IES950537A2 - Toy - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy comprises a ball (1.1') from whose surface play parts (2a-2f) project. The play parts (2a-2f) offer the prostrate baby play facilities in particular gripping facilities. The stimulating effect of the play parts (2a-2f) on the child is due to striking colours, various surface structures and optionally acoustic elements, such as, for example, bells (3) or horns (4), which are coordinated with the play parts. When the infant attempts to stand or walk, the play parts in the form of holding parts (2a-2c) provide safe assistance, even in the event of a fall. The holding parts (2a-2c) make it easier for the infant to move a ball (1) which is difficult to grip owing to the size. <Fig.1>

Description

— . The invention relate· to a toy for babies and infante according to Claim 1.

Thera ie a large number of different toys for babies and infante. In general, they are designed for a child at a specific stage of development. Since the faculties of perception and play change rapidly and decisively from the newborn baby to, for example, the two year old child, a toy for this first stage of life has to meet very high requirements.

In the case of a prostrate baby which cannot turn round and cannot move specifically in a direction, play parts which train it to grip are very soon out of reach. In order to keep gripping parts within the baby's reach, said parts are, for exasple, suspended or fastened to stands. If the parts hang from the ceiling or from furniture, they cannot be removed from the baby's reach when they are fastened by a sufficiently complicated method but, in addition to the complexity of fastening, have the disadvantage that they aaa be used only within the range determined by the mounting. If the gripping parts are fastened to an adjustable stand, there is always the danger that the baby or another child will knock over the stand. Ώιβ baby may be injured by a falling stand.

When babies learn to crawl, movable ploy parts open up more possibilities for them than banging parts which can ba merely deflected around a reet position or which are fastened to stands. During the crawling phase itself, the babies begin to pull themselves up by means of objects and/or to hold onto these when standing. All furniture which can be gripped at a low height and large play objects, such as, for example, a push cart, serve for holding. There is now the danger that children who cannot OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION UN . R SECTION 28 AND RULE 23 JNL No..OF ?9 5 ο $jγ stand with confidence might fall over the object· which they are holding on to. Particularly when holding onto toys, which of course cannot serve as stable holding means but tip over, slip away or roll away, it is important that there are no sharp edges and the danger that the falling child will be injured is small.

Gripping parts are also used as actuating levers for play boxes with acoustic and visual effects.

When it begins to walk, it is advantageous for the child if it can push something in front of it.

The object which the child pushes in front of it need not have any great intrinsic stability since the child uses it more as a reference. Easily grippable holding parts during holding, pushing or turning of the object are important. Once again, in order to reduce the danger of injury, there should be no sharp edges, λ plastic cor having a holding bar ascending above the car at the rear end ia a known object for pushing. The car is generally formed so that the infant can also sit thereon and can hold on to a steering wheel mounted in the front region. Since the car is generally very light and the holding bar is attached at or behind the rear wheels, the car tends to tip up suddenly. lhe object according to the invention is to form a toy having holding parts ln such a way that it provides safe actuation facilities for the baby prior to crawling, during ths crawling phase and when standing up and for the infant also during walking.

This object is achieved if the holding parts project from an essentially spherical ball surface.

Baseball-like, roll-like or cube-like and figured ball surfaces are also possible. The holding parts are formed in such a way that they can be readily gripped by babies and infants. The ball surface has Γ 95 0 5? 7 no «harp edges and absorbs all collisions between the child and the toy, so that the danger of injury is minimized. Particularly for very small babies, an embodiment in which the ball consists completely of foeun rubber or a foam rubber-like material will prove advantageous, λ baby who plays with this, pushes the ball in front of it or throws tbs ball around and who may even attempt to push the boll in front of it with its foot will injure neither itself nor other children, can fall thareon without hurting itself and will also cause no damage to the surroundings. Preferably, the holding parts, too, have no sharp edges or extensions. In particular, the holding parts are produced essentially from plastic.

The holding parts project from the ball surface approximately in the form of tabs, grips or mushroom-like or handle-like extensions. However, the interior of the bolding parts, which may be airfilled, is not connected to the interior of the ball, which may also be air-filled, as is known, for example, in the case of space hoppers, in which the holding parts are in the form of air-filled extensions of the ball surface. This solution is unsatisfactory because the greatest stress in the ball surface is precisely in the regions of the attachment of these extensions, and tears due to fatigue are likely to occur there soon. The air flows out of the ball through these tears. Owing to the complicated topology in the region of attachment, a repair is inpossible, so that the entire ball must be disposed of. in contrast, the air-filled ball interior of toys according to the invention preferably does not extend into the holding parts or beyond the outer surface of the ball, and accordingly a break in the holding parts in the region of attachment does not impair the air-tightness of the 950537 ball. λ repair ie poeeibl·. end it ie merely «<*·««**¥ rn repler-e rhs holding Dart.

The holding parts or play parte attract the child owiny Lm visual and/or acoustic effects or ae a result of palpable effects due to interesting surface structures. Visual effects are achieved by striking colours, by spectral separation of the light, for exanple in thin layers, or by luminescent, phosphorescent, reflecting or mirror-like surface regions. For acoustic effects, for exanple, rattles, bells, horns, pipes or electronic controls with loudspeakers may be coordinated with the holding parts, and holding parts which are in the form of known squeaky toys are also possible. Bobodiments which are provided in animal form or other embodiments suitable for children are of course also envisaged.

The ball and holding parts may he integral but are preferably in the form of a multiplicity of parts. In the case of a multi-part structure, the ball comprises connecting elements to which the holding parts are fastened with corresponding fastening elements. These may be connections which are no longer detachable after assembly. However, detachable connections are preferably provided, so that every ball can be equipped with the desired holding parts or, if required, balls can also be fastened to one another. When requirements change, parts are removed and/or inserted. The possible connections comprise plug connections, interlocking connections, clamping connections, screw connections or connections by means of eyes or holes in projecting ribs end bolts or holt-like parts at least partially inserted therein, if required, some of the connections may be formed in such a way that the parts fastened therewith to the hall can also be removed and/or fastened by the child. As can easily 950537 ba seen, different rmhorli wonts can be provided depending on the age of the child, eo that young children, in particular babies, are not in danger of being able to remove parts and place then in the mouth.

For young children who still have difficulty in turning and/or who are not yet able to crawl, at least one part of the holding parts is arranged on the ball in such a way that said ball cannot roll away from a position. If necessary, * foot part which enables the ball to be positioned may be provided. Such a foot part may comprise a pivot bearing, so that the ball can be rotated in situ about at least one axis. If, in spite of prevention of rolling, the ball should roll onto tbe baby or the latter should fall onto the ball, there is no danger of the baby being injured, owing to the lack of sharp edges and owing to the elasticity of the ball.

To permit very variable equipping of the hall with holding parts, a large number of connecting elements may be distributed over the ball surface.

A ball having holding parts is an interesting toy and training apparatus even for crawling children. The baby can hold onto the holding parts of the ball. Balls which are approximately the size of a child's gymnastics ball, the diemeter of which is at least 30 cm and thus has a considerable sire for the baby, are particularly suitable with regard to standing up and standing erect, lhe holding parts furthermore teach the baby to handle balls, which it would find difficult to grip without holding parts.

The play system cooprieing the ball with holding and projecting parts fastened thereon can also be used specifically by the walking child through the choice of suitable parts. In order better to indicate the rolling direction of a ball which is pushed away, for axanple, side rings which impart cylindrical rolling characteristics to the ball are mounted oo both aides of a roll line on the ball surface.

An embodiment of the bell system envisages that a climbing structure will be available by connecting together balls which nay be of the same size. If six further balls are arranged around a part of the balls, for example in a horizontal plane, or are connected to said part, a first, flat ball structure is formed. hy fastening further balls above the first ball structure or in indentations thereof, a second ball structure can be arranged. By means of further ball structures, it is possible to form any desired climbing structures «apprising balls. The holding parts provide the child with security and a hold when climbing around and rouping around.

To permit such structures, such balls should comprise at least six, preferably equidistant connecting elements on their equatorial circumference. If the holding parts are in the form of coupling elements between the connecting elements, the balls can be connected to one another directly via these elements.

In addition, in order to be able to connect balls of superposed ball structures to on* another, further connect ing elements are provided, if necessary in planes arranged parallel to the equatorial plana. These planes stay be arranged at distances of about r« (2/3)1/1 from the equatorial plane (r is the ball radius). In order to obtain an arrangement corresponding to hexagonal close packing of spheres, the connecting elements should then be in the centre between longitudinal meridians through adjacent connecting elements of the equatorial plane, λ very specific arrangement of the connecting elements is indispensable for the possible desired 850537 use μ « modular system, in addition to the abovementioned connecting elements in the equatorial plane, connecting elements are also preferably provided at the North Pole and at the South Pole relative to the equatorial plane.

The connecting elements may be in the form of projecting elements which project from the ball surface, but preferably in the form of insert elements which comprise indentations within the ball surface. Projecting elements are preferred for connections which it is possible for the child to undo and fit together. Furthermore, they are also preferred when holding parts having shackle-like fastening parts are fastened to rib-like projecting elements having eyes or holes. Connections with shackle-like parts can be designed for higher tensile forces. Insert elements are preferred when, after removal of holding parts, the ball is to have a spherical surface without projecting parts. In order to ensure a strong connection between the holding parts inserted into the insert parts, it must be possible to insert plugs of the holding parte into the insert elements in such a way that they lock, if desired, the insert parts are formed so that the excess pressure in the interior of the ball presses a pressing region against the plug so that the latter can be pulled out again only after the internal pressure of the ball is reduced. If an annular indentation is provided in the plug and the pressing region is formed so that it can expand into this indentation when the plug is inserted, an extremely strong connection is ensured.

If necessary, coordinated beads or indentations are provided on the insert part and on the plug, the beads being elastically conpressed on connection and expanding only on reaching the opposite piece. λ sufficiently large tensile force Β fESosjf must be applied in order to effect removal. λ locking device similar to bayonet connections may be provided, in particular, by pushing in the plug in the end region against the spring force of a spring element and subsequently turning the parts relative to one another, the locking can be used to ensure that a stop part of the plug cootes to rest ln tbe axial direction opposite a step part of the insert part, and the spring element presses these two stop parte againet one another. me two stop parts are preferably formed in such & way that they also prevent a rotary movement when resting against one another. In order to remove the inserted holding part again, the plug must first be pressed against the spring element and turned backwards. Only then can it be pulled out.

Th· drawings illustrate ths invention with reference to embodiments which are shown schematically but to which the invention is not restricted.

Fig. 1 shows a toy consisting of a ball, a foot part and projecting play parts; Fig. 2 shows a section through a holding part fastened to the ball; Fig. 3 shows a section through a connection having snap-in elements; Fig. 4 shows a section through a coupling element for connecting two balls; Fig. 5 shows a part of a ball surface having a rib and a plug; Fig. 6a shows a section through a connection of a rib with a play part; Fig. 6b shows a section through a connection of a plug with a play part and Fig. 6c shows a partial section through a solid ball having a play or holding part anchored therein. 95β53y Figure 1 shows a bell 1 having play or holding parts 2 projecting from the ball surface. Ihe play parts shown are a holding part 2a with a circular 1 grip, a tab 2b, to which a bell 3 may be fastened, a mushroom 2c, a cube 2d, which may comprise pressure points 4 for operating a horn, a trunk 2e. which can preferably be attached to an adhesive arsa 5 coated with interlocking material, and a brush-like play part 2£. λ preferably annular foot part β is fastened to the ball by means of fastening webs Sa in the contact part of the ball 1 or defining a tangential plane to the ball surface.

The embodiments according to the invention envisage at least one play ox holding part 2. In addition to the parts 2 shown, any combination of known play parts for infants may be fastened to the ball l. It is also possible to provide free connecting elements 7 to which the fastening element of a play part is fastened if required.

Figure 2 shows a section through a play or holding part 2a which is fastened to the ball and has a grip ring 2a'. A plug 8 having an annular groove 9 arranged in its end region is provided on the holding part 2a, for connecting the holding part 2a to the ball 1. An insert part 10 which comprises a pressing region 11 coordinated with the groove 9 is provided in the ball 1. The pressing region 11 ie pressed by neeas »f the intoma 1 procrure of the ha 11 nr if necessary by a pressing device into the groove 9 so that the plug 8 fits firmly in the insert part 10.

Figure 3 shows a connection between an insert element 10 and a plug 8, which connection can be obtained by pressing and turning the plug 8 relative to the insert element 10. For locking, a first locking part 12 is provided on the insert element 10 end a second locking part 13 on the plug 8. Both locking parts 12, 13 extend only partly around the 0 5J 7 axis of the insert element or of the plug, so that they can he pushed past one another in a first orientation and soap into one another in a second orientation. ihe locking parts are pressed against one another in the second orientation by a spring element 14 at the free plug end. By providing a central projection 15 on the second locking part and a central notch 16 on tho first locking part, plug fi and insert part 10 are nonrotatably fixed tc one another.

Figure 4 shows the fastening of a first ball 1 to a second ball 1' by means of a coupling part 17 which essentially consists of a first and a second plug 8, 8*. Both plugs 8, 8' are inserted into corresponding insert parts 10, 10*. in order to obtain a sufficiently strong connection, grooves 9 adapted to one another are provided in the plugs 6, 8' and beads 11' (#) are provided in the insert parts 10, 10*. These connecting means should be regarded merely as examples. Countless known connecting and locking means can be used for connecting balls and for fastening play or holding parts to a ball.

Figure 5 shows connecting elements which are in the form of projecting elements and thus project from the ball surface and permit a connection to a play part or to a further ball. One element is in the font of a rib 18 having a hole 19 and a further element is in the fora of a plug 20 having a locking head 21.

Two possibilities for fastening play parts to the projecting elements are shown in Figures 6a and fib. According to Figure 6a, a clasping part 22 rests on the rib 18, bolt-like projections 23 engaging the hole 19 and holding the clanping part 22 on the rib 18. During mounting and removal, tho extensions 23 must be guided into the hole 19 and out of the hole 19 by bending clamping limbs 24 elastically outwards. 0 53 Ί The clamping limbs 24 lock against oce another In the region 25. Since the clamping part 22 is fastened in the form of a shackle to the rib 18 or in the hole 19, other shackle-like connecting parte, for example those having issertable bolts, are also herewith regarded as having been disclosed.

Figure 6b shows a plug connection in which the plug 20 projects from the hall surface and the insert element 10 is arranged on the play part. The locking head 21 is received in a locking region 26. Of course, the described connecting systems and other connecting systems known to a person skilled in the art can be freely combined with locking systems and can each be coordinated with the ball or the play part. Strong connections can he formed by gluing.

The preferred eofcodimante of the toy envisage that the ball consists at least partially of plastic. However, the entire ball - particularly if it is intended for infants - preferably consists of a soft material, if desired completely of foam. The connecting parts and, lf required, also the play parts or holding parts will consist of plastic since they can thus be economically produced and easily cleaned.

Fig. 6c shows a further possibility for securely fixing a play* or holding part 3' to a ball 1, such a ball being formed, for exanple, of solid rubber or solid foam. The play or holding part 2* is provided with an anchor-like or straddling dowel-like attachment 27 which is located in the Interior of the ball and resists even strong tensile stresses. However, play or holding parts can be fastened in an adequate, simple manner even in the case of hollow balls, as indicated by a dashed line is Fig. 6c. •50537

Claims (5)

1. ί. Toy for babies and infants, which comprises at least one ball (1,1’,1), at least one play or holding part (2a-2f, 2') projecting from the ball surface, characterized in that the play or holding part (2a-2f, 2*) a} has a striking colour or surface structure at least over pert of its surface and/or b) has a striking design at least in part, in particular the design of a part of an animal or of a plant, and/or c) emits acoustic signals and comprises for this purpose, for example, a bell (3), rattle, pipe, horn (4) or an electronic control having a loudspeaker; whereby the ball comprises at least one connecting element (7,10,18,20) which can be connected to a fastening element (8,22,10) of a play or bolding part (2a-2f), the play or bolding part (2a) in particular, is detachably fastened using a plug. Interlocking, clamp or screw connection.

2. Toy according to Claim 1, characterized in that the play or bolding part (2*) is arranged firmly in or on the ball (1), the play or holding part (2') having a straddling dowel-like attachment (27) which Is preferably located in the interior of a ball (1) which in particular is formed from solid foam.

3. Toy according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element le in the form of an insert element (10,10*) having at least one indentation within the ball surface, · plug (8,8*) of the play part (2a-2f) can be inserted into the Insert element (10,10*) and, in order to improve the adhesion, locking elements (9,11,12,13,19,23,21,26), in particular grooves (9) and beads (11,11*) are provided preferably on the insert element (10,10*) and on the plug (8, 8'), the beads (11) being 950537 capable of being pressed into the grooves, in particular by the internal pressure of the ball.

4. Toy according to Claim 3, characterised in that the connecting element projects as a projecting element from the ball surface and is in the form of, for example, a plug (20), optionally having at least one first locking element (21), but is preferably in the form of a rib (18) having a hole (19), and the fastening element (10,22) is correspondingly formed in that it receives, for example, the plug (20) and optionally comprises a second locking element (26) coordinated with the first, but |s preferably mountable on the rib (18) and capable of being clamped in the hole (19).

5. Toy according to any of the preceding Claims characterized in that at least two balls (1,1') are provided, which are capable of being connected to one another via coupling elements (17).