Toy launcher for launching toy rollers
By designing a combined structure of a toy roller and a launcher and utilizing the cooperation of a base, an operating rod and a stopper, the problems of directional stability and a single operation mode of toy roller launchers in the prior art are solved, and directional launch and a diversified gaming experience are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480011882.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-10
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing toy roller launchers lack directional stability and cannot be launched by a user's hand-swiping action, resulting in a single gameplay.
A toy roller and launcher combination is designed, including a base, an operating rod, a guide arm and a stopper. The roller movement is restricted by a pivot connection and a guide rail structure, and the launch is achieved by combining a manual operating rod, providing directional stability and diverse play methods.
The directional launch of the toy roller and the diversified game experience are realized, and the fun and convenience of operation of the toy are enhanced.
Smart Images
Figure CN120676996A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a toy launcher for launching a toy roller. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a toy or toy system including the toy launcher and the toy roller. In some embodiments, the toy roller may be a toy pod. The present invention further relates to a toy or toy system including the toy launcher and a combination of a toy pod and a toy figure. Background Art
[0002] Toy launchers for launching toy rollers, for example in the form of balls, are known in the art. Examples are US 1 279 712, US 2 828 964 and US 1 256 575. US 2 816 536 discloses a launcher for annular elements.
[0003] The problem with these prior art examples is that they do not provide directional stability for aiming the toy wheel. Additionally, they do not provide the option of launching the toy wheel using a swiping motion of the user's hand. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these and other problems of the prior art.In addition, it is an object of the present invention to increase the diversity of game play.
[0005] This can be achieved by a toy that includes
[0006] - toy rollers; and
[0007] - a toy launcher configured to launch a toy roller,
[0008] The toy roller includes a toy roller body, which includes
[0009] - two opposing side walls; and
[0010] - a rolling surface connecting the two side walls,
[0011] The toy roller body has a diameter and a first width.
[0012] Among them, toy launchers include
[0013] - a base; and
[0014] - an operating lever pivotally connected to the base at a pivot,
[0015] The base includes
[0016] - pivot body;
[0017] - two parallel arranged guide arms extending from said pivot body portion; and
[0018] - a flat surface defined on the underside of the pivot body portion and the guide arm,
[0019] wherein the guide arm comprises side walls facing each other and spaced apart by a second width,
[0020] wherein the first width of the toy roller is equal to the second width between the side walls of the guide arm, and
[0021] The operating lever has a lower surface configured to engage a rolling surface of a toy roller.
[0022] Each of the two opposing side walls of the toy roller may form a closed surface.
[0023] Two parallel arranged guide arms extend outwardly from the pivot body portion of the base in the direction of launch.
[0024] In one embodiment, the base includes a rear stop that limits rearward movement of the toy roller between the guide arms of the toy launcher.
[0025] As a result, the movement of the toy roller in a direction parallel to the side wall of the base is restricted.
[0026] When the toy roller is pre-inserted into the toy launcher (between the two parallel guide arms) for launching the toy roller from the toy launcher, the toy roller is restricted in movement. The toy roller is restricted in movement in at least a rearward direction (opposite to the launching direction, i.e., toward the pivot body portion of the base).
[0027] Additionally, the toy wheel is prevented from moving too close to the pivot of the operating lever, which would otherwise prevent or restrict ejection of the toy wheel.
[0028] The rear stop may be provided as a front wall of the pivot body portion and extending transversely between the guide arms.
[0029] In one embodiment, the base includes a forward stop that limits forward movement of the toy roller between the guide arms of the toy launcher.
[0030] Forward movement refers to movement in the launch direction, ie, away from the pivotal body portion of the base of the toy launcher.
[0031] With this restriction, the toy roller can abut against the front stopper when not being pressed by the operating lever. When the toy roller is pressed by the operating lever, the toy roller is pushed forward in the launching direction, and the toy roller can pass the front stopper by going over the front stopper or pushing the front stopper away (for example, because the front stopper is elastic).
[0032] Thus, the front stop prevents the toy roller from moving forward in the toy launcher prior to launch.
[0033] In one embodiment, the front stop is provided by a flexible retainer located at the front end of the inner surface of each guide arm.
[0034] In yet another embodiment, the lower surface of the operating lever includes a raised portion at a distal end of the operating lever opposite the pivot axis.
[0035] The projection is oriented downward on the operating lever.
[0036] The raised portion is configured to contact a rolling surface of the toy roller.
[0037] In yet another embodiment, the pivot is disposed below the axis of rotation of the toy roller.
[0038] In yet another embodiment, the pivot is disposed above the lower surface of the base of the toy launcher, less than 1 / 4 of the diameter of the toy roller.
[0039] In yet another embodiment, the pivot is disposed at the rear end of the toy launcher.
[0040] In yet another embodiment, the upper surface of the operating lever is smooth and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the operating lever. Thus, when the toy roller is arranged in the toy launcher, the angle of the upper surface of the operating lever is close to parallel (or at an acute angle) relative to the flat bottom surface of the base, so that the user can easily manually strike the upper surface of the operating lever downward to initiate the launch of the toy roller.
[0041] In yet another embodiment, a handle extends laterally outward from an outer surface of each guide arm of the toy launcher.
[0042] In one embodiment, the toy launcher is configured so that when the toy roller is positioned between two parallel guide arms, at least a portion of the lower surface of the operating lever abuts against the roller surface at a position on the roller surface that is behind the axis of rotation of the toy roller relative to the launch direction.
[0043] Preferably, this is achieved when the toy roller is adjacent to and abuts a rear stop arranged to limit rearward movement of the toy roller.
[0044] Each of the two parallel arranged guide arms has a height.
[0045] The first guide arm has a height. The second guide arm has a height. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the first guide arm is equal to the height of the second guide arm.
[0046] In one embodiment, the height of the first guide arm and the height of the second guide arm are 1 / 2 or less of the diameter of the toy roller. This allows for visual inspection of the roller element when it is located between the guide arms.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, the toy roller is a toy cabin, the toy roller body is a cabin body including a storage space, and the cabin body is provided with a figure retaining device for releasably connecting a toy figure fixed relative to the cabin body inside the storage space.
[0048] In yet another embodiment, the toy further includes a toy figure including a head and a body.
[0049] In yet another embodiment, the pod comprises
[0050] - two opposing side walls;
[0051] - a third wall defining a rolling surface, and
[0052] - an axis of rotation, which is perpendicular to the two side walls,
[0053] Wherein, the storage space is formed between the two opposite side walls and the third wall,
[0054] The non-spherical shape enables directional rolling. Due to the figure holding device, the toy figure can be kept stable relative to the toy cabin.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the rolling surface comprises a cylindrical portion.
[0056] In yet another embodiment, the figure retaining device and toy figure are configured to retain the toy figure such that the rotational axis of the toy compartment extends through the toy figure's body and such that the toy figure's head is adjacent the inwardly facing surface of the third wall.
[0057] Thus, when a toy figure is placed in the toy chamber and the toy chamber is rolled across a surface such as, for example, a floor or tabletop, it may simulate the toy figure doing a cartwheel, front flip, or back flip.
[0058] The two opposing side walls may be planar or include curves.
[0059] The toy figure is shaped like a toy character, such as a toy person, a toy animal or a toy fantasy character. Preferably, the toy figure is a humanoid character.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, the pod comprises two shells that are releasably connected to each other.
[0061] Thus, an efficient way of accessing the storage space in the toy compartment is provided, thereby avoiding additional hatches or doors that increase manufacturing complexity. One aspect of the invention relates to a two-part toy compartment, whereby toy figures can be easily replaced and thus used in other situations.
[0062] In yet another embodiment, the shell sections of the pod may be connected along a circular periphery of each shell section that is parallel to the side walls of the pod.
[0063] Alternatively, the shell parts of the pod may be connected along a peripheral edge of each shell part, wherein the peripheral edge is formed perpendicular to the side walls of the pod.
[0064] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the figure retaining device extends from an inner surface of a side wall of one or both shells of the pod.
[0065] In yet another embodiment thereof, a figure retention device includes a flange having an aperture configured to mate with a body of a toy figure.
[0066] Thereby, the toy figure can be easily slid into the toy compartment to be releasably connected thereto.
[0067] Alternatively, the figure retaining means is formed in the inwardly facing surface of the third wall and is configured to cooperate with a base of the toy figure, the base being opposite the head of the toy figure.
[0068] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the housing portions are identical.
[0069] In yet another embodiment thereof, each housing portion includes at least one first connecting member and at least one second connecting member, and wherein the first connecting member is configured to connect to the second connecting member.
[0070] Alternatively, each housing portion includes at least one first connector, and the toy further includes at least one connector element having two opposing second connectors, and wherein the first connector is configured to connect to the second connector. This allows compatibility with modular construction systems and connection to construction elements other than the components described herein.
[0071] Another aspect is that the interconnectable parts are connected along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel pod. This at least allows for easy insertion.
[0072] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the toy compartment is made of a transparent material.
[0073] In embodiments where the toy compartment includes two shells, one or both shells may have a portion made of a transparent material.
[0074] In one embodiment, both housings are made of transparent material.
[0075] It should be emphasized that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises / comprising / comprised of" are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0076] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0077] Figure 1 showing in perspective view a toy launcher and a toy roller in the form of a toy cabin with a toy figure in a position for launching the toy roller;
[0078] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a toy roller (e.g., a toy cabin) according to the present invention is shown in perspective view;
[0079] Figure 2B Shown in front view Figure 2A Toy roller;
[0080] Figure 3 shows a toy launcher and a toy roller in perspective as seen from the front end of the toy launcher;
[0081] Figure 4 The toy launcher is shown in perspective view without the toy roller;
[0082] Figure 5 A perspective view shows a toy roller in the form of a toy cabin according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a toy figure arranged inside the toy cabin;
[0083] Figure 6 The three-dimensional diagram shows the Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment of the toy roller shows a housing portion of a toy cabin, the housing portion being shown from the inside and having a connecting element for connecting to another housing portion, and a connection for a toy figure inside the housing portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0084] The present invention relates to a toy launcher 100 for launching a toy roller 2. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a toy 1 or a toy system including the toy launcher 100 and the toy roller 2. In some embodiments, the toy roller 2 may be a toy cabin 5. The present invention further relates to a toy 1 or a toy system including the toy launcher 100 and a combination of the toy cabin 5 and a toy figure 20.
[0085] Figure 1 An exemplary first embodiment of a toy launcher 100 and a toy roller 2 is shown, the toy roller 2 being illustrated by a toy compartment 5 with a toy figure 20 disposed within the toy compartment 5 .
[0086] However, in other embodiments, the toy roller 2 may be a simple structure including a toy roller body 3 , for example, in the shape of a disk or a hockey puck, wherein the toy roller body 3 is solid.
[0087] In any case, the toy roller body 3 may include two opposing side walls 11, 12, namely a first side wall 12 and a second side wall. The toy roller body 3 also includes a rolling surface 10, which is formed as an outer surface of a third wall 13 connecting the two side walls 11, 12, for example, when the toy roller 2 is a toy cabin 5.
[0088] like Figure 2B As shown, the toy roller body 3 has a maximum diameter, namely a first diameter D1. In addition, the toy roller body 3 has a maximum width, namely a first width W1. The first width is defined between the outer surfaces of the side walls 11, 12 of the toy roller body.
[0089] The toy roller body 3, and in the embodiment in which the toy roller 2 is a toy cabin 5 having a cabin body 6, is preferably wheel-shaped or disc-shaped, because the toy roller body 3 has a rolling surface 10 that allows the toy roller 2 to roll on a surface such as a floor or a tabletop, and two parallel opposite side surfaces 11, 12.
[0090] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The principle shape of the toy roller 2 is shown, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the toy roller 2 may be a toy cabin 5. The entire rolling surface 10 or preferably at least a portion thereof is cylindrical.
[0091] The two opposing side walls, namely the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, may be planar. However, in other embodiments, they may be slightly curved.
[0092] A rotation axis A is defined perpendicular to the side walls 11 , 12 . The toy roller body 3 comprises a rotational symmetry about the rotation axis A. The rotation axis A further defines an axis of symmetry of the rolling surface 10 .
[0093] The toy launcher 100 includes a base 110 and an operating lever 150. The operating lever 150 is pivotally connected to the base 110 at a hinge or pivot 125.
[0094] The operating lever 150 is configured to provide a squeeze or pinch on the toy roller 2 located in the toy launcher 100 to cause it to be launched.
[0095] The base 110 includes a pivot body portion 120 , two guide arms 131 , 132 and a flat surface.
[0096] A hinge or pivot 125 is provided at the pivot body portion 120 .
[0097] Two guide arms, namely a first guide arm 131 and a second guide arm 132 , extend forward from the pivot body portion 120 .
[0098] The flat surface is defined on the underside of the pivot body portion 120 and the guide arms 131, 132. The flat surface allows the toy launcher 100 to be placed stably on a surface such as a floor or tabletop.
[0099] Now refer to Figure 3 , the two guide arms 131, 132 include mutually facing side walls 141, 142 extending inside each guide arm 131, 132. Therefore, the first side wall 141 is defined as the inwardly facing surface of the first guide arm 131, and the second side wall 142 is defined as the inwardly facing surface of the second guide arm 132.
[0100] The first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 are separated by a second width W2. Figure 3 shown.
[0101] The guide rail 130 is formed between the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 , and thus between the first guide arm 131 and the second guide arm 132 .
[0102] The first width W1 of the toy roller 2 is equal to the second width W2 between the side walls 141 , 142 of the guide arms 131 , 132 , that is, W1 = W2 .
[0103] As mentioned above, the operating lever 150 is pivotally connected at a hinge or pivot 125 formed in the pivot body portion 120 of the base. Figure 1 As shown, pivot axis B is defined at hinge or pivot 125 .
[0104] The operating lever 150 is elongated and has a proximal end 152 adjacent the pivot 125 and a distal end 151 opposite the pivot 125 .
[0105] The lower surface 160 is provided on the lower side of the operating lever 150. The lower surface 160 is configured to engage the rolling surface 10 of the toy roller 2.
[0106] Upper surface 170 is provided on the side facing upward of operating rod 150. Upper surface 170 is configured to engage with the user's hand. For this purpose, upper surface 170 can be smooth. In addition, the width of upper surface 170 can be increased relative to the main portion of elongated operating rod 150.
[0107] Figure 1 A toy roller 2 (in the form of a toy chamber 5 with a toy figure 20 disposed therein) is shown positioned within a toy launcher 100. In this instance, by pressing down on an operating lever 150 via an upper surface 170, the toy roller 2 is squeezed between a lower surface 160 of the operating lever 150 and the surface on which the toy roller 2 and the toy launcher 100 are positioned. Thus, the toy roller 2 can be launched from the toy launcher 100 along the surface on which the toy roller 2 and the toy launcher 100 are positioned, causing the toy roller 2 to rotate / spin as it moves along the surface.
[0108] The base 110 of the toy launcher 100 , which has a flat lower surface, provides a platform for the launcher to rest on a surface, such as a floor or tabletop.
[0109] The base 110 of the toy launcher 100 , which has two parallel guide arms 131 , 132 (interacting with the side walls 11 , 12 of the toy roller 2 ), prevents the toy roller 2 from moving sideways before and during launch.
[0110] The spaced-apart parallel guide arms 131 , 132 also allow the toy roller 2 to rest on a surface before and during its launch.
[0111] The guide rail 130 provided by the spaced-apart parallel guide arms 131 , 132 further ensures “directional” launch / movement of the toy roller 2 .
[0112] The lower surface 160 includes a main surface 163 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the operating rod 150 and a distal convex surface 161. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the major surface 163 of the lower surface 160 first engages the rolling surface 10 of the toy roller 2, thereby generating a large force on the toy roller 2. When the toy roller 2 begins to move forward (away from the pivot 125) due to the large force, the convex surface 161 of the lower surface 160 of the operating lever 150 generates a downward force on the rearmost portion of the toy roller 2, thereby causing a backward rotation.
[0113] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first guide arm of the toy launcher 100 may include an upper extension 131 ′. The second guide arm 132 may also include an upper extension 132 ′. The upper extensions 131 ′, 132 ′ provide further lateral stability to the toy roller 2 before and during launch from the toy launcher 100, thereby providing a stable orientation for the toy roller 2 after launch.
[0114] Also like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the guide arms 131, 132 can be provided with handles 180. The handles 180 extend laterally outward from the outer surface of each guide arm 131, 132. During the launch process, the handles 180 can provide a better grip on the toy launcher 100, thereby improving aiming.
[0115] As in Figure 4 As best seen in FIG, the toy launcher 100 preferably includes a rear stop 115 configured to limit rearward movement of the toy roller 2 when the toy roller 2 is loaded into or positioned in the guide rail 130 of the toy launcher 100. The rear stop 115 is disposed in the base 110 of the toy launcher 100. The rear stop 115 is preferably provided by a front wall 121 of the pivot body portion 120 that extends laterally between the guide arms 131, 132.
[0116] Thus, the rear stopper 115 prevents the toy roller 2 from moving too close to the pivot 125 , which may prevent or limit the ejection of the toy roller 2 .
[0117] As in Figure 4 As best seen in FIG, the base 110 of the toy launcher 100 can be provided with a front stop 145. The front stop 145 is intended to limit forward movement of the toy roller 2 before and during launch when the toy roller 2 is positioned between the guide arms 131, 132 of the toy launcher 100. The front stop provides a forward limit that prevents the toy roller 2 from rolling out of the guide rails 130 on its own.
[0118] In the context of the present application, restriction means that the toy roller 2 can abut against the front stopper when not being squeezed by the operating lever, but when being squeezed by the operating lever, the toy roller can pass the front stopper by going over the front stopper or pushing the front stopper away (for example, because the front stopper is elastic).
[0119] Furthermore, when the operating lever 150 is depressed to cause the toy roller 2 to be launched, the front stopper 145 breaks the lower portion of the toy roller 2 , thereby causing the toy roller 2 to rotate forward.
[0120] In some embodiments, the front stop 145 is provided by a set of flexible retainers 147, 148 located at the front end of the inner surface 141, 142 of each guide arm 131, 132. One flexible retainer 147 is located at the front end of the inner sidewall / surface 141 of the first guide arm 131, and one flexible retainer 148 is located at the front end of the inner sidewall / surface 142 of the second guide arm 132. The flexible retainers 147, 148 are preferably made of a resilient, soft, pliable polymer material.
[0121] Likewise Figure 1 As best shown, the pivot 125 is preferably positioned below the axis of rotation A of the toy roller 2 .
[0122] Preferably, the pivot 125 is disposed above the lower surface of the base 110 of the toy launcher 100 , less than ¼ of the diameter of the toy roller 2 .
[0123] As also described above, in some embodiments, the toy roller 2 can be a toy cabin 5. In this case, the toy roller body 3 corresponds to the cabin 6. The cabin 6 differs from the solid toy roller body 3 in that the cabin 6 includes a storage space 30 and is provided with a figure retaining device 40 for releasably connecting to a toy figure 20 fixed relative to the cabin 6 within the storage space 30.
[0124] Therefore, in some embodiments, the toy 1 further comprises a toy figure 20. In a simple version, the toy figure 20 comprises a head 21 and a body 22.
[0125] The toy cabin 5 comprises a cabin body 6. The cabin body 6 is preferably wheel-shaped or disc-shaped, in that the cabin body 6 has a rolling surface 10 that allows the toy cabin 5 to roll on the surface, and two opposite side surfaces 11, 12 arranged in parallel.
[0126] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Shown Figure 1 The schematic shape of the toy cabin 5 of the first embodiment is shown. The wheel-shaped cabin body 6 includes two opposing side walls, namely a first side wall 11 and a second side wall 12, and a third wall 13. The outer surface of the third wall 13 defines the rolling surface 10 of the toy cabin 5. The entire rolling surface 10, or preferably at least a portion thereof, is cylindrical.
[0127] The rolling surface 10 defined by the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13 is configured to allow the toy capsule to be rolled on a surface such as a floor or a tabletop.
[0128] The rolling surface 10 defined by the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13 may be cylindrical.
[0129] Two opposing side walls, ie, a first side wall 11 and a second side wall 12 , are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by a certain distance.
[0130] The two opposing side walls, namely the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, may be planar. However, in other embodiments, they may be slightly curved.
[0131] The third wall 13 connects the outer peripheries of the opposing side walls 11 , 12 to each other.
[0132] A rotation axis A is defined perpendicular to the side walls 11 , 12 . The pod 6 comprises a rotational symmetry about the rotation axis A. The rotation axis A further defines an axis of symmetry of at least the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13 , whereby the rolling surface 10 is provided.
[0133] Now refer to Figure 2B , the cabin body 6 of the toy cabin 5 has a maximum width W1 and a maximum diameter D1.
[0134] The wheel-shaped cabin body 6 of the toy cabin 5 encloses a storage space 30 .
[0135] The storage space 30 is formed between the two opposing side walls (the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 ) and the inner surface of the third wall 13 .
[0136] Preferably, the storage space 30 of the compartment 6 of the toy compartment 5 is designed with respect to the size of the toy figure 20 so that the entire toy figure 20 can be located within the inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall 13 of the compartment 6 .
[0137] Preferably, the size of the storage space 30 of the compartment body 6 of the toy compartment 5 relative to the toy figure 20 is further designed such that the entire toy figure can be located in the storage space 30 between the two opposite side walls 11 , 12 .
[0138] The housing 6 of the toy compartment 5 preferably includes access that allows a user to place a toy figure into the storage space of the toy compartment 5. Such access can simply be opened through one of the side walls 11, 12 (not shown). In other embodiments not shown, access to the storage space can be provided by a hatch-like opening through one of the walls of the housing (i.e., the first side wall 11, the second side wall 12, or the third side wall 13). In such embodiments, the hatch-like opening will include a hatch or door, thereby allowing the user to close access to the storage space 30.
[0139] However, in a preferred embodiment, the pod 6 of the toy pod 5 is formed from two housing portions, namely a first housing portion 14 and a second housing portion 15. The two housing portions are preferably interconnectable, such that when the two housing portions are connected to each other, a pod 6 as described above is provided. The toy figure 20 can be placed between the two housing portions, which can then be connected to each other. Once assembled, the toy figure 20 and toy pod 5 combination can be rotated together.
[0140] Preferably, the two housing parts are releasably connected to each other so that once the two housing parts are connected to each other, they can still be separated or disassembled. Thus, a user can replace the toy figures 20 in the toy box 5.
[0141] The figures show a first example of such a toy cabin 5 , wherein the cabin body 6 comprises two shell parts, namely a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15 , and wherein the shell parts divide the cabin body 6 along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A.
[0142] Thus, the shell parts 14 , 15 of the pod 6 may be connected along a circular outer circumference 18 of the shell parts 14 , 15 .
[0143] In an embodiment not shown, a toy cabin 5 can be provided in which the cabin body 6 comprises two shell parts, namely a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15. In this second example, the shell parts divide the cabin body 6 along a plane containing the axis of rotation A.
[0144] In any of the above embodiments, the cabin preferably includes a figure holding device 40 for holding the toy figure 20 in a fixed position relative to the cabin 6 within the storage space 30 and releasably connected thereto. Thus, when the user rotates the toy cabin, the toy figure 20 will rotate with the toy cabin.
[0145] Preferably, at least a portion of the housing 6 of the toy chamber 5 is transparent so that the toy figures 20 located within the toy chamber 5 can be identified from the outside. For example, one or both of the side walls 11, 12 can be provided with an opening (not shown) to allow a user to view the toy figures within the toy chamber 5. If such an opening is large enough, the toy figures can be seen rotating with the toy chamber 5 when the toy chamber is rolled over a surface.
[0146] In other (also not shown) embodiments, such openings in the side walls may be provided with covers made of a transparent material, thereby allowing viewing of toy figures placed in the toy compartment 5 .
[0147] In other (not shown) embodiments, the third wall or portions thereof may alternatively or additionally be made of a transparent material, thereby allowing viewing of the toy figures placed in the toy compartment 5 .
[0148] In a preferred embodiment, in which the pod 6 is formed from interconnectable housing parts 11 , 12 as described above, one of the housings may be formed from a transparent material.
[0149] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, both housing portions 11 , 12 may be formed of a transparent material.
[0150] Preferably, the toy figure 20 resembles a character. The toy figure has a body 21 and a head 22 extending from the body 21.
[0151] The figure retaining device 40 and the toy figure 20 are configured to retain the toy figure 20 in a position with the rotation axis A extending through the body 21 of the toy figure 20 such that the head 22 of the toy figure 20 is adjacent the inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall 13 .
[0152] Preferably, the toy figure 20 is a humanoid figure having a body 21, a head 22 extending from the body 21, and legs 23 extending from the body 21 opposite the head 22. The toy figure's body 21 has a front and a back, and sides connecting the front and back. The toy figure 20 may also include arms 25 extending from the sides of the body 21.
[0153] In some embodiments (not shown), in which the toy figure 20 is a humanoid toy figure 20, the figure retaining device 40 is configured to retain the toy figure 20 so that the rotation axis A of the toy chamber 5 extends perpendicular to the front and back of the body 21 of the toy figure 20. Thus, when the toy figure 20 is placed in the toy chamber 5 and the toy chamber 5 is rolled on a surface such as a floor or a tabletop, it can simulate the toy figure 20 doing a cartwheel.
[0154] In some embodiments, and as Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 As shown, where the toy figure 20 is a humanoid toy figure 20, the figure holding device 40 is arranged to hold the toy figure 20 so that the rotation axis A of the toy chamber 5 extends perpendicular to the sides of the body 21 of the toy figure 20 (and parallel to the front and back of the body 21). Thus, when the toy figure 20 is placed in the toy chamber 5 and the toy chamber 5 rolls on a surface such as a floor or a tabletop, it can imitate the toy figure 20 doing a front flip or a back flip.
[0155] It will be appreciated that both housing portions 14, 15 are formed from a transparent material. However, it will also be appreciated that only one of the housing portions 14, 15 may be made from a transparent material.
[0156] In addition, and as Figure 6 As shown, in this case, the figure retaining means 40 may be provided by a flange 41 extending from at least the inner surface 16 of the side walls 11, 12 of one or both of the housing parts 14, 15. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, a flange 41 also extends from the inner surface 17 of the third wall 13. A hole 42 is provided in the flange 41. Figure 4 As shown, the aperture 42 is sized to fit snugly around the body 21 of the toy figure 20 .
[0157] The toy figure 20 and the interior dimensions of the storage space 30 of the pod 6 may also be configured so that a surface of the toy figure 20 will be held in place in the storage space, such as by abutment between a surface of the toy figure 20 and the interior surfaces 16 , 17 of the storage space 30 .
[0158] The housing parts 14 , 15 may further comprise a connection 50 for allowing a releasable interconnection of the two housing parts 14 , 15 .
[0159] In some (not shown) embodiments, the circular periphery 18 may be shaped to have mating connectors.
[0160] In a preferred embodiment, and as e.g. Figure 6 As shown, the two housing parts (first housing part 14 and second housing part 15) are identical and are each provided with at least one first connecting member 51. The first housing part 14 and the second housing part 15 can then be connected using a connecting member 53 comprising two second connecting members 52.
[0161] like Figure 6 As shown, the first connection member 51 on the housing parts 14, 15 can be a pipe connection member 51, which is arranged in cooperation with the second connection member 52 provided on the connection element 53. In the embodiment shown, the connection element 53 is a pin-type connection element, which has two pin-type second connection members 52 arranged along a common axis and separated by a circular flange. The second connection member 52 is configured to snap into the pipe of the first connection member.
[0162] It will be appreciated that in other (not shown) embodiments, the interacting first and second connectors 51 may be formed directly in the housing parts 14 , 15 , rather than providing the second connector on a separate connecting element 53 .
[0163] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown, each housing part 14, 15 includes six first connectors 51 of the pipe connector type, which are formed along the outer circumference 18 of the housing part and extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the toy chamber 5. In the example shown, the first connectors 51 are divided into two groups of three, which are arranged radially opposite each other along the outer circumference 18 of the housing parts 14, 15.
[0164] The six first connectors 15 allow for variations in the connection of the two housing parts 14, 15. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments fewer or more first connectors may be used.
[0165] It should also be understood that in addition to the described mating tube and plug type connectors, other types of first connectors 51 and second connectors 52 may be used.
[0166] Any and all of the above elements that make up the present invention may be made of plastic.Any and all of the plastic elements may be formed by an injection molding process.
[0167] It should be noted that the drawings and the above description have shown the exemplary embodiments in a simplified and schematic manner. Many specific mechanical details are not shown, as those skilled in the art would be familiar with such details and would only unnecessarily complicate the description. For example, the specific materials used and the specific injection molding procedures are not described in detail, as it is assumed that those skilled in the art will be able to identify suitable materials and processes for manufacturing containers according to the present invention.
[0168] Parts List
[0169] A. Axis of rotation of the toy wheel / toy chamber
[0170] B Pivot axis of the toy launcher
[0171] D1 Diameter of the toy cabin D1 W1 The first width / width of the toy cabin W2 Second width / width between the side walls of the guide arm of the toy launcher
[0172] 1 Toy
[0173] 2 toy wheels
[0174] 3. Toy roller body
[0175] 5 Toy Cabin
[0176] 6 cabin / wheel cabin
[0177] 7 Combination of toy cabin and toy doll
[0178] 10 Rolling surface of cabin
[0179] 11 (First) side wall of the cabin
[0180] 12 (Second) side wall of the cabin
[0181] 13 The third wall of the cabin
[0182] 14 (First) shell part of the cabin
[0183] 15 (Second) shell part of the cabin
[0184] 16 Inner surface of the side wall of the tank
[0185] 17 Inner surface of the third wall of the hull
[0186] 18 Circular perimeter / circular perimeter edge / rim
[0187] 20 toy dolls
[0188] 21 Toy figure's head
[0189] 22 Toy figure's body
[0190] 23 Toy figure's legs
[0191] 24 Toy figure's feet
[0192] 25 Toy figure's arm
[0193] 30 Storage Space for Toys
[0194] 40 Doll holding device
[0195] 41 flange
[0196] 42 holes
[0197] 45 spacers
[0198] 46 Frame
[0199] 50 Connectors / connecting devices
[0200] 51 First connecting piece
[0201] 52 Second connecting piece
[0202] 53 Connecting elements
[0203] 100 Toy Launcher
[0204] 110 Toy Launcher Base
[0205] 115 rear stop
[0206] 120 pivot main body
[0207] 121 Front wall of pivot main body
[0208] 125 Pivot
[0209] 130 Guide rail formed between guide arms
[0210] 131 Guide arm, first guide arm
[0211] 131' Upper extension of the first guide arm
[0212] 132 Guide arm, second guide arm
[0213] 132' Upper extension of the second guide arm 141 Inner sidewall of guide arm / Inner surface of guide arm / Inner sidewall of first guide arm / / Inner surface of first guide arm
[0214] 141' Upper extension of the inner side wall of the first guide arm 142 Inner side wall of guide arm / inner surface of guide arm / inner side wall of second guide arm / inner surface of second guide arm
[0215] 142' Upper extension of the inner side wall of the second guide arm
[0216] 145 front stop
[0217] 147 Flexible retainer at the front end of the inner side wall / surface of the first guide arm
[0218] 148 Flexible retainer at the front end of the inner side wall / surface of the second guide arm
[0219] 150 Operating lever for toy launcher
[0220] 151 The distal end of the operating lever of a toy launcher, opposite the pivot
[0221] 152 The proximal end of the operating lever of a toy launcher, adjacent to the pivot
[0222] 160 The lower surface of the operating rod of a toy launcher
[0223] 161 Convex surface of the lower surface of the operating rod of a toy launcher 163 The main surface of the lower surface of the operating rod of a toy launcher, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the operating rod
[0224] 170 Upper surface of the operating lever of a toy launcher
[0225] 180 handle
Claims
1. A toy (1), comprising: - a toy roller (2); and - a toy launcher (100) configured to launch the toy roller (2), Wherein, the toy roller (2) includes a toy roller body (3), and the toy roller body (3) includes - two opposing side walls (11, 12); and - a rolling surface (10) connecting the two side walls (11, 12), The toy roller body (3) has a diameter (D1) and a first width (W1). Wherein, the toy launcher (100) includes - a base (110); and - an operating lever (150) pivotally connected to said base (110) at a pivot (125), Wherein, the base (110) includes - a pivot body portion (120); - two parallel arranged guide arms (131, 132) extending from the pivot body portion (120); and - a flat surface defined on the underside of the pivot body portion (120) and the guide arms (131, 132), The guide arms (131, 132) include side walls (141, 142) facing each other and spaced apart by a second width (W2). wherein the first width (W1) of the toy roller (2) is equal to the second width (W2) between the side walls (141, 142) of the guide arms (131, 132), and The operating rod (150) has a lower surface (160) configured to engage the rolling surface (10) of the toy roller (2).
2. The toy (1) according to claim 1, wherein Each of the two opposite side walls (11, 12) of the toy roller (2) forms a closed surface.
3. A toy (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base (110) includes a rear stop (115) that limits rearward movement of the toy roller (2) between the guide arms (131, 132) of the toy launcher (100).
4. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The base (110) includes a front stop (145) that limits forward movement of the toy roller (2) between the guide arms (131, 132) of the toy launcher (100).
5. The toy (1) according to claim 4, wherein The front stop (145) is provided by a flexible retainer (147, 148) located at the front end of the inner surface (141, 142) of each guide arm (131, 132).
6. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The lower surface (160) of the operating lever (150) includes a raised portion (161) at a distal end (151) of the operating lever opposite the pivot (125).
7. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The pivot (125) is arranged to be lower than the rotation axis (A) of the toy roller (2).
8. The toy (1) according to claim 6, wherein The pivot (125) is arranged above the lower surface of the base (110) of the toy launcher (100) and is lower than 1 / 4 of the diameter of the toy roller (2).
9. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The pivot (125) is provided at the rear end of the toy launcher (100).
10. The toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The upper surface (170) of the operating rod (160) is smooth and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the operating rod (150).
11. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: A handle (180) extends laterally outward from an outer surface of each guide arm (131, 132) of the toy launcher (100).
12. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The toy launcher (100) is configured such that when the toy roller (2) is placed between the two parallel guide arms (131, 132), at least a portion of the lower surface of the operating lever (150) abuts against the roller surface (10) at a position on the roller surface (10) that is behind the rotation axis of the toy roller (2) relative to the launching direction.
13. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The two parallel-arranged guide arms (131, 132) have a height, and the height is 1 / 2 or less of the diameter of the toy roller (2).
14. A toy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The toy roller (2) is a toy cabin (5), the toy roller body (3) is a cabin (6) including a storage space (30), and the cabin (6) is provided with a figure retaining device (40), and the figure retaining device (40) is used to releasably connect a toy figure (20) fixed relative to the cabin (6) inside the storage space (30).
15. The toy (1) according to claim 14, further comprising a toy figure (20), the toy figure (20) comprising a head (21) and a body (22).
Citation Information
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