Fidget Toy

Abstract

A toy made from a semicircular channel and configured as a substantially circular loop and having an arcuate interior wall straddling the interior circumferential ring of the loop. The loop is shaped such that a ball sized to roll unimpeded along the channel can be maintained in circulation by imparting a small parallel oscillatory motion with a hand when gripped by a user's fingers. An integral cup or ring either disposed on the loop or at the center of the toy provides a target through which the ball may be directed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable. The present application is a first-filed United States Non-Provisional Patent Application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0004] Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0005] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Field of the Invention: The present invention relates most generally to toys, and more particularly to a loop-and-ball spin-and-capture fidget toy.

[0007] Background Discussion: Handheld fidget devices (fidget toys or fidget tools) are widely employed to direct nervous energy to limited and relatively inconspicuous hand movements. Many people busy themselves by fingering coins, cards, pens, small balls, cubes, nearly any small object that can be manipulated within and about the fingers. The theory behind fidgeting appears to be that individuals have an idiosyncractic optimal degree of sensory stimulation, and in environments providing less than that optimal degree of input, the individual will experience the deficit with boredom, distractedness, sleepiness, nervousness, anxiety, and the like. Often, they will naturally try to compensate with self-stimulation, such as with restless legs or fidgeting or some other spontaneous movements, or they will otherwise simply suffer the deficit. Fidget toys and tools provide a more wholesome option.

[0008] Fidget toys and fidget tools are intended to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and boredom, and for younger users, improve classroom cooperation. Indeed, fidgeting has been promoted somewhat controversially as helping with focus or with the release of otherwise distracting nervous energy, being especially beneficial to children with ADHD, anxiety, or autism, the positive impact possibly due to increases in dopamine and norepinephrine. Both of these neurotransmitters help with attention and focus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a toy or tool for enjoyably burning off nervous energy, increasing alertness and focus, and enhance parallel processing.

[0010] The present invention is a variation on an earlier iteration by the present inventor, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/850,627, filed Apr. 16, 2020, which application is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

[0011] The fidget toy/tool of the present invention is a semi-circular channel formed into a substantially circular loop. The loop includes an inwardly oriented ball receptable having a circular opening with a center axis aligned with a radius to the geometric center of the loop. The toy is sized for gripping between a user's thumb and index finger, possibly supplemented by a middle finger. When a user imparts a small and regular parallel oscillation movement of sufficient force, a ball inserted into the toy travels in a circular path against the inner wall of the semicircular tube along the circumferential ring bisecting the tube in hemispherical halves. The moving ball can be visualized throughout its travel along the channel wall. When desired, a user can engage in a skill game by manipulating the toy so as to dislodge the rotating ball from an upper portion of the loop and directing it into the circular opening in the ball receptable--effectively making the toy a ball-and-target game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is an upper front perspective view of the fidget toy of the present invention, a rear view being a mirror image thereof;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front/rear side view in elevation thereof;

[0015] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional front/rear side view in elevation taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 1, which corresponds to the annular circumferential ring dividing the loop in half, this view showing a ball traveling in its circular path around the inner wall of the loop;

[0016] FIG. 3B is the same view showing the ball dropping from an upper portion of the loop toward the ball receptacle;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective showing an alternative embodiment of the fidget toy of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a front perspective showing yet another alternative embodiment of the fidget toy of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a front perspective showing still another alternative embodiment of the fidget toy of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is an upper side perspective view showing an embodiment adapted for use by beginners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring first to FIGS. 1 through 3B, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved fidget toy, generally denominated 10 herein.

[0022] In an embodiment, the inventive toy is a semicircular channel (a hollow tube cut in half along its length) configured into a closed annular loop 12. The channel is sized for the insertion of a ball 16 having a dimension that enables it to roll freely and unimpeded along the interior wall 18 of the loop. With oscillatory inputs of sufficient force, the ball is urged against the circumferential ring dividing the semicircular channel and defining the outermost circular dimension of the interior wall--i.e., the greatest interior diameter of the interior wall.

[0023] The loop includes a target 20, which is an inwardly oriented projection (ball receptacle or cup), integrally formed in the loop sidewall 22. In this embodiment, the target has a circular upper opening 24 sized to accommodate the ball and a center axis 26 aligned with a radius from the interior wall to the geometric center 28 of the loop. The target also includes side openings 30 that will accept the ball and provides a convenient input location for a user to set the ball in motion when beginning play.

[0024] With respect to ball dimensions, the ball fits easily into the tube at the cup/sidewall opening 30, and in embodiments is optimally between 70-90% the inner diameter of the semicircular channel, most preferably approximately 80% that diameter. Further, performance improves with ball hardness. Thus, a ball having between 55 Shore A and 75 Shore D hardness is desirable, with the optimal hardness on the higher end of the useful range.

[0025] In alternative embodiments 40, 50, 60, FIGS. 4-6, the semicircular channel may be truncated 42, so as to introduce another game challenge into the user experience, or it may be reduced in dimension 52, such that it comprises not a generally 180 degrees of arc in cross section, but any of a number of lesser degrees of arc. This requires more skillful handling of the oscillations to prevent the ball from exiting the loop when spinning.

[0026] In still other embodiments, the semicircular channel can be twisted or rotated so as to be biased to one side 62, and thereby enable capture of the rotating ball more securely on one side and to enable rotation of the ball on a path displaced to the side of a plane bisecting the toy on the axis of the receptacle/cup opening. This requires the user to introduce some force to move the ball sideways to direct it into the target cup.

[0027] In still another embodiment, the toy may be configured or designed for use by beginner or children. In this embodiment 70, the inventive fidget toy is configured as a loop in the above-described embodiment, but further includes either integral or applied transparent sidewalls 72. The target or cup projecting from the channel is replaced by a ring 74 disposed between the side panels generally at the geometric center of the loop and having an opening 76 with a center aligned with a radius of the loop and through which the ball may be directed during use and play. This embodiment may include first and second side openings for the insertion of a ball into the toy. Preferably the openings are spaced in opposing 180 degrees positions around the loop. In another version of this embodiment, the entirety of the toy is fabricated from transparent plastic, such that a ball can be seen at any point in its travel along the semicircular channel.

[0028] Thus it will be clear that the basic design may be modified for varying degrees of user skill, the modifications merely suggested by the illustrated alternative embodiments.

[0029] From the foregoing, it is seen that in its most essential aspect, the fidget toy of the present invention is a loop shaped from semicircular channel such that a ball sized to roll unimpeded along the circumferential ring of the interior wall of the channel and can be maintained in circulation by imparting a small parallel oscillatory motion with a hand when gripped by a user's fingers.

[0030] In embodiments, the inventive toy includes a semicircular channel in a closed circular or loop configuration with an open center portion.

[0031] In embodiments, the loop includes an integral target, ball receptable, or cup, which further includes a circular opening having an axial center aligned with a radius from the geometric center of the loop to the interior wall.

[0032] In an embodiment, a segment of arc may be removed from the loop.

[0033] The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

[0034] Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fidget toy, comprising: a semicircular channel configured in an annular loop and having an interior wall, sidewalls, and a geometric center; an inwardly oriented target having circular opening with a center substantially axially aligned with a radius from said geometric center to said inner interior wall, said target spaced apart from said geometric center and from said interior wall of said semicircular channel; and a ball sized to roll unimpeded along said interior wall of said semicircular channel and to pass through said opening in said target to said interior wall of said semicircular channel.

2. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein said target is a cup integral with said sidewalls of said semicircular channel.

3. The fidget toy of claim 2, wherein said target includes at least one side opening through which said ball may be passed.

4. The toy of claim 1, wherein said ball has a shore hardness of between 55 Shore A to 75 Shore D.

5. The toy of claim 4, wherein said ball has a diameter between 70-90% of the inner diameter of said semicircular channel.

6. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein said loop is configured to keep said ball in circulation along said interior wall when said toy is subjected to parallel oscillatory motion of a predetermined magnitude.

7. The fidget toy of claim 1, further including disc-shaped side panels enclosing said loop.

8. The fidget toy of claim 7, wherein said side panels are transparent.

9. (canceled)

10. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein said semicircular channel is truncated to include a gap between exposed ends.

11. The fidget toy of claim 1, further including at least one side opening in said semicircular channel for the insertion of a ball.

12. The fidget toy of claim 11, wherein said semicircular channel has two side openings.

13. The fidget toy of claim 11, wherein said toy is fabricated in its entirety from transparent plastic.

14. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein said semicircular channel is biased to one side such that in use said ball rotates on a path displaced to the side of a plane bisecting said toy on said axially aligned center of said opening in said target.