Fidget-Spinner Toy And Methods Of Using A Fidget-Spinner Toy

Abstract

A fidget-spinner toy capable of being held in one hand between the thumb and another finger comprised of a gyroscopic rotor, means for rotating the gyroscopic rotor which is further comprised of a reciprocating actuator rod, and a tip that rotates independently of the gyroscopic rotor, such that the gyroscopic rotor is rotated about its spin axis as the tip rests on the thumb by moving the thumb and the tip end of the other finger closer together and then farther apart again repeatedly in order to convert bidirectional reciprocating movement of the reciprocating actuator rod into unidirectional rotary motion of the gyroscopic rotor even if the gyroscopic rotor is already rotating rapidly. Methods are also provided that are comprised of first providing the fidget-spinner toy and then using it for fun and to reduce mental stress either while the fidget-spinner toy is being held in the hand or operating independently as a spinning top on any smooth surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fidget-spinner toy comprised of a gyroscopic rotor, means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor which is further comprised of a reciprocating actuator rod, and a tip apparatus capable of resting on a thumb as said gyroscopic rotor is rotated by moving said thumb and the tip end of another finger closer together and then farther apart again repeatedly so bidirectional linear movement of said reciprocating actuator rod is converted to unidirectional rotary motion of said gyroscopic rotor, whereby momentum can be added to increase the speed of rotation of said gyroscopic rotor even if said gyroscopic rotor is already rotating rapidly, and so smooth reciprocating motion of said finger moving said reciprocating actuator rod linearly replaces awkward sidewise flicking motion of said finger when directly rotating said gyroscopic rotor. 
     
     
         2 . A fidget-spinner toy, comprising:
 (a) a gyroscopic rotor,   (b) means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor further comprised of a reciprocating actuator rod, and   (c) a finger-holding apparatus for receiving said tip end of a finger attached to one end of said reciprocating actuator rod and which spins independently of said gyroscopic rotor, and   (d) a tip apparatus for resting on a thumb or on any smooth surface and which spins independently of said gyroscopic rotor,   whereby said fidget-spinner toy can be comfortably and conveniently held in one hand while said tip apparatus rests on said thumb of said hand and as said gyroscopic rotor is rotated by said means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor when moving said thumb and said tip end of a finger closer together and then farther apart again repeatedly so motion of said finger does not impede the motion of rotating said gyroscopic rotor, and   whereby smooth reciprocating motion of said tip end of a finger moving said reciprocating actuator rod comprising said means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor replaces awkward flicking motion of said finger to rotate said gyroscopic rotor.   
     
     
         3 . The fidget-spinner toy of  claim 2  wherein said means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor is comprised of a piston and cylinder. 
     
     
         4 . The fidget-spinner toy of  claim 2  wherein said means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor is comprised of a spiraled shaft and a one-way clutch apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . The fidget-spinner toy of  claim 2  wherein said means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor is comprised of a ratcheting-arm and gear with a multitude of teeth. 
     
     
         6 . The fidget-spinner toy of  claim 2  wherein said means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor is comprised of a pull-string, elastic band, or diaphragm. 
     
     
         7 . The fidget-spinner toy of  claim 2  wherein said finger-holding apparatus is expandable to accommodate holding more than one finger or else for holding fingers of different sizes. 
     
     
         8 . The fidget-spinner toy of  claim 2  wherein said tip apparatus is comprised of means for temporarily holding said tip apparatus firmly to said thumb,
 whereby said tip apparatus does not slip off said thumb when said tip of said finger actuates said reciprocating actuator rod to rotate said gyroscopic rotor, or when entire said fidget-spinner toy is held upside down. 
 
     
     
         9 . The fidget-spinner toy of  claim 2  wherein said gyroscopic rotor is manufactured in a shape or size that reflects similarities to or signifies a toy action figure, a cartoon character, or any other well known or popular item, object, or person of interest to the public. 
     
     
         10 . A method of using a fidget-spinner toy, comprising:
 (a) first providing a fidget-spinner toy capable of being held in one hand between the thumb and the tip end of another finger comprised of a gyroscopic rotor, means for rotating said gyroscopic rotor which is further comprised of a reciprocating actuator rod, and a tip apparatus, then   (b) placing said tip apparatus of provided said fidget-spinner toy so it rests on a thumb and so entire provided said fidget-spinner toy rests between said thumb and the tip end of another finger, then   (c) rotating said gyroscopic rotor around its spin axis in one direction only by moving said reciprocating actuator rod with bidirectional linear motion of said tip end of another finger as said thumb and said tip end of another finger move closer together and then farther apart again repeatedly, or alternatively   (d) placing said tip apparatus on any smooth surface, then   (e) rotating said gyroscopic rotor unidirectional by moving said reciprocating actuator rod linearly into and out of the center of said gyroscopic rotor.