Toy

Abstract

Provided is a toy, the appearance of which can be easily and significantly altered.　A toy (1) comprises: a stretchable and long elastic member (2); and a housing (3) for housing the elastic member (2) therein. The elastic member (2) has a base end section (2a) that is attached to the inside of the housing (3). The elastic member (2) can retain the shape thereof, and can be switched between a housed state of being housed in the housing (3) and an extension state of being stretched out of the housing (3). When the elastic member (2) is in the housed state, the tip (2b) of the elastic member (2) is housed inside the housing (3), and when the elastic member (2) is in the extension state, the tip (2b) of the elastic member (2) is held outside the housing (3).

Description

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[0001] The present invention relates to a toy, and particularly to a toy provided with a telescopic member and a container for accommodating the telescopic member.

[0002] Conventionally, a doll toy that can bend a part of the body and hold it in the same posture is known. The doll toy is configured such that a part of the body is formed in a bellows shape, so that the body can be telescoped and bent.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an animal toy in which a part of the body can be telescoped and bent. In this animal toy, a neck portion, leg portions, and a tail portion are attached to a body portion, and intermediate portions of the neck portion, leg portions, and tail portion are formed in a bellows shape. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a doll toy in which a part of the body can be freely telescoped and bent. In this doll toy, a neck portion, arm portions, and leg portions are attached to a body portion, and the neck portion, arm portions, and leg portions are formed in a bellows shape.

[0004] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 55-095788, US Patent No. 11738280 Specification

[0005] The toys disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are configured to be able to bend and telescopically extend a part of the body, so as to hold a part of the body at an arbitrary angle or length. Therefore, although the posture changes, the appearance does not change significantly. In particular, since the head, torso, tail, hands, feet, etc. of the doll are always visible, there is a possibility that the appearance does not change and the viewing form becomes monotonous.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toy that can easily change the appearance significantly.

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by providing a retractable and elongated retractable member and a housing that houses the retractable member, wherein the base end of the retractable member is attached inside the housing, the retractable member is capable of maintaining its own shape and can switch between a housed state in which it is housed inside the housing and an extended state in which it extends outside the housing, and when the retractable member is in the housed state, the tip of the retractable member is housed inside the housing, and when the retractable member is in the extended state, the tip of the retractable member is held outside the housing.

[0008] Thus, because the expandable member, which can maintain its own shape, can be switched between a housed state in which the expandable member is housed in the housing and an extended state in which the expandable member protrudes from the housing, the appearance of the toy can be easily and significantly changed.

[0009] Furthermore, the housing comprises a housing body having an internal space for housing the expandable member, an opening formed in the housing body through which the expandable member can be inserted, and a mounting portion formed in the inner wall of the housing body for attaching the base end of the expandable member. In the direction in which the base end of the expandable member is attached to the mounting portion, the mounting portion is preferably positioned opposite the opening. In this way, since the base end is attached to a position opposite the opening in the inner wall, the expandable member can be easily housed inside the housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the base end of the expandable member is provided with a mounting portion that attaches to the mounting portion, and the mounting portion is preferably screwed into the mounting portion. In this way, the housing and the expandable member are screwed together, which prevents the expandable member from coming off the housing when the expandable member is expanded or contracted. In addition, by making the mounting portion and the mounting portion simple, the manufacturing efficiency of toys can be improved.

[0011] Furthermore, the expandable member may have multiple expandable sections, and when the expandable member is in the extended state, the multiple expandable sections may be inserted into the same opening. In this way, by inserting multiple expandable sections into a single opening, the expandable member can be expanded and contracted together. Therefore, its appearance can be easily changed.

[0012] Furthermore, the expandable member is covered by a first skin, and the housing has a housing body having an internal space for housing the expandable member, and a second skin covering the housing body, and when the expandable member is in the housing state, the first skin is preferably housed inside the second skin. In this way, by covering the expandable member and housing, which form the skeleton of the toy, with skins, the tactile feel and visibility of the toy can be improved. In addition, by housing the first skin inside the second skin together with the expandable member, the design of the housing state can be enhanced.

[0013] Furthermore, the tip of the stretchable member is provided with a connecting portion that connects to the first skin, and the connecting portion is preferably sewn to the first skin. In this way, since the tip of the stretchable member is sewn to the skin, it is possible to prevent the stretchable member from coming off the skin when the stretchable member is stretched or contracted.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing may constitute the head of the doll, the expandable member may constitute the body of the doll, and the tip of the expandable member may constitute the hands or feet of the doll. In this way, since the hands and feet are housed in the head of the doll, the appearance of the doll can be enjoyed even when the hands and feet are housed.

[0015] Furthermore, the expandable member has a first expandable section, a second expandable section, a third expandable section, and a fourth expandable section, and the mounting section has a first mounting section for attaching the first expandable section, a second mounting section for attaching the second expandable section, a third mounting section for attaching the third expandable section, and a fourth mounting section for attaching the fourth expandable section, and it is preferable that the first mounting section, the second mounting section, the third mounting section, and the fourth mounting section be arranged inside the housing so that they are aligned in a straight line. In this way, the toy can be made into a flat shape and can be carried compactly.

[0016] According to the toy of the present invention, the appearance can be easily and significantly altered.

[0017] This is a front view of the toy according to the first embodiment. This is a bottom view of the toy. This is a front view of the toy showing the storage state. This is a front view of the toy showing the first extended state. This is a front view of the toy showing the second extended state. This is a front view of the toy showing the third extended state. This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toy. This is a perspective view of the housing. This is a diagram illustrating the connection structure between the expandable member and the outer skin. This is a front view of the toy according to the second embodiment. This is a side view of the toy according to the second embodiment. This is a front view of the toy according to the third embodiment showing the storage state. This is a diagram illustrating the storage state of the toy. This is a front view of the toy according to the third embodiment showing the first extended state. This is a front view of the toy according to the third embodiment showing the second extended state. This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toy according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram showing the storage state of the toy according to the fourth embodiment. This is a diagram showing the extended state of the toy according to the fourth embodiment. This is a diagram showing the storage state of the toy according to the fifth embodiment. This is a diagram showing the extended state of the toy according to the fifth embodiment.

[0018] The toy 1 of one embodiment of this invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 17B. In the following description, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 1, "up and down direction" refers to the up and down direction when viewing the toy 1 from the front.

[0019] <Toy of the First Embodiment> As shown in Figure 1, Toy 1 is a stuffed toy that imitates a doll, animal, character, food, vehicle, etc., and its appearance can be changed according to the user's preference. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, Toy 1 comprises a retractable and elongated retractable member 2 and a housing 3 that houses the retractable member 2 inside. The retractable member 2 and the housing 3 are covered with a skin 4. Specifically, the skeletal parts of the retractable member 2 (the retractable part 20, attachment part 21, and connecting part 22, which will be described later) are covered with a first skin 4a. The skeletal parts of the housing 3 (the housing body part 30, which will be described later) are covered with a second skin 4b. In addition, a fastener 5 for hanging Toy 1 from an item such as a bag is attached to the housing 3. The user can change the appearance of Toy 1 by deforming the retractable member 2 into any shape. The user can also carry Toy 1 by attaching the fastener 5 to a bag, for example.

[0020] Toy 1 is a doll-like body (for example, an animal character) and has a head 10 and a body part 11 that will become the torso, hands, or feet of the animal character. The front of Toy 1 (the front of the head 10) has a face of a character, such as an animal or a human, drawn on it. As shown in Figure 2, Toy 1 has a three-dimensional shape. The body part 11 is housed inside the head 10. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the body part 11 has a torso part 11a that mimics the character's torso, an arm part 11b that mimics the character's arm, a leg part 11c that mimics the character's leg, a hand part 11d that mimics the character's hand, and a foot part 11e that mimics the character's foot.

[0021] The housing 3 constitutes the head 10 of the doll body, and the telescopic member 2 constitutes the body 11 of the doll body. The central part of the telescopic member 2 constitutes the torso 11a of the doll body. The tip 2b side of the telescopic member 2 constitutes the arms 11b or legs 11c of the doll body. The tip 2b of the telescopic member 2 constitutes the hands 11d or feet 11e of the doll body.

[0022] The telescopic member 2 is a long, linearly expandable and contractible member, having a base end 2a attached to the inside of the housing 3, and a tip end 2b on the opposite side of the base end 2a, which is a free end. More specifically, the base end 2a of the telescopic member 2 is attached to the inner wall of the housing 3. The tip end 2b of the telescopic member 2 can be pulled out from the inside of the housing 3 by the user and protrude to the outside of the housing 3. Furthermore, the tip end 2b of the telescopic member 2 can be pushed back into the housing 3 by the user and housed inside the housing 3. In this way, the user can freely insert and remove the body part 11 from the head 10 by expanding and contracting the telescopic member 2 into any shape.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a form in which the entire body 11 is housed within the head 10, resulting in a face-only form where the animal character is just a face. Figure 4 shows a form in which part of the body 11 is exposed within the head 10, resulting in an octopus-like appearance of the animal character. Figure 5 shows a form in which more of the body 11 is exposed within the head 10 than in the octopus form, resulting in a mini form where the animal character is short in proportion to its head. Figure 6 shows a form in which most of the body 11 is exposed from the head 10, resulting in a long form where the animal character is tall in proportion to its head.

[0024] In this way, the user can easily change the appearance of the toy 1 significantly by deforming the expandable member 2 into any shape. The form of the toy 1 is not limited to this, and may be any form. For example, it is not limited to a doll body in which the body part 11 is housed in the head part 10, but may also be a body part 11 in which the head part 10 is housed, and may be a configuration other than a doll body. Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to pulling the expandable member 2 downwards, but may also be a configuration in which it is pulled upwards or to the side.

[0025] <<Extendable Member>> As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the extendable member 2 is a long member that can maintain its own shape and constitutes the body part 11 of the doll body. The extendable member 2 has, for example, a bellows member made of flexible synthetic resin and is deformable in an extendable and extendable manner. In other words, the extendable member 2 is extendable and bendable and has sufficient rigidity to maintain its own shape. Because the extendable member 2 is an extendable and bendable bellows mechanism, it can hold a part of the body part 11 at any angle or length. Therefore, the toy 1 can be held in any posture and its appearance can be enjoyed.

[0026] Furthermore, the expandable member 2 is not limited to a bellows mechanism as long as it expands and contracts in a way that allows it to maintain its own shape. For example, the expandable member 2 may be a telescopic expandable mechanism, an expandable mechanism made by screwing together multiple cylindrical members, an expandable mechanism made by combining multiple pantographs, or an expandable mechanism made by combining multiple slide rails. In addition, the expandable member 2 may maintain its own shape by friction or engagement of protrusions and indentations.

[0027] The expandable member 2 can be switched between the retractable state shown in Figure 3, the first extended state shown in Figure 4, the second extended state shown in Figure 5, and the third extended state shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 3, the retractable state is when the expandable member 2 is housed inside the housing 3. When the expandable member 2 is in the retractable state, the toy 1 takes on a face shape in which the entire body part 11 is housed inside the head 10. When the expandable member 2 is in the retractable state, the tip 2b of the expandable member 2 is housed inside the housing 3. At this time, the tip 2b of the expandable member 2 (specifically the connecting part 22 of the expandable member 2, which will be described later) is completely housed inside the housing 3 and is housed in a position that is not visible from the front. At least the tip of the expandable skeletal part (specifically the tip of the connecting part 22) needs to be housed inside the housing 3 (specifically inside the second skin 4b) by its own shape retention properties.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the first extended state is when the telescopic member 2 extends from its retracted state to the outside of the housing 3. When the telescopic member 2 is in the first extended state, it takes the form of an octopus with most of the body 11 housed in the head 10. When the telescopic member 2 is in the first extended state, the tip 2b of the telescopic member 2 is held outside the housing 3 by its own shape-retaining force. At this time, the tip 2b of the telescopic member 2 (specifically the connecting portion 22 of the telescopic member 2) protrudes outside the housing 3, and is held in a position where the hands 11d and feet 11e are visible in a front view.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the second extended state is a state in which the telescopic member 2 extends further outside the housing 3 from the first extended state. When the telescopic member 2 is in the second extended state, it takes on a miniature form in which a part of the body 11 is housed in the head 10. When the telescopic member 2 is in the second extended state, the tip 2b of the telescopic member 2 is held outside the housing 3 by its own shape-retaining force. At this time, the tip 2b of the telescopic member 2 (specifically the connecting part 22 of the telescopic member 2) protrudes outside the housing 3, and is held in a position where the torso 11a, legs 11c, hands 11d and feet 11e are visible in a front view.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the third extended state is a state in which the telescopic member 2 extends further outside the housing 3 from the second extended state. When the telescopic member 2 is in the third extended state, it takes on a long form in which most of the body portion 11 is exposed from the head portion 10. When the telescopic member 2 is in the second extended state, the tip portion 2b of the telescopic member 2 is held outside the housing 3 by its own shape-retaining force. At this time, the tip portion 2b of the telescopic member 2 (specifically the connecting portion 22 of the telescopic member 2) protrudes outside the housing 3, and is held in a position in which the torso portion 11a, arms portion 11b, legs portion 11c, hands portion 11d, and feet portion 11e are visible in a front view.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the expandable member 2 has a plurality of expandable sections 20 formed in a bellows shape, an attachment section 21 for attaching each expandable section 20 to the housing 3, and a connecting section 22 for connecting each expandable section 20 to the first skin 4a. The expandable sections 20, attachment sections 21, and connecting sections 22 are, for example, skeletal parts that constitute the skeleton of the body section 11 of the doll body, and are hard members made of synthetic resin. The outer surfaces of the expandable sections 20, attachment sections 21, and connecting sections 22 are covered by the first skin 4a.

[0032] The base end 2a of the expandable member 2 is provided with an attachment portion 21, which is attached to a mounting portion 32 described later. The tip end 2b of the expandable member 2 is provided with a connecting portion 22, which connects to the first outer layer 4a. In other words, the base end portion of the expandable member 20 is detachably attached to the inner wall of the housing 3 via the attachment portion 21. The tip portions of the expandable member 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the first outer layer 4a via the connecting portions 22. The skeletal parts of the expandable member 2 are composed of three parts, but the expandable member 20, attachment portion 21, and connecting portion 22 may be integrated. The base end 2a of the expandable member 2 may also be fixed to the inner wall of the housing 3 in a non-detachable manner.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, there are four telescopic sections 20 provided on the housing 3, and they include a first telescopic section 20a, a second telescopic section 20b, a third telescopic section 20c, and a fourth telescopic section 20d. The first telescopic section 20a and the second telescopic section 20b constitute the arm section 11b and the hand section 11d. The third telescopic section 20c and the fourth telescopic section 20d constitute the torso section 11a, the leg section 11c, and the foot section 11e.

[0034] The intermediate portions of the third telescopic section 20c and the fourth telescopic section 20d are fixed by a string-like member 20e, such as a thread. The string-like member 20e fixes the third telescopic section 20c and the fourth telescopic section 20d so that they do not separate from each other. The portion above the string-like member 20e becomes the torso 11a, and the portion above the string-like member 20e becomes the legs 11c and feet 11e. In this way, because the third telescopic section 20c and the fourth telescopic section 20d are fixed by the string-like member 20e, the doll's body can be held in a natural shape.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the first telescopic section 20a, the second telescopic section 20b, the third telescopic section 20c, and the fourth telescopic section 20d are arranged at equal intervals along the inner circumference of the opening 31, which will be described later, when viewed from below. In other words, the first telescopic section 20a and the second telescopic section 20b, which constitute the arm section 11b and the hand section 11d, are located on the rear side, while the third telescopic section 20c and the fourth telescopic section 20d, which constitute the torso section 11a, the leg section 11c, and the foot section 11e, are located on the front side. Note that the number and position of the telescopic sections 20 are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate to match the appearance of the doll body.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the telescopic member 2 is in the extended state, the first telescopic section 20a, the second telescopic section 20b, the third telescopic section 20c, and the fourth telescopic section 20d are inserted through the same opening 31 formed in the housing 3. In this way, multiple telescopic sections 20 are inserted through a single opening 31, allowing the user to extend and retract the telescopic member 2 together. Therefore, the appearance can be easily changed. Note that one telescopic section 20 may be provided for each opening 31. Also, the housing 3 is not limited to one opening 31, but may have multiple openings 31.

[0037] The mounting portion 21 is a resin member for attaching the telescopic portion 20 to the housing 3. The mounting portion 21 has a male threaded portion 21a that is screwed into the housing 3 and an upper fitting portion 21b that fits with the telescopic portion 20. The upper fitting portion 21b is formed at the lower end of the male threaded portion 21a and fits with the protrusions and recesses formed on the base end portion of the telescopic portion 20. The base end portion of the telescopic portion 20 is fixed to the mounting portion 21 by the upper fitting portion 21b. In this way, the telescopic portion 20 is firmly held by the upper fitting portion 21b, so that the telescopic portion 20 does not come off the mounting portion 21 when the user extends or retracts the telescopic member 2.

[0038] The connecting portion 22 is a resin member for attaching the expandable portion 20 to the first outer layer 4a. The connecting portion 22 has a sewing portion 22a that is sewn to the first outer layer 4a and a lower fitting portion 22b that fits with the expandable portion 20. The lower fitting portion 22b is formed at the upper end of the sewing portion 22a and fits with the protrusions and indentations formed on the tip portion of the expandable portion 20. The tip portion of the expandable portion 20 is fixed to the connecting portion 22 by the lower fitting portion 22b. In this way, the expandable portion 20 is firmly held by the lower fitting portion 22b, so that the expandable portion 20 does not come off the connecting portion 22 when the user extends or retracts the expandable member 2.

[0039] <<Housing Body>> As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the housing body 3 is a container that constitutes the head 10 of the doll body and houses the expandable member 2. The housing body 3 has a housing body portion 30 having an internal space for housing the expandable member 2, an opening 31 formed in the housing body portion 30, a mounting portion 32 for attaching the mounting portion 21, a skin locking portion 33 for locking the second skin 4b to the housing body portion 30, and a second skin 4b that covers the housing body portion 30. The outer surface of the housing body portion 30 of the housing body 3 is covered with the second skin 4b.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, the housing body 30 is a rigid member made of synthetic resin that constitutes the skeleton of, for example, the head 10 of a doll body, and has a ceiling surface 30a and an inner surface 30b as its inner walls. An opening 31 is formed at the lower end of the housing body 30. The ceiling surface 30a has a circular shape when viewed from below. Four attachment parts 32 are formed on the ceiling surface 30a. A skin locking part 33 is also attached to the ceiling surface 30a.

[0041] The opening 31 is formed at the lower end of the housing body 30 and has a circular shape when viewed from below. The expandable member 2 can be inserted through the opening 31. The opening 31 has a circular shape when viewed from below and is formed to be slightly larger than the ceiling surface 30a.

[0042] The mounting portion 32 is the portion to which the base end portion 2a of the telescopic member 2 is attached. The mounting portion 32 has a first mounting portion 32a to which the first telescopic portion 20a is attached, a second mounting portion 32b to which the second telescopic portion 20b is attached, a third mounting portion 32c to which the third telescopic portion 20c is attached, and a fourth mounting portion 32d to which the fourth telescopic portion 20d is attached. The mounting portion 32 has a female screw portion into which the male screw portion 21a of the mounting portion 21 is screwed. The telescopic member 2 is attached to the housing 3 by screwing the male screw portion 21a of the mounting portion 21 into the female screw portion of the mounting portion 32. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the telescopic member 2 from coming off the housing 3 when the telescopic member 2 is extended or retracted. In addition, by making the mounting portion 21 and the mounting portion 32 simple in structure, the manufacturing efficiency of the toy 1 can be improved.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, the mounting portion 32 is formed on the inner wall of the housing body 30 and is positioned opposite the opening 31 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the mounting portion 32 is integrally formed on the ceiling surface 30a and is positioned opposite the opening 31 in the direction in which the base end portion 2a of the expandable member 2 is attached to the mounting portion 32. In other words, the opening 31 and the mounting portion 32 are opposite each other in the direction in which the expandable portion 20 expands and contracts. In this way, since the base end portion 2a of the expandable member 2 is attached to the inner wall in a position opposite the opening 31, the expandable member 2 can be easily housed inside the housing 3. Note that the mounting portion 32 is not limited to being directly formed on the inner wall of the housing body 30, but may also be provided on the inner wall via a separate part.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the skin locking portion 33 has a disc shape and is a resin member for attaching the second skin 4b to the housing main body portion 30. The skin locking portion 33 is attached to the ceiling surface 30a so as to sandwich the second skin 4b. A through hole is formed in the skin locking portion 33 at a position corresponding to the attachment portion 32. The skin locking portion 33 is attached to the housing main body portion 30 so as to be parallel to the ceiling surface 30a with the attachment portion 32 passing through the through hole. Thus, by simply attaching the skin locking portion 33 to the ceiling surface 30a, the second skin 4b can be attached to the housing main body portion 30, improving the manufacturing efficiency of the toy 1.

[0045] <<Skin>> As shown in FIG. 2, the skin 4 is a cloth that covers the skeletal parts of the telescopic member 2 (the telescopic portion 20, the attachment portion 21, and the connecting portion 22) and the skeletal parts of the housing 3 (the housing main body portion 30). The skin 4 is formed from, for example, a fake fur fabric or a boa fabric with long hair feet. By covering each skeletal part of the telescopic member 2 and the housing 3 with a fabric having long hair feet, the gaps between the telescopic portion 20, the attachment portion 21, and the connecting portion 22 and the housing main body portion 30 at the opening 31 can be filled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent things other than the telescopic member 2 (such as dust) from entering the inside of the housing main body portion 30. Also, when the telescopic member 2 is contracted, wrinkles can be made less noticeable. Note that the type of fabric of the skin 4 can be appropriately changed. For example, by using a highly stretchable fabric for the skin 4, wrinkles are less likely to occur when the telescopic member 2 is contracted.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the first skin 4a and the second skin 4b are configured as separate bodies, but the first skin 4a and the second skin 4b may be integrated. Also, the toy 1 may be configured without the skin 4. As shown in FIG. 2, when the telescopic member 2 is in the housed state, the first skin 4a is housed inside the second skin 4b. Thus, by covering the telescopic portion 20, the attachment portion 21, and the connecting portion 22 of the telescopic member 2, which is the skeleton of the toy 1, and the housing main body portion 30 of the housing 3 with the skin 4, the tactile sensation and visibility of the toy 1 can be improved.

[0047] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the expansion and contraction member 2 is in the housed state, the first skin 4a is not exposed from the second skin 4b and is not visible in a front view. Thus, when the toy 1 is in the face form, the expansion and contraction member 2 and the first skin 4a are not exposed from the second skin 4b, so that the design property can be enhanced. In the front view, it is sufficient that at least the tip portion of the skeleton parts forming the skeleton of the expansion and contraction member 2 (specifically, the tip of the connecting portion 22) is housed inside the housing body 3 (specifically, inside the second skin 4b). For example, a part of the first skin 4a may be exposed from the housing body 3.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the first skin 4a is a long bag body that houses the skeleton parts of the expansion and contraction member 2 inside and covers the outer surfaces of the expansion part 20, the attachment part 21, and the connecting part 22. The first skin 4a is fixed to the skeleton parts of the expansion and contraction member 2 and expands and contracts together with the expansion and contraction member 2. Specifically, inside the first skin 4a, the upper fitting part 21b of the attachment part 21, the expansion part 20, and the connecting part 22 are housed.

[0049] The connecting part 22 is sewn to the lower end part of the first skin 4a. The sewing thread is inserted through the hole part 22c formed at the lower end of the connecting part 22 to fix the connecting part 22 inside the first skin 4a. Thus, since the tip part 2b of the expansion and contraction member 2 is sewn to the first skin 4a, it is possible to prevent the expansion and contraction member 2 from coming off from the first skin 4a when the expansion and contraction member 2 is contracted. Note that the expansion and contraction member 2 and the first skin 4a may be fixed with an adhesive or the like.

[0050] Further, the upper end part of the first skin 4a is attached to the attachment part 21. More specifically, the upper end part of the first skin 4a is arranged at a position covering the outer peripheral surface of the upper fitting part 21b. An insertion part 4a1 for inserting a fixture 4c such as a binding band is formed at the upper end part of the first skin 4a. The fixture 4c is inserted through the insertion part 4a1 to tighten the upper end part of the first skin 4a against the outer peripheral surface of the upper fitting part 21b.

[0051] Furthermore, a radially recessed recess 21b1 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper fitting portion 21b. The fastener 4c, which fastens the first skin 4a, fits into the recess 21b1, so that the first skin 4a is firmly attached to the mounting portion 21. In this way, the first skin 4a is firmly attached to the base end portion 2a of the expandable member 2, so that the expandable member 2 does not come off the first skin 4a when the expandable member 2 is expanded or contracted. Note that the expandable member 2 and the first skin 4a may be fixed together not only with cable ties, but also with sutures, adhesives, etc.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the first and second telescopic parts 20a and 20b that constitute the arms 11b and hands 11d are each housed in the first skin 4a. The third and fourth telescopic parts 20c and 20d that constitute the torso 11a, legs 11c and feet 11e are housed together in the first skin 4a. In this way, the third and fourth telescopic parts 20c and 20d are fixed by the string-like members 20e and housed together in the first skin 4a, so that the doll body can be maintained in a natural shape. Note that the shape and number of first skins 4a for each telescopic part 20 are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate according to the shape of the doll body.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the second skin 4b houses the housing body 30 inside and covers the outer surface of the housing body 30. The second skin 4b is formed to match the outer shape of the doll body. The gap between the second skin 4b and the housing body 30 is filled with cotton or the like, and the head 10 has a three-dimensional shape. The skin end 4b1 of the second skin 4b is attached to the ceiling surface 30a of the housing body 30. More specifically, the skin end 4b1 is sandwiched between the ceiling surface 30a of the housing 3 and the skin locking part 33, thereby fixing the second skin 4b to the housing body 30.

[0054] Thus, since the second skin 4b's skin end 4b1 is attached to the ceiling surface 30a by the skin locking portion 33, the housing body 30 becomes invisible when the inside of the housing body 30 is viewed from the opening 31. In other words, since the skin end 4b1 is attached in a position opposite the opening 31 (i.e., a position away from the opening 31), the skin end 4b1 can be made even more difficult to see. Therefore, the design of the toy 1 can be enhanced.

[0055] In this embodiment, an internal space for housing the expandable member 2 was formed by placing a rigid resin housing body 30 inside the second outer layer 4b. By forming an internal space with the rigid housing body 30 in this way, the expandable member 2 can be easily inserted and removed. However, this is not the only option; for example, the housing 3 may be composed only of the second outer layer 4b without the rigid housing body 30. This would make the entire toy 1 softer.

[0056] <Fastener> As shown in Figure 1, the fastener 5 is a resin hook member for suspending the toy 1 from an item such as a bag. The fastener 5 is positioned at the upper end of the head 10. Specifically, the lower end of the fastener 5 is sewn to the second outer layer 4b. Note that the fastener 5 is not limited to a hook member for attaching to a bag, but may also be a ball chain, an adhesive member such as a suction cup or magnet, or a hook-and-loop fastener. Furthermore, the fastener 5 is not limited to being attached to the second outer layer 4b, but may also be attached to the housing 3, the first outer layer 4a, or the expandable member 2. Moreover, the toy 1 may be configured without the fastener 5.

[0057] <Toy of the Second Embodiment> Next, the toy 101 of the second embodiment will be described based on Figures 10 and 11. Note that the explanation will be omitted if it overlaps with the description of toy 1 above.

[0058] The toy 101 comprises a retractable and elongated telescopic member 102 and a housing 103 that houses the telescopic member 102. The telescopic member 102 and the housing 103 are covered with a skin 104. A fastener 105 for hanging the toy 101 from an item such as a bag is attached to the housing 103. Compared to the housing 3 of the first embodiment, the housing 103 has a flatter shape and is formed to be thinner in the front-to-back direction.

[0059] The expandable member 102 is a long member that can expand and contract in a straight line, and has a base end 102a that is attached inside the housing 103, and a tip end 102b that is a free end and is provided on the opposite side of the base end 102a. As shown in Figure 10, the expandable member 102 has a plurality of expandable sections 120 that are formed in a bellows shape. There are four expandable sections 120 provided relative to the housing 103, and have a first expandable section 120a, a second expandable section 120b, a third expandable section 120c, and a fourth expandable section 120d. In Figure 10, the first expandable section 120a is in the retracted state, and the second expandable section 120b, the third expandable section 120c, and the fourth expandable section 120d are in the extended state.

[0060] The first telescopic section 120a and the second telescopic section 120b constitute the arm section 111b and the hand section 111d. The third telescopic section 120c and the fourth telescopic section 120d constitute the torso section 111a, the leg section 111c and the foot section 111e. The intermediate portions of the third telescopic section 120c and the fourth telescopic section 120d are fixed by a string-like member 120e. The first telescopic section 120a, the second telescopic section 120b, the third telescopic section 120c and the fourth telescopic section 120d are arranged side by side in the width direction of the toy 1 when viewed from the front. In other words, the first telescopic section 120a, the second telescopic section 120b, the third telescopic section 120c and the fourth telescopic section 120d are arranged in a straight line and overlap in the width direction of the toy 1 when viewed from the side.

[0061] The mounting portion 132 has a first mounting portion 132a to which the first telescopic portion 120a is attached, a second mounting portion 132b to which the second telescopic portion 120b is attached, a third mounting portion 132c to which the third telescopic portion 120c is attached, and a fourth mounting portion 132d to which the fourth telescopic portion 120d is attached. The mounting portion 132 is arranged inside the housing 3 such that the first mounting portion 132a, the second mounting portion 132b, the third mounting portion 132c, and the fourth mounting portion 132d are aligned in a straight line. Because each telescopic portion 120 is arranged in a straight line in this way, the toy 101 can be made into a flat shape. Therefore, the user can carry the toy 101 compactly.

[0062] <Toy of the Third Embodiment> Next, the toy 201 of the third embodiment will be described based on Figures 12 to 15. Note that the explanation will be omitted if it overlaps with the content of toys 1 and 101 described above.

[0063] As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the toy 201 comprises a retractable and elongated telescopic member 202 and a housing 203 that houses the telescopic member 202. The telescopic member 202 and the housing 203 are covered with a skin 204. A suction device 205 is attached to the telescopic member 202 for attaching the toy 201 to an object such as a desk. The toy 201 differs from the toys 1 and 101 of the first embodiment in that it has a different number of telescopic members 202.

[0064] The expandable member 202 is a long member that can expand and contract in a straight line, and has a base end portion 202a that is attached inside the housing 203, and a tip portion 202b that is a free end portion provided on the opposite side of the base end portion 202a. The expandable member 202 can be switched between the housing state shown in Figure 12A, the first extended state shown in Figure 13, and the second extended state shown in Figure 14.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12B, the retractable member 202 is housed inside the housing 203. When the retractable member 202 is in the retractable state, the toy 201 takes on a face shape with the entire body 211 housed inside the head 210. When the retractable member 202 is in the retractable state, the tip 202b of the retractable member 202 is held inside the housing 203. At this time, the tip 202b of the retractable member 202 (specifically, the connecting portion 222 of the retractable member 202) is completely housed inside the housing 203, and the torso 211a is held in a position where it is not visible in a front view.

[0066] As shown in Figure 13, the first extended state is when the telescopic member 202 extends from its retracted state to the outside of the housing 203. When the telescopic member 202 is in the first extended state, it takes on a miniature form in which a part of the body 211 is housed in the head 210. When the telescopic member 202 is in the first extended state, the tip 202b of the telescopic member 202 is held outside the housing 203 by its own shape-retaining force. At this time, the tip 202b of the telescopic member 202 protrudes outside the housing 203, and is held in a position where the torso 211a, hands 211d, and feet 211e are visible in a front view.

[0067] As shown in Figure 14, the second extended state is a state in which the telescopic member 202 extends further outside the housing 203 from the first extended state. When the telescopic member 202 is in the second extended state, it takes on a long form in which most of the body portion 211 is exposed to the head 210. When the telescopic member 202 is in the second extended state, the tip portion 202b of the telescopic member 202 is held outside the housing 203 by its own shape-retaining force. At this time, the tip portion 202b of the telescopic member 202 is exposed outside the housing 203, and is held in a position in which the torso portion 211a, hand portion 211d, and foot portion 211e are visible in a front view.

[0068] As shown in Figure 15, the expandable member 202 has a single expandable section 220 formed in a bellows shape, an attachment section 221 for attaching the expandable section 220 to the housing 203, and a connecting section 222 for connecting the expandable section 220 to the first skin 204a. The expandable section 220, attachment section 221, and connecting section 222 are, for example, skeletal parts that constitute the skeleton of the body section 211 of the doll body, and are hard members made of synthetic resin. The outer surfaces of the expandable section 220, attachment section 221, and connecting section 222 are covered by the first skin 204a. The expandable section 220 constitutes the torso section 211a. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12B, the expandable members 202 are not provided for the hand section 211d and the foot section 211e. The hand section 211d and the foot section 211e are made of flexible cloth and are inserted into and removed from the housing 203 together with the torso section 211a.

[0069] As shown in Figure 15, the mounting portion 221 has a male threaded portion 221a that is screwed into the housing 203 and an upper fitting portion 221b that fits with the telescopic portion 220. The connecting portion 222 has an engaging portion 222a for attaching the suction device 205 and a lower fitting portion 222b that fits with the telescopic portion 220. The lower fitting portion 222b is formed at the upper end of the engaging portion 222a and fits with the protrusions and recesses formed on the tip portion of the telescopic portion 220.

[0070] The engaging portion 222a is a resin member for attaching the suction device 205 and is provided at the lower end of the lower fitting portion 222b. More specifically, the engaging portion 222a has an engaging hole 222a1 with an uneven shape. The projection 205a of the suction device 205 engages with the engaging hole 222a1. In this way, the suction device 205 can be firmly attached by fitting the projection 205a of the suction device 205 into the engaging hole 222a1 with an uneven shape.

[0071] As shown in Figure 15, the housing 203 includes a housing body 230 having an internal space, an opening 231 formed in the housing body 230, a mounting portion 232 for attaching the mounting portion 221, and a second outer layer 204b covering the housing body 230. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 232 is configured separately from the housing body 230. The mounting portion 232, which locks the second outer layer 204b to the housing body 230, is attached to the ceiling surface 230a of the housing body 230. In other words, the mounting portion 232 functions as an outer layer locking portion and is fixed to the ceiling surface 230a with screws.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12A, when the toy 201 is in the shape of a face, the first skin 204a is not exposed from the second skin 204b in a front view and is therefore invisible. In this way, when the toy 201 is in the shape of a face, the first skin 204a is not exposed along with the expandable member 202, thus enhancing the design aesthetics. A part of the first skin 204a (for example, the hand portion 211d and the foot portion 211e) may be positioned to be visible in a front view. In a front view, it is sufficient that at least the tip portion of the skeletal part that forms the skeleton of the expandable member 202 (specifically, the tip of the connecting portion 222) is housed inside the housing 203 (specifically, inside the second skin 204b).

[0073] As shown in Figure 15, the lower end of the first skin 204a is attached to the connecting portion 222. In other words, similar to the upper end of the first skin 204a, it is positioned by the fastener 204c to cover the outer circumferential surface of the lower fitting portion 222b.

[0074] The skin end portion 204b1 of the second skin 204b is attached to the ceiling surface 230a of the housing 203. More specifically, the skin end portion 204b1 is sandwiched between the ceiling surface 230a of the housing 203 and the attachment portion 232, thereby fixing the second skin 204b to the housing 203.

[0075] As shown in Figure 15, the suction device 205 is a resin suction cup member for attaching the toy 201 to an object such as a desk or a wall. The suction device 205 is positioned at the lower end of the body portion 211. Specifically, the projection 205a that protrudes upward from the suction device 205 engages with the engagement hole 222a1 of the engagement portion 222a. In this way, the toy 201 can be attached to various places. Note that the toy 201 may be configured without the suction device 205.

[0076] <Toy of the Fourth Embodiment> Next, the toy 301 of the fourth embodiment will be described based on Figures 16A and 16B. Note that the explanation will be omitted if it overlaps with the content of toys 1, 101 and 201 described above.

[0077] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the toy 301 comprises an extendable and elongated extendable member 302 and a housing 303 that houses the extendable member 302 inside. The toy 301 does not have an outer skin, and is configured so that the extendable member 302 deforms to extend upward from the resin housing 303.

[0078] The expandable member 302 is a long member that can expand and contract in a straight line, and has a base end portion 302a that is attached inside the housing 303, and a tip end portion 302b that is a free end portion provided on the opposite side of the base end portion 302a. The expandable member 302 can be switched between the housing state shown in Figure 16A and the extended state shown in Figure 16B.

[0079] As shown in Figure 16A, the retractable member 302 is housed inside the housing 303. When the retractable member 302 is in the retractable state, the toy 301 mimics the appearance of mochi before it expands. In other words, the housing 303 has the appearance of mochi before it expands. When the retractable member 302 is in the retractable state, the tip 302b of the retractable member 302 is held inside the housing 303. At this time, the tip 302b of the retractable member 302 is completely housed inside the housing 303, and the retractable member 302 is held in a position where it is not visible from the front.

[0080] As shown in Figure 16B, the extended state is when the expandable member 302 extends from its retracted state to the outside of the housing 303. When the expandable member 302 is in the extended state, the toy 301 mimics the appearance of a rice cake after it has been puffed up. In other words, the expandable member 302 has the appearance of a rice cake after it has been puffed up. Specifically, the face 310 of the doll is drawn on the tip 302b side of the expandable member 302, and arms and legs 312 are provided on the torso 311. When the expandable member 302 is in the extended state, the tip 302b of the expandable member 302 is held outside the housing 303 by its own shape-retaining force. At this time, the tip 302b of the expandable member 302 protrudes outside the housing 303, and is held in a position where the face 310, part of the torso 311 and the arms and legs 312 are visible in a front view.

[0081] As shown in Figure 16B, the expandable member 302 has a single expandable section 320 formed in a bellows shape. The expandable section 320 is a skeletal part that constitutes the skeleton of the doll's face 310 and torso 311, for example, and is a rigid member made of synthetic resin. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16B, the arms and legs 312 are made of a resin material integrally formed with the expandable section 320 and are extended and retracted into the housing 303 together with the torso 311.

[0082] As shown in Figure 16A, the housing 303 has a housing body 330 having an internal space, an opening 331 formed in the housing body 330, and a mounting portion 332 provided on the inside of the housing body 330. The expandable portion 320 is attached to the mounting portion 332, extends upward from the inside of the housing body 330 through the opening 331, and is exposed to the outside. The housing body 330 is a rigid member made of synthetic resin, and has the appearance of, for example, mochi before it expands, and has a bowl shape. An opening 331 is formed at the upper end of the housing body 330.

[0083] As in this embodiment, the toy 301 may have a configuration in which the housing 303 and the expandable member 302 are not covered with a skin. Alternatively, the toy 301 may have an expandable member 302 that extends upward from the inside of the housing 303. Thus, the external shape and material of the toy 301 can be appropriately changed according to the design of the doll body or other figurative object. Note that the direction in which the expandable member 302 extends is not limited to upward, but can be expanded and contracted in any direction. Furthermore, the expandable member 302 is not limited to expanding and contracting in a straight line, but can take various forms depending on the design, such as expanding and contracting while deforming in a curved shape.

[0084] <Toy of the Fifth Embodiment> Next, the toy 401 of the fifth embodiment will be described based on Figures 17A and 17B. Note that the explanation will be omitted if it overlaps with the content of toys 1, 101, 201, and 301 described above.

[0085] As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the toy 401 comprises a retractable and elongated telescopic member 402 and a housing 403 that houses the telescopic member 402. The telescopic member 402 is covered by a skin 404, but the housing 403 is not covered by a skin. The toy 401 is configured such that the telescopic member 402 deforms to extend upward from the resin housing 403. A fastener 405 for hanging the toy 401 from an item such as a bag is attached to the housing 403. The fastener 405 may also be attached to the telescopic member 402.

[0086] The expandable member 402 is a long member that can expand and contract in a straight line, and has a base end portion 402a that is attached inside the housing 403, and a tip end portion 402b that is a free end portion provided on the opposite side of the base end portion 402a. The expandable member 402 can be switched between the housing state shown in Figure 17A and the extended state shown in Figure 17B.

[0087] As shown in Figure 17A, the stored state is when the telescopic member 402 is housed inside the housing 403. When the telescopic member 402 is in the stored state, the toy 401 resembles the appearance of a canned juice. In other words, the housing 403 has the appearance of a canned juice. When the telescopic member 402 is in the stored state, the tip portion 402b of the telescopic member 402 is held inside the housing 403. More specifically, a lid member 403a, which resembles the lid of a canned juice, is attached to the outside of the tip portion 402b via a skin 404. In other words, the toy 401 in the stored state resembles a canned juice with the lid closed. At this time, the doll body of the telescopic member 402 is completely housed inside the housing 403, and the telescopic member 402 is held in a position where it is not visible from the front. Note that the lid member 403a may be visible when the stored state is in place.

[0088] As shown in Figure 17B, the extended state is when the telescopic member 402 extends from its retracted state to the outside of the housing 403. When the telescopic member 402 is in the extended state, the toy 401 mimics the appearance of a doll popping out of a can. Specifically, the skin 404 near the tip 402b of the telescopic member 402 has the doll's face 410 drawn on it, and the body 411 is provided with hands 412. When the telescopic member 402 is in the extended state, the tip 402b of the telescopic member 402 is held outside the housing 403 by its own shape-retaining force. At this time, the tip 402b of the telescopic member 402 protrudes outside the housing 403, and is held in a position where the face 410, part of the body 411, and hands 412 are visible in a front view.

[0089] As shown in Figure 17B, the expandable member 402 has a single expandable section 420 formed in a bellows shape. The expandable section 420 is a skeletal part that constitutes the skeleton of the doll's face 410 and torso 411, and is a hard member made of synthetic resin. The outer surface of the expandable section 420 is covered with a skin 404. The face 410 is constructed as a stuffed toy, and the inside of the skin 404 is filled with cotton or the like. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17B, the hand 412 is made of a fabric material formed integrally with the skin 404 that covers the expandable section 420, and is inserted into and removed from the housing 403 together with the torso 411.

[0090] As shown in Figure 17A, when the toy 401 is in its stored state, the outer skin 404 is not exposed from the housing 403 in a front view and is therefore invisible. In this way, when the toy 401 is in its stored state, neither the outer skin 404 nor the expandable member 402 is exposed, thus enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

[0091] As shown in Figure 17A, the housing 403 has a housing body portion 430 having an internal space, an opening 431 formed in the housing body portion 430, and a mounting portion 432 provided on the inside of the housing body portion 430. The expandable portion 420 is attached to the mounting portion 432, extends upward from the inside of the housing body portion 430 through the opening 431, and is exposed to the outside. The housing body portion 430 is a rigid member made of synthetic resin, for example, having the appearance of a can, and has a bottomed cylindrical shape. An opening 431 is formed at the upper end of the housing body portion 430.

[0092] As in this embodiment, the toy 401 may have a configuration in which the expandable member 402 is covered with a skin, while the housing 403 is not covered with a skin. Alternatively, the toy 401 may have a configuration in which the expandable member 402 extends upward from the inside of the housing 403. Thus, the external shape and material of the toy 401 can be appropriately changed according to the design of the doll body or other figurative object. Note that the direction in which the expandable member 402 extends is not limited to upward, but can be expanded and contracted in any direction. Furthermore, the expandable member 402 is not limited to expanding and contracting in a straight line, but can take various forms depending on the design, such as expanding and contracting while deforming in a curved shape.

[0093] The above embodiments primarily described toys according to the present invention. However, the above embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

[0094] 1. Toy 101, 201, 301, 401 2. Telescopic parts 2a, 102a, 202a, 302a, 402a Base end 2b, 102b, 202b, 302b, 402b Tip end 3. Containing body 403a Cover part 4. Skin 4a, 204a First skin 4a1 Insertion part 4b, 204b Second skin 4b1, 204b1 Skin end 4c, 204c Fixture 5. Fixture 205 Suction device 205a Protrusion 10, 210 Head 310, 410 Color 11, 211 Body part 311, 411 Torso 11a, 111a, 211a; Torso 11b, 111b; Wrist 11c, 111c; Leg 11d, 111d, 211d; Hand 11e, 111e, 211e; Foot 312; Hand and Foot 412; Hand 20, 120, 220, 320, 420; Telescopic Part 20a, 120a; First Telescopic Part 20b, 120b; Second Telescopic Part 20c, 120c; Third Telescopic Part 20d, 120d; Fourth Telescopic Part 20e, 120e; Button-like Part 21, 221; Retrieval Part 21a, 221a; Male Neck Part 21b, 221b; Upper Fitting Part 21b1; Recess 22, 222; Connecting Part 22a; Sewing Part 22b, 222b Lower fitting part 22c, Hole part 222a, Fitting part 222a1, Fitting holes 30, 230, 330, 430, Receiving body part 30a, 230a, Opening surface 30b, Inner surface 31, 231, 331, 431, Opening 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, Removable part 32a, 132a, First removed part 32b, 132b, Second removed part 32c, 132c, Third removed part 32d, 132d, Fourth removed part 33, Skin-tightening part

Claims

1. A toy comprising: an extendable and elongated extendable member; a housing that houses the extendable member inside; the base end of the extendable member is attached inside the housing; the extendable member is capable of maintaining its own shape and is switchable between a housing state in which it is housed inside the housing and an extended state in which it extends outside the housing; when the extendable member is in the housing state, the tip of the extendable member is housed inside the housing; and when the extendable member is in the extended state, the tip of the extendable member is held outside the housing.

2. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a housing body having an internal space for housing the expandable member, an opening formed in the housing body through which the expandable member can be inserted, and a mounting portion formed in the inner wall of the housing body for attaching the base end of the expandable member, wherein in the direction of attaching the base end of the expandable member to the mounting portion, the mounting portion is arranged opposite to the opening.

3. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the base end of the expandable member is provided with a mounting portion which is attached to the mounting portion, and the mounting portion is screwed into the mounting portion.

4. The toy according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the expandable member has a plurality of expandable parts, and when the expandable member is in the extended state, the plurality of expandable parts are inserted into the same opening.

5. The toy according to claim 1, wherein the expandable member is covered by a first skin, the housing comprises a housing body having an internal space for housing the expandable member, and a second skin covering the housing body, and when the expandable member is in the housing state, the first skin is housed inside the second skin.

6. The toy according to claim 5, characterized in that the tip of the expandable member is provided with a connecting portion for connecting to the first skin, and the connecting portion is sewn to the first skin.

7. The toy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing constitutes the head of the doll body, the extendable member constitutes the body of the doll body, and the tip of the extendable member constitutes the hand or foot of the doll body.

8. The toy according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the expandable member has a first expandable portion, a second expandable portion, a third expandable portion, and a fourth expandable portion, and the mounting portion has a first mounting portion for attaching the first expandable portion, a second mounting portion for attaching the second expandable portion, a third mounting portion for attaching the third expandable portion, and a fourth mounting portion for attaching the fourth expandable portion, and the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, the third mounting portion, and the fourth mounting portion are arranged in a straight line inside the housing.

Images