Toys for infants and toddlers

Abstract

We provide toys that can stimulate the curiosity of infants and toddlers. [Solution] The infant toy 100 comprises a base 110, a first member 120, and a second member 130. The first member 120 is rotatably mounted on the base 110 with respect to an axis 140 that runs vertically. The first member 120 has a housing section 129 that is open at the top. The housing section 129 is located in the area surrounding the axis 140. The second member 130 is positioned above the first member 120. The second member 130 has an opening 131 for allowing objects to pass through, at a position that overlaps with the housing section 129 in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to toys for infants and young children.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an educational toy for infants and young children. This toy has a base and a container provided on the base. An opening for inserting a sphere is formed at the upper end of the container. An opening for discharging the sphere is formed at the lower end of the container. The sphere inserted into the opening at the upper end of the container is discharged from the opening at the lower end of the container into the recess of the base.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When playing with the toy of Patent Document 1, an infant and young child repeats the operation of inserting a sphere into the opening at the upper end of the container and collecting the sphere discharged into the recess. In such a conventional educational toy, the movement of the sphere is likely to be predicted, and it is considered that the curiosity of an infant and young child is not sufficiently stimulated.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a toy that can stimulate the curiosity of infants and young children.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [1] The toy for infants and toddlers, as described on one side, comprises a base, a first part, and a second part. The first part is rotatably mounted on the base with respect to an axis in the vertical direction. The first part has a housing that is open at the top. The housing is located in the region surrounding the axis. The second part is positioned above the first part. The second part has an opening for objects to pass through, in a position that overlaps with the housing in a plan view.

[0007] In the above-described toy for infants, objects that pass through the opening of the second part fall into the containment section of the first part. In one example, since the containment section is located in the area surrounding the axis, when an infant is facing the toy, the falling object can fall to various positions, such as between the infant and the axis, or further away from the infant than the axis. In this case, the movement of the falling object is difficult to predict, and the infant's curiosity is easily stimulated. Furthermore, if the falling object falls to a position far from the axis, the infant can rotate the first part to move the object closer to them. In this case, the infant can be encouraged to rotate the first part, further stimulating their curiosity.

[0008] [2] The infant toy described in [1] may further comprise a third part positioned below the opening, which alters the landing position of an object that has passed through the opening. This configuration makes it more difficult to predict the landing position of the object, thus stimulating curiosity.

[0009] In the infant toy described in [3] [2], the third part may have an upper surface formed along the horizontal direction. This configuration suppresses bias in the landing position of the falling object.

[0010] [4] In any of the infant toys described in [1] to [3], the first part and the second part may be connected to each other by at least one plate-like portion extending in the vertical direction. In this configuration, the space formed between the first part and the second part is partitioned by the plate-like portion. Therefore, the object that falls is more likely to remain near the initial landing position.

[0011] In the infant toys described in [5] and [4], at least one plate-like portion may be multiple plate-like portions. The multiple plate-like portions may be arranged circumferentially with respect to the axis in a plan view. In this configuration, the space formed between the first portion and the second portion is divided into multiple spaces.

[0012] In the infant toy described in [6] [4] or [5], a path may be formed at the lower end of at least one plate-like portion through which a falling object can pass. In this configuration, the falling object can move from the initial landing position to another of the three partitioned spaces.

[0013] In any of the infant toys described in [7] [4] to [6], at least one plate-like portion may be made of a transparent material. In this configuration, even objects that have fallen behind the plate-like portion are easily recognizable by infants.

[0014] [8] In any of the infant toys described in [1] to [7], the second part may be bowl-shaped with an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the center. An opening may be formed in the center of the second part. In this configuration, objects dropped onto the inclined surface of the second part can pass through the opening.

[0015] In the infant toy described in any of [9] [1] to [8], the first part of the housing may have a bottom wall extending horizontally and a peripheral wall formed upward from the periphery of the bottom wall. In this configuration, the peripheral wall prevents objects that have fallen onto the bottom wall from moving outside the housing. Also, because the bottom wall extends horizontally, objects that have fallen onto the bottom wall are prevented from moving due to gravity.

[0016]

[10] In any of the infant toys described in [1] to [9], a bearing may be placed between the base and the first part. In this configuration, friction between the base and the first part is reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the infant toy on one side, it can stimulate the curiosity of infants. It can.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second member constituting the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a plate-like member constituting the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the infant toy according to an example embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a spherical body constituting an infant toy set. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a spherical body constituting an infant toy set. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a spherical body constituting an infant toy set.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. For convenience, substantially identical elements will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted. In the description, the Cartesian coordinate system defined by the X, Y, and Z axes shown in the drawings may be referred to. In some cases, the direction along the Z axis will be referred to as the up and down direction, the positive side of the Z axis will be referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side as the lower side.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an infant toy according to one embodiment. The infant toy 100 shown in Figure 1 is a type of toy known as a "ball drop" in which a spherical body 10 (see, for example, Figures 10 to 12) is inserted into an opening 131 provided at the top, and the inserted spherical body 10 is housed in a storage section 129 at the bottom. The infant toy 100 in this example comprises a base 110, a first member 120, and a second member 130. The infant toy 100 in the illustrated example further comprises a plate-shaped member 150 and a third member 160. In the infant toy 100, the first member 120 is positioned on the base 110, and the first member 120 and the second member 130 are connected via the plate-shaped member 150. The third member 160 and the plate-shaped member 150 are positioned between the first member 120 and the second member 130 in the Z-axis direction.

[0021] The base 110 is the lower part of the infant toy 100 and rotatably supports the first member 120. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the base 110 and the first member 120 of the infant toy 100, viewed from diagonally above. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the base 110 and the first member 120 of the infant toy 100, viewed from diagonally below. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the portion of the infant toy 100 including the base 110 and the first member 120.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the base 110 includes a bottom plate 111 and a base body 115. An example of the bottom plate 111 has a bottom wall portion 112 that is circular in shape when viewed from above. The bottom wall portion 112 is curved so as to rise upward toward the center. Multiple protrusions 112a are formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 112. The multiple protrusions 112a are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the bottom wall portion 112. In addition, multiple through holes 112b are formed in the bottom wall portion 112 that penetrate the bottom wall portion 112 in the thickness direction. The multiple through holes 112b are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction. An annular projection portion 113 that protrudes upward is formed on the periphery of the bottom wall portion 112.

[0023] The base body 115 has an upper wall portion 116 that is circular in shape when viewed from above. The upper wall portion 116 includes a central portion 117 and an outer peripheral portion 118. The central portion 117 is formed in a recessed position toward the bottom wall portion 112 from the inner circumference of the outer peripheral portion 118. That is, the boundary between the central portion 117 and the outer peripheral portion 118 is formed in a stepped shape. The central portion 117 has an annular shape with a circular opening 117a formed therein. The outer peripheral portion 118 has an annular shape when viewed from above, surrounding the outer edge of the central portion 117. In the illustrated example, the outer peripheral portion 118 may be curved along the shape of the first member 120.

[0024] A peripheral wall portion 119 is formed on the edge of the upper wall portion 116 (i.e., the outer edge of the outer periphery), projecting downward. In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall portion 119 widens in diameter towards the bottom. The base body 115 is fixed to the bottom plate 111 by fitting the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 119 with the upper end of the protruding portion 113 of the bottom plate 111. In one example, multiple support columns 116a project downward from the lower surface of the upper wall portion 116, and screw holes are formed in each support column 116a. Screws (not shown) inserted through multiple through holes 112b formed in the bottom wall portion 112 are fastened to the screw holes (support columns 116a) of the upper wall portion 116, thereby fixing the base body 115 and the bottom plate 111 to each other.

[0025] One example of a first member 120 includes a disc-shaped bottom wall portion 121 extending horizontally and a peripheral wall portion 125 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall portion 121. The peripheral wall portion 125 widens in diameter towards the top and curves in a direction that narrows inward. Furthermore, an annular projection portion 121a is formed on the lower surface of the first member 120, projecting downward from the periphery of the bottom wall portion 121. The outer diameter of the projection portion 121a is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer circumference 118 of the base body 115. In addition, a plurality of support columns 121b project downward from the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 121, and screw holes are formed in each support column 121b.

[0026] The first member 120 is rotatably mounted on the base 110 with respect to its axis in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the first member 120 is connected to the base 110 by a rotation support member 141. The rotation support member 141 has a column 142 and a flange portion 143. The column 142 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. That is, the column 142 has a cylindrical shaft portion 142a having an axis 140 in the vertical direction, and a bottom portion 142b that closes the lower end of the shaft portion 142a. The outer diameter of the shaft portion 142a is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 117a of the base 110. Multiple through holes 142c are formed in the bottom portion 142b, corresponding to multiple columns 121b (screw holes) of the first member 120. The flange portion 143 extends radially outward from the lower end of the column 142 and has an annular plate shape. The outer diameter of the flange portion 143 is larger than the diameter of the opening 117a of the base 110. Hereafter, the radial direction centered on the axis 140 may simply be referred to as the "radial direction".

[0027] The rotating support member 141 is positioned such that its support column 142 is inserted through the opening 117a from the underside (back side) of the base body 115. The rotating support member 141 is then connected to the first member 120 by fastening a screw (not shown) inserted through the through hole 142c into the screw hole of the support column 121b. When the first member 120 and the rotating support member 141 are connected to each other, the support column 142 of the rotating support member 141, positioned within the opening 117a, functions as the axis of rotation. As a result, the first member 120 is able to rotate freely relative to the base 110 about its axis 140 in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the protruding portion 121a of the first member 120 is positioned inside the stepped portion of the outer circumference 118 of the base body 115, thereby suppressing rotational wobble.

[0028] In one example of an infant toy 100, a bearing is positioned between the base body 115 and the first member 120. In the illustrated example, a ball retainer 145 is positioned between the base body 115 and the first member 120, inside the protruding portion 121a of the first member 120, surrounding the support column 142 of the rotating support member 141. The ball retainer 145 consists of an annular holder 146 and a plurality of balls 147 (metal spheres) held by the holder 146.

[0029] The first member 120 has a housing portion 129 (housing space) that is open at the top. In one example of the first member 120, the first member 120 takes on a bowl shape due to the bottom wall portion 121 and the peripheral wall portion 125, thereby defining the housing portion 129 on the upper surface of the first member 120. This housing portion 129 is provided in the region surrounding the axis 140 in a plan view. Multiple protrusions 126 are formed on the outer periphery of the first member 120. Each protrusion 126 extends along the vertical direction. The multiple protrusions 126 are formed evenly in the circumferential direction.

[0030] A fixing portion 128 for securing the plate-shaped member 150 is formed on the inside (upper surface) of the housing portion 129. One example of a fixing portion 128 includes a pair of support pieces 127. The pair of support pieces 127 extend radially along the peripheral wall portion 125. The pair of support pieces 127 are spaced apart from each other by the thickness of the plate-shaped member 150.

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second member from below. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the second member 130 is positioned above the first member 120. The second member 130 has an opening 131 for passing the spherical body 10 through, at a position that overlaps with the housing portion 129 in a plan view. In one example, the second member 130 has a bowl shape with an opening 131 formed at the bottom. That is, the second member 130 has a circular shape in a plan view and has a peripheral wall portion 135 that slopes downward from the outer edge toward the center. The lower end of the peripheral wall portion 135 defines a circular opening 131. The opening 131 is located in the center of the second member 130 in a plan view. The axis 140 may pass through the center of the opening 131. In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall portion 135 is curved such that the angle of inclination decreases from the upper end toward the lower end.

[0032] For example, the outer diameter of the second member 130 may be the same as the outer diameter of the first member 120, and may be approximately 150 mm to 170 mm. In one example of an infant toy 100, the outer diameter of the base 110 is smaller than the outer diameters of the first member 120 and the second member 130. Also, the diameter of the opening 131 formed in the second member 130 may be approximately 60 mm to 80 mm.

[0033] Multiple protrusions 136 are formed on the outer edge of the second member 130. Each protrusion 136 extends in the vertical direction. The multiple protrusions 136 are formed evenly in the circumferential direction. The spacing between the protrusions 136 formed on the second member 130 may be smaller than the spacing between the protrusions 126 formed on the first member 120.

[0034] A fixing portion 138 for fixing the plate-shaped member 150 is formed on the lower surface of the second member 130. One example of a fixing portion 138 includes a pair of support pieces 137. The pair of support pieces 137 extend radially on the lower surface of the second member 130. The pair of support pieces 137 are spaced apart from each other by the thickness of the plate-shaped member 150.

[0035] Figure 6 is a side view showing the plate-shaped member 150. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the plate-shaped members. Figure 8 is a plan view of the infant toy. The first member 120 and the second member 130 are connected to each other by a member extending in the vertical direction. In one example, the first member 120 and the second member 130 are connected to each other by at least one (three in the illustrated example) plate-shaped member 150. The plate-shaped member 150 extends in the vertical direction to connect the first member 120 and the second member 130, and also extends radially to partition the space between the first member 120 and the second member 130. In one example, the plate-shaped member 150 has a main body portion 151 that is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0036] The lower part 151a of the main body 151 is curved along the curve of the peripheral wall portion 125 of the first member 120. The lower part 151a of the main body 151 is fitted between a pair of support pieces 127 of the fixing portion 128 formed on the first member 120. The main body 151 and the fixing portion 128 are fixed to each other, for example, by a positioning pin 152a and a screw 153a inserted from the lower side of the first member 120. The upper part 151b of the main body 151 is curved along the curve of the peripheral wall portion 135 of the second member 130. The upper part 151b of the main body 151 is fitted between a pair of support pieces 137 of the fixing portion 138 formed on the second member 130. The main body 151 and the fixing portion 138 are fixed to each other, for example, by a positioning pin 152b and a screw 153b inserted horizontally from the second member 130 side. In the illustrated example, the fixing portion 138 has an insertion hole 138a through which the screw 153b is inserted.

[0037] On the radially inward side of the main body 151, a projection 155 is formed that protrudes from the vertical center toward the axis 140. In one example, the upper edge 155a of the projection 155 extends along the horizontal direction. The lower edge 155b of the projection 155 curves toward the lower part 151a of the main body 151 as it approaches the main body 151.

[0038] The three plate-like members 150 are arranged circumferentially with respect to the axis 140 in a plan view. In the illustrated example, the three plate-like members 150 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction. As a result, the space between the first member 120 and the second member 130 is divided into at least three spaces in a plan view. In this case, the lower edges 155b of the protrusions 155 of adjacent plate-like members 150 in the circumferential direction form paths 156 (openings) for moving between the divided spaces. These paths 156 are at least large enough for the spherical body 10 to pass through.

[0039] The three plate-like members 150 are connected to each other by a third member 160 positioned on the axis 140. In one example, the third member 160 has an upper member 161 and a lower member 165. The upper member 161 has a plate-like portion 162 extending horizontally and a support column 163 projecting downward from the center of the plate-like portion 162. In one example, the plate-like portion 162 has a circular shape in plan view. The diameter of the plate-like portion 162 is, for example, smaller than the diameter of the opening 131 of the second member 130.

[0040] The upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 162 in the illustrated example may have a spherical shape that is slightly curved downward toward the outer circumference. The lower member 165 has a cylindrical portion 166 into which the support column 163 is fitted, and a flange portion 167 formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 166. The upper member 161 and the lower member 165 are fixed together by fastening a screw 166a inserted from the cylindrical portion 166 of the lower member 165 into a screw hole formed in the support column 163 of the upper member 161. At this time, the protruding portions 155 of the three plate-shaped members 150 are sandwiched between the plate-shaped portion 162 of the upper member 161 and the flange portion 167 of the lower member 165, thereby connecting the three plate-shaped members 150 to each other.

[0041] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of an infant toy 100, illustrating the state in which the accessory cup 9 is housed within the infant toy 100. The cup 9 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the cup 9 is uniform in the vertical direction and is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 131 of the second member 130. As shown in Figure 9, the cup 9 can be housed in the infant toy 100 by being inserted into the opening 131 of the second member 130. In the illustrated example, the bottom of the cup 9 is in contact with the third member 160, but the cup 9 may also be housed in an inverted state.

[0042] Figures 10 to 12 are perspective views showing examples of spherical bodies 10 that make up a toy set for infants and toddlers. In other words, each spherical body 10 is an accessory to the toy 100 for infants and toddlers. The toy set for infants and toddlers may consist of the toy 100, the spherical bodies 10, and the cup 9.

[0043] The spherical body 13 shown in Figure 10 has rotational symmetry about a central axis along the Z-axis. The lower part 13a of the spherical body 13 is shorter in the Z-axis direction than the upper part 13b, with respect to the center. Furthermore, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the spherical body 13 exhibits a regular polygonal shape (the illustrated example is a regular nonagon), with each corner being chamfered in an R-shape.

[0044] The spherical body 15 shown in Figure 11 has a spherical portion 15a formed in a spherical shape and two holes 15b for inserting the fingers of an infant. For example, the two holes 15b are located within a hemisphere, making it easy for two fingers of one hand to be inserted.

[0045] The spherical body 17 shown in Figure 12 is formed in an egg shape. That is, the spherical body 17 has a shape in which a hemispherical portion 17b and a semi-ellipsoidal portion 17a, obtained by cutting an ellipsoid perpendicular to its major axis, are connected. The ellipsoidal portion 17a may have a conical shape with a chamfered apex 17c. In one example of the spherical body 17, a weight (not shown) is attached to the hemispherical portion 17b, and the ellipsoidal portion 17a is configured to stand up relative to the hemispherical portion 17b.

[0046] Thus, the spherical body 10, when viewed as a whole, has a spherical shape and may have a shape that makes it easy to roll and difficult to place stably. In addition, a hard sphere may be sealed inside the inner space of each spherical body 10 to make a sound when it collides with the inner wall of the spherical body 10. The maximum dimension (maximum diameter) of the spherical body 10 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 131 of the second member 130. Therefore, the spherical body 10 can pass through the opening 131 of the second member 130. For example, the maximum dimension of the spherical body 10 may be about 38 mm to 57 mm.

[0047] The base 110, the first member 120, the second member 130, the third member 160, the plate-shaped member 150, the cup 9, and the spherical body 10 may be made of a resin material. Such a resin material may be a transparent material. The transparent material only needs to have the property of transmitting light and may be colored. For example, if the plate-shaped member 150 is made of a transparent material, infants can see the spherical body 10 behind the plate-shaped member 150. Examples of resin materials include, but are not limited to, methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MABS) and polypropylene (PP).

[0048] As described above, the infant toy 100 according to one embodiment comprises a base 110, a first member 120 (first part), and a second member 130 (second part). The first member 120 is rotatably mounted on the base 110 with respect to an axis 140 that aligns with the vertical direction. The first member 120 has a housing section 129 that is open at the top. The housing section 129 is provided in the region surrounding the axis 140. The second member 130 is positioned above the first member 120. The second member 130 has an opening 131 for allowing a spherical body 10 (fallen object) to pass through, at a position that overlaps with the housing section 129 in a plan view.

[0049] In the above-described infant toy 100, the intended play involves repeatedly inserting the spherical body 10 into the opening 131 of the second member 130 and retrieving the spherical body 10 after it falls into the storage section 129 of the first member 120. In this type of infant toy 100, the storage section 129 is located in a region surrounding the axis 140 in a plan view. Therefore, when an infant is facing the toy, the spherical body 10 can fall into various positions within the storage section 129, such as between the infant and the axis 140, or further from the infant than the axis 140. In this way, the movement of the spherical body 10 in the above-described infant toy 100 is unpredictable, and the infant's curiosity is easily stimulated.

[0050] Furthermore, if the spherical body 10 falls to a position farther than the axis 140, the infant can rotate the first member 120 to move the spherical body 10 on the housing 129 closer to themselves. In this way, the infant can be encouraged to rotate the first member 120, further stimulating their curiosity. In the illustrated example, the infant may rotate the first member 120 directly, or may rotate the first member 120 by rotating the second member 130, the plate-shaped member 150, etc. The first member 120 is provided with a projection 126, and the second member 130 is provided with a projection 136. Therefore, the infant can easily rotate the first member 120 and the second member 130 by hooking their fingers onto the projections 126 and 136. Note that the projections 126 and 136 are line-shaped extending in the vertical direction, which may make the infant feel like moving them in the horizontal direction that intersects the vertical direction. This allows infants to notice on their own that the first member 120 and the second member 130 are rotating.

[0051] One example of an infant toy 100 may include a third member 160 (third part) positioned below the opening 131. The third member 160 alters the landing position of the spherical body 10 after it has passed through the opening 131. For example, the third member 160 may have an upper surface formed along the horizontal direction. In this configuration, predicting the landing position of the spherical body 10 becomes difficult, thus stimulating curiosity. For example, the spherical body 10, after passing through the opening 131, hits the upper surface of the third member 160 and then falls towards the housing 129 from one of the periphery of the upper surface. Because the upper surface is formed along the horizontal direction, bias in the landing position of the spherical body 10 is suppressed. Also, if the upper surface is slightly spherical, the spherical body 10 is prevented from coming to rest on the upper surface. In this example configuration, the sound produced when the spherical body 10 falls onto the third member 160 may stimulate the curiosity of infants.

[0052] In one example, the first member 120 and the second member 130 may be connected to each other by at least one plate-like member 150 (plate-like portion) extending in the vertical direction. In this configuration, the space formed between the first member 120 and the second member 130 is partitioned by the plate-like member 150. Therefore, the spherical body 10 is more likely to remain near its initial drop position.

[0053] At least one plate-shaped member 150 may be three plate-shaped members 150. The three plate-shaped members 150 may be arranged circumferentially with respect to the axis 140 in a plan view. In this configuration, the space formed between the first member 120 and the second member 130 is divided into three spaces.

[0054] A path 156 through which the spherical body 10 can pass may be formed at the lower end of at least one plate-like member 150. In this configuration, the spherical body 10 can move freely between the spaces separated by the plate-like members 150 by passing through the path 156. Infants may also reach through the path 156 to retrieve the spherical body 10 behind the plate-like member 150.

[0055] At least one plate-like member 150 may be made of a transparent material. In this configuration, even if the spherical object 10 falls behind the plate-like member 150, it is easily recognizable by infants and young children.

[0056] The second member 130 may have a bowl shape with a peripheral wall portion 135 (inclined surface) that slopes downward toward the center. The opening 131 may be formed in the center of the second member 130. In this configuration, the spherical body 10 placed on the peripheral wall portion 135 of the second member 130 can roll along the peripheral wall portion 135 and reliably pass through the opening 131.

[0057] The housing portion 129 of the first member 120 may have a bottom wall portion 121 extending horizontally and a peripheral wall portion 125 formed upward from the periphery of the bottom wall portion 121. In this configuration, the presence of the peripheral wall portion 125 prevents the spherical body 10 that has fallen onto the bottom wall portion 121 from spilling out of the housing portion 129. Also, because the bottom wall portion 121 extends horizontally, gravity prevents the spherical body 10 from moving to a specific position on the bottom wall portion 121. In other words, the spherical body 10 that has fallen onto the bottom wall portion 121 is more likely to remain in the position where it fell.

[0058] A ball retainer 145 (bearing) may be placed between the base 110 and the first member 120. In this configuration, friction between the base 110 and the first member 120 is reduced.

[0059] The infant toy 100 has a cup 9 that can be placed in the opening 131. In this configuration, the opening 131 can be closed by the cup 9. When putting away the infant toy set, the spherical body 10 may be placed inside the cup 9.

[0060] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments.

[0061] For example, although an example has been shown where the first member 120, the second member 130, the plate-shaped member 150, and the third member 160 are separate members, some or all of the members that are connected to each other may be formed integrally.

[0062] The specific way in which the infant toy 100 is played with is not particularly limited. For example, the first member 120 and the second member 130 can be used as wheels, and the infant toy 100 can be rolled around for play. Alternatively, the infant toy 100 can be placed upside down or on its side, and the base 110 can be rotated for play. When playing by rotating the base 110, infants can easily rotate the base 110 by hooking their fingers onto the multiple protrusions 112a formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 112.

[0063] Although an example is shown in which projections 112a, 126, and 136 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, projections 112a, 126, and 136 do not necessarily have to be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. For example, multiple projections may be randomly arranged in the circumferential direction, or a small number of projections may form groups of projections, and multiple groups of projections may be arranged in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the specific shapes of projections 112a, 126, and 136 are not limited to the illustrated example.

[0064] Although an example in which multiple plate-shaped members 150 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction is shown, the multiple plate-shaped members 150 do not necessarily have to be evenly arranged in the circumferential direction. In the above embodiment, the first member 120 and the second member 130 can be stably connected by the even arrangement of the multiple plate-shaped members 150 in the circumferential direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 10...Spherical body (falling object), 100...Infant toy, 120...First member (first part), 129...Storage section, 130...Second member (second part), 131...Opening, 140...Axis, 150...Plate-shaped member (plate-shaped part), 160...Third member (third part).

Claims

1. Base and, A first part is rotatably mounted on the base with respect to an axis in the vertical direction, and has a housing portion that is open at the top, the housing portion is provided in a region surrounding the axis, and the first part, An infant toy comprising: a second part positioned above the first part, the second part having an opening for allowing objects to pass through at a position overlapping the housing in a plan view.

2. The infant toy according to claim 1, further comprising a third portion positioned below the opening and for changing the landing position of the object that has passed through the opening.

3. The toy for infants and toddlers according to claim 2, wherein the third portion has an upper surface formed along the horizontal direction.

4. The infant toy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first part and the second part are connected to each other by at least one plate-like portion extending in the vertical direction.

5. The aforementioned at least one plate-like portion is a plurality of plate-like portions, The toy for infants and toddlers according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of plate-like portions are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis in a plan view.

6. The infant toy according to claim 4, wherein a path is formed at the lower end of at least one of the plate-like portions through which the falling object can pass.

7. The infant toy according to claim 4, wherein at least one plate-like portion is formed of a transparent material.

8. The second part has a bowl shape with an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the center, The infant toy according to claim 1, wherein the opening is formed in the center of the second portion.

9. The infant toy according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion of the first part has a bottom wall extending horizontally and a peripheral wall formed upward from the periphery of the bottom wall.

10. The infant toy according to claim 1, wherein a bearing is disposed between the base and the first part.

Images