US20180353868A1

US20180353868A1 - Stackable spinner assemblies and adaptor for same

Info

Publication number: US20180353868A1
Application number: US15/621,530
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Albert
Original assignee: Flambeau Inc
Current assignee: Flambeau Inc
Priority date: 2017-06-13
Filing date: 2017-06-13
Publication date: 2018-12-13

Abstract

An adaptor for stacking spinner assemblies is disclosed. The adaptor comprises a first section, where the first section has a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1. The adaptor further comprises a second section opposite the first section, where the second section has a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1′ and is aligned substantially concentrically with the first section. The first section is configured to extend into a bore of a first spinner assembly bearing and the second section is configured to extend into a bore of a second spinner assembly bearing. A stackable spinner assembly is also disclosed that comprises a bearing, a body, and an adaptor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to stackable spinner assemblies that can be used as a toy or for other purposes. More particularly, the disclosure describes components that enable multiple spinner assemblies to be coupled and stacked on top of one another while retaining the ability to spin relative to one another.
Spinners, sometimes referred to as fidget spinners, are a type of stress-relieving toy. A basic fidget spinner consists of a bearing disposed in the center of a spinner assembly and weighted components extending outwardly from the bearing, which are designed to spin about the central bearing. These toys have become popular throughout the world, and different designs have emerged. While these spinners have proven to be very successful amongst children and others, a need exists to further develop and improve the spinners to provide additional entertainment to users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a stackable spinner assembly, as well as a stacking component configured to allow multiple spinner assemblies to be coupled to one another.
An embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an adaptor for stacking spinner assemblies comprising a first section having a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1 and a second section opposite the first section, the second section having a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1′ and aligned substantially concentrically with the first section, wherein the first section is configured to extend into a bore of a first spinner assembly bearing and the second section is configured to extend into a bore of a second spinner assembly bearing.
In some embodiments the adaptor further comprises a first bearing seat, the first bearing seat extending outwardly away from the first section cylindrical outer surface and configured to engage a bearing mounting surface of the first spinner assembly bearing.
In certain embodiments the adaptor further comprises a second bearing seat extending outwardly away from the second section cylindrical outer surface and configured to engage a bearing mounting surface of the second spinner assembly bearing. In some embodiments the adaptor comprises a spacer having a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R3 larger than the radius R1 and radius R1′ and extending outwardly from a cylindrical outer surface of the first bearing seat and a cylindrical outer surface of the second bearing seat. In certain embodiments the spacer cylindrical outer surface is defined by a height that is less than a combination of a height defining the cylindrical outer surface of the first bearing seat and the cylindrical outer surface of the second bearing seat.
In some embodiments the first bearing seat comprises a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius larger than the radius R1 and larger than a radius defining the bore of the first spinner assembly bearing. In an embodiment the adaptor defines a recess extending through at least a portion of the first section and the second section. In certain embodiments the radius R1 and the radius R1′ are approximately equal. In some embodiments the adaptor comprises a thermoplastic material.
An embodiment of the present discloses comprises a stackable spinner assembly comprising a first bearing having an annular shape with a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface, the radially inward facing surface defining a bore and a first body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from the radially outward facing surface of the first bearing and an adaptor having a first and a second section, wherein the first section is received within a portion of the bore of the first bearing.
In certain embodiments the stackable spinner assembly further comprises a second body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from the radially outward facing surface of the second bearing, the second bearing having an annular shape with a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface, the radially inward facing surface defining the bore, wherein the second section of the adaptor is received within a portion of the bore of the second bearing. In certain embodiments the first section is opposite the second section having a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1 and the second section having a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1′, the second section cylindrical outer surface being aligned substantially concentrically with the first section cylindrical outer surface.
In some embodiments the adaptor comprises a first bearing seat extending outwardly away from the first section cylindrical outer surface and configured to engage a bearing mounting surface of the first bearing. In certain embodiments the adaptor comprises a second bearing seat extending outwardly away from the second section cylindrical outer surface and configured to engage a bearing mounting surface of the second bearing.
In some embodiments the adaptor comprises a spacer extending outwardly from a cylindrical outer surface of the first bearing seat and a cylindrical outer surface of the second bearing seat. In certain embodiments the spacer comprises a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius approximately equal to a radius defining the radially outward facing surface of the first bearing.
In certain embodiments the first section of the adaptor is configured to form a press fit with the bore of the first bearing and the second section is configured to form a press fit with the bore of the second bearing. In some embodiments the adaptor defines a cylindrical recess extending through the adaptor and aligned concentrically with the bore of the first bearing and the bore of the second bearing. In some embodiments the stackable spinner assembly further comprises a spinner support received within a portion of the bore of the first bearing.
An embodiment of the present discloses comprises a spinner assembly stack comprising a first spinner assembly comprising a first spinner bearing having an annular shape with a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface, the radially inward facing surface defining a bore, and a first spinner body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from the radially outward facing surface of the first bearing, a second spinner assembly comprising a second spinner bearing having an annular shape with a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface, the radially inward facing surface defining a bore, and a second spinner body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from the radially outward facing surface of the second bearing and an adaptor having a first and a second section, the first section received within a portion of the bore of the first bearing and the second section received within a portion of the bore of the second bearing, wherein the first spinner assembly is coupled to the second spinner assembly.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top right view of an exemplary stack of spinner assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the stack of spinner assemblies of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the spinner assemblies that comprise the stack of spinner assemblies shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adaptor configured to be used in the stack of spinner assemblies shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the adaptor of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the adaptor of FIG. 3A taken along line 3B-3B.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the adaptor of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a stack of spinner assemblies.

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the stack of spinner assemblies shown in FIG. 4A with a portion of the stack removed.

FIG. 5A is a top right view of an exemplary stack of spinner assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the stack of spinner assemblies of FIG. 5A.

Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” “engaged,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. For the purposes of this disclosure the terms “spinner” and “spinner assembly” define the same structure and are used interchangeably. A “stackable spinner assembly” is defined as a spinner assembly coupled to an adaptor.
The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. The examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 1A illustrates spinner assembly stack 100 of two spinner assemblies, first spinner assembly 10 and second spinner assembly 10′, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. First and second spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ may be generally similar in design. As will be discussed in more detail below, spinner assembly 10 may be configured into a stackable spinner assembly capable of being coupled to spinner assembly 10′, or vice versa. Spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ may or may not be removably coupled. In some embodiments, each of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ can be configured to rotate independently of each other in stack 100. While stack 100 is shown comprising two spinner assemblies 10 and 10′, in certain embodiments stack 100 may comprise three or more spinner assemblies. In some embodiments, each of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′, or more, spin about a similar axis.
FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of spinner assembly stack 100 of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′, where the coupling of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ is more clearly illustrated. First spinner assembly 10 comprises a first spinner assembly bearing 12 and second spinner assembly 10′ comprises a second spinner assembly bearing 12′, enabling spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ to rotate about a vertical (longitudinal) axis. Bearings 12 and 12′ are received within a central portion of body 14 of both spinner assemblies 10 and 10′. Central body 14 of both spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ each comprises at least one arm. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, both spinner bodies comprise a plurality of arms 16, namely three, extending radially outward from bearing radially outward facing surfaces 46 and 46′ of bearings 12 and 12′, respectively (shown in FIG. 4B). Arms 16 may extend symmetrically about body 14, such that the mass of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ is distributed substantially evenly and the spinner assemblies have a similar rotational balance. Each of arms 16 may comprise a mass that can be configured to provide angular momentum about bearings 12 and 12′. In some embodiments, each of arms 16, for example of spinner assembly 10, can be configured to have a similar mass. Although each spinner assembly 10 and 10′ shown comprises three arms 16, it should be appreciated that the spinner assembly may comprise at least one, but preferably at least two arms 16 and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure. It is also envisioned that the arms 16 of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ may be similar or differ in number, mass and/or design.
In an embodiment each of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ is removably coupled to at least one adaptor 20 which is configured to stack spinner assemblies 10 and 10′. It is envisioned that the coupling may also be fixed. As will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-4B, adaptor 20 can provide a double male connection configured to stack spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ along a similar vertical (or longitudinal) axis while allowing the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ to rotate independently of one another in stack 100. As is shown in this embodiment, spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ can both be coupled by adaptor 20 forming stack 100, as described in more detail below. Adaptor 20 may be coupled to one of spinner assembly 10 or 10′ to form a stackable spinner assembly.
FIG. 1C shows a top view of an embodiment wherein at least one of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ comprise spinner supports 18 and 18′ disposed on the opposing surface of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ than that of adaptor 20. Spinner supports 18 and 18′ can provide a surface for the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ to spin about, as will be explained in more detail below. Although each spinner assembly 10 and 10′ is shown as having spinner support 18 and 18′ in the figure, it should be appreciated that spinner support 18′ may be omitted from an internally disposed spinner assembly, such as in a three or more spinner stack. In an embodiment having a stack 100 comprising two spinner assemblies 10 and 10′, spinner supports 18 and 18′ may be disposed on an outward facing surface of spinner assemblies 10 and 10′. In this embodiment spinner assembly 10′ is coupled at the opposite surface (not shown) of either one of spinner assembly 10 or 10′ by adaptor 20 disposed on the opposite surface of spinner assembly 10′ (not shown) to form a stack 100 having two spinner assemblies. Although hidden from view by spinner support 18 and 18′ in FIG. 1C, FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A and 4B illustrate the relationship/positioning of adaptor 20 and spinner supports 18 and/or 18′.
Turning now to FIGS. 2-3C, adaptor 20 for stacking spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ is shown in greater detail. Adaptor 20 comprises a first section 22 and a second section 24 opposite the first section 22. First section 22 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 26, which is defined by radius R1. Similarly, second section 24 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 28, which can be defined by radius R1′. In some embodiments, radius R1′ may be approximately equal in size to radius R1. The cylindrical outer surface 28 of the second section 24 may be aligned substantially concentrically with the outer surface 26 of the first section 22. In some embodiments, first section 22 is configured to extend into the bore of bearing 12 of spinner assembly 10 and second section 24 is configured to extend into the bore of bearing 12′ of spinner assembly 10′. A stackable spinner assembly comprises one spinner assembly coupled with one adaptor, for example when either first section 22 of adaptor 20 is coupled with first spinner assembly bearing 12, or in the alternative when second section 24 of adaptor 20 is coupled with second spinner assembly bearing 12′.
While first section 22 and second section 24 are shown having approximately equal dimensions and configurations, it should be understood that first section 22 and second section 24 can be adapted to accommodate bearings 12 and 12′ of different sizes, and can be defined by radii of different sizes.
In some embodiments, adaptor 20 further comprises a first bearing seat 30, which can be configured to engage a surface of bearing 12, such as a bearing mounting surface 50 discussed below. First bearing seat 30 may extend outwardly from first section 22 and comprise a flat mounting surface. In some embodiments, first bearing seat 30 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 40 defined by radius R2. As can be seen in the figures, radius R2 can be chosen to be larger than radius R1. In some embodiments, radius R2 is chosen such that first bearing seat 30 acts as a locational feature for first section 22 and does not extend into any portion of the bore of bearing 12. Additionally, while bearing seat 30 is shown as having a cylindrical outer surface 40, it should be appreciated that bearing seat 30 may have an outer surface configured in a square shape, rectangular shape, triangular shape, or other shape extending outwardly from first section 22 to engage a surface of bearing 12.
Adaptor 20 may further comprise a second bearing seat 32 which is configured to engage a surface of bearing 12′, such as a bearing mounting surface 50 discussed below. Second bearing seat 32 may extend outwardly from the second section 24 and may comprise a flat mounting surface as well. Similar to first bearing seat 30, second bearing seat 32 may comprise a cylindrical outer surface 42 defined by a radius R2′. In some embodiments, radius R2′ is approximately equal in size to radius R2, and, as can be seen in the figures, radius R2′ can be chosen to be larger than radius R1′. In some embodiments, radius R2′ is chosen such that second bearing seat 32 acts as a locational feature for second section 24 and does not extend into any portion of the bore of bearing 12′. Similar to the first bearing seat 30, second bearing seat 32 may also have an outer surface configured in a square shape, rectangular shape, triangular shape, or other shape extending outwardly from the second section 24 to engage a surface of bearing 12′. In embodiments comprising a first bearing seat 30 and a second bearing seat 32, each bearing seat may have approximately identical dimensions. However, it should be understood that first bearing seat 30 and second bearing seat 32 can comprise different surface shapes and configurations and still be within the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, adaptor 20 may comprise spacer 34. Spacer 34 may extend outwardly away from the first bearing seat 30 (and cylindrical outer surface 40, in embodiments having a first bearing seat 30 defined by a radius) and outwardly away from the second bearing seat 32 (and cylindrical outer surface 42, in embodiments having a second bearing seat 32 defined by a radius), and can comprise a cylindrical outer surface 36. Cylindrical outer surface 36 of spacer 34 may be defined by radius R3, which can be chosen to be larger than radius R1, R1′, R2 or R2′, such that the cylindrical outer surface 36 of the spacer 34 extends radially outward beyond at least the first and second bearing seat cylindrical outer surfaces 40 and 42 and the first and second section cylindrical outer surfaces 26 and 28. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, radius R3 is chosen to be similar to the radius defining a radially outward facing surface 46 of bearing 12 and/or bearing 12′, and can serve as a cover to prevent a user from contacting a portion of bearing 12 and/or 12′. This can assist in preserving bearing life by preventing unwanted matter from entering into the race of the bearing while simultaneously protecting a user from getting pinched or otherwise injured by the bearing as it spins.
Looking closer at the dimensions of adaptor 20, a number of relationships may define the exterior and interior shape. In some embodiments, the first section cylindrical outer surface 26 is defined by a height that is approximately equal to a height that defines second section cylindrical outer surface 28. A similar relationship can be present between a height that defines first bearing seat cylindrical outer surface 40 and a height that defines second bearing seat cylindrical outer surface 42, as the heights of both can be chosen to be approximately equal. As can be observed in the figures, the height defining the first section cylindrical outer surface 26 may be chosen to be greater than the height defining the first bearing seat cylindrical outer surface 40. Similarly, the height defining the second section cylindrical outer surface 28 can be chosen to be greater than the height defining second bearing seat cylindrical outer surface 42. In some embodiments, the height defining first bearing seat cylindrical outer surface 40 and height defining second bearing seat cylindrical outer surface 42 combined are greater than a height defining spacer cylindrical outer surface 36. Although these dimensional relationships have been described and are present in adaptor 20 shown in the figures provided, it should be appreciated that these dimensional relationships are optional and can be varied to accommodate bearings 12 and/or 12′ of different sizes and shapes. For example, the height defining first section cylindrical outer surface 26 may be chosen to be larger or smaller than the height that defines second section cylindrical outer surface 28 in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, spacer 34 may serve as a bearing seat as well, and first bearing seat 30 and second bearing seat 32 are omitted. In such embodiments, spacer 34 extends outwardly from first section 22 and second section 24. Radius R3 may be chosen once again to be larger than radius R1 and R1′. In some embodiments, radius R3 may be advantageously chosen to be smaller than the radius which defines radially outward facing surface 46 of bearing 12 and/or 12′, such that the spacer does not engage both the inner race and outer race of bearing 12 and/or bearing 12′. By not engaging the outer race of bearing 12 and/or 12′, friction within spinner assembly 10 and 10′ is reduced, and bearing 12 and bearing 12′ are able to rotate about spacer 34 while spacer 34 remains stationary.
Adaptor 20 may define a recess extending through at least a portion of the central (longitudinal) axis of adaptor 20. In some embodiments, the recess is a cylindrical through hole defined by radius R4 extending through first section 22 and second section 24, and is aligned concentrically with those components. It is envisioned that the recess or through hole may be of any suitable shape such as, for example, rectangular, triangular, square or the like. The recess can provide greater flexibility to first section 22 and second section 24 as they are coupled to bearings 12 and 12′, respectively. Additionally, the recess can reduce the amount of materials needed to manufacture/produce adaptor 20. While the recess may be formed integrally in adaptor 20 as it is manufactured, it should be further appreciated that the recess can be machined after adaptor 20 has been formed. Additionally, while adaptor 20 is shown defining a recess extending through the entire adaptor 20, some embodiments of adaptor 20 may include no recess, or may comprise at least one recess that could extend only partially into adaptor 20.
Adaptor 20 may comprise a number of materials including metal, wood, ceramic, or otherwise, but is preferably formed of a polymeric substance. For example, adaptor 20 may be formed of a thermosetting or thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, adaptor 20 may be formed using an injection molding process. In other embodiments, adaptor 20 could be formed using an extrusion process, 3-D printing process, or other suitable polymer forming process. In still other embodiments, adaptor 20 can be machined to size and configured on a lathe or via other machining processes. While these manufacturing processes and materials described represent suitable manufacturing processes for producing adaptor 20, it should be understood that these techniques and materials are in no way exhaustive and are provided only as examples.
Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, spinner assembly stack 100 comprising spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ is provided to illustrate the interplay between adaptor 20 and one or more spinner assemblies 10 and 10′. As seen in the figures, stack 100 comprises two spinner assemblies 10 and 10′, and comprises a single adaptor 20 positioned between the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ that couples the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ to one another. In some embodiments this coupling can be rigid, while in other embodiments adaptor 20 and spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ are removably coupled to one another.
Bearings 12 and 12′ are illustrated as ball bearings, having an annular shape and configured to allow rotation of the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ about a central axis. As shown in the figures, each bearing 12 and 12′ comprises radially inward facing surface 44 and radially outward facing surface 46 (discussed above). Bearings 12 and 12′ may further comprise at least one mounting surface 50, which can be engaged by at least one of first bearing seat 30, second bearing seat 32, spacer 34, spinner support bearing seat 56, or other components. The following description elucidates the relationships between certain components of spinner 10. It is envisioned that similar relationships exist between the certain components of spinner assembly 10′. Regarding spinner assembly 10, radially inward facing surface 44 of bearing 12 defines a bore, which may extend through bearing 12. In spinner assembly 10, bearing 12 may be press fit within spinner assembly body 14, adhesively coupled to spinner assembly body 14, or otherwise coupled to spinner assembly body 14, such that a portion of bearing 12 and spinner assembly body 14 are configured to rotate in concert when a rotational force is applied to at least one arm 16 or to another portion of spinner assembly body 14. The same relationship exists between bearing 12′ and the remaining components of spinner assembly 10′. While the bearings 12 and 12′ are illustrated as ball bearings, other types of bearings are also compatible with the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ of the present disclosure and may be used in place of ball bearings.
The bore of each bearing 12 and 12′ may dictate the dimensions of adaptor 20, as first section 22 and second section 24 can be used to couple adaptor 20 to spinner assemblies 10 and 10′. First section 22 may be configured to extend into a portion of the bore of bearing 12, which may allow adaptor 20 to be removably coupled to bearing 12. In some embodiments, first section 22 is dimensioned to form a press fit within the bore of bearing 12. Similarly, second section 24 may be dimensioned to form a press fit within the bore of bearing 12′. Alternatively, first section 22 may form a clearance fit within the bore of bearing 12, and may be adhesively coupled to the bore of bearing 12. Similar dimensions and fits can be chosen for second section 24, and it should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the current disclosure, first section 22 and second section 24 may be dimensioned to form different types of fits with bearing 12 and bearing 12′. Additionally, it should be appreciated that some embodiments adaptor 20 comprises a symmetrical shape, such that first section 22 can be received within a portion of the bore of bearing 12′ and second section 24 can be received within a portion of the bore of bearing 12. In some other examples, the bore of bearing 12 and the bore of bearing 12′ may not be similarly sized, such that the dimensions of first section 22 and second section 24 may also differ, and adaptor 20 does not comprise a symmetrical shape.
First section 22 and second section 24 can be configured to extend partially into the bores of bearing 12 and bearing 12′, respectively. In some embodiments such as that shown in the figures, first section 22 and second section 24 are dimensioned to extend approximately halfway into the bore of bearing 12 and bearing 12′, respectively. Such dimensions allow adaptor 20 to form a proper press fit within the bore of the bearings 12 and 12′, while still allowing a portion of the bore of at least one of bearings 12 and 12′ to receive a second adaptor 20′, as is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and will be discussed in further detail below.
In some embodiments, either first section 22 or second section 24 may extend into the entire bore or through and beyond the exterior facing end of the bore of bearings 12 or 12′, respectfully. The portion extending beyond the bearing may serve as a support having similar functions and characteristics as discussed below for spinner supports 18 or 18′. For example, a distal end (end farthest from spacer 34) of first section 22 or second section 24 could be placed on a surface, or be a contact point for a user's thumb, fingers and/or hand. In some embodiments the distal end of first section 22 or second section 24 may define a recess or through hole that may extend through at least a portion of the central (longitudinal) axis of sections 22 or 24 in the direction of spacer 34, and may be defined as less than or equal to radius R4. In some embodiments, the distal end of first sections 22 or 24 may be closed and provide a flat, domed, concave, convex, or otherwise shaped surface as discussed below for support structures 18 and 18′.
In certain embodiments, adaptor 20 comprises a first bearing seat 30 and second bearing seat 32, which can be configured to engage bearing mounting surfaces 50 of bearings 12 and 12′, respectively. In some embodiments, first bearing seat 30 and second bearing seat 32 serve as locating features, which can be used to properly couple adaptor 20 to bearings 12 and 12′. When adaptor 20 is being coupled to bearing 12, first section 22 can be urged into the bore of bearing 12. Because first bearing seat 30 extends outwardly beyond the bore of bearing 12, the first bearing seat 30 cannot be received within any portion of the bore and acts as a stop. The user will know that adaptor 20 is properly coupled to bearing 12 when the first bearing seat 30 contacts mounting surface 50 of bearing 12, as the first section 22 cannot be urged further into the bore. Using a similar process, second section 24 of adaptor 20 can be urged into the bore of bearing 12′ until second bearing seat 32 contacts a bearing mounting surface of bearing 12′, similar to that described for bearing surface 50 of bearing 12. When the first bearing seat 30 contacts bearing 12 and second bearing seat 32 contacts bearing 12′, a user will know that the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ are properly coupled to adaptor 20, and can be spun about a central axis which passes through bearing 12, adaptor 20, and bearing 12′. However, it should be appreciated that bearing 12 and bearing 12′ can also be offset, depending on the shape and configuration of adaptor 20.
Using adaptor 20 to couple spinner assembly 10 and spinner assembly 10′ allows the two spinner assemblies to rotate independently of each other. Because adaptor 20 engages the bores of bearings 12 and 12′, it does not rotate when the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ are rotated. Accordingly, spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ in stack 100 may rotate at different angular velocities, in different directions, or a combination of the two when they are coupled to adaptor 20. Because spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ rotate about a common axis in stack 100 shown, stack 100 can remain rotationally balanced as spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ are spinning. However, it should be appreciated that the central axis of first section 22 and bearing seat 30 may be offset relative to the central axis of second section 24 and second bearing seat 32.
Each spinner assembly 10 and 10′ may further comprise a spinner support 18 and/or 18′, respectively, which can provide a surface that can be engaged by a thumb, finger or hand of a user, such that stack 100 can be readily held. For example, a user might hold this dual spinner assembly with a thumb on spinner support 18 and a finger, for example, an index finger, middle finger, or a combination of the two on spinner support 18′ or vice versa. In some embodiments, spinner support 18 and/or 18′ provides a flat support surface 58 (as shown on spinner support 18) that allows stack 100 to balance on an opposing surface while spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ can be rotated about a central axis. This allows both spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ to sit in the vertically stacked configuration shown in the figures. As will be appreciated, this would allow a user to place stack 100 on a surface such as a tabletop and spin the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ by applying a rotational force to each spinner assembly 10 and 10′. In some embodiments, a user could provide an axial force to spinner support 18 in stack 100 while spinner support 18′ engages the opposing surface, or vice versa. A user could then provide a greater rotational force to stack 100, because the engagement between the user, stack 100, and the opposing surface would prevent stack 100 from tipping as the initial rotational force is provided to stack 100. Once the initial rotational force is provided to the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ within stack 100, the user can disengage and relieve the pressure exerted on spinner support 18 and allowing spinner support 18′ to rest on the surface, or vice versa.
In some embodiments, spinner support 18 comprises a support surface 58, which can provide a flat, concave, convex, or otherwise shaped surface. Spinner support 18 may also comprise a support outward facing surface 60, which can be sized and shaped similar to spacer 34 discussed previously with respect to adaptor 20. In some embodiments, support outward facing surface 60 is defined by a radius which can be chosen similar to radius R3. This radius can be sized such that the support outward facing surface 60 extends radially outward beyond at least a portion of the bearing nearest the spinner support 18. In some embodiments, the radius defining the support outward facing surface 60 is chosen to be similar to the radius that defines the bearing radially outward facing surface 46 of bearing 12, and can serve as a cover to prevent a user from contacting a portion of the bearing. This can help preserve bearing life by preventing unwanted matter from entering into the race of the bearing while simultaneously protecting a user from getting pinched or otherwise injured by the bearing as it spins. It is envisioned that spinner support 18′ may or may not comprise similar elements and characteristics to those described above for spinner support 18.
In some embodiments, spinner support 18 comprises a male connection 52, which is configured to engage a portion of the bore of the bearing 12. In some embodiments, the male connection 52 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 54 which is defined by a radius. The radius defining the cylindrical outer surface 54 of the male connection 52 can be chosen to be slightly larger than the radius defining the bearing radially inward facing surface 44, such that the male connection 52 can be press fit into a portion of the bore of the bearing 12. The spinner support 18 may further define a bore, which can extend partially into the spinner support to provide additional flexibility to the male connection 52. While the bore is shown extending only partially through the spinner support 18, it should be appreciated that the bore may extend through the entire spinner support 18 or could be omitted entirely from the spinner support. As described above, it is envisioned that spinner support 18′ may or may not comprise similar elements and characteristics to those described above for spinner support 18.
Spinner support 18 may further comprise a bearing seat 56 which can be configured to engage a portion of bearing mounting surface 50. Bearing seat 56 may extend outwardly from male connection 52, and could be defined by a radius greater than the radius defining radially inward facing surface 44 of bearing 12 that it is configured to engage. Accordingly, bearing seat 56 could act as a locating feature, similar to bearing seats 30 and 32 discussed above. While shown as having an annular mounting surface, bearing seat 56 may comprise different shapes and engagement surfaces and still be within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, grip section 64 can be provided and is shown as a slight depression in support surface 58. Grip section 64 can be designed to better accommodate one or more human fingers, which can enable stack 100 to be better held within a human hand. As described above, it is envisioned that spinner support 18′ may or may not comprise similar elements and characteristics to those described above for spinner support 18.
While spinner assembly stack 100 is shown and described as having two spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ stacked vertically, it should be appreciated that a user can hold stack 100 in a number of ways and a number of angles, such that the spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ could appear as horizontally stacked or otherwise. For example, a user could rotate stack 100 ninety degrees such that spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ rotate about an axis perpendicular to that shown in the figures.
While each spinner assembly 10 and 10′ shown in FIGS. 4A-4B comprises spinner support 18, it should be appreciated that each of spinner supports 18 and/or 18′ could be independently removed from spinner assemblies 10 and 10′.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment comprising spinner assembly stack 200 comprising additional spinner assemblies, such that three, four, five, or even more spinner assemblies can all be coupled to the same stack using at least two adaptors. In certain embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, stack 200 is comprised of three spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″. When first section 22 and second section 24 of adaptor 20 (and similarly a first and second section of adaptor 20′) are dimensioned to extend approximately halfway into the bore of bearings 12, 12′ and 12″, the bore of bearings 12 and 12″ can also receive spinner supports 18 and 18′, respectively, in a position opposing adaptors 20 and 20′, such that spinner supports 18 and 18′ are disposed on the outer most surface of the outermost spinner assemblies, as will be explained in more detail later.
In this embodiment internal spinner assembly 10′ receives adaptors 20 and 20′. While first section 22 and second section 24 of adaptor 20 are shown extending about halfway into the bore of each respective bearing 12 and 12′ in stack 200, it should be appreciated that other dimensions are possible and are fully consistent with the present disclosure. For example, first section 22 and second section 24 may extend entirely through the bore and out of bearings 12 and 12′, and can serve as a support surface for stack 200. The same relationship described above may exist between adaptor 20′ and bearings 12′ and 12″. In certain embodiments, adaptors in addition to adaptors 20 and 20′ could be extended into the bores of bearings of additional spinner assemblies, such that additional spinner assemblies could be coupled to at least one of spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″. In some embodiments, each of the spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ can be configured to rotate independently of other spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ present in stack 100.
FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of an embodiment having a spinner assembly stack 200 of spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″, where the coupling of spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ is more clearly illustrated. Spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ comprise bearings 12, 12′ and 12″, respectively, which enables spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ to rotate about their vertical (longitudinal) axis. Spinner assembly 10″ and its components are configured similarly to spinner assemblies 10 and 10′ as described above. It is envisioned that the arms of spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ may be similar or differ in number, mass and/or design.
Adaptor 20 and 20′ and bearings 12, 12′ and 12″ are constructed such that the spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ may rotate along a similar axis while allowing the spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ to rotate independently of each other. As is shown in this embodiment, spinner assembly 10′ can be coupled to a first adaptor 20 and/or second adaptor 20′, determined by the number of spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ in stack 200 or by the position of the spinner assemblies 10, 10′ and 10″ within the stack 200. For example, spinner assembly 10″ at the bottom of the stack may be coupled to a single adaptor 20′, while spinner assembly 10′ internal to the stack may be coupled to two adaptors 20 and 20′, respectively. The relationships between spinner assembly 10″ and 10′ or any additional spinner assemblies are similar to those described above for spinner assemblies 10 and 10′.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An adaptor for stacking spinner assemblies, the adaptor comprising:

a first section, the first section having a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1;

a second section opposite the first section, the second section having a cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1′ and aligned substantially concentrically with the first section; and

a first bearing, seat, the first bearing seat extending outwardly away from the first section cylindrical outer surface;

wherein the first section is configured to extend into a bore of a first spinner assembly bearing and the second section is configured to extend into a bore of a second spinner assembly bearing, and wherein the adaptor is a unitary structure.

2. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the first bearing seat is configured to engage a first spinner assembly bearing mounting surface.

3. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the adaptor comprises a second bearing seat, the second bearing seat extending outwardly away from the second section cylindrical outer surface and configured to engage a second spinner assembly bearing mounting surface.

4. The adaptor of claim 3, wherein the adaptor comprises a spacer, the spacer having a spacer cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R3 larger than the radius R1 and the radius R1′ and extending outwardly from a first bearing seat cylindrical outer surface and outwardly from a second bearing seat cylindrical outer surface.

5. The adaptor of claim 4, wherein the spacer cylindrical outer surface is defined by a height that is less than a combination of a first thickness defining the cylindrical outer surface of the first bearing seat and a second thickness defining the cylindrical outer surface of the second bearing seat.

6. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the first bearing seat comprises a first bearing seat cylindrical outer surface defined by a first bearing seat radius larger than the radius R1 and larger than a bore radius defining the bore of the first spinner assembly bearing.

7. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the adaptor defines a recess extending through at least a portion of the first section and the second section.

8. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the radius R1 and the radius R1′ are approximately equal.

9. The adaptor of claim 1, wherein the adaptor comprises a thermoplastic material.

10. A stackable spinner assembly, the stackable spinner assembly comprising:

a first bearing, the first bearing having an annular shape with a first bearing radially inward facing surface and a first bearing radially outward facing surface, the first bearing radially inward facing surface defining a first bearing bore;

a first body, the first body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from the first bearing radially outward facing surface; and

a unitary adaptor having a first section, a second section, and a seat formed between the first section and the second section and extending outward from the first section, wherein the first section is received within a portion of the first bearing bore.

11. The spinner assembly of claim 10, further comprising a second body and a second bearing, the second body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from a second bearing radially outward facing surface, the second bearing having an annular shape with a second bearing radially inward facing surface and a second bearing radially outward facing surface, the second bearing radially inward facing surface defining a second bearing bore, wherein the second section of the adaptor is received within a portion of the second bearing bore.

12. The spinner assembly of claim 11, wherein the first section is opposite the second section, the first section having a first section cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1 and the second section having a second section cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius R1′, the second section cylindrical outer surface being aligned substantially concentrically with the first section cylindrical outer surface.

13. The spinner assembly of claim 12, wherein the seat extends outwardly away from the first section cylindrical outer surface and engages a first bearing mounting surface on the first bearing.

14. The spinner assembly of claim 13, wherein the adaptor comprises a second seat extending outwardly away from the second section cylindrical outer surface, the second seat engaging a second bearing mounting surface on the second bearing.

15. The spinner assembly of claim 14, wherein the adaptor comprises a spacer extending outwardly from a first seat cylindrical outer surface and outwardly from a second seat cylindrical outer surface.

16. The spinner assembly of claim 15, wherein the spacer comprises a spacer cylindrical outer surface defined by a radius equal to a radius defining the first bearing radially outward facing surface.

17. The spinner assembly of claim 11, wherein the first section of the adaptor forms a press fit with the first bearing bore and the second section forms a press fit with the second bearing bore.

18. The spinner assembly of claim 11, wherein the adaptor defines a cylindrical recess extending through the adaptor and aligned concentrically with the first bearing bore and the second bearing bore.

19. The spinner assembly of claim 10, wherein the spinner assembly further comprises a spinner support received within a portion of the first bearing bore.

20. A spinner assembly stack, the stack comprising:

a first spinner assembly comprising a first spinner bearing having an annular shape with a first spinner bearing radially inward facing surface and a first spinner bearing radially outward facing surface, the first spinner bearing radially inward facing surface defining a first spinner bearing bore, and a first spinner body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from the first spinner bearing radially outward facing surface;

a second spinner assembly comprising a second spinner bearing having an annular shape with a second spinner radially inward facing surface and a second spinner bearing radially outward facing surface, the second spinner bearing radially inward facing surface defining a second spinner bearing bore, and a second spinner body comprising at least one arm extending radially outward from the second spinner bearing radially outward facing surface; and

a unitary adaptor having a first section, a second section, and a seat formed between the first section and the second section, the seat extending outwardly from and outwardly beyond the first section, the first section received within a portion of the first spinner bearing bore and the second section received within a portion of the second spinner bearing bore;

wherein the first spinner assembly is coupled to the second spinner assembly.