Top spinning aid

Abstract

A structure to aid in spinning a top in a precise location on a base includes a first portion such as one or more walls that are laterally spaced from the top and engage the base, a second portion such as a roof that extends over the top, and a vertical axle that projects downwardly from the second portion to enter a hole in a central axis of the top.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of spinning a top at a precise desired location on a base, the method comprising:
 providing a top having a hole in a central axis of the top;   winding a string around the top with one end of the string exposed;   providing a structure having a first portion that is laterally spaced from the top and a second portion that extends over the top, the structure having a downwardly projecting axle;   positioning the structure over the top;   pressing the structure downwardly against the base so that the first portion contacts the base at three or more non-collinear places, the axle is located in the hole, and the top contacts the base at the desired location; and   while maintaining downward pressure on the structure and holding the structure stationary, pulling the exposed end of the string away from the top to cause the top to spin.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising:
 after the string has unwound and separated from the top, lifting the structure away from the spinning top.   
     
     
         3 . A structure to aid in spinning a top in a precise location on a base comprising:
 a first portion engages the base at three or more non-collinear places that are laterally spaced from the location where the top is to be located;   a second portion that extends away from the first portion over the location where the top is to be located; and   a vertical axle that projects downwardly from the second portion to enter a hole in a central axis of the top.   
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein:
 the first portion comprises one or more walls; and 
 the second portion comprises a roof connected to the one or more walls. 
 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein one or more of the walls or roof is flat. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein:
 the first portion comprises one or more curved walls; and 
 the second portion comprises a roof connected to the one or more walls. 
 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein the first and second portions comprise portions of a curved shell. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein said vertical axle is adjustable in height to accommodate tops of different heights. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein said vertical axle is set in a low friction bearing to reduce friction in use. 
     
     
         10 . A structure to aid in spinning a top in a precise location comprising:
 a wall;   a roof extending laterally from said wall; and   a vertical axle projecting downward from said roof to enter a hole in a central axis of the top.   
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 10  comprising two walls that support said roof on two sides. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 10  comprising multiple walls that support said roof on multiple sides. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 10  wherein said wall is curved in plan view partially surrounding said top. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 10  wherein said vertical axle is adjustable in height to accommodate tops of different heights. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 10  wherein said vertical axle is set in a low friction bearing to reduce friction in use. 
     
     
         16 . A structure to aid in spinning a top in a precise location on a base below the top, the structure comprising:
 a shell, partially surrounding the top and extending from the base; and   a vertical axle projecting downward from said shell to enter a hole in a central axis of the top.   
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 16  wherein said vertical axle is adjustable in height to accommodate tops of different heights. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 16  wherein said vertical axle is set in a low friction bearing to reduce friction in use.