WO2025183033A1 - Rotary toy - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a rotary toy 10 comprising a shaft 6 provided with an accelerator 8 on a body 6c, first and second cups 2a and 2b fixed respectively to one end and the other end of the shaft, and a first cover 14a that is rotatably attached to the shaft between the accelerator and the first cup and that covers at least a part of the first cup. When the accelerator is caused to rotate by friction of an operation cable and the motive power from the rotation is transmitted to the first and second cups via the shaft, causing the cups to rotate, the first cover rotates idly relative to the shaft, and at least a part of the rotating first cup can be covered without rotation (or with weak rotation). Thus, when the rotary toy is dropped on, for example, the ground surface or the like, the rotation of the first cup can be prevented from being transmitted to the ground surface or the like by idle rotation of the first cover that covers the first cup during rotation.

Description

Rotating toy

The present invention relates to a spinning toy.

Diabolo is a type of spinning top consisting of two spinning cups (or disks) fixed to both ends of a shaft. A string attached between the tips of two hand sticks applies rotation to the spinning cups via the shaft, stabilizing and controlling the top (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Diabolo has recently gained recognition as a sport, and the number of players is increasing. However, if the diabolo is not operated correctly, the spinning diabolo may fall to the ground or fly away, potentially interfering with a person's body and causing injury.
Patent Document 1: Registered Utility Model No. 3060511

General disclosure

(Item 1)
The spinning toy may comprise a shaft provided with an axle.
The rotating toy may include a first cup and a second cup fixed to one end and the other end of the shaft, respectively.
The spinning toy may include a first cover rotatably attached to the shaft between the axel and the first cup and covering at least a portion of the first cup.
(Item 2)
The spinning toy may further include a first bearing disposed between the first cover and the shaft to rotatably mount the first cover to the shaft.
(Item 3)
The shaft may have a neck with a small diameter on one side of the body where the accelerator is provided.
The first bearing may be attached to the neck by locking an inner ring onto a shoulder between the body and the neck.
(Item 4)
The spinning toy may further include a first spacer disposed between an inner ring of the first bearing and the shoulder portion.
(Item 5)
The spinning toy may further include a second spacer disposed between the first cup and another shoulder between a bolt portion formed at one end of the shaft and the neck portion.
(Item 6)
The second spacer may be formed by overlapping a large diameter spacer abutting the top surface of the first cup and a small diameter spacer abutting the other shoulder portion in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.
(Item 7)
The first cover may have a hole through which the shaft passes, the hole having a step formed on an inner surface thereof that protrudes inward and surrounds the hole.
The first bearing may be fitted into the hole from one side onto the step.
(Item 8)
The rotating toy may further include a first buffer member having a hollow cylindrical shape that covers an outer ring of the first bearing and is disposed between the outer ring and the hole.
(Item 9)
The first buffer member may include a bottom surface portion disposed between the outer ring and the step portion on one opening side of the hollow cylindrical shape.
(Item 10)
The first buffer member may include a top surface portion that abuts against the outer ring on the other opening side of the hollow cylindrical shape.
(Item 11)
The spinning toy may further include a second bearing disposed between the first cover and the shaft to rotatably mount the first cover to the shaft.
The second bearing may be fitted into the hole from the other side onto the step portion.
(Item 12)
The rotating toy may further include a second buffer member having a hollow cylindrical shape that covers an outer ring of the first bearing and is disposed between the outer ring and the hole.
(Item 13)
The first cup may have a saucer shape with its bottom facing one end of the shaft.
The first cover may include a peripheral cover having a shape obtained by connecting a hollow frustum covering an outer peripheral surface of the saucer shape and a cylinder covering an edge of the saucer shape.
(Item 14)
The first cover may include a peripheral cover that covers a peripheral surface of the first cup and a side cover that covers a side surface of the first cup.
(Item 15)
The side cover may include an annular cushioning material.
(Item 16)
The side cover may have a concave surface facing the first cup.
(Item 17)
The first cup may have an overall shape of a hollow, generally truncated cone, with a thickened portion at the edge of the generally truncated cone.
(Item 18)
The first cup may have a body having a generally hollow truncated cone shape and a weight attached to the edge of the body.
(Item 19)
The shaft may fix the first cup by threading a bolt portion formed at the one end of the shaft into a nut portion formed at the center of the first cup.
(Item 20)
The shaft may fix the first cup by passing the bolt portion formed at one end through a hole formed in the center of the first cup from one side of the first cup and screwing it into a nut on the other side of the first cup.
(Item 21)
The rotating toy may further include the accelerator and a one-way clutch that mounts the accelerator to the shaft so that the accelerator can rotate in one direction.
(Item 22)
The spinning toy may further include a second cover rotatably attached to the shaft between the axel and the second cup and covering at least a portion of the second cup.
(Item 23)
The spinning toy may be a diabolo.

Note that the above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention. Subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions.

1 shows the overall structure of a rotating toy according to a first embodiment. 1 shows the components of a spinning toy in exploded perspective view. 1 shows a cross-sectional structure of a spinning toy in an assembled state. 10 shows the overall structure of a rotating toy according to a second embodiment. 1 shows the components of a spinning toy in exploded perspective view. 1 shows a cross-sectional structure of a spinning toy in an assembled state. 1 shows the configuration of a buffer member. This shows how to attach a bearing to a peripheral cover using a buffer member (part 1). This shows how to attach a bearing to a peripheral cover using a buffer member (part 2). 1 shows the components of the spacer in exploded perspective view from above. 1 shows the components of the spacer in exploded perspective view from below. The structure of the spacer is shown in perspective and side views. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing components around a bearing of a rotating toy according to a modified example. 10 shows a cross-sectional structure of a bearing and its surroundings in a rotating toy according to a modified example. 10 shows the configuration of a buffer member according to a modified example. 10 shows a first example of mounting a bearing to a peripheral cover using a buffer member according to a modified example. 10 shows a second example of mounting a bearing to a peripheral cover using a buffer member according to a modified example. 10 shows a third example of mounting a bearing to a peripheral cover using a buffer member according to a modified example.

The present invention will be explained below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

Figures 1 to 3 show a spinning toy 10 according to the first embodiment. Here, Figure 1 shows the overall structure of the spinning toy 10, Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the components of the spinning toy 10, and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional structure of the spinning toy 10 in an assembled state. The axis passing through the center of the spinning toy 10 is called the reference axis L, and the direction parallel to the reference axis L is called the axial direction. The spinning toy 10 is a top composed of two spinning cups (also simply called cups) fixed to both ends of a shaft, and in particular, the spinning toy 10 according to the first embodiment has the spinning cups protected by a spinning cover, and includes a shaft 6, an axel 8, cups 2a and 2b, covers 14a and 14b, and bearings 3a and 3b.

The term "spinning toy" collectively refers to spinning tops that spin around an axis, such as diabolos, yo-yos, and spincores. In the following embodiments, the spinning toy will be described as a diabolo as an example, but it may also be a yo-yo or spincore. The control string used to control the spinning toy is attached between the tips of two hand sticks, and the user can control the spinning toy by holding and operating them with both hands.

Spincore is a tool consisting of two bowl-shaped objects connected by their convex surfaces, which is controlled by a string threaded between two hand sticks. Performances can be performed by using the string to operate the center of the two connected bowl-shaped objects to spin them, or to throw them into the air or catch them. The bowl-shaped objects have a double structure, and the inner part rotates when the string is operated. The outer arm is designed to move independently of the inner part, so even if the inner part is rotating, the outer arm can be grabbed with the hand.

The shaft 6 is a power shaft that transmits rotational power to the two cups 2a, 2b fixed to both ends of the shaft 6. The shaft 6 has a round bar shape extending in the axial direction and has a body portion 6c, neck portions _6a2 , _6b2 , and bolt portions _6a1 , _6b1 . The shaft 6 can be integrally molded using a metal or alloy such as aluminum or stainless steel.

The body portion 6c is a large-diameter portion located in the axial center of the shaft 6, and is where the accelerator 8 is provided.

The necks _6a2 and _6b2 are located on one axial side (upper side in the drawing) and the other axial side (lower side in the drawing) of the body 6c, and the covers 14a and 14b are rotatably attached to the side surfaces of the necks 6a2 and 6b2. The necks _6a2 and _6b2 have slightly smaller diameters than the body 6c, and shoulders 6a3 and 6b3, each including annular surfaces facing one axial side and the other axial side, are formed between the necks 6a2 and _6b2 and the body 6c due to the difference in diameter (i.e., the difference in diameter) between the necks 6a2 and _6b2 and the body 6c.

The bolt portions _6a1 , _6b1 are portions located at one and the other axial ends of the shaft 6, and each has a male thread formed thereon. The cups 2a, 2b are fixed to both ends of the shaft 6 by screwing the male threads of the bolt portions _6a1 , _6b1 into female threads formed on the cups _2a , 2b (of the nut portions 2a1, _2b1 described below).

The accelerator 8 is a component that rotates due to the friction of the operating string, applying rotational force to the shaft 6. The accelerator 8 is made of a metal or alloy such as aluminum or stainless steel and is integrally molded into a shape that has a through hole extending in the axial direction and a small diameter drum-shaped center at both axial ends.

The axel 8 can be mounted on the barrel portion 6c of the shaft 6 via a one-way clutch bearing (also simply referred to as a one-way clutch) 9. Here, the one-way clutch 9 has an overall cylindrical shape, and the inner ring located on the inside rotates in only one direction relative to the outer ring located on the outside. In other words, when the outer ring rotates in one direction, the inner ring locks to the outer ring, transmitting the rotational power and rotating in one direction with the outer ring; when the outer ring rotates in the other direction, the inner ring does not lock to the outer ring, meaning that the bearing rotates freely without transmitting rotational power. By fixing the outer ring within the through-hole of the axel 8 and fixing the inner ring onto the barrel portion 6c of the shaft 6, the axel 8 is mounted so that it is locked to the shaft 6 in one direction and can rotate (freely rotate) in the other direction.

Furthermore, two rotary shaft bearings 7 may be attached between both ends of the body portion 6c of the shaft 6 and both ends of the through-hole of the axle 8 so as to sandwich the one-way clutch 9 in the axial direction. The rotary shaft bearings 7 may have a similar configuration (but different sizes) to the bearings 3a and 3b described below. This secures the one-way clutch 9 to the body portion 6c of the shaft 6.

In this way, a rotation axis can be formed by using the one-way clutch 9 and the rotary shaft bearing 7 to lock the accelerator 8 in one direction and attaching it to the shaft 6 so that it can rotate freely in the other direction. As a result, when the operating string is fastened to the accelerator 8, the accelerator 8 rotates freely relative to the cups 2a, 2b and shaft 6, which rotate in one direction, preventing the rotation of the cups 2a, 2b from being slowed down by friction from the operating string.

The axel 8 may be attached directly to the body 6c of the shaft 6 to form a fixed shaft. Alternatively, the axel 8 may be formed integrally with the shaft 6. In such a case, the rotational power of the axel 8 is transmitted directly to the cups 2a, 2b via the shaft 6, allowing the cups 2a, 2b to rotate in both directions.

Cups 2a and 2b are the rotating body of the top, and include first and second cups 2a and 2b fixed to one end and the other end of the shaft 6, respectively.

The first cup 2a has a main body _2a0 , a nut portion _2a1 , and a thick portion _2a2 .

The main body _2a0 is the weight portion of the top, and has an overall shape that is, for example, a hollow, shallow, approximately truncated cone (for example, a saucer shape with the bottom facing one end of the shaft 6 (bolt portion _6a1 )). The main body _2a0 can be formed using metals or alloys such as aluminum or stainless steel, or resins such as general-purpose plastics (for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.) or engineering plastics (for example, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, etc.). The main body _2a0 may also be formed in a disk shape.

The nut portion _2a1 is a cylindrical portion formed to protrude from the center of the bottom surface of the main body _2a0 , and has a female thread formed on its inner surface. The first cup 2a is fixed to the shaft 6 by screwing a bolt portion _6a1 (male thread) formed on one end of the shaft 6 into the nut portion _2a1 (female thread) formed at the center of the bottom surface of the first cup 2a.

The thick portion _2a2 is a weight of the top that is integrally formed on the inside of the edge of the main body _2a0 (approximately a truncated cone) using the same material. By making the thick portion _2a2 thicker, the weight can be increased, allowing the first cup 2a to rotate with a large moment of inertia. The thick portion _2a2 may be formed, for example, in an annular shape as a separate body from the main body _2a0 using a material that is heavier than the main body _2a0 , such as brass, aluminum, or stainless steel, and then attached by press-fitting to the edge of the main body _2a0 .

The second cup 2b also has a main body _2b0 , a nut portion _2b1 , and a thick portion _2b2 that are formed in the same manner as the main body _2a0 , the nut portion _2a1 , and the thick portion _2a2 of the first cup 2a (detailed description of these will be omitted). The second cup 2b is fixed to the shaft 6 by threading a bolt portion _6b1 (male thread) formed on the other end of the shaft 6 into a nut portion _2b1 (female thread) formed in the center of the bottom surface of the second cup 2b.

The covers 14a, 14b include first and second covers 14a, 14b that cover at least a portion of the first and second cups 2a, 2b, respectively. In the rotating toy 10 according to the first embodiment, the first and second covers 14a, 14b are formed to cover the entire outside of the first and second cups 2a, 2b.

The first cover 14a is attached to the side (i.e., circumferential surface) of the shaft 6 (neck portion _6a2 ) at a position between the axel 8 and the first cup 2a by two bearings 3a (described later) so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6. The first cover 14a has a circumferential cover 4a and a side cover 1a.

The peripheral cover 4a is a portion that covers the peripheral surface of the first cup 2a, and has a shape that combines a hollow truncated cone (in this example, a substantially truncated cone) that covers the outer peripheral surface of the substantially truncated cone-shaped (or saucer-shaped) main body _2a0 included in the first cup 2a, and a cylinder that covers the edge of the main body _2a0 . The peripheral cover 4a can be molded using resin such as general-purpose plastic (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.) or engineering plastic (e.g., polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, etc.).

A hole _4a0 through which the shaft 6 passes is formed at the center of the top surface of the frustum of the peripheral cover 4a. Furthermore, a step _4a1 is formed on the inner surface of the hole 4a0, protruding inward and circumferentially. Within the internal space of the hole _4a0 , one side (upper side in the drawing) and the other side (lower side in the drawing) of the step _4a1 each form a space for accommodating two bearings 3a.

The side cover 1a is a portion that covers the side of the first cup 2a (the upper surface or concave surface of the saucer shape), and has a cushioning material _1a1 and a concave surface _1a2 .

The cushioning material 1a- ₁ includes, for example, a foam formed into a circular shape from plastic or the like, and cushions the impact when the spinning toy 10 is dropped on the floor or the like, thereby preventing the impact from being transmitted to the cups 2a and 2b. The foam may be covered with a sheet made of, for example, nylon or the like.

The concave surface _1a2 is a sheet that is hung on the inner edge of the annular cushioning material _1a1 and has a conical shape that is recessed toward the inside of the concave surface of the first cup 2a. The concave surface _1a2 can be formed using a sheet made of, for example, nylon. A hand stick, finger, or the like can be placed in the recess on the concave surface _1a2 to rotate the spinning toy 10 on it.

The first cover 14a is assembled by fitting the cylindrical portion of the peripheral cover 4a into the inside of the side cover 1a (cushioning material _1a1 ). Here, the side cover 1a and the peripheral cover 4a may be fixed by providing adhesive, double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. between the inner surface of the cushioning material _1a1 and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. The first cover 14a covers almost the entire first cup 2a, thereby preventing dust and other particles from entering the interior of the rotating toy 10. It also reduces air resistance to the rotating first cup 2a.

The second cover 14b is attached to the side (i.e., circumferential surface) of the shaft 6 (neck portion _6b2 ) at a position between the axel 8 and the second cup 2b by two bearings 3b (described later) so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6. The second cover 14b has a circumferential cover 4b and a side cover 1b. In the rotating toy 10 according to the first embodiment, the circumferential cover 4b and the side cover 1b can be configured in the same manner as the circumferential cover 4a and the side cover 1a of the first cover 14a (detailed description of these will be omitted).

Bearings 3a and 3b each include two bearings (also referred to as a first bearing and a second bearing) 3a and two bearings 3b. The two bearings 3a and 3b can be ball bearings having an outer ring, an inner ring positioned inside the outer ring, and multiple balls positioned between them to support the inner ring so that it can rotate freely relative to the outer ring.

The first bearing 3a of the two bearings 3a is attached to the neck 6a2 of the shaft ₆ (i.e., on its peripheral surface) by fitting its outer ring into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a from one side (the bottom in the drawing) and engaging it on the step _4a1 , passing the shaft 6 through the hole 4a0 and the inner ring of the first bearing _3a , and engaging the inner _ring with the shoulder _6a3 between the body 6c and the neck _6a2 . Here, the inner diameter of the inner ring is equal to or approximately equal to the diameter of the neck _6a2 , and the inner surface of the inner ring abuts against the outer surface of the neck _6a2 , thereby fixing the first bearing 3a to the neck 6a2 by friction therebetween. As a result, the first bearing 3a is sandwiched between the shoulder _6a3 of the shaft 6 and the step _4a1 in the hole 4a0 of the peripheral cover _4a (first cover 14a).

A ring-shaped spacer 5a may be disposed between the inner ring of the first bearing 3a and the shoulder _6a3 . The spacer 5a has an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the neck _6a2 of the shaft 6 and smaller than the diameter of the body 6c. The spacer 5a may be made of metal or plastic. This allows the first bearing 3a to be attached to the shaft 6 without coming into contact with the rotary shaft bearing 7.

The second bearing 3a of the two bearings 3a has its outer ring fitted into the hole _4a0 from the other side (upper side in the drawing) and hooked onto the step _4a1 . The shaft 6 is passed through the hole _4a0 and the inner ring of the second bearing 3a, and the nut portion _2a1 of the first cup 2a is fixed to the bolt portion _6a1 of the shaft 6, thereby engaging the inner ring with the nut portion _2a1 and attaching it to the neck portion _6a2 (i.e., its circumferential surface) of the shaft _6. Here, the inner diameter of the inner ring is equal to or approximately equal to the diameter of the neck _6a2 , and the inner surface of the inner ring abuts against the outer surface of the neck 6a2, thereby fixing the second bearing 3a to the neck _6a2 by friction therebetween. As a result, the second bearing 3a is sandwiched between the nut portion _2a1 of the first cup 2a and the step _4a1 in the hole _4a0 of the first cover 14a (circumferential cover 4a).

In this way, the two bearings 3a are arranged between the first cover 14a (hole portion _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a) and the shaft 6 (neck portion _6a2 ) so as to abut against them and be sandwiched therebetween, and the first cover 14a is attached to the shaft 6 so as to be rotatable (independently of the rotation of the shaft 6).

Like the two bearings 3a, the two bearings 3b are fitted into the hole _4b0 of the peripheral cover 4b from one side (upper in the drawing) and the other side (lower in the drawing) and hooked onto the step _4a1 . The shaft 6 is passed through the hole _4b0 and the inner ring of the bearing 3b, and the nut portion _2b1 of the second cup 2b is fixed to the bolt portion _6b1 of the shaft 6. This positions the bearing 3b between the second cover 14b (hole _4b0 of the peripheral cover 4b) and the shaft 6 (neck portion _6b2 ) and abuts against them, thereby attaching the second cover 14b to the shaft 6 so that it can rotate (independently of the rotation of the shaft 6) (detailed description of these is omitted). A ring-shaped spacer 5b may be disposed between the inner ring and shoulder portion _6b3 of the bearing 3b. The spacer 5b may be made of metal or plastic.

The rotating toy 10 can be assembled as follows. First, the accelerator 8 is attached to the body 6c of the shaft 6 via the one-way clutch 9, and two rotary shaft bearings 7 are fitted into one and the other of the through-holes in the accelerator 8 so as to axially sandwich the one-way clutch 9. Next, two bearings 3a are fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a from one side and the other, respectively, and hooked onto the step _4a1 . Next, the bolt portion _6a1 and neck portion _6a2 of the shaft 6 are passed through the opening in the spacer 5a and the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a, and the bolt portion _6a1 is fixed to the nut portion _2a1 of the first cup 2a. Similarly, the bolt portion _6b1 and neck portion _6b2 of the shaft 6 are passed through the opening in the spacer 5b and the hole _4b0 of the peripheral cover 4b, and the bolt portion _6b1 is fixed to the nut portion _2b1 of the second cup 2b. As a result, the peripheral cover 4a is sandwiched between the nut portion 2a1 of the first cup 2a and the shoulder portion 6a3 of the shaft 6 via the two bearings _3a and attached onto the neck portion _6a2 (its peripheral surface) of the shaft 6, and the peripheral cover 4b is sandwiched between the nut portion _2b1 of the second cup _2b and the shoulder portion 6b3 of the shaft 6 via the two bearings _3b and attached onto the neck portion _6b2 (its peripheral surface) of the shaft 6. Finally, the side covers 1a and 1b are attached to the peripheral covers 4a and 4b, respectively, to form the first and second covers 14a and 14b, which cover the entire outside of the first and second cups 2a and 2b.

In the rotating toy 10 assembled in this manner, when the control string is entangled with the accelerator 8 and the accelerator 8 is rotated in one direction due to the friction of the control string, rotational power is transmitted to the shaft 6 via the one-way clutch 9, causing the first and second cups 2a, 2b to rotate. At this time, the first and second covers 14a, 14b that cover the first and second cups 2a, 2b, respectively, spin freely, covering the first and second cups 2a, 2b, which rotate without rotation (or with weak rotation). Because the first and second covers 14a, 14b are attached to the shaft 6 so that they can spin freely independently of the first and second cups 2a, 2b, the first and second cups 2a, 2b will continue to rotate inside the first and second covers 14a, 14b even if the first and second covers 14a, 14b are grabbed with fingers or the like.

The rotating toy 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a shaft 6 provided with an axel 8, first and second cups 2a, 2b fixed to one end and the other end of the shaft 6, respectively, and a first cover 14a attached to the side of the shaft 6 between the axel 8 and the first cup 2a so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6 and cover at least a portion of the first cup 2a. By attaching the first cover 14a to the side of the shaft 6 at a position between the axel 8 and the first cup 2a so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6, the first cover 14a can cover at least a portion or the entire outside of the first cup 2a independently of the rotation of the first cup 2a fixed to one end of the shaft 6.

For example, when the accelerator 8 is rotated by the friction of the operating string and the power is transmitted to the first and second cups 2a, 2b via the shaft 6 to rotate them, the first cover 14a spins freely relative to the shaft 6, covering at least a portion or the entire outside of the rotating first cup 2a without any rotation (or weak rotation). As a result, if the rotating toy 10 is dropped on the ground, for example, the first cover 14a covering the rotating first cup 2a will spin freely, preventing the rotation of the first cup 2a from being transmitted to the ground, and the rotating toy can be held by grasping the first cover 14a with fingers or the like while the first cup 2a is rotating inside the first cover 14a.

Furthermore, similar to the first cover 14a, the second cover 14b may be attached to the side of the shaft 6 between the axel 8 and the second cup 2b so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6, and at least a portion of the second cup 2b may be covered by the second cover 14b. By attaching the second cover 14b to the side of the shaft 6 at a position between the axel 8 and the second cup 2b so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6, the second cover 14b can cover at least a portion of the second cup 2b independently of the rotation of the second cup 2b fixed to the other end of the shaft 6.

Figures 4 to 6 show a spinning toy 10d according to the second embodiment. Here, Figure 4 shows the overall structure of the spinning toy 10d, Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the components of the spinning toy 10d, and Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional structure of the spinning toy 10d in an assembled state. The axis passing through the center of the spinning toy 10d is called the reference axis L, and the direction parallel to the reference axis L is called the axial direction. The spinning toy 10 is a top constructed by fixing two spinning cups (also simply called cups) to both ends of a shaft. Like the spinning toy 10 according to the first embodiment, the spinning toy 10d protects the spinning cups with a spinning cover, and includes a shaft 6, an axle 8, cups 2a and 2b, covers 14a and 14b, bearings 3a and 3b, and cushioning members 13a and 13b.

The shaft 6, axle 8, covers 14a, 14b, and bearings 3a, 3b are configured in the same manner as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed explanations will be omitted.

Cups 2a and 2b are the main body of the spinning top, rotating in the same way as those in the first embodiment, and include first and second cups 2a and 2b fixed to one end and the other end of the shaft 6, respectively.

The first cup 2a has a body _2a0 and a weight _2a3 .

The main body _2a0 is the weight portion of the top, and has an overall shape that is, for example, a hollow, shallow, approximately truncated cone (for example, a saucer shape with the bottom facing one end of the shaft 6 (bolt portion _6a1 )). The main body _2a0 can be formed using resin such as general-purpose plastic (for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.) or engineering plastic (for example, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, etc.). The main body _2a0 may also be formed in a disk shape.

A cylindrical bottom portion _2a01 is formed on the bottom surface of the main body _2a0 so as to protrude from the center. A hole penetrating in the reference axial direction is formed in the center of the bottom portion _2a01 . A bolt portion _6a1 formed on one end of the shaft 6 is passed through the hole in the bottom portion _2a01 from the bottom side of the main body _2a0 and threaded onto a nut 16a (female thread) on the inner surface side of the main body _2a0 , thereby fixing the first cup 2a to the end of the shaft 6. At this time, a washer 15a made of, for example, carbon may be provided between the inner surface of the main body _2a0 and the nut 16a. This prevents deformation of the contact portion of the main body _2a0 when the bolt portion 6a1 of the shaft 6 is excessively tightened by the nut _16a .

A flat-head or Phillips-head groove may be provided at the top of the bolt portion 6a _1. This allows the head of a flat-head or Phillips-head screwdriver to be inserted into the groove of the bolt portion 6a ₁ to stop rotation and tighten or loosen the nut 16a onto or from _{the bolt portion 6a 1 .}

The weight _2a3 is a weight for the top and has a ring shape that can be attached to the edge of the main body _2a0 (approximately a truncated cone). The ring shape can be made wider and/or thicker and/or made of a material with a higher specific gravity to increase its weight, allowing the first cup 2a to rotate with a larger moment of inertia. Metals such as brass, aluminum, or stainless steel can be used as materials with a higher specific gravity. The weight _2a3 can be attached by press-fitting it onto the edge of the main body _2a0 .

The second cup 2b also has a main body _2b0 and a weight _2b3 formed in the same manner as the main body _2a0 and the weight _2a3 of the first cup 2a (detailed description of these will be omitted). A bolt portion _6b1 formed on the other end of the shaft 6 is passed through a hole in the bottom portion _2b01 from the bottom side of the main body _2b0 and is screwed into a nut 16b (female thread) on the inner side of the main body _2b0 , thereby fixing the first cup 2b to the end of the shaft 6. At this time, a washer 15b may be provided between the inner surface of the main body _2b0 and the nut 16b.

The concave surfaces 1a2, 1b2 of the side covers 1a, _1b of the covers 14a, _14b may be tapered toward the inside of the concave surfaces of the first cups 2a, 2b, and may have a shape in which the center is tapered at a larger angle.

The covers 14a, 14b are assembled by fitting the cylindrical portions of the peripheral covers 4a, 4b into the side covers 1a, 1b (cushioning materials _1a1 , _1b1 ). In this example, hook-and-loop fasteners _1a3 , _1b3 are provided on the inner surfaces of the cushioning materials _1a1 , _1b1 , and hook-and-loop fasteners 4a3, 4b3 are provided on the outer surfaces of the cylindrical portions of the peripheral covers _4a , _4b , which fasten the side covers 1a, 1b and the peripheral covers 4a, 4b together. Note that instead of hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive, double-sided tape, etc. may be used to fasten the side covers 1a, 1b and the peripheral covers 4a, 4b together.

7A shows the configuration of the buffer member 13a. The buffer members 13a, 13b buffer the impact transmitted to the bearings 3a, 3b and further to the shaft 6 via the covers 14a, 14b when the rotating toy 10d is dropped or hit on the ground, etc., and disperse the impact by tilting the covers 14a, 14b (peripheral covers 4a, 4b) relative to the shaft 6 and bringing the top surfaces of the frustums into contact with the accelerator 8. The buffer member 13a has a side surface _13a1 and a bottom surface _13a2 . The side surface _13a1 has a hollow cylindrical shape that covers the outer ring of the bearing 3a. The bottom surface _13a2 is an annular plate member provided on one opening side of the hollow cylindrical shape of the side surface _13a1 , and has an opening with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the bearing 3a and larger than the outer diameter of the inner ring. The side surface _13a1 and the bottom surface _13a2 can be integrally molded using, for example, an elastomer (e.g., natural rubber, silicone rubber, or other rubber) or a gel (e.g., polyethylene gel, polyurethane gel, or other). The buffer member 13b also includes a side surface _13b1 and a bottom surface _13b2 formed in the same manner as the buffer member 13a.

7B and 7C show how to attach the bearing 3a to the peripheral cover 4a using the buffer member 13a. First, as shown in Fig. 7B, the bearing 3a is inserted into the internal space of the side surface 13a1 from the opening on the opposite side (upper side in the drawing) from the bottom surface _13a2 of the buffer member _13a . This brings the lower surface of the outer ring of the bearing 3a into contact with the bottom surface _13a2 , and the upper surface of the outer ring of the bearing 3a becomes approximately flush with the upper surface of the side surface _13a1 . Next, the bearing 3a inserted in the buffer member 13a is fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a from one side (upper side in the drawing) and hooked onto the step _4a1 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the upper surface of the bearing 3a and the upper surface of the side surface _13a1 become substantially flush with the upper surface of the peripheral cover 4a, and the side surface _13a1 of the buffer member 13a is disposed between the outer ring of the bearing 3a and the hole portion _4a0 , and the bottom surface _13a2 of the buffer member 13a is disposed between the outer ring of the bearing 3a and the step portion _4a1 .

The other bearing 3a is similarly inserted into the other buffer member 13a, fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a from the other side (the bottom in FIG. 6) and latched onto the step _4a1 . As a result, the upper surface of the bearing 3a and the upper surface of the side surface _13a1 become substantially flush with the bottom surface of the peripheral cover 4a, and the side surface _13a1 of the buffer member 13a is disposed between the outer ring of the bearing 3a and _the hole 4a0, and the bottom surface _13a2 of the buffer member 13a is disposed between the outer ring of the bearing 3a and the step _4a1 .

As described above, the first bearing 3a of the two bearings 3a is inserted into the buffer member 13a and fitted into the hole 4a0 of the peripheral cover _4a from one side (the bottom in FIG. 6 ) to be hooked onto the step _4a1 , the shaft 6 is passed through the hole _4a0 and the inner ring of the first bearing 3a, and the inner ring is engaged with the shoulder _6a3 between the body 6c and the neck _6a2 , thereby attaching the first bearing 3a to the neck _6a2 (i.e., on its peripheral surface) of the shaft 6. Here, the inner diameter of the inner ring is equal to or approximately equal to the diameter of the neck _6a2 , and the inner surface of the inner ring abuts against the outer surface of the neck _6a2 , thereby fixing the first bearing 3a to the neck _6a2 by friction therebetween. As a result, the first bearing 3a is sandwiched between the shoulder _6a3 of the shaft 6 and the step 4a1 in the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a (first cover _14a ).

Instead of inserting the bearing 3a into the buffer member 13a and then fitting the bearing 3a into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a and latching it onto the step _4a1 , the buffer member 13a may be fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a, and the bearing 3a may be inserted into the buffer member 13a fixed in the hole _4a0 . Also, as in the first embodiment, a ring-shaped spacer 5a may be disposed between the inner ring of the first bearing 3a and the shoulder _6a3 .

As described above, with the second bearing 3a of the two bearings 3a inserted into the buffer member 13a, the second bearing 3a is fitted into the hole 4a0 of the peripheral cover _4a from the other side (upper side in FIG. 6 ) and hooked onto the step _4a1 , the shaft 6 is passed through the hole _4a0 and the inner ring of the second bearing 3a, and the bolt portion _6a1 of the shaft 6 is passed through the hole in the bottom portion _2a01 of the body _2a0 of the first cup _2a from the bottom side of the body _2a0 and screwed into the nut 16a (female thread) on the inner side of the body 2a0, thereby fixing the first cup 2a to the end of the shaft 6. At this time, a spacer 12a may be provided between the bottom _2a01 of the first cup 2a and a shoulder portion between the bolt portion _6a1 and the neck portion _6a2 formed at one end of the shaft 6.

8A, 8B, and 8C show the configuration of the spacer 12a. FIG. 8A shows the components of the spacer 12a in an exploded perspective view from above. FIG. 8B shows the components of the spacer 12a in an exploded perspective view from below. FIG. 8C shows the configuration of the spacer 12a in an exploded perspective view and a side view. The spacer 12a has a large diameter spacer _12a1 and a small diameter spacer _12a2 .

The large-diameter spacer _12a1 includes a ring-shaped main body portion that contacts the bottom surface of the main body _2a0 of the first cup 2a and a top portion _12a10 that protrudes from the top surface of the main body portion, and has a convex shape in side view. Here, the top portion _12a10 has a rounded rectangular shape consisting of two parallel lines of equal length and two semicircles in top view. The two parallel lines allow the top portion _12a10 to be grasped using a tool such as pliers. The underside of the large-diameter spacer _12a1 is formed with a circular protrusion _12a11 in bottom view, with an inner diameter equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of _the small-diameter spacer 12a2. The large-diameter spacer _12a1 can be formed to be large in diameter but lightweight using a material that is harder than the main body _2a0 of the first cup 2a but softer than the shaft 6, such as aluminum.

The small diameter spacer _12a2 is a ring-shaped member having a smaller diameter than the large diameter spacer _12a1 . The small diameter spacer _12a2 can be formed to have a smaller diameter using a material that is harder than the large diameter spacer _12a1 but softer than the shaft 6, such as stainless steel or titanium, which is harder than aluminum. The small diameter spacer _12a2 is inserted inside the protrusion _12a11 on the underside of the large diameter spacer _12a1 to position it relative to the large diameter spacer _12a1 , and the large diameter spacer _12a1 and the small diameter spacer _12a2 are overlapped in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6 (the direction of the reference axis L), so that the spacer 12a has a shape in which the small diameter apex _12a10 and the small diameter spacer _12a2 protrude from the upper and lower surfaces of the large diameter ring-shaped main body portion, respectively. Alternatively, the small diameter spacer _12a2 may be press-fitted into the protrusion _{12a11 on the lower surface of the large diameter spacer 12a1 ,} and the upper surface of the small diameter spacer _12a2 and the lower surface of the large diameter spacer _12a1 may be brought into contact with each other to form an integrated spacer 12a.

The large-diameter spacer _12a1 of the spacer 12a configured as described above is positioned by fitting the top portion _12a10 into a recess (see FIG. 6) provided in the center of the bottom portion _2a01 of the first cup 2a, and the large-diameter main body portion abuts against one surface of the bottom portion _2a01 , dispersing the force that may be transmitted from the peripheral cover 4a over a wide area of the bottom portion _2a01 of the first cup 2a, while the small-diameter spacer _12a2 abuts against the shoulder portion between the bolt portion _6a1 and the neck portion _6a2 formed at one end of the shaft 6, making it possible for the small-diameter spacer 12a2 to abut appropriately only against the shoulder portion of the shaft 6 and the inner ring of the bearing 3a.

The materials for the large diameter spacer _12a1 and the small diameter spacer _12a2 may be selected depending on the materials of the bottom _2a01 of the first cup 2a and the shaft 6 or bearing 3a that they abut against. In particular, by selecting materials such that the hardness increases in the order of the main body _2a0 of the first cup 2a, the large diameter spacer _12a1 , the small diameter spacer _12a2 , and the shaft 6, deformation of the spacers 12a, especially the small diameter spacer _12a2, by the shaft 6 can be prevented.

In this way, the two bearings 3a are arranged between the first cover 14a (hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a) and the shaft 6 (neck portion _6a2 ) so as to abut against them and be sandwiched therebetween, and the first cover 14a is attached to the shaft 6 so as to be rotatable (independently of the rotation of the shaft 6). Here, by interposing the buffer member 13a between the two bearings 3a and the inner surface of the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a, the impact transmitted to the bearings 3a, 3b and further to the shaft 6 via the covers 14a, 14b when the rotating toy 10d is dropped or hit on the ground or the like is buffered, and the covers 14a, 14b (peripheral covers 4a, 4b) are tilted relative to the shaft 6, and the top surfaces of the frustums thereof come into contact with the accelerator 8, thereby dispersing the impact and preventing malfunctions such as malfunction of the bearings 3a, 3b and the accelerator 8.

Like the two bearings 3a, the two bearings 3b are inserted into the buffer members 13b and fitted into the hole 4b0 of the peripheral cover _4b from one side (upper side in the drawing) and the other side (lower side in the drawing) to be hooked onto the step portion _4a1 . The shaft 6 is passed through the hole _4b0 and the inner ring of the bearing 3b. Furthermore, the bolt portion _6b1 of the shaft 6 is passed through the hole in the bottom portion 2b01 of the main body _2b0 of the _first cup _2b from the bottom side of the main body _2b0 and screwed into the nut 16b (female thread) on the inner side of the main body 2b0, thereby fixing the second cup 2b to the end of the shaft 6. Note that the buffer members 13b may be fitted into the hole _4b0 of the peripheral cover 4a, and the bearing 3b may be inserted into the buffer members 13b fixed in the hole _4b0 . A ring-shaped spacer 5b may be disposed between the inner ring of the bearing 3b and the shoulder portion _6b3 . The spacer 5b may be made of metal or plastic. A spacer 12b may be provided between the bottom _2b01 of the second cup 2b and a shoulder between the bolt portion _6b1 and the neck portion _6b2 formed at one end of the shaft 6. The spacer 12b includes a large diameter spacer _12b1 and a small diameter spacer _12b2 formed in the same manner as the spacer 12a.

The rotating toy 10d can be assembled as follows. First, the accelerator 8 is attached to the body 6c of the shaft 6 via the one-way clutch 9, and the two rotary shaft bearings 7 are fitted into one and the other of the through-holes in the accelerator 8 so as to axially sandwich the one-way clutch 9. Next, the two bearings 3a, while inserted into the buffer member 13a, are fitted into the hole 4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a from one side and the other, _respectively , and latched onto the step _4a1 . Alternatively, the buffer member 13a is fixed in the hole _4a0 , and the bearings 3a are inserted therein. Similarly, the two bearings 3b, while inserted into the buffer member 13b, are fitted into the hole 4b0 of the peripheral cover 4b from one side and the other, _respectively , and latched onto the step _4b1 . Alternatively, the buffer member 13b is fixed in the hole _4b0 , and the bearings 3b are inserted therein. Next, the bolt portion _6a1 and neck portion _6a2 of the shaft 6 are passed through the opening of the spacer 5a and the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a, and the bolt portion _6a1 is fixed to the first cup 2a with a nut 16a. Similarly, the bolt portion _6b1 and neck portion _6b2 of the shaft 6 are passed through the opening of the spacer 5b and the hole _4b0 of the peripheral cover 4b, and the bolt portion _6b1 is fixed to the second cup 2b with a nut 16b. As a result, the peripheral cover 4a is sandwiched between the nut portion _2a1 of the first cup 2a and the shoulder portion _6a3 of the shaft 6 via the two bearings 3a and attached onto the neck portion _6a2 (its peripheral surface) of the shaft 6, and the peripheral cover 4b is sandwiched between the nut portion 2b1 of the second cup _2b and the shoulder portion _6b3 of the shaft 6 via the two bearings 3b and attached onto the neck portion _6b2 (its peripheral surface) of the shaft 6. Finally, the side covers 1a and 1b are attached to the peripheral covers 4a and 4b, respectively, to form the first and second covers 14a and 14b, which entirely cover the outsides of the first and second cups 2a and 2b.

In the rotating toy 10d assembled in this manner, when the control string is entangled with the accelerator 8 and the accelerator 8 is rotated in one direction due to the friction of the control string, rotational power is transmitted to the shaft 6 via the one-way clutch 9, causing the first and second cups 2a, 2b to rotate. At this time, the first and second covers 14a, 14b that cover the first and second cups 2a, 2b, respectively, spin freely, covering the first and second cups 2a, 2b, which rotate without rotation (or with weak rotation). Because the first and second covers 14a, 14b are attached to the shaft 6 so that they can spin freely independently of the first and second cups 2a, 2b, the first and second cups 2a, 2b continue to rotate inside the first and second covers 14a, 14b even if the first and second covers 14a, 14b are grabbed with fingers or the like.

The rotating toy 10d according to the second embodiment has the same effects as the rotating toy 10 according to the first embodiment. A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Note that while the rotating toys 10, 10d according to the first and second embodiments are provided with first and second covers 14a, 14b that cover the first and second cups 2a, 2b, respectively, they may instead be provided with only one of the first and second covers 14a, 14b. Furthermore, one of the first and second covers 14a, 14b may be configured to rotate freely relative to the shaft 6 using a different mechanism.

In the rotating toys 10, 10d according to the first and second embodiments, the bearings 3a, 3b are arranged between the first and second covers 14a, 14b (holes 4a0, 4b0 of the peripheral covers _4a , _4b ) and the shaft 6 (neck portions _6a2 , _6b2 ), and the first and second covers 14a, 14b are attached to the side of the shaft 6 (peripheral surfaces of the neck portions _6a2 , _6b2 ) via these so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6. However, instead, the first and second covers 14a, 14b may be rotatably attached to the first and second cups 2a, 2b. For example, in the rotating toy 10, the nut portions 2a1, 2b1 of the first and second cups _2a , _2b may be formed longer and passed through inner rings of the bearings 3a, 3b fitted in the holes _4a0 , _4b0 of the peripheral covers 4a, 4b, so that the bearings 3a, 3b are disposed between the first and second covers 14a, 14b (holes _4a0 , 4b0 of the peripheral covers 4a, _4b ) and the first and second cups 2a, 2b (nut portions _2a1 , _2b1 ), and the first and second covers 14a, 14b are rotatably attached to the first and second cups 2a, 2b via these. This allows the first and second covers 14a, 14b to cover at least a portion or the entire outside of the first and second cups 2a, 2b independently of the rotation of the first and second cups 2a, 2b fixed to one end of the shaft 6.

In the rotating toys 10, 10d according to the first and second embodiments, the bearings 3a, 3b are arranged between the first and second covers 14a, 14b (holes 4a0, 4b0 of the peripheral covers _4a , _4b ) and the shaft 6 (neck portions _6a2 , _6b2 ), and the first and second covers 14a, 14b are attached to the side of the shaft 6 (peripheral surfaces of the neck portions _6a2 , _6b2 ) via these so as to be rotatable relative to the shaft 6. However, instead of this, the first and second covers 14a, 14b may be sandwiched between the axel 8 and the first and second cups 2a, 2b and rotatably attached to the shaft 6. For example, the inner diameter of the inner rings of the bearings 3a and 3b is made sufficiently larger than the diameter of the shaft 6 (neck portions _6a2 and _6b2 ), or the diameter of the shaft 6 (neck portions _6a2 and _6b2 ) is made sufficiently smaller than the inner diameter of the inner rings of the bearings 3a and 3b, thereby separating the inner rings of the bearings 3a and 3b from the side surfaces of the shaft 6, and the inner rings of the bearings 3a and 3b fitted into the holes _4a0 and _4b0 of the peripheral covers 4a and 4b are arranged between the axel 8 (or the rotating shaft bearing 7 or the spacer 5a and 5b) and the first and second cups 2a and 2b (nut portions _2a1 and _2b1 or bottom portions _2a01 and _2b01 ), and the bolt portions _6a1 and _6b1 of the shaft 6 are connected to the nuts _2a1 and 2b2. _{The first} and second covers 14a, 14b may be rotatably attached to the shaft 6 via the first and second cups 2a, 2b by screwing onto the nuts 16a, 16b and sandwiching them therebetween. This allows the first and second covers 14a, 14b to cover at least a part or the entire outside of the first and second cups 2a, 2b independently of the rotation of the first and second cups 2a, 2b fixed to one end of the shaft 6.

In the rotating toys 10, 10d according to the first and second embodiments, the first and second covers 14a, 14b each have peripheral covers 4a, 4b and side covers 1a, 1b, but instead may only have peripheral covers 4a, 4b. In other words, the concave surfaces of the first and second cups 2a, 2b may be open.

In the rotating toys 10, 10d according to the first and second embodiments, the first and second covers 14a, 14b are rotatably fixed to the shaft 6 using two bearings 3a, 3b, respectively. However, instead, the first and second covers 14a, 14b may be rotatably fixed to the shaft 6 using one bearing 3a, 3b, respectively.

Figures 9 and 10 show a modified rotating toy 10d2. Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the components around the bearing of the modified rotating toy 10d2. Figure 10 shows the cross-sectional structure around the bearing 3a of the modified rotating toy 10d2.

The peripheral cover 4a of the cover 14a is the portion that covers the peripheral surface of the first cup 2a and has a shape that combines a hollow truncated cone (in this example, a substantially truncated cone) that covers the outer peripheral surface of the substantially truncated cone-shaped (or saucer-shaped) main body _2a0 included in the first cup 2a, and a cylinder that covers the edge of the main body _2a0 . A hole _4a0 through which the shaft 6 passes is formed at the center of the top surface of the truncated cone of the peripheral cover 4a. Furthermore, a step _4a1 that protrudes inward and surrounds the inner surface is formed below the inner surface. One side of the step _4a1 (upper side in the drawing) of the internal space of the hole _4a0 forms a space to accommodate the bearing 3a. An open, disk-shaped lid member 4a4 that covers the hole _4a0 is provided on the inner surface of the peripheral cover _4a .

11A shows the configuration of a buffer member 13ad according to a modified example. The buffer member 13ad buffers the impact transmitted to the bearings 3a, 3b, and further to the shaft 6 via the cover 14a when the rotating toy 10d2 is dropped or hit on the ground, etc., and disperses the impact by tilting the covers 14a, 14b (peripheral covers 4a, 4b) relative to the shaft 6 and bringing the top surfaces of the frustums into contact with the accelerator 8. The buffer member 13ad has a side surface _13a1 , a bottom surface _13a2 , and a top surface _13a3 . The side surface _13a1 has a hollow cylindrical shape that covers the outer ring of the bearing 3a. The bottom surface _13a2 is an annular plate member provided on one opening side (lower in the drawing) of the hollow cylindrical shape of the side surface _13a1 , and has an opening with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the bearing 3a and larger than the outer diameter of the inner ring. The top surface _13a3 is an annular plate member provided on the other opening side (upper side in the drawing) of the hollow cylindrical shape of the side surface _13a1 , and has an opening with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the bearing 3a and larger than the outer diameter of the inner ring. The side surface _13a1 and the bottom surface _13a2 can be molded integrally using rubber (especially elastomer), while the top surface _13a3 can be molded independently from the side surface _13a1 and the bottom surface _13a2 using rubber (especially elastomer). The other buffer member 13b also has side, bottom, and top surfaces formed in the same manner as the buffer member 13ad.

11B to 11D show the attachment of the bearing 3a to the peripheral cover 4a using the buffer member 13ad. First, as shown in FIG. 11B, the bearing 3a is inserted into the internal space of the side surface _13a1 from the opening on the opposite side of the buffer member _13ad from the bottom surface 13a2 (upper side in the drawing). This causes the lower surface of the outer ring of the bearing 3a to abut against the bottom surface _13a2 , and the upper surface of the outer ring of the bearing 3a to become approximately flush with the upper surface of the side surface _13a1 . Next, the top surface _13a3 is fitted into a recess (see FIG. 10) provided in the center of the lower surface of the cover member _4a4 . This causes the lower surface of the top surface _13a3 to become approximately flush with the lower surface of the cover member _4a4 .

11C, the bearing 3ad inserted into the internal space of the side surface _13a1 is fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a from above in the figure and hooked onto the step _4a1 . This makes the upper surface of the bearing 3a and the upper surface of the side surface _13a1 almost flush with the upper surface of the peripheral cover 4a. Alternatively, the side surface _13a1 and the bottom surface _13a2 may be fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a, and the bearing 3a may be inserted into the side surface _13a1 fixed in the hole _4a0 .

11D, the cover member _4a4 is placed on the inner surface of the peripheral cover 4a to close the hole _4a0 . As a result, the edge of the top surface _13a3 is supported on the side surface _13a1 , and the top surface _13a3 , side surface _13a1 , and bottom surface _13a2 form a buffer member 13ad that covers the outer ring of the bearing 3a. Here, the top surface _13a3 , side surface _13a1 , and bottom surface _13a2 cover the upper, side, and lower surfaces of the outer ring of the bearing 3a, respectively. As a result, the side surface _13a1 of the buffer member 13ad is placed between the outer ring of the bearing 3a and the hole _4a0 , the bottom surface 13a2 of the buffer member 13ad is placed between the outer ring of the bearing 3a and the step portion _4a1 , and the top surface _13a3 of the buffer member 13ad is placed between the outer ring of the bearing 3a _and the cover member _4a4 .

As described above, with the bearing 3a inserted into the buffer member 13ad (side surface _13a1 ), it is fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a from one side (the upper side in FIG. 10) and hooked onto the step _4a1 , or the buffer member 13ad (side surface _13a1 and bottom surface _13a2 ) is fitted into the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a, the bearing 3a is inserted into the side surface _13a1 fixed in the hole _4a0 , and a cover member _4a4 with a top surface _13a3 is placed on the inner surface of the peripheral cover 4a to close the hole _4a0 . Furthermore, the shaft 6 is passed through the spacer _5a1 , through the hole _4a0 and the inner ring of the bearing 3a, and the inner ring is hooked onto the shoulder _6a3 between the body portion 6c and the neck portion _6a2 of the shaft 6 via the spacer _5a1 . Then, the shaft 6 is passed through the other spacer _5a2 and the opening of the cover member _4a4 , and the bolt portion _6a1 of the shaft 6 is passed through a hole in the bottom portion _2a01 of the body _2a0 of the first cup 2a from the bottom side of the body _{2a0 and} screwed into the nut 16a (the female threads of the nut 16a) on the inner surface side of the body 2a0. At this time, a spacer 12a may be provided between the bottom _2a01 of the first cup _2a and a shoulder portion (or spacer 5a) between the bolt portion _6a1 and the neck portion 6a2 formed at one end of the shaft 6. Here, the two spacers _5a1 and _5a2 have, for example, a cylindrical shape, and their respective heights are determined according to the space between the bearing 3a and the shoulder portion _6a3 of the shaft 6 and the space between the bearing 3a and the bottom _2a01 of the first cup 2a or the spacer 12a. The inner diameter of the inner ring of the bearing 3a may be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the neck portion _6a2 . As a result, the outer ring of the bearing 3a is sandwiched between the step portion _4a1 in the hole portion _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a (first cover 14a) and the lid member _4a4 via the buffer member 13ad, and the inner ring of the bearing 3a is sandwiched between the shoulder portion _6a3 of the shaft 6 and the nut 16a on the bolt portion 6a1 via the two spacers _5a1 , _5a2 and the bottom portion _2a01 of the first cup _2a .

The cushioning member 13ad is interposed between the bearing 3a and the inner surface of the hole _4a0 of the peripheral cover 4a, which cushions the impact transmitted to the bearing 3a and further to the shaft 6 via the cover 14a when the rotating toy 10d2 is dropped or hit on the ground, etc., and the covers 14a, 14b (peripheral covers 4a, 4b) are tilted relative to the shaft 6, and the top surfaces of the frustums thereof come into contact with the accelerator 8, thereby dispersing the impact and preventing malfunctions such as malfunction of the bearing 3a and the accelerator 8.

The other bearing 3b is also covered by another buffer member configured similarly to buffer member 13ad, and the outer ring of bearing 3b is sandwiched between step portion 4b1 in hole portion _4b0 of peripheral cover 4b (first cover 14b ₎ and cover member 4b4 via buffer member 13ad, and the inner ring of bearing 3b is sandwiched _between shoulder portion _6b3 of shaft 6 and nut _16b on bolt portion 6b1 via two spacers formed similarly to two spacers _5a1 , _5a2 and bottom portion _2b01 of first cup 2b.

The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that forms incorporating such modifications or improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

The order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and it should be noted that processes can be performed in any order, unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that it is necessary to perform the processes in that order.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1a, 1b...Side covers, _1a1 , _1b1 ...Buffer material, _1a2 , _1b2 ...Concave surface, _1a3 , _1b3 ...Hook and loop fastener, 2a, 2b...Cups (first and second cups), _2a0 , _2b0 ...Main body, _2a01 , _2b01 ...Bottom, _2a1 , _2b1 ...Nut portion, _2a2 , _2b2 ...Thick portion, _2a3 , _2b3 ...Weight, 3a, 3b...Bearing, 4a, 4b...Peripheral cover, _4a0 , _4b0 ...Hole portion, _4a1 , _4b1 ...Step portion, _4a3 , _4b3 ...Hook and loop fastener, _4a4 ...Cover member, 5a, _5a1 , _5a2 , 5b...Spacer, 6...Shaft, _6a1 , _6b1 ...Bolt portion, 6a ₂ , 6b ₂ ...Neck portion, 6a ₃ , 6b ₃ ...Shoulder portion, 6c...Body portion, 7...Bearing for rotating shaft, 8...Accelerator, 9...One-way clutch, 10, 10d, 10d2...Rotating toy, 12a, 12b...Spacer, 12a ₁ , 12b ₁ ...Large diameter spacer, 12a ₁₀ ...Top portion, 12a ₁₁ ...Protrusion, 12a ₂ , 12b ₂ ...Small diameter spacer, 13a, 13ad, 13b...Buffer member, 13a ₁ , 13b ₁ ...Side surface, 13a ₂ , 13b ₂ ...Bottom surface, 13a ₃ ...Top surface, 14a, 14b...Cover, 15a, 15b...Washer, 16a, 16b...Nut, L...Reference axis.

Claims (23)

a shaft provided with an axle;
a first cup and a second cup fixed to one end and the other end of the shaft, respectively;
a first cover rotatably attached to the shaft between the axel and the first cup and covering at least a portion of the first cup;
A rotating toy comprising: The spinning toy described in claim 1, further comprising a first bearing disposed between the first cover and the shaft and rotatably mounting the first cover to the shaft. The shaft has a neck portion with a small diameter on one side of a body portion where the accelerator is provided,
The spinning toy according to claim 2 , wherein the first bearing is attached to the neck by engaging an inner ring with a shoulder between the body and the neck. The spinning toy described in claim 3, further comprising a first spacer disposed between the inner ring of the first bearing and the shoulder portion. The spinning toy described in claim 3, further comprising a second spacer disposed between the first cup and another shoulder portion between the bolt portion formed at one end of the shaft and the neck portion. The rotating toy described in claim 5, wherein the second spacer is formed by stacking a large diameter spacer abutting the first cup and a small diameter spacer abutting the other shoulder portion in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. the first cover has a hole through which the shaft passes, the hole having a stepped portion formed on an inner surface thereof so as to protrude inward and surround the hole,
The spinning toy according to claim 2 , wherein the first bearing is fitted into the hole from one side onto the step. The spinning toy described in claim 7, further comprising a first buffer member having a hollow cylindrical side surface covering the outer ring of the first bearing and disposed between the outer ring and the hole. The spinning toy described in claim 8, wherein the first buffer member includes a bottom surface disposed between the outer ring and the step on one opening side of the hollow cylindrical shape. The rotating toy described in claim 9, wherein the first buffer member includes a top surface that abuts against the outer ring on the other opening side of the hollow cylindrical shape. a second bearing disposed between the first cover and the shaft to rotatably mount the first cover to the shaft;
The spinning toy according to claim 7 , wherein the second bearing is fitted into the hole from the other side onto the step. The spinning toy described in claim 11, further comprising a second buffer member having a hollow cylindrical shape that covers the outer ring of the first bearing and is disposed between the outer ring and the hole. the first cup has a saucer shape with its bottom facing one end of the shaft,
The spinning toy according to claim 1 , wherein the first cover includes a peripheral cover having a shape formed by connecting a hollow frustum covering an outer peripheral surface of the saucer shape and a cylinder covering an edge of the saucer shape. The spinning toy described in claim 1, wherein the first cover has a peripheral cover that covers the peripheral surface of the first cup and a side cover that covers the side surface of the first cup. The spinning toy described in claim 14, wherein the side cover has an annular cushioning material. The spinning toy described in claim 14, wherein the side cover has a concave surface facing the first cup. The spinning toy described in claim 1, wherein the first cup has an overall shape of a hollow, approximately truncated cone, with a thickened portion at the edge of the approximately truncated cone. The spinning toy described in claim 1, wherein the first cup has a body having an overall shape of a hollow, approximately truncated cone, and a weight attached to the edge of the body. The spinning toy described in claim 1, wherein the shaft secures the first cup by threading a bolt portion formed at one end into a nut portion formed at the center of the first cup. The spinning toy described in claim 1, wherein the shaft secures the first cup by passing a bolt portion formed at one end of the shaft through a hole formed in the center of the first cup from one side of the first cup and threading it onto a nut on the other side of the first cup. The rotating toy described in claim 1, further comprising the accelerator and a one-way clutch that rotatably attaches the accelerator to the shaft in one direction. The spinning toy described in claim 1, further comprising a second cover rotatably attached to the shaft between the axel and the second cup and covering at least a portion of the second cup. The spinning toy described in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the spinning toy is a diabolo.