Hello Indiegogo community!  We'd like to welcome you to our second crowdfunding adventure.  For our first crowdfunding campaign we asked the question “Why call it a top when you spin it on its bottom?” And with that we brought you the Janus Top. A multi-metal, precision CNC machined spinning top with ceramic bearing balls on the bottom and top.

While contemplating designs for tops with unique characteristics, we were reminded of one of our favorites, the Tippe Top. A top that “magically” flips itself over on to its top! So we designed a few...

THE DESIGN

While a majority of tops are designed for stability, and to have minimal friction on its lower contact point, the Tippe Top relies on precession and friction to make its transition from its bottom to its top. The laws of physics dictate the design of the Tippe Top. The bell is a perfect sphere. The center of gravity of the fully assembled top is actually below the geometric center of the sphere. Once the Tippe Top is spun, precession and friction take over to “make the magic happen”.  Each top is just under 1 inch (25mm) in diameter, and just shy of 1.2 inches (30.5mm) tall.

To add an element of “edutainment” we are offering our Tippe Top in a variety of material combinations. The differences in weight and center of mass location of each combination give a unique feel as well as a noticeable “attitude” to each Tippe Top.

Why magnesium and titanium stems?  We are offering these two stem choices to give you the opportunity to experience how a slight change in the weight and overall center of mass of the Tippe Top effects its motion. The lighter magnesium stem provides a few advantages over the titanium stem. It gives any given top a lower combined weight, making it easier to reach a higher rotational velocity.  It also alters the moment of inertia of the top, which allows it to accelerate more quickly, and potentially spin longer.  Generally, a Tippe Top with a Magnesium stem will be easier to get to flip. The titanium stem is offered as a means to challenge the spinner. The titanium also has a beautiful color, and complements each of the other metals very well. 

THE FUN  

With multiple Tippe Tops, you can challenge your friends and colleagues.  See who can get their top to flip over the fastest, or spin the longest on the stem. The challenge is magnified with the heavier materials.

TOP SELECTION

For the Tippe Top to flip, it must reach a critical rotational speed. The lighter the top, the easier it is to get it up to speed. The heavier Tippe Tops require more initial torque to get them to their critical flipping speed. For this reason, the heavier Tippe Tops provide an additional challenge. The stems are offered in 2 materials. Magnesium and Titanium. The Tippe Tops have been designed to work with a stem that is made of a material that is of a lower density than the bell.

The Nickel Tippe Top is one of our favorites. The bright silver finish reflects sunlight in such a way which allows you to see the colors of the rainbow on the top.

The Titanium Tippe Top is our choice for those that wish to carry the top in their pocket. The beautiful matte finish holds up very well to constant contact with other metallic objects that might be in your pockets, such as keys, coins, or other tops.

The appeal of the Aluminum Tippe Top is its light weight.  It requires the least amount of torque to get up to speed, making it the easiest Tippe Top to get to flip.

The Copper Tippe Top is the heaviest top, and is the most rewarding Tippe Top to tip.  Its unique color and weight make it a pleasure to hold, and a joy to spin.

Weight of Tippe Top Components (averages):

• Magnesium Stem - 2g
• Titanium Stem - 4.8g

• Aluminum Sphere - 7.3g
• Titanium Sphere - 12.7g
• Bronze Sphere - 21.5g
• Stainless Steel Sphere - 21.6g
• Nickel Sphere - 23g
• Brass Sphere - 23.7g
• Copper Sphere - 24.7g

• Bronze Carrier - 19.4g
• Titanium Carrier - 12.2g
• Stainless Stand - 23.2g

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS!!

REWARDS/ ADD-ONS

We want each of our backers to take their Tippe Top with them and to be sure that it will always be easily deployed, yet securely retained. To achieve this we designed a Tippe Top Carrier that attaches to your key ring. A stainless steel pin and split ring provides the key ring connection, while three (3) abrasion resistant o-rings keep the Tippe Top in place. Simply pull the Tippe Top out when needed, and push it back into the carrier for safe keeping. The carrier is being offered in titanium and bronze.

We are offering a limited number of Premium Polished Sets. Backers can choose to pledge for the Polished Titanium Tippe Top Set, which includes one mirror polished Titanium Tippe Top with a mirror polished Titanium Carrier. As a special bonus, each of these premium sets will include one stainless steel Tippe Top Stand. The Tippe Tops and the Carriers included with these sets will be polished to a mirror finish; giving them a unique look of sophistication, luxury, and elegance.

TIPPE TOP STAND

For those moments that you may want to showcase your Tippe Tops, we have designed a Tippe Top Stand that will elegantly display your Tippe Top in either the upright, or inverted position.  The stand is machined from solid stainless steel, which complements each of the metals in the Tippe Top collection.  The spherical recess perfectly matches the shape of the Tippe Top.

STRETCH GOALS:

When we reach $4,000 in funding, each reward level that includes at least one (1) Tippe Top will also include one black spherical Tippe Top holder and o-ring!  See Update #2 for more pictures. Extra spherical Tippe Top holders will be available as add-ons for $5 each, once the funding goal of $4,000 is reached.

BACKERKIT - ADD TO YOUR REWARD

We will be using BackerKit for the fulfillment process. Once the campaign is over, you will be able to manage your pledge using BackerKit.   BackerKit will provide you with the options to increase your pledge amount to receive additional Tippe Tops, Carriers and/ or Stands.  You will also be able to manage your mailing address.

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

In this fast paced world, filled with amazing technology that can fit in your pocket or can be worn around your wrist, we too often become consumed with the things that are displayed on these little devices.  At Knolan we believe that people should be engaged with the world and people that surround us.  We strive to make products that will be a conversation starter where ever you may find yourself.  Instead of reaching for a phone or a tablet to entertain yourself or your children, reach for an object that will withstand the test of time, and never need charging.

The designs for the Tippe Top, the key chain carrier, and the stand are all finalized.  Small batches of each of the components have been produced by the machine shop that will handle the full production run.  With your support we will be able to place minimum quantities orders of material, and machined goods.  Help us bring the Tippe Top to the masses.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our project, and we hope you become a backer.

- Derek and Pete