A DEVICE WITH AN ENCLOSURE AND A FLYWHEEL

This invention relates to a device which includes an enclosure and a flywheel within the enclosure.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device comprising an enclosure, a flywheel located within the enclosure, one or more bearings that allow the flywheel to rotate independently of the enclosure, and an opening in the enclosure to allow the insertion of a charging device, the charging device serving to rotate the flywheel and store angular kinetic energy within the flywheel.

Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a device that is adaptable to encompass many of the most enjoyable and exiting play patterns for typically boys. The device lends itself to racing, battling, and tricks, each imbued with skill play. The device can be useable within a confined arena or track, or when unconstrained. The device is suitable for indoor or outdoor play and can inspire collectability through differentiation in performance.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is a self powered ball. The self powered rolling ball, where the power source is the moving flywheel located within the ball, and the ball is driven by a controlled amount of friction acting between the outer ball and the inner flywheel such that energy stored within the flywheel is steadily transferred over time to the outer enclosure, causing the ball to roll along a surface with an angular rotation speed lower than that of the contained flywheel.

In one embodiment of the invention the device provides a low friction ball, which is created by enclosing a flywheel within an outer shell, this flywheel being accessible to an external 'charging' devise such as an electric motor, hand crank, rip cord etc. Energy is transferred from the charging devise to the flywheel via an opening in the outside shell and stored as kinetic energy in the rotating flywheel. This opening is preferably of a size and position so as to allow contact between moving parts of the charger and the flywheel mechanism, but small enough not to allow a child's finger to be inserted through or to make direct contact with the flywheel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a plurality of devices, each device according to the first statement of invention, wherein each device of the kit differs from each other device of the kit by one or more of the weight of the flywheel, the offset of the flywheel from the centre of the device, and the amount of friction acting between the enclosure and inner flywheel.

Owing to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a plurality of devices that will differ from one another in the performance of the device caused by differing weights of flywheel, differing offsets of the flywheel and differing amounts of friction between the flywheel and the enclosure. The flywheel weights could be light, medium and heavy, the offsets could be no offset, small offset and large offset and the friction amounts could be almost nil, a small amount and a larger amount and this creates a three-dimensional axis of different devices with twenty-seven different possible devices. These can be used to create a collectable set of devices that the user can purchase in a blind selection and then collect, use or swap as desired. Different combinations of the three factors will create devices that are suitable and optimised for different play situations. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a cross-section of a first embodiment of the device,

Figure 2 is a detail of a cross-section of the device of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a cross-section and a side view of the device of Figure 1 , Figure 4 is a cross-section of a second embodiment of the device,

Figures 5 and 6 are dimension diagrams of components of the device of Figure 4, Figure 7 is a cross-section of a third embodiment of the device,

Figures 8 to 12 are dimension diagrams of components of the device of Figure 7,

Figure 13 is a cross-section of a fourth embodiment of the device, Figure 14 is a side view of the device of Figure 13,

Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the device of Figure 13, Figure 16 is a cross-section of the second embodiment of the device, Figures 17 to 19 are cross-sections of further embodiments of the device,

Figures 20 to 25 are perspective views of the device with an adaptor,

Figure 26 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the device with dimension diagrams of components of the device,

Figure 27 is a perspective view of embodiments of the device with dimension diagrams of components of the devices,

Figure 28 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the device,

Figures 29 to 31A are further views of the device of Figure 28,

Figure 32 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the device, Figures 33 to 36 are cross-sections of a further embodiment of the device,

Figures 37 to 47 are perspective views of the device in use,

Figure 48 is a cross-section and a side view of a further embodiment of the device,

Figure 49 is a cross-section and a side view of a further embodiment of the device,

Figures 50 to 53 are cross-sections of further embodiments of the device,

Figure 54 is a cross-section of a charging device,

Figures 55 and 56 are cross-sections of further embodiments of the device,

Figure 57 is a detail of a cross-section of a charging device connected to the device,

Figure 58 is a further cross-section of the device of Figure 56, Figure 59 is a detail of a cross-section of the device of Figure 56, Figure 60 is a further cross-section of the device of Figure 4,

Figure 61 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the device, Figure 62 is a detail of a cross-section of a charging device connected to the device of Figure 61 ,

Figure 63 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the device, Figure 64 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the charging device,

Figures 65 and 66 are further cross-sections of the device of Figure 63, Figures 67 and 68 are perspective views of a further embodiment of the charging device,

Figure 69 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the device, Figures 70 to 73 are details of cross-sections of the device of Figure 69, Figures 74 and 75 are cross-sections of a further embodiment of the device, and

Figure 76 is a cross-section of a further embodiment of the device.

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of the device featuring a flywheel 1 mounted rigidly to a shaft 2, this shaft being held in position at either end by a low friction collar 3. A bevel gear 4 is shown mounted directly to the shaft 2, although it is acknowledged that spur, helical, face or worm gears or direct friction, could also be used for the same effect.

In Figure 2 a rotating shaft 5 featuring an end 6 designed to mesh with gear 4 is inserted through the charging hole 7 and pressed against the gear 4, causing the flywheel 1 to rotate, and so store kinetic energy. All moving parts are fully enclosed by a shell 8 enabling the unit to be safely used by a child.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of the above ball, and an external view showing the enclosure 8 and the charging hole 7

Figure 4 shows a cross section of an embodiment featuring a metal flywheel 9 mounted within a plastic inner ball 10. Locating studs 11 on either side of the ball 10 sit within a bearing 12, which isolates the moving components from the outer ball 13. A rotating charging shaft can be inserted through the bearing 12 to make direct contact with a charging point 14 on the inner ball. This rotates the flywheel 9 which stores kinetic energy.

Figure 5 shows a dimensioned orthographic drawings of the flywheel 9 used in the embodiment of the ball shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 shows a dimensioned orthographic drawing of the bearings 12 used in the embodiment of the ball shown in Figure 4.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of an embodiment featuring a flywheel 15 mounted rigidly to a shaft 16, this shaft being held in position at either end by a low friction bearing 17, mounted within a hole in an outer ball 18. A rotating charging shaft can be inserted through the bearing and make direct contact with the end of the shaft 19 holding the flywheel. This rotates the flywheel which stores kinetic energy.

Figure 8 shows a dimensioned orthographic drawing of a flywheel used in the embodiment of the low friction ball shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 shows a dimensioned drawing of a flywheel's shaft used in the embodiment of the low friction ball shown in Figure 7. Figure 10 shows a dimensioned orthographic drawing of a ball bearing used in the embodiment of the low friction ball shown in Figure 7. Figures 11 and 12 show a dimensioned drawings of the ball used in the embodiment of the low friction ball shown in Figure 7.

Figure 13 shows a cross section of an embodiment featuring a flywheel 20 mounted rigidly to a shaft 21 , this shaft being held in position at either end by a low friction collar 22, such as a sintered bearing 22. These collars are held in place by recesses in the outer ball 23. A hole or holes in the outer case allows one or both ends of the shaft to be accessed by the charging device. A collar 24 is placed around the shaft to limit the lateral travel of the shaft, so eliminating any direct contact between the flywheel or shaft and the outer ball casing, such that it remains in a low friction state, whether or not it is horizontal. A drive knob 25 is securely fitted to the end of the shaft 21 , this engages with the female equivalent on the charging device's shaft. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the flywheel and shaft are connected directly to and enclosed by a two part inner ball 26. Graphics can be displayed on this inner ball and these graphics will spin within the charged ball, and can be viewed through the transparent outer ball. Figure 14 shows a three- dimensional view of this ball and Figure 15 shows an exploded view.

Although a mainly spherical outer shell is the preferred embodiment to achieve the desired effects and to maximise the available play possibilities from the invention, it is acknowledged that it is not necessary for the outer casting to be entirely spherical or even symmetrical, only that it is desirable that the outer surface of the enclosure features a circular circumference in a plane aligned with the enclosed flywheel, and is symmetrical about the axis of rotation of the flywheel; such that the object can be rolled along a surface, along this circumference, whilst the enclosed flywheel is spinning.

The sphere is the ideal form factor, as the external face of the ball, being curved in all directions, imparts a point contact on the surface, which is advantageous as it allows the ball to more easily rotate in the plane perpendicular to the direction of travel. The desired effect could be achieved with a thin rim at the circumference so maintaining the point contact, although the wider and more cylindrical the contact area becomes, so the less suitable the item becomes for achieving the desired play possibilities. Figure 16 shows, for reference, a cross-section of a spherical ball, identical to the Figure 4 embodiment.

Figure 17 shows an ellipsoidal ball; this is symmetrical about the flywheel's axis of rotation 27 and symmetrical about a central plane 28, perpendicular to this axis. This ball is able to roll along the circumference 29, even when the flywheel is spinning charged. Figure 18 shows an oviform ball, this is symmetrical about the flywheel's axis of rotation 30 but asymmetric about the plane of the flywheel 31 but may still roll along the circumference 32. Figure 19 shows an asymmetric ball, symmetrical about the flywheel's axis of rotation 33 only at the circumference 34. This circumference lying in a plane 35 aligned with that of the flywheel 36.

After using the charger to store kinetic energy in the rotating mass of the flywheel, the charger can be removed from the ball and the flywheel will continue to spin for a considerable time. Due to the nature of the bearings there is a low coefficient of friction between the rotating elements and those separated from them by the bearings. Only a small amount of energy is being transferred at any time from the flywheel to the enclosure.

It is the intention of this item to be applicable as a child's toy. Due to the full enclosure of the spinning flywheel & shaft and recessed charging point, even when fully charged; the ball can be held safely in the hand. Attempting to move or turn or twist the ball with the hand with any component of the movement at an angle to the shaft, gives a very pleasing sensation as the inertia of the rotating flywheel acts against your movements.

In this embodiment the ball can also be played with in a variety of ways.

For example by rolling a charged ball with the flywheel's axis of rotation horizontal, and transverse to the direction travel which enables the ball to roll whilst maintaining a very straight path, whereas attempting to roll the ball with the flywheel axis in the plane parallel with the direction of travel proves impossible.

A variety of close fitting external components can be added to the item enabling the object to be played with in a variety of ways. A spherical ball allows an adaptor ring with a circular inner form to be placed on it at any angle and so enable the rotating flywheel to be positioned at any angle relative to the adaptor ring, enabling a large number of tricks and stunts to be performed. With the axis of rotation of the flywheel positioned vertically, a close fitting external component can be added; allowing the item to be used in a manner similar to a traditional gyroscope.

Figure 20 shows a cross section of the 'gyroscope' adaptor 37. This adaptor is preferably made from a slightly flexible material such as firm rubber, such that the ring is able to stretch around the item and remain firmly attached when in use. Figure 21 shows the adaptor 37 mounted on the ball 38 with the preferred orientation of the plane 39 of the flywheel shown. Due to the shape of the item and the material of the adaptor, the item can also be positioned at any other orientation, to achieve other interesting effects. Figure 22 illustrates the adaptor in use. The ball can be charged with the adaptor in place, by inserting the charging shaft through the charging hole 40 in the adaptor. Figure 23 shows an alternative view of this adaptor 37.

Figures 24 and 25 show additional adaptors. Due to the nature of a spinning flywheel, the addition of these to outer casing, and the positioning of these, in relation to the axis of the flywheel, and of that in relation to gravity; allows for a variety of tricks and games to be performed, and enables the ball's performance and functionality to be adapted. By way of example only, the adaptors shown in Figure 24 could be added to a ball, and the ball charged with its flywheel's axis horizontal. This ball could then be rolled along a surface and the adapters selected and used to adapt the outer surface/contact area to be more suitable for the terrain.

With the flywheel's axis vertically, the adapters shown in Figure 25 can be used to adapt the item to become suitable for use as a 'Battle ball', where two or more spinning balls collide with each other and attempt to either move the opponents ball beyond a boundary or to arrest it's motion. A number of versions of battling tops, with an intended play pattern similar to that described here are currently available; but with these it is the outer casing that acts as the stored inertia, and hence arresting the motion of the outer shell, removes all stored inertial from the item. The invention described here offers the advantage that if the motion of the outer case is arrested, the inner flywheel is capable of continuing to spin, and so maintain the stability of the item, giving the user of such an item a strategic advantage.

When rolling a charged ball with the flywheel's axis of rotation horizontal and transverse to the direction travel; an extremely straight rolling ball can be achieved. It is the nature of this invention to create a collectable toy range, each item within the range differentiable by its performance. Balls as illustrated above can be created with the addition of a mass attached to the inside of the outer casing. If this mass is located so that it is balanced about the flywheel's axis, but offset from the centre of the flywheel, the toy will still be capable of rolling with a smooth action, but the weight of this mass will impart a turning moment upon the flywheel, this moment being perpendicular to the direction of travel, and so will enable the ball to travel in an arcing motion when rolled. The inertia in the rotating flywheel maintains the flywheel axis's orientation with respect to gravity, and hence that of the enclosing ball. Therefore unlike a conventional weighted ball, a charged ball, as described above, does not fall over when placed on its circumference. When placed stationary without rolling on a horizontal surface, with the axis horizontal, or at any other angle to the vertical, the ball will slowly rotate, perpendicular to the rotation of the flywheel. By varying the mass of this offset weight or its distance its centre of gravity from that of the flywheel; the turning moment upon the charged toy, can be altered.

The arc radius of a rolling charged ball is also determined by the speed and direction of the rotating flywheel, therefore the user can change the arc radius, along which a rolled ball will travel, by varying the speed and/or direction of the flywheel when the ball is released.

Figure 26 shows cross-section engineering drawings for a ball as described in Figures 7 to 12, now featuring an offset weight 51 attached to the inside of the casing, to ensure the ball will roll in an arcing motion. Figure 27 shows embodiments of the balls as described above.

Alternatively, the rotating elements can be positioned such that the centre of gravity of these parts, whilst balanced about the axis of rotation, are offset from the plane of the circumference of the outer shell along which the ball will roll. Doing this enables an alternative method of creating a ball that can create an internally generated turning moment when charged, so as to create the achievable behaviours as described above,

Figure 28 shows a ball, similar to that shown in Figure 2, but with the flywheel's centre of gravity 52 centred along the axis of rotation 53, but not within the plane 54 of the rolling circumference 55 of the ball. Figure 29 illustrates that the charged ball 56, when placed stationary on a surface, with the plane of the flywheel 57 mainly perpendicular to the surfaces as shown in Figure 30, will start to rotate 58. Figure 31 shows how a ball, as illustrated in Figure 28, when moving as shown in Figure 31A, will travel in an arcing motion 59, the radius of this arc, for any given roll speed, flywheel 60 weight and offset, being determined by the rotational speed of the flywheel 60. Figure 32 shows a ball similar to that illustrated in Figures 7 to 12 but where the flywheel 61 is offset along the axis of rotation 62, and so no longer lies within the plane of the rolling circumference of the ball 63. Because the arc radius for 'curve balls' as described above and illustrated in Figures 26 to 32 is determined by roll speed, flywheel speed, and the centre-of-gravity's offset from the roll circumference: a range of balls can be created that, when fully charged, will roll with differing arc radii.

Figure 33 shows a ball 64, of a similar construction to that in Figure 7, but with the addition of a moveable weight 65, balanced about the axle 66 attached through and forming part of the flywheel 67. Figures 34 to 36 show that by varying the position of this weight, the direction of curvature that will be exhibited by a rolling charged ball can be altered. An offset flywheel and an offset weight can be used in conjunction to increase the turning effect and so minimise the achievable arc radius of a curve ball.

Figures 37, 38 and 39 show various applications for curve balls as described above. Figure 37 illustrates a game where the user rolls their ball around the track, attempting to knock down either the most or least targets on route. Figure 38 shows a curved track, with skittles at the end. The user attempts to roll their ball so that it stays within the track and knocks down the maximum skittles at the end. Figure 39 shows with the selection of a curve ball, a user can roll a ball that will return to them.

In creating this invention, the intention is to create a ball that can, in addition to the behaviours as described above, satisfy the requirements of the play patterns illustrated in Figures 40 to 47. These are the typical competitive play patterns for boys, i.e. skill influenced racing and battling games. In Figure 40 the balls are suitable for speed racing: the fastest ball or the one covering a set distance in the shortest time can be declared the winner. In Figure 41 the balls are suitable for endurance racing, the ball covering the longest distance can be declared the winner. In Figure 42 charged balls can race around vertical and along horizontal surfaces. In Figure 43 the faster they travel the higher they will climb. In Figure 44 they can be used in either orientation. In Figure 45 they can be converted for battling. In Figure 46 they can be used for accurate targeting. In Figure 47 they can roll in reveres and be made to return.

To satisfy this requirement, the balls previously illustrated can be modified by the addition of a controlled amount of friction, deliberately introduced between the flywheel and the enclosure. This additional friction ensures that the rotating flywheel serves to impart an increased torque on the enclosure.

Figure 48 shows a ball 75 with spring 76 acting between the flywheel 77 and the outer casing 78. Increasing the strength of the spring or the compression it is under will increase the friction. Washers, slip plates or friction pads can be used at the ends to adjust the friction and reduce wear.

Figure 49 shows a ball 79 where a close fitting collar 80, attached to or in contact with the outer casing 81 , is placed around the flywheel shaft 82 to increase the friction. By adjusting the length of this collar 80, and/or its inside diameter, the friction between the flywheel and casing can be adjusted.

Figure 50 shows a ball where one or both of the bearings have been replaced by a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the original bearing material, this increases the friction between those parts connected directly to the flywheel and the outer shell. In Figure 50 a ball similar to the one described in Figure 4 is shown. One bearing 82 remains to maintain the centred position of the flywheel, and the other has been replaced by a higher friction collar 83.

Figure 51 shows a ball, similar to that described in Figure 13, where the bearing material remains the same, but length of the bearing 84 has been increased, so as to increase the contact area and so increase the friction between the axle and the bearing.

Figure 52 shows a version similar to that described in Figure 7, with a contact area 85 introduced between the flywheel 86 and the outer casing 87. This contact area acts a source of friction between the flywheel 86 and the case 87.

Figure 53 shows a spring 88 is used to press directly on the ball bearings 89 within the bearing 90, reducing their ease of rotation and so increasing the friction within the bearing 90. This serves to increase the torque between the axle 91 and the outer casing 92.

By varying the amount of friction between the flywheel and the enclosure, balls of differing performance and task suitability can be achieved. A higher friction between the flywheel and the enclosure will give a higher initial torque on the outer casing when the ball is released, which will therefore accelerate faster than a ball with a lower friction between the flywheel and the enclosure. A ball with high friction between the flywheel and the casing will use the energy stored within the flywheel at a faster rate than a ball with low friction between the flywheel and the outer casing. And when charging, the flywheel in a low friction ball will reach a higher initial speed than the flywheel in a high friction ball, a lower friction ball will therefore roll for a longer duration than a high friction ball. Therefore, by deliberately introducing a controlled amount of friction between the flywheel and the outer shell, it is possible to produce a range of balls that can be used in the variety of ways as described previously. For example; 'low' friction balls with no additional friction deliberately introduced can be used for tricks and stunts, 'medium' friction balls with a small amount of friction introduced can be used for endurance racing, and 'high' friction balls with a large amount of friction added between the flywheel and outer casing can be used for speed racing, over a fixed distance.

Tactics can be employed when battling as high friction balls will impart a greater force on your opponent's ball, but each time they touch a stationary boundary the flywheel's speed is reduced, and if your opponent manages to stop your ball, then your flywheel may not have enough energy remaining to recover, whereas if a medium friction ball is used for battling, if the movement of its outer casing is arrested, the flywheel can continue to spin within, and the casing will resume spinning when released.

A high friction ball rapidly transfers the energy from the flywheel to the outer casing and would be chosen for knocking down targets as illustrated in Figure 46. A medium friction ball can be rolled against the rotational direction of the flywheel. The torque acting on the casing causes the ball to slow down, and then reverse direction, and start to roll back, in the opposite direction to the one it was rolled in. This is illustrated by Figure 47.

When charging, it is desirable that the flywheel reaches as fast a speed as possible before being released, so that the toy has the maximum achievable kinetic energy stored within it. Any charging source such as an electric motor has a maximum torque and a maximum speed for any given load. Therefore when charging, the flywheel will reach a terminal velocity, and this terminal velocity will decrease as the friction between the flywheel and the enclosure increases. It is therefore desirable to produce a version of the toy, where, regardless of the level of friction introduced between the flywheel and the enclosure whilst rolling, all versions remain in a low friction state whilst charging.

Figures 54 to 66 show three methods of creating a ball that is in a 'low friction' state whilst charging and a higher friction state once the charger is removed. Figure 54 shows the cross section of a charging device. It features a spring 93 loaded motor 94 whose shaft 95 passes through a bearing 96 located by the casing 97, centrally within a locator ring 98a. The locator ring meshes with the inverse feature on the ball 98b so as to ensure accurate alignment of the motor shaft with the centre of the flywheel's axis whilst charging.

Figure 55 shows a cross-section of a 'low' friction ball that can be charged using the charger shown in Figure 54 and which can be adapted, so as to be in a low friction state whilst charging and a higher friction state when the charger is removed. It features a flywheel 99, mounted firmly to an axle 100; the axle passes through a pair of nylon bearings 101 at either end. In this instance nylon bearings are shown, but the following adaptations described would work equally well with other forms of bearing

Figure 56 illustrates how the 'low' friction ball in Figure 55 can be modified to become a ball that is in a low friction state whilst charging and a higher friction state once the charger is removed. The bearing 101 at one end has been replaced by a friction collar 102. Figure 57 shows a close up view of the ball shown in Figure 56. It demonstrates how the charger maintains the ball in a low friction state whilst charging. The outside diameter of the friction collar 102 is less than the outside diameter of the bearing 101 it replaces. The charger 103 features locating points 98a, such as a ring or studs that mesh with the opposite features on the ball 98b. The rotating shaft 95 of the charger fits into a recess104 in the flywheel's axle 100. The rotating shaft of the charger is located accurately within the studs, such that when the charger and ball are meshed together, the charger's shaft holds the friction collar on the axle predominantly out of contact with the outer casing. By spring loading the motor as illustrated in Figure 33 contact can be ensured between the shaft and the axle. By passing the spring loaded motor's shaft through a bearing as shown in Figure 54 accurate location can be ensured.

Figure 58 illustrates how, when the charger is removed, due to gravity acting on the flywheel and shaft, the shaft will pivot within the bearing 101 , until the friction collar 102 makes contact with the outer casing 105. The ball is now in a higher friction state than when the charger was inserted. Figure 59 is a close up view of Figure 58 showing the friction collar 102 making contact with the case 105.

Figure 61 shows another embodiment of a ball that is in a low friction state whilst charging and a higher friction state whist when the charger is removed. One bearing has been removed from a low friction ball similar to that shown in Figure 04. Figure 60 shows, for reference, a low friction ball, identical to that shown in Figure 04. The charger of Figure 54 again serves to hold the charging point 106 central, as in Figure 62 but in this version there is no additional friction material at the charging end. When the charger is removed, the axel pivots about the bearing 101. This twisting motion introduces additional forces and compressed contact areas within bearing 101 and so increases the friction.

In an alternate version shown in Figure 63 a flywheel 107 is mounted on a light spring 108 loaded axle 109. This axle 109 is held within bearings 110 that allow lateral movement, such as sinter bearings. In its resting state the flywheel lies such that a friction plate or point of contact 111 , makes direct contact, or indirect contact via a wear reducing plate112, between it and the outer casing 113. The spring 14 in the spring loaded charger Figure 64 is stronger than the spring 108 inside the ball Figure 63. When the charger Figure 64 is placed against the ball, the charging shaft 115 presses on axle 109, directly or via an interlocking knob 116 which compresses the light spring 108 in the ball allowing the flywheel 107 to move back until the ball bearing 117 hits the end stop118, at which point the spring 114 in the charger would be able to compress. The flywheel is now in a low friction state because the only contact points are the two low friction bearings and only if the flywheel has been pushed all the way to the end stop a ball bearing making a point contact against the end of the shaft.

When the charger is removed, the spring 108 inside the ball, pushes the ball bearing 117 against the end of the flywheel shaft 109, which moves back until it can move no further. At this point the friction plate 111 which is directly connected to the flywheel is in contact with the washer 112 which is pressed against the outside enclosure 113. The item is now in a higher friction state than when charging. The amount of friction between the flywheel and the enclosure can be adjusted by varying the spring tension, the contact area, and the material used.

Figure 65 shows the ball of Figure 63 whilst charging. The friction plate 111 does not make contact with the outer case 113. Figure 66 shows the ball of Figure 65 when the charger is removed. The friction plate 111 is pressed against the outer casing 113 via the washer 112, by the spring 108.

Figures 67 and 68 show views of a charger which is suitable for use in charging the 'high friction' balls that are described above. It features a charging spindle 95 located centrally within a locator ring 98a. The charging spindle is driven by the motor 94. The direction of the motor can be determined by the direction switch 119. Batteries 120 located within the handle 121 power the motor 94 when the switch 122 is pressed. Once the charger is removed from the high friction balls as described above; the friction and torque increases between the flywheel and the ball and hence, over time, the kinetic energy stored within the ball reduces.

After the charger is removed, it is therefore advantageous to maintain the ball in the low friction state for a short predetermined period of time. Thus enabling the user to remove the charger and then, whilst holding a stationary ball in their hand, have enough time to place this ball in the desired position and direction without the energy stored within it significantly reducing. Then, when the friction engages, the ball will then have the maximum achievable torque applied to the outer shell upon release and hence maximise the achievable speed and acceleration from its starting position.

To achieve this desired behaviour, versions of the item were created that feature a delay mechanism. This mechanism maintains the friction inducing components of the charged ball, in a low frictional state position for a predetermined period of time after the charger is removed. After the delay period has elapsed, the friction inducing components within the ball are able to engage, and the ball reverts to its high friction state.

Figure 69 shows a ball with a delay mechanism suitable for maintaining the ball in a low friction state, for a short period of time after the charger has been removed, and then, after the delay period has elapsed, returning the charged ball to a high friction state. It features a flywheel 123 mounted firmly to an axle 124. This axle is mounted within a low friction bearing 125 at one end and by a second bearing 126 on the other side of the flywheel 123 both held in place by the outer casing 127. In this embodiment, the bearing 126 is a ball bearing and is also used to restrict any lateral movement of the axle, whilst still allowing it to freely rotate. Alternatively bearing 126 could be of a similar construction to bearing 125 and then a collar used as shown in Figure 3 to restrict the lateral movement of the axle. A friction plate 128 is mounted firmly to the axle and is pressed upon by the delay plunger 129 under the action of the return spring 130. Inserting a charger into the ball, presses the concealing cap 131 against the delay plunger 129 moving it to a low friction state, when the charger is removed the concealing cap 131 returns to its resting position under the action of spring 132, leaving the delay plunger in it's low friction position. The delay mechanism is held in place within the ball by the retaining housing 133.

Figures 70 to 73 demonstrate the action a ball featuring a delay mechanism as described above. Figure 70 shows the ball in a resting high friction state. The delay plunger 129 is in contact with the friction plate 128 under the action of the return spring 130. The charger 134 is not inserted into the ball. Figure 71 shows the ball charging, in a low friction state, with the charger inserted. The shaft 135 of the charger 134 is spring loaded and able to move into the charger 134 when pressed on by the axle 124. The charger 134 presses on the concealing cap 131 which in turn presses on the delay plunger 129. The delay plunger 129 compresses the spring 130 and moves to a position where it is no longer in contact with the friction plate 128.

Figure 72 shows the charged ball, in a low friction state, with the charger removed. When the charger 134 is removed, the concealing cap 131 returns to its resting state, under the action of the return spring 132. A frictional component exists between the delay plunger 129 and the retaining housing 133 and this restricts the ability of the delay plunger 129 to move when acted upon by spring 130. The delay plunger therefore remains in the position shown, out of contact with the friction plate 128 and so the ball remains in a 'low friction state'.

Figure 73 shows the ball charged ball, still in a low friction state, but nearing the end of the delay period. Under the action of spring 130 acting against the resistance from the retaining housing 133 the delay plunger 129 slowly moves closer to the friction plate 128. Figure 70 also shows the state of a charged ball, after the end of the delay period and in a high friction state.

Figure 74 shows an alternate embodiment of a delayed friction ball. The flywheel 136 is mounted firmly to the shaft 137. The shaft 137 is supported at one end by a low friction bearing 138 held firmly in place by the shell 139 and at the other by a low friction bearing 140 mounted within a moveable plunger 141. A spring 142 acts between the plunger 141 and the shell 139 to ensure the plunger 141 returns to the 'high friction' resting position. An obstructer 143 is attached to the shaft 137 and positioned so as to provide a source of friction between the axle 137 and the shell 139 when the spring 142 is extended. A bush 144 is used to adjust the friction and reduce the wear on the components. A cap 145 is used to partially seal the plunger mechanism to maintain the parts within or act as an air seal, to slow the movement of the plunger 141.

Applying the charger to the axle 137 applies a lateral force which compresses the spring 142 allowing the flywheel 136 axle 137 plunger 141 and obstructer 143 to move. The obstructer 143 is then no longer in contact with the shell 139 and hence no longer providing a source of friction, the ball is therefore in a low friction state. When the charger is removed, the ball remains in a low friction state for the period of time it takes the plunger 141 to move across to a position where the obstructer 143 again engages with the shell 139 via the bush144.

Figure 75 shows a further embodiment of a delayed friction ball. The embodiment in FIG74 allows the flywheel to move within the shell. The flywheel is therefore not in the desired resting position until the end of the delay period. This causes an imbalance to the ball when in a low friction state, the embodiment in FIG75 overcomes this limitation by allowing the axle featuring the obstructer to move laterally within the flywheel. The flywheel and axle are keyed so that they cannot rotate independently of each other.

Applying the charger to the axle 146 compresses the spring 147 allowing the plunger 148 axle 146 and obstructer 149 to move laterally. These components and the flywheel assembly150 are then fee to rotate in a low friction state, being held at either end by a low friction bearings 151 152. When the charger is removed, the spring 147 extends during the delay period and pushes the plunger 148 and axle 146 laterally until the obstructer 149 makes contact with the bearing 152. The ball is then in a high friction state.

Figure 76 illustrates how a small air hole 153 is used to induce a partial vacuum within the chamber 154 as the plunger 155 moves. By varying the size of this hole and the friction and fit between the plunger 155 and chamber 154, the delay period may be adjusted.