US2966004A - Multiple launcher for toy tops - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 27, 1960 J. A. SCHUSTRIN 2,966,004

MULTIPLE LAUNCHER FOR TOY TOPS Filed Oct. 13, 1958 INVENTOR JOSEPH A. SCHUSTRIN ATT RNEY United States Patent MULTIPLE LAUNCHER FOR TOY TOPS Joseph A. Schustrin, 1872 Hudson Blvd., Jersey City, NJ.

Filed Oct. 13, 1958, Ser. No. 767,036

1 Claim. (CI. 46-69) The present invention relates to top spinning devices, and more particularly to a spinning device which is capable of simultaneously setting a plurality of tops into spinning motion, and, also, of launching the tops so as to spin in a selected pattern on the top receiving surface, thereby to provide a fascinating and amusing toy.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a top launching device which releases one or more tops upon operation of a convenient handle. This handle, which is easily grasped for operation by a child, is in two parts. A simple plunger and a finger piece or handle proper. The mechanism of the top launching device is of such a character as to be sturdy so as to serve as a toy. Mechanical toys which are not simple in construction and rugged have a very short useful life. The launching device is capable of receiving one or more of the usual type of spring operated top.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel multiple launcher for toy tops.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel top spinning device having means for applying force to the stem of a top to eflect its release from its associated spring drive socket.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel top spinning device having an easily grasped operating hand piece for launching a top.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel top spinning device having means to enable detachment of a spring drive socket therefrom.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel top spinning device having a self-restoring spring action.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will, of course, become apparent and immediately suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which the invention is directed from a reading of the following specification in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical cross section of a device embodying the invention with a number of tops in place;

2,966,004 Patented Dec. 27, 1960 Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the tops in the process of being ejected;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the device with the tops removed; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a top.

Referring to the drawing, the sockets 1 are of the usual known type having an internal torsion spring the end 21 of which appears in the drawing. A spring pressed plunger 22 extends from the socket to be engaged by the end 23 (Fig. 4) of one of the cam tracks in the upper face of a top 24. The latter has the usual stem 26 which is rotatably received in a socket 1. As the top is rotated with its stem in a socket, the plunger 22 rides in successive cam tracks and when the spring is tightly wound the plunger engages the end 23 of a cam track. This is the usual and popular type of toy top.

The spinning device of this invention has a lower plate 2 which receives the sockets 1. The sockets 1 are held in the lower plate 2 by means of pins and bayonet slots 3. The sockets may be removed for individual use.

The lower plate 2 is provided with a tubular guide 4 terminating in a hand grip 5. The latter is easy to grasp. A pressure device 6 in the form of a plunger slides within the guide 4 and has a cross pin 7 engaging the upper plate 8. The two plates are cylindrically flanged to telescope and a spring 9 keeps the two plates separated. Guide pins 10 are provided to prevent relative rotation of the plates.

The mode of operation of the disclosed device is thought to be readily understood from the foregoing description and an inspection of the drawing. However, it will be briefly explained. In operation, the sockets are part of the lower plate and the tops placed in position and individually wound by the user, after which the upper plate is pressed into contact with the stems of all the tops causing them to be launched at one time.

What is claimed is:

A multiple top launcher comprising a bottom plate, said plate having bayonet connecting means to receive a plurality of top-spinning sockets, a tube secured to said plate and rising therefrom, a hand grip at the top of said tube, a top plate, spring means acting to separate said plates, guide pins for said plates, a rod in said tube, said rod terminating in a thumb-piece adjacent said hand grip, and a bar secured in said rod and engaging said top plate, said hand grip and said thumb piece cooperating upon manual operation to bring said plates together to cause a plurality of stem tops engaged in said sockets to be spun and launched simultaneously.

Wetzell May 2, 1933 Neilson Apr. 7, 1953

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