US3484985A

US3484985A - Whirling amusement device

Info

Publication number: US3484985A
Application number: US578375A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gail A Castell
Original assignee: GAIL A CASTELL
Current assignee: GAIL A CASTELL
Priority date: 1966-09-09
Filing date: 1966-09-09
Publication date: 1969-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 1986-12-23

Description

Dec. 23,1969 6. A. CASTELL WHIRLING AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Sept. 9, 1966 INVENTOR. 6-4/4 4. CJSTELL' BY 612mm? J-NEASW United States Patent 3,484,985 WHIRLING AMUSEMENT DEVICE Gail A. Castell, 7502 N. Rosario Circle, Tucson, Ariz. 85704 Filed Sept. 9, 1966, Ser. No. 578,375 Int. Cl. A63h 1/32 U.S. C]. 46-51 1 Claim ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A whirling amusement device for balancing objects such as coins while spinning the device on a finger includmg a rod having a U-shaped end for carrying the object on the free end of the U and a finger-loop at the opposite end. The finger-loop is offset in the same direction as the U so that the finger lies approximately directly over the object-carrying surface.

This invention relates to an amusement device for use by both children and adults that is actuated manually.

It is an object of my invention to provide a simple amusement device in which patience and a steady hand are required to test the users skill and manual dexterity.

A specific object of my invention is to provide an amusement device which is operated by swinging it around the finger of the user in a whirling motion.

A general object of my invention is to provide a provocative amusement device which may be operated at different levels of skill depending on the users ability.

Other objects of my invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification and by referring to the accompanying drawing, which drawing and specification form a part of this disclosure.

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the device of my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of my invention designed for the more advanced user;

FIGURE 3 is a general view showing the device of FIG- URE 1 in an operative condition; and

FIGURE 4 represents another embodiment of my device in which the finger loop is formed to provide better balance and control.

Referring now to the drawings, my device is a unitary device in the form of an elongated axial body 1, preferably circular in cross section, but which may be of other suitable cross section, such as rectangular. The upper end of the body 1 is formed into the general shape of a loop 2 which loop is of sufficient size to allow the users finger to be easily inserted thereon. The loop is shown as being positioned with its center directly in line with the axis of the body 1. This positioning of the loop is mainly for appearance, and an alternate, preferred, position is shown in FIGURE 4. At the lower end of the body 1 of the device there is formed a general U shown as 3 which is bent to extend upwardly toward the loop 2. The leg of the U formed opposite the shaft is relatively short in relation to the overall length of the shaft 1. The total length of the device is variable but for convenience it will be generally in the range of from six to eighteen inches. The device may be constructed of any suitable material of construction, for instance, extruded plastic or metal wire. The terminal end of balancing end 4 of the U is relatively fiat and its planar surface would intersect the longitudinal axis of shaft 1 at generally right angles.

In FIGURE 2, I shave shown an alternate embodiment which may be preferred by those who have mastered the device of FIGURE 1 and wish a more challenging diversion. Here the loop end 3 and body 1 of the device are of the same general configuration as shown in FIGURE 1. However the opposite end is formed having loops 3 and 3a extending in opposite directions. These loops are again formed so the terminal ends 4 and 4a have their planar surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 1.

In FIGURE 4 another alternate method of forming my device is shown. The finger loop is formed with its center offset from the center line of the body. The center of the loop is approximately over the terminal or balancing end 4 of the U which is formed at the other end of the shaft. This offset provides better and easier balance as it places the finger of the user more directly over the balancing tip.

Referring to FIGURE 3, my device, utilizing principles of balance and centrifugal force, is used as follows:

The user extends a finger, probably the index finger through the loop 2 allowing the device to be suspended loosely from the finger. A small fiat disc, coin or other relatively fiat symmetrical object is taken with the other hand of the user and placed on the terminal end 4 of the rod 1 as shown. The user slowly begins to swing the device back and forth, pendulum fashion, in increasing arm lengths until a complete revolution is made. This whirling motion is continued until balance is lost and the disc or coin falls from the balancing tip. It can readily be seen that centrifugal force acts to hold the disc against the balancing tip of the rod. Therefore, one can swing the device in any plane. It is possible, for instance, to whirl the device over the head of the user in a horizontal plane.

Another variation requiring greater skill is the device of FIGURE 2. This embodiment is operated in the same manner as is the device of FIGURE 1, however, several objects are maintained in a state of rotational stability. Another, even more difficult, variation is to place several, as many as possible, discs on the balancing end.

I claim:

1. A whirling amusement device for balancing a relatively fiat symmetrical object comprising:

(a) an elongated rod of substantially uniform crosssection,

(b) one end of the rod being formed into a U shape,

(c) said U having at its terminal end a relatively fiat balancing surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod,

((1) the opposite end of the rod being formed into a closed loop,

(e) the loop being of a size sufiicient to provide for loose insertion of a finger therein,

(f) said loop having its center oifset from the center line of the rod in the direction of the offset of the terminal balancing surface and positioned over the terminal balancing surface.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,106,039 10/1963 Simpson 46-47 OTHER REFERENCES Seventeen Magazine publication, August 1966, p. 276.

LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner R. F. CUTTING, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 273-1