US4934712A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Weighted objects with tether and means for twisting tether to raise and lower objects
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-03-26
•
Granted: 1990-06-19
•
Expires: 2006-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A weighted object is attached to a tether and the tether is twisted to cause the weighted object to spin and to change in vertical position. The apparatus which causes the tether to twist can also orbit through a path to cause horizontal motion of the weighted object thereby providing three-dimensional movement to the weighted object. Movable objects are provided as targets for the weighted object with points being given for producing interaction between the weighted object and the movable objects. Also, due to the resonance properties of the tether, many different sculptural forms within the harmonies can be created. By stroboscopically illuminating the tether, further visual forms can be observed. By pulsating the lights on the weight many visual effects can be produced along with altering the tether to produce special effects for film.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas R. Byrd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:06
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B67/00; A63B67/10; A63D; A63D7/00; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S273/00; Y10S273/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A device comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; and means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, said means for twisting said tether having a rotating shift defining an axis, said second end of said tether attached to said means for twisting at a point off-axis said axis of said rotating shaft.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
A device comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; and means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, said means for twisting said tether having a rotating shift defining an axis, said second end of said tether attached to said means for twisting at a point off-axis said axis of said rotating shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein phosphorescent dye has been applied to said tether to make the tether glow in the dark.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein a non-photographic blue dye is applied to said tether to make the tether invisible when filmed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the tether is stroboscopically illuminated with a strobe and including a control for the frequency of the strobe so the strobe frequency can be varied.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1 including a means for controlling said twisting means to control the position of said weighted object.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 5 wherein said controlling means is remote from said twisting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said twisting means includes a motor in a motor housing further comprising: legs for connecting said motor housing to a surface below the level of said motor housing; and a string for connecting said motor housing to a surface which is one of at and above the level of said motor housing, so that said leg and said string combine to support said motor housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said twisting means includes a motor in a motor housing, further comprising at least three legs supporting the motor housing off the ground.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said weighted object is in the form of a sphere.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said weighted object is in the shape of a disk.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said weighted object is in the form of a ring.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said weighted object has an open center which contains vanes which function to propel the weighted object upward when it spins.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said weighted object includes at least one writing element beneath the weighted object to interact with a drawing surface to produce designs exhibiting periodic features related to orbiting of said weighted object.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said weighted object includes means for producing sounds when the weighted object spins.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 14 wherein said means for producing sounds when the weighted object spins comprises at least one reed-type element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 14 wherein said means for producing sounds when the weighted object spins comprises at least one fluted area in the weighted object.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 14 wherein said means for producing sounds when the weighted object spins comprises a grooved area on the weighted object.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said weighted object includes means for producing visible light.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 18 wherein said light producing means comprises several lights arranged circumferentially about the weighted object resulting in a mixture of lights.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 19 including means causing the lights to pulsate.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 19 wherein said light producing means comprises several lights arranged radially from the center of the weighted object.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 including at least one target positioned within the range of movement of said weighted object.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 22 wherein said target is designed to be knocked over by contact with said weighted object.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 23 wherein said target is vertically elongated and has a base that has at least three flat sides which limit the angles along which the target may fall when knocked over by contact with said weighted object.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 23 wherein said target has a tetrahedral base having an apex from which a rod extends laterally which provides the leverage necessary for the weighted object to knock over the target.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 22 wherein said target has a vertically extended member and wherein said weighted object has an open center for receiving said member so that said weighted object can land onto the member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 22 wherein said target is a stationary banked track which has a pathway for the weighted object to be maneuvered against to change its direction of travel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said means for causing said twisting means to orbit includes an elongated support member mounting said twisting means, and means for rotating said elongated support member about a central position.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 28 including a vertical support member rotatably supporting said elongated support member at said central position.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device according to claim 29 wherein said means for rotating said elongated support member comprises a motor mounted in said vertical support member which directly rotates said elongated support member.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
113 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; and means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved; and a second tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object and a weight attached to a second end of said second tether.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
113 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; and means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved; and a second tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object and a weight attached to a second end of said second tether.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
101 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved; and at least one hoop positioned on the tether and which is freely rotatable thereabout.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
101 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved; and at least one hoop positioned on the tether and which is freely rotatable thereabout.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 32 wherein said hoop is colored with phosphorescent dye.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
142 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved; and at least one target positioned within the range of movement of said weighted object, wherein said target has a first opening sized to permit said tether to pass through and a second opening sized to permit said weighted object to pass through, said first opening being narrower than said second opening and said weighted object.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
142 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved; and at least one target positioned within the range of movement of said weighted object, wherein said target has a first opening sized to permit said tether to pass through and a second opening sized to permit said weighted object to pass through, said first opening being narrower than said second opening and said weighted object.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
51 words
A device according to claim 34 wherein said target has a center point, at least four equal extensions radiating from said center point, each extension terminating in an equal sized member to be knocked over by said weighted object to change the position of the target in relation to the ground.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
126 words
A device comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means mounted in a power head positioned above said tether and above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; and means mounted in said power head for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, said orbiting means including an elongated support member mounting said twisting means, and means for rotating said elongated support member about a central position.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
126 words
A device comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means mounted in a power head positioned above said tether and above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; and means mounted in said power head for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, said orbiting means including an elongated support member mounting said twisting means, and means for rotating said elongated support member about a central position.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 36 further including a generally horizontal support member to which said power head is mounted, said generally horizontal support member being mounted for rotation about a pivot point.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 37 including means for constraining said elongated member for rotation in only one direction.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
57 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein said twisting means comprises a device for mounting said tether and a first motor for rotating said mounting device, said mounting device being journaled in a gear, and said orbiting means comprising a second motor for rotating said gear to move said mounting device about an axis of said gear.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 36 wherein said twisting means includes a first motor and said orbiting means including a second motor having a crankshaped motor.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
177 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached to a first end thereof to said weighted object; means mounted in a power head positioned above said tether and above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether, said twisting means comprising means for mounting said tether, said mounting means being attached to a first gear, said first gear being journaled in a circular plate at a position spaced from an axis of said circular plate and a single motor for rotating both said circular plate and said gear, and means mounted in said power head for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, said orbiting means including an elongated support member mounting said twisting means, and means for rotating said elongated support member about a central position.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
177 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached to a first end thereof to said weighted object; means mounted in a power head positioned above said tether and above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether, said twisting means comprising means for mounting said tether, said mounting means being attached to a first gear, said first gear being journaled in a circular plate at a position spaced from an axis of said circular plate and a single motor for rotating both said circular plate and said gear, and means mounted in said power head for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, said orbiting means including an elongated support member mounting said twisting means, and means for rotating said elongated support member about a central position.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
146 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether, said means for twisting said tether having a rotating shaft defining an axis, said rotating shaft being drivingly connected to said tether such that rotation of said shaft causes circular movement of said tether, said rotating shaft extending downwardly from means causing said shaft to rotate, said shaft being positioned entirely above said tether, said second end of said tether attached to said means for twisting at a point off-axis said axis of said rotating shaft; and means in said weighted object for producing visible light.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
146 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether, said means for twisting said tether having a rotating shaft defining an axis, said rotating shaft being drivingly connected to said tether such that rotation of said shaft causes circular movement of said tether, said rotating shaft extending downwardly from means causing said shaft to rotate, said shaft being positioned entirely above said tether, said second end of said tether attached to said means for twisting at a point off-axis said axis of said rotating shaft; and means in said weighted object for producing visible light.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 42, further comprising means for stroboscopically illuminating said tether and means for controlling the frequency of the strobe.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 42, wherein said tether is attached to said weighted object at an attachment point, and wherein said attachment point is located off of the axis above which said weighted object spins.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 44, wherein said weighted object is in the form of a ring.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 42, wherein said light producing means comprises a plurality of lights arranged circumferentially about the weighted object resulting in a mixture of lights.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 42, wherein said light producing means comprises a plurality of lights arranged in a radially-extending pattern on said weighted object.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 47, further comprising means for causing the lights to pulsate.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
134 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, wherein said weighted object includes at least one writing element beneath the weighted object to interact with a drawing surfact to produce designs exhibiting periodic features related to orbiting of said weighted object, wherein said writing element is offset from the axis of rotation of said weighted object.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
134 words
A device, comprising: a weighted object; a flexible tether attached at a first end thereof to said weighted object; means above said weighted object and connected to a second end of said tether for twisting said tether to cause said weighted object to spin and for raising and lowering said weighted object as a result of coiling of said tether; means for causing said twisting means to periodically orbit so as to move said weighted object horizontally whereby three-dimensional movement of said object can be achieved, wherein said weighted object includes at least one writing element beneath the weighted object to interact with a drawing surfact to produce designs exhibiting periodic features related to orbiting of said weighted object, wherein said writing element is offset from the axis of rotation of said weighted object.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-18 | 1993-12-18 | 1994-06-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-18 | 1997-12-18 | 1998-06-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-18 | 2001-12-18 | 2002-06-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |