Toy launcher for launching a toy roller
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024711178
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-10
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing toy launchers lack directional stability for aiming toy rollers and do not allow for launching using a slamming motion of the user's hand, limiting playing options.
A toy launcher design featuring a base with pivotally connected lever and guide arms, which limits movement of the toy roller to ensure directional stability and allows for launching via a slamming motion by engaging the roller's surface, incorporating a backstop and detent mechanism for controlled ejection.
Enhances directional control and variety of playing options by providing stable and controlled launching of toy rollers, enabling users to aim and launch with precision using a slamming motion.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024056328_19092024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TOY LAUNCHER FOR LAUNCHING A TOY ROLLER
[0002] The present invention relates to toy launcher for launching a toy roller. Further, the invention relates to a toy or toy system comprising a toy launcher and a toy roller. In some embodiments the toy roller may be a toy pod. The invention also relates to a toy or toy system comprising a toy launcher and a combination of toy pod and a toy figurine.
[0003] Background of the invention
[0004] Toy launchers for launching toy rollers in the form of e.g. 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 a ring shaped element.
[0005] A problem of these prior art examples are that they do not provide directional stability for aiming the toy roller. Further, they do not provide the option of launching a toy roller using a slamming motion of the user hand.
[0006] Summary of the invention
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome these and other problems of the prior art. Further, it is an object of the invention to increase the variety of playing options.
[0008] This may be achieved by a toy comprising
[0009] - a toy roller; and
[0010] - a toy launcher configured for launching the toy roller, wherein the toy roller comprises a toy roller body, the toy roller body comprising
[0011] - two opposed sidewalls; and
[0012] - a rolling surface connecting the two sidewalls, wherein the toy roller body has a diameter, and a first width, wherein the toy launcher comprises
[0013] - a base; and
[0014] - a lever pivotally connected to the base at a pivot, wherein the base comprises
[0015] - a pivot body part;
[0016] - two parallelly arranged guide arms extending from said pivot body part; and
[0017] - a planar surface defined on a lower side of said pivot body part and said guide arms, wherein the guide arms comprises mutually facing side walls spaced apart by a second width, wherein the first width of the toy roller and the second width between the side walls of the guide arms are equal, and wherein the lever has a lower surface configured for engaging the rolling surface of the toy roller.
[0018] Each of the two opposed sidewalls of the toy roller may form a closed surface.
[0019] The two parallelly arranged guide arms extend outward from the pivot body part the base in a launch direction.
[0020] In an embodiment, the base comprises a backstop, limiting rearwards movement of the toy roller (when located) between the guide arms of the toy launcher.
[0021] Thereby, the movement of the toy roller in the direction parallel to the sidewalls of the base is limited.
[0022] The movement of the toy roller is limited in a situation, when the toy roller is inserted in the toy launcher prior (between the two parallelly arranged guide arms) in order to launch the toy roller from the toy launcher. At least a movement of the toy roller in a backwards direction (the direction opposite to a launch direction, i.e. towards the pivot body part of the base) is limited. Further, the toy roller is prevented from moving too close to the pivot of the lever, which could otherwise prevent or limit the ejection of the toy roller.
[0023] The back stop may be provided as a front wall of the pivot body part, and extending transversely between the guide arms.
[0024] In an embodiment, the base comprises a front detent limiting forward movement of the toy roller between the guide arms of the toy launcher.
[0025] By forward movement is meant movement in a launch direction, i.e. a direction away from the pivot body part the base of the toy launcher.
[0026] By this limitation, the toy roller may rest against the front detent, when not squeezed by the lever. When the toy roller is squeezed by the lever, the toy roller is urged forward in the launch direction, and the toy roller may pass the front detent either by passing over it, or be pushing the front detent aside (for example by the front detent being resilient).
[0027] Thus, the front detent prevents forward movement of the toy roller in the toy launcher before launch.
[0028] In an embodiment, the front detent is provided by flexible retainers located at a front end of the inner surface of each of the guide arms.
[0029] In a further embodiment, the lower surface of the lever comprises a convex portion at the distal end of the lever opposite to the pivot.
[0030] The convex portion is oriented downward on the lever.
[0031] The convex portion is configured for contacting the rolling surface of the toy roller.
[0032] In a further embodiment, the pivot is provided lower than a rotational axis of the toy roller. In a further embodiment, the pivot is provided lower than % of the diameter of the toy roller above the lower surface of the base of the toy launcher.
[0033] In a further embodiment, the pivot is provided a back end of the toy launcher.
[0034] In a further embodiment, an upper surface of the lever is smooth and parallel with a longitudinal direction of the lever. Thereby, the angle of the upper surface of the lever is close to parallel (or at an acute angle) relative to the planar bottom surface of the base, when the toy roller is arranged in the toy launcher, and a user may therefore easily slam his / her hand down on the upper surface of the lever, to activate the launch of the toy roller.
[0035] In a further embodiment, a handle extends laterally outwards from an outer surface of each guide arm of the toy launcher.
[0036] In an embodiment, the toy launcher is configured such that, when the toy roller is placed between the two parallelly arranged guide arms at least a portion of the lower surface of the lever abuts on the roller surface at a location on the roller surface, which is behind the rotation axis of the toy roller relative to a launch direction.
[0037] Preferably, this is achieved, when the toy roller is located adjacent to and abutting against the backstop arranged to limit rearwards movement of the toy roller.
[0038] Each of the two parallelly arranged guide arms has a height.
[0039] 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.
[0040] In an embodiment, the height of the first guide arm and the height of the second guide arm is 3 of the diameter of the toy roller or less. This allows for visual inspection of the roller element when located between the guide arms. In a further embodiment, the toy roller is a toy pod and the toy roller body is a pod body comprising a storage space, and where a pod body is provided with figurine holding means for releasably connecting a toy figurine fixed relative to the pod body inside said storage space.
[0041] In a further embodiment, the toy further comprises a toy figurine, the toy figurine comprising a head and a body.
[0042] In a further embodiment the pod body comprises
[0043] - two opposed sidewalls;
[0044] - a third wall defining a rolling surface, and
[0045] - an axis of rotation perpendicular to both sidewalls, where the storage space is formed between the two opposed sidewalls and the third wall,
[0046] By not being spherical, a directional rolling may be obtained. Due to the figurine holding means the toy figurine can be held steady relative to the toy pod.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment the rolling surface comprises a cylindrical portion.
[0048] In a further embodiment, the figurine holding means and the toy figurine are configured to hold the toy figurine, such that the axis of rotation of the toy pod extends through the body of the toy figurine, and such that the head of the toy figurine is adjacent to the inwardly facing surface of the third wall.
[0049] Thereby, when the toy figurine is placed in the toy pod, and the toy pod is rolled over a surface, such as a floor or a table top, it may imitate that the toy figurine is making cart wheels, front flips or back flips.
[0050] The two opposed sidewalls may be planar or comprise a curve.
[0051] The toy figurine is shaped like a toy character, such as a toy human, a toy animal or a toy fantasy figure. Preferably, the toy figurine is a humanoid character. In a further embodiment, the pod body comprises two releasably interconnectable shells.
[0052] Thereby, an efficient way of providing access to the storage space in the toy pod is provided, whereby further hatches or doors may, which add to the complexity of manufacturing may be avoided. One aspect of the invention deals with the toy pod being two-part whereby easy replacement of the toy figurine is obtained, whereby use of the toy figurine in other settings is also obtained.
[0053] In a further embodiment, the shell parts of the pod body are connectable along a circular periphery of each shell part, the circular periphery being parallel to the sidewall of the pod body.
[0054] Alternatively, the shell parts of the pod body are connectable along a peripheral edge of each shell part, where the peripheral edge is formed perpendicular to the sidewalls of the pod body.
[0055] In a further embodiment of any of the above mentioned embodiments, the figurine holding means extends from an inner surface of the sidewall of one or both of the shells of the pod body.
[0056] In a further embodiment thereof, the figurine holding means comprises a flange with an aperture configured to cooperate with the body of the toy figurine.
[0057] Thereby, the toy figurine may easily be slid into the toy pod to be releasably connected thereto.
[0058] Alternatively, the figurine holding means are formed in an inwardly facing surface of the third wall, and configured for cooperating with a bottom portion of the toy figurine, which bottom portion is opposite to the head of the toy figurine.
[0059] In a further embodiment of any of the previously described embodiments, the shell parts are identical. In a further embodiment thereof, each of the shell parts comprises at least one first connector and at least one second connector, and where the first connector is configured to connect with the second connector.
[0060] Alternatively, each of the shell parts comprises at least one first connector, and the toy further comprises at least one connector element, having two opposed second connectors, and wherein first connectors are configured to connect with second connectors. This allows compatibility with a modular construction system and connection to construction elements other than the parts described as such.
[0061] It is also an aspect that the interconnectable parts connect along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheel shaped pod. This at least allows ease of insertion.
[0062] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the toy pod is made in a transparent material.
[0063] In embodiments, where the toy pod comprises two shells, one or both the shells may have a portion provided in a transparent material.
[0064] In an embodiment, both of the two shells are made in a transparent material.
[0065] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising / comprised of' when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
[0066] Brief description of the drawings
[0067] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.
[0068] Fig. 1 , in a perspective view, shows the toy launcher and a toy roller in the form of a toy pod with a toy figurine, the toy roller being in position for launching the toy roller;
[0069] Fig. 2A, in a perspective view, shows a principle sketch of the a toy roller according to the invention, for example a toy pod;
[0070] Fig. 2B, in a frontal view, shows the toy roller of Fig. 2A;
[0071] Fig. 3, in a perspective view, shows a toy launcher and a toy roller seen from a front end of the toy launcher;
[0072] Fig. 4, in a perspective view, shows a toy launcher without a toy roller;
[0073] Fig. 5, in a perspective view, shows a toy roller in form of a toy pod according to one embodiment the invention, and a toy figurine arranged inside the toy pod;
[0074] Fig. 6, in a perspective view, shows a shell part of pod body of a toy pod according to the embodiment of the toy roller shown in Fig. 5, the shell part shown from inside, and with connecting elements for connecting to another shell part, as well as the attachment of a toy figurine inside the shell part;
[0075] Detailed description of the embodiments
[0076] The invention relates to a toy launcher 100 for launching a toy roller 2. Further, the invention relates to a toy 1 or toy system comprising a toy launcher 100 and a toy roller 2. In some embodiments the toy roller 2 may be a toy pod 5. The invention also relates to a toy 1 or toy system comprising a toy launcher 100 and a combination of toy pod 5 and a toy figurine 20.
[0077] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary first embodiment of the toy launcher 100 and a toy roller 2 exemplified by a toy pod 5 with a toy figurine 20 arranged inside the toy pod 5.
[0078] However, in other embodiments the toy roller 2 may for example be a simple structure comprising a toy roller body 3, for example in a disc shape or hockey puck shape, where the toy roller body 3 is solid.
[0079] In any case the toy roller body 3 may comprise two opposed sidewalls 11, 12, a first sidewall 12 and a second sidewall. The toy roller body 3 further comprises a rolling surface 10, e.g. formed as the external surface of a third wall 13 connecting the two sidewalls 11, 12 in cases where the toy roller 2 is a toy pod 5.
[0080] As shown in Fig. 2B, the toy roller body 3 has a maximum diameter, first diameter, D1. Further, the toy roller body 3 has a maximum width, first width, W1. The first width is defined between the outer surfaces of the sidewalls 11 , 12 of the toy roller body.
[0081] The toy roller body 3, and in embodiments where the toy roller 2 is a toy pod 5 having a pod body 6, preferably is wheel shaped or disc shaped, in the sense that it has one rolling surface 10 allowing the toy roller 2 to roll over a surface, such as floor or a table top, and two opposed side surfaces 11, 12 arranged in parallel.
[0082] Figs. 2A and 2B shows the principle shape of the toy roller 2, which may be toy pod 5, as shown in Fig. 1. The entire rolling surface 10 or preferably at least a portion thereof is cylindrical.
[0083] The two opposed sidewalls, first sidewall 11 and second sidewall 12 may be planar.
[0084] However in other embodiments they may be slightly curved. An axis of rotation, A, is defined perpendicular to the sidewalls 11 , 12. The toy roller body 3 comprises rotational symmetry around the axis of rotation, A. The axis of rotation, A, further defines a symmetry axis for the rolling surface 10.
[0085] The toy launcher 100 comprises a base 110 and a lever 150. The lever 150 is pivotally connected to the base 110 at a hinge or pivot 125.
[0086] The lever 150 is configured to provide a squeeze or pinch on a toy roller 2 located in the toy launcher 100 for the launching thereof.
[0087] The base 110 comprises a pivot body part 120, two guide arms 131 , 132, and a planar surface.
[0088] The hinge or pivot 125 is provided at pivot body part 120.
[0089] The two guide arms, first guide arm 131 and second guide arm 132, extends forward from the pivot body part 120.
[0090] The planar surface is defined on a lower side of the pivot body part 120 and the guide arms 131 , 132. The planar surface allows the toy launcher 100 to rest stably on a surface such as floor or a table top.
[0091] Referring now to Fig. 3, the two guide arms 131 , 132 comprises mutually facing side walls 141 , 142 extending on an inner side of each of guide arms 131, 132. Thus, a first side wall 141 is defined as an inwardly facing surface of the first guide arm 131 , and a second side wall 142 is defined as an inwardly facing surface of the second guide arm 132.
[0092] The first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 is spaced apart by a second width, W2, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
[0093] A guide track 130 is formed between the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142, and thereby between the first guide arm 131 and the second guide arm 132. The first width, W1 of the toy roller 2, and the second width, W2, between the side walls 141, 142 of the guide arms 131 , 132 are equal, i.e. W1=W2.
[0094] As described above, the lever150 is pivotally connected at a hinge or pivot 125 formed to the pivot body part 120 of the base. As shown in Fig. 1 a pivot axis, B, is defined at the hinge or pivot 125.
[0095] The lever 150 is elongate having a proximal end 152 adjacent to the pivot 125 and distal end 151 opposite to the pivot 125.
[0096] A lower surface 160 is provided on the lower side of the lever 150. The lower surface 160 is configured for engaging the rolling surface 10 of the toy roller 2.
[0097] An upper surface 170 is provided on the upwardly facing side of the lever 150. The upper surface 170 is configured for engaging with the hand of a user. For this purpose the upper surface 170 may be smooth. Further, the width of the upper surface 170 may be increased relative to a main part of the elongate lever 150.
[0098] Fig. 1 shows a toy roller 2 (in the form of a toy pod 5 with a toy figurine 20 arranged therein), situated in a toy launcher 100. In this situation, by pressing down on the lever 150, via the upper surface 170, the toy roller 2 is squeezed between the lower surface 160 of the lever 150 and the surface on which the toy roller 2 and the toy launcher 100 is resting. Thereby, the toy roller 2 may be launched from the toy launcher 100 along the surface on which the toy launcher 100 and toy roller 2 is located, and causing the toy roller 2 to spin / rotate as it moves along the surface.
[0099] The base 110 of the toy launcher 100 having a planar lower surface provides a platform for the launching device to rest on a surface, such as a floor or a table top.
[0100] The base 110 of the toy launcher 100 having two parallel guide arms 131 , 132 interacting with the sidewalls 11, 12 of the toy roller 2, prevents sideways movement of the toy roller 2 before and during launch thereof. The spaced apart parallel guide arms 131 , 132 further allows the toy roller 2 to rest on a surface before and during launch thereof.
[0101] The guide track 130 provided by the spaced apart parallel guide arms 131, 132 further secures a “directional” launch / movement of the toy roller 2.
[0102] The lower surface 160 comprises a main surface 163 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lever 150 and most distally a convex surface 161. When a user presser down the lever (in the situation shown in Fig. 1) the main surface 163 of the lower surface 160 first engages the rolling surface 10 of the toy roller 2, thereby inducing a large force on the toy roller 2. When - due to this large force - the toy roller 2 stars moving forward (away from the pivot 125), the convex surface 161 of the lower surface 160 of the lever 150 induces a downward force on the last part of the toy roller 2 inducing a backwards spin.
[0103] As shown in Figs. 1 , 3 and 4, the first guide arm of the toy launcher 100, may comprise an upper extension 13T. Also the second guide arm 132 may comprise an upper extension 132’. The upper extensions 13T, 132’ provides further sideways stability to the toy roller 2 before and during launch of the toy roller from the toy launcher 100, and thereby a stable direction after launch of the toy roller 2.
[0104] As also shown in Figs. 1 , 3 and 4, the guide arms 131 , 132, may - in some embodiments - be provided with a handle 180. The handle 180 extends laterally outwards from an outer surface of each of the guide arms 131 , 132. During launch, the handles 180 may provide a better grip of the toy launcher 100, allowing better aim.
[0105] As best seen in Fig. 4, the toy launcher 100 preferably comprises a backstop 115 configured for limiting rearwards movement of the toy roller 2, when loaded into or located in the guide track 130 of the toy launcher 100. The backstop 115 is provided in the base 110 of the toy launcher 100. The backstop 115 is preferably provided by a front wall 121 of the pivot body part 120, which front wall 121 extends transversely between the guide arms 131 , 132. The backstop 115 thereby, prevents the toy roller 2 from moving too close to the pivot 125, which could prevent or limit the ejection of the toy roller 2.
[0106] Also best seen in Fig. 4, the base 110 of the toy launcher 100 may be provided with a front detent 145. The front detent 145 is intended for limiting forward movement of the toy roller 2 when located between the guide arms 131, 132 of the toy launcher 100, before and during launch. The front detent provides a forward limit preventing the toy roller 2 to roll out of the guide track 130 by itself.
[0107] By limiting, in the context of this application, we mean that the toy roller 2 may rest against the front detent, when not squeezed by the lever, but when squeezed by the lever, the toy roller may pass the front detent either by passing over it, or be pushing the front detent aside (for example by the front detent being resilient), r
[0108] Further, when the lever 150 is depressed to induce launch of the toy roller 2, the front detent 145 breaks the lower portion of the toy roller 2, thereby providing a forward spin to the toy roller 2.
[0109] In some embodiments, the front detent 145 is provided by a set of flexible retainers 147, 148 located at a front end of the inner surface 141 , 142 of each of the guide arms 131 , 132. One flexible retainer 147 is provided at the front end of the inner sidewall / surface 141 of the first guide arm 131 , and one flexible retainer 148 is provided at the front end of the inner sidewall / surface 142 of the second guide arm 132. The flexible retainers 147, 148 are preferably made in a resilient, soft pliable polymer material.
[0110] As also best shown in Fig. 1 , the pivot 125 is preferably provided lower than the rotational axis, A, of the toy roller 2.
[0111] Preferably, the pivot 125 is provided lower than % of the diameter of the toy roller 2 above the lower surface of the base 110 of the toy launcher 100.
[0112] As also mentioned above, in some embodiments, the toy roller 2 may be a toy pod
[0113] 5. In this case, the toy roller body 3 corresponds to a pod body 6. The pod body 6 differs from a solid toy roller body 3 in that the pod body 6 comprises a storage space 30, and in that the pod body 6 is provided with figurine holding means 40 for releasably connecting a toy figurine 20 fixed relative to the pod body 6 inside said storage space 30.
[0114] In some embodiments, therefore, the toy 1 further comprises a toy figurine 20. In a simple version, the toy figurine 20 comprises a head 21 and a body 22.
[0115] The toy pod 5 comprises a pod body 6. The pod body 6 preferably is wheel shaped or disc shaped, in the sense that it has one rolling surface 10 allowing the toy pod 5 to roll over a surface, and two opposed side surfaces 11, 12 arranged in parallel.
[0116] Figs. 2A and 2B shows the principle shape of the toy pod 5 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The wheel-shaped pod body 6 comprises two opposed sidewalls, a first sidewall 11 and a second sidewall 12, as well as a third wall 13. The outer surface of the third wall 13 defines a rolling surface 10 for the toy pod 5. The entire rolling surface 10 or preferably at least a portion thereof is cylindrical.
[0117] The rolling surface 10 defined by the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13, is configured to allow the toy pod to roll over a surface such as a floor or a table top.
[0118] The rolling surface 10 defined by the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13 may be cylindrical.
[0119] The two opposed sidewalls, first sidewall 11 and second sidewall 12 are arranged in parallel to each other, spaced apart by a distance.
[0120] The two opposed sidewalls, first sidewall 11 and second sidewall 12 may be planar. However in other embodiments they may be slightly curved.
[0121] The third wall 13 interconnects peripheries of the opposed sidewalls 11, 12.
[0122] An axis of rotation, A, is defined perpendicular to the sidewalls 11 , 12. The pod body 6 comprises rotational symmetry around the axis of rotation, A. The axis of rotation, A, further defines a symmetry axis for at least the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13, whereby the rolling surface 10 is provided.
[0123] Referring now to Fig. 2B, the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 has as maximum width, W1, and a maximum diameter, D1.
[0124] The wheel-shaped pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 encloses a storage space 30.
[0125] The storage space 30 is formed between the two opposed sidewalls, first sidewall 11 , and second sidewall 12, and an inner surface of the third wall 13.
[0126] Preferably, the storage space 30 of the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 is dimensioned relative to the toy figurine 20, such that the entire toy figurine 20 may be located within an inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall 13 of the pod body 6.
[0127] Preferably, also the storage space 30 of the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 is dimensioned relative to the toy figurine 20, such that the entire toy figurine may be located within the storage space 30 between the two opposed sidewalls 11, 12.
[0128] The pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 preferably comprises an access way allowing a user to enter a toy figurine into the storage space of the toy pod 5. Such an access way may simply be in opening through one of the sidewalls 11, 12 (not shown). In other - not shown - embodiments, access may be provided to the storage space through a hatched opening through one of the walls of the pod body, i.e. the first sidewall 11 , the second sidewall 12, or the third sidewall 13. The hatched opening in such embodiments would comprise a hatch or door, allowing the user to close access to the storage space 30.
[0129] However, in preferred embodiments, the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 is formed by two shells parts, a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15. The two shell parts are preferably interconnectable, such that when the two shell parts are connected to each other, pod body 6 as described above is provided. A toy figurine 20 may be placed between the two shell parts, which may then be interconnected. Thereby assembled, the combination of toy figurine 20 and toy pod 5 may be brought to rotate together.
[0130] Preferably, the two shell parts, are releasably connectable to each other, such that once the two shell parts have been connected to each other it is still possible to separate or disassemble the two shell parts. Thereby, it is made possible for a user to replace the toy figurine 20 in the toy pod 5.
[0131] The figures shows a first example of such a toy pod 5, where the pod body 6 comprises two shell parts, a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15, and where the shell parts divide the pod body 6 along a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation, A.
[0132] Thus, the shell parts 14, 15 of the pod body 6 are connectable along circular peripheries 18 of the shell parts 14, 15.
[0133] In not shown embodiment, a toy pod 5, where the pod body 6 comprises two shell parts, a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15 may be provided. In this second example, the shell parts divide the pod body 6 along a plane containing the axis of rotation, A.
[0134] In any of the above mentioned embodiments, the pod body preferably comprises figurine holding means 40 for holding and releasably connecting said toy figurine 20 in a fixed position relative to the pod body 6, inside the said storage space 30. Thereby, when the toy pod is rotated by a user, the toy figurine 20 will rotate along with the toy pod.
[0135] Preferably, at least a portion of the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 is see-through, such that a toy figurine 20 located within the toy pod 5 can be identified from the outside. For example one or both of the side wall 11 , 12 may be provided with openings (not shown) allowing a user to view the toy figurine inside the toy pod 5. If such openings are large enough, the toy figurine can be seen rotating with the toy pod 5, when the toy pod is rolled over a surface. Such openings in the sidewalls may in other - also not shown embodiments - be provided with covering made in a transparent material, allowing viewing of a toy figurine placed in the toy pod 5.
[0136] In yet other (not shown) embodiments, the third wall or portions thereof may alternatively or additionally be provided in a transparent material, allowing viewing of a toy figurine placed in the toy pod 5.
[0137] In preferred embodiments, where the pod body 6 is formed by interconnectable shell parts 11 , 12 as described above, one of the shells may be formed in a transparent material.
[0138] As shown in Figs. 1 and 5 in some embodiments both of the shell parts 11, 12 may be formed in a transparent material.
[0139] Preferably, the toy figurine 20 resembles a character. The toy figurine has a body 21 and a head 22 extending from the body 21.
[0140] The figurine holding means 40 and the toy figurine 20 are configured to hold the toy figurine 20 in a position, where the axis of rotation, A, extends through the body 21 of the toy figurine 20, such that the head 22 of the toy figurine 20 is adjacent to the inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall 13.
[0141] Preferably, the toy figurine 20 is a humanoid figure having a body 21 and a head 22 extending from the body 21, and legs 23 also extending from the body 21 opposite to the head 22. The body 21 of the toy figurine has a front and a back, and sides connecting the front and back. The toy figurine 20 may further comprise arms 25 extending from the sides of the body 21.
[0142] In some embodiments (not shown), where the toy figurine 20 is a humanoid toy figurine 20, the figurine holding means 40 are arranged to hold the toy figurine 20 such that the axis of rotation, A, of the toy pod 5 extends perpendicular to the front and back of the body 21 of the toy figurine 20. Thereby, when the toy figurine 20 is placed in the toy pod 5, and the toy pod 5 is rolled over a surface, such as a floor or a table top, it may imitate that the toy figurine 20 is making cartwheels.
[0143] In some embodiments, and as shown in Figs. 1 and 3-6, where the toy figurine 20 is a humanoid toy figurine 20, the figurine holding means 40 are arranged to hold the toy figurine 20 such that the axis of rotation, A, of the toy pod 5 extends perpendicular to the sides of the body 21 (and parallel to the front and back of the body 21) of the toy figurine 20. Thereby, when the toy figurine 20 is placed in the toy pod 5, and the toy pod 5 is rolled over a surface, such as a floor or a table top, it may imitate that the toy figurine 20 is making front flips or back flips.
[0144] It will be appreciated that both the shell parts 14, 15 are formed in a transparent material. However, it will also be appreciated that only one of the shell part 14, 15 may be made in a transparent material.
[0145] Further, and as shown in Fig. 6, the figurine holding means 40 may in this case be provided by a flange 41 , which extends at least from the inner surface 16 of the side wall 11 , 12 of one or both of the shell part 14, 15. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 the flange 41 also extends from the inner surface 17 of the third wall 13. An aperture 42 is provided in the flange 41. The aperture 42 is dimensioned to make a snug fit around the body 21 of the toy figurine 20, as illustrated in Fig. 4.
[0146] The toy figurine 20 and the inner dimensions of the storage space 30 of the pod body 6 may further be configured such that surfaces of the toy figurine 20 will be held in place in the storage space, e.g. by abutment between surfaces of the toy figurine 20 and the inner surfaces 16, 17 of the storage space 30.
[0147] The shell parts 14, 15 may further comprise connector 50 for allowing releasable interconnection of the two shell parts 14, 15.
[0148] In some (not shown) embodiments, the circular peripheries 18 may be shaped to with matching connectors. In preferred embodiments, and as shown in e.g. Fig. 6, both shell parts, first shell part 14 and second shell part 15 are identical, having at least one first connector 51 provided. The first shell part 14 and the second shell part 15 may then be connected using a connection member 53 comprising two second connectors 52.
[0149] As shown in Fig. 6, the first connectors 51 on the shell parts 14, 15, may be tube connecters 51 arranged cooperate with second connectors 52 provided on the connecting element 53. In the shown embodiment the connecting element 53 is a peg type connecting element having two peg-type second connectors 52 arranged along a common axis and separated by a circular flange. A second connector 52 is configured to snap into the tube of the first connector.
[0150] It will be appreciated that in other (not shown) embodiments, instead of providing the second connector(s) on a separate connection element 53, interacting first connectors 51 and second connectors may be formed directly in the shell part 14, 15.
[0151] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 6, each shell part 14, 15 comprises six first connectors 51 of the tube connector type formed along the periphery 18 of the shell part, and extending in parallel to the axis of rotation, A, of the toy pod 5. In the shown example, the first connectors 51 are grouped I two groups of three, the two groups being arranged diametrically across from each other along the periphery 18 of the shell parts 14, 15.
[0152] The six first connectors 15 allows for variation of connection of the two shell parts 14, 15. It will be appreciated that fewer or more first connectors may be used in other embodiments.
[0153] It will also be appreciated that other types of first and second connectors 51 , 52 than the described mating tube and peg type connectors may be applied.
[0154] Any and all of the above mentioned elements constituting the invention may be formed in plastic. Any and all of the plastic elements may be formed in an injection moulding process It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, the specific materials used and the specific injection moulding procedure have not been described in detail since it is maintained that the person skilled in the art would be able to find suitable materials and suitable processes to manufacture the container according to the current invention.
[0155] List of parts
[0156] A axis of rotation of toy roller / toy pod
[0157] B pivot axis of toy lancher
[0158] D1 diameter of pod body of toy pod
[0159] W1 first width / width of pod body of toy pod
[0160] W2 second width / width between side walls of guide arms of toy launcher
[0161] 1 toy
[0162] 2 toy roller
[0163] 3 toy roller body
[0164] 5 toy pod
[0165] 6 pod body / wheel-shaped pod body
[0166] 7 combination of toy pod and toy figurine
[0167] 10 rolling surface of pod body
[0168] 11 (first) sidewall of pod body
[0169] 12 (second) sidewall of pod body
[0170] 13 third wall of pod body
[0171] 14 (first) shell part of toy pod
[0172] 15 (second) shell part of toy pod
[0173] 16 inner surface of side wall of pod body
[0174] 17 inner surface of third wall of pod body
[0175] 18 circular periphery / circular peripheral edge / rim
[0176] 20 toy figurine
[0177] 21 head of toy figurine
[0178] 22 body of toy figurine
[0179] 23 leg of toy figurine
[0180] 24 foot of toy figurine
[0181] 25 arm of toy figurine
[0182] 30 storage space of toy pod
[0183] 40 figurine holding means
[0184] 41 flange
[0185] 42 aperture
[0186] 45 spacer
[0187] 46 frame
[0188] 50 connectors / connection means 51 first connector
[0189] 52 second connector
[0190] 53 connecting element
[0191] 100 toy launcher
[0192] 110 base of toy launcher
[0193] 115 back stop
[0194] 120 pivot body part
[0195] 121 front wall of pivot body part
[0196] 125 pivot
[0197] 130 guide track formed between guide arms
[0198] 131 guide arm, first guide arm
[0199] 131 ’ upper extension of the first guide arm
[0200] 132 guide arm, second guide arm
[0201] 132’ upper extension of the second guide arm
[0202] 141 inner side wall of guide arm / inner surface of guide arm / inner side wall of first guide arm / / inner surface of first guide arm
[0203] 14T upper extension of the inner side wall of first guide arm
[0204] 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 /
[0205] 142’ upper extension of the inner side wall of second guide arm
[0206] 145 front detent
[0207] 147 flexible retainer at the front end of the inner sidewall / surface of the first guide arm
[0208] 148 flexible retainer at the front end of the inner sidewall / surface of the second guide arm
[0209] 150 lever of toy launcher
[0210] 151 distal end of the lever of the toy launcher opposite to the pivot
[0211] 152 proximal end of the lever of the toy launcher adjacent to the pivot
[0212] 160 lower surface of the lever of the toy launcher
[0213] 161 convex surface of the lower surface of the lever of the toy launcher
[0214] 163 main surface of the lower surface of the lever of the toy launcher, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lever
[0215] 170 upper surface of the lever of the toy launcher
[0216] 180 handle
Claims
Claims1. A toy (1) comprising- a toy roller (2); and- a toy launcher (100) configured for launching the toy roller (2), wherein the toy roller (2) comprises a toy roller body (3), the toy roller body (3) comprising- two opposed sidewalls (11 , 12); and- a rolling surface (10) connecting the two sidewalls (11, 12), wherein the toy roller body (3) has a diameter (D1), and a first width (W1), wherein the toy launcher (100) comprises- a base (110); and- a lever (150) pivotally connected to the base (110) at a pivot (125), wherein the base (110) comprises- a pivot body part (120);- two parallelly arranged guide arms (131 , 132) extending from said pivot body part (120); and- a planar surface defined on a lower side of said pivot body part (120) and said guide arms (131 , 132), wherein the guide arms (131 , 132) comprises mutually facing side walls (141 , 142) spaced apart by a second width (W2), wherein the first width (W1) of the toy roller (2) and the second width (W2) between the side walls (141, 142) of the guide arms (131 , 132) are equal, and wherein the lever (150) has a lower surface (160) configured for engaging the rolling surface (10) of the toy roller (2).
2. The toy (1) according to claim 1 , wherein each of the two opposed sidewalls (11 , 12) of the toy roller (2) forms a closed surface.
3. The toy (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (110) comprises a backstop (115) limiting rearwards movement of the toy roller (2) between the guide arms (131 , 132) of the toy launcher (100).
4. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the base (110) comprises a front detent (145) limiting 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 detent (145) is provided by flexible retainers (147, 148) located at a front end of the inner surface (141 , 142) of each of the guide arms (131 , 132).
6. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the lower surface (160) of the lever (150) comprises a convex portion (161) at the distal end (151) of the lever opposite to the pivot (125).
7. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the pivot (125) is provided lower than a rotational axis (A) of the toy roller (2).
8. The toy (1) according to claim 6, wherein the pivot (125) is provided lower than % of the diameter of the toy roller (2) above the lower surface of the base (110) of the toy launcher (100).
9. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-8, wherein the pivot (125) is provided at a back end of the toy launcher (100).
10. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein an upper surface (170) of the lever (160) is smooth and parallel with a longitudinal direction of the lever (150).
11. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-10, wherein a handle (180) extends laterally outwards from an outer surface of each guide arm (131, 132) of the toy launcher (100).
12. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-11, wherein the toy launcher (100) is configured such that, when the toy roller (2) is placed between the two parallelly arranged guide arms (131 , 132), at least a portion of the lower surface ofthe lever (150) abuts on the roller surface (10) at a location of the roller surface (10), which is behind the rotation axis of the toy roller (2) relative to a launch direction.
13. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-12, wherein the two parallelly arranged guide arms (131 , 132) has a height, and wherein the height is 1 of the diameter of the toy roller (2) or less.
14. The toy (1) according to any one of the claims 1-13, wherein the toy roller (2) is a toy pod (5) and the toy roller body (3) is a pod body (6) comprising a storage space (30), and where a pod body (6) is provided with figurine holding means (40) for releasably connecting a toy figurine (20) fixed relative to the pod body (6) inside said storage space (30).
15. The toy (1) according to claim 14 further comprising a toy figurine (20), the toy figurine (20) comprising a head (21) and a body (22).