US2526862A - Multiple top - Google Patents

Description

1950 s. G. GILLELAND 2,526,862

MULTIPLE TOP Filed Nov. 6, 1947 INVENTOR Patented Oct. 24, 1950 UNITED STATES FATENT" OFFICE 1 Claim.

The invention about to be described relates to a toy in the nature of a top, the primary object being to create an unique effect that is fascinating to youngsters and capable of lending enjoyment and entertainment whenever placed in operation.

The most important object of this invention is the provision of a top having a pair of similar, disc-like sections, each having an obconical portion upon which the same may spin and formed for substantial complementary fitting together whereby the same may be spun simultaneously.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a top having a pair of sections each having a hollow obconical portion, but of differing dimensions, whereby when fitted together in relative superimposed relation the sections may be simultaneously spun and capable of automatic separation during spinning.

Other objects include the precise manner of forming the obconical portions of the top sections; and the way in which a manually operable actuating means is formed to frictionally engage within the normally uppermost section when spinning motion is imparted thereto.

Other objects will be made clear or become apparent during the course of the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of a toy made in accordance with m present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the top per se, showing various positions of the sections thereof during the cycle of operation.

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line IIIIII of Fig. 1, the actuating device being shown fragmentarily and partially in section; and

Fig, 4 is a cross sectional view taken on line IV-IV of Fig. 1.

The top, per se, forming a part of the toy about to be described and broadly designated by the numeral l0, consists of a pair of similar, disclike plates I2 and I4, each being circular and formed from relatively thin stock, it being understood however, that the peripheral contours are of little importance and may be changed if desired to present animated effects when the top II] is caused to spin.

Another change that may well be made if desired, is to make the sections 12 and I4 of different diameters, and designs of varying colors may be painted on the uppermost flat surfaces of sections I2 and I4.

Each f the sections 12 and 14 has pressed or otherwise formed thereon a laterally extending obconical portion 16 and 18 respectively. These portions I6 and it are substantially centrally disposed to lend balance to the top- Ill and extend from the normall lowermost faces thereof.

In use, the sections I2 and I l are placed in relative superimposed relation as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, the portion I6 of section I2 fitting within the portion I8 of section M since these portions I6 and i8 are both hollow.

To the end that a space 20 is presented between the sections 12 and 14 and further to the end that the toy will operate in the manner hereinafter more fully described, the altitude and slant height of the obconical portion I6 of the section I2 are greater than the altitude and slant height of the obconical portion iii of the'section I4.

Actuating means broadly designated by the numeral 22, for the top I0, includes an elongated rod 24. This rod Ed is made from a pair of spirally wound wires, embedded. at one end in a hand grip 2'6 and at the opposite end in a block 28. A motivating element 3!! is threaded on rod 24 between grip 25 and block 28 through an opening 32 therein that is oblong in cross section as shown in Fig. 4. The transverse length of opening 32 is substantially the same as the combined diameters of the two wires forming rod 24, while its transverse width is approximately equivalent to the diameter of one of the wires of rod 24.

The block 28 is round in transverse cross section and has a diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of portion it of the section I2 adjacent its base. The outermost free end 34 of block 28 is dome-shaped as clearly illustrated in Fig. 3, this end 3 1 merging with the sides of block 28 to present a frictional line contact between block 28 and the innermost face of portion I6 when positioned as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

In use, the top It is placed on any fiat, rigid surface such as at 36 with the apex of portion IB resting thereon. Section I2 is placed over section It with their obconical portions I6 and 58 respectively in relative telescoping relation. Then the actuator 22 is moved into position with rod 22 substantially vertical and parallel to the axis of sections i2 and I l, and with block 28 in position as above described.

Prior to positioning of actuator 22, the element 3!) is moved to the top of rod 24 near grip 26. The operator then grasps grip 26 with one hand and the element 30 with the other, moving the latter downwardly along rod 24 toward block 28. As element 36 is so moved and grip 26 allowed to spin in the operators hand, rotative 3 motion will be imparted to rod 24 and block 28 and consequently to top IQ.

After actuator 22 is released, the sections I2 and I4 will continue to rotate together for a time and then section I2 will gradually separate from section I4. During such separation, the apex of portion IE will crawl from within the portion I8 and after reaching the base of the latter, will spin upon the uppermost face of section I4. When section I2 reaches the periphery of section I4, it will drop to surface 36 and continue to spin along with section I4 as is clearly illustrated in Fig. 2.

The operation just described is due to several of the well-known laws of physics. In the first place, shortly after the actuator 22 is removed from the position causing spinning of the toy I0, there will be a differential in the speed of rotation of plates I2 and I4. Friction between the surface 36 and the plate I4 will cause the latter to immediately commence decreasing in speed, while the plate I2, not having such friction, will tend to I decrease in speed less rapidly. slippage will thus occur between the portions I6 and I8, creating friction at such points. Disc I2 will move away from disc I4 because of its tendency to separate itself from such friction. As soon as there is a Slight separation between the plates I2 and I4, the former, being unsupported, will veer laterally because of its spinning. When plate I2 returns toward plate I 4, therefore, the apex of its portion I6 will strike the side wall of portion I8. Once plate I4 is thus caused to tilt, even slightly, plate I2 Will immediately start to climb toward the uppermost surface of plate It and finally fall therefrom to surface 36.

Although I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, various slight changes and alterations might be made in the general form and arrangement of the parts described without department from the invention, and hence I do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth but shall consider myself at liberty to make such slight changes and modifications as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claim.

Having thus described my invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

A toy comprising a pair of superimposed, imperforate, disc-like plates, each having a hollow, obconical portion extending laterally from one face thereof and near their centers respectively, said portions being complemental and imperforate, the altitude and slant height of said portion of the top plate being greater than the altitude and slant height of said portion of the bottom plate whereby those portions of the plates respectively surrounding their obconical portions are spaced apart when said top plate is upon the bottom plate with their obconical portions in relative telescoping relationship, said portions being relatively rotatable when the portions are in said telescoping relationship; and manually manipulable means having a rotatable element frictionally fittable into said portion of the uppermost plate for imparting simultaneous spinning motion to the plates.

SAMUEL G. GILLELAND.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,026,112 OBrien -c. May 14, 1912 1,355,514 Smith l Oct. 12, 1920 2,068,053 Gehman a Jan. 19, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 180,277 Germany Jan. 10, 1907 435,645 Germany Oct. 16, 1926

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