Toy

Abstract

This toy provides visual enjoyment to the user through the unexpected movement of liquid. [Solution] The toy 2 comprises a main body 10 having an internal space 40 formed by an inner surface 10A, the internal space 40 communicating with the outside through an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 30 larger than the upper opening 20, and the inner surface 10A is an inclined surface that opens toward the lower opening 30 such that the volume of the internal space 40 decreases as it moves from the lower opening 30 toward the upper opening 20, and when the main body 10 is submerged in liquid from the lower opening 30 side during use, the liquid in the internal space 40 splashes upward from the upper opening 20 located above the liquid surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy that plays using liquids such as water and hot water.

Background Art

[0002] Toys that play using liquids such as water and hot water (hereinafter collectively referred to as "liquids") in a children's pool or bathtub have been proposed in various ways. Among them, there has been proposed a whistle toy using a plastic bottle with its bottom cut off to form an air chamber inside and a whistle attached to the lid portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Cited Document 1, by moving the whistle toy up and down at the liquid level in the bathtub, water enters and exits the air chamber, and the whistle can be sounded by the resulting change in air pressure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although the whistle toy described in Cited Document 1 can give the user the pleasure of hearing the sound, it cannot give the user visual pleasure such as the movement of the liquid. Therefore, if the user uses the whistle toy for a while, there is a risk that the user's interest in the whistle toy will decline. Thus, the emergence of a toy that can give the user visual pleasure and allow the user to play without getting bored for a long time is desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a toy that can give the user visual pleasure by unexpected movement of the liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is comprising a main body having an internal space formed and surrounded by an inner surface, The aforementioned internal space communicates with the outside through an upper opening and a lower opening that is larger than the upper opening. The inner surface is an inclined surface that opens towards the lower opening, such that the volume of the internal space decreases as it moves from the lower opening to the upper opening. This toy is characterized in that when the main body is submerged in the liquid from the lower opening during use, the liquid in the internal space splashes upward from the upper opening located above the liquid surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] As described above, the above embodiment provides a toy that can provide the user with visual enjoyment through the unexpected movement of the liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic perspective view showing a toy according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a top view of the toy shown. [Figure 1C] Figure 1A is a side view of the toy shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1D] This is a side cross-sectional view showing section AA in Figure 1B. [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lower part of the toy body according to one embodiment of the present invention is in the liquid and the upper part is above the liquid. [Figure 3] This perspective view schematically shows how a force is applied from the inner surface to the liquid within the internal space, directed toward the center of the internal space, causing the liquid surface in the central region to bulge upwards. [Figure 4A] Figure 2 shows the state after the toy has been further submerged, and this is a side cross-sectional view showing the liquid level in the central region rising above the surrounding area in a plan view of the liquid that has entered the internal space. [Figure 4B] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the toy has been further submerged from the state shown in Figure 4A, and the liquid level in the central area has jumped up to above the toy through the upper opening. [Figure 5]This diagram schematically shows the various shapes of the inner surface of the main body. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the toy of the present invention, which has a block-shaped body. [Figure 7A] This image shows the exterior of the toy that was actually prototyped. [Figure 7B] This image shows the inside of the toy prototype that was actually produced. [Figure 8A] This image shows the toy prototype just before it is submerged in liquid through the opening at the bottom of the main body. [Figure 8B] This image shows a prototype toy submerged in liquid, with the liquid inside splashing upwards from the upper opening located above the liquid surface. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, corresponding members having the same function are given the same reference numeral. In the following description and drawings, up and down are indicated along the direction of gravity.

[0009] (Overview of a toy according to one embodiment) First, an overview of a toy according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 1D. Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view showing a toy according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is a top view of the toy shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1C is a side view of the toy shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1D is a side cross-sectional view showing cross section AA of Figure 1B.

[0010] Toy 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a toy that plays with liquids such as water and hot water, and can be enjoyed in any other place as long as there is a container for storing liquids such as a children's pool, a bathtub, a water tank, or a bucket. Toy 2 according to the present embodiment is mainly composed of a main body 10. The main body 10 according to the present embodiment has a hollow structure formed by an outer shell with a predetermined thickness t. In the illustrated example, the main body 10 has an outer surface shape and an inner surface shape that are generally frustum-shaped. An upper opening 20 is formed at the upper part of the main body 10 during use, and a lower opening 30 is formed at the lower part of the main body 10 during use. The area of the lower opening 30 is larger than the area of the upper opening 20. In the present embodiment, since both the upper opening 20 and the lower opening 30 are formed in a generally circular shape, the diameter d3 of the lower opening 30 is larger than the diameter d1 of the upper opening 20.

[0011] The inner surface of the main body 10 according to the present embodiment has an inner surface 10A that connects between the lower opening 30 and the upper opening 20. The inner surface 10A is formed over the entire circumference in a plan view. In the present embodiment, a ceiling surface 10B that is connected to the inner surface 10A is provided at the upper part of the main body 10. The upper opening 20 is formed in the inner region of the ceiling surface 10B. The lower part of the main body 10 does not have a surface part like the ceiling surface 10B, and the lower part of the main body 10 is occupied by the lower opening 30.

[0012] Regarding the description of "connecting between the lower opening 30 and the upper opening 20", there may be a case where the lower opening 30 and the upper opening 20 are connected through another member such as the ceiling surface 10B. Also, there may be a case where the main body 10 does not have the ceiling surface 10B, the upper part of the main body 10 is entirely occupied by the upper opening 20, and the lower opening 30 and the upper opening 20 are directly connected by the inner surface 10A. In the illustrated example, the lower part of the main body 10 is entirely occupied by the lower opening 30, but it is not limited to this. There may be a case where the lower part of the main body 10 has an inner bottom surface at its peripheral part. In that case, the lower opening 30 will be formed in the inner region of the ceiling surface 10B.

[0013] The toy 2 according to this embodiment has an internal space 40 surrounded by an inner surface 10A, and the internal space 40 communicates with the outside through an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 30. Further, the inner surface 10A is an inclined surface that opens downward so that the volume of the internal space 40 decreases as it progresses from the lower opening 30 to the upper opening 20. In this embodiment, the lower opening 30 is formed on a substantially flat surface. Further, the elevation angle θ (see FIG. 1D) of the substantially flat lower opening 30 of the inner surface 10A is formed so that the angle increases as it progresses from the lower opening 30 to the upper opening 20. If the main body 10 has the shape of a truncated cone, the value of the elevation angle θ is always constant. In this embodiment, the main body 10 has a shape in which the central portion in the height direction is slightly constricted inward compared to the shape of a truncated cone.

[0014] In this embodiment, the main body 10 is formed of a resin material. More specifically, resin materials such as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer), ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene synthetic resin), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), POM (polyacetal), PA (polyamide), PC (polycarbonate), TPE (elastomer), PU (polyurethane), etc. can be used.

[0015] Since the main body 10 is formed of a resin material, it is lightweight, safe, and can provide a toy suitable for water play that is easy to handle. However, it is not limited to this, and the main body 10 can also be formed of wood, ceramic or other pottery, or a metal material.

[0016] As the thickness t of the outer shell constituting the main body 10, about 1 mm to 5 mm can be exemplified, but it is not limited to this. As the diameter d2 of the upper end portion of the substantially frustum-shaped inner surface 10A, about 20 mm to 50 mm can be exemplified, and the diameter of the lower end portion of the inner surface 10A, that is, the diameter d3 of the lower opening 30 can be exemplified as about 50 mm to 200 mm. Further, as the height h of the main body 10, about 30 mm to 150 mm can be exemplified. As the diameter d1 of the upper opening 20, about 15 mm to 30 mm can be exemplified (see FIG. 1D).

[0017] As described above, the main body 10 according to this embodiment has an inner surface shape that is generally frustoconical, and has a shape that is slightly narrower in the center than a pure frustoconical shape (the elevation angle θ increases as it progresses from the lower opening 30 to the upper opening 20), so that the user can be reminded of a volcano like Mount Fuji. Furthermore, in order to further enhance the association with a volcano, irregular bumps and ridges can be added to the outer and inner surface shape of the main body 10. This can enhance the design value of the toy 2 and increase its value as a toy.

[0018] (How to use the toy) Next, a method of using a toy according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4B. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lower part of the body of the toy according to one embodiment of the present invention is in the liquid and the upper part is above the liquid. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing that a force is applied from the inner surface to the liquid in the internal space in a direction toward the center of the internal space, causing the liquid surface in the central area to rise upward. Figure 4A is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the toy is further submerged from the state shown in Figure 2, and the liquid surface in the central area rises higher than the surrounding area in a plan view of the liquid that has entered the internal space. Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the toy is further submerged from the state shown in Figure 4A, and the liquid surface in the central area jumps up to the top of the toy through the upper opening.

[0019] When using toy 2 according to this embodiment, the user holds the main body 10 in the air with their hand and submerges it in the liquid with the upper opening 20 facing upwards and the lower opening 30 facing downwards. When the lower opening 30 reaches the liquid surface and is further submerged, the liquid flows into the internal space 40 from the lower opening 30. At this time, the air in the internal space 40 flows out to the outside from the upper opening 20, allowing the liquid to flow smoothly into the internal space 40. As described above, the main body 10 may have an inner bottom surface around the lower part, but considering the smooth flow of liquid, it is preferable that the entire lower part of the main body 10 is occupied by the lower opening 30, as shown in the figure. Even if there is an inner bottom surface, it is preferable that the size of the inner bottom surface is small.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the lower part of the main body 10 submerged in the liquid, with the lower opening 30 located at a depth of X1. In a static state where the main body 10 does not move, a hydraulic pressure P is applied to the inner surface 10A of the main body 10, corresponding to the depth. This hydraulic pressure P is schematically shown by an arrow on the right inner surface 10A in Figure 2. A reaction force R equal to this hydraulic pressure P is applied to the liquid from the inner surface 10A, and the main body 10 is stationary in balance. As schematically shown by an arrow on the left inner surface 10A in Figure 2, the reaction force R has a vertical component Rv and a horizontal component Rh corresponding to the inclination of the inner surface 10A.

[0021] Consider the case where the main body 10 is moved downwards from a position where the lower opening 30 is at a depth of X1, as shown in Figure 2, as indicated by the white arrow. Since the main body 10, which has an inner surface 10A that is an inclined surface that opens downwards, moves downwards, the volume of the region enclosed by the inner surface 10A at the same depth decreases. Therefore, the horizontal component Rh of the reaction force R acting on the liquid from the surrounding inner surface 10A toward the center increases, and the liquid at that depth needs to flow either upwards or downwards. Since there is a greater liquid pressure on the lower side, the liquid in the region enclosed by the inner surface 10A flows upwards.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4A, we will examine the dynamic force changes when the main body 10 is submerged so that the lower opening 30 changes from a depth of X1 to X2. As the main body 10 moves downward in the liquid, the inner surface 10A of the main body 10 receives a force from the liquid. If the normal to the inner surface 10A coincides with the vertical direction in which the main body 10 moves, that is, if the inner surface 10A is positioned horizontally (elevation angle θ=0), then the inner surface 10A receives only a vertical force from the liquid. On the other hand, if the inner surface 10A is positioned diagonally (elevation angle θ>0), then the inner surface 10A receives both vertical and horizontal forces from the liquid.

[0023] The force exerted by the liquid correlates with the velocity of the main body 10. As the velocity of the main body 10 increases, the force exerted by the liquid also increases. Therefore, in addition to the liquid pressure exerted in a static state, the inner surface 10 is subjected to a force from the liquid due to the movement of the main body 10. As a result, as the main body 10 moves downward, the reaction force R exerted on the liquid from the inner surface 10 increases compared to the static state. Since the force exerted by the liquid is used to deform the main body 10, the reaction force R increases approximately by the amount of the force exerted by the liquid. Therefore, both the vertical component Rv and the horizontal component Rh of the reaction force R increase.

[0024] The increased reaction force R has a horizontal component Rh that, as schematically shown in Figure 3, is applied to the liquid in the internal space 40 from the periphery towards the center in a plan view. As a result, the liquid in the central region where the force is concentrated flows further upward than the surrounding area. Consequently, the liquid level in the central region rises upward. In other words, by submerging the main body 10, the liquid level in the region enclosed by the inner surface 10A rises overall, and a liquid flow occurs in which the liquid level in the central region within the region enclosed by the inner surface 10A rises upward compared to the surrounding area.

[0025] As a result, when the main body 10 is moved downward from a position where the lower opening 30 is located at a depth of X1, as shown in Figure 2, to a position where the lower opening 30 is located at a depth of X2, as shown in Figure 4A, the liquid flows in such a way that the liquid surface in the central region of the liquid surrounded by the inner surface 10A rises higher than the surrounding area.

[0026] Let L' be the height difference between the liquid surface in the central region of the liquid enclosed by the inner surface 10A and the liquid surface outside the main body 10, and let S' be the height difference between the top surface 10C of the main body 10 and the liquid surface outside the main body 10. In the state shown in Figure 4A, S' > L'. In other words, the liquid surface in the central region is still located within the internal space 40 of the main body 10. As the main body 10 is submerged, the oscillation of the liquid inside and outside the main body 10 increases, and the fluctuation of the liquid surface also increases.

[0027] Furthermore, when the main body 10 is moved further downward from the position where the lower opening 30 as shown in FIG. 4A is located at the depth X2 to the position where the lower opening 30 as shown in FIG. 4B is located at the depth X3, the sloshing of the liquid inside and outside the main body 10 increases, and the rise of the liquid level in the central region within the internal space 40 surrounded by the inner surface 10A becomes even greater. Also, the position of the upper surface 10C of the main body 10 becomes even lower and closer to the liquid level.

[0028] Therefore, if the height difference between the liquid in the central region within the internal space 40 surrounded by the inner surface 10A and the liquid level outside the main body 10 is L'', and the height difference between the upper surface 10C of the main body 10 and the liquid level outside the main body 10 is S'', then in the state shown in FIG. 4B, S'' < L''. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, the liquid in the central region within the internal space 40 surrounded by the inner surface 10A jumps upward above the main body 10 through the upper opening 20. As demonstrated in the examples described later, even if a child moves it, the liquid can be easily made to jump upward from the upper opening 20. As shown in FIG. 8B which shows an example, unexpectedly, the liquid jumps up very high, so it can give the user a surprise and visual enjoyment.

[0029] In the above description, an example of moving the main body 10 downward from the position where the lower opening 30 of the main body 10 is located at the depth X1 was shown. However, when the main body 10 is moved downward from a position where the lower opening 30 of the main body 10 is above the liquid level, the liquid can be made to jump upward even higher from the upper opening 20. Furthermore, if the raising and lowering of the main body 10 are repeated, the sloshing of the surrounding liquid level also increases, and the liquid within the internal space can be made to jump upward even higher from the upper opening.

[0030] Also, when the main body 10 is moved downward quickly, a phenomenon like a slight water hammer occurs in the liquid hitting the inclined inner surface 10A, so it is considered that the liquid pressure further increases. In that case, it can be expected that the liquid will jump upward even higher from the upper opening 20.

[0031] As described above, the toy 2 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 10 having an internal space 40 formed by being surrounded by an inner surface 10A, the internal space 40 communicating with the outside through an upper opening 20 and a lower opening 30 that is larger than the upper opening 20, and the inner surface 10A is an inclined surface that opens toward the lower opening 30 so that the volume of the internal space 40 decreases as it moves from the lower opening 30 toward the upper opening 20, and when the main body 10 is submerged in liquid from the lower opening 30 side during use, the liquid in the internal space 40 splashes upward from the upper opening 20 which is located above the liquid surface.

[0032] In toy 2 according to this embodiment, simply by submerging the main body 10 in liquid, the liquid in the internal space 40 can be splashed upward from the upper opening 20 located above the liquid surface. This unexpected movement of the liquid can provide the user with visual enjoyment. Furthermore, if the main body 10 is shaped to resemble a volcano, the way the liquid splashes upward from the upper opening 20 can be likened to a volcanic eruption, providing the user with even more enjoyment. It can also lead to further games related to volcanic eruptions.

[0033] This unexpected movement of the liquid occurs because the inner surface 10A is an inclined surface that opens towards the lower opening 30, such that the volume of the internal space 40 decreases as the liquid moves from the lower opening 30 to the upper opening 20.

[0034] In other words, when a portion of the lower opening 30 of the main body 10 moves downward while submerged in the liquid, a force is applied from the inner surface 10A, which is subjected to fluid resistance, to the liquid in the internal space 40 in a direction toward the center of the internal space 40 in a plan view, causing the liquid surface in the central region to rise upward.

[0035] As the main body 10 moves downward, the rise in the liquid level in the central region increases, and the position of the upper opening 20 moves closer to the liquid level, allowing the liquid in the internal space 40 to be splashed upward from the upper opening 20. The horizontal component Rh of the reaction force R applied to the liquid from the inner surface 10A ensures that the liquid in the internal space 40 is reliably splashed upward from the upper opening 20.

[0036] To raise the liquid level in the central region of the internal space 40 and cause the liquid to splash upward from the upper opening 20, the appropriate degree of inclination of the inner surface 10A is important. If the elevation angle of the inner surface 10A with respect to the substantially planar lower opening 30 is θ, then if the elevation angle θ is too large and the inner surface 10A approaches a vertical plane, then when the main body 10 is moved downward, it will not receive a large force from the liquid, and therefore the reaction force R will not be large. Consequently, the horizontal component Rh of the reaction force R will also not be large.

[0037] On the other hand, if the elevation angle θ is too small and the inner surface 10A approaches the horizontal plane, when the main body 10 is moved downward, it receives a large force from the liquid, but the proportion of the horizontal component becomes very small. Therefore, the horizontal component Rh of the reaction force R does not become large.

[0038] Considering the above, in at least a portion of the inner surface 10A, the elevation angle θ of the inner surface 10A with respect to the substantially planar lower opening 30 is, 75 degrees ≧ θ ≧ 40 degrees It can be said that having such a relationship is preferable.

[0039] With an elevation angle θ within this range, the liquid in the central region of the internal space 40 is reliably raised, and the liquid is reliably splashed upward from the upper opening 20.

[0040] Since the liquid in the central region of the internal space 40 splashes up, there is no problem even if the area near the upper end of the inner surface 10A, that is, the area around the upper end of the internal space 40, is covered at the top. However, if the ceiling surface 10B covering the top is too large, there is a risk of interference with the splashed liquid.

[0041] Considering the above, if we let d1 be the diameter of the approximately circular upper opening 20, and d2 be the diameter of the upper end of the approximately circular inner surface 10A in plan view, d1 ≥ 1 / 2 × d2 It is preferable that they have a relationship.

[0042] By setting the size of the upper opening 20 to this ratio, the liquid can be splashed upward from the upper opening 20 without interference.

[0043] In addition to the range of elevation angle θ of the inner surface 10A as described above, when the diameter of the upper end of the approximately circular inner surface 10A in a plan view is d2 and the diameter of the lower end of the approximately circular inner surface 10A in a plan view is d3, d2 ≥ 1 / 2 × d3 It is preferable that they have this relationship.

[0044] By setting the overall profile of the inner surface 10A of the main body 10 to the range described above, it is possible to reliably raise the liquid in the central area of ​​the internal space 40 and cause the liquid to splash upward from the upper opening 20.

[0045] (Shape of the inner surface) Next, we will explain the shape of the inner surface with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing various shapes of the inner surface of the main body.

[0046] The inner surface 10A', shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, has a frustoconical shape. The elevation angle θ' of the inner surface 10A' with respect to the substantially planar lower opening 30 is always constant.

[0047] On the other hand, the inner surface 10A according to the above embodiment has a shape in which the central region in the height direction is narrowed inward, as shown by the solid line in Figure 5, rather than a frustoconical shape. In other words, the elevation angle θ of the inner surface 10A with respect to the substantially planar lower opening 30 increases as it moves from the lower opening 30 side to the upper opening 20 side.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 5, the inner surface 10A'' may have a shape in which the central region in the height direction bulges outward, rather than being a frustoconical shape. In other words, the elevation angle θ'' of the inner surface with respect to the substantially planar lower opening 30 may be formed to decrease as it moves from the lower opening 30 side towards the upper opening 20 side.

[0049] Furthermore, as in the main body 10 according to the above embodiment, when the elevation angle θ of the inner surface 10A is formed to increase from the side of the lower opening 30 to the side of the upper opening 20, the liquid level in the central region of the internal space 40 can be raised more effectively, and the liquid can be splashed higher upward from the upper opening 20.

[0050] However, in any case, by having an appropriate range of elevation angle θ, the liquid can be splashed upward from the upper opening 20 by submerging the main body 10 in the liquid. With the main body 10 having such various shapes, it is possible to provide a toy 2 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance that will captivate the user.

[0051] (Shape of the inner surface) If the inner surface 10 of the main body 10 has a frustoconical shape, the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface 10A in the direction perpendicular to the direction from the lower opening 30 to the upper opening 20 is circular. From the viewpoint of concentrating the direction of the horizontal component Rh of the reaction force R from the inner surface 10A to the center, it is most preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface 10A be circular. However, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a circle, and can also be elliptical, asymmetrically curved, or have irregularities. In any case, if the horizontal component Rh of the reaction force R is directed roughly towards the central region, the liquid can be splashed up from the upper opening 120.

[0052] If the inner surface 10A has an uneven shape, it is preferable that the recesses or protrusions extend in a direction from the lower opening 30 to the upper opening 20. This allows the liquid in the internal space 40 to flow smoothly towards the upper opening 20 during use, so that the liquid can be splashed higher upwards from the upper opening 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the main body 10 may have a shape that is not only roughly frustoconical, but also roughly frustoconical. The inner surface 10 of the main body 10 may have various other shapes, provided that the volume of the internal space 40 decreases as you move from the lower opening 30 to the upper opening 20. Such an inclined surface allows a force to be applied from the inner surface 10A toward the center of the liquid in the internal space 40, causing the liquid surface in the central region to rise. The lower opening 30 is generally flat, but the lower part of the main body 10 bordering the outer periphery of the lower opening 30 may be formed to be slightly curved in the vertical direction.

[0054] (Toys according to other embodiments) Next, with reference to Figure 6, a toy according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a toy according to another embodiment of the present invention having a block-shaped body.

[0055] From the viewpoint of reducing weight, it is preferable that the main body 10 has a hollow structure composed of an outer shell of a predetermined thickness, as in the toy 2 according to the above embodiment. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in Figure 6, an internal space 40 having a lower opening 30 and an upper opening 20 may be formed in a block-shaped main body 10. By making the main body 10 block-shaped, toys 2 with various external shapes can be provided. Furthermore, by combining it with other members that receive liquid splashed up from the upper opening 20 of the main body 10 or move with the splashed liquid, a more expandable toy set can be provided.

[0056] (Examples) Next, with reference to Figures 7A to 8B, we will describe an example in which a toy according to the above embodiment was actually prototyped and submerged in a demonstration test. Figure 7A is an image showing the outer surface of the prototyped toy. Figure 7B is an image showing the inner surface of the prototyped toy. Figure 8A is an image showing the state just before the prototyped toy was submerged in the liquid from the lower opening of the main body. Figure 8B is an image showing the state after the prototyped toy was submerged in the liquid, with the liquid in the internal space splashing upward from the upper opening located above the liquid surface.

[0057] The prototype toy is identical in shape to the toy according to one embodiment described above. The inner surface has a generally truncated cone shape, and the angle of elevation θ of the inner surface relative to the substantially planar lower opening increases as it moves from the lower opening side to the upper opening side. The prototype toy is made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) as the resin material. The height t of the main body is 60 mm, and the thickness t of the outer shell is 2 mm. The diameter d2 of the upper end of the inner surface is 36 mm, the diameter d3 of the lower opening, which is the diameter of the lower end of the inner surface, is 100 mm, and the diameter d1 of the upper opening is 19 mm. Multiple recesses are formed on the inner surface so as to extend in the direction from the lower opening side to the upper opening side.

[0058] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, it was demonstrated that by holding the toy body in one's hand and submerging it into the liquid from the lower opening, the liquid inside the internal space easily splashes upward from the upper opening located above the liquid surface. The liquid splashes unexpectedly high, providing the user with surprise and visual enjoyment. Furthermore, by repeatedly raising and lowering the body, the oscillating of the surrounding liquid surface increases, allowing the liquid inside the internal space to splash even higher from the upper opening. This can further increase the user's interest in the toy.

[0059] As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention is It comprises a main body having an internal space formed by being surrounded by inner surfaces, The aforementioned internal space communicates with the outside through an upper opening and a lower opening that is larger than the upper opening. The inner surface is an inclined surface that opens towards the lower opening, such that the volume of the internal space decreases as it moves from the lower opening to the upper opening. This toy is characterized in that when the main body is submerged in the liquid from the lower opening during use, the liquid in the internal space splashes upward from the upper opening located above the liquid surface.

[0060] A second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment, The toy is characterized in that when a part of the main body on the side of the lower opening is submerged in the liquid and moves downward, a force is applied to the liquid in the internal space from the inner surface, which is subjected to fluid resistance, in a direction toward the center of the internal space in a plan view, causing the liquid level in the central region to rise upward.

[0061] A third embodiment of the present invention is a modification of the first or second embodiment. In at least a portion of the inner surface, The elevation angle θ of the inner surface with respect to the substantially planar lower opening is 75 degrees ≧ θ ≧ 40 degrees This toy is characterized by having the following relationship:

[0062] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a combination of any one of the first to third embodiments. The elevation angle θ of the inner surface with respect to the substantially planar lower opening is The toy is characterized by being formed so that it becomes larger as you move from the side of the lower opening towards the side of the upper opening.

[0063] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, When the diameter of the approximately circular upper opening is d1, and the diameter of the upper end of the approximately circular inner surface in plan view is d2, d1 ≥ 1 / 2 × d2 This toy is characterized by having the following relationship:

[0064] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, When the diameter of the upper end of the inner surface, which is approximately circular in plan view, is d2, and the diameter of the lower end of the inner surface, which is approximately circular in plan view, is d3, d2 ≥ 1 / 2 × d3 This toy is characterized by having the following relationship:

[0065] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, The inner surface has an uneven shape, The toy is characterized in that a recess or protrusion extends in a direction from the side of the upper opening toward the side of the upper opening.

[0066] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is, in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, The toy is characterized in that the main body is made of a resin material.

[0067] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the disclosed content may change in the details of the configuration, and changes in the combination and order of elements in the embodiments can be realized without departing from the claimed scope and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 2 toys 10 Main unit 10A Inner surface 10B Ceiling surface 10C top surface 20 Upper opening 30 Lower opening 40 Interior space

Claims

1. It comprises a main body having an internal space formed by being surrounded by inner surfaces, The aforementioned internal space communicates with the outside through an upper opening and a lower opening that is larger than the upper opening. The inner surface is an inclined surface that opens towards the lower opening, such that the volume of the internal space decreases as it moves from the lower opening to the upper opening. A toy characterized in that when the main body is submerged in liquid from the lower opening during use, the liquid in the internal space splashes upward from the upper opening located above the liquid surface.

2. The toy according to claim 1, characterized in that when a part of the side of the lower opening of the main body moves downward while submerged in the liquid, a force is applied from the inner surface, which is subjected to fluid resistance, to the liquid in the internal space in a direction toward the center of the internal space in a plan view, causing the liquid level in the central region to rise upward.

3. In at least a portion of the inner surface, The elevation angle θ of the inner surface with respect to the substantially planar lower opening is 75 degrees ≧ θ ≧ 40 degrees The toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in having the relationship.

4. The elevation angle θ of the inner surface with respect to the substantially planar lower opening is The toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is formed to increase in size as it moves from the side of the lower opening to the side of the upper opening.

5. When the diameter of the approximately circular upper opening is d1, and the diameter of the upper end of the approximately circular inner surface in plan view is d2, d1 ≥ 1 / 2 × d2 The toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in having the relationship.

6. When the diameter of the upper end of the inner surface, which is approximately circular in plan view, is d2, and the diameter of the lower end of the inner surface, which is approximately circular in plan view, is d3, d2 ≥ 1 / 2 × d3 The toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in having the relationship.

7. The inner surface has an uneven shape, The toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess or protrusion extends in a direction from the side of the upper opening toward the side of the upper opening.

8. The toy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body is made of a resin material.

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