Toy

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a novel mechanism capable of suitably eliminating the clogging of components in, for example, a toy that conveys and discharges stored components. [Solution] A toy comprising a first section having a storage section capable of storing a component, and a second section for conveying the component supplied from the first section, and guiding the component to a string member connected to a discharge port, wherein the first section and the second section are detachable.

Description

toy

[0001] The present invention relates to toys.

[0002] There are known toys for making accessories by threading a plurality of beads (components) onto a string. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a bead threading toy in which stored beads are discharged through an outlet and the beads discharged from the outlet are guided onto a string and threaded.

[0003] Registered Utility Model No. 3164961

[0004] The beads have insertion holes formed as through holes, and accessories are made by threading a string through the insertion holes. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the orientation of the beads along the path that transports them from the part of the toy that stores the beads to the outlet, and transport the beads so that the insertion holes are inserted onto the string at the outlet. The path along which the beads are transported is formed to a size and shape that matches the size and shape of the beads and prevents the beads from moving diagonally during transport. In the above-mentioned conventional technology, if parts such as beads get stuck in the transport path, it is necessary to shake the entire toy or disassemble the toy to clear the jam, which is time-consuming.

[0005] The present invention provides a novel mechanism that can suitably eliminate clogging of parts, for example, in a toy that conveys and discharges stored parts.

[0006] The present invention is, for example, a toy comprising a first part having a storage section capable of storing parts, and a second part that transports parts supplied from the first part and guides the parts to a string member connected to an outlet, wherein the first part and the second part are detachable.

[0007] According to the present invention, for example, in a toy that conveys and discharges stored parts, a novel mechanism can be provided that can suitably eliminate clogging of parts.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external front view of a toy according to an embodiment. (a) A front view and (b) A perspective view of an exploded toy according to an embodiment. (b) A perspective view of an exploded toy according to an embodiment. (c) A perspective view of the internal structure of a toy according to an embodiment. (d) A front view of the detailed internal structure of a first part and a second part according to an embodiment. (e) A side view of the detailed internal structure of a processing unit according to an embodiment. (a) A front view, (b) A plan view, and (c) An exploded perspective view of a first part according to an embodiment. (f) A diagram of a part of a storage section of the first part according to an embodiment. (g) A diagram of the configuration of a fastener according to an embodiment. (h) A diagram of an example of use of a fastener according to an 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] <External Appearance of Toy> First, an example of the external configuration of a toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows the external front view of the toy 100. Note that the x, y, and z arrows indicate the upward, left, and forward directions of the toy, respectively, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0011] The toy 100 is a toy that can store components such as beads, eject the stored components, and thread them onto a string to create accessories. The toy 100 is shaped like a drink container and includes a first portion 101, a second portion 102, and an operating unit 103. The toy 100 also includes a first operating member 106 and a second operating member 104 that are operated by a player of the toy 100. The first operating member is provided on the operating unit 103, and the second operating member 104 is provided on the first portion 101.

[0012] The first portion 101 includes a plurality of storage compartments for storing components such as beads. The components stored in the plurality of storage compartments are supplied from a storage compartment located near the second operating member 104 by operating the second operating member 104. The second operating member 104 is a member that can be operated by pushing it into the interior of the toy 100. The plurality of storage compartments are rotatably attached, and the player can rotate a storage compartment containing the required components to the upper portion of the second operating member 104 and then operate the second operating member 104 to supply the desired components and create an accessory. While the present embodiment describes an example having a plurality of storage compartments, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and a configuration having a single storage compartment may also be used. In such a configuration, the storage compartment rotation mechanism described below is not necessary.

[0013] The second part 102 is a processing unit that processes the parts supplied from the first part 101. The second part 102 has a part outlet 105, and is a part that guides the parts supplied from the first part 101 to a string member (line) connected to the outlet. By gripping the first operating member 106 and rotating it in the direction of the arrow, the player can rotate a part of the second part (the part shown shaded in FIG. 1 ) connected to the operating unit 103 and guide the supplied parts to the outlet 105. Detailed operations will be described later.

[0014] <Separation Configuration> The disassembled configuration of the toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A(a) shows an exploded front view of the toy 100, and Figure 2A(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the toy 100. Figure 2B shows an exploded perspective view of the toy 100 from the bottom side. As shown in the figures, the toy 100 according to this embodiment can be disassembled into a plurality of parts. In particular, the toy 100 can be separated into a first part 101, a second part 102, and an operating unit 103.

[0015] First, the configuration of each part after separation will be described. The first part 101 is configured to include a storage part 201, a supply part 202, and a guide part 203. An opening 204 is formed inside the first part 101, penetrating it in the vertical direction in the figure. A connecting part 205 of the second part 102 is inserted into the opening 204. The connecting part 205 passes through the opening 204 and is connected to a recess 211 of the operation part 103 shown in FIG. 2B .

[0016] The storage unit 201 is configured to include multiple storage sections (hereinafter also referred to as storage spaces), and each of the multiple storage sections can store different parts. Here, the different parts are accessory parts for making accessories such as beads. The different parts have insertion holes formed as through holes, and thread members are inserted through the insertion holes. The different parts also include parts that differ in at least one aspect, such as color, shape, and size. By selecting desired parts from these multiple types of parts in an order, the player can make an accessory that includes the desired parts in succession. The storage unit 201 is connected to the supply unit 202 so as to be rotatable horizontally.

[0017] The supply unit 202 includes a second operating member 104, and when the second operating member 104 is operated, components are supplied from a storage unit located near the second operating member 104. A hole through which the components pass is formed in the bottom of each storage unit. Normally, the hole is blocked by a plate member extending from the second operating member 104. However, when the second operating member 104 is pressed in, the blocking of the hole in the storage unit located near (near the top of) the second operating member 104 becomes conductive, and the components pass through the hole and are supplied to the guide unit 203 below. The guide unit 203 adjusts the orientation of the components supplied from the supply unit 202 and transports them to the second section 102. A detailed configuration will be described later using FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0018] The second part 102 includes a connecting part 205 and a processing part 206. As described above, the connecting part 205 passes through the opening 204 of the first part 101 and is connected to the recess 211 of the operation part 103. The connecting part 205 is connected to the operation part 103, and is rotatably connected to the processing part 206 by rotating the first operating member 106. A component whose orientation has been adjusted is supplied from the guide part 203 to the processing part 206, which transports the component to the discharge outlet 105 and guides the component to be inserted into a string member connected to the discharge outlet 105. The detailed configuration of the processing part 206 will be described later using FIGS. 3 and 5 .

[0019] Next, a detailed separation configuration will be described. The upper surface of the processing unit 206 and the rear surface of the first portion 101 are formed with connecting portions 207 and 212, respectively, for connecting to the other. According to this embodiment, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 are connected by inserting a protrusion (connecting portion 212) formed on the rear surface of the first portion 101 into a recess (connecting portion 207) on the upper surface of the second portion 102. Meanwhile, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 can be easily separated by pulling the connected first portion 101 upward and the second portion 102 downward. These connecting mechanisms are not intended to limit the present invention, and any connecting mechanism may be used as long as it is easily connected and easily separable. For example, a groove may be formed on one side and a protrusion may be formed on the other side. The protrusion may be inserted into the groove and rotated horizontally, causing the protrusion to move along the groove and engage.

[0020] In this way, the toy 100 according to this embodiment is composed of at least the first part and the second part, and each part can be easily separated from the other. As a result, for example, if a part becomes clogged inside the toy 100, the toy 100 can be separated into the first part and the second part, and the clogged part can be easily cleared by shaking it up and down.

[0021] <Internal Structure> The internal structure of the entire toy according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the toy 100 with the storage section 201 of the first section 101 and the outer shell parts of the second section 102 removed, exposing the internal structure.

[0022] 3 shows the supply unit 202 and the guide unit 203 in the first section 101. The supply unit 202 has an opening 301 and connecting units 311a and 311b, and is connected to the second operating member 104. The connecting units 311a and 311b rotatably connect the storage units 201. This allows the storage unit 201 containing the desired component 310 to be moved to the vicinity of the top of the second operating member 104.

[0023] The opening 301 is formed continuously to the conveying path 302 provided in the guiding section 203. FIG. 3 shows the state in which the second operating member 104 is pushed in, in which a plate member 312 extending from the second operating member 104 advances into the interior of the toy 100, and the hole formed in the plate member 312 moves above the opening 301, establishing electrical continuity. When electrical continuity is established, parts 310 such as beads contained in a container (not shown) located above the second operating member 104 fall into the opened opening 301, supplying the parts 310 to the guiding section 203. On the other hand, before the second operating member 104 is pushed in (not shown), the hole formed in the plate member 312 is positioned in front of the opening 301, preventing electrical continuity. In this state, parts cannot fall from the container, and therefore no parts are supplied. The player rotates one of the multiple containers containing the desired part relative to the supply section 202 to move it above the opening 301. The container 201 can be operated by grasping its outer shell and rotating it horizontally. Then, by pushing in the second operating member 104, the hole formed in the bottom of the container, the hole in the plate member 312, and the opening 301 become electrically connected, and the part 310 falls into the supply unit 202 and is supplied.

[0024] The dropped component 310 then passes through a cylindrical transport path 302 provided in the guide unit 203 and reaches a connecting portion 303 to the second section 102. One end of a linear member 305 included in the second section 102 is inserted into the connecting portion 303 from below. Here, the component 310 that has reached the connecting portion 303 has its insertion hole inserted into one end of the linear member 305. Note that depending on the orientation of the insertion hole, the component 310 may not be properly inserted into one end of the linear member 305. However, as the guide unit 203 vibrates up and down, the orientation of the component 310 located within the connecting portion 303 changes, and eventually the insertion hole will be inserted into one end of the linear member 305. The mechanism by which the guide unit 203 vibrates up and down will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0025] The second portion 102 is internally configured to include a drive mechanism 304, a linear member 305, and a cylindrical member 307. The linear member 305 is wound spirally around the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 307 and is disposed toward the discharge port 105 located below the second portion 102. A connection portion 306 to which a thread member is connected is formed at the other end of the linear member 305. When the component 310 is inserted into one end of the linear member 305 at the connection portion 303 of the guide portion 203, the component 310 moves downward along the linear member 305 due to vibrations caused by the drive mechanism 304, and is transported to the connection portion 306 at the other end.

[0026] <Detailed Internal Configuration> The detailed internal configuration of the first section 101 and the second section 102 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a front view showing the internal structure of the first section 101 and part of the second section 102. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the internal structure of the processing section 206 in the second section 102.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , component 310 dropped into opening 301 is transported along conveying path 302 in the order of 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d until it reaches connecting portion 303. Conveying path 302 is formed with a predetermined incline, and applying vibration causes component 310 to roll downward. One end 401 of linear member 305 protrudes upward from connecting portion 303. Once end 401 is inserted into the insertion hole of component 310d, component 310 is then transported along linear member 305. However, depending on the orientation of component 310d that rolled down, the insertion hole may not properly insert into end 401. Therefore, in this embodiment, drive mechanism 304 swings connecting portion 303 up and down to assist in inserting the insertion hole into end 401.

[0028] Here, the drive mechanism 304 will be described. The drive mechanism 304 includes multiple gears 402 and 403. When the first operating member 106 of the operation unit 103 is rotated, the connection portion 205, which extends from the second portion 102 and is connected to the coupling portion 211, rotates. Accordingly, the gear 402 rotates. The gear 402 is engaged with a gear 403 having an axis of rotation that is 90 degrees different from the axis of rotation of the gear 402. This allows the horizontal rotational motion generated by operating the first operating member 106 to be converted into vertical rotational motion. This vertical rotational motion is transmitted to the connection portion 303 and the conveying path 302, allowing these parts to swing up and down. When the insertion hole of the part 310d is inserted into one end 401, the parts 310e and 310f are conveyed downward along the linear member 305 in this order.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5A, the linear member 305 is arranged so as to spirally wrap around the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 307 from the top to the bottom. As a result, the component 310 is transported downward along the linear member 305 by vibrations generated by the drive mechanism 304, which is driven by operating the first operating member 106. More specifically, the components 310 are transported in the order of 310g, 310h, 310i, and 310j. Finally, the components are transported to the connecting portion 306 of the linear member 305. The connecting portion 306 has a notch through which the thread member 501 is passed so as to be hooked and connected. The component 310j passes through the connecting portion 306 and is guided to the thread member 501 beyond.

[0030] FIG. 5(b) shows parts 502 to 506 being threaded through string member 501. As shown in FIG. 5(b), parts 502, 503, 505, and 506 are spherical, and parts 502 and 506 are different in size from parts 503 and 505. Part 504 is a tetrahedral part. In this way, toy 100 according to this embodiment can use parts that differ in at least one of size and shape, allowing a wide variety of accessories to be produced. In this embodiment, for example, the transport path is formed so that the largest-sized part 502 can be transported. This reduces the occurrence of clogging.

[0031] <Detailed Configuration of First Part> The detailed configuration of the first part according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6(a) shows a front view of the first part 101, Fig. 6(b) shows a plan view of the first part 101, and Fig. 6(c) shows a perspective view of the first part 101 with a cover member 601 removed.

[0032] 6(b), a cover member 601 is rotatably and removably attached to the top surface of the first section 101, i.e., the top surface of the housing section 201. The cover member 601 has a window 602 through which the interior can be seen, and also has an opening 603 formed therein corresponding to the opening 204. Therefore, by rotating the cover member 601, the window 602 can be rotated to a desired position. The housing section 201 located inside can be seen through the window 602. The window 602 may be formed to a size that allows a component to be placed inside.

[0033] 6(c) shows the state in which the cover member 601 has been removed from the first section 101. A partition member 605 is provided at the bottom of the cover member 601. A plurality of storage spaces 604a to 604f are formed in the storage section 201 by the partition member 605. Each of the storage spaces 604a to 604f is open at the top, allowing components to be inserted through that portion. The storage section 201 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow, allowing each storage section (storage spaces 604a to 604f) to be moved near the second operating member 104.

[0034] 7 shows the state in which the lid member 601, partition member 605, and outer shell parts of the storage section 201 have been removed. A bottom plate 611 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage section 201. The bottom plate 611 serves as the bottom member for each storage section. Holes 610a to 610f are formed in the bottom plate 611 at positions corresponding to each storage section. Components 310 stored in each storage section are supplied through the holes 610a to 610f.

[0035] <Configuration of Fastener> The configuration of the fastener according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8(a) shows a plan view of a first part 801 of the fastener, and Fig. 8(b) shows a plan view of a second part 802 that is paired with the first part 801 of the fastener.

[0036] 8(b), a plurality of grooves 803a to 803e and a recess 804 are formed inside the second part 802. A thread member 805 can be placed in the grooves 803a to 803e.

[0037] 8(c) shows the state in which the string member 805 of the accessory made using the toy 100 is aligned with the groove 803. From this state, the made accessory can be fastened by assembling the part 801 to the part 802 so as to cover it from above. In this way, for example, by aligning the knot of the string member 805 in a position sandwiched between the parts 801 and 802, the knot of the string member 805 can be hidden, improving the appearance of the accessory. It is also possible to prevent the components 811 and 812 from falling off the accessory. The player can freely arrange the made accessory by aligning it with the groove of the part 802.

[0038] FIG. 9 shows an example of the arrangement of accessories relative to a part 802. Note that in FIG. 9, components are omitted to simplify the explanation, and only the thread member 805 is shown. FIG. 9(a) shows an example in which one accessory is arranged. FIG. 9(b) shows an example in which two accessories are arranged. FIG. 9(c) shows an example in which three accessories are arranged. As such, according to this embodiment, one or more accessories can be arranged and fastened to the fastener. Although an example of up to three accessories is shown here, any number of accessories can be fastened depending on the number of grooves formed in the fastener.

[0039] As described above, the toy according to this embodiment includes a first part having a plurality of storage compartments each capable of storing a different part, and a second part that transports the parts supplied from the first part and guides the parts to a string member connected to an outlet, and the first and second parts are detachable. This provides a novel mechanism for effectively clearing clogging of parts in a toy that transports and discharges a plurality of different stored parts. Furthermore, the different parts include parts that have insertion holes for insertion onto the string member and differ from each other in at least one of shape and size. Thus, this embodiment provides a novel mechanism for storing parts of various sizes and shapes and transporting and discharging these parts, for example.

[0040] <Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. For example, the shape of the toy is not limited to a drink container, but includes various other shapes.

[0041] <Summary of the Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following toys: (1) A toy comprising: a first part having a storage section capable of storing parts; and a second part that transports parts supplied from the first part and guides the parts to a string member connected to an outlet, wherein the first part and the second part are detachable. (2) The toy described in (1), wherein the first part has a plurality of storage sections, each capable of storing a different part. (3) The toy described in (2), wherein the different parts include parts that have insertion holes formed therein for insertion onto the string member and that differ from each other in at least one of shape and size. (4) The toy described in (3), wherein the different parts include at least one of a spherical part and a tetrahedral part. (5) The toy described in (3) or (4), characterized in that the first section comprises: the plurality of storage sections; a supply section to which the plurality of storage sections are rotatably connected and which supplies components stored in one of the plurality of storage sections; and a guide section which transports the components supplied by the supply section to the second section and adjusts the orientation of the components. (6) The toy described in (5), characterized in that the second section comprises: a linear member having one end inserted into the insertion hole of a component whose orientation has been adjusted and guided by the guide section and whose other end extends to the discharge outlet; a cylindrical member around which the linear member is wound; and a connecting section extending from the cylindrical member. (7) The toy described in (6), characterized in that the first section has an opening penetrating therethrough, and the connecting section of the second section passes through the opening and is connected to a first operating member. (8) The toy described in (7), characterized in that the connecting section rotates when the first operating member is rotated, causing the guide section and the second section to vibrate and transport the components. (9) The toy according to any one of (5) to (8), characterized in that the guide portion is formed by adjusting the size of the largest part included in the different parts to a size that can be transported.(10) The toy described in any one of (5) to (9), characterized in that the supply unit has a pushable second operating member, each of the plurality of storage units can be rotated toward the second operating member by rotating it relative to the supply unit, and by operating the second operating member, parts are supplied from one of the plurality of storage units located near the second operating member. (11) The toy described in (10), characterized in that a cover member having a window at an upper part through which the different parts can be seen is rotatably connected to the plurality of storage units. (12) The toy described in any one of (1) to (11), characterized in that it further includes a fastener that fastens the string member through which the plurality of different parts are inserted and prevents the plurality of different parts from coming off the string member. (13) The toy described in (12), characterized in that the fastener has a plurality of grooves and is capable of fastening the plurality of thread members together.

[0042] 100: Toy, 101: First part, 102: Second part, 103: Operation part, 104: Second operation member, 105: Discharge outlet, 106: First operation member, 201: Storage part, 202: Supply part, 203: Guide part, 204: Opening part, 205: Connection part, 206: Processing part

Claims

1. A toy comprising: a first part having a storage section capable of storing parts; and a second part that transports parts supplied from said first part and guides the parts to a string member connected to an outlet, wherein said first part and said second part are detachable.

2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has a plurality of storage compartments, each of the plurality of storage compartments being capable of storing a different part.

3. The toy according to claim 2, characterized in that the different parts include parts that have insertion holes for the thread member to pass through and that differ from each other in at least one of shape and size.

4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the different parts include at least one of a spherical part and a tetrahedron part.

5. The toy described in claim 3, characterized in that the first part comprises: the plurality of storage sections; a supply section to which the plurality of storage sections are rotatably connected and which supplies components stored in any of the plurality of storage sections; and a guide section which transports the components supplied by the supply section to the second part and adjusts the orientation of the components.

6. The toy described in claim 5, characterized in that the second part comprises a linear member having one end inserted into the insertion hole of the part whose orientation is adjusted and guided by the guide part and the other end extending to the discharge outlet, a cylindrical member around which the linear member is wound, and a connecting part extending from the cylindrical member.

7. The toy according to claim 6, wherein the first part has an opening penetrating therethrough, and the connecting part of the second part passes through the opening and is connected to the first operating member.

8. The toy according to claim 7, characterized in that by rotating the first operating member, the connecting part rotates, and accordingly the guiding part and the second part vibrate, thereby transporting the part.

9. A toy as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the guide portion is formed to a size adjusted to enable the transport of the largest size component included in the different components.

10. The toy described in claim 5, characterized in that the supply unit has a pushable second operating member, each of the multiple storage units can be rotated relative to the supply unit to the vicinity of the second operating member, and by operating the second operating member, parts are supplied from one of the multiple storage units that is located near the second operating member.

11. The toy according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of storage compartments are rotatably connected to a cover member having a window at the top through which the different components can be seen.

12. A toy as described in any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a fastener that fastens the string member through which the plurality of different members are threaded, thereby preventing the plurality of different members from coming off the string member.

13. The toy according to claim 12, wherein the fastener has a plurality of grooves, and is capable of fastening a plurality of the thread members together.

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