US20240207751A1 - Fidget toy - Google Patents
Fidget toy Download PDFInfo
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- US20240207751A1 US20240207751A1 US18/581,815 US202418581815A US2024207751A1 US 20240207751 A1 US20240207751 A1 US 20240207751A1 US 202418581815 A US202418581815 A US 202418581815A US 2024207751 A1 US2024207751 A1 US 2024207751A1
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- Prior art keywords
- gimbals
- gimbal
- fidget
- fidget toy
- toy
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- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010146 3D printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000006096 Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000013403 hyperactivity Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002459 sustained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000024891 symptom Diseases 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
Definitions
- FIG. 5 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 3 .
- the innermost gimbal 24 - 28 and the outermost gimbal 12 - 16 support points may share a pivotable orientation and thus an axis in its own plane as determined by the same gimbal support orientation—i.e., “a parallel configuration”.
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Abstract
A fidget toy having a core and two endless rings operatively associated by a set of two gimbals mounted in orthogonal configuration each gimbal having an orthogonal pivot axis compared to the other gimbal.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 18/315,096, filed 10 May 2023, as a Continuation thereof, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference, and, therethrough, the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/476,822, filed 22 Dec. 2022, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to spinning and fidget toys, and more particularly, a spherical fidget toy for silent fidgeting with your hands.
- Many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or those with nervous energy or temporarily experiencing hyperactivity, tend to fidget with their hands. For a long time, fidgeting has been viewed as a negative symptom that needed to be stopped. The current view of fidgeting is less harsh; however, there are people who need to hone their focus and, by extension, need a device to dissipate their hand fidgeting. However, in places like work and school, that can draw unwanted attention to oneself or may be prohibited if they are too noisy. Current fidgets, e.g., the fidget spinner, can be noisy. They also may attract unwanted attention to the fidgeting user because they are either not discrete or not hand-held.
- As can be seen, there is a need for a handheld fidget toy that is silent yet incorporates a lot of moving parts.
- The present invention embodies a three-dimensional printed spherical fidget toy, which is silent, fits in a user's hand, and is easy to travel with so the user can take it out when needed without bringing unwanted attention to themself.
- The present invention is less expensive and quieter than the metal fidget spinners currently available because it is fabricated by additive manufacture (three-dimensional printing). The present invention is made from plastic using correctly placed gimbal pins that stick out from each part to balance each part together so that the plurality of parts can spin freely and silently relative to each other.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a fidget toy includes the following: four successive objects; and a set of three gimbals, one gimbal mounted on adjacent objects of the four successive object, wherein adjacent gimbals have alternating orthogonal pivot axis, wherein an outermost object of the four successive objects is a hemispherical shell dimensioned and adapted to be cupped in a hand of the user.
- In another aspect of the present invention, the fidget toy further includes wherein an innermost object of the four successive objects is a spherical object, wherein two successive objects of the four successive objects are arcuate rings, wherein at least approximately ten percent of the spherical object is visible past the two arcuate rings and the hemispherical shell, wherein an innermost gimbal and an outermost gimbal of the set of three gimbals have a parallel configuration so that pivot about a shared axis, wherein each gimbal comprises two diametrically opposing pivot points, wherein each pivot point comprises an outer surface tab and an inner surface slot, wherein each tab and slot are conical, and wherein the fidget toy is manufactured by way of additive manufacture.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown at rest. -
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing acore 26, aninner ring 20, and anouter ring 14 beginning to spin on/about the X-axis. -
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing thecore 26, theinner ring 20, and theouter ring 14 turning on/about the Z-axis. -
FIG. 1D is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a sustained spinning position with thecore 26, theinner ring 20, and theouter ring 14 spinning on/about the X-axis, wherein theinner ring 20 is oriented ninety-degrees, about the Z-axis, relative to theinner ring 20 orientation inFIG. 1B , even though they are both rotating about the X-axis. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3-3 inFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 4 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 5-5 inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 6-6 inFIG. 1D , showing the motion ofcore 26 and theinner ring 20. -
FIG. 7 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 7-7 inFIG. 6 , showing the motion of theouter ring 14 around the X-axis, while thecore 26 and theinner ring 20 are locked in a parallel configuration about the Z-axis. - The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fidget toy having a set of three gimbals, wherein two of the gimbals may be in a parallel configuration, while an intermediate gimbal is mounted with an orthogonal pivot axis compared to the other gimbals. The fidget toy may have a spherical core, two successive rings, and a hemispherical outer shell wherein the three gimbals are at the interface of these four objects.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 through 7 , the present invention may include afidget toy 100. Thefidget toy 100 may have a semi-sphericalouter shell 10 that accommodates by way of three successive gimbals aninner-most core 26 that will maintain its spin axis direction regardless of the orientation of theouter shell 10, thereby enabling freedom of rotation in at least two orthogonal axes for the intermediate tworings - The
core 26 may be a spheroid, though other shapes are contemplated if the present invention functions as disclosed herein. For instance, thecore 26 could be any shape that enables support of diametrically opposingcore pivot points 28, which facilitate the axis rotational freedom of a gimbal by provide a shared axis of rotation relative to thecore 26 and its adjacent object, afirst ring 20. - Like the
core 26, thefirst ring 20 may be other shapes than the arcuate one shown in the Figures, as long as the first ring/object 20 provides diametrically opposing first inner pivot points 24 (that simultaneously operatively associate with the core pivot points 28) and diametrically opposing firstouter pivot points 22 that are offset ninety degrees relative to firstinner pivot points 24. The firstinner pivot points 24 are along an inner surface of thefirst ring 20, while the firstouter pivot points 22 are along an outer surface of thefirst ring 20. - A
second ring 14 may adjacent to and outward of thefirst ring 20. Like thefirst ring 20, thesecond ring 14 may be other shapes than the arcuate one shown in the Figures, as long as the second ring/object 14 provides diametrically opposing second inner pivot points 18 (that simultaneously operatively associate with the first outer pivot points 22) and diametrically opposing secondouter pivot points 16 that are offset ninety degrees relative to secondinner pivot points 18. The secondinner pivot points 24 are along an inner surface of thesecond ring 14, while the secondouter pivot points 16 are along an outer surface of thesecond ring 14. - The
outer shell 10 may be hemispheric shell (or hollowed out hemisphere); though it is understood that outer shapes may be usable as long as theouter shell 10 provides shellinner pivot points 12 are diametrically opposite along an inner surface of theouter shell 10. - The operative association of two pivot points—e.g., 12 and 16, 18 and 22, 24 and 28—forms a gimbal or a pivoted support that permits rotation about an axis of first object associated with the first pivot point and a second object associated with the second pivot point (e.g.,
outer shell 10, associated withpivot point 12, relative to thesecond ring 14 associated with pivot point 16). Accordingly, thefidget toy 100 provides a set of three gimbals, one mounted on the other with an orthogonal pivot axis. The three sets of gimbals allow thecore 26 mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain independent of the rotation of its supporting gimbal (24-28). The gimbal or pivotable mounting may be achieved via ball and socket joints or the like (i.e., even though the present invention shows conic tabs and slots, the present invention contemplates ball-bearing joints and any other type of joints between gimbals as long as they function as disclosed herein). - Referring to
FIGS. 1A through 1D , thefidget toy 100 with three gimbals, one mounted on the other with orthogonal pivot axis, thereby allowing the central object (core 26) mounted on the innermost gimbal 24-28 to remain independent of the rotation of that support. The innermost gimbal 24-28 and the outermost gimbal 12-16 support points may share a pivotable orientation and thus an axis in its own plane as determined by the same gimbal support orientation—i.e., “a parallel configuration”. Thefirst ring 10, embodying an intermediate gimbal pair 18-22, between innermost gimbal 24-28 and the outermost gimbal 12-16, has a gimbal orientation/pivot axis orthogonal relative to the other gimbal (pair of associated pivot points). - In certain embodiments, the
fidget toy 100 has only two degrees of freedom along three-dimensional space as the axis of two of the three gimbals are driven into a parallel configuration, “locking” the system into rotation in a degenerate two-dimensional space. In other words, all three gimbals can still rotate freely about their respective axis of suspension. Nevertheless, because of the parallel orientation of two of the gimbals' axis (the innermost and outermost gimbals) there is no gimbal available to accommodate rotation about one axis, here the Y-axis as shown inFIGS. 1A through 1D . - In use, a user holds the
outer shell 10 in their hand, and the gimbal and the associated objects can be manipulated by the user's fingers, relieving fidgeting energy and dissipating stress in a quiet manner due to the conical tabs and slots defining each pivot point. - The present invention can be manufactured with a (three-dimensional) 3D printer, as they may need to be made individually. The process may involve running with tight belts, hardened plastic wheels on the X and Y axis, 0.04 nozzle on the machine, running at 10 mm/s. The
outer shell 10 may be created with a raft with supports at 40% strength, infill needs to be at 100% for all components and the gimbals can be printed standalone. One of the gimbals may need to be printed with a support for the threading. Theouter shell 10 and the gimbals can be snapped together which then allows all components to spin freely. - As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.
- The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.
- In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.
- It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (13)
1. A fidget toy comprising:
three successive objects comprising:
a sphere being an innermost object of the three successive objects;
a first endless ring being an outmost object of the three successive objects; and
a second endless rings disposed between the sphere and the first endless ring, wherein the three successive objects are substantially concentric relative to each other; and
a set of two gimbals, one gimbal mounted on adjacent objects of the three successive objects, wherein adjacent gimbals have alternating orthogonal pivot axis, wherein the set of two gimbals allows the three successive objects to move between a nested condition and a plurality of unnested conditions so that in the nested condition an outer surface of each of the first and second endless rings are substantially coplanar, and wherein at least one third of the sphere projects beyond said outer surfaces in the nested condition while at least one-third is not visible in the nested condition, and
wherein the first endless ring is dimensioned and shaped to be secured between two diametrically opposing portions thereof by two digits of a human hand so that the sphere and second endless rings spin freely relative to the secured first endless ring.
2. The fidget toy of claim 1 , wherein at least approximately ten percent of the sphere is visible past the first and second endless rings after the fidget toy is moved to each of the plurality of unnested conditions.
3. The fidget toy of claim 2 , wherein an innermost gimbal and an outermost gimbal of the set of two gimbals have a orthogonal configuration so that they pivot about two axis oriented orthogonal with each other.
4. The fidget toy of claim 3 , wherein each gimbal comprises two diametrically opposing pivot points.
5. The fidget toy of claim 4 , wherein each pivot point comprises an outer surface tab and an inner surface slot.
6. The fidget toy of claim 5 , wherein each tab and slot are conical.
7. The fidget toy of claim 6 , wherein the fidget toy is manufactured by way of additive manufacture.
8. A fidget toy comprising:
three successive objects comprising:
an innermost object of the three successive objects;
a first endless ring being an outmost object of the three successive objects; and
a second endless rings disposed between the innermost object and the first endless ring, wherein the three successive objects are substantially concentric relative to each other; and
a set of two gimbals, one gimbal mounted on adjacent objects of the three successive objects, wherein adjacent gimbals have alternating orthogonal pivot axis, wherein the set of two gimbals allows the three successive objects to move between a nested condition and a plurality of unnested conditions so that in the nested condition an outer surface of each of the first and second endless rings are substantially coplanar; and
wherein the first endless ring is dimensioned and shaped to be secured between two diametrically opposing portions thereof by two digits of a human hand so that the innermost object and second endless rings spin freely relative to the secured first endless ring.
9. The fidget toy of claim 8 , wherein an innermost gimbal and an outermost gimbal of the set of two gimbals have a orthogonal configuration so that they pivot about two axis oriented orthogonal with each other.
10. The fidget toy of claim 9 , wherein each gimbal comprises two diametrically opposing pivot points.
11. The fidget toy of claim 10 , wherein each pivot point comprises an outer surface tab and an inner surface slot.
12. The fidget toy of claim 11 , wherein each tab and slot are conical.
13. The fidget toy of claim 12 , wherein the fidget toy is manufactured by way of additive manufacture.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/581,815 US20240207751A1 (en) | 2022-12-22 | 2024-02-20 | Fidget toy |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202263476822P | 2022-12-22 | 2022-12-22 | |
US18/315,096 US11904253B1 (en) | 2022-12-22 | 2023-05-10 | Fidget toy |
US18/581,815 US20240207751A1 (en) | 2022-12-22 | 2024-02-20 | Fidget toy |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/315,096 Continuation US11904253B1 (en) | 2022-12-22 | 2023-05-10 | Fidget toy |
Publications (1)
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US20240207751A1 true US20240207751A1 (en) | 2024-06-27 |
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Family Applications (2)
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US18/315,096 Active US11904253B1 (en) | 2022-12-22 | 2023-05-10 | Fidget toy |
US18/581,815 Pending US20240207751A1 (en) | 2022-12-22 | 2024-02-20 | Fidget toy |
Family Applications Before (1)
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US18/315,096 Active US11904253B1 (en) | 2022-12-22 | 2023-05-10 | Fidget toy |
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US (2) | US11904253B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN118236706A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
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USD1027059S1 (en) * | 2023-05-12 | 2024-05-14 | Jason Kahn | Fidget spinner |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2457447A (en) | 1946-06-04 | 1948-12-28 | Cohn Irwin | Carrousel toy for children |
US2958959A (en) * | 1958-03-03 | 1960-11-08 | Rand Mcnally & Co | Globe mounting |
US3316672A (en) | 1965-03-23 | 1967-05-02 | John W Dixon | Spinning toy |
US3596380A (en) * | 1970-01-08 | 1971-08-03 | James J Williams | Combination toy and educational apparatus |
DE2257195B2 (en) | 1972-11-22 | 1976-07-22 | Balleis, Peter, 8502 Zirndorf | TOY GIRL |
US4645471A (en) | 1985-03-07 | 1987-02-24 | Mattel, Inc. | Busy ball child's toy |
US4643692A (en) | 1985-09-20 | 1987-02-17 | Magers R G | Domed spinning top |
US5591062A (en) | 1992-02-10 | 1997-01-07 | Hettinger; Catherine A. | Spinning toy |
US6209846B1 (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2001-04-03 | Randolph E. Barlow | Computer monitor housing |
US9421452B2 (en) * | 2012-04-12 | 2016-08-23 | Richard Andrew CARLOW | Device with multi-directional moving members |
US10966898B2 (en) | 2015-02-05 | 2021-04-06 | William James Nichols | Fidget sleeve |
US20180200638A1 (en) | 2017-01-16 | 2018-07-19 | Nicole Chin | Multilayered Fidget Device |
CN212187787U (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2020-12-22 | 奇趣玩具有限公司 | Rotator adapted to rotate on a plane, and apparatus for rotating and capturing a game |
US10016693B1 (en) | 2017-05-03 | 2018-07-10 | Raymond Geddes & Company, Inc. | Handheld spinner toy with stationery item |
US20180345155A1 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2018-12-06 | Hantover, Inc. | Fidget toy |
US20180352829A1 (en) | 2017-06-09 | 2018-12-13 | Imaginings 3, Inc. | Amusement apparatus provided with an edible portion and methods |
US20180369703A1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2018-12-27 | Yeoshua Sorias | Semi-automated fidget spinner |
US10449466B2 (en) | 2017-08-01 | 2019-10-22 | Richard C. Kinmont, Jr. | Spinner having detachable base and stand therefor |
US20200238163A1 (en) | 2019-01-29 | 2020-07-30 | Eric Zachary Anderson | Helical Fidget Patent Toy |
-
2023
- 2023-05-10 US US18/315,096 patent/US11904253B1/en active Active
- 2023-11-24 CN CN202311588609.0A patent/CN118236706A/en active Pending
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2024
- 2024-02-20 US US18/581,815 patent/US20240207751A1/en active Pending
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CN118236706A (en) | 2024-06-25 |
US11904253B1 (en) | 2024-02-20 |
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