Structure

Abstract

In a structure where multiple parts are stacked vertically to drop a ball, the unexpectedness of the ball's movement is appealing, and the structure can be realized with a simple design. [Solution] The structure is a toy or ornament. Multiple parts are arranged in a vertical direction, and a ball falls from the upper part to the lower part. Each part has a hole that extends horizontally and widens from one end to the other, allowing the ball to move horizontally. The width of one end of the hole is shorter than the outer diameter of the ball, and there is a section between the two ends that is wider than the outer diameter of the ball, into which the ball falls. The widest width of the hole in each of the multiple parts is longer than the outer diameter of the ball.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to structures such as toys and ornaments.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional toys, plate-shaped parts are arranged stacked in the vertical direction, each part is inclined downward from one end to the other end, and a ball moves in the inclined direction due to its weight along guides formed on each part. In such toys, holes are formed at predetermined positions of each part through which the ball falls onto the lower part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional toys, since the parts are inclined downward, it is natural for the ball to move along the inclination, and the surprise factor is small. Also, in conventional toys, the position where the ball falls on the part is fixed, and the surprise factor is small. In addition, there is a problem that each part needs to be inclined at a predetermined angle for arrangement, which complicates the structure and increases the manufacturing cost.

[0005] In view of the problems of the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention is made, and in a structure in which a plurality of parts are stacked in the vertical direction to drop a ball, an object is to provide a structure in which the surprise of the movement of the ball is attractive and can be realized with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the problems of the conventional technology described above and to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the structure of the present invention has a structure in which a ball falls from an upper part to a lower part, and each of the parts has a hole that extends horizontally and widens from one end to the other, allowing the ball to move horizontally, the width of one end of the hole is shorter than the outer diameter of the ball, and there is a place between the one end and the other that is wider than the outer diameter of the ball and into which the ball falls.

[0007] This structure allows for an unexpected and unconventional ball movement, where the ball moves in the direction that widens the hole, even though the hole extends horizontally and is not inclined. This enhances the appeal of the structure. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve the action of the ball falling into the lower part at a predetermined horizontal point in the hole corresponding to the size of the ball. In this invention, the ball does not have to be configured as described in the present invention.

[0008] Preferably, the widest width of each hole in the plurality of parts is longer than the outer diameter of the ball. This structure allows for the ball to fall from each individual part.

[0009] The width of the first hole in the first part and the width of the second hole in the second part, which are adjacent in the vertical direction, are in opposite directions of expansion in the horizontal direction. This structure allows the ball to move in one direction on the upper part, then fall and move in the opposite direction on the lower part.

[0010] Preferably, the first hole and the second hole are of the same shape, and when viewed from a planar direction, the first hole and the second hole are arranged in opposite directions. This structure allows the ball, once it falls onto the second part, to move along the hole in the second part.

[0011] Preferably, the cross-section of the hole in the part in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ball moves is composed of a first opening formed on the upper surface of the part, a second opening formed on the lower surface of the part, and an inclined portion located between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the diameter of the second opening is shorter than the diameter of the first opening. The width of the hole is the opening diameter of the second opening. This structure allows the ball to be guided by the inclined section, enabling smooth movement.

[0012] Preferably, the holes in the parts are formed so that their width continuously increases from one end to the other. This structure allows for smooth movement of the ball from one end to the other.

[0013] Preferably, the hole is such that, when viewed from a planar direction, one end forms a first curve and the other end forms a second curve with an inner diameter longer than the first curve.

[0014] Preferably, the hole has a shape in which, when the part is viewed from a planar direction, there is a straight section between the end of the first curve and the end of the second curve. This structure allows the ball to move along the hole from one end to the other at a constant speed.

[0015] Preferably, the hole has a portion between the straight portion and the end of the second curve that has a greater spreading rate than the horizontal spreading rate of the straight portion.

[0016] Preferably, the hole is a through hole.

[0017] Preferably, the lowest part located below the plurality of parts has a configuration that allows the ball to be held in a predetermined hole.

[0018] Preferably, the structure is a toy or an ornament.

[0019] Preferably, a holding member that holds the plurality of parts at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, in a structure in which a plurality of parts are stacked in the vertical direction and balls are dropped, a structure can be provided in which the unpredictability of the movement of the balls is attractive and can be realized with a simple structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toy 11 shown in FIG. 1 with balls placed thereon. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the toy 11 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a part 21 of the toy 11 shown in FIG. 1 and is a view for explaining a cross-sectional line. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the part 21 taken along the cross-sectional line A-A shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the part 21 taken along the cross-sectional line B-B shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the planar structure of the parts of the toy 11 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the movement of the ball in the planar direction due to the shape of the hole 31 of the part 21. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the movement of the ball in the front direction due to the shape of the hole 31 of the part 21.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, a toy (structure) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The toy of this embodiment has a structure in which multiple parts are stacked vertically and in which a ball falls from the upper part to the lower part.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toy 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the toy 11 shown in Figure 1 with the ball in place. Figure 3 is a right side view of the toy 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the toy 11 has a structure in which multiple parts 21 to 25 are arranged from top to bottom so that they overlap. Each of the parts 21-25 has horizontally extending holes 31-35 formed within it. The holes 31-35 have a width w that widens horizontally from one end to the other, and are formed so that when a ball 41 is placed in them, the ball 41 moves horizontally from one end to the other. In this embodiment, holes 31 to 35 are through holes. In this embodiment, one or more balls are used. Furthermore, when multiple balls are used, their outer diameters may be the same or different.

[0025] The width of one end of holes 31-35 is shorter than the outer diameter of ball 41. Furthermore, holes 31-35 have a width wider than the outer diameter of the ball 41 between one end 41-45 and the other end 51-55, where the ball may fall.

[0026] The widest width of holes 31-35 is longer than the outer diameter of the ball. This structure allows the ball to fall through holes 31-35 in each part.

[0027] In the vertical direction, the holes 31 of part 21 and 32 of part 22, which are adjacent to each other, have opposite directions in which their width w expands in the horizontal direction. The holes 32 in part 22 and 33 in part 23 have opposite directions of width w expansion in the horizontal direction. The holes 33 in part 23 and 34 in part 24 have opposite directions of width w expansion in the horizontal direction. The holes 34 in part 24 and 35 in part 25 have opposite directions of width w expansion in the horizontal direction. This structure allows the ball to move in one direction on the upper part, then fall and move in the opposite direction on the lower part.

[0028] Holes 31 to 35 are, for example, identical in shape. This structure allows a ball that falls from the upper part to the lower part to move horizontally along holes 31-35 at the same speed.

[0029] The bottommost part 25 below part 24 should have a configuration that allows it to hold the ball within a predetermined range using predetermined holes or guides. Parts 21 to 25 are held by the retaining member 81 at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction.

[0030] Figure 4 is a plan view of part 21 of toy 11 shown in Figure 1, and is a diagram used to explain the cross-sectional lines. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of part 21 along the cross-sectional line AA shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of part 21 along the cross-sectional line BB shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the planar structure of the parts of toy 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0031] The cross-section of the part 21 shown in Figures 4 and 5, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ball in the hole 31 moves, consists of a first opening 61 formed on the upper surface of the part 21, a second opening 62 formed on the lower surface of the part 21, and an inclined portion 63 located between the first opening 61 and the second opening 62. The opening diameter w2 of the second opening 62 is shorter than the opening diameter w1 of the first opening 61. The width of hole 31 is the opening diameter w2 of the second opening 62. This structure allows the ball to be guided by the inclined section 63, enabling it to move smoothly in the horizontal direction.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the hole 31 of part 21 is shaped to continuously widen from one end 41 to the other end 51. This structure enables the smooth movement of the ball from one end 41 to the other end 51 at a constant speed. Furthermore, the ball's speed can be adjusted by changing the width of the hole, making positioning easier.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, when viewing the part 21 from a planar direction, the hole 31 has one end 41 forming a first curve and the other end 51 forming a second curve with a longer inner diameter than the first curve.

[0034] The hole 31 has a shape in which, when viewed from the planar direction of the part 21, there is a straight section 71 between the end of the first curve and the end of the second curve. This structure enables the ball to move along the hole 31 from one end 41 to the other end 51 at a constant speed.

[0035] The hole 31 has a curved section 75 between the straight section 71 and the end of the second curve, with a wider spreading ratio than the horizontal spreading ratio of the straight section 71.

[0036] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the ball due to the shape of the hole 31 in part 21 from a planar perspective. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the ball due to the shape of the hole 31 in part 21, viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 8, in part 21, the length of the line where the straight portion 71 of the hole 31 contacts the ball is longer the shorter the width w of the hole 31 is. The longer the contact line, the greater the frictional force at the contact point, and the slower the ball's horizontal movement speed becomes. As the width w of the hole 31 increases from one end 41 to the other end 51, the contact line between the straight section 71 and the ball becomes shorter, and the ball's speed increases.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, in toy 11, the ball 9 moves horizontally along the hole 31 of part 21, increasing in speed and rotating to the left in the figure. Then, at a point where the width of hole 31 is equal to the outer diameter of ball 9, it falls towards part 22. Then, the ball 9 moves horizontally along the hole 32 of part 22, increasing its speed and rotating to the right in the diagram. Then, at a point where the width of hole 32 is equal to the outer diameter of ball 9, it falls towards part 23. In toy 11, the landing position of ball 9 differs depending on the outer diameter of ball 9. The smaller the outer diameter of ball 9, the closer it lands to one end 41.

[0038] In this embodiment, parts 21-25 and the retaining member 81 are made of wood, for example.

[0039] The operation of toy 11 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The user places the ball 9 near one end 41 of the hole 31 in part 21 and releases it. The outer diameter of the ball 9 is less than the width of the area around the hole 31. The ball 9 moves horizontally along the hole 31 from one end 41 to the other end 51.

[0040] Then, when the ball 9 reaches a position where the width of the hole 31 is the same as the outer diameter of the ball 9, the ball 9 falls from the hole 31 into the part 22. The width of the hole 32 in the part 22 into which the ball 9 falls is shorter than the outer diameter of the ball 9, and the ball 9 moves horizontally along the hole 32 from one end 42 to the other end 52.

[0041] Then, when the ball 9 reaches a position where the width of the hole 32 is the same as the outer diameter of the ball 9, the ball 9 falls from the hole 32 into the part 23. The width of the hole 33 in the part 23 into which the ball 9 falls is shorter than the outer diameter of the ball 9, and the ball 9 moves horizontally along the hole 33 from one end 43 to the other end 53.

[0042] Then, when the ball 9 reaches a position where the width of the hole 33 is the same as the outer diameter of the ball 9, the ball 9 falls from the hole 33 into the part 24. The width of the hole 34 in the part 24 into which the ball 9 falls is shorter than the outer diameter of the ball 9, and the ball 9 moves horizontally along the hole 34 from one end 44 to the other end 54.

[0043] Then, when the ball 9 reaches a position where the width of the hole 34 is the same as the outer diameter of the ball 9, the ball 9 falls from the hole 34 into the part 25. The width of the hole 35 in the part 25 into which the ball 9 falls is shorter than the outer diameter of the ball 9, and the ball 9 moves horizontally along the hole 35 from one end 44 to the other end 54.

[0044] As explained above, in toy 11, the holes 31-35 formed horizontally on the surfaces of parts 21-25 have a shape in which the width w widens from one end to the other in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the ball moves from one end to the other without tilting parts 21-25. This can attract people's interest and provide visual enjoyment. Furthermore, according to toy 11, the position where the ball falls from the holes 31-34 of parts 21-24 varies depending on the size of the ball. Therefore, it is difficult to predict where the ball will fall, making it highly unpredictable.

[0045] Furthermore, according to toy 11, the position at which the ball falls from holes 31-35 in parts 21-25 to the parts below differs depending on the outer diameter of the ball, allowing for a variety of ball movements to be enjoyed. Additionally, the direction in which the ball moves is reversed between the upper and lower parts 21 and 25, allowing for a variety of ball movements.

[0046] Furthermore, since toy 11 has a simple structure in which parts 21-25 are held horizontally by a retaining member 81 that extends vertically, the manufacturing process can be simplified and it can be manufactured inexpensively. Furthermore, since there is no need to tilt parts 21-25, positioning parts 21-25 is easy.

[0047] Furthermore, toy 11 can be applied to a variety of uses, such as games, toys, and educational materials. For example, dropping a ball can provide visual enjoyment and teach about the mechanics of falling. It is also possible to change the ball's movement pattern by changing the shape of the holes 31-35 in parts 21-25. In other words, the ball's movement pattern can be changed by changing the width of the holes 31-35, their spreading rate, and the size of the ball.

[0048] Furthermore, with toy 11, by moving multiple balls 9 horizontally and dropping them from part 21 to part 25, it is possible to enjoy the diverse movements of multiple balls 9 simultaneously.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In other words, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and substitutions with respect to the components of the embodiments described above, within the technical scope of the present invention or its equivalents.

[0050] In the embodiments described above, toy 11 was given as an example of the structure of the present invention, but the present invention may also be other structures such as ornaments.

[0051] Toy 11 may be made of materials other than wood. For example, by making it out of plastic, its weight can be reduced, which can improve its portability.

[0052] In the embodiment described above, the shapes of holes 31 to 35 were made the same, but at least one pair of holes 31 to 35 may have different shapes.

[0053] In the embodiments described above, the case in which holes 31 to 35 are through holes throughout their entire horizontal length is illustrated, but a portion of one end may be formed as a recess.

[0054] Furthermore, the shapes of holes 31-35 are just examples, and other shapes may be used.

[0055] Furthermore, parts 21-25 or holes 31-35 may be configured such that different sounds are produced when the ball falls or moves depending on its position.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the example was given in which the holding member 81 holds the parts 21 to 25 at equal intervals in the vertical direction, but they do not necessarily have to be at equal intervals. Furthermore, there may be multiple retaining members 81. [Industrial applicability]

[0057] This invention is applicable to toys, ornaments, and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 9... Ball 11...Toys 21-25... Parts 31~35…hole 41~45…one end 51-55...other end 81…Retaining member 61...First opening 62...Second opening

Claims

1. Multiple parts are arranged in a vertical configuration, and the structure allows a ball to fall from the upper part to the lower part. Each of the aforementioned parts is arranged so that its top and bottom surfaces are horizontal. Each of the aforementioned parts has a closed through-hole that extends horizontally, widens from one end to the other, and allows the ball to move horizontally. The cross-section in the width direction of the through hole is, A first opening formed on the upper surface of the part, A second opening formed on the lower surface of the part, It consists of an inclined portion located between the first opening and the second opening that guides the ball, The diameter of the second opening is shorter than the diameter of the first opening. The width of one end of the through hole is shorter than the outer diameter of the ball. The aforementioned through hole is Viewed from a planar direction, The aforementioned straight section has a continuously changing width, It has a curved section located on the other end side of the straight section, and whose spreading rate is greater than the horizontal spreading rate of the straight section, The ball moves in the straight section while its speed is controlled by friction with the inclined section, and in the curved section, it falls to the part below from a point where the width of the through hole becomes larger than the outer diameter of the ball. structure.

2. The widest width of each through-hole in the aforementioned plurality of parts is longer than the outer diameter of the ball. The structure according to claim 1.

3. The width of the first through-hole in the first part and the width of the second through-hole in the second part are opposite in the direction of expansion in the horizontal direction. The structure according to claim 2.

4. The first through hole and the second through hole have the same shape. When viewed from a planar direction, the first through-hole and the second through-hole are arranged in opposite directions. The structure according to claim 3.

5. The through-hole in the aforementioned part is formed so that its width continuously increases from one end to the other. The structure according to claim 1.

6. The through hole, when viewed from a planar direction, has one end forming a first curve and the other end forming a second curve with a longer inner diameter than the first curve. The structure according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned structure is a toy or an ornament. The structure according to claim 1.

Images