Toy

Abstract

To improve taste of a toy.SOLUTION: A toy 1 includes a jaw member 2 imitating a jaw, and a plurality of dental members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 and respectively imitating teeth. Each of the plurality of dental members 5 provided in the toy 1 is attached so as to expose a prescribed surface from the jaw member 2. Each of the plurality of dental members 5 provided in the toy 1 can be changed into a state of exposing a surface 5a of the dental member 5 from the jaw member 2 and a state of exposing a surface of the dental member 5, different from the surface 5a from the jaw member 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to toys. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 55-118776 A) describes a technique relating to a dental model having an imitation jaw and imitation teeth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 55-118776 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to improve the entertainment value of a toy that includes a jaw member simulating a jaw and a plurality of teeth members simulating teeth.

[0005] Other objects and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the toy includes a first jaw member simulating a jaw, and a plurality of teeth members simulating teeth attached to the first jaw member. Each of the plurality of teeth members is attached such that a predetermined surface is exposed from the first jaw member. Each of the plurality of teeth members is changeable between a first state in which a first surface of the tooth member is exposed from the first jaw member and a second state in which a second surface of the tooth member different from the first surface is exposed from the first jaw member in response to an operation by a user. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, the entertainment value of the toy can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a toy according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a toy according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a toy according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a toy according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a teeth member used in a toy according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a mechanism for determining a rotational position of a tooth member. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a mechanism for determining a rotational position of a tooth member. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a mechanism by which the jaw members change between an open-mouth state and a closed-mouth state. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a mechanism by which the jaw members change between an open-mouth state and a closed-mouth state. [Figure 10] 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mechanism by which all tooth members assume the cavity rotation position when the jaw members change from an open mouth state to a closed mouth state. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mechanism by which all tooth members assume the cavity rotation position when the jaw members change from an open mouth state to a closed mouth state. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the members having the same functions, and the repeated explanations are omitted. In the following embodiments, the explanations of the same or similar parts will not be repeated as a rule unless it is particularly necessary.

[0010] A toy according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 4 are perspective views of a toy 1 according to the present embodiment. Figs. 1 and 2 show the toy 1 with its mouth closed, and Figs. 3 and 4 show the toy 1 with its mouth open. The toy 1 is viewed from different directions in Fig. 1 and Figs. 2 to 4.

[0011] The toy 1 of the present embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 includes a jaw member (mock jaw, pseudo jaw) 2 simulating a lower jaw, a jaw member (mock jaw, pseudo jaw) 3 simulating an upper jaw, a support base part (main body part) 4 supporting the jaw members 2 and 3, a plurality of teeth members (mock teeth, pseudo teeth) 5 simulating teeth, and a lever 6. The toy 1 of the present embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 further includes a member (mock toothbrush, pseudo toothbrush) 11 simulating a toothbrush, a member (mock dental tool, pseudo dental tool) 12 simulating a dental tool, and a member (mock cup, pseudo cup) 13 simulating a cup. These components of the toy 1 can be mainly formed using, for example, a resin material. In the detailed description, for convenience, the side of the toy 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 where the jaw member 2 resembling the upper jaw is located will be referred to as the upper side, and the side where the jaw member 3 resembling the lower jaw is located will be referred to as the lower side, and similar notations will be used for the other figures.

[0012] Jaw member 2 is attached to and fixed to a support base 4. Jaw member 3 is pivotally mounted relative to jaw member 2. A plurality of teeth members 5 are pivotally mounted to jaw member 2.

[0013] The jaw member 3 moves relative to the jaw member 2, so that the jaw members 2 and 3 can be changed between a closed-mouth state (state in FIG. 2) and an open-mouth state (state in FIG. 3). More specifically, the jaw member 3 rotates (turns) about a rotation axis that holds the jaw member 3 to the jaw member 2, so that the jaw members 2 and 3 can be changed between a closed-mouth state (state in FIG. 2) and an open-mouth state (state in FIG. 3).

[0014] A head portion is formed by the jaw member 2 and the jaw member 3. Furthermore, a body portion 7 is attached to the support base portion 4 at a position adjacent to the jaw member 2.

[0015] Lever 6 is attached to jaw member 2 or support base 4, and by moving lever 6, jaw member 3 can move (more specifically, rotate) relative to jaw member 2. Specifically, when lever 6 is pulled (depressed) toward the front, jaw members 2 and 3 are in an open-mouth state (the state in FIG. 3), and when lever 6 is returned (raised) toward the back, jaw members 2 and 3 are in a closed-mouth state (the state in FIG. 2).

[0016] When the jaw members 2 and 3 are in an open-mouth state (the state of FIG. 3), the multiple teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are exposed and become visible to the user of the toy 1. On the other hand, when the jaw members 2 and 3 are in a closed-mouth state (the state of FIG. 2), the multiple teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are hidden by the jaw member 3 and become invisible to the user of the toy 1.

[0017] Each of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 is attached so that a predetermined surface is exposed from the jaw member 2. A plurality of tooth members 5 are arranged on the upper surface side of the jaw member 2 so as to follow the outer periphery of the jaw member 2. The tooth members 5 are not completely fixed to the jaw member 2, but are attached to the jaw member 2 so as to be rotatable. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tooth member 5 used in the toy 1. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the tooth member 5 can rotate around a rotation axis 21. In FIG. 5, the rotation axis 21 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper surface. The tooth member 5 has a surface 5a simulating a cavity and a surface 5b simulating a non-cavity tooth.

[0018] Each of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 can be changed between a state in which the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state of FIG. 3) and a state in which the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state of FIG. 4) in response to an operation by a user of the toy 1. In the state in which the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state of FIG. 3), the surface 5a simulating a cavity is the upper surface of the tooth member 5, and in the state in which the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state of FIG. 4), the surface 5b simulating a tooth without a cavity is the upper surface of the tooth member 5. The rotational position of the tooth member 5 is different between the state in which the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state of FIG. 3) and the state in which the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state of FIG. 4). In other words, by rotating the teeth member 5 to change the rotation position, the exposed surface of the teeth member 5 exposed from the jaw member 2 can be changed to either the surface 5a or the surface 5b.

[0019] The tooth member 5 includes an outer member (shell member) 22 that forms the outer periphery of the tooth member 5, and an inner member 23 that is disposed inside the outer member 22 so as to be covered by the outer member 22 (see FIG. 5). The color of the outer member 22 and the color of the inner member 23 are different from each other. An opening (through hole) 24 is provided in the outer member 22 on the surface 5a of the tooth member 5, and the inner member 23 having a color different from that of the outer member 22 is exposed from the outer member 22. That is, in a state in which the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2, the inner member 23 having a color different from that of the outer member 22 becomes visible to the user through the opening 24 of the outer member 22. On the other hand, on the surface 5b of the tooth member 5, the outer member 22 does not have an opening that exposes the inner member 23. Therefore, in a state where the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2, the inner member 23 is covered by the outer member 22, and the inner member 23 is not exposed from the outer member 22. Therefore, the inner member 23 is not visible to the user on the surface 5b of the tooth member 5. In other words, in a state where the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2, the inner member 23 is exposed from the outer member 22, and in a state where the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2, the inner member 23 is covered by the outer member 22. As a result, the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 looks like a cavity, and the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 looks like a tooth without a cavity.

[0020] The outer shape of the tooth member 5 (and therefore the outer shape of the outer member 22) is, for example, roughly a rectangular parallelepiped shape (more specifically, roughly a cube shape). When the tooth member 5 rotates, any of the four faces of the six faces of the tooth member 5 that are roughly parallel to the rotation axis 21 becomes the upper face and can be exposed from the jaw member 2. Of the four faces roughly parallel to the rotation axis 21, two faces are faces 5a that imitate carious teeth, and the other two faces are faces 5b that imitate non-carious teeth. In the tooth member 5, the faces 5a that imitate carious teeth are located opposite each other, and the faces 5b that imitate non-carious teeth are located opposite each other (see FIG. 5).

[0021] Hereinafter, the rotation position of the tooth member 5 where the surface 5a simulating a cavity is exposed from the jaw member 2, i.e., the surface 5a simulating a cavity becomes the upper surface of the tooth member 5 and is exposed from the jaw member 2, will be referred to as the "cavity rotation position". In addition, the rotation position of the tooth member 5 where the surface 5b simulating a tooth without a cavity becomes the upper surface of the tooth member 5 and is exposed from the jaw member 2 will be referred to as the "non-cavity rotation position". Since the exposed surface of the tooth member 5 from the jaw member 2 is visible to the user of the toy 1 as the upper surface of the tooth member 5, the tooth member 5 in the cavity rotation position looks like a cavity, and the tooth member 5 in the non-cavity rotation position looks like a tooth without a cavity. When the tooth member 5 in the cavity rotation position is rotated 90 degrees, the tooth member 5 moves to a non-cavity rotation position, and when the tooth member 5 is rotated further 90 degrees, the tooth member 5 moves to a cavity rotation position, and when the tooth member 5 is rotated further 90 degrees, the tooth member 5 moves to a non-cavity rotation position, and when the tooth member 5 is rotated further 90 degrees, the tooth member 5 moves to the cavity rotation position.

[0022] Toy 1 of the present embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 further includes member 11 imitating a toothbrush, member 12 imitating a dental tool, and member 13 imitating a cup. In the case of Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, member 12 imitating a dental tool imitates a dental drill. Members 11, 12, and 13 are each disposed in a hole (recess) or the like provided in support base 4, and can be removed from support base 4.

[0023] The user of the toy 1 can rotate the tooth member 5 by pressing the toothbrush-like member 11 against the tooth member 5 and applying a rotational force to the tooth member 5 with the tooth brush-like member 11. The user of the toy 1 can also rotate the tooth member 5 by pressing the dental tool-like member 12 against the tooth member 5 instead of the toothbrush-like member 11 and applying a rotational force to the tooth member 5 with the tooth brush-like member 12. Therefore, the members 11 and 12 can be regarded as rotation operation members that can be pressed against the tooth member 5 to rotate the tooth member 5 by the user of the toy 1. The member 13 is a model of a cup used for brushing teeth, and is not used to rotate the tooth member 5. Therefore, the cup-like member 13 may be fixed to the support base 4, or the cup-like member 13 may be omitted.

[0024] When the jaw members 2, 3 are in an open mouth state as in Figures 3 and 4, the member 11 or 12 can be easily inserted into the mouth and the member 11 or 12 can be pressed against the teeth member 5 to rotate the teeth member 5. On the other hand, when the jaw members 2, 3 are in a closed mouth state as in Figures 1 and 2, it is not easy or even possible to insert the member 11 or 12 into the mouth. For this reason, the action of pressing the member 11 or 12 against the teeth member 5 to rotate the teeth member 5 is performed by the user of the toy 1 when the jaw members 2, 3 are in an open mouth state as in Figures 3 and 4, not when the jaw members 2, 3 are in a closed mouth state as in Figures 1 and 2.

[0025] 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a mechanism for determining the rotational position of the tooth member 5. FIG.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the tooth member 5 has a plate member 32 with a square planar shape provided on a side surface (side surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation shaft 21) of the tooth member 5. The planar shape of the plate member 32 corresponds to the shape on a surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation shaft 21. The four sides of the square plate member 32 are parallel to the four surfaces (5a, 5b) of the tooth member 5 substantially perpendicular to the rotation shaft 21. This plate member 32 is fixed to the outer member 22 of the tooth member 5 or is formed integrally with the outer member 22, so that when the tooth member 5 rotates, the plate member 32 also rotates together. The rotation shaft 21 passes through a hole provided near the center of the plate member 32. 6 and 7, two rod-shaped members 33 (one referred to as member 33a and the other as member 33b) extending in the vertical direction (from jaw member 2, which is the upper jaw, toward jaw member 3, which is the lower jaw) are attached to jaw member 2, and plate member 32 is sandwiched between these two members 33 (33a, 33b). Members 33a and 33b have their lower parts (portions hidden by jaw member 2 in FIGS. 6 and 7) connected to each other and fixed to jaw member 2.

[0027] Since the square plate member 32 is sandwiched between the members 33a and 33b, when two sides of the square plate member 32 are parallel to the extension direction (up-down direction) of the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b as shown in Fig. 6, almost the entire two sides come into contact with the members 33a and 33b, so that the square plate member 32 is stably sandwiched between the members 33a and 33b. Therefore, in the state shown in Fig. 6, the rotational position of the tooth member 5 is stable, and even if a certain external force (rotational force) is applied to the tooth member 5, the rotational position of the tooth member 5 does not change.

[0028] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7, when each side of the square plate member 32 is inclined with respect to the extending direction (vertical direction) of the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b, the corners of the square plate member 32 come into contact with the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b, and the interval between the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b is expanded. As a result, the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b, which have been expanded in interval, are in a bent (curved) state, and the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b strongly press the corners of the square plate member 32. Therefore, in the state shown in Fig. 7, the rotation position of the tooth member 5 is not stable, and the application of a slight external force (rotational force) changes the state shown in Fig. 7 to a state in which the two sides of the plate member 32 are parallel to the extending direction of the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0029] Therefore, the rotation position of the tooth member 5 is restricted to a state in which two sides of the plate member 32 are parallel to the extending direction of the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b, as shown in Fig. 6. That is, the rotation position of the tooth member 5 is restricted to the rotation position of the tooth member 5 shown in Fig. 6 (rotation position of a cavity), the rotation position obtained by rotating the tooth member 5 90° from that (rotation position of a non-cavity), the rotation position obtained by rotating the tooth member 5 further 90° from that (rotation position of a cavity), and the rotation position obtained by rotating the tooth member 5 further 90° from that (rotation position of a non-cavity), and can be stably held at those rotation positions. The plate member 32 and the rod-shaped members 33a and 33b can function as a restricting portion that restricts the rotation position of the tooth member 5. Therefore, when the tooth member 5 has multiple exposed surfaces including a surface 5a simulating a cavity and a surface 5b simulating a non-cavity, one surface can be exposed from the jaw member 2 due to different rotation positions, the plate member 32 and the rod-shaped members 33a, 33b can restrict the rotation of the tooth member 5 to a position where one of the multiple exposed surfaces (5a, 5b) is exposed from the jaw member 2.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the tooth member 5 has a protrusion (protrusion portion) 31 on the surface 5a simulating a cavity. In Figs. 6 and 7, the protrusions 31 are provided near the four corners of the surface 5a simulating a cavity, so that each surface 5a has four protrusions 31. The protrusions 31 correspond to the portions of the outer member 22 of the tooth member 5 that protrude outward locally from the curved surface that represents the appearance of the tooth. The brush surface (the surface of the portion simulating a brush) of the member 11 simulating a toothbrush is not a flat surface but a jagged surface (uneven surface). The user of the toy 1 can press the brush surface of the member 11 simulating a toothbrush against the surface 5a simulating a cavity of the tooth member 5 that is in the rotation position of the cavity, and apply a rotation force to the tooth member 5 by the member 11, thereby changing the tooth member 5 from the rotation position of the cavity to the rotation position of the non-cavity. At this time, by hooking the jagged (uneven) surface of the brush surface of the toothbrush-like member 11 onto the protrusion 31 of the cavity-like surface 5a, the toothbrush-like member 11 can easily and accurately apply a rotational force to the tooth member 5. Therefore, the protrusion 31 provided on the cavity-like surface 5a of the tooth member 5 can be an operated part for the action (operation) of the user of the toy 1 to rotate the tooth member 5. That is, the user of the toy 1 performs an action (operation) to change the state from a state in which the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (a state in which the tooth member 5 is in a cavity-like rotation position) to a state in which the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (a state in which the tooth member 5 is in a non-cavity rotation position), and the protrusion 31 can be an operated part for that action (operation). By providing the projection 31 on the cavity-like 5a of the tooth member 5, the tooth member 5 can be easily and accurately changed from a cavity-like rotation position to a non-cavity rotation position by using the toothbrush-like member 11 or the like. Similarly, when the dental tool-like member 12 (here, a dental drill) is used instead of the toothbrush-like member 11, the projection 31 can easily and accurately change the tooth member 5 as the operated part of the operation (operation) from a cavity-like rotation position to a non-cavity rotation position. In addition, by inserting the tip of the drill part into the opening 24 of the outer member 22 of the tooth member 5, the dental tool-like member 12 can easily and accurately apply a rotation force to the tooth member 5.

[0031] Figures 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the mechanism by which the jaw members 2, 3 change between an open mouth state and a closed mouth state. Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views showing a part of the toy 1, and in Figure 8, the jaw members 2, 3 are in a closed mouth state, and in Figure 9, the jaw members 2, 3 are in an open mouth state.

[0032] When the lever 6 is moved, a rotating shaft (not shown) connected to the lever 6 and a gear (not shown) fixed to the rotating shaft rotate, and the pinion (gear) 42 meshing with the gear also rotates. A rack (plate-shaped or rod-shaped gear) 41 is disposed adjacent to the pinion 42, and the teeth of the pinion 42 mesh with the teeth of the rack 41. Therefore, when the pinion 42 rotates, the rack 41 can move in a linear direction (here, vertically), and the rotational motion of the pinion 42 can be converted into the linear motion of the rack 41. The upper end of the rack 41 is connected to the jaw member 3. The linear motion (vertical motion) of this rack 41 can move the jaw member 3, and thereby the jaw members 2 and 3 can change between an open mouth state and a closed mouth state.

[0033] For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when the lever 6 is in the upright position, the jaw members 2 and 3 are in a closed state, but when the lever 6 is tilted toward the front as shown in Fig. 9, the rack 41 descends as the pinion 42 rotates, which moves the jaw member 3 to open the jaw members 2 and 3. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 9, when the lever 6 is in the upright position toward the front, the jaw members 2 and 3 are in an open state, but when the lever 6 is tilted toward the rear as shown in Fig. 8, the rack 41 ascends as the pinion 42 rotates, which moves the jaw member 3 to close the jaw members 2 and 3.

[0034] In addition, the gear (pinion) 43 shown in Figures 8 and 9 meshes with a gear (not shown) fixed to a rotating shaft (not shown) connected to the lever 6, so that when the lever 6 is moved, the gear 43 also rotates.

[0035] As described above, when the jaw members 2 and 3 are in an open-mouth state, each of the teeth members 5 can be changed between a state in which the surface 5a of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state in FIG. 3) and a state in which the surface 5b of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (the state in FIG. 4) in response to the operation of the user of the toy 1. In other words, when the jaw members 2 and 3 are in an open-mouth state, each of the teeth members 5 can be changed between a rotation position with a cavity (the rotation position in FIG. 3) and a rotation position without a cavity (the rotation position in FIG. 4) in response to the operation of the user of the toy 1. Then, as described later, when the jaw members 2 and 3 in an open-mouth state change to a closed-mouth state (the state in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), all of the multiple teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are changed to a state in which the surface 5a of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 (specifically, a state in which the surface 5a simulating a cavity becomes the upper surface of the teeth member 5). In other words, when the jaw members 2, 3 in an open mouth state change to a closed mouth state (the state shown in Figs. 1 and 2), all of the teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 become the rotation positions for the caries. An example of a mechanism for achieving this will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11.

[0036] 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a mechanism in which all the tooth members 5 are in the rotation position for caries when the jaw members 2, 3 change from an open mouth state to a closed mouth state. Fig. 10 corresponds to the case where the jaw members 2, 3 are in the open mouth state, and Fig. 11 corresponds to the case where the jaw members 2, 3 are in the closed mouth state.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the teeth member 5 has a rod-shaped member 51 provided on a side surface of the teeth member 5 (a side surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 21). In the teeth member 5, the side surface on which the plate member 32 (see Figs. 6 and 7) is provided and the side surface on which the rod-shaped member 51 (see Figs. 10 and 11) is provided are opposite sides to each other. The teeth member 5 is attached to the jaw member 2, but the side surface of the teeth member 5 on which the rod-shaped member 51 is provided faces the inside of the jaw member 2, and the side surface of the teeth member 5 on which the plate member 32 is provided faces the outside of the jaw member 2. This makes it easier to arrange a rod-shaped or plate-shaped member 52 (described later) on the inside of the jaw member 2.

[0038] The extending direction of the rod-shaped member 51 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 21 of the tooth member 5 and substantially parallel to the surface 5a simulating a cavity. The surface 5a simulating a cavity and the surface 5b simulating a tooth without a cavity are substantially perpendicular to each other, so that the extending direction of the rod-shaped member 51 is substantially perpendicular to the surface 5b simulating a tooth without a cavity. The rod-shaped member 51 is fixed to the outer member 22 of the tooth member 5 or is formed integrally with the outer member 22, so that when the tooth member 5 rotates, the rod-shaped member 51 also rotates together. The rotation axis 21 passes through a hole provided near the center of the rod-shaped member 51.

[0039] Therefore, when the tooth member 5 is in a cavity rotation position, the rod-shaped member 51 attached to the side of the tooth member 5 extends horizontally, and when the tooth member 5 is in a non-cavity rotation position, the rod-shaped member 51 attached to the side of the tooth member 5 extends vertically.

[0040] A rod-like or plate-like member 52 is disposed adjacent to the tooth member 5, and a protruding portion 53 protruding upward is provided on the upper surface of the member 52. The protruding portion 53 is provided for each tooth member 5. The member 52 extends in the X direction shown in Figures 10 and 11. Here, the X direction is a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis 21 of the tooth member 5 and approximately parallel to the side surface of the tooth member 5 (the side surface on which the member 51 is provided).

[0041] Member 52 is connected to a rack (not shown) that meshes with gear (pinion) 43 shown in Figures 8 and 9. Therefore, the rotational motion of gear 43 can be converted into linear motion of member 52 in the X direction. When lever 6 is moved, gear 43 also rotates, and thereby member 52 moves in the X direction. Since protrusion 53 is connected to member 52, when member 52 moves in the X direction, protrusion 53 also moves in the X direction together with member 52.

[0042] When the jaw members 2, 3 are in an open state (with the lever 6 tilted forward), the member 52 and the protrusion 53 are in the position shown in Fig. 10, and when the jaw members 2, 3 are in a closed state (with the lever 6 upright), the member 52 and the protrusion 53 are in the position shown in Fig. 11. That is, when the jaw members 2, 3 change from an open state to a closed state, the member 52 and the protrusion 53 move in the X direction from the position shown in Fig. 10 to the position shown in Fig. 11, and at this time, the protrusion 53 passes under the rod-shaped member 51 installed on the side of the teeth member 5.

[0043] When the rod-shaped member 51 extends horizontally (i.e., when the tooth member 5 is in the carious rotation position), the protruding portion 53 does not collide with the rod-shaped member 51 when it passes under the rod-shaped member 51, and therefore the tooth member 5 to which the member 51 is attached does not rotate. However, when the rod-shaped member 51 extends vertically (i.e., when the tooth member 5 is in the non-carious rotation position), the protruding portion 53 collides with the rod-shaped member 51 when it passes under the rod-shaped member 51, thereby rotating the rod-shaped member 51 by 90° so that the extension direction becomes horizontal from the vertical direction. By rotating the rod-shaped member 51 by 90°, the tooth member 5 to which the member 51 was attached also rotates by 90°, changing from the non-carious rotation position to the carious rotation position.

[0044] 10 and 11, the left tooth member 5 of the two tooth members 5 is referred to as tooth member 5c, and the right tooth member 5 is referred to as tooth member 5d. When the jaw members 2 and 3 are in an open mouth state, as shown in Fig. 10, the tooth member 5c is changed from the rotation position for a cavity to the rotation position for a tooth without a cavity by using a member 11 simulating a toothbrush, while the tooth member 5d is kept in the rotation position for a cavity.

[0045] When the jaw members 2 and 3 are open, the teeth member 5d is in a rotational position that is not cavity-free as shown in Fig. 10, but even when the jaw members 2 and 3 change from an open mouth state to a closed mouth state, the teeth member 5d maintains the rotational position that is not cavity-free as shown in Fig. 11. This is because when the protruding portion 53 moves from the position shown in Fig. 10 to the position shown in Fig. 11, the protruding portion 53 does not collide with the rod-shaped member 51 installed on the side of the teeth member 5d.

[0046] On the other hand, when the jaw members 2 and 3 are open, the teeth member 5c is in a rotation position without a cavity as shown in Fig. 10, but when the jaw members 2 and 3 change from the open mouth state to the closed mouth state, the teeth member 5c changes from the rotation position without a cavity to the rotation position with a cavity as shown in Fig. 11. This is because, when the protruding portion 53 moves from the position in Fig. 10 to the position in Fig. 11, the protruding portion 53 collides with and pushes the rod-shaped member 51 installed on the side of the teeth member 5c, thereby applying a rotation force to the member 51, which rotates the teeth member 5c by 90°.

[0047] Therefore, when the jaw members 2, 3, which are in an open-mouth state, change to a closed-mouth state by moving the lever 6, all of the teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are in the cavity rotation position. That is, when the jaw members 2, 3 are in the open-mouth state, each of the teeth members 5 can be changed to a cavity rotation position or a non-cavity rotation position in response to an operation by the user of the toy 1 (for example, an operation using the member 11 simulating a toothbrush), but when the jaw members 2, 3, which are in an open-mouth state, change to a closed-mouth state, all of the teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are in the cavity rotation position.

[0048] Next, how to use the toy 1 will be described.

[0049] First, when the user of the toy 1 pulls (depresses) the lever 6 toward himself / herself with the toy 1 in a state in which the mouth is closed as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the jaw members 2 and 3 of the toy 1 open their mouths as shown in Figure 3. In the open mouth state, the multiple teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are visible to the user of the toy 1.

[0050] When the jaw members 2 and 3 move from a closed state (the state in Figs. 1 and 2) to an open state, the plurality of teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are all in the rotational position of a cavity, that is, as shown in Fig. 3, the upper surface of each of the plurality of teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 is a surface 5a simulating a cavity. That is, at this stage, each of the plurality of teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 is in a state in which the surface 5a simulating a cavity of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2. Therefore, at this stage, each of the plurality of teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 looks like a cavity when viewed from the user of the toy 1.

[0051] Next, the user of the toy 1 removes the member 11 simulating a toothbrush from the support base 4, presses the member 11 against the tooth member 5, and rotates the tooth member 5 by applying a rotational force to the tooth member 5 with the member 11. As a result, the tooth member 5 in the rotational position of a cavity (i.e., the tooth member 5 with the surface 5a simulating a cavity as the upper surface) rotates, and the tooth member 5 moves to a rotational position of a non-cavity (i.e., the upper surface of the tooth member 5 becomes the surface 5b simulating a non-cavity tooth). As a result, from the perspective of the user of the toy 1, the tooth member 5 that looked like a cavity (the tooth member 5 in the rotational position of a cavity) appears to have been changed into a non-cavity tooth (the tooth member 5 in the rotational position of a non-cavity) by being rotated by the operation of the member 11 simulating a toothbrush, with the cavity cured.

[0052] 4 shows a state in which all of the tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are changed from a cavity-like rotation position to a non-cavity rotation position using the toothbrush-like member 11. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, all of the tooth members 5 are changed from a state in which the cavity-like surfaces 5a are exposed from the jaw member 2 to a state in which the non-cavity-like surfaces 5b are exposed from the jaw member 2 by rotating the tooth members 5 using the toothbrush-like member 11.

[0053] The user of the toy 1 can rotate any one of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 using the member 11 simulating a toothbrush to change the tooth member 5 in the cavity rotation position to a non-cavity rotation position. For example, all of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 can be changed from the cavity rotation position to the non-cavity rotation position, or some of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 can be changed from the cavity rotation position to the non-cavity rotation position and the rest can be left in the cavity rotation position.

[0054] By rotating the tooth part 5 using the part 11 simulating a toothbrush, the action of changing the tooth part 5 from a rotation position for a cavity to a rotation position for a non-cavity tooth is an action that reminds the user of the toy 1 of brushing teeth, and can make the user aware that brushing teeth is effective in eliminating (reducing) cavities.

[0055] Moreover, by performing an operation of rotating the tooth member 5 using the member 12 simulating a dental tool instead of the member 11 simulating a toothbrush, the tooth member 5 in the rotation position of a cavity can be changed to a rotation position without a cavity. The act of changing the tooth member 5 in the rotation position of a cavity to a rotation position without a cavity by rotating the tooth member 5 using the member 12 simulating a dental tool is an act that reminds the user of the toy 1 of treating a cavity using a dental tool, and can make the user aware that treating a cavity at a dental clinic or the like is effective in eliminating (reducing) cavities.

[0056] Next, when the user of the toy 1 returns the lever 6 to the rear side (uprights), the jaw member 3 moves relative to the jaw member 2, and the jaw members 2 and 3 change from an open-mouth state (FIG. 4) to a closed-mouth state (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the closed-mouth state, the multiple teeth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are not visible to the user of the toy 1.

[0057] In this case, as explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11 above, when the jaw members 2, 3 are in the open mouth position, regardless of whether each of the multiple tooth members 5 provided on the toy 1 is positioned in the cavity rotation position or the non-cavity rotation position, when the jaw members 2, 3 change from the open mouth position to the closed mouth position, all of the multiple tooth members 5 provided on the toy 1 will be in the cavity rotation position.

[0058] In other words, even if the tooth member 5 in the carious rotation position is changed to a non-carious rotation position by the toothbrush-like member 11 when the jaw members 2, 3 are in the open-mouth state, the tooth member 5 in the non-carious rotation position will be in the carious rotation position in response to the jaw members 2, 3 being changed from the open-mouth state to the closed-mouth state. On the other hand, the tooth member 5 that was left in the carious rotation position when the jaw members 2, 3 are in the open-mouth state will remain in the carious rotation position even when the jaw members 2, 3 are changed from the open-mouth state to the closed-mouth state.

[0059] Next, when the user of the toy 1 pulls (depresses) the lever 6 towards himself, the jaw member 3 moves relative to the jaw member 2, and the jaw members 2, 3 change from a closed-mouth state (FIGS. 1 and 2) to an open-mouth state (FIG. 3). In the open-mouth state, the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are visible to the user of the toy 1. At this time, all of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 are in a cavity-like rotation position (i.e., a rotation position where the cavity-like surface 5a becomes the upper surface of the tooth member 5). Therefore, when viewed by the user of the toy 1, all of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 look like cavities.

[0060] Thereafter, the user of the toy 1 can repeat the above operations. That is, the user of the toy 1 can change the tooth member 5 in the cavity rotation position to a non-cavity rotation position by rotating the tooth member 5 using the member 11 simulating a toothbrush. Then, by returning the lever 6 to the back side, the jaw members 2 and 3 go from an open mouth state to a closed mouth state, and accordingly, all of the multiple tooth members 5 attached to the jaw member 2 go to the cavity rotation position. After that, by tilting the lever 6 to the front side, the jaw members 2 and 3 go from a closed mouth state to an open mouth state, and in that state, all of the tooth members 5 visible to the user of the toy 1 are in the cavity rotation position.

[0061] The toy 1 of the present embodiment includes a jaw member 2 simulating a jaw, and a plurality of teeth members 5 each simulating a tooth and attached to the jaw member 2. Each of the plurality of teeth members 5 included in the toy 1 is attached so that a predetermined surface is exposed from the jaw member 2. Each of the plurality of teeth members 5 included in the toy 1 can be changed, in response to an operation by a user, between a state in which a surface 5a of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 and a state in which a surface 5b of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2, thereby improving the interest of the toy 1.

[0062] In addition, in each of the multiple tooth members included in the toy 1, the surface 5a is a surface that imitates a cavity, and the surface 5b is a surface that imitates a cavity-free tooth. As a result, the action of changing the state in which the surface 5a of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 to the state in which the surface 5b of the tooth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 is easily associated with the action of changing a cavity into a cavity-free tooth, so that the interest of the toy 1 can be further improved. In addition, when the appearance of a cavity is expressed by printing or sticking a sticker on the outer member (outer shell member) 22, damage such as peeling of the printed ink or peeling of the sticker may occur when the member 11 or the member 12 is pressed (rubbed) against the tooth member 5. However, since each of the tooth members 5 included in the toy 1 is configured to be separately provided with the inner member 23 that is an appearance member that represents a cavity, the above-mentioned damage does not occur, and it is possible to prevent the aesthetic appearance of the toy 1 from being impaired.

[0063] The toy 1 further includes a rotation operation member that is operated by a user of the toy 1 and can be pressed against each of the multiple tooth members 5 included in the toy 1 to rotate each of the multiple tooth members 5. This rotation operation member is modeled after a toothbrush or a dental tool. Therefore, the user of the toy 1 can play with the toy 1 while easily associating it with brushing teeth or treating cavities. This can further increase the interest of the toy 1.

[0064] The toy 1 of this embodiment includes a jaw member 2 simulating a lower jaw and a jaw member 3 simulating an upper jaw. When the jaw members 2 and 3 are in an open mouth state, each of the multiple teeth members 5 included in the toy 1 can be changed between a state in which the surface 5a of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 and a state in which the surface 5b of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2 in response to an operation by a user of the toy 1. Then, when the jaw members 2 and 3 in an open mouth state change to a closed mouth state, each of the multiple teeth members 5 included in the toy 1 is in a state in which the surface 5a of the teeth member 5 is exposed from the jaw member 2. This allows repeated play using the toy 1 by opening and closing the mouth, thereby improving the operability of the toy 1. In addition, the interest of the toy 1 can be further improved.

[0065] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiment thereof. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 toy 2,3 Jaw members 4 Support part 5,5c,5d Tooth parts 5a,5b side 6 Lever 11, 12, 13 Materials 21 Rotation axis 22 Outer member 23 Inner member 24 Opening 31 Protrusion 32 Plate member 33, 33a, 33b Members 41 Rack 42 Pinion 43 Gears 51,52 Parts 53 Protrusion

Claims

1. a first jaw member and a second jaw member simulating a jaw; a plurality of teeth members attached to the first jaw member, each of the teeth simulating a tooth; an opening / closing member that can be moved by a user to change an open / closed state of the first jaw member and the second jaw member; Equipped with the first jaw member and the second jaw member are capable of changing between an open-mouth state and a closed-mouth state by the second jaw member moving relative to the first jaw member; each of the plurality of teeth members is changeable between a first state and a second state different from the first state when the mouth is open; A toy wherein, when the first jaw member and the second jaw member, which are in the open mouth state, are changed to the closed mouth state by the user moving the members, at least one of the plurality of teeth members after the change to the second state is in the first state.

2. 2. The toy according to claim 1, the first state is a state in which a first surface of the teeth member is exposed from the first jaw member in response to an operation by a user; the second state is a state in which a second surface of the teeth member, different from the first surface, is exposed from the first jaw member in response to an operation by a user; A toy, wherein each of the plurality of tooth members has a protrusion on the first surface that serves as an operated portion for the operation by the user.

3. The toy according to claim 1 or 2, Each of the plurality of teeth members is pivotally attached to the first jaw member, and the first state and the second state have different pivot positions.

4. 4. The toy according to claim 3, Each of the plurality of teeth members is provided with a plurality of exposed surfaces that can be exposed from the first jaw member by changing the rotational position, the exposed surfaces including the first surface and the second surface; Each of the teeth members has a restricting portion capable of restricting rotation of the teeth member to a position where any one of the plurality of exposed surfaces is exposed from the first jaw member.

5. 5. The toy according to claim 4, The toy further comprises a rotation operation member that is operated by the user and can be pressed against each of the plurality of tooth members to rotate each of the plurality of tooth members.

6. 6. The toy according to claim 5, The toy, wherein the rotating operating member imitates a toothbrush or a dental tool.

7. The toy according to any one of claims 2 to 6, A toy, wherein in each of the plurality of tooth members, the first surface is a surface simulating a cavity-affected tooth, and the second surface is a surface simulating a non-cavity-affected tooth.

8. 8. The toy according to claim 6 or 7, Each of the plurality of tooth members includes a first member that configures an outer periphery of the tooth member and a second member that is configured in a color different from the color of the first member so as to simulate a cavity, A toy, wherein in each of the plurality of teeth members, the second member is exposed from the first member on the first surface and the second member is covered by the first member on the second surface.

9. In the toy described in claim 1, The toy is configured such that the opening and closing member can be moved by a user to move the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member.

10. The toy according to claim 9, The opening and closing member is configured such that the second jaw member is rotatable relative to the first jaw member.

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