Model toy

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a novel mechanism for filling a gap between parts when a model toy capable of transforming into a plurality of forms is in a predetermined form. [Solution] This model toy transforms between a first form and a second form, and comprises: a deformation mechanism that is assembled so as to close a prescribed gap when the model toy is in the first form and that is assembled so as to form a prescribed gap when the model toy is in the second form; and equipment parts that are assembled in the prescribed gap formed by the deformation mechanism when the model toy is in the second form.

Description

model toy

[0001] The present invention relates to a model toy.

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for filling gaps in a model toy by combining multiple components, while Patent Document 2 proposes making the shape of the joint part continuous, natural, and smooth when the joint is bent.

[0003] JP 2022-105751 A JP 2015-195972 A

[0004] The above-mentioned prior art discloses filling gaps between assembled parts and allowing joints to bend without gaps, resulting in a natural-looking movement. However, it does not consider changing the appearance of a model toy into multiple different forms by providing a state in which a predetermined gap is formed and a state in which it is not formed.

[0005] The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for filling gaps between parts in a predetermined configuration of a model toy that can be transformed into multiple configurations.

[0006] The present invention provides, for example, a model toy that changes between a first form and a second form, and includes a transformation mechanism that is assembled to close a predetermined gap in the first form and that is assembled to form the predetermined gap in the second form, and an equipment part that is assembled to fill the predetermined gap formed by the transformation mechanism in the second form.

[0007] According to the present invention, for example, in a model toy that can be changed into a plurality of forms, a novel mechanism is provided for filling gaps between parts in a predetermined form.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing an example of (a) the front exterior and (b) the side exterior of one form of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) a perspective view and (b) an exploded perspective view of the waist of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) an exploded perspective view of a first transformation mechanism in the waist of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) a perspective view and (b) a diagram showing an assembly configuration of the first transformation mechanism in the waist of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) an exploded perspective view of the leg and (b) an exploded perspective view of the upper thigh of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) a side view and (b) a perspective view of a second transformation mechanism in the leg of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) a diagram showing an example configuration of the second transformation mechanism in the leg of a model toy according to one embodiment; (b) an exploded perspective view of the lower thigh of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) an exploded perspective view of the leg and (b) an exploded perspective view of the lower thigh of a model toy according to one embodiment; (c) a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a third transformation mechanism of a model toy according to one embodiment; (a) a diagram showing a first form and (b) a diagram showing a second form of the third transformation mechanism of a model toy according to one embodiment;

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] <Appearance of the Model Toy> First, an example of the appearance of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1(a) shows the front appearance of the model toy 100, and Fig. 1(b) shows the side appearance of the model toy 100. Note that up / down, left / right, and front / back arrows indicate the orientation of the model toy in the drawing, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0011] The model toy 100 includes a head 101, a chest 102, arms 103a and 103b, legs 104a and 104b, and a waist 105, which constitute a main body. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is used as an example of a model toy, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various models such as humans, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, and ornaments.

[0012] The head 101 is connected to a chest 102. A right arm 103b and a left arm 103a are further connected to the sides of the chest 102 by connecting members, and a waist 105 is connected to the lower part. The waist 105 includes hip joints, and a right leg 104b and a left leg 104a are each rotatably connected to the waist 105. In the following, the part including the head 101 and chest 102 will be referred to as the upper body.

[0013] Furthermore, the model toy 100 according to this embodiment can be transformed between a first form, which is its normal state, and a second form in which one or more decorative parts are added to the first form. FIG. 1 shows the model toy 100 in the second form. In the second form, additional parts are added, requiring an area for the parts to be added. However, this area creates a gap in the first form, giving the model toy 100 an unnatural appearance. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the model toy 100 has a transformation mechanism (gimmick) that is assembled to close a predetermined gap in the first form and to create a predetermined gap in the second form. The transformation mechanisms are incorporated in various locations on the model toy 100. It is desirable that the transformation mechanisms incorporated in each location be appropriate for their respective locations. Various transformation mechanisms are described below.

[0014] <First transformation mechanism> <Configuration of waist portion> The first transformation mechanism according to this embodiment will be described below. First, the configuration of the waist portion 105 of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) shows a perspective view of the waist portion 105. Fig. 2(b) shows a perspective view of the waist portion 105 shown in Fig. 2(a) with a portion thereof disassembled.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2(b), crotch parts 201a and 201b are rotatably connected to the front of the waist part 105 shown in Fig. 2(a). The crotch parts 201a and 201b are formed symmetrically. In other words, each part included in the crotch parts 201a and 201b can be flipped left and right (in a predetermined direction) to have the same shape as the other part.

[0016] <Configuration of Crotch Parts> Next, the configuration of the crotch parts of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the crotch part 201a. Note that the crotch part 201b has the same configuration as the crotch part 201a, so its description will be omitted.

[0017] The crotch part 201 is composed of parts 301 to 307. As indicated by the dotted line in the figure, parts 302, 303, and 306 are assembled to part 301 in this order, followed by parts 304 and 305, and finally part 307. Part 302 is a part that constitutes the transformation mechanism (gimmick) according to this embodiment. Part 302 is provided in a symmetrical shape on both sides of the two parts 201a and 201b. Part 303 is an example of an equipment part, and is assembled into a predetermined gap formed in the second form. Part 303 is formed, for example, with a different color or transparency from the other parts, and is a part that can significantly change the appearance of the model toy 100. Details of the transformation mechanism will be described later using FIG. 4.

[0018] <Configuration of First Transformation Mechanism> Next, the transformation mechanism (first transformation mechanism) of the crotch part 201a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Figs. 4(a) and (b) show different faces of part 302 included in crotch part 201a. Figs. 4(c) and (d) show the state when part 302 shown in Figs. 4(a) and (b) is assembled to part 301.

[0019] The part 302 shown in Fig. 4(a) shows a state in which the first side is facing out. On the other hand, the part 302 shown in Fig. 4(b) is in a state in which the left and right sides are reversed from the state shown in Fig. 4(a) and the second side is facing out. Compared to the first side in Fig. 4(a), the second side shown in Fig. 4(b) has a recess formed therein and has a space (a predetermined gap) inside.

[0020] Figure 4(c) shows a first form in which part 302 is assembled to part 301 included in left crotch part 201a with the first surface shown in Figure 4(a) facing outward. In this first form, the specified gap is not exposed, so part 303, which is an equipment part, cannot be assembled. On the other hand, Figure 4(d) shows a second form in which part 302 is assembled to part 301 included in right crotch part 201b with the second surface shown in Figure 4(b) facing outward. In this second form, the specified gap is exposed, so part 303, which is an equipment part, can be assembled using this area.

[0021] As described above, the first transformation mechanism according to this embodiment includes two parts having symmetrical shapes in a predetermined direction. In the first form, one part is assembled to the first part (right part) with its first surface facing outward, and the other part is assembled to the second part (left part) with its first surface facing outward. Furthermore, in the second form, one part is assembled to the second part (left part) with its second surface, which is the reverse of the first surface, facing outward, and the other part is assembled to the first part (right part) with its second surface facing outward. In other words, according to this first transformation mechanism, the predetermined part is assembled in a mirror image in the first and second forms, and the part to which it is assembled is also different between the first and second forms. Furthermore, the predetermined part has a recess on its second surface, which is exposed and assembled in the second form, allowing for the assembly of an equipment part. With this configuration, the first transformation mechanism can transform the first form so that the predetermined gaps used for assembling equipment parts in the second form are not exposed in the first form, and the appearance does not look unnatural. As a result, this embodiment can provide a novel mechanism for filling in the gaps between parts in a predetermined form in a model toy that can be transformed into multiple forms.

[0022] <Second Transformation Mechanism> <Configuration of Upper Leg> The second transformation mechanism according to this embodiment will be described below. First, with reference to Fig. 5, the configuration of the upper leg 501 of the leg 104a of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5(a) shows an exploded perspective view of the leg 104a. Fig. 5(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the upper leg 501 shown in Fig. 5(a). Note that the leg 104b has a similar configuration, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the leg 104a is configured to include an upper leg 501, a lower leg 502, and a foot 503. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the upper leg 501 is configured to include a plurality of parts 511 to 517. The parts 511 and 512 configure a second transformation mechanism. The part 511 is assembled to the part 512, and the part 512 is assembled rotatably with respect to the part 513. Furthermore, the part 517 is assembled so as to sandwich the parts 511 and 512 with the part 513.

[0024] Part 515 is an example of an equipment part, and is assembled to a part group including parts 511, 512, 513, and 517 in the second form of the model toy 100. Part 515 is formed, for example, with a color or transparency different from that of the other parts, and is a part that can significantly change the appearance of the model toy 100.

[0025] Furthermore, parts 514 and 516 are attached to the part group including parts 511, 512, 513, 515, and 517 from both sides, thereby assembling upper leg 501. Part 516 is attached so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction of model toy 100. Therefore, part 516 can be attached or detached by lifting part 516 upward.

[0026] <Configuration of Second Transformation Mechanism> Next, the configuration of the second transformation mechanism of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6(a) shows a side view of the second transformation mechanism. Figure 6(b) shows a perspective view of the second transformation mechanism. Here, the second transformation mechanism included in the upper thigh 501 of the leg 104a will be described, but a similar transformation mechanism may also be included in the upper thigh of the leg 104b, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] 6(a) and 6(b) show how parts 511 and 512 that make up the second transformation mechanism are rotatably assembled to part 513. More specifically, part 511 is rotatably assembled to part 512, and part 512 is rotatably assembled to part 513. FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show the model toy 100 in the second form. As part 512 rotates, part 511 moves into a predetermined gap, causing the model to transition to the first form. Details will be described later using FIG. 8.

[0028] 6( a), a protrusion 520 is formed on part 512. Protrusion 520 is a trigger for applying a rotational force to part 512 when changing the second transformation mechanism from the second form to the first form. In other words, when a downward force is applied to protrusion 520, part 512 rotates, and accordingly part 511 connected to part 512 moves in a predetermined direction (toward the left in the figure).

[0029] Figure 7 shows parts 511 and 512 that make up the second deformation mechanism according to this embodiment. Figure 7(a) shows an exploded front view of parts 511 and 512. Figure 7(b) shows the second form of the second deformation mechanism, and Figure 7(c) shows the first form of the second deformation mechanism.

[0030] 7A, part 511 is hollow, with cylindrical protrusions 519 formed in the front and rear directions of the inner wall. These protrusions 519 are not connected to each other, and part 512 is inserted into the cavity between them. In addition, part 512 has grooves 518 formed on the front and back surfaces, into which each protrusion 519 is slidably fitted.

[0031] FIG. 7B shows the second form in which parts 511 and 512 are assembled. In the second form, the second transformation mechanism is in a folded, closed state. On the other hand, FIG. 7C shows the state in which part 512 has rotated from the second form in FIG. 7B to transition to the first form. In the first form, as part 512 rotates, convex portion 519 of part 511 slides along groove 518 of part 512, pushing part 511 in the direction of the arrow (to the left in the figure) into an open state.

[0032] <Operation of Second Deformation Mechanism> Next, the operation of the second deformation mechanism according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8(a) and (b) show front views of the upper leg portion 501, with the second deformation mechanism indicated by dotted lines.

[0033] 8(a) shows the transformation mechanism in the closed state of the second form. In this case, a predetermined gap 801 is formed between the parts. Part 515, which is an equipment part, is attached to this predetermined gap 801. If this predetermined gap 801 were left exposed in the first form, it would give the appearance an unnatural impression.

[0034] 8(b), in the first form, part 512 rotates, pushing part 511 to the left in the figure and filling predetermined gap 801. This prevents predetermined gap 801 from being exposed to the outside, preventing the appearance from appearing unnatural.

[0035] As described above, the second transformation mechanism includes a third part (part 511) corresponding to a predetermined gap and a fourth part (part 512) connected to the third part and rotatably connected to another part. In the first form, the third part is positioned to fill the predetermined gap. Meanwhile, in the second form, the fourth part rotates and moves the third part to form the predetermined gap. In other words, according to this second transformation mechanism, the third part moves between the first and second forms as the fourth part rotates, forming or filling the predetermined gap. With this configuration, the second transformation mechanism pushes out the third part so that the predetermined gap used to attach equipment parts in the second form is not exposed in the first form, thereby creating a natural appearance. As a result, this embodiment provides a novel mechanism for filling gaps between parts in a predetermined form in a model toy that can be transformed into multiple forms.

[0036] <Third Transformation Mechanism> <Configuration of Lower Leg> The third transformation mechanism according to this embodiment will be described below. First, with reference to Fig. 9, the configuration of the lower leg 502 of the leg 104a of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 9(a) shows an exploded perspective view of the leg 104a. Fig. 9(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the lower leg 502 shown in Fig. 5(a). Note that the leg 104b has a similar configuration, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9( a), the leg 104a is composed of an upper leg 501, a lower leg 502, and a foot 503. As shown in FIG. 9( b), the lower leg 502 is composed of a plurality of parts 901 to 912. Parts 901 to 908 make up a third transformation mechanism. Part 901 indicates a group of parts that form the base of the lower leg 502, including the knee joint. Parts 902 to 904 are each rotatably assembled to part 901. Part 906, which is at the upper front of the lower leg 502, is connected to part 903 by overlapping it with part 905. Furthermore, part 908, which is at the lower front of the lower leg 502, is connected to part 904. Part 909 is connected below part 908.

[0038] Part 907 is an equipment part that is assembled in the second form, and is inserted and assembled between parts 906 and 908. The method of assembling the equipment parts will be described later. Parts 910a and 910b are assembled to the group of parts 901 to 909 so as to sandwich them from both sides. In addition, parts 911 and 912 that become part of thrusters (decorative parts) are rotatably assembled to the back of the above group of parts.

[0039] <Configuration of Third Transformation Mechanism> Next, the configuration of the third transformation mechanism according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10(a) shows a side cross-sectional view of the first form of the lower leg part 502. Fig. 10(b) shows a side cross-sectional view showing the insertion of an equipment part into the lower leg part 502. Note that the leg part 104b has a similar configuration, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] 10(a), the third transformation mechanism is formed in a closed state in which parts 906 and 908, which are exposed to the outside in the first form, abut against each other and cover a predetermined gap provided inside. Part 906 is connected to part 903 via part 905. Part 908 is connected to part 904. Part 902 is supported by an axial seesaw and can be rotated by an external force.

[0041] 10(b) shows the movement of each part when transitioning to the second form. Part 906 moves diagonally upward as part 903 rotates upward. Meanwhile, part 908 moves diagonally downward as part 904 rotates downward. These movements cause parts 906 and 908 to rotate and move apart, exposing a predetermined gap indicated by a circular dotted line. Part 907, an equipment part, is inserted into the exposed gap. When part 907 is inserted, part 902, which is supported in the form of an axial seesaw, rotates in a predetermined direction, allowing part 907 to be inserted all the way.

[0042] <Modified Form of Third Transformation Mechanism> Next, modified forms of the third transformation mechanism according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11(a) shows a side cross-sectional view of the first form of the lower leg part 502. Fig. 11(b) shows a side cross-sectional view showing the insertion of an equipment part into the lower leg part 502. Note that the leg part 104b has a similar configuration, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] 11(a), the third transformation mechanism provided on the lower leg portion 502 of the leg 104 is in a closed state in the first form, so that parts 906 and 908 come into contact and cover a predetermined gap provided inside. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 11(b), in the second form, the third transformation mechanism is in an open state, and part 907, which is an equipment part, is inserted through the opening and assembled.

[0044] As described above, the third transformation mechanism includes a fifth part (part 906) and a sixth part (part 908) exposed to the outside of the model toy. In the first form, the fifth part and the sixth part abut against each other, covering a predetermined gap provided inside. In the second form, the fifth part and the sixth part rotate and move apart, exposing the predetermined gap. In other words, according to this third transformation mechanism, the external part covering the predetermined gap moves between a closed state and an open state in the first form and the second form. In the second form, the external part is in the open state, allowing an equipment part to be inserted into the exposed predetermined gap. With this configuration, the third transformation mechanism can cover and conceal the predetermined gap used to assemble an equipment part in the second form so that it is not exposed in the first form, thereby creating an appearance that does not appear unnatural. As a result, this embodiment provides a novel mechanism for filling gaps between parts in a predetermined form in a model toy that can be transformed into multiple forms.

[0045] <Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited, and includes various shapes such as people, animals, robots, insects, and dinosaurs.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the equipment parts that are attached to each transformation mechanism in the second form are different in color or transparency from other parts, thereby changing the appearance of the character. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the equipment parts may be parts that can be equipped with other decorative parts, such as weapons. In this case, a weapon that cannot be equipped in the first form can be transformed so that it can be equipped in the second form.

[0047] Summary of the Embodiments The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toys.

[0048] (1) A model toy that changes between a first form and a second form, comprising: a transformation mechanism that is assembled to close a predetermined gap in the first form and to form the predetermined gap in the second form; and an equipment part that is assembled to the predetermined gap formed by the transformation mechanism in the second form. (2) The model toy described in (1), wherein the transformation mechanism includes two parts that have shapes symmetrical in a predetermined direction, and the two parts are assembled such that: in the first form, one part is assembled to the first part with its first side facing out, and the other part is assembled to the second part with its first side facing out; and in the second form, one part is assembled to the second part with its second side facing out, which is the reverse side of the first side, and the other part is assembled to the first part with its second side facing out. (3) The model toy described in (2), wherein the second sides of the two parts have recesses formed therein that correspond to the predetermined gap, and the equipment part is assembled to each of the second sides of the two parts. (4) The model toy described in (2) or (3), characterized in that the two parts transition between the first form and the second form by flipping them left and right. (5) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the transformation mechanism includes a third part corresponding to the predetermined gap and a fourth part connected to the third part and rotatably connected to another part, wherein in the first form, the third part is positioned to fill the predetermined gap, and in the second form, the fourth part rotates to move the third part so as to form the predetermined gap. (6) The model toy described in (5), characterized in that the third part has a protrusion exposed in the predetermined gap in the second form, and when force is applied to the protrusion, the fourth part rotates and the third part moves to a position where it fills the predetermined gap.(7) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the transformation mechanism includes a fifth part and a sixth part exposed to the outside of the model toy, wherein in the first form, the fifth part and the sixth part abut to cover the predetermined gap provided inside, and wherein in the second form, the fifth part and the sixth part rotate and move apart to expose the predetermined gap. (8) The model toy described in (7), wherein the transformation mechanism further includes a seventh part located in the predetermined gap in the first form, and wherein in the second form, the seventh part is pushed out of the predetermined gap when the equipment part is inserted. (9) The model toy described in (8), wherein the seventh part is rotatably supported on a shaft, and is pushed and rotated by the equipment part when the equipment part is inserted. (10) The model toy described in any one of (5) to (9), wherein the transformation mechanism is characterized in that in the first form, a plurality of parts transition to a closed state to cover and conceal the predetermined gap, and in the second form, the plurality of parts transition to an open state to expose the predetermined gap.

[0049] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Chest, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104a, 104b: Legs, 105: Waist

Claims

1. A model toy that changes between a first form and a second form, comprising: a transformation mechanism that is assembled to close a specified gap in the first form and that is assembled to form the specified gap in the second form; and an equipment part that is assembled to fill the specified gap formed by the transformation mechanism in the second form.

2. The model toy described in claim 1, characterized in that the transformation mechanism includes two parts having symmetrical shapes in a predetermined direction, and the two parts are such that, in the first form, one part is assembled to the first part with its first surface facing out, and the other part is assembled to the second part with the first surface facing out, and in the second form, one part is assembled to the second part with its second surface, which is the reverse side of the first surface, facing out, and the other part is assembled to the first part with the second surface facing out.

3. The model toy described in claim 2, characterized in that a recess corresponding to the specified gap is formed on the second surfaces of the two parts, and the equipment parts are assembled to each of the second surfaces of the two parts.

4. The model toy according to claim 3, wherein the two parts transition between the first form and the second form by being flipped left and right.

5. The model toy described in claim 1, characterized in that the transformation mechanism includes a third part corresponding to the specified gap, and a fourth part connected to the third part and rotatably connected to another part, wherein in the first form, the third part is positioned so as to fill the specified gap, and in the second form, the fourth part rotates to move the third part so as to form the specified gap.

6. The model toy described in claim 5, characterized in that the third part has a protrusion that is exposed in the specified gap in the second form, and by applying force to the protrusion, the fourth part rotates and the third part moves to a position where it fills the specified gap.

7. The model toy described in claim 1, characterized in that the transformation mechanism includes a fifth part and a sixth part exposed to the outside of the model toy, and in the first form, the fifth part and the sixth part abut to cover and conceal the specified gap provided inside, and in the second form, the fifth part and the sixth part rotate and move away from each other, exposing the specified gap.

8. The model toy described in claim 7, characterized in that the transformation mechanism further includes a seventh part that is positioned in the specified gap in the first form, and the seventh part is pushed out of the specified gap when the equipment part is inserted in the second form.

9. The model toy according to claim 8, wherein the seventh part is rotatably supported, and when the equipment part is inserted, the seventh part is pushed by the equipment part to rotate.

10. A model toy as described in any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that in the first form, a plurality of parts transition to a closed state to cover and conceal the specified gap, and in the second form, a plurality of parts transition to an open state to expose the specified gap.

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