Water toys

Abstract

There is a desire for a toy that combines the physical effect of causing water to fall naturally in a linear fashion with the visual effect of forming a spherical water film. However, this may increase manufacturing costs due to the increased number of parts. [Solution] The water toy 10 comprises a tank member 12, a cylindrical discharge member 16, and a plate-shaped discharge member 18. The plate-shaped discharge member 18 includes a plate portion 28 having an upper main surface 28U and a lower main surface 28D, and a shaft portion 30. The shaft portion 30 has a water channel 32 extending along its central axis. At its upper end, the water channel 32 has a suction port 32U opening on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 30, and is always in communication with the inside of the cylindrical discharge member. At its lower end, the water channel 32 has a discharge port 32D opening on the lower main surface 28U. When the plate portion 28 is slid upward, it closes the lower end opening 16D, and when the plate portion 28 is slid downward, it is positioned so that there is a gap between it and the lower end opening 16D.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to water play toys.

Background Art

[0002] As an invention related to conventional water sculptures, for example, a water film formation method described in Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When infants play with water, for example, water that linearly and naturally falls is made to collide with the blades of a water wheel of a toy to rotate the water wheel. On the other hand, there is a desire for a water play in which the state of forming a spherical water film, like the water film described in Patent Document 1, is visually enjoyed. For this reason, although it is desired to provide a toy having both a function of causing water to linearly and naturally fall and a function of forming a spherical water film, providing both functions may increase the number of parts and raise the manufacturing cost.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a water play toy that has both a function of causing water to linearly and naturally fall and exhibiting a physical effect for playing in combination with other toys, and a function of forming a spherical water film and exhibiting a visual effect of enjoying the appearance, and that reduces the manufacturing cost by reducing the number of parts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A water toy according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a tank member, a cylindrical discharge member, and a plate-shaped discharge member, wherein the cylindrical discharge member has a cylindrical shape with an upper end opening and a lower end opening, the upper end opening being in communication with the inside of the tank member, the plate-shaped discharge member includes a plate portion having an upper main surface and a lower main surface, and a shaft portion erected upward from the plate portion, the upper main surface is recessed downward in an annular shape with respect to the base end of the shaft portion, the shaft portion has a water channel extending along the central axis, and the water channel is located at the top The water channel has a suction port opening on the outer circumference of the shaft portion and is always in communication with the inside of the cylindrical discharge member, and the water channel has a discharge port opening at its lower end on the lower main surface of the plate portion, the plate-shaped discharge member is supported by the cylindrical discharge member so as to be slidable in the vertical direction relative to the cylindrical discharge member, the plate portion closes the lower end opening of the cylindrical discharge member when slid upward, and the plate portion is positioned so as to create a gap between itself and the lower end opening when slid downward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water play toy that combines the function of causing water to fall naturally in a linear fashion, exhibiting a physical effect for playing in combination with other toys, and the function of forming a spherical water film, exhibiting a visual effect for enjoyment, while also reducing manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the water toy according to the first embodiment, seen from the front and below. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a water toy, seen from the rear and above. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the disassembled state of a water toy. [Figure 4] (a) is a top-down perspective view of the cylindrical discharge member and the plate-shaped discharge member. (b) is a bottom-up perspective view of the cylindrical discharge member and the plate-shaped discharge member. [Figure 5] This is a VV cross-sectional view. [Figure 6](a) is a cross-sectional view of a water toy in which a plate-shaped dispensing member is sliding downwards and dispensing water. (b) is a cross-sectional view of a water toy in which a plate-shaped dispensing member is sliding upwards and dispensing water. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a water toy spinning a water wheel using water dispensed from the toy. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view of the cylindrical discharge member and the plate-shaped discharge member according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First Embodiment) [Structure of water toys] The structure of the water toy 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water toy 10 comprises a tank member 12, gripping parts 14L and 14R, a cylindrical discharge member 16, and a plate-shaped discharge member 18. In the following description, the direction in which the gripping parts 14L and 14R are aligned along the same straight line will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction in which the tank member 12, the cylindrical discharge member 16, and the plate-shaped discharge member 18 are aligned along the same straight line will be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0010] The tank member 12 is formed by integrating a front tank member 12F and a rear tank member 12R, and is hollow and roughly spherical. An inlet 20 is provided at the top of the rear tank member 12R, which opens with a semicircular cutout when viewed from above. Water is stored in the tank member 12 when the user pours water into it through the inlet 20. At the joint between the front tank member 12F and the rear tank member 12R, gripping parts 14L and 14R are provided so as to protrude to the left and right, respectively. More specifically, the gripping parts 14L and 14R are rod-shaped members that, when viewed from the front, have an opening that faces the tank member 12. The user grasps the gripping parts 14L and 14R in their hands to handle the water toy 10.

[0011] A cylindrical discharge member 16 is provided at the lower end of the tank member 12 so as to protrude downward. The cylindrical discharge member 16 has a shape in which three cylinders are stacked on top of each other, with the diameter gradually decreasing from top to bottom. More specifically, the cylindrical discharge member 16 has a cylindrical shape with an upper end opening 16U and a lower end opening 16D. The upper end opening 16U is a circular opening at the upper end of the cylindrical discharge member 16 and communicates with the inside of the tank member 12. The lower end opening 16D is a circular opening at the lower end of the cylindrical discharge member 16. The outer edge of the lower end opening 16D is rounded and connects to the outer surface of the cylindrical discharge member 16. Furthermore, a cylindrical sleeve 24 is provided inside the cylindrical discharge member 16, extending vertically along the central axis. The sleeve 24 is supported by six arms 26 that extend radially from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical discharge member 16 toward the center.

[0012] A plate-shaped discharge member 18 is attached to the cylindrical discharge member 16. The plate-shaped discharge member 18 includes a disc-shaped plate portion 28 and a shaft portion 30. The plate portion 28 has a circular upper main surface 28U and a lower main surface 28D. The shaft portion 30 is erected upward from the center of the upper main surface 28U of the plate portion 28. The upper main surface 28U is concave downward in an annular shape, centered on the base end portion 30B of the shaft portion 30. More specifically, the plate-shaped discharge member 18 is supported by the cylindrical discharge member 16 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction relative to the cylindrical discharge member 16. Specifically, the shaft portion 30 is inserted into a sleeve 24, and a substantially cylindrical cap 22 having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve 24 is attached to its upper end. The plate portion 28 contacts the lower end of the cylindrical discharge member 16 when the plate-shaped discharge member 18 is in an upward position, thereby closing the lower end opening 16D of the cylindrical discharge member 16. More specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the rounded lower end opening 16D abuts against the upper main surface 28U, which is recessed in an arc shape. The plate portion 28 is positioned such that there is a gap between it and the lower end opening 16D when the plate-shaped discharge member 18 is in an downward position.

[0013] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4-6, the shaft portion 30 has a cylindrical water channel 32 extending along its central axis on its inner side. At its upper end, the water channel 32 has a suction port 32U that opens onto the outer circumference of the shaft portion 30. The suction port 32U is approximately rectangular in shape with its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, and four of them are provided at equal intervals around the outer circumference of the shaft portion 30. The water channel 32 is always in communication with the inside of the cylindrical discharge member 16. In other words, the suction port 32U is in communication with the inside of the cylindrical discharge member 16 regardless of the sliding position of the plate-shaped discharge member 18. On the other hand, at its lower end, the water channel 32 has a circular discharge port 32D that opens on the lower main surface 28D of the plate portion 28.

[0014] [Effects / Effects] Next, the operation and effects of the water toy 10 will be explained. When the plate-shaped discharge member 18 slides upward and the plate portion 28 closes the lower end opening 16D of the cylindrical discharge member 16, the water W stored in the tank member 12 flows into the suction port 32U of the water channel 32 through the upper end opening 16U of the cylindrical discharge member 16 and is discharged as linear water W1 from the discharge port 32D. In other words, the water toy 10 allows water W to fall naturally in a linear fashion, exhibiting a physical effect that allows for play in combination with other toys. As shown in Figure 7, the user can make the linear water W1 discharged from the discharge port 32D fall onto the blades 34B of the water wheel 34 toy, thereby rotating the water wheel 34 in the direction of the white arrow and engaging in water play. Meanwhile, when the plate-shaped discharge member 18 slides downward and a gap is created between the plate portion 28 and the lower end opening 16D of the cylindrical discharge member 16, the water W stored in the tank member 12 flows into the suction port 32U through the upper end opening 16U of the cylindrical discharge member 16, and is discharged as a linear stream of water W1 from the discharge port 32D, while simultaneously being discharged from the lower end opening 16D onto the upper main surface 28U of the plate portion 28. The water W discharged onto the upper main surface 28U is bounced off the plate portion 28 by the annular depression of the upper main surface 28U and falls naturally, forming a spherical water film W2. In other words, the water toy 10 forms a spherical water film W2, providing a visually enjoyable effect. The user can observe the water film W2 and enjoy playing with water.

[0015] Furthermore, regardless of the slide position of the plate portion 28, the water play toy 10 is structured such that the water W stored in the tank member 12 is discharged from the discharge port 32D as linear water W1, and no water stop device is provided at the discharge port 32D according to the slide position of the plate portion 28. Thereby, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where a water stop device is provided. Therefore, according to the water play toy 10, while having both the function of causing the water W to fall naturally in a linear shape and the function of forming the spherical water film W2, the manufacturing cost can be reduced by reducing the number of components.

[0016] (Second Embodiment) Next, a water play toy according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The water play toy according to the second embodiment includes a tank member, a gripping portion, a cylindrical discharge member, and a plate-shaped discharge member. These arrangement modes are the same as those of the first embodiment. Also, the tank member, the gripping portion, and the plate-shaped discharge member are respectively the same as the tank member 12, the gripping portions 14L and 14R, and the plate-shaped discharge member 18 of the first embodiment, and thus are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the cylindrical discharge member 116 having a shape different from that of the cylindrical discharge member 16 of the first embodiment. Also, regarding the drawings, the cylindrical discharge member 16 in FIGS. 1 to 7 is replaced with the cylindrical discharge member 116, and further, FIG. 8 is referred to.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical discharge member 116 has a shape formed by overlapping three cylinders whose diameters gradually decrease from top to bottom. More specifically, the cylindrical discharge member 116 has a cylindrical shape with an upper end opening 116U and a lower end surface 116D. The upper end opening 116U is circularly opened at the upper end of the cylindrical discharge member 116 and communicates with the inside of the tank member 12. The lower end surface 116D is circular and covers the lower end of the cylindrical discharge member 116. The outer edge is rounded and is connected to the outer surface of the cylindrical discharge member 116. Further, a through hole 116H having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 30 of the plate-like discharge member 18 is provided at the center of the lower end surface 116D. The shaft portion 30 is inserted through the through hole 116H. In other words, the lower end surface 116D covers the lower end of the cylindrical discharge member 116 so as to surround the periphery of the shaft portion 30. Furthermore, a plurality of slits 116S are provided at equal intervals on the lower end surface 116D. The slits 116S have an arc shape extending in the radial direction and penetrate the lower end surface 116D. Also, inside the cylindrical discharge member 16, a cylindrical sleeve 24 extending in the vertical direction is provided along the central axis. The sleeve 24 is supported by six arms 26 extending radially from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical discharge member 116 toward the center.

[0018] The plate-like discharge member 18 is attached to the cylindrical discharge member 116. More specifically, the plate-like discharge member 18 is supported by the cylindrical discharge member 116 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the cylindrical discharge member 116. The plate portion 28 contacts the lower end of the cylindrical discharge member 116 and covers the lower end surface 116D of the cylindrical discharge member 116 at the position where the plate-like discharge member 18 slides upward. More specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the rounded lower end surface 116D abuts against the upper main surface 28U that is recessed on the arc. The plate portion 28 is positioned so as to create a gap with the lower end surface 116D at the position where the plate-like discharge member 18 slides downward.

[0019] With the plate-shaped discharge member 18 sliding upward and the plate portion 28 covering the lower end surface 116D of the cylindrical discharge member 116, the water W stored in the tank member 12 flows into the suction port 32U of the water channel 32 through the upper end opening 16U of the cylindrical discharge member 16 and is discharged as linear water W1 from the discharge port 32D. In other words, the water toy provides a physical effect that allows the water W to fall naturally in a linear fashion, enabling play in combination with other toys. As shown in Figure 7, the user can make the linear water W1 discharged from the discharge port 32D fall onto the blades 34B of the toy water wheel 34, thereby rotating the water wheel 34 in the direction of the white arrow. Meanwhile, when the plate-shaped discharge member 18 slides downward and a gap is created between the plate portion 28 and the lower end surface 116D of the cylindrical discharge member 116, the water W stored in the tank member 12 flows into the suction port 32U through the upper end opening 16U of the cylindrical discharge member 16 and is discharged from the discharge port 32D as a linear stream of water W1, while simultaneously being discharged from the lower end surface 116D to the upper main surface 28U of the plate portion 28. The water W discharged to the upper main surface 28U is bounced off the annular depression of the upper main surface 28U toward the outside of the plate portion 28 and falls naturally, forming a spherical water film W2 with a wave-like undulation. In other words, the water toy forms a spherical water film W2, providing a visually enjoyable effect. The user can enjoy playing with water by observing the water film W2.

[0020] The embodiments described above are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention and their variations are included in the scope and essence of the present invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0021] 10: Water toys 12: Tank components 14L, 14R: Grip part 16,116: Cylindrical discharge member 18: Plate-shaped discharge member

Claims

1. It comprises a tank member, a cylindrical discharge member, and a plate-shaped discharge member. The cylindrical discharge member has a cylindrical shape with an upper end opening and a lower end opening. The upper end opening is in communication with the inside of the tank member. The plate-shaped discharge member includes a plate portion having an upper main surface and a lower main surface, and a shaft portion erected upward from the plate portion. The upper main surface is recessed downward in an annular shape, centered on the base end of the shaft portion. The aforementioned shaft portion has a waterway extending along the central axis, The water channel has a suction port at its upper part that opens to the outer circumference of the shaft, and is always in communication with the inside of the cylindrical discharge member. The waterway has a discharge port at its lower end that opens on the lower main surface of the plate portion. The plate-shaped discharge member is supported by the cylindrical discharge member so as to be slidable in the vertical direction relative to the cylindrical discharge member. When the plate portion is slid upward, it closes the lower end opening of the cylindrical discharge member. The plate portion is positioned such that a gap is created between it and the lower end opening when it is slid downwards, in this water toy.

2. It comprises a tank member, a cylindrical discharge member, and a plate-shaped discharge member. The cylindrical discharge member has a cylindrical shape with an upper end opening and a lower end surface. The upper end opening is in communication with the inside of the tank member. The lower end surface covers the lower end of the cylindrical discharge member and has a through hole in the center. The lower end surface is provided with multiple slits, The plate-shaped discharge member includes a plate portion having an upper main surface and a lower main surface, and a shaft portion erected upward from the plate portion. The upper main surface is recessed downward in an annular shape, centered on the base end of the shaft portion. The shaft portion has a water channel extending along the central axis and is inserted through the through hole. The water channel has a suction port at its upper part that opens to the outer circumference of the shaft, and is always in communication with the inside of the cylindrical discharge member. The waterway has a discharge port at its lower end that opens on the lower main surface of the plate portion. The plate-shaped discharge member is supported by the cylindrical discharge member so as to be slidable in the vertical direction relative to the cylindrical discharge member. The plate portion, when slid upward, covers the lower end surface of the cylindrical discharge member. The plate portion is positioned such that a gap is created between it and the lower end surface when it is slid downwards, in this water toy.

Images