US20050107192A1

US20050107192A1 - Rolling Play Toy

Info

Publication number: US20050107192A1
Application number: US10/904,452
Authority: US
Inventors: Pierre Desmarais
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-11
Filing date: 2004-11-10
Publication date: 2005-05-19
Also published as: CA2489832A1

Abstract

A novel ball toy is disclosed that is formed from a first shaped volume of material. The first shaped volume of material has a first nut embedded within the first shaped volume of material between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, the first nut comprising an inner thread approximately concentric with a first center axis of the shaped volume of material. A first bolt having a head and an outer thread disposed about a shaft thereof for having the shaft controllably threaded into the inner thread of the first nut for frictional engagement therewith. A variation of the separation between head of the first bolt and the first shaped volume of material is used for varying a trajectory of the ball toy when rolled.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/481,621 filed Nov. 11, 2003.
The invention relates to the field of play toys and more specifically to the field of ball play toys that have adjustable trajectories.
There are a many ball type toys and boomerang type products for kids. Ball toys are typically played with by throwing, kicking or rolling the ball toy to another player, against a wall, or against some other object. The anticipation being that upon launching of the ball, the ball returns such that it is fun to play with. Unfortunately, unless the ball toy comes into contact with another object or is thrown back by another player, the ball toy typically does not return to the launch destination.
Boomerangs on the other hand are quite well known to follow an elliptical return flight path to the source from which they were launched. They return so well that ducking in order to avoid being hit by the returning boomerang is not uncommon. Of course, the return flight path followed by the boomerang is dependent upon many factors, such as, for example, orientations of the boomerang upon launch, wind speed and strength of the throw. A skilled thrower of the boomerang knows how to combine these various parameters in order to achieve a successful return. Thus, boomerangs advantageously provide a play toy that can return to the destination for which it was thrown.
A need therefore exists to provide a ball type toy that facilitates returning to approximately the same destination from which it was launched. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a ball toy that upon launching thereof follows an adjustable trajectory. It is further an object of the invention to provide a ball toy that upon launching thereof returns by itself to approximately the same destination from which it was launched.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a ball toy comprising: a first shaped volume of material comprising a first center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a first plurality of diameters varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the first center axis to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the first center axis; a first nut embedded within the first shaped volume of material between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, the first nut comprising an inner thread approximately concentric with the first center axis; and, a first bolt having a head and an outer thread disposed about a shaft thereof for having the shaft controllably threaded into the inner thread of the first nut for frictional engagement therewith.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a method comprising: providing a ball toy comprising a shaped volume of material; providing a nut having an inner thread embedded within the ball toy; providing a threaded bolt having an outer thread and a bolt head, the outer thread for engaging the inner thread of the nut; controllably threading the bolt one of into the nut and away from the nut; and, varying the center of mass of the ball toy by adjusting a separation between the bolt head and the nut as a result of the controllable threading.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a ball toy comprising: a first shaped volume of material comprising a center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a plurality of radii varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the center axis to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the center axis; an inner thread embedded within the solid volume between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position; a bolt having a head and an outer thread disposed about a shaft thereof for engaging the inner thread and for being controllably rotated with respect to the inner thread for frictional engagement therewith, wherein a trajectory of the ball for is selected from the plurality of trajectories by varying a distance between the bolt head and the first shaped volume of material as a result of the process of threading the bolt head one of away from the first shaped volume of material and towards the first shaped volume of material.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of varying a center of mass of a ball toy comprising: providing a nut having an inner thread embedded within the ball toy; providing a threaded bolt having an outer thread and a bolt head, the outer thread for engaging the inner thread; threading the bold into the nut; varying the center of mass of the ball toy by adjusting a separation between the bolt head and the nut. In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of varying a trajectory of a ball toy comprising: adjusting a separation between a bolt head and a nut embedded within the ball toy in order to vary a center of mass of the ball toy; and, bowling the ball toy along a surface, wherein the trajectory of the ball toy is at least partially dependent upon the separation between a bolt head and a nut embedded within the ball toy.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a ball toy for being rolled along a surface comprising: a solid volume comprising a center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a plurality of diameters varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the center axis to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the center axis; and, a cavity formed within the solid volume between the first position and the second position along the center axis, wherein the cavity in conjunction with the solid volume provides a fixed center of mass for the ball toy.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a ball toy for being rolled along a surface comprising: a solid volume comprising a center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a plurality of diameters varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the center axis to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the center axis; and, a protrusion extending from the solid volume in proximity of the second position along the center axis, wherein the protrusion in conjunction with the solid volume provides a fixed center of mass for the ball toy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c illustrate a ball toy in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 a illustrates a ball toy with a threaded bolt removed therefrom;
FIG. 2 b illustrates the ball toy with the bolt maximally extended therefrom and at a first position in relation to the nut;
FIG. 2 c illustrates the ball toy with the threaded bolt minimally extended therefrom and at a second position in relation to the nut;
FIG. 2 d illustrates the ball toy with the threaded bolt extended therefrom between the first position and the second position;
FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d illustrate exemplary trajectories that are attainable by the ball toy for various positions of the bolt with respect to the nut;
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate a ball toy in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate a third embodiment of a ball toy;
FIG. 6 illustrates a trajectory that is comprised of a plurality of hops;
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate a ball toy in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is a variation of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates a ball toy in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, which is a variation of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 a illustrates a ball toy in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention, which is formed from two halves of shaped volume of material;
FIG. 9 b illustrates the second shaped volume of material showing second and third cavities for receiving of the first and second bolts;
FIG. 9 c illustrates a perspective view of the first and second embedded cores as the third bolt;
FIG. 9 d illustrates a perspective view of the second shaped volume of material and includes the first and second bolts disposed within the second and third cavities formed therein; and,
FIG. 9 e illustrates fires and second bolts for being threaded into the first embedded core of the first shaped volume of material to a predetermined depth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c illustrate a ball toy 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 a illustrates a cross section side view of the ball toy 100 and FIG. 1 b illustrates a front view of the ball toy 100. FIG. 1 c illustrates a perspective view of the ball toy 100.
Referring to FIG. 1 a, the ball toy 100 is preferably formed from a shaped volume of material 101 that is preferably in the shape of a less than half section of a sphere. An inner threaded nut 102, either formed as part of the shaped volume of material 101 or embedded within the shaped volume of material 101, is disposed about a center axis 103 of this shaped volume of material 101. A bolt 104 having an outer thread 104 b and a head 104 a is threaded into this inner threaded nut 102. A first cavity 105 is also formed within the shaped volume of material 101 and preferably concentric with the center axis 103 thereof for receiving of a portion of the outer thread 104 b of the bolt that is not engaged by the inner threaded nut 102, where the first cavity 105 is of a lesser diameter than the diameter of the outer thread 104 b for facilitating frictional engagement therebetween. Preferably the inner threaded nut 102 is made of plastic and has an inner thread diameter that has a same diameter than the diameter of the outer thread so that preferably unintended rotation of the bolt 104 with respect to the threaded nut 102 and the shaped volume of material 101 does not occur. The shaped volume of material 101 is defined by an outer surface 101 c that includes a plurality of radii varying from a first predetermined radius 101 a at a first predetermined position 103 a along the center axis 103 to a second predetermined radius 101 b at a second predetermined position 103 b along the center axis 403.
In use of the ball toy 100, the threaded bolt 104 is threaded by a player into the nut 102 in order to vary a center of mass of the ball toy 100. Because the bolt 104 has a head 104 a, which is preferably weighted or made from a solid material, the distance between a center of mass of the head 104 a in relation to the center of mass of the shaped volume of material 101 affects a trajectory of the ball toy 100.
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 2 d illustrate various positions of the threaded bolt 104 with respect to the nut 102 for the ball toy 100 with respect to a combined center of mass of the ball toy 100 and its respective rolling radius. Of course, the rolling radius depends upon a rolling velocity of the ball toy 100 and is only shown for comparative purposes for various positions of the head 104 a of the bolt 104 with respect to the nut 102. An approximately same rolling velocity for the ball toy is assumed in each of the four cases depicted in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 2 d.
FIG. 2 a illustrates the ball toy 100 with the threaded bolt 104 removed therefrom. The approximate center of mass of the ball toy is denoted by dashed line 201 a and the approximate relative arc the ball toy follows, when rolled, is denoted by 202 a.
FIG. 2 b illustrates the ball toy with the threaded bolt 104 maximally extended therefrom and at a first position in relation to the nut 102. The approximate center of mass of the ball toy 100 is denoted by dashed line 202 a and the approximate relative arc the ball toy follows, when rolled or bowled, is denoted by 202 b.
FIG. 2 c illustrates the ball toy with the threaded bolt 104 minimally extended therefrom and at a second position in relation to the nut 102. The approximate center of mass of the ball toy 100 is denoted by dashed line 201 c and the approximate relative arc the ball toy 100 follows, when rolled, is denoted by 202 c.
FIG. 2 d illustrates the ball toy 100 with the threaded bolt 104 extended from the nut 102 in between the first position and the second position. The approximate center of mass of the ball toy 100 is denoted by dashed line 201 d and the approximate relative arc the ball toy 100 follows, when rolled, is denoted by 202 d. Thus, the approximate relative arc that the ball toy rolls 100 along is determined by the distance between the bolt head 104 a and the nut 102. Since a majority of the mass of the threaded bolt 104 is in the head 104 a thereof, having the head 104 a closer to the center of mass of the shaped volume of material 101 makes the rolling radius of the ball toy 100 tighter. More specifically, the approximate arc that the ball toy 100 rolls along is a combination of the outer diameter of the shaped volume of material 101 in contact with the ground and the rotation velocity of the ball toy 100. As the rotational velocity of the ball toy 100 decreases, the arc along which the ball propagates also decreases in radius, for circular cross sections. Of course, if other types of movement are imparted to the ball toy prior to being rolled, or bowled, these will also affect the trajectory that results from the rolling of ball toy 100.
FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d illustrate exemplary trajectories that are potentially attainable by the ball toy 100 for various positions of the bolt 104 with respect to the nut 102. These trajectories are of course dependent upon the ground surface in contact with the ball toy 100, the rotational velocity of the ball toy 100 and any other types of movement that are imparted to the ball toy 100 prior to being rolled, or bowled. Referring to FIG. 3 a, when the positional relation of the bolt head 104 a is set for example to a position as shown in FIG. 2 b, the ball toy follows a trajectory that does not return to the launcher of the ball toy 100. Referring to FIG. 3 b, the combination of the bolt head 104 a position, FIG. 2 d for example, and the rotational velocity of the ball toy 100, result in the ball toy 100 to follow a trajectory that approximately returns to the launcher of the ball toy 100. FIG. 3 c illustrates another exemplary trajectory for the ball toy 100, where the ball toy 100 follows a spiral trajectory as the rotational velocity decreases with the rolling thereof. FIGS. 3 d and 3 e illustrates other exemplary trajectory when the ball toy 100 is being bowled between two players. The trajectories depicted in FIGS. 3 a through 3 e are exemplary trajectories only and variation therefrom may result in dependence upon the conditions under which the ball toy 100 is launched.
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate a ball toy 400 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 a illustrates a cross sectional side view of the ball toy 400 and FIG. 4 b illustrates a front view of the ball toy 400. The ball toy 400 in this embodiment is also formed from a shaped volume of material 401 that is preferably other than in the shape of a less than half section of a sphere, such as that shown in FIG. 1 a. Instead the shaped volume of material 401 resembles more of a less than half section of an ellipsoid.
In more general terms, the ball toy 400 includes a solid volume 401 comprising a center axis 403 and defined by an outer surface 401 c comprising a plurality of radii varying from a first predetermined radius 401 a at a first predetermined position 403 a along the center axis 403 to a second predetermined radius 401 b at a second predetermined position 403 b along the center axis 403. A nut 402 having an inner thread is embedded within the solid volume 401 between the first predetermined position 403 a and the second predetermined position 403 b and has an inner thread preferably concentric with the center axis 403. A first cavity 405 is formed within the solid volume between the first predetermined position 403 a and the second predetermined position 403 b along the center axis 403 and is preferably coaxial with the inner thread of the nut 402. A bolt 404 having a head 404 a and an outer thread 404 b formed about a shaft thereof is for being controllably threaded into the inner thread of the nut 402 for frictional engagement therewith, where at least one of the friction between inner walls of the first cavity 405 and the outer thread and the friction between the inner thread and the outer thread result in the positional relation of the head 404 a of the bolt 404 with respect to the nut 402 to remain approximately fixed during a rolling motion of the ball toy 400. Friction resulting from the rotation of the bolt 404 with respect to the shaped volume of material 401 is such that preferably the bolt 404 is rotatable by a user of the ball toy 400 and not by its own means when the ball toy 400 is rolled.
Ball toy 400 trajectories, similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 3 a through 3 e, are attainable using the ball toy 400 by adjusting of the center of mass of the ball toy 400 in an approximately similar manner to that illustrated in FIGS. 2 a through 2 d. Thus, for various positions of the bolt head 404 a in relation to the nut 402, various trajectories are attainable for the ball toy 400 when the ball toy 400 is rolled on the ground.
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate a third embodiment of a ball toy 500. FIG. 5 a illustrates a font view and FIG. 5 b illustrates a side cross section view. The ball toy 500 in this embodiment is also formed from a shaped volume of material 501 that is one of other than in the shape of a less than half section of a sphere and in the shape of a less than half section of a sphere. The ball toy 500 includes the shaped volume of material 501 comprising a center axis 503 and defined by an outer surface 501 c comprising a plurality of radii varying from a first predetermined radius 501 a at a first predetermined position 503 a along the center axis 503 to a second predetermined radius 501 b at a second predetermined position 503 b along the center axis 503. A nut 502 having an inner thread is formed as part of or embedded within the solid volume 501 between the first predetermined position 503 a and the second predetermined position 503 b and has an inner thread preferably concentric with the center axis 503. A first cavity 505 is formed within the solid volume between the first predetermined position 503 a and the second predetermined position 503 b along the center axis 503 and is preferably coaxial with the inner thread of the nut 502. A bolt 504 having a head 504 a and an outer thread 504 b disposed about a shaft thereof is for being controllably threaded into the inner thread of the nut 502 for frictional engagement therewith, where at least one of the friction between inner walls of the first cavity 505 and the outer thread and the friction between the inner thread and the outer thread 504 b result in the positional relation of the head 504 a of the bolt 504 in relation to the nut 502 to remain approximately fixed during a rolling motion of the ball toy 500.
A bolt 504 having a head 504 a and an outer thread 504 b formed about a shaft thereof is for being controllably threaded into the inner thread of the nut 502 for frictional engagement therewith, where at least one of the friction between inner walls of the first cavity 505 and the outer thread 504 b and the friction between the inner thread and the outer thread 504 b result in the positional relation of the head 504 a of the bolt 504 with respect to the nut 502 to remain approximately fixed during a rolling motion of the ball toy 500. Friction resulting from the rotation of the bolt 504 with respect to the shaped volume of material 501 is such that preferably the bolt 504 is rotatable by a user of the ball toy 500 and not by its own means when the ball toy 500 is rolled.
Pluralities of removed material volumes, 506 a through 506 d, are formed about an outer surface of the solid volume 501, preferably proximate the second predetermined radius 501 b. The plurality of removed material volumes, 506 a through 506 d, result in an outer surface proximate the second predetermined radius 501 b to no longer be continuous. Thus, this results in the ball toy 500 to follow an approximate trajectory that is comprised of a plurality of hops, as shown in FIG. 6. Of course the trajectory shown in FIG. 6 is an exemplary trajectory. Other trajectories are attainable in dependence upon the positional relation of the bolt head 504 a with respect to the threaded nut 502.
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate a ball toy 700 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is a variation of the second embodiment of the invention. The ball toy 700 includes the shaped volume of material 701 comprising a center axis 703 and defined by an outer surface 701 c comprising a plurality of radii varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the center axis 703 to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the center axis 703.
In this embodiment, the ball toy 700 does not feature an adjustable center of mass. Instead the center of mass is fixed, as a result of a fixed protrusion 707 formed as part of the shaped volume of material 701 for the ball toy 700. As a result, the trajectory of the ball toy 700 is not adjustable. However, the trajectory is variable in dependence upon the intensity with which the ball toy 700 is bowled or rolled.
FIG. 8 illustrates a ball toy 800 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, which is a variation of the second embodiment of the invention. The ball toy 800 includes the shaped volume of material 801 comprising a center axis 803 and defined by an outer surface 801 c comprising a plurality of radii varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the center axis 803 to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the center axis 803.
In this embodiment, the ball toy 800 does not feature an adjustable center of mass. Instead the center of mass is fixed, as a result of a first cavity 808 formed within the shaped volume of material 801 thereof. As a result, the trajectory of the ball toy 800 is not adjustable. However, the trajectory is variable in dependence upon the intensity with which the ball toy 800 is bowled or rolled.
FIG. 9 a illustrates a ball toy 900 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention. The ball toy 900 is formed from two halves of shaped volume of material. A first shaped volume of material 921 forms a first type ball toy for being rolled against the ground and has embedded therein a first embedded core 922, which performs a similar function to the nut 102, as shown in FIG. 1. The second shaped volume of material 931 has embedded therein a second embedded core 932 which is coupled with the third bolt 933. The second shaped volume of material 931 comprises a second center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a second plurality of diameters varying from a third predetermined radius at a third predetermined position along the second center axis to a fourth predetermined radius at a fourth predetermined position along the second center axis.
The second shaped volume of material 931 forms a second type ball toy for preferably functioning as a convenient storage for the first and second bolts, 951 and 952 (FIG. 9 e). Together the first and second shaped volumes of material, 921 and 931, are for forming a third type ball toy. Preferably, when the third bolt 933 is threaded into the first embedded core 922, the first and second shaped volumes of material, 921 and 931, mate together and hold the first and second bolts, 951 and 952 (FIG. 9 e) therebetween.
FIG. 9 b illustrates the second shaped volume of material 931, showing second and third cavities, 941 and 942, for receiving of the first and second bolts 951 and 952 (FIG. 9 e). Preferably, the first and second bolts (FIG. 9 e) are made from a harder material than the second shaped volume of material 931 and thus the second shaped volume of material 931 deforms as the bolts are placed within the cavities and frictionally engages them therein. FIG. 9 c illustrates a perspective view of the first and second embedded cores, 922 and 932, as well as the third bolt 933, which extends from the second embedded core 932. FIG. 9 d illustrates a perspective view of the second shaped volume of material 931 and includes the first and second bolts, 951 and 952 (FIG. 9 e), disposed within the second and third cavities formed therein. FIG. 9 e illustrates fires and second bolts, 951 and 952, for being threaded into the first embedded core 922 of the first shaped volume of material 921 to a predetermined depth in order to vary the trajectory of the ball toy 900 when bowled or rolled against the ground.
Preferably, the ball toy in accordance with the embodiments of the invention is manufactured from a silicone rubber type material, or other form of rubbery material. Preferably the nut or the embedded core is manufactured from a harder plastic type material. Preferably the first and second bolts are also manufactured from a hard plastic material and optionally include additional weights disposed within the head thereof. Preferably the third bolt is also manufactured from a hard plastic material.
The ball toy in accordance with the embodiment of the invention is advantageously provided with various designs and patterns to make it collectible and appealing. Possibly patterns are formed on the outer surface of the ball toy that result in optical illusions when rolling, such as a red, green, blue color spirals that would make the ball look approximately white when rolling. Optionally, the pattern resembles an automobile hubcap. Optionally, additional threaded bolts are provided separately with various designs and weights as additional items.
Advantageously, the ball toy in accordance with the embodiments of the invention offers adjustable trajectories. Further advantageously the ball toy, when thrown with a bowling ball motion, follows such a trajectory that it preferably returns to the launcher thereof.
In addition the ball toys in accordance with some of the embodiment of the invention are adjustable so that they keep rolling in circles until the user stops it or it stops on its own due to loss of momentum. The ball toys offer use for multiplayer games for competitions, for example, to see who can make the widest curve path trajectory, most circles trajectory, closest come back, trajectory. Optionally, the ball toys are used for stunts, where for example, a jump is disposed in the trajectory of the ball toy.
Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A ball toy comprising:

a first shaped volume of material comprising a first center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a first plurality of diameters varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the first center axis to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the first center axis;

a first nut embedded within the first shaped volume of material between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position, the first nut comprising an inner thread approximately concentric with the first center axis; and,

a first bolt having a head and an outer thread disposed about a shaft thereof for having the shaft controllably threaded into the inner thread of the first nut for frictional engagement therewith.

2. A ball toy according to claim 1 comprising a first cavity formed within the first shaped volume of material between the first position and the second position along the first center axis and coaxial with the inner thread of the first nut, wherein at least one of the friction between the first cavity and the outer thread and the friction between the inner thread and the outer thread results in the distance between the head of the first bolt in relation to the first nut to remain approximately fixed during a rolling motion of the ball toy.

3. A ball toy according to claim 1 comprising:

a first embedded core disposed within first shaped volume of material, wherein the first nut is formed as part of the first embedded core.

4. A ball toy according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of sections of removed material formed about an outer surface of the first shaped volume of material between the first predetermined position along the first center axis and the second predetermined position along the center axis, wherein the plurality of sections of removed material form an other than be continuous outer surface of the first shaped volume of material.

5. A ball toy according to claim 1 comprising:

a second shaped volume of material comprising a second center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a second plurality of radii varying from a third predetermined radius at a third predetermined position along the second center axis to a fourth predetermined radius at a fourth predetermined position along the second center axis.

6. A ball toy according to claim 5 comprising:

a second embedded core disposed within second shaped volume of material;

at least a cavity formed within the second shaped volume of material for receiving of at least a bolt.

7. A ball toy according to claim 7 comprising: a third bolt protruding from the second embedded core for threading into the first embedded core for mating of the first shaped volume of material with the second shaped volume of material when the first bolt is other than threaded into the first nut.

8. A ball toy according to claim 1 wherein the first shaped volume of material is formed from an elastic material.

9. A ball toy according to claim 8 wherein the first bolt and the first nut are formed from a rigid material.

10. A method comprising:

providing a ball toy comprising a shaped volume of material;

providing a nut having an inner thread embedded within the ball toy;

providing a threaded bolt having an outer thread and a bolt head, the outer thread for engaging the inner thread of the nut;

controllably threading the bolt one of into the nut and away from the nut; and,

varying the center of mass of the ball toy by adjusting a separation between the bolt head and the nut as a result of the controllable threading.

11. A method according to claim 10 comprising:

bowling the ball toy along a surface,

wherein the trajectory of the ball toy is at least partially dependent upon the separation between a bolt head and a nut embedded within the ball toy.

12. A ball toy comprising:

a first shaped volume of material comprising a center axis and defined by an outer surface comprising a plurality of radii varying from a first predetermined radius at a first predetermined position along the center axis to a second predetermined radius at a second predetermined position along the center axis;

an inner thread embedded within the solid volume between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position;

a bolt having a head and an outer thread disposed about a shaft thereof for engaging the inner thread and for being controllably rotated with respect to the inner thread for frictional engagement therewith,

wherein a trajectory of the ball for is selected from the plurality of trajectories by varying a distance between the bolt head and the first shaped volume of material as a result of the process of threading the bolt head one of away from the first shaped volume of material and towards the first shaped volume of material.

13. A ball toy according to claim 12 comprising a first cavity formed within the first shaped volume of material between the first position and the second position along the first center axis and approximately coaxial with the inner thread, wherein at least one of the friction between the first cavity and the outer thread and the friction between the inner thread and the outer thread results in the distance between the head of the first bolt in relation to the first shaped volume of material to remain approximately fixed during a rolling motion of the ball toy.

14. A ball toy according to claim 1 comprising:

a first embedded core disposed within first shaped volume of material, wherein the inner thread is formed as part of the first embedded core.

15. A ball toy according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of sections of removed material formed about an outer surface of the first shaped volume of material between the first predetermined position along the first center axis and the second predetermined position along the center axis, wherein the plurality of sections of removed material form an other than be continuous outer surface of the first shaped volume of material.

16. A ball toy according to claim 1 comprising:

17. A ball toy according to claim 16 comprising:

a second embedded core disposed within second shaped volume of material;

18. A ball toy according to claim 17 comprising: a third bolt protruding from the second embedded core for threading into the first embedded core for mating of the first shaped volume of material with the second shaped volume of material when the first bolt is other than threaded into the first nut.

19. A ball toy according to claim 12 wherein the first shaped volume of material is formed from an elastic material.

20. A ball toy according to claim 12 wherein the first bolt and the first nut are formed from a rigid material.