|
 |
| Yomega Gemini Gyro, version 2 |
| Exhibit #3918 |
 |
|
| Type | Production |
| Shape | Modified |
| Axle | Transaxle - Plastic |
| Color | Blue/clear |
| Packaging | Bubble Carded |
| Construction | Multi-piece plastic |
| Response | Starburst |
| Gap | Fixed |
| Condition | Mint |
| Date | 1991 |
| Owner | Rick Brough |
| Compare |  |
|
|
The Yomega Gemini Gyro, version 1, was two toys in one: a yo-yo and a spin top. The yo-yo was nearly identical to the Outrageous Yo/Fireball in body shape and transaxle system. The main difference was that the center of the face of each halve had a hole to accommodate the installation of the Power Converter. This "handle" let you use one of the halves as a spin top. (The Package front, small image appears slightly out of focus due to the large A-Frame packaging.)
The packaging used for this second version is the largest and bulkiest ever made for just a yo-yo.
By the time the Gemini Gyro released about 1990-1991, it was cover by the following two US patents:
• US patent 4,895,547 -- Initial application filed January 27, 1989 by Leonard R Amaral for "A high performance yo-yo displays extended spinning time and is easy to use even by a beginner. The yo-yo includes two yo-yo halves connected by the axle. A spool formed from low friction polymeric material is mounted for free rotation on the axle and the yo-yo string is attached to the spool. When the yo-yo spins, the axle rotates freely within the spool. The axial play of the spool on the axle and the space between the yo-yo halves adjacent the spool are subject to certain critical values which provide the yo-yo with its desirable operating characteristics."
Patent was granted January 23, 1990. The current status of the patent is Expired - Lifetime. This is the plastic transaxle bearing system made famous by Yomega in their Gemini Gyro, Outrageous Yo, and Fireball models.
• US patent 5,017,172 -- Initial application filed January 16, 1990 by Seifert C Vaughn for a "Convertible yo-yo and top -- A yo-yo is provided with a construction by which it may be converted easily and quickly to a high performance surface spinning top. After detaching Zone of the yo-yo halves from the axle of the yo-yo, one of the yo-yo halves from the axle of the yo-yo, a spindle is attached to the center of the detached yo-yo half. Means are provided for defining a nib at the opposite face of the detached yo-yo half. The yo-yo string, which will have been removed from the axle may be used as a pull string to be wrapped around the spindle to impart acceleration to the top. The other part of the yo-yo including the other half and the axle are rotatably and telescopically engageable with the end of the spindle to stabilize the position and attitude of the top while it is accelerated. After acceleration, the stabilizer is easily withdrawn thus leaving the top to spin free on supporting surface."
Patent was granted May 21, 1991. The current status of the patent is Expired - Fee Related.
Like the Outrageous Yo / Fireball, the Gemini Gyro, version 2, was molded with four internal cross-ribs. Early Yomega transaxle yo-yos are easily identified by the use of these cross-ribs. Yomega eventually eliminated the cross-ribs from their molds sometime in the mid 1990s.
Original retail price: $10 US.
Compare the following:
• Gemini Gyro, version 1
• Gemini Gyro, version 2
• Gemini Gyro, version 3 | |
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
