembled configuration. Flexible protrusions 253 of cap member 252 may fit into corresponding openings of magnet portion 260 and snap over tabs (not shown) within those openings to secure cap member 252 to magnet portion 260. Fig. 2.6 shows an embodiment of assembled top 250. The magnet portion 260 may include four encapsulated magnets as shown, one magnet 262 in a central position, and three magnets 263 in an outer position equally spaced around the central magnet. As shown in the assembled configuration in fig. 2.6, the enclosed magnet may protrude slightly above the rest of the top 250 to facilitate better magnetic coupling to the magnetic starter. The tip 252.1 may have a partially spherical shape as shown.

Fig. 2.8 shows a magnetic top 270 according to another embodiment that may use fewer components than the embodiments described above and may provide an alternative locking means. As shown, top 270 may include bumper 272, core magnet piece 274, spinning enforcement ring 276, tip 272.1, and locking tip holder 272.2. The buffer 272 may include: a central opening 273, the central opening 273 configured to receive a protruding central magnetic portion 275 of a magnet member 274; and an outer opening 277 configured to receive a hook-shaped protrusion member 279 of the magnet part 274 to lock the bumper 272 to the magnet part 274. Ring 276 may be configured to receive and/or engage magnet component 274 and/or cap component 272, and may further define an opening 280 through which locking tip holder 272.2 may pass. An upper portion of the tip 272.1 may also pass through the opening 280 and engage the magnet member 274. The locking tip bracket 272.2 may include: a recess 281 configured to receive and retain the tip 272.1; and a lower opening (not shown) through which the tip 272.1 extends to contact the playing surface. The locking tip holder 272.2 may have a locking member 282, the locking member 282 engaging the magnet component 274 and may thus hold the locking tip holder 272.2, the tip 272.1, the ring 276, and the magnet component 274 together. Locking tip holder 272.2 may also have a flange 285 that presses against collar 286 of ring 276 to hold ring 276 in place. In one embodiment, the components of top 270 are stacked, as represented by arrow 283, and then locking tip holder 272.2 is rotated, as represented by arrow 284, to lock tip holder 272.2 to magnet component 274.

Although fig. 2.8 illustrates exemplary shapes and sizes of components of magnetic top 270, the components may be formed in other shapes and sizes to accommodate desired spinning and playing characteristics and play patterns. For example, although shown as rounded ends in the embodiment of fig. 2.8, the ends 272.1 may have other shaped ends, such as flat surfaces, cylinders, pointed structures, domes, or metal balls. Similarly, bumper 272 may be constructed in other shapes, sizes, and materials, including plastic and metal, for example, in order to provide desired spinning and playing characteristics and play patterns. Ring 276 may also be formed in other shapes and outer contours, which may affect the spinning characteristics and performance of the top.

Fig. 2.9-2.10 illustrate a magnetic top 290 according to another embodiment that may use fewer parts and alternative locking devices, and that may also enable features (e.g., moving parts) to be activated while the top is spinning. As shown in fig. 2.9-2.10, magnetic top 290 may include a locking magnet assembly 291, a bumper 292, and a core tip 293. Locking magnet part 291 may include one or more magnets on its upper surface for magnetically coupling to a magnetic disk of a top launcher. The locking magnet part 291 may also include a switch 294 configured to activate a feature in the core tip 293. A bumper 292 may be disposed between the locking magnet feature 291 and the core tip 293 and may extend laterally outward beyond other features to provide an outer surface to contact other objects, such as a wall of a game field or other spinning top. The locking magnet part 291 may include a threaded portion 295 configured to engage a corresponding threaded recess 296 in the core tip 293, as shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 2.10. In this way, the locking magnet part 291 may be attached to the core end 293 with the bumper 292 therebetween to secure the assembly of the parts.

The locking magnet part 291 and the core tip 293 may include a switch that activates mating of features in the core tip 293. For example, as shown in the embodiment of fig. 2.10, the locking magnet member 291 may include a button post 297 that mounts on a spring within the central axis of the member 291, which when pushed, presses a button 298 in the core end 293 and activates a feature within the core end 293. The core tip 293 may include mechanical and/or electrical components that provide, for example, mechanically actuated moving parts, electrically actuated moving parts, or electrical acoustic and optical features. Exemplary features are described in more detail below. All or a portion of the button posts 297 may be magnets for magnetic coupling to the top launcher. In this way, button posts 297 may serve as a means for magnetically coupling to a top launcher and for activating features in the core tip 293.

3.1-3.4 depict various views of another exemplary top launcher 300. According to this embodiment, top launcher 300 may include a magnetic disk 302, a housing 304, a motor 306, an armrest 308, a switch 310, a strap 312, a battery compartment 314, and a battery 316. Top launcher 300 may be configured such that a user may insert a hand 349 between armrest 308 and band 312, as shown in fig. 3.4. When the user presses the switch 310, the motor 306 may be turned on or off by electrically coupling or decoupling the battery 316 from the motor 310. The motor 310 may be configured to spin along its axis and may be mechanically coupled to the magnetic disk 302, causing the magnetic disk to spin when the motor 310 is turned on. As shown in fig. 3.4, top launcher 300 may thus spin a magnetic top 350 magnetically coupled to top launcher 300. The user may release top 350 by a flick of the wrist or by tapping, striking, or flapping the top of the hand holding top launcher 300 with the user's other hand.

Fig. 5.1-5.3 depict another exemplary top launcher and controller system 500. In this embodiment, the system 500 may include: a battery pack 506 configured to be worn on a wrist or arm of a user; and a magnetic disk 502 configured to be worn under the palm of a hand and attached to the hand of a user using a strap 504. The system 500 may also include an activation switch 507 that turns the magnetic disk 502 on and off. As depicted in fig. 5.2, the magnetic disk 502 may include a central magnetic portion 503 surrounded by three equally spaced magnetic portions 505 (i.e., metal inserts), the magnetic portions 505 being located at a radial distance of about a few centimeters from the central magnetic portion.

9.1-9.3 depict various views of another exemplary top launcher 900. In this embodiment, top launcher 900 (also referred to as a joystick) may include a head 902 containing a battery 910 and a grip portion 904 including a motor 908 inside. The motor 908 may also include an integral or separately attached gearbox. For example, a magnetic disk 906, which may be similar to any of the magnetic disks described above, may be disposed in the base portion 905 of the joystick 900 and connected to the motor 908 by a shaft 907. A switch 912 may be provided at an upper region of the grip portion 904, allowing a user to conveniently grip the joystick 900 while turning the motor 908 on and off by coupling/decoupling the motor to/from the battery 910. Accordingly, the user can conveniently pick up the joystick 900, pick up the magnetic top 200 using the joystick 900, and conveniently tilt the joystick 900 so that the magnetic top 200 can be thrown at any desired angle, for example, when the user swings the wrist of the hand holding the launcher. The user may also throw the top 200 by hitting the launcher 900 with the user's free hand or by tapping on top of the launcher 900 with the user's free hand.

As shown in fig. 9.3, top launcher 900 may also include a removable cover piece 913 and a removable trim piece 914. Cover 913 may provide a larger surface on which a user may tap or strike the activator to release the top. The trim 914 may be a decorative and interchangeable part. The cover piece 913 and trim piece 914 can be attached and detached as desired, as indicated by arrow 915. Cover piece 913 may be attached to top launcher 900 and trim piece 914 by, for example, snap fittings or magnets.

In another embodiment, FIGS. 9.4 and 9.5 illustrate another exemplary top launcher 980, similar to launcher 900 of FIGS. 9.1-9.3. As shown, top launcher 980 may include a head 982 containing a battery 990 and a grip portion 984 containing a motor 988 and a gearbox 989. A magnetic disk 986 may be disposed in a base portion 985 of top launcher 980 and may be connected to a gear box 989 and motor 988 by a shaft 987. A switch 992 may be provided at an upper region of the grip portion 984, allowing a user to conveniently grasp the starter 980 while turning the motor 988 on and off by coupling/decoupling the motor 988 to/from the battery 990. Head 982 may provide a flat upper surface that is long and wide, thereby facilitating tapping, bumping, or otherwise slapping by a user to release a spinning top coupled to the magnetic disk 986. The head 982 may also be provided with a recess or coupler for attaching the decorative and interchangeable trim 994 with the starter 980. The trigger 980 may also include a finger 995 spaced from the grip portion 984 and extending from the head portion 982 to the base portion 985. The finger guard 995 can prevent the user's fingers from contacting other objects while the user grasps and uses the starter 980.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of fig. 9.5, magnetic disc 986 may be recessed within the base portion 985 such that only a face of magnetic disc 986 may be exposed for coupling with a magnetic top. As shown, the edges of the disk can be contained within the base portion 985 and not exposed. This recessed configuration may prevent the edges of the spinning magnetic disk 986 from inadvertently contacting other objects. Additionally, the recessed structure may facilitate better coupling with a magnetic top by capturing the top within recess 991 of the base portion 985 and centering the top relative to the magnetic disk 986.

In an embodiment, magnetic disks, such as magnetic disks 906, 986 of starters 900, 980, may be compatible with magnetic tops having different numbers and arrangements of magnets on their upper surfaces. For example, the magnetic disk may have a central magnetic portion surrounded by a plurality of magnetic portions equally spaced around the central magnetic portion and located at a radial distance from the central magnetic portion. In this way, the magnetic disk may be coupled with a magnetic top having a magnet at a location corresponding to any one or more magnetic portions of the disk.

As an embodiment, fig. 9.6 and 9.7 illustrate a magnetic disk 920, the magnetic disk 920 having a central metal insert 922 and three outer metal inserts 924 equally spaced about the central metal insert 922. For example, the inserts 922, 924 may be steel inserts 6mm in diameter and 6.5mm thick. With four inserts 922, 924 arranged in the manner shown in fig. 9.6 and 9.7, the magnetic disk 920 may be coupled with a magnetic top having magnets at locations corresponding to any one or more of the inserts 922, 924. Figure 9.6 shows a top 931 with magnets 930 positioned at all four locations of the inserts 922, 924 to couple with the magnetic disk 920 as shown by lines 932. In another embodiment, fig. 9.7 shows a top 933 with a single central magnet 934, as shown by line 936, the single central magnet 934 positioned to couple with the central metal insert 922.

In addition to the magnetic coupling, magnetic disk 920 may also include means to mechanically couple with a magnetic top. For example, as shown in fig. 9.6 and 9.7, the magnetic disk 920 may define a recess 926 around the central metal insert 922, and a flange 928 within which the central metal insert 922 may be retained. The raised flange 928 may fit into a socket on a magnetic top, such as inside sockets 940, 941 on tops 931, 933, respectively. At the same time, a socket on the upper surface of the magnetic top may fit inside a correspondingly shaped recess defined in the magnetic disk. For example, as shown in fig. 9.6 and 9.7, sockets 940, 941 may fit inside recess 926 of magnetic disk 920. These mechanical couplings may provide further stability and coupling forces between the magnetic disk and the magnetic top, and may conveniently center the magnetic top on the magnetic disk. The mechanical coupling may be particularly beneficial for coupling a magnetic disk to a spinning magnetic top that may be moving in a positive lateral direction across a play surface to make alignment with the magnetic disk more difficult.

Referring again to fig. 5.1-5.3, system 500 may further include a gyroscopic control device 508, which may be configured as a ring to be worn on a user's finger. Top controller 508 may contain a magnet that may direct a spinning magnetic top when brought into magnetic proximity of the magnetic top, e.g., when about one to several centimeters away from the magnet in the spinning top, as generally depicted in fig. 6.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a gyroscopic control device 602, in which case the gyroscopic control device 602 comprises a cover. As depicted, the top controlling device 602 may direct the magnetic top 604 without contacting the magnetic top due to strong attractive or repulsive forces between magnets located in the top controlling device 602 and magnets located in the magnetic top 604. The control of the motion of the magnetic top 604 may be performed in the following manner. A user may bring top control device 602 into the range of about a few centimeters of magnetic top 604 while the magnetic top is spinning, where movement of top control device 602 is needed to cause movement of magnetic top 604. A user may move a gyro control device 602 over a magnetic gyro 604 at a relatively constant vertical distance above the magnetic gyro 604, where the motion of the magnetic gyro 604 simulates the motion of the gyro control device 602. The gyro control device 602 need not be directly located on the magnetic gyro 604 as long as there is a mutual magnetic attraction force or a magnetic repulsion force. Thus, during "engagement," when top controlling device 602 is located in magnetic proximity to magnetic top 604, a user may move top controlling device 602 at a relatively constant height above the play surface on which magnetic top 604 is spinning. This motion allows magnetic top 604 to "follow" control device 602 in the case of magnetic attraction, or allows magnetic top 604 to "lead" top control device 602 in the case of magnetic repulsion where magnetic top 604 tends to move away from top control device 602. The top control 602 may also be used to affect precession of the magnetic top 604 by moving the top control over the magnetic top 604 when the magnetic top 604 is rocked in a manner that changes the degree of yaw. To disengage "engage," a user may lift top control 602 in a vertical direction such that the magnets in magnetic top 604 and top control 602 no longer exert a large magnetic interaction between themselves.

Fig. 4.1-4.3 depict another embodiment of a control device (or "gyro controller"). In this embodiment, top controller 400 may be configured to be worn on two adjacent fingers. Top controller 400 may include a base 401, a fingertip cover 403, a partition wall 402 connected substantially perpendicular to base 401, and a band 404 extending around base 401 and partition wall 402. A magnet 406 may be provided in or on said base 401 or fingertip cover 403. After insertion under tape 404, the user's two adjacent fingers may rest against opposite sides of dividing wall 402. The magnet 406 may be configured such that it faces at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the finger into which the gyro controller 400 is inserted. Thus, when the user's hand extends horizontally across a surface, the high magnetic field lines extending from the magnet 406 may form an angle with respect to the horizontal. Such a configuration may help guide the magnetic top by providing a magnetic field that engages the magnets in the magnetic top at an angle.

Fig. 4.4-4.5 illustrate another embodiment of a top controller 410 that can be adjusted to accommodate different sized fingers and to accommodate either a left hand or a right hand. As shown, top controller 410 may include a handle 414, a lever 416 connected to handle 414, a fingertip cover 418 attached to an end of lever 416, and a magnetic portion 420 disposed at a distal end of cover 418. The handle 414 may have: a base portion 413, the base portion 413 defining a slot 412 that receives a rod 416; and a grip portion 415 offset from the base portion 413 by a lateral portion 417. The interior of the slot 412 may include resilient projections (not shown) configured to deflect and pass over the solid portion of the rod 416 along the array of openings 426 and then to resume their original position to engage one of the openings 426. Thus, the user may pull or push the rod 416 to cause the resilient protrusions to deform and snap into place within the opening that positions the fingertip cover 418 a desired distance from the handle 414.

The user may wear the top controller 410 by placing the user's fingertips inside the fingertip cover 418 and grasping the handle 414 with one or more of the user's remaining fingers. The rod 416 may be extended as needed to position the fingertip cover 418 over the end of the user's index finger. Rod 416 may also be completely detachable from handle 414 and insertable in either end of slot 412 such that the top controller 410 may be configured for either left or right hand use. Fig. 4.3 shows a gyro controller 410 configured for right-hand use.

The magnetic portion 420 may encapsulate the magnet 428 as shown in fig. 4.5. Magnet 428 may be a cylindrical magnet approximately 10mm in diameter and 3mm thick, and may be configured to attract or repel the magnet of a magnetic top. Where magnet 428 is configured to attract a top, magnetic portion 420 may be shaped to facilitate desired contact and centering of the top. For example, as shown in fig. 4.4, the magnetic portion 420 may be shaped in a conical manner.

Top controller 410 may also include an integral or separately attached actuator (not shown in fig. 4.4) that may be used to activate a switch on the spinning magnetic top that activates features of the spinning top, as discussed below.

Fig. 7.1 depicts an exemplary play surface 700 for a magnetic top toy system. In this embodiment, the play surface 700 may be configured as a field in which a plurality of spinning tops may compete against one another. In an embodiment, the playing surface 700 may be shaped as a clear plastic surface, which may be, for example, a square including the illustrated 16 "by 16" below the surface that guides the game. The activated tops may be released onto the surface 700, for example, in drop zones 702 defined on the play surface 700, and then directed around the surface to collide with one another, or to avoid obstacles, score points, and perform other actions. The play surface 700 may have walls 704 to contain the top within the surface 700.

Fig. 7.2 shows another embodiment of a play surface 710 for a magnetic top toy system. In this aspect, surface 710 may include a spinning member 712 configured to contact spinning tops and affect their motion. Spinning member 712 may be removably coupled into a motor-operated spinning base (not shown) in the bottom surface of the play surface 710. A control switch 714 coupled to the motor may start and stop the motor to turn the spinning member 712 on and off. The playing surface 710 may also include a channel 716 for introducing a spinning magnetic top into a playing area 720 inside the wall of the playing surface 710. The slot 716 may also serve as an exit during play. For example, in one play format, it may be considered that a spinning top that first ejects the chute 716 by contacting the spinning member 712, contacting the opposing magnetic top, or otherwise losing control has defeated the game.

The play surface 710 may also include a storage compartment 718 for storing a single magnetic top when the top is not in use.

In an embodiment, the spinning member 712 may be interchangeable with other spinning members as shown in fig. 7.3-7.5. The shape and contour of each spinning member may affect a spinning magnetic top in different ways. For example, an irregular or rough edge or surface of a spinning member, such as the spinning member 734 of fig. 7.5, may contact a spinning top and cause the top to move erratically or stop spinning. In addition to a particular shape and profile, each spinning member may be configured with control features that control the direction in which the motor spins. For example, the spinning member 730 of fig. 7.3 may be configured to control the motor such that the motor rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of the spinning magnetic top. Accordingly, the spinning top contacting the spinning member 730 may be decelerated or stopped. As another example, the spinning member of FIG. 7.4 may be configured to control the motor such that the motor rotates in the same direction as the spinning top, thereby increasing the speed of the spinning top through contact. The spinning member 712 may snap into place in a motor-operated spinning base (not shown) in the bottom surface of the play surface 710, and the motor may be controlled using magnets positioned at different locations (e.g., a first location for clockwise rotation and a second location for counterclockwise rotation) that mate with corresponding switches within the base.

Fig. 10.1 and 10.2 depict an embodiment of an attachment strap 1000 that may be used with a top launcher mounted on a user's hand as described above. In an embodiment, the attachment strap 1000 may include a first toothed slider 1001, a second toothed slider 1002, a ratchet knob 1003, a ratchet clutch 1004, and a ratchet and housing 1005. The length of the attachment strap may be adjusted by turning the ratchet knob 1003 counterclockwise to increase the strap length and turning the ratchet knob 1003 clockwise to decrease the length. In embodiments, such a mechanism may comprise a mechanism substantially similar to that used in a bicycle helmet adjustment strap.

In an embodiment, a magnetic top may be configured with a light source, such as a lower region that emits light. The lower region of light emission may be proximate to a lower end of the magnetic top or may be located within the end such that the end emits light. Thus, the user may monitor the movement of the top by observing the movement of the tip under conditions of moderate, low, or no ambient light.

In the embodiment depicted in fig. 8, a light-emitting magnetic top 800 may be configured to operate on a play surface 802 that contains a photoluminescent material, which may be a fluorescent or phosphorescent material. As the light-emitting magnetic top 800 travels over the play surface, it may emit light of sufficient energy and intensity from its end region 804 to energize the play surface 800 to emit light over the area (or path) through which the light-emitting magnetic top 800 passes, as indicated by the dashed line 806 in FIG. 8. The precise location of the light in the end region, the intensity and energy of the light, and the fluorescent or phosphorescent material may be adjusted to vary the width of the light emission path and the duration of the light emission path. Thus, a record of the path of magnetic top 800 may be temporarily displayed through play surface 802. Thus, a user may start and guide a light-emitting magnetic top on a play surface using a corresponding top launcher and controller as described above, and observe a current position of the top and a record of its previous path, thus increasing the play experience of the user. Thus, the form of motion performed by the user while the user maintains the top control device in magnetic proximity to the magnetic top 800 may be recorded as a form of light in the play surface.

As described above, the energy of light in the light-emitting magnetic top 800 can be adjusted. For example, UV Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) may be used that produce energy primarily in the ultraviolet range, but with a small amount of energy in the blue range of the visible spectrum. Ultraviolet light has sufficient energy to cause fluorescence or phosphorescence in the visible range so that phosphors emitting over the visible wavelength range can be used in conjunction with the UV LED. Thus, a user can see the ends of the UV LEDs in top 800 that emit blue or white to the user and create yellow, green, or red light emitting paths in their wake on the play surface 802.

In embodiments, the play style of the magnetic top may vary depending on the type of top. After the top is launched into a playing area (e.g., any flat surface or enclosed field), the top may be controlled by a single user using the control devices as described above. Players may attempt to bump their tops together in the playing area, wishing to stop spinning of their opponent's tops. The length/type of game play may be influenced by the type of part selected by the player to add to the player's top. Individual tops may have more aggressive characteristics, while other tops may be more defensive and more stable. Thus, the outcome of the competition between tops may be determined by the skill of the user in controlling their top and also by the geometry and construction of the top itself.

In another embodiment, fig. 11 depicts a magnetic top 1100, which magnetic top 1100 may be configured to be actuated by a saw-like rope arrangement 1102 of known construction, rather than by a magnetic actuator. The spinning magnetic top 1100 may then be guided using a magnetic control device as described above.

In another embodiment, a magnetic top may include means for activating a moving part of the top while the top is spinning. The moving parts may affect the way the top spins or the way the top interacts with other spinning tops. For example, the moving parts may be a variable tip, an extendable and retractable striking member, an extendable and retractable shield member, and a rotating shield. The moving part may be activated by pressing a button centrally located on the top surface of the magnetic top, which may actuate the moving part electronically or mechanically. In another embodiment, a top controller may include an actuator configured to press the button while the top is spinning. In addition to moving parts, the actuators and buttons may also activate electronic features, such as sound or light. In another embodiment, the actuator may remotely activate features of the top without physically contacting the top, for example, using a magnet, a light source, a radio signal source, or any other device capable of triggering a complementary receiving device in the top.

Fig. 12.1 illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic top 1200 and a top controller 1202 for activating moving parts of the top 1200 while the top 1200 is spinning. Top 1200 may have a configuration similar to that described above with reference to magnetic top 290 of fig. 2.9 and 2.10. Top controller 1202 may have an actuator 1204, the actuator 1204 configured to press a start button on the magnetic top 1202, as indicated by arrow 1206. The pressing of the button in turn activates the moving components within top 1200, as indicated by arrow 1208. In the case of an extendable and retractable motion member, the magnetic top 1200 may be configured to extend the motion member in response to a first press of a button and then retract the motion member in response to a second press of the button. For example, the moving part may be moved by mechanical means such as a spring loaded mechanism or by electronic means such as a battery powered motor.

12.2-12.4 illustrate the activation of a spinning magnetic top 1210 with an extendable and retractable striking member 1211. Fig. 12.2 shows the magnetic top 1210 with the striking member 1211 in a retracted state prior to activation. As shown in fig. 12.3, an actuator 1212 of a top controller 1213 may press against a start switch 1214 of the magnetic top 1210, which may cause the top 1210 to extend the striking member 1211 outward in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the top 1210, as indicated by arrow 1215. As shown in fig. 12.4, the actuator 1212 may be removed from the magnetic top 1210, leaving the striking member 1211 in an extended position. To retract the striking members 1211, the user may press the activation switch 1214 a second time with the actuator 1212, which may cause the magnetic top 1210 to retract the striking members 1211 to their original retracted position, as shown in fig. 12.2. After releasing the activation switch 1214 a second time, the magnetic top 1211 may remain in the retracted position until the activation switch 1214 is pressed again.

As another embodiment, fig. 12.5 and 12.6 show a spinning magnetic top 1220 with extendable and retractable shield members 1221. Fig. 12.5 shows the shutter member 1221 in a retracted state before actuation. As shown in fig. 12.6, the actuator 1212 of the top controller 1213 may be pressed against the activation switch of the magnetic top 1220, which may cause the top 1220 to raise the shield member 1221 upward away from the play surface and outward in a radial direction perpendicular to the spinning axis of the top 1220, as shown by arrow 1225. From the retracted state shown in fig. 12.6, the user may press the start switch a second time with the actuator 1212, which may cause the magnetic top 1220 to retract the shield members 1221 to their original retracted position, as shown in fig. 12.5. After releasing the activation switch a second time, the magnetic top 1211 may remain in the retracted position until the activation switch is pressed again.

As another embodiment, fig. 12.7 and 12.8 show a magnetic top 1230 having a variable tip 1231 that may vary as the top 1230 is spinning. Fig. 12.7 shows the tip 1231 in a first configuration, in which the projecting member 1232 extends through and beyond the opening 1233 in the bottom housing of the magnetic top 1230. In this first configuration, top 1230 may spin about projecting member 1232. As shown in fig. 12.8, while the top 1230 is spinning, the actuator 1212 of the top controller 1213 may press against the activation switch of the magnetic top 1230, which may cause the top 1230 to retract the projecting member 1232 inside the bottom housing 1235. When the projecting member 1232 is retracted, the magnetic top 1230 may spin about a projecting portion 1234 of the housing 1235, which may be wider than the projecting member 1232 and thus provide different spinning characteristics. For example, the wider projecting portion 1234 may enhance the stability of the spinning top 1230 and reduce the tendency of the top 1230 to rock or tilt its spinning axis relative to the play surface. After removing the actuator 1212, the top 1230 may keep the projecting member 1232 retracted, as shown in fig. 12.8. From the retracted position, the activation switch may be pressed a second time with actuator 1212 to eject projecting member 1232 from opening 1233 to its initial extended position, as shown in fig. 12.7. After releasing the activation switch a second time, the magnetic top 1230 may remain in the extended position until the activation switch is pressed again.

As another embodiment, fig. 12.9 and 12.10 illustrate a magnetic top 1240 having a rotating shield member 1241 that may be activated while the top 1240 is spinning. The rotating shield member 1241 may be coupled to a spring-loaded mechanism that enables the member 1241 to be rotated in a first direction to wind and load a spring. The mechanism may include a releasable latch that keeps the spring loaded when the shutter member 1241 is rotated in a first direction and prevents the shutter member 1241 from rotating in a second, opposite direction. The releasable latch may be coupled to an activation switch in an upper surface of the magnetic top 1240.

As shown in fig. 12.9, the user 1250 can rotate the member 1241 in a first direction to load the spring as shown by arrow 1242 (in this example, counterclockwise). As shown in fig. 12.10, when the spring is loaded and the top 1240 spins, the actuator 1212 of the top controller 1213 may press against the activation switch, which releases the releasable latch and the spring, allowing the shield member 1241 to rotate in a second, opposite direction (clockwise in this example) as shown by arrow 1243. The shielding member 1241 may be rotated in the same direction as or opposite to the rotation direction of the spinning top 1240. In another embodiment, the start switch can be pressed a second time to stop rotation of the member 1241.

In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic top 1240 may have a mechanism to mechanically rotate the shield member 1241 when the activation switch is depressed. For example, the start switch can be coupled to a clutch and a flywheel gear mechanism such that when the switch is depressed, the clutch further energizes the gear mechanism and increases the rotational speed of the shutter member 1241.

In another alternative embodiment, the magnetic top 1240 may have a shutter member 1241 that is rotated by a battery powered motor controlled by the activation switch. In this way, the shutter member 1241 can be turned on (rotated) and off (not rotated) by pressing the start switch. In addition, the start switch and the motor may be configured to control and change the rotation direction of the shielding member 1241.

Additional embodiments of the present invention may provide a magnetic launcher configured to pick up, spin, and throw a top from other locations than generally downward-directed, vertically-oriented, that are typically used to throw a top on a horizontal play surface. For example, in one embodiment, the magnetic launcher may be oriented with the spinning axis of its rotating member parallel to a horizontal play surface, such that a top or other toy is spun and thrown to spin and travel along the play surface. In one implementation, the spinning toy may be formed as a wheel that is magnetically coupled to the magnetic launcher, spun by the rotating member, and then released with a flick of the wrist or tap on the launcher, causing the wheel to roll across a horizontal surface. In another embodiment, the wheel may be a vehicle component, such that spinning and throwing of the wheel causes the entire vehicle to traverse the horizontal play surface.

In another embodiment, the magnetic launcher may be oriented with its spinning member pointing generally upward away from a horizontal play surface and with the spinning axis of its rotating member perpendicular to the horizontal play surface, such that the toy is spun and thrown out of the play surface and up into the air. For example, the toy may be any toy that produces lift when spinning, such as flying toys, such as propellers, airplanes, and helicopters.

While the above-described embodiments use a battery-operated starter, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the starter may be powered by other means. For example, in one embodiment, the starter may be manually powered, e.g., such that the spring-loaded gearbox is actuated by a trigger that the user repeatedly squeezes until a desired rotational speed is obtained. Spring-loaded gearboxes such as those used in spark toy guns or friction cars may be used.

The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above disclosure. For example, although the magnetic top launcher has been depicted herein as a spinning portion in the shape of a disk, the present invention covers embodiments in which the spinning portion of the magnetic launcher is cylindrical or in other shapes. In addition, any number and configuration of magnetic portions may be included in the magnetic top launcher and magnetic top to achieve the desired magnetic coupling. Further, although the gyroscopic control device has been depicted herein as being worn on a user's finger, the present invention covers embodiments in which the gyroscopic control device is grasped or otherwise worn by a user. Thus, a top controlling device may have the shape of a pen, dumbbell, disk, or any convenient shape that may include a magnet brought into proximity with the magnetically spinning top.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

In addition, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have discussed methods and/or processes as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. Other orders of steps may also be possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. Additionally, the claims directed to the method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (51)

1. A magnetic top system comprising:

a top, the top comprising

A top body having a tip portion and a head portion opposite the tip portion, wherein the top has an axis of rotation extending from the head portion to the tip portion, an

A first magnet centered on a rotational axis of the top and a plurality of outer magnets positioned a radial distance from the first magnet and equally spaced around the first magnet, the first magnet and the outer magnets being disposed in a head portion of the top body; and

a top launcher magnetically coupled to the top, the top launcher comprising

Gyro starter body, and

a top launcher spinning member connected to the top launcher body, wherein the top launcher spinning member spins about a spinning axis relative to the top launcher body, and wherein the top launcher spinning member comprises at least one magnetic portion that is magnetically coupled to the first magnet and the outer magnet of the top,

wherein a rotation axis of the top is aligned with a spinning axis of the top launcher spinning member,

and, the top launcher spinning member spins, thereby spinning the top via the magnetic coupling between the first magnet and the outer magnet of the top and the at least one magnetic portion of the top launcher spinning member.

2. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic portion is located on a spinning axis of the top launcher spinning member.

3. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic portion includes a magnetic portion corresponding to each of the first magnet and the plurality of outer magnets.

4. The magnetic top system of claim 3 wherein the plurality of outer magnets comprises three magnets and the at least one magnetic section comprises a central magnetic section and three outer magnetic sections.

5. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top launcher spinning member is made of plastic and wherein the at least one magnetic portion comprises a metal insert embedded in the plastic.

6. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top launcher spinning member comprises:

a first face magnetically coupled to the top, an

A plurality of the remaining face portions are,

wherein the top launcher body comprises a housing having an opening,

and, the top launcher spinning member is disposed within the case such that the first face is exposed through the opening and such that the plurality of remaining faces are covered by the case.

7. The magnetic top system of claim 6 wherein the housing defines a recess on the opening, the recess receiving the head portion of the top body, and the recess being sized and shaped substantially similar to the head portion of the top body.

8. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top launcher body has the shape of an elongated joystick, the shape having a first end and a second end, and wherein the top launcher spinning member is disposed at the second end.

9. The magnetic top system of claim 8 wherein the top launcher further comprises a battery powered motor driving the top launcher spinning member and a trigger controlling the motor, and wherein the trigger is disposed on a longitudinal face of the top launcher body between the first end and the second end, and wherein the top launcher further comprises a finger guard extending from the first end of the top launcher body to the second end of the top launcher body, the finger guard being disposed on the longitudinal face and spaced apart from the top launcher body.

10. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the first magnet is disposed within a socket,

wherein the at least one magnetic portion of the top launcher spinning member comprises a metal insert retained within a protruding flange,

wherein the metal insert is centered on a spinning axis of the top launcher spinning member,

wherein the top launcher spinning member further defines a recess about the protruding flange,

wherein the socket receives the protruding flange and the metal insert,

and, the recess receives the socket.

11. The magnetic gyroscope system of claim 1, wherein the gyroscope body includes a plurality of assembled components, the plurality of assembled components including:

a magnetic core member;

a tip member; and

a tail end bracket is arranged at the tail end of the bracket,

wherein the tip part is held between the magnetic core part and the tip holder,

wherein the tip component extends through an opening in the tip cradle,

and, the tip cradle engages the magnetic core components to hold the plurality of assembled components together in an assembly.

12. The magnetic gyroscopic system of claim 11 in which the assembled components further include an intermediate component held between the magnetic core component and the tip cradle.

13. The magnetic top system of claim 12 wherein the intermediate component comprises one of a spinning enforcement ring and a bumper.

14. The magnetic gyroscopic system of claim 11 in which the assembled components further include a bumper component attached to the magnetic core component on a side of the magnetic core component opposite the tip cradle.

15. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top further comprises an extendable and retractable striking member activated by a switch disposed on the head portion and centered on the axis of rotation, wherein the striking member extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

16. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top further comprises an extendable and retractable shield member activated by a switch disposed on the head portion and centered on the axis of rotation, wherein the shield member moves away from the tip portion and away from the axis of rotation.

17. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top further comprises an extendable and retractable tip activated by a switch disposed on the head and centered on the axis of rotation, wherein the extendable and retractable tip extends out of and retracts into an opening in a tip portion of the top body aligned with the axis of rotation.

18. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top further comprises a rotating shutter member that rotates about the top body and is activated by a switch disposed on the head portion and centered on the axis of rotation.

19. The magnetic top system of claim 1 wherein the top launcher spinning member comprises one of a metal disk and a plastic disk with a metal insert.

20. The magnetic top system of claim 1 further comprising a top controller having a controller magnet that magnetically attracts or repels the first magnet and the outer magnet within magnetic proximity of the first magnet and the outer magnet of the top.

21. The magnetic top system of claim 20 wherein the top further comprises a feature switch disposed on the head portion and centered on the axis of rotation, and wherein the top controller further comprises an actuator member sized and shaped to contact the feature switch and activate a feature of the top.

22. The magnetic top system of claim 20 wherein the top controller comprises:

a base;

a fingertip cover connected to the base;

a partition wall connected substantially perpendicular to the base;

a band extending around the base and the divider wall; and

a controller magnet disposed at one of the base and the fingertip cover.

23. The magnetic top system of claim 20 wherein the top controller comprises:

a handle defining a slot;

a rod disposed within the slot and slidable within and removable from the slot, wherein the rod has a first end and a second end opposite the first end,

a fingertip cover disposed at a first end of the lever; and

a controller magnet disposed on the fingertip cover.

24. The magnetic top system of claim 23 wherein the handle comprises a base portion, a lateral portion, and a grip portion,

wherein the grip portion is offset from the base portion by the lateral portion,

wherein the base portion defines the slot,

wherein the slot extends through the base portion and has a first opening and a second opening,

wherein the slot defines a longitudinal slot axis,

wherein the gripping portion defines a longitudinal gripping axis,

wherein the notch axis is substantially perpendicular to the grip axis,

and the second end of the rod is insertable into the first end of the slot and the second end of the slot to configure the handle for either a right hand or a left hand.

25. The magnetic top system of claim 23 wherein the top controller further comprises an actuator member attached to the first end of the rod.

26. The magnetic top system of claim 1 further comprising a play surface on which the top is spun, wherein the play surface has a spinning member configured to contact the spinning top and affect movement of the spinning top.

27. A magnetic top assembled from a plurality of components, the top comprising:

a magnetic core member;

a tip member; and

a tail end bracket is arranged at the tail end of the bracket,

wherein the tip part is held between the magnetic core part and the tip holder,

wherein the tip component extends through an opening in the tip cradle,

and the tip cradle engaging the magnetic core component to hold the magnetic core component and tip component together in assembly,

wherein the magnetic top has a tip portion and a head portion opposite the tip portion,

wherein the magnetic top spins about an axis of rotation extending from the head portion to the tip portion,

and, the magnetic core component provides a first magnet centered on the rotational axis of the top disposed in the head portion of the assembled top and a plurality of outer magnets positioned a radial distance from the first magnet and equally spaced around the first magnet.

28. The magnetic top of claim 27 wherein the top further comprises an intermediate member retained between the magnetic core member and the tip cradle.

29. The magnetic top of claim 28 wherein the intermediate component includes one of a spinning enforcement ring and a bumper.

30. The magnetic top of claim 27 wherein the top further includes a bumper member attached to the magnetic core member on a side of the magnetic core member opposite the tip cradle, and the bumper member extends radially furthest from the axis of rotation.

31. A magnetic top assembled from a plurality of components, the top comprising:

a locking magnetic member;

a core tip component; and

the parts of the buffer are arranged on the front side of the frame,

wherein the locking magnetic component engages the core tip component to retain the bumper component between the locking magnetic component and the core tip component,

wherein the locking magnetic part has a first face portion facing the buffer part and a second face portion opposite to the first face portion,

wherein the locking magnetic part has a first magnet centered on a rotation axis of the top provided to the second face portion and a plurality of outer magnets positioned at a radial distance from the first magnet and equally spaced around the first magnet,

wherein the locking magnetic member has a switch provided on the second face portion,

wherein the magnetic top spins about a spin axis,

wherein the switch is centered on a rotational axis of the magnetic top,

and, the switch activates a feature of the core tip component.

32. The magnetic top of claim 31 wherein the switch of the locking magnetic component is mechanically coupled to the switch of the core tip component.

33. The magnetic top of claim 31 wherein the switch includes the first magnet and the outer magnet.

34. The magnetic top of claim 31 wherein the core tip component includes an extendable and retractable striking member that is activated by the switch, and wherein the striking member extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

35. The magnetic top of claim 31 wherein the core tip component includes an extendable and retractable shield member that is activated by the switch and moves toward the locking magnetic component and away from the axis of rotation.

36. The magnetic top of claim 31 wherein the core tip component includes an extendable and retractable tip that is activated by the switch, and wherein the extendable and retractable tip extends out of and retracts into an opening in the core tip component that is aligned with the axis of rotation.

37. The magnetic top of claim 31 wherein the core tip component includes a rotating shutter member that rotates about the top and is activated by the switch.

38. The magnetic top of claim 31 wherein the bumper member extends radially furthest from the axis of rotation.

39. A method for starting and controlling a magnetic top, the method comprising:

assembling a plurality of components into a magnetic top having a head portion and a tip portion such that the head portion is provided with a first magnet centered on an axis of rotation of the top and a plurality of outer magnets positioned at a radial distance from the first magnet and equally spaced around the first magnet;

magnetically coupling the magnetic top to a magnetic spinning member of a top launcher by aligning the first magnet and the outer magnet with at least one magnetic portion that the magnetic spinning member of the top launcher has;

spinning a magnetic spinning member of the top launcher, thereby rotating the magnetically coupled magnetic top; and is

Applying a force to the top launcher to release the rotating magnetic top from the magnetic spinning member onto a play surface.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising directing movement of the spinning magnetic top on the play surface by directing the magnetic portion into magnetic proximity of a head portion of the spinning magnetic top.

41. The method of claim 39 further comprising increasing the rotational speed of the magnetic top of the released rotation by spinning the magnetic spinning member and bringing the spun magnetic spinning member into magnetic proximity of the head portion without physically contacting the magnetic top.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein applying a force to the top launcher comprises: one of whipping the top launcher and flapping the top launcher.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein the at least one magnetic portion comprises a magnetic portion corresponding to each of the first magnet and the plurality of outer magnets.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein the magnetic top has a light source and the play surface is a photo-luminescent play surface, and further comprising:

emitting light from the light source while guiding a traversing motion of the rotating magnetic top on the play surface by introducing the magnetic portion into magnetic proximity of a head portion of the rotating magnetic top; and is

Emitting light from the photoluminescent play surface in response to light from the light source, thereby displaying a path corresponding to the traversing motion of the magnetic top.

45. A magnetic top toy kit comprising:

a magnetic top;

a top launcher; and

a magnetic controller for controlling the magnetic field of the magnetic field,

the magnetic top comprises

A top body having a tip portion and a head portion opposite the tip portion, wherein the top has an axis of rotation extending from the head portion to the tip portion, an

A first magnet centered on a rotational axis of the top and a plurality of outer magnets positioned a radial distance from the first magnet and equally spaced around the first magnet, the first magnet and the outer magnets being disposed in the top body;

the top starter comprises

A top starter main body which is provided with a top starter main body,

a top launcher spinning member connected to the top launcher body, wherein the top launcher spinning member is rotatable about a spinning axis relative to the top launcher body,

a spinning member driver to selectively provide rotation to the top launcher spinning member to cause the top launcher spinning member to spin about the spinning axis relative to the top launcher body, and

a releasable coupling for coupling the magnetic top to the top launcher spinning member such that rotation of the top launcher spinning member may be transferred to the magnetic top such that the magnetic top spins about an axis of rotation of the magnetic top, wherein the releasable coupling allows the spinning magnetic top to be disengaged from the top launcher spinning member, and

the magnetic controller comprises

A controller magnet, and

a magnet holder attachable to a user's hand.

46. The magnetic top toy kit of claim 45, wherein the releasable coupling comprises at least one magnetic portion in the top launcher spinning member, and wherein the at least one magnetic portion is located at a spinning axis of the top launcher spinning member.

47. The magnetic top toy kit of claim 45 wherein the spinning member driver includes a motor for rotating the top launcher spinning member.

48. The magnetic top toy kit of claim 45, wherein the releasable coupler includes at least one magnetic portion that is magnetically coupled to the first magnet and the outer magnet of the magnetic top.

49. The magnetic top toy kit of claim 45 further comprising a play surface on which the top is spinning, wherein the play surface comprises a surface bounded by walls that limit the motion of the spinning magnetic top.

50. The magnetic top toy kit of claim 49 wherein the wall-bounded play surface includes a play surface spinning member configured to contact a spinning magnetic top and affect movement of the spinning magnetic top.

51. The magnetic top toy kit of claim 50 wherein the playing surface spinning member is interchangeable with other spinning members of the magnetic top having a variety of shapes and contours to affect spinning in different ways.