High performance yo-yo

Abstract

A yo-yo includes a pair of rotary elements spaced from each other and each having a cavity, a bearing portion formed on each of the pair of rotary elements at a center thereof, and an axle detachably received in the bearing portion so as to be rotatable together with the pair of rotary elements. The axle has an engaging portion formed at each of opposite ends thereof. The axle is loosely inserted into a generally cylindrical spool interposed between the pair of rotary elements. A locking device having a pair of locking parts is mounted in the cavity, and the pair of locking parts have respective holding portions for detachably holding the engaging portion therebetween.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A yo-yo comprising: 
 first and second rotary elements spaced from each other, said first rotary element having a cavity defined therein;    a bearing portion formed on each of said first and second rotary elements at a center thereof;    an axle defining a rotation axis and being detachably received in said bearing portion;    a generally cylindrical spool provided about said axle and interposed between said first and second rotary elements;    at least one locking part mounted in said cavity and having a holding portion for holding said first rotary element on said one of the opposite ends of said axle; and    said first rotary element comprising a base and a cap disposed outwardly of said base, said cap having an engagement releasing member mounted thereon for moving said holding portion outwardly in a direction away from said rotation axis when an external force is applied to said engagement releasing member, to release said holding portion from said first rotary element.    
     
     
         2 . The yo-yo according to    claim 1   , wherein 
 said at least one locking part is mounted to said first rotary element.    
     
     
         3 . The yo-yo according to    claim 2   , wherein 
 said engagement releasing member is operable, when the external force is applied thereto, to cause said holding portion to slide outwardly in the direction away from said rotation axis.    
     
     
         4 . The yo-yo according to    claim 3   , wherein 
 said axle has an engaging portion formed at said one of the opposite ends thereof;    said holding portion is arranged to engage said engaging portion of said axle; and    said engagement releasing member is operable to cause release of said holding portion from said first rotary element by causing said holding portion to disengage from said engaging portion of said axle.    
     
     
         5 . The yo-yo according to    claim 4   , wherein 
 said axle is fixed for rotation with said first and second rotary elements about said rotation axis; and    said axle is loosely inserted in said generally cylindrical spool.    
     
     
         6 . The yo-yo according to    claim 5   , wherein 
 said engagement releasing member has an inclined surface, and when the external force causes said engagement releasing member to be pressed inwardly, said inclined surface of said engagement releasing member is contacted with said holding portion and causes said holding portion to slide outwardly in said direction away from said rotation axis.    
     
     
         7 . The yo-yo according to    claim 5   , wherein 
 said engagement releasing member has a guide portion formed thereon and is rotatably mounted on said cap, and when the external force causes said engagement releasing member to rotate relative to said cap, said guide portion causes said holding portion to slide outwardly in said direction away from said rotation axis.    
     
     
         8 . The yo-yo according to    claim 1   , wherein 
 said engagement releasing member is operable, when the external force is applied thereto, to cause said holding portion to slide outwardly in the direction away from said rotation axis.    
     
     
         9 . The yo-yo according to    claim 1   , wherein 
 said axle has an engaging portion formed at said one of the opposite ends thereof;    said holding portion is arranged to engage said engaging portion of said axle; and    said engagement releasing member is operable to cause release of said holding portion from said first rotary element by causing said holding portion to disengage from said engaging portion of said axle.    
     
     
         10 . The yo-yo according to    claim 1   , wherein 
 said axle is fixed for rotation with said first and second rotary elements about said rotation axis; and    said axle is loosely inserted in said generally cylindrical spool.    
     
     
         11 . The yo-yo according to    claim 1   , wherein 
 said engagement releasing member has an inclined surface, and when the external force causes said engagement releasing member to be pressed inwardly, said inclined surface of said engagement releasing member is contacted with said holding portion and causes said holding portion to slide outwardly in said direction away from said rotation axis.    
     
     
         12 . The yo-yo according to    claim 1   , wherein 
 said engagement releasing member has a guide portion formed thereon and is rotatably mounted on said cap, and when the external force causes said engagement releasing member to rotate relative to said cap, said guide portion causes said holding portion to slide outwardly in said direction away from said rotation axis.