US20100178845A1 - Joint apparatus for a toy - Google Patents
Joint apparatus for a toy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100178845A1 US20100178845A1 US12/664,243 US66424308A US2010178845A1 US 20100178845 A1 US20100178845 A1 US 20100178845A1 US 66424308 A US66424308 A US 66424308A US 2010178845 A1 US2010178845 A1 US 2010178845A1
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- Prior art keywords
- rotating
- rotation
- pivoting
- pivot
- section
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 152
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 18
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 13
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/46—Connections for limbs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a joint apparatus for a toy that has rotating members that are provided such that they can rotate freely with respect to a base member.
- a method of playing with a toy is known in which the base member of the toy, which comprises a finite-shaped base member and rotating members that are attached to the tip ends of that base member such that they can rotate freely, is held and moved back and forth to the left and right or forward and backward causing the rotating members to move.
- toy As examples of this kind of toy is a toy comprising: a cross-shaped base member having a vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft; chords that are placed through circular-shaped grooves that are formed on the end sections of the vertical shaft and horizontal shaft, which are the axes of rotation; and spherical-shaped weights that functions as the rotating members that are attached to the chords; or a toy comprising: a cross-shaped base member having a vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft; and sections that function as rotation shafts for arms, which function as the rotating members, that are installed on both ends of the horizontal shaft so that they can be freely removed and so that they can rotate freely (refer to Patent Document 1).
- Patent Document 1 Japanese examined utility model application publication S49-21666 (see FIG. 1 )
- the arms can be freely removed or attached, so it is possible to enjoy the toy by attaching different shaped arms to change the design.
- the forms that can be simulated are limited.
- the invention according to claim 1 is a joint apparatus for a toy having a rotating member that rotates freely with respect to a base member of the toy, comprising a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports the rotating member and becomes a rotation shaft for the rotating member, to move relative to the base member.
- a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports the rotating member and becomes a rotation shaft for the rotating member, to move relative to the base member.
- the joint apparatus also comprises pivot-locking means for locking the pivoting mechanism in the pivoting direction thereof (claim 2 ).
- the base member is moved in order to move the rotating member, so as the base member is being moved, there is a tendency for the pivoting mechanism to move on its own due to the movement of the base member.
- the joint apparatus comprises a pivot-locking means for locking the pivoting mechanism in the direction of rotation of the pivoting mechanism, the pivoting mechanism does not pivot freely.
- the joint apparatus also comprises a rotation mechanism that is linked to the pivoting mechanism and enables the pivot mechanism to rotate on the inside thereof, which includes the rotation shaft, with respect to said base member (claim 3 ).
- a rotation mechanism that is linked to the pivoting mechanism and enables the pivot mechanism to rotate on the inside thereof, which includes the rotation shaft, with respect to said base member (claim 3 ).
- the joint apparatus further comprises rotation-locking means for locking said rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof (claim 4 ).
- the base member is moved in order to move the rotating member, so while the base member is being moved, there is a tendency for the rotation mechanism to rotate on its own due to the motion of the base member.
- the joint apparatus comprises a rotation-locking means for locking the rotating mechanism in the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism does not rotate freely.
- the rotation-locking means comprises: restraining means for restraining the rotation mechanism from one outside end surface; and biasing means for applying bias to the rotation mechanism from the other outside end surface; with friction force being generated on both end surfaces of the rotation mechanism (claim 5 ).
- the restraining means restrains the rotation mechanism from the end of the rotation shaft, and the biasing means applies bias to the other end, so friction forces are generated on the contact surfaces between the restraining means and the rotation mechanism and the biasing means and the rotation mechanism. The friction forces lock the rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof.
- the biasing means may comprise rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of the rotation mechanism (claim 6 ). As was described above, friction force occurs between the rotation mechanism and the biasing means, so even though the rotation mechanism may be locked, there is a tendency for the rotation mechanism and biasing means to rotate together as one, however, since the biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of the rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism is prevented from rotating together as one with the biasing means.
- the present invention comprises a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports a rotating member and becomes the rotation shaft of the rotating member, to move relative to a base member, so by changing the direction of the rotation shaft of the rotating member to change the plane of motion of that rotating member, one toy can be moved in many ways in order to move the rotating member, and provide various forms that can be simulated.
- FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 shows a toy 1 in which the joint apparatus 2 of the present invention is embodied.
- the toy 1 is a toy that is played with by moving the toy 1 back and forth, causing rotating members 4 , which are attached to the tip ends of the toy 1 such that they can rotate freely, to move.
- the toy 1 comprises a base member 3 for holding the toy, and that base member 3 comprises joint apparatuses 2 that change the planes of motion of the rotating members 4 by changing the direction of rotating-member supports 5 that function as the rotation shafts of the rotating members 4 and that also support the rotating members 4 .
- a joint apparatus 2 comprises a pivoting mechanism 22 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot, and a rotation mechanism 21 that rotates the pivoting mechanism 22 , and changes the direction of the rotating-member support 5 by combining the pivoting and rotation.
- the rotating member 4 is attached to the joint apparatus 2 via the rotating-member support 5 .
- the base member 3 comprises a held section 6 that is held by the user, and connection sections 7 that connect the held section 6 with the joint apparatuses 2 .
- the held section 6 is made of wood, for example, and is formed into a rectangular column shape having a square cross section. In order that the held section 6 can be easily held, it is preferred that a rubber grip 8 , for example, be provided on the lower half thereof.
- connection sections 7 , 7 , 7 for example, that are arranged in a T shape are fastened to the opposite end (top end in the figure) of the held section 6 from where the grip 8 is provided.
- One of the connection sections 7 is connected to the end surface (top end surface in the figure) of the held section 6 and is located at the top of the held section 6
- the other two connection sections 7 , 7 are connected to the side surfaces of the held section 6 such that they are opposite each other via the held section 6 and are orthogonal to the held section 6 .
- the held section 6 into a rectangular column shape having a square cross section, the end surface and side surfaces with which the connection sections 7 connect become flush, so the contact area between the held section 6 and a connection section 7 becomes large, giving the toy 1 good structural stability.
- a connection section 7 comprises, for example, a fastening member 9 that fastens to the held section 6 , a biasing means 11 that will be described later, and a housing member 10 that houses part of the rotation mechanism 21 and part of a restraining means 14 .
- the fastening member 9 is a circular column shaped piece of wood or the like with a concave section 9 a formed in the center on one end surface thereof, and is fastened to the held section 6 such that the concave section 9 a is opened to the outside.
- the cylindrical shaped housing member 10 is made of a transparent plastic or the like, and fits inside the concave section 9 a , with this housing member 10 being fastened to the fastening member 9 by adhesive or the like.
- both the concave section 9 a and the housing member 10 have a circular cross section.
- a biasing means 11 that applies a bias force to the rotation mechanism 21 , and part of the rotation mechanism 21 are housed inside the housing member 10 from the side of the end that is connected to the fastening member 9 .
- Part of the restraining means 14 is housed and fastened in the housing member 10 on the end opposite the side of the end that is connected to the fastening member 9 .
- the biasing means 11 , rotation mechanism 21 and restraining means 14 are arranged in a row with each respective axis being aligned with the axis of the housing member 10 .
- the biasing means 11 comprises a biasing member 12 for applying a bias force to the rotation mechanism 21 , and a bias-force-transmission member 13 for transmitting the bias force from the biasing means 12 to the rotating-member 21 .
- a metal coil spring or the like is used as the biasing member 12 , and one end of this biasing member 12 comes in contact with the fastening member 9 , while the other end comes in contact with the bias-force-transmission member 13 .
- the restraining means 14 which is fastened to the housing member 10 , restrains the biasing member 12 via the bias-force-transmission member 13 and rotation mechanism 21 , and when applying a bias, the biasing member 12 presses against the fastening member 9 .
- This biasing member 12 is in a biasing state, and is in a state that is capable of becoming even a larger biasing state.
- the spring is in a state of being able to apply an even large elastic force as it is compressed.
- a circular column shaped piece of wood or the like is used as the bias-force-transmission member 13 , and one end of this bias-force-transmission member 13 comes in contact with the biasing member 12 that is in the biasing state, and the other end is restrained by the restraining means 14 via the rotation mechanism 21 .
- the restraining means 14 is fastened to the housing member 10 , and since the rotating-member 21 does not move in a direction that reduces the biasing force of the biasing member 12 (in the figure, this is the direction from the fastening member 9 toward the restraining means 14 ), there is always a biasing force acting on the bias-force-transmission member 13 . Therefore, the biasing member 12 shows the same behavior in the axial direction (direction in which the biasing force acts) as the bias-force-transmission member 13 .
- a locking member 13 a that locks the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation is provided on the end of the bias-force-transmission member 13 on the side toward the rotation mechanism 21 .
- a plastic circular shaped flat plate 13 b or the like on which a plurality (four in the figure) of semi spherical convex sections 13 c are formed facing outward around the circumferential direction of the flat plate 13 b is used as the locking member 13 a , and this locking member 13 a engages with a locked member 21 d (explained later) that is provided on the on rotation mechanism 21 .
- a protruding rotation-prevention member 13 d for preventing the bias-force-transmission member 13 from rotating in the circumferential direction.
- a long hole 10 a whose long axis is parallel with the axis of the housing member 10 , is formed at a location on the housing member 10 that corresponds with the rotation-prevention member 13 d .
- the rotation-prevention member 13 d is locked in the circumferential direction of the bias-force-transmission member 13 by the wall of the long hole 10 a , however is free to slide inside the long hole 10 a in the long-axis direction of the long hole 10 a.
- a rotation mechanism 21 for example, comprises a rotation-prevention section 21 a for preventing the rotation mechanism 21 from freely rotating, a shaft section 21 b that is connected to the rotation-prevention section 21 a so that it is located on the axis line of the housing member 10 and becomes the rotation shaft, and a connection section 21 c that connects to the pivoting mechanism 22 that will be described later; this rotation mechanism 21 being able to rotate with the shaft section 21 b as the center of rotation.
- the rotation-prevention section 21 a is a circular column-shaped piece of wood or the like, and is located in the axial direction between the bias-force-transmission member 13 and restraining means 14 .
- the shaft section 21 b is made of wood, for example, and is a circular-shaped column having a smaller cross section than the rotation-prevention section 21 a , and this shaft section 21 b extends from the rotation-prevention section 21 a toward the side of the restraining means 14 , passes through the restraining means 14 , and protrudes out in the axial direction from the outer end surface of the restraining means 14 .
- the surface of the rotation mechanism 21 that faces the bias-force-transmission member 13 is equipped with a locked member 21 d .
- This locked member 21 d is locked with the locking member 13 a such that the bias-force-transmission member 13 , which is equipped with the locking member 13 a , locks the rotation mechanism 21 , which is equipped with the locked member 21 d , in the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 .
- the restraining means 14 is made of wood, for example, and comprises an insert section 14 a that is inserted inside the housing member 10 , and a locked section 14 b that is locked to the end surface of the housing member 10 , facing outward in the axial direction.
- a through hold 14 c is formed through the entire length of the restraining means 14 , and the shaft section 21 b of the rotation mechanism 21 passes through this through hold 14 c.
- the insert section 14 a is formed into a circular column shape, for example, such that it can be inserted into the housing member 10 and attached to the inner surface of the housing member 10 with adhesive or the like.
- the locked section 14 b is continuous with the insert section 14 a and is formed into a circular column shape having a larger cross section than the housing member 10 such that the end surface of the locked section 14 b that is connected to the insert section 14 a comes in contact with the end surface of the housing member 10 .
- the biasing member 12 which is in the bias state, applies a bias force in the axial direction to one end of the rotation mechanism 21 via the bias-force-transmission member 13 , and the restraining means 14 that is fastened to the housing member 10 restrains the other end of the rotation mechanism 21 in a direction opposite the direction of the bias force that is applied by the biasing member 12 . Therefore, a friction force occurs on the contact surfaces of the locked member 21 d , which is fastened to the end of the rotation mechanism 21 on the side of the bias-force-transmission member 13 , and the locking member 13 a , which is fastened to the end of the bias-force-transmission member 13 on the side of the rotation mechanism 21 . On the other hand, friction force also occurs on the contact surfaces of the rotation mechanism 21 and the restraining means 14 .
- the rotation mechanism 21 is not able to rotate freely.
- the biasing means 11 and restraining means 14 function as a rotation-locking means that locks the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation.
- parameters of the friction forces are the size of the bias force of the biasing member 12 , and the friction coefficients of the contact surfaces.
- a plurality of convex sections are formed around the circumferential direction of one of the opposing contact surfaces and a plurality of concave sections are formed around the circumferential direction of the other opposing contact surface such that these concave sections and convex sections are in a locked state, the friction coefficients of the contacts surfaces increase, so the friction forces that occur on these contact surfaces also increase.
- the toy 1 is a toy that is played with by moving the toy 1 itself, so when it is desired that the rotation mechanism 21 not rotate freely when the toy 1 is moving, it is possible to set the parameters of the friction force, such as the bias force or the friction coefficients, so that the rotation mechanism does not rotate freely.
- the convex sections 13 c and concave sections 21 f are semi spherical in shape, so, as shown in FIG. 5 , when a force is applied to the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation thereof, the convex sections 13 c move away from the concave sections 21 f along the contour and ride up onto the flat section 21 g of the locked member 21 d .
- the bias-force-transmission member 13 slides in the axial direction against the bias force in the direction moving away from the rotation mechanism 21 (direction of the straight arrow in FIG. 5 ).
- the rotation-prevention member 13 d also slides in the long axis direction inside the long hole 10 a of the housing member 10 .
- the locked member 21 d rotates with the flat section 21 g being pressed against the convex sections 13 c , and as shown in FIG. 6 , when the next concave sections 21 f in the direction of rotation are located at the position of the convex sections 13 c , the convex sections 13 c move into the concave sections 21 f and the bias-force-transmission member 13 slides in the direction toward the rotation mechanism 21 (in the direction of the straight arrow in FIG. 6 ).
- the rotation mechanism 21 rotates the amount of the center angle ⁇ (see FIG. 4 ) that is formed from one convex section 13 c or one concave section 21 f to another convex section 13 c or another concave section 21 f that is adjacent in the circumferential direction.
- the convex sections 13 c and concave sections 21 f are not formed into a semi spherical shape, but rather formed into a shape having side surfaces that are orthogonal to the installation surface of a cube or the like, the convex sections and concave sections are completely locked in the direction parallel to the surfaces on which they installed due to the characteristics of the shape thereof, so the rotation mechanism 21 is unable to rotate.
- concave sections on the locking member 13 a and form convex sections on the locked member 21 d it is also possible to form concave sections on the locking member 13 a and form convex sections on the locked member 21 d .
- the restraining means 14 is fastened to the housing member 10 , so in order to rotate the rotation mechanism 21 , it is necessary for the rotation mechanism 21 , which is unrestrained in the axial direction, to slide in the axial direction.
- Pivoting mechanisms 22 for changing the directions of rotating-member supports 5 which are the rotation shafts of the rotating member 4
- a pivoting mechanism 22 comprises a pivoting member 23 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a direction that crosses the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 (orthogonal direction in the figure), a housing 24 that houses the pivoting member 23 , a rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivoting member 23 and allows that pivoting member 23 to pivot, as well as becomes the rotation shaft of the rotating member 4 , and a pivot-locking means 26 for locking the rotating-member support 5 .
- the housing 24 is made of wood, for example, and comprises a pair of housing members 25 , 25 , with a fitting hole 25 a that fits with the pivoting member 23 being formed in the center of one surface of each housing member 25 , and a pivot hole 25 b , in which the rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivoting member 23 freely pivots, is formed around each fitting hole 25 a such that it is continuous from the fitting hole 25 a to the outer edge of the housing member 25 .
- the pair of housing members 25 , 25 fit together in a state such that the fitting holes 25 a and pivot holes 25 b face each other, forming the housing 24 .
- a pair of housing member elements 25 are joined together, for example, by applying adhesive to the connecting surfaces.
- the outer shape of the housing 24 is rectangular.
- the shape of the hole that is formed by both of the fitting holes 25 a when the pair of housing members 25 , 25 are joined together matches the shape of the pivoting member 23 , and the thickness t 1 of the hole formed by joining together both of the pivot holes 25 b nearly matches the thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 .
- the pivoting member 23 is a plastic sphere, for example, and the rotating-member support 5 , which is a steel rod or the like, is attached to the pivoting member 23 at a location such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivoting member 23 .
- the pivot holes 25 b are formed around the circumference direction of the fitting holes 25 a having a range of 90 degrees, so the rotating-member support 5 can freely pivot through a range of 90 degrees.
- a pivot-locking means 26 for preventing the rotating-member support 5 from freely pivoting is provided in the housing 24 that houses the pivoting member 23 to which the rotating-member support 5 is attached.
- a plastic flat plate that is formed into a rectangular shape having a specified thickness can be used as the pivot-locking means 26 , and this pivot-locking means 26 is fitted from the outside bridging two orthogonal side surfaces of the housing 24 , and fastened to the housing 24 from the outer side of the pivot-locking means 26 by fastening means 27 such as wood screws. It is preferred that the surface of the pivot-locking means 26 that faces the housing 24 be processed to the same shape as the outer surface of the housing 24 .
- a pivot hole 26 a that allows the rotating-member support 5 to pivot is formed at a location of the pivot-locking means 26 that faces the pivot holes 25 b , and locking holes 26 b that the rotating-member support 5 fits into are formed on both end sections and in the middle of the pivot hole 26 a .
- the width t 3 of the pivot hole 26 a is less than the thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 ; with the rotating-member support 5 passing through the pivot hole 26 a and protruding out to the outside.
- the rotating-member support 5 receives the force acting in the inward direction of the width t 3 of the pivot hole 26 a from the hole walls of the pivot hole 26 a at positions other than where the locking holes 26 b are formed, so friction force occurs between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 26 .
- the locking holes 26 b are formed such that the rotating-member support 5 can fit in them, and since the locking holes 26 b are continuous with the pivot hole 26 a , and the pivot hole 26 a is formed with a width that is less then the thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 , when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move inside the pivot hole 26 a from a locking hole 26 b , the rotating-member support 5 is locked by the hole walls of the locking hole 26 b in the direction opposite the direction in which the rotating-member support 5 is trying to move.
- the locking holes 26 b are formed at both ends and in the middle of the pivot hole 26 a , with the pivot hole 26 a facing the pivot hole 25 b , so by taking one of the end sections to be a reference (0 degrees) position, the rotating-member support 5 is locked in the pivot direction at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees.
- the rotating-member support 5 moves from a locking hole 26 b to the pivot hole 26 a , it is necessary for the rotating-member support 5 to deform the hole walls of the locking hole 26 b . Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not freely pivot in the pivot hole 26 a unless a force acts in the pivot direction on the rotating-member support 5 that is large enough to cause it to deform the hole walls of the locking hole 26 b and overcome the lock by the locking hole 26 b , or unless a force acts in the pivot direction that is greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 26 .
- the rotating-member support 5 is directly attached to the pivoting member 23 , so by operating the rotating-member support 5 it is possible to directly change the direction of the rotating-member support 5 by moving the pivoting member 23 .
- a large-diameter section 5 a is provided on the tip end of the rotating-member support 5 for making it easy to operate the rotating-member support 5 .
- a penetrating shaft hole 4 a is formed through the rotating member 4 , and with the rotating-member support 5 being inserted through this shaft hole 4 a , the rotating-member support 5 supports the rotating member 4 in a state in which the rotating-member support 5 axially rotates freely within a plane that is orthogonal to the rotating-member support 5 .
- Sliding-prevention means 5 b of the rotating-member support 5 that prevent the rotating member 4 from freely sliding along the rotating-member support 5 are fastened to both end surfaces of the rotating member 4 .
- the rotating member 4 is not restrained by any means in the direction of rotation thereof, so by moving the base member 3 in a rocking motion or the like in the direction of rotation of the rotating member 4 , the rotating member 4 moves in a rotating motion or pendulum-like motion.
- a toy that comprises this joint apparatus 2 , it is possible to change the direction of the rotating-member support 5 in various directions by causing the pivoting mechanism 22 to rotate by way of the rotation mechanism 21 , and causing the rotating-member support 5 to pivot by way of the pivoting mechanism 22 in this way.
- the rotating-member support 5 freely changes directions around the center of the pivoting member 23 within a semispherical range that is formed in the outward radial direction of the rotation mechanism 21 , so the plane of motion of the rotation of the rotating member 4 is diversified by that amount, and thus the function of the toy 1 as a play device is improved.
- the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating member 4 is changed by using the joint apparatus 2 , so a situation does not occur in which the parts that form the rotation shaft or rotating member are lost when changing the direction of the axis of rotation by means of relocating the rotation shaft to a different location.
- the directions of the three rotating-member supports 5 , 5 , 5 or in other words, the combinations of planes of motion H, H, H such as the rotating planes of the three rotating members 4 , 4 , 4 , have states as shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members coincide; have states as shown in FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F in which the planes of motion of two of the rotating members coincide; and as shown in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10G have states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members are different.
- the term ‘coincide’ used here means that the planes of motion H that are formed by the rotating members 4 are parallel.
- the pivot mechanisms 22 , 22 on the left side and right side are rotated 90 degrees so that the pivot hole 26 a is open in the upward direction, and the respective rotating-member supports 5 are caused to pivot 90 degrees to the side of the base member 3 .
- pivot mechanisms 22 , 22 that are located on the left side and right side are rotated the amount of one interval between concave sections 21 f of the rotating member 21 (90 degrees), and the rotating-member support 5 that is held in the locking hole 26 b that is formed in one end of the pivot hole 26 a is caused to pivot (move) to the locking hole 26 b that is formed on the other end.
- a state in which the planes of motion of two rotating members coincide is a state as shown in FIG. 9A in which the planes of motion H, H of the rotating members on the right side and the left side form vertical planes having axes in the front and rear direction and up and down direction, and the plane of motion H of the rotating member 4 located at the top forms a horizontal plane having axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction.
- the base member 3 in order to make each of the rotating members 4 , 4 , 4 move, the base member 3 can be moved back and forth in the front and rear direction, for example.
- states in which the planes of motion H, H of two rotating members 4 , 4 coincide are states as shown in FIG. 9B to FIG. 9F .
- a state in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members are different is a state as shown in FIG. 10A in which the plane of motion of the rotating member 4 located on the left side forms an inclined plane having axes in the front and back direction and upward direction rising to the right, the plane of motion H of the rotating member 4 that is located on the right side forms an inclined plane having axes in the front and back direction and upward direction rising to the left, and the plane of motion H of the rotating member 4 that is located at the top forms a horizontal plane having axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction.
- the base member 3 can be moved back and forth in the left and right direction or front and rear direction.
- states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members 4 are different are states as shown in FIG. 10B to FIG. 10G .
- the pivoting mechanisms 22 , 22 on the left side and right side are rotated 90 degree as shown in FIG. 10H so that the pivot hole 26 a is open in the upward direction, and each of the respective rotating-member supports 5 is made to pivot 45 degrees toward the side of the base member 3 .
- the pivoting mechanisms 22 , 22 that are located on the left side and right side are moved the amount of one interval between concave sections 21 d of the rotating member 21 (90 degrees), the pivot holes 26 a are rotated so they are open in the upward direction, and the rotating-member supports 5 that are held in the locking holes 26 b that are formed on one end of the pivoting holes 26 a are made to pivot (move) to the locking holes 26 b that are formed in the middle.
- the thickness t 3 of the pivot hole 26 a is less than the thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 , so by making the rotating-member support 5 pivot a suitable amount, it is possible for the pivoting locking means 26 to lock the rotating-member support 5 at a position other than a locking hole 26 b of the pivot hole 26 a . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10G , the planes of motion of the rotating members 4 can be formed by locking the rotating-member supports 5 at positions other than the locking holes 26 b of the pivot holes 26 a.
- the base member 3 By moving the base member 3 in various directions causing the rotating members 4 to move in this way, it is possible for the user to adjust and select the position, so the base member 3 can be moved in various directions. Furthermore, when adjusting the planes of motion of the rotating members 4 , operation must be performed to change the direction in which the load acts on the rotating-member supports 5 , so the toy 1 can also be used as a health device for rehabilitation or the like.
- the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
- the embodiment described above is an example, and other embodiments having the same technical idea and essentially the same construction as that described in the claims of the invention, and that provide a similar effect, are included within the technical scope of the invention.
- the shape, size, material and the like of each of the members such as the held section 6 , fastening member 9 , housing member 10 are not limited to those described above.
- a pair of magnets the same poles thereof facing each other, can be applied as the biasing member 12 .
- the pivoting direction of the rotating-member support 5 is not limited to one direction, and can be made to pivot in a plurality of directions.
- the pivoting range is not limited to 90 degrees.
- construction is possible that comprises a housing 240 as shown in FIG. 12 that allows the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a 180-degree range in a crisscross direction centered around the pivoting member 23 .
- the housing 240 comprises a pair of housing members 250 , 250 .
- a housing member 250 comprises a fitting hole 250 a , which is similar to the fitting hole 25 a , and a pivot hole 250 b .
- the pivot holes 250 b are such that the thickness t 1 of the hole when both pivot holes 250 b are fitted together nearly matches the thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 (see FIG. 7 ), however are formed in a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around the fitting holes 250 a.
- the housing member 250 comprises a pivot hole 250 c that passes through the center of the fitting hole 250 a and extends in the direction that crosses the pivot hole 250 b (in the figure, a direction that crosses the pivot hole 250 b in a crisscross direction).
- the pivot hole 250 c has the same thickness as the thickness t 1 of the hole that is formed when the pivot holes 250 b are fitted together so that it matches the thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 (see FIG. 7 ).
- the hole that is formed by fitting together both pivot holes 250 c is formed over a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around the fitting holes 250 a.
- the pivot holes 250 b and 250 c that cross each other in a crisscross direction are both formed over a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around the fitting holes 250 a , so the rotating-member support 5 pivots freely in a 180-degree range in a crisscross direction centered around the fitting holes 250 a.
- pivoting mechanism 22 that changes the direction of the rotating-member support 5 is not limited to this, for example, a pivoting mechanism 220 to 224 can be constructed as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 19 .
- the pivoting mechanism 220 shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C comprises: a pivoting member 230 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a direction that crosses the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 (direction indicated by the arrow in the figure); a rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivoting member 230 and causes the pivoting member 230 to pivot; a rotation shaft 32 of the pivoting member 230 ; a biasing means 28 for applying a bias force to the pivoting member 230 ; and a pivot-locking means 260 for locking the rotating-member support 5 .
- the pivoting member 230 , rotation shaft 32 and biasing means 28 are housed in a cylindrical-shaped housing member 31 that is made of transparent plastic, for example.
- the housing member 31 is fastened to the connection section 21 c by adhesive or the like.
- the biasing means 28 comprises a biasing member 29 for applying a bias force to the pivoting mechanism 220 , and a bias-force-transmission member 30 for reliably transmitting the bias force from the biasing member 29 to the pivoting member 230 .
- a metal coil spring for example, is used for the biasing member 29 , with one end of the biasing member 29 coming in contact with the connection section 21 c , and the other end coming in contact with the bias-force-transmission member 30 .
- a plastic circular shaped plate having an outward facing semi-spherical shaped convex section 30 a formed in the center of the plate is used as the bias-force-transmission member 30 , and this bias-force-transmission member 30 fits with a concave section 230 a that is provided on the pivoting member 230 to be described later.
- One end of the bias-force-transmission member 30 comes in contact with the biasing member 29 that is in the bias state, and the other end is restrained by the pivoting member 230 .
- connection section 21 c is fastened to the housing member 31 and does not move in a direction that would reduce the bias force from the biasing member 29 (the direction toward the opposite side from the biasing member 29 in the figure), so a bias force is always applied to the bias-force-transmission member 30 . Therefore, the biasing member 29 displays the same behavior in the axial direction (direction in which the bias force is applied) as the bias-force-transmission member 30 .
- the biasing member 29 is restrained by the connection section 21 c that is fastened to the housing member 31 , and in the biased state is pressed against the pivoting member 230 .
- the biasing member 29 is in the biased state, however is in a state in which a larger biased state is possible. That is, when a coil spring is used as the biasing member 29 as shown in the example of this embodiment, the spring is in a state in which an even larger elastic force can be applied by further compressing the spring.
- the concave sections 230 a are provided at locations around the outer surface of the pivoting member 230 that face toward the opposite side from rotating-member support 5 such that they divide the 180-degree range into four equal angles from the center of the pivoting member 230 .
- a pair of shaft holes 31 a that penetrate the side walls of the housing member 31 are formed in the housing member 31 at positions in a direction that cross the center axis of the housing member 31 (orthogonal direction in the figure).
- the rotation shaft 32 is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a , and the pivoting member 230 is supported by the rotation shaft 32 such that the inner surface that is orthogonal to the rotation shaft 32 freely rotates around the rotation shaft 32 .
- Sliding prevention means 33 that prevent the pivoting member 230 from freely sliding over the rotation shaft 32 are fastened to the rotation shaft 32 on the sides of both end surfaces of the pivoting member 230 .
- a pair of pivot holes 31 b are formed in the side walls of the housing member 31 so that they extend along a plane that is orthogonal to the axis line of the rotation shaft 32 that is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a .
- the pivot holes 31 b face each other and extend from the outside end section of the housing member 31 to the side of the bias-force-transmission member 30 further than the position where the shaft holes 31 a are formed.
- the rotating-member support 5 is attached to the pivoting member 230 at a position such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivoting member 230 .
- the pivot holes 31 b are formed in a 180-degree range that faces in the outward direction of the housing member 31 and that is centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32 that is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a , so the rotating-member support 5 can freely pivot in a 180-degree range centered around the rotation shaft 32 .
- a pivot-locking means 260 that prevents the rotating-member support 5 that is attached to the pivoting member 230 from freely pivoting is provided in the housing member 31 in which the pivoting member 230 is housed.
- a pivot hole 260 a in which the rotating-member support 5 can pivot is formed in the pivot-locking means 260 such that it has a 180-degree range that is centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32 and that passes through a position facing each of the pivot holes 31 b , with locking holes 260 b in which the rotating-member support 5 fits being formed in the pivot hole 260 a .
- the locking holes 260 b are provided at a total of five positions that divide the pivot hole 260 a into four equal angles centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32 .
- the width t 3 of the pivot hole 260 a is less than the thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 , for example (see FIG. 7 ), such that the rotating-member support 5 penetrates through the pivot hole 260 a to the outside.
- the convex section 30 a and the concave sections 230 a are semi spherical, so when a force is applied to the pivoting member 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, the convex section 30 a comes out from the concave hole 230 a along the contour, and rides on top of the side surface of the pivot member 230 .
- the bias-force-transmission member 30 slides against the bias force in a direction in the axial direction going away from the pivoting member 230 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure).
- the rotating-member support 5 receives the force in the inward direction of the width t 3 of the pivot hole 260 a from the hole walls of the pivot hole 260 a at positions where the locking holes 260 b are not formed, so friction force occurs between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 260 .
- the locking holes 260 b are formed so that the rotating-member support 5 can fit in them and such that they are continuous with the pivot hole 260 a , with the width thereof less than thickness t 2 of the rotating-member support 5 , so when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move from a locking hole 260 b into the pivot hole 260 a , the rotating-member support 5 is locked by the hole wall of the locking hole 260 b that faces a direction opposite the direction of movement.
- the pivot hole 260 a is formed over a 180-degree range that is centered around the center axis of the rotation shaft 32 and passes through a position facing each of the pivot holes 31 b , and the locking holes 260 b are formed at positions that divide the pivot hole 260 a into four equal angles that are centered around the center line of the rotation shaft 32 , so by taking one of the ends of the pivot hole 260 a to be a reference (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees and 180 degrees in the pivot direction.
- pivoting mechanism 220 construction is also possible in which the pivoting member 230 comprises convex sections instead of concave sections 230 a , and correspondingly, the bias-force-transmission member 30 comprises a concave section instead of a convex section 30 a.
- the pivoting mechanism 221 shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C and FIGS. 15A and 15B comprises a biasing means 28 and housing member 31 , however, construction is such that instead of the pivoting member 230 , a pivoting member 231 is housed inside the housing member 31 .
- a plastic spherical member for example, is used for the pivoting member 231 .
- the rotating-member support 5 is attached to the pivoting member 231 at a position such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivoting member 231 .
- a total of nine concave sections 231 a are provided on the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 at positions that divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 into four equal angles around the circumferential direction of the axis line of the rotating-member support 5 , and each being aligned along the axis line of the rotating-member support 5 .
- the concave sections 231 a are provided over a 180-degree range that faces from the center of the pivoting member 231 toward the opposite side from the rotating-member support 5 at positions that divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 into four equal angles.
- Each concave section 231 a has a semi-spherical shape that corresponds to the convex section 30 a of the bias-force-transmission member 30 .
- a movement-restriction member 31 d for preventing the pivoting member 231 from coming out from the housing member 31 is provided in inner surface of the side wall of the outside end (end on the opposite side from the connection section 21 c ) of the housing member 31 .
- a total of four pivot holes 31 b are formed in the side wall of the housing member 31 at positions that divide the side wall of the housing member 31 into four equal angles in the circumferential direction around the center axis of the housing member 31 .
- Each pivot hole 31 b extends along the axis line of the housing member 31 from the outside end of the housing member 31 toward the side of the biasing means 28 , and faces another pivot hole 31 b having one pivot hole 31 b between them.
- a pair of pivot holes 31 b that face each other are formed over a 180-degree range that faces toward the outside of the housing member 31 and that is centered around the center of the pivoting member 231 that is housed in the housing member 31 such that the rotating-member support 5 pivots freely in the 180-degree range centered around the pivoting member 231 .
- a pivot-locking means 261 that is provided in the housing member 31 comprises a plastic cylindrical member, for example, having a bottom with a circular shaped opening 261 c in the center of the bottom plate, and pivot holes 261 a that connect the positions facing the pivot holes 31 b and the opening 261 c .
- locking holes 261 b are located at the end sections of each pivot hole 261 a.
- the convex section 30 a comes out from a concave section 231 a and rides up on the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 , causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 231 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure).
- the convex section 30 a moves into the next concave section 231 a , causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 231 (direction opposite to the straight arrow in the figure).
- the pivoting member 231 rotates the amount of a center angle that is formed between both of the concave sections 231 a .
- the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the position shown in FIG. 14C .
- the inward facing force that the rotating-member support 5 receives from the hole walls of the pivot hole 261 a generates friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 261 .
- the rotating-member support 5 tries to move from a locking hole 261 b to the pivot hole 261 a , the rotating-member support 5 is held by the hole wall of the locking hole 261 b in the opposite direction it is trying to move.
- the convex section 30 a sequentially fits into the concave sections 231 a , which are provided at positions over a 180-degree range that face toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivoting member 231 and that divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 231 into four equal angles along the center line of the rotating-member support 5 , causing the pivoting member 231 to rotate, so taking one of the locking holes 261 b to be a reference position (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 180 degrees in the pivot direction.
- the rotating-member support 5 moves from a locking hole 261 b to the pivot hole 261 a , it is necessary that the rotating-member support 5 deform the hole wall of the locking hole 261 b . Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not pivot freely in the pivot hole 261 a unless a force large enough to deform the hole wall of the locking hole 261 b and overcome the locked state, or a force greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and pivot-locking means 261 is applied to the rotating-member support 5 .
- the pivoting mechanism 222 that is shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B , and FIGS. 17A and 17B is constructed such that instead of the pivoting member 231 of the pivoting mechanism 221 , a pivoting member 232 is housed in the housing member 31 .
- the pivoting member 232 comprises a concave section 232 a on the outer surface on the opposite side from the rotating-member support 5 on the axis line of the rotating-member support 5 , however, instead of comprising other concave sections 231 a , the pivoting member 231 comprises two concave grooves 232 b .
- the concave grooves 232 b extend in ring shapes around the outer surface of the pivoting member 232 at positions that together with the concave section 232 a divide the outer surface of the pivoting member 232 into four equal angles over a 180-degree range that faces toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivoting member 232 , and have a semi-spherical cross-sectional shape that corresponds with the that of the convex section 30 a.
- the convex section 30 a comes out from the concave section 232 a or from a concave groove 232 b and rides up on the outer surface of the pivoting member 232 , causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 232 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure).
- the pivoting member 232 rotates through a center angle that is formed between the concave section 232 a and a concave groove 232 b , or between concave grooves 232 b .
- the pivoting member 232 pivots 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 16A in which the convex section 30 a fits in the concave section 232 a to a state after the convex section 30 a has changed concave grooves 232 b two times, the rotating-member support 5 is locked at a position as shown in FIG. 16B .
- the pivoting mechanism 223 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B is constructed such that instead of the pivoting member 231 of the pivoting mechanism 221 , a pivoting member 233 is housed in the housing member 31 .
- the pivoting member 233 comprises convex sections 233 a
- the bias-force-transmission member 30 comprises a semi-spherical concave section 300 a that corresponds with the convex sections 233 a .
- locking holes 31 c are provided on the end of each pivot hole 31 b that are located on the side of the biasing means 28 .
- Convex sections 233 a of the pivoting member 233 fit into the locking holes 31 c , and with the pivoting member 233 held between a pair of opposing locking holes 31 c that are positioned in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of rotation of the pivoting member 233 via the convex sections 233 a , the convex sections 233 a are made to function as a rotation shaft when the pivoting member 233 rotates.
- the convex section 233 a comes out from the concave section 300 a and rides up on the outer surface of the bias-force-transmission member 30 , causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 233 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure).
- the next convex section 233 a moves into a concave section 300 a , causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 233 (direction opposite the straight arrow in the figure).
- the pivoting member 233 rotates a center angle that is formed between both convex sections 233 a .
- a rotation force is applied to the pivoting member 233 causing the pivoting member 233 to rotate 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 18A in which a convex section 233 a fits inside the concave section 300 a to the state in which the convex section 233 a that fits in the concave section 300 a has changed two times
- the rotating-member support 5 is locked in the position shown in FIG. 18B .
- the convex sections 233 a which are provided at positions over a 180-degree range that face toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivoting member 233 dividing the outer surface of the pivoting member 233 into four equal angles along the center line of the rotating-member support 5 , sequentially fit into the concave section 300 a , causing the pivoting member 233 to rotate, so by taking one of the locking holes 261 b to be a reference position (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the positions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 180 degrees in the pivot direction.
- the pivoting mechanism 224 shown in FIGS. 19A to 19D comprises a biasing means 28 , pivoting member 233 and housing member 31 , however, construction is such that instead of the housing member 31 , the pivoting member 233 is housed in a housing 34 .
- the housing 34 is made of plastic, for example, that is formed into a semi-spherical shape that corresponds to the pivoting member 233 , and is fastened to the housing member 31 by adhesive or the like.
- a total of four pivot holes 34 b that extend along the axis line of the housing member 31 are formed in the housing 34 at positions that divide the outer surface of the housing 34 into four equal angles in the circumferential direction around the axis line of the housing member 31 being centered around the axis line of the housing member 31 .
- Each pivot hole 34 b extends from a position on the housing 34 that crosses the axis line of the housing member 31 toward the side of the housing member 31 , and is opposite from another pivot hole 34 b having one pivot hole 34 b in between.
- a total of four fitting members 35 are provided at positions that divide the outer surface of the housing 34 into four equal angles from the center of the housing 34 in the circumferential direction around the axis line of the housing member 31 .
- a fitting member 37 is provided on the inner surface on the outside end of the housing 34 that faces the ends of each of the pivot holes 34 b.
- Each fitting member 35 extends along the axis line of the housing member 31 to the inner surface of the housing 34 , with a convex section 233 a fitting in a depression 35 a that is formed in the center in the extended direction thereof.
- the pivoting member 233 is held between a pair of opposing fitting members 35 via the convex sections 233 a , such that the convex sections 233 a function as the rotation shaft when the pivoting member 233 rotates.
- Guide grooves 300 b that extend in a crisscross direction with the concave section 300 a as the center are formed on the outer surface of the bias-force-transmission member 30 .
- the guide grooves 300 b are for guiding a convex section 233 a into the concave section 300 a or out from the concave section 300 a .
- the bias-force-transmission member 30 can be constructed such that it comprises a bulge section that is formed by causing the center section of the outer surface to bulge outward in a circular shape such that the outer surface of this bulge section comprises a convex section 30 a or concave section 300 a.
- the biasing means 28 comprises a bias-force-transmission member 30 and biasing member 29 , however, instead of the biasing member 29 it is possible to apply a bias force to the bias-force-transmission member 30 using a biasing means 12 .
- a biasing means 12 For example, as shown in FIG.
- the bias-force-transmission member 30 is fastened to a locking member 13 a by a linking section 36 so that the bias-force-transmission member 30 is integrated with the locking member 13 a and slides due to the bias force from the bias member 12 , with through holes 36 a for the linking section 36 being provided in the rotation-prevention member 21 a , shaft section 21 b , connection section 21 c and locked member 21 d.
- the convex section 30 a rides up on the side surface of the pivoting member 230 , causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 230 against the bias force that is applied from the biasing means 12 via the linking section 36 .
- the convex section 30 a moves into the next convex section 230 a , causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 230 due to the bias force that is applied from the biasing means 12 via the linking section 36 .
- the housing construction for the pivoting members 231 to 233 by the housing member 31 is not limited to the construction described above.
- construction is possible in which a plastic housing 330 that is formed into a semi-spherical shape that corresponds with the pivoting member 233 is attached to the tip end of a cylindrical shaped member 320 , as in the case of the housing member 310 shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B , with pivot holes 310 b being provided in this housing 330 .
- a total of four pivot holes 310 b that extend in line with the axis line of the cylindrical member 320 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 330 at positions that divide the outer surface of the housing 330 into four equal angles around the axis line of the cylindrical member 320 .
- Each pivot hole 310 b extends from a position on the housing 330 that crosses the axis line of the housing 330 toward the side of the cylindrical member 320 , and is opposite from another pivot hole 310 b having one pivot hole 310 b in between.
- the cylindrical member 320 also functions as a means for preventing the pivoting member 232 from coming out from the housing member 310 .
- FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toy, where the right side of the drawing when facing the page is a cross-sectional view, and the right side is a front view.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the toy shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the toy shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the locking member shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view that shows the state in which a rotation force acts on the rotating mechanism shown in FIG. 1 and the rotating mechanism is rotating.
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view that shows the state in which a rotation force acted on the rotation mechanism shown in FIG. 1 and the rotation mechanism rotated.
- FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a pivoting mechanism
- FIG. 7B is an assembly diagram of the pivoting mechanism as seen from A in FIG. 7A .
- FIGS. 8A to 8C are front views of the toy showing the state in which all of the planes of motion of the three rotating members coincide
- FIG. 8D is a front view of the toy showing the state in which the planes of motion of the rotating member of the toy shown in FIG. 1 are in the progress of changing to the planes of motion of the rotating member of the toy shown in FIG. 8A
- FIG. 8E is a front view of the toy shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 9A to 9F are front views of the toy showing states in which the planes of motion of two of the rotating members coincide.
- FIGS. 10A to 10G are front views of the toy showing states in which the planes of motion of all three rotating members are different
- FIG. 10H is a front view showing the state in which the planes of motion of the rotating members of the toy shown in FIG. 1 are in the progress of changing to the planes of motion of the rotating members of the toy shown in FIG. 10A
- FIG. 10I is a front view of the toy shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the front view of the toy showing the state in which a magnet is used as a biasing member.
- FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism.
- FIG. 13A is an enlarged pictorial view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism
- FIG. 13B is first cross-sectional view
- FIG. 13C is a second cross-sectional view.
- FIG. 14A is an enlarged pictorial view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism
- FIG. 14B is first cross-sectional view
- FIG. 14C is a second cross-sectional view.
- FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the pivoting mechanism shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C .
- FIG. 16A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism
- FIG. 16B is a second cross-sectional view.
- FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the pivoting mechanism shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIG. 18A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism
- FIG. 18B is a second cross-sectional view.
- FIG. 19A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of other construction of a pivoting mechanism
- FIG. 19B is a drawing showing the pivoting member shown in FIG. 19A
- FIG. 19C is a drawing showing a fitting member shown in FIG. 19A
- FIG. 19D is a drawing showing the bias-force-transmission members shown in FIG. 19A .
- FIG. 20 is a drawing explaining another example of a method for transmitting bias force by the bias-force-transmission member.
- FIG. 21A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism
- FIG. 21B is a second cross-sectional view.
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
A joint apparatus for a toy is provided that, by changing the planes of motion of the rotating members, enables one toy to be moved in many ways in order to move the rotating members, and provides various forms that can be simulated.
The joint apparatus comprises a pivoting mechanism 22 that allows a rotating-member support 5, which supports a rotating member 4 and functions as the rotation shaft of the rotating member 4, to move relative to a base member 3. Moreover, the joint apparatus comprises a rotation mechanism 21 that is linked to the pivoting mechanism 22, and allows the pivoting mechanism 22 to rotate inside thereof, which includes the rotation shaft, with respect to the base member 3, wherein the rotation mechanism 21 comprises a rotation-locking means that locks the rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation thereof. The rotation-locking means comprises a restraining means 14 that restrains the rotation mechanism 21 from one of the outside end surfaces, and a biasing means 11 that applies a bias to the rotation mechanism 21 from the other outside end surface, with friction forces being generated on both end surfaces of the rotation mechanism 21.
Description
- The present invention relates to a joint apparatus for a toy that has rotating members that are provided such that they can rotate freely with respect to a base member.
- A method of playing with a toy is known in which the base member of the toy, which comprises a finite-shaped base member and rotating members that are attached to the tip ends of that base member such that they can rotate freely, is held and moved back and forth to the left and right or forward and backward causing the rotating members to move.
- As examples of this kind of toy is a toy comprising: a cross-shaped base member having a vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft; chords that are placed through circular-shaped grooves that are formed on the end sections of the vertical shaft and horizontal shaft, which are the axes of rotation; and spherical-shaped weights that functions as the rotating members that are attached to the chords; or a toy comprising: a cross-shaped base member having a vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft; and sections that function as rotation shafts for arms, which function as the rotating members, that are installed on both ends of the horizontal shaft so that they can be freely removed and so that they can rotate freely (refer to Patent Document 1).
- [Patent Document 1] Japanese examined utility model application publication S49-21666 (see
FIG. 1 ) - In the case of the toy disclosed in
Patent Document 1, there is no mechanism which causes the rotation shafts (vertical shaft and horizontal shaft) of the rotating members to move, and the direction of the rotation shafts of the rotating members can not be changed, so consequently the number of the planes of motion of the rotating members is fixed at one. In other words, it is not possible to change the planes of motion of the rotating members, so for one toy, the types of methods used for moving the toy in order to move the rotating members are limited to just a few. - In
Patent Document 1, the arms can be freely removed or attached, so it is possible to enjoy the toy by attaching different shaped arms to change the design. However, since there is only one plane of motion for each rotating member, the forms that can be simulated are limited. - In view of the problems described above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a joint apparatus for a toy that, by changing the planes of motion of the rotating members, enables one toy to be moved in many ways in order to move the rotating members, and provides various forms that can be simulated.
- The invention according to
claim 1 is a joint apparatus for a toy having a rotating member that rotates freely with respect to a base member of the toy, comprising a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports the rotating member and becomes a rotation shaft for the rotating member, to move relative to the base member. By moving the pivoting mechanism of the joint apparatus, the rotating-member support, which is the rotation shaft of the rotating member, changes direction and thus the plane of motion of the rotating member changes. - The joint apparatus also comprises pivot-locking means for locking the pivoting mechanism in the pivoting direction thereof (claim 2). The base member is moved in order to move the rotating member, so as the base member is being moved, there is a tendency for the pivoting mechanism to move on its own due to the movement of the base member. However, since the joint apparatus comprises a pivot-locking means for locking the pivoting mechanism in the direction of rotation of the pivoting mechanism, the pivoting mechanism does not pivot freely.
- The joint apparatus also comprises a rotation mechanism that is linked to the pivoting mechanism and enables the pivot mechanism to rotate on the inside thereof, which includes the rotation shaft, with respect to said base member (claim 3). In this case, by having the rotation mechanism make it possible for the pivoting mechanism, which enables the rotating member to move relative to the base member, to rotate with respect to the base member, the possible directions of the rotation shaft increase, and thus it is possible to even further change the planes of motion of the rotating member.
- The joint apparatus further comprises rotation-locking means for locking said rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof (claim 4). The base member is moved in order to move the rotating member, so while the base member is being moved, there is a tendency for the rotation mechanism to rotate on its own due to the motion of the base member. However, since the joint apparatus comprises a rotation-locking means for locking the rotating mechanism in the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism does not rotate freely.
- The rotation-locking means comprises: restraining means for restraining the rotation mechanism from one outside end surface; and biasing means for applying bias to the rotation mechanism from the other outside end surface; with friction force being generated on both end surfaces of the rotation mechanism (claim 5). The restraining means restrains the rotation mechanism from the end of the rotation shaft, and the biasing means applies bias to the other end, so friction forces are generated on the contact surfaces between the restraining means and the rotation mechanism and the biasing means and the rotation mechanism. The friction forces lock the rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof.
- The biasing means may comprise rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of the rotation mechanism (claim 6). As was described above, friction force occurs between the rotation mechanism and the biasing means, so even though the rotation mechanism may be locked, there is a tendency for the rotation mechanism and biasing means to rotate together as one, however, since the biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of the rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism is prevented from rotating together as one with the biasing means.
- The present invention, as described above, comprises a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports a rotating member and becomes the rotation shaft of the rotating member, to move relative to a base member, so by changing the direction of the rotation shaft of the rotating member to change the plane of motion of that rotating member, one toy can be moved in many ways in order to move the rotating member, and provide various forms that can be simulated.
- The preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below based on the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 toFIG. 3 shows atoy 1 in which thejoint apparatus 2 of the present invention is embodied. Thetoy 1 is a toy that is played with by moving thetoy 1 back and forth, causing rotatingmembers 4, which are attached to the tip ends of thetoy 1 such that they can rotate freely, to move. Thetoy 1 comprises abase member 3 for holding the toy, and thatbase member 3 comprisesjoint apparatuses 2 that change the planes of motion of the rotatingmembers 4 by changing the direction of rotating-member supports 5 that function as the rotation shafts of the rotatingmembers 4 and that also support the rotatingmembers 4. - A
joint apparatus 2 comprises apivoting mechanism 22 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot, and arotation mechanism 21 that rotates thepivoting mechanism 22, and changes the direction of the rotating-member support 5 by combining the pivoting and rotation. The rotatingmember 4 is attached to thejoint apparatus 2 via the rotating-member support 5. - The
base member 3 comprises a heldsection 6 that is held by the user, andconnection sections 7 that connect the heldsection 6 with thejoint apparatuses 2. The heldsection 6 is made of wood, for example, and is formed into a rectangular column shape having a square cross section. In order that the heldsection 6 can be easily held, it is preferred that arubber grip 8, for example, be provided on the lower half thereof. - Three
connection sections section 6 from where thegrip 8 is provided. One of theconnection sections 7 is connected to the end surface (top end surface in the figure) of the heldsection 6 and is located at the top of the heldsection 6, and the other twoconnection sections section 6 such that they are opposite each other via theheld section 6 and are orthogonal to the heldsection 6. Here, by forming the heldsection 6 into a rectangular column shape having a square cross section, the end surface and side surfaces with which theconnection sections 7 connect become flush, so the contact area between the heldsection 6 and aconnection section 7 becomes large, giving thetoy 1 good structural stability. - A
connection section 7 comprises, for example, a fasteningmember 9 that fastens to the heldsection 6, a biasing means 11 that will be described later, and ahousing member 10 that houses part of therotation mechanism 21 and part of a restraining means 14. The fasteningmember 9 is a circular column shaped piece of wood or the like with aconcave section 9 a formed in the center on one end surface thereof, and is fastened to the heldsection 6 such that theconcave section 9 a is opened to the outside. The cylindricalshaped housing member 10 is made of a transparent plastic or the like, and fits inside theconcave section 9 a, with thishousing member 10 being fastened to the fasteningmember 9 by adhesive or the like. Here, both theconcave section 9 a and thehousing member 10 have a circular cross section. - A biasing means 11 that applies a bias force to the
rotation mechanism 21, and part of therotation mechanism 21 are housed inside thehousing member 10 from the side of the end that is connected to the fasteningmember 9. Part of the restraining means 14 is housed and fastened in thehousing member 10 on the end opposite the side of the end that is connected to thefastening member 9. The biasing means 11,rotation mechanism 21 and restraining means 14 are arranged in a row with each respective axis being aligned with the axis of thehousing member 10. - The biasing means 11 comprises a
biasing member 12 for applying a bias force to therotation mechanism 21, and a bias-force-transmission member 13 for transmitting the bias force from the biasing means 12 to the rotating-member 21. A metal coil spring or the like is used as thebiasing member 12, and one end of thisbiasing member 12 comes in contact with the fasteningmember 9, while the other end comes in contact with the bias-force-transmission member 13. - The restraining means 14, which is fastened to the
housing member 10, restrains the biasingmember 12 via the bias-force-transmission member 13 androtation mechanism 21, and when applying a bias, thebiasing member 12 presses against the fasteningmember 9. This biasingmember 12 is in a biasing state, and is in a state that is capable of becoming even a larger biasing state. In other words, in the case of employing a coil spring as thebiasing member 12 as shown in this embodiment, the spring is in a state of being able to apply an even large elastic force as it is compressed. - A circular column shaped piece of wood or the like is used as the bias-force-
transmission member 13, and one end of this bias-force-transmission member 13 comes in contact with thebiasing member 12 that is in the biasing state, and the other end is restrained by the restraining means 14 via therotation mechanism 21. The restraining means 14 is fastened to thehousing member 10, and since the rotating-member 21 does not move in a direction that reduces the biasing force of the biasing member 12 (in the figure, this is the direction from the fasteningmember 9 toward the restraining means 14), there is always a biasing force acting on the bias-force-transmission member 13. Therefore, thebiasing member 12 shows the same behavior in the axial direction (direction in which the biasing force acts) as the bias-force-transmission member 13. - A
locking member 13 a that locks therotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation is provided on the end of the bias-force-transmission member 13 on the side toward therotation mechanism 21. As shown inFIG. 4 , a plastic circular shapedflat plate 13 b or the like on which a plurality (four in the figure) of semispherical convex sections 13 c are formed facing outward around the circumferential direction of theflat plate 13 b is used as thelocking member 13 a, and thislocking member 13 a engages with a lockedmember 21 d (explained later) that is provided on the onrotation mechanism 21. - As shown in
FIG. 1 toFIG. 3 , on the side surface of the bias-force-transmission member 13 there is a protruding rotation-prevention member 13 d for preventing the bias-force-transmission member 13 from rotating in the circumferential direction. Along hole 10 a, whose long axis is parallel with the axis of thehousing member 10, is formed at a location on thehousing member 10 that corresponds with the rotation-prevention member 13 d. The rotation-prevention member 13 d is locked in the circumferential direction of the bias-force-transmission member 13 by the wall of thelong hole 10 a, however is free to slide inside thelong hole 10 a in the long-axis direction of thelong hole 10 a. - A
rotation mechanism 21, for example, comprises a rotation-prevention section 21 a for preventing therotation mechanism 21 from freely rotating, ashaft section 21 b that is connected to the rotation-prevention section 21 a so that it is located on the axis line of thehousing member 10 and becomes the rotation shaft, and aconnection section 21 c that connects to thepivoting mechanism 22 that will be described later; thisrotation mechanism 21 being able to rotate with theshaft section 21 b as the center of rotation. - The rotation-
prevention section 21 a is a circular column-shaped piece of wood or the like, and is located in the axial direction between the bias-force-transmission member 13 and restraining means 14. Theshaft section 21 b is made of wood, for example, and is a circular-shaped column having a smaller cross section than the rotation-prevention section 21 a, and thisshaft section 21 b extends from the rotation-prevention section 21 a toward the side of the restraining means 14, passes through the restraining means 14, and protrudes out in the axial direction from the outer end surface of the restraining means 14. - The surface of the
rotation mechanism 21 that faces the bias-force-transmission member 13 is equipped with a lockedmember 21 d. This lockedmember 21 d is locked with the lockingmember 13 a such that the bias-force-transmission member 13, which is equipped with the lockingmember 13 a, locks therotation mechanism 21, which is equipped with the lockedmember 21 d, in the direction of rotation of therotation mechanism 21. A plastic circular shapedflat plate 21 e or the like, on which a plurality (four in the figure) of semi sphericalconcave sections 21 f are formed around the circumferential direction of theflat plate 21 e so that they correspond with theconvex sections 13 c of the lockingmember 13 a, is used as the lockedmember 21 d. - The restraining means 14 is made of wood, for example, and comprises an
insert section 14 a that is inserted inside thehousing member 10, and a lockedsection 14 b that is locked to the end surface of thehousing member 10, facing outward in the axial direction. A throughhold 14 c is formed through the entire length of the restraining means 14, and theshaft section 21 b of therotation mechanism 21 passes through this throughhold 14 c. - The
insert section 14 a is formed into a circular column shape, for example, such that it can be inserted into thehousing member 10 and attached to the inner surface of thehousing member 10 with adhesive or the like. The lockedsection 14 b is continuous with theinsert section 14 a and is formed into a circular column shape having a larger cross section than thehousing member 10 such that the end surface of the lockedsection 14 b that is connected to theinsert section 14 a comes in contact with the end surface of thehousing member 10. - Inside the
housing member 10, the biasingmember 12, which is in the bias state, applies a bias force in the axial direction to one end of therotation mechanism 21 via the bias-force-transmission member 13, and the restraining means 14 that is fastened to thehousing member 10 restrains the other end of therotation mechanism 21 in a direction opposite the direction of the bias force that is applied by the biasingmember 12. Therefore, a friction force occurs on the contact surfaces of the lockedmember 21 d, which is fastened to the end of therotation mechanism 21 on the side of the bias-force-transmission member 13, and the lockingmember 13 a, which is fastened to the end of the bias-force-transmission member 13 on the side of therotation mechanism 21. On the other hand, friction force also occurs on the contact surfaces of therotation mechanism 21 and the restraining means 14. - Therefore, as long as a force is not applied in the direction of rotation of the
rotation mechanism 21 that is equal to or greater than the sum of the friction forces that occur on the surfaces of both ends of therotation mechanism 21, therotation mechanism 21 is not able to rotate freely. In this way, the biasing means 11 and restraining means 14 function as a rotation-locking means that locks therotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation. - As parameters of the friction forces are the size of the bias force of the biasing
member 12, and the friction coefficients of the contact surfaces. When, as in the case of the lockingmember 13 a and the lockedmember 21 d of this embodiment, a plurality of convex sections are formed around the circumferential direction of one of the opposing contact surfaces and a plurality of concave sections are formed around the circumferential direction of the other opposing contact surface such that these concave sections and convex sections are in a locked state, the friction coefficients of the contacts surfaces increase, so the friction forces that occur on these contact surfaces also increase. - The
toy 1 is a toy that is played with by moving thetoy 1 itself, so when it is desired that therotation mechanism 21 not rotate freely when thetoy 1 is moving, it is possible to set the parameters of the friction force, such as the bias force or the friction coefficients, so that the rotation mechanism does not rotate freely. - The
convex sections 13 c andconcave sections 21 f are semi spherical in shape, so, as shown inFIG. 5 , when a force is applied to therotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation thereof, theconvex sections 13 c move away from theconcave sections 21 f along the contour and ride up onto theflat section 21 g of the lockedmember 21 d. When this happens, while being prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction by the rotation-prevention member 13 d, the bias-force-transmission member 13 slides in the axial direction against the bias force in the direction moving away from the rotation mechanism 21 (direction of the straight arrow inFIG. 5 ). At this time, the rotation-prevention member 13 d also slides in the long axis direction inside thelong hole 10 a of thehousing member 10. - Furthermore, when a force is applied to the
rotation mechanism 21 in the direction of rotation thereof, the lockedmember 21 d rotates with theflat section 21 g being pressed against theconvex sections 13 c, and as shown inFIG. 6 , when the nextconcave sections 21 f in the direction of rotation are located at the position of theconvex sections 13 c, theconvex sections 13 c move into theconcave sections 21 f and the bias-force-transmission member 13 slides in the direction toward the rotation mechanism 21 (in the direction of the straight arrow inFIG. 6 ). - By changing from one
concave section 21 f in which aconvex section 13 c fits to anotherconcave section 21 f that is adjacent in the circumferential direction to theconcave section 21 f in this way, therotation mechanism 21 rotates the amount of the center angle θ (seeFIG. 4 ) that is formed from oneconvex section 13 c or oneconcave section 21 f to anotherconvex section 13 c or anotherconcave section 21 f that is adjacent in the circumferential direction. - In the case in which the
convex sections 13 c andconcave sections 21 f are not formed into a semi spherical shape, but rather formed into a shape having side surfaces that are orthogonal to the installation surface of a cube or the like, the convex sections and concave sections are completely locked in the direction parallel to the surfaces on which they installed due to the characteristics of the shape thereof, so therotation mechanism 21 is unable to rotate. - Therefore, in order to rotate the
rotation mechanism 21, it is necessary to slide the bias-force-transmission member 13 to the side of the biasingmember 12 by sliding the rotation-prevention member 13 a inside thelong hole 10 directly to the side of the biasingmember 12, and release the locked state of the lockingmember 13 a and lockedmember 21 c before rotating therotation mechanism 21. - Moreover, it is also possible to form concave sections on the locking
member 13 a and form convex sections on the lockedmember 21 d. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a lockingmember 13 a and lockedmember 21 d between therotation mechanism 21 and restraining means 14. When a locking means comprising convex sections and concave sections is employed, the restraining means 14 is fastened to thehousing member 10, so in order to rotate therotation mechanism 21, it is necessary for therotation mechanism 21, which is unrestrained in the axial direction, to slide in the axial direction. - Pivoting
mechanisms 22 for changing the directions of rotating-member supports 5, which are the rotation shafts of the rotatingmember 4, are provided on the end sections of theshafts 21 b that are opposite from the rotation-prevention sections 21 a viaconnection sections 21 c. Apivoting mechanism 22, for example, comprises a pivotingmember 23 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a direction that crosses the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 (orthogonal direction in the figure), ahousing 24 that houses the pivotingmember 23, a rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivotingmember 23 and allows that pivotingmember 23 to pivot, as well as becomes the rotation shaft of the rotatingmember 4, and a pivot-locking means 26 for locking the rotating-member support 5. - As shown in
FIG. 7A , thehousing 24 is made of wood, for example, and comprises a pair ofhousing members fitting hole 25 a that fits with the pivotingmember 23 being formed in the center of one surface of eachhousing member 25, and apivot hole 25 b, in which the rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivotingmember 23 freely pivots, is formed around eachfitting hole 25 a such that it is continuous from thefitting hole 25 a to the outer edge of thehousing member 25. - As shown in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 7A , the pair ofhousing members housing 24. With the pivotingmember 23 fitted inside the fitting holes 25 a, and the rotating-member support 5 passing through the pivot holes 25 b and protruding out from the outer edge of thehousing 24, a pair ofhousing member elements 25 are joined together, for example, by applying adhesive to the connecting surfaces. - As shown in
FIG. 7A andFIG. 7B , other than where the fitting holes 25 a and pivot holes 25 b are formed, the outer shape of thehousing 24 is rectangular. The shape of the hole that is formed by both of the fitting holes 25 a when the pair ofhousing members member 23, and the thickness t1 of the hole formed by joining together both of the pivot holes 25 b nearly matches the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5. - The pivoting
member 23 is a plastic sphere, for example, and the rotating-member support 5, which is a steel rod or the like, is attached to the pivotingmember 23 at a location such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivotingmember 23. In this embodiment, the pivot holes 25 b are formed around the circumference direction of the fitting holes 25 a having a range of 90 degrees, so the rotating-member support 5 can freely pivot through a range of 90 degrees. - A pivot-locking means 26 for preventing the rotating-
member support 5 from freely pivoting is provided in thehousing 24 that houses the pivotingmember 23 to which the rotating-member support 5 is attached. A plastic flat plate that is formed into a rectangular shape having a specified thickness can be used as the pivot-locking means 26, and this pivot-locking means 26 is fitted from the outside bridging two orthogonal side surfaces of thehousing 24, and fastened to thehousing 24 from the outer side of the pivot-locking means 26 by fastening means 27 such as wood screws. It is preferred that the surface of the pivot-locking means 26 that faces thehousing 24 be processed to the same shape as the outer surface of thehousing 24. - A
pivot hole 26 a that allows the rotating-member support 5 to pivot is formed at a location of the pivot-locking means 26 that faces the pivot holes 25 b, and lockingholes 26 b that the rotating-member support 5 fits into are formed on both end sections and in the middle of thepivot hole 26 a. The width t3 of thepivot hole 26 a is less than the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5; with the rotating-member support 5 passing through thepivot hole 26 a and protruding out to the outside. - The rotating-
member support 5 receives the force acting in the inward direction of the width t3 of thepivot hole 26 a from the hole walls of thepivot hole 26 a at positions other than where the locking holes 26 b are formed, so friction force occurs between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 26. In addition, the locking holes 26 b are formed such that the rotating-member support 5 can fit in them, and since the locking holes 26 b are continuous with thepivot hole 26 a, and thepivot hole 26 a is formed with a width that is less then the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move inside thepivot hole 26 a from a lockinghole 26 b, the rotating-member support 5 is locked by the hole walls of the lockinghole 26 b in the direction opposite the direction in which the rotating-member support 5 is trying to move. - Here, the locking holes 26 b are formed at both ends and in the middle of the
pivot hole 26 a, with thepivot hole 26 a facing thepivot hole 25 b, so by taking one of the end sections to be a reference (0 degrees) position, the rotating-member support 5 is locked in the pivot direction at thepositions 0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees. - When the rotating-
member support 5 moves from a lockinghole 26 b to thepivot hole 26 a, it is necessary for the rotating-member support 5 to deform the hole walls of the lockinghole 26 b. Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not freely pivot in thepivot hole 26 a unless a force acts in the pivot direction on the rotating-member support 5 that is large enough to cause it to deform the hole walls of the lockinghole 26 b and overcome the lock by the lockinghole 26 b, or unless a force acts in the pivot direction that is greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 26. - In this embodiment, the rotating-
member support 5 is directly attached to the pivotingmember 23, so by operating the rotating-member support 5 it is possible to directly change the direction of the rotating-member support 5 by moving the pivotingmember 23. As shown inFIG. 1 toFIG. 3 , a large-diameter section 5 a is provided on the tip end of the rotating-member support 5 for making it easy to operate the rotating-member support 5. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , a penetratingshaft hole 4 a is formed through the rotatingmember 4, and with the rotating-member support 5 being inserted through thisshaft hole 4 a, the rotating-member support 5 supports the rotatingmember 4 in a state in which the rotating-member support 5 axially rotates freely within a plane that is orthogonal to the rotating-member support 5. Sliding-prevention means 5 b of the rotating-member support 5 that prevent the rotatingmember 4 from freely sliding along the rotating-member support 5 are fastened to both end surfaces of the rotatingmember 4. The rotatingmember 4 is not restrained by any means in the direction of rotation thereof, so by moving thebase member 3 in a rocking motion or the like in the direction of rotation of the rotatingmember 4, the rotatingmember 4 moves in a rotating motion or pendulum-like motion. - In a toy that comprises this
joint apparatus 2, it is possible to change the direction of the rotating-member support 5 in various directions by causing thepivoting mechanism 22 to rotate by way of therotation mechanism 21, and causing the rotating-member support 5 to pivot by way of thepivoting mechanism 22 in this way. In this embodiment, by combining the pivoting motion by thepivoting mechanism 22 and the rotation by therotation mechanism 21, the rotating-member support 5 freely changes directions around the center of the pivotingmember 23 within a semispherical range that is formed in the outward radial direction of therotation mechanism 21, so the plane of motion of the rotation of the rotatingmember 4 is diversified by that amount, and thus the function of thetoy 1 as a play device is improved. - Moreover, the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating
member 4 is changed by using thejoint apparatus 2, so a situation does not occur in which the parts that form the rotation shaft or rotating member are lost when changing the direction of the axis of rotation by means of relocating the rotation shaft to a different location. - Here, the directions of the three rotating-member supports 5, 5, 5, or in other words, the combinations of planes of motion H, H, H such as the rotating planes of the three
rotating members FIG. 8A toFIG. 8C , in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members coincide; have states as shown inFIG. 9A toFIG. 9F in which the planes of motion of two of the rotating members coincide; and as shown inFIG. 10A toFIG. 10G have states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members are different. The term ‘coincide’ used here means that the planes of motion H that are formed by the rotatingmembers 4 are parallel. - As states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating
member FIG. 8A in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the threerotating members FIG. 8B in which the planes of motion H, H, H form vertical planes having axes that are in the up and down direction and left and right direction on the front side with respect to the page. In the former case of the planes of motion H, H, H, in order to move the respectiverotating members 4, thebase member 3 can be moved back and forth in the left and right direction or front and rear direction. As another state in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members coincide is the state as shown inFIG. 8C . - Here, in order to change the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members from the state shown in
FIG. 1 that is expressed inFIG. 8E to the state in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members shown inFIG. 8A form horizontal planes with axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction, thepivot mechanisms pivot hole 26 a is open in the upward direction, and the respective rotating-member supports 5 are caused to pivot 90 degrees to the side of thebase member 3. - More specifically, the
pivot mechanisms concave sections 21 f of the rotating member 21 (90 degrees), and the rotating-member support 5 that is held in the lockinghole 26 b that is formed in one end of thepivot hole 26 a is caused to pivot (move) to the lockinghole 26 b that is formed on the other end. - Moreover, as a state in which the planes of motion of two rotating members coincide is a state as shown in
FIG. 9A in which the planes of motion H, H of the rotating members on the right side and the left side form vertical planes having axes in the front and rear direction and up and down direction, and the plane of motion H of the rotatingmember 4 located at the top forms a horizontal plane having axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction. In this case, in order to make each of therotating members base member 3 can be moved back and forth in the front and rear direction, for example. In addition, as states in which the planes of motion H, H of tworotating members FIG. 9B toFIG. 9F . - Furthermore, as a state in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the three rotating members are different, is a state as shown in
FIG. 10A in which the plane of motion of the rotatingmember 4 located on the left side forms an inclined plane having axes in the front and back direction and upward direction rising to the right, the plane of motion H of the rotatingmember 4 that is located on the right side forms an inclined plane having axes in the front and back direction and upward direction rising to the left, and the plane of motion H of the rotatingmember 4 that is located at the top forms a horizontal plane having axes in the front and rear direction and left and right direction. - In order to make each of the
rotating members base member 3 can be moved back and forth in the left and right direction or front and rear direction. As other states in which all of the planes of motion H, H, H of the threerotating members 4 are different, are states as shown inFIG. 10B toFIG. 10G . - Here, in order to change the three
rotating members FIG. 1 as shown inFIG. 10I to the state shown inFIG. 10A in which the planes of motion H, H, H of the threerotating members 4 are different, the pivotingmechanisms FIG. 10H so that thepivot hole 26 a is open in the upward direction, and each of the respective rotating-member supports 5 is made to pivot 45 degrees toward the side of thebase member 3. - More specifically, the pivoting
mechanisms concave sections 21 d of the rotating member 21 (90 degrees), the pivot holes 26 a are rotated so they are open in the upward direction, and the rotating-member supports 5 that are held in the locking holes 26 b that are formed on one end of the pivoting holes 26 a are made to pivot (move) to the locking holes 26 b that are formed in the middle. - The thickness t3 of the
pivot hole 26 a is less than the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, so by making the rotating-member support 5 pivot a suitable amount, it is possible for the pivoting locking means 26 to lock the rotating-member support 5 at a position other than a lockinghole 26 b of thepivot hole 26 a. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 10G , the planes of motion of therotating members 4 can be formed by locking the rotating-member supports 5 at positions other than the locking holes 26 b of the pivot holes 26 a. - In this way, it is possible to lock the rotating-
member support 5 at locations other than the positions where the locking holes 26 b are provided (0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees in this embodiment), in other words over the entire pivot range of thepivot hole 26 a, so the planes of motion of rotatingmembers 4 have a large amount of freedom. - By moving the
base member 3 in various directions causing therotating members 4 to move in this way, it is possible for the user to adjust and select the position, so thebase member 3 can be moved in various directions. Furthermore, when adjusting the planes of motion of therotating members 4, operation must be performed to change the direction in which the load acts on the rotating-member supports 5, so thetoy 1 can also be used as a health device for rehabilitation or the like. - Moreover, since the planes of motion H of the
rotating members 4 changed in various ways, it is also possible to change the exchangeablerotating members 4 to correspond with the planes of motion H, providing an outward appearance that simulates various forms such as animals, insects, machines, etc. - The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The embodiment described above is an example, and other embodiments having the same technical idea and essentially the same construction as that described in the claims of the invention, and that provide a similar effect, are included within the technical scope of the invention. For example, the shape, size, material and the like of each of the members such as the held
section 6,fastening member 9,housing member 10 are not limited to those described above. - Moreover, as shown in
FIG. 11 , a pair of magnets, the same poles thereof facing each other, can be applied as the biasingmember 12. - In the embodiment described above, the case of making the rotating-
member support 5 pivot in one direction in a range of 90 degrees by pivoting the pivotingmember 23 inside the pivot holes 25 b of thehousing 24 was explained. However, the pivoting direction of the rotating-member support 5 is not limited to one direction, and can be made to pivot in a plurality of directions. In addition, the pivoting range is not limited to 90 degrees. For example, construction is possible that comprises ahousing 240 as shown inFIG. 12 that allows the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a 180-degree range in a crisscross direction centered around the pivotingmember 23. - Similar to the
housing 24 described above, thehousing 240 comprises a pair ofhousing members housing member 250 comprises afitting hole 250 a, which is similar to thefitting hole 25 a, and apivot hole 250 b. Similar to the pivot holes 25 b, the pivot holes 250 b are such that the thickness t1 of the hole when both pivot holes 250 b are fitted together nearly matches the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5 (seeFIG. 7 ), however are formed in a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around thefitting holes 250 a. - In addition, the
housing member 250 comprises apivot hole 250 c that passes through the center of thefitting hole 250 a and extends in the direction that crosses thepivot hole 250 b (in the figure, a direction that crosses thepivot hole 250 b in a crisscross direction). Thepivot hole 250 c has the same thickness as the thickness t1 of the hole that is formed when the pivot holes 250 b are fitted together so that it matches the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5 (seeFIG. 7 ). The hole that is formed by fitting together both pivot holes 250 c is formed over a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around thefitting holes 250 a. - The pivot holes 250 b and 250 c that cross each other in a crisscross direction are both formed over a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction around the
fitting holes 250 a, so the rotating-member support 5 pivots freely in a 180-degree range in a crisscross direction centered around thefitting holes 250 a. - Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the case was explained in which the direction of the rotating-
member support 5 was changed by making the pivotingmember 23 pivot inside the pivot holes 25 b of thehousing members 25. However, the construction of thepivoting mechanism 22 that changes the direction of the rotating-member support 5 is not limited to this, for example, apivoting mechanism 220 to 224 can be constructed as shown inFIG. 13 toFIG. 19 . - The
pivoting mechanism 220 shown inFIGS. 13A to 13C comprises: a pivotingmember 230 that causes the rotating-member support 5 to pivot in a direction that crosses the direction of rotation of the rotation mechanism 21 (direction indicated by the arrow in the figure); a rotating-member support 5 that is integrated with the pivotingmember 230 and causes the pivotingmember 230 to pivot; arotation shaft 32 of the pivotingmember 230; a biasing means 28 for applying a bias force to the pivotingmember 230; and a pivot-locking means 260 for locking the rotating-member support 5. - As shown in
FIGS. 13B and 13C , the pivotingmember 230,rotation shaft 32 and biasing means 28 are housed in a cylindrical-shapedhousing member 31 that is made of transparent plastic, for example. Thehousing member 31 is fastened to theconnection section 21 c by adhesive or the like. - The biasing means 28 comprises a biasing
member 29 for applying a bias force to thepivoting mechanism 220, and a bias-force-transmission member 30 for reliably transmitting the bias force from the biasingmember 29 to the pivotingmember 230. A metal coil spring, for example, is used for the biasingmember 29, with one end of the biasingmember 29 coming in contact with theconnection section 21 c, and the other end coming in contact with the bias-force-transmission member 30. - A plastic circular shaped plate having an outward facing semi-spherical shaped
convex section 30 a formed in the center of the plate is used as the bias-force-transmission member 30, and this bias-force-transmission member 30 fits with aconcave section 230 a that is provided on the pivotingmember 230 to be described later. One end of the bias-force-transmission member 30 comes in contact with the biasingmember 29 that is in the bias state, and the other end is restrained by the pivotingmember 230. Theconnection section 21 c is fastened to thehousing member 31 and does not move in a direction that would reduce the bias force from the biasing member 29 (the direction toward the opposite side from the biasingmember 29 in the figure), so a bias force is always applied to the bias-force-transmission member 30. Therefore, the biasingmember 29 displays the same behavior in the axial direction (direction in which the bias force is applied) as the bias-force-transmission member 30. - The biasing
member 29 is restrained by theconnection section 21 c that is fastened to thehousing member 31, and in the biased state is pressed against the pivotingmember 230. The biasingmember 29 is in the biased state, however is in a state in which a larger biased state is possible. That is, when a coil spring is used as the biasingmember 29 as shown in the example of this embodiment, the spring is in a state in which an even larger elastic force can be applied by further compressing the spring. - A plastic circular shaped flat plate having a plurality of semi-spherical
concave sections 230 a (five in the figure) that are formed in the circumferential direction around the side surface of the flat plate such that the shape corresponds with that of theconvex section 30 a of the bias-force-transmission member 30 is used as the pivotingmember 230. Theconcave sections 230 a are provided at locations around the outer surface of the pivotingmember 230 that face toward the opposite side from rotating-member support 5 such that they divide the 180-degree range into four equal angles from the center of the pivotingmember 230. - A pair of shaft holes 31 a that penetrate the side walls of the
housing member 31 are formed in thehousing member 31 at positions in a direction that cross the center axis of the housing member 31 (orthogonal direction in the figure). Therotation shaft 32 is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a, and the pivotingmember 230 is supported by therotation shaft 32 such that the inner surface that is orthogonal to therotation shaft 32 freely rotates around therotation shaft 32. Sliding prevention means 33 that prevent the pivotingmember 230 from freely sliding over therotation shaft 32 are fastened to therotation shaft 32 on the sides of both end surfaces of the pivotingmember 230. - A pair of pivot holes 31 b are formed in the side walls of the
housing member 31 so that they extend along a plane that is orthogonal to the axis line of therotation shaft 32 that is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a. The pivot holes 31 b face each other and extend from the outside end section of thehousing member 31 to the side of the bias-force-transmission member 30 further than the position where the shaft holes 31 a are formed. - The rotating-
member support 5 is attached to the pivotingmember 230 at a position such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivotingmember 230. In this embodiment, the pivot holes 31 b are formed in a 180-degree range that faces in the outward direction of thehousing member 31 and that is centered around the center axis of therotation shaft 32 that is inserted in and attached to the shaft holes 31 a, so the rotating-member support 5 can freely pivot in a 180-degree range centered around therotation shaft 32. - A pivot-locking means 260 that prevents the rotating-
member support 5 that is attached to the pivotingmember 230 from freely pivoting is provided in thehousing member 31 in which the pivotingmember 230 is housed. A plastic cylindrical shaped member with a bottom, for example, is used for the pivot-locking means 260, such that this pivot-locking means 260 fits over thehousing member 31 from the outside, and is fastened to thehousing member 31 by adhesive or the like. - A
pivot hole 260 a in which the rotating-member support 5 can pivot is formed in the pivot-locking means 260 such that it has a 180-degree range that is centered around the center axis of therotation shaft 32 and that passes through a position facing each of the pivot holes 31 b, with lockingholes 260 b in which the rotating-member support 5 fits being formed in thepivot hole 260 a. The locking holes 260 b are provided at a total of five positions that divide thepivot hole 260 a into four equal angles centered around the center axis of therotation shaft 32. The width t3 of thepivot hole 260 a is less than the thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, for example (seeFIG. 7 ), such that the rotating-member support 5 penetrates through thepivot hole 260 a to the outside. - The
convex section 30 a and theconcave sections 230 a are semi spherical, so when a force is applied to the pivotingmember 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, theconvex section 30 a comes out from theconcave hole 230 a along the contour, and rides on top of the side surface of thepivot member 230. Here, the bias-force-transmission member 30 slides against the bias force in a direction in the axial direction going away from the pivoting member 230 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure). - When a force is further applied to the pivoting
member 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, the pivotingmember 230 rotates with the side surface thereof being pressed by theconvex section 30 a, and when the nextconcave section 230 a moves into the position of theconvex section 30 a, theconvex section 30 a moves into theconcave section 230 a and the bias-force-transmission member 30 slides in the direction toward the pivoting member 230 (direction opposite that of the straight arrow in the figure). - When the
convex section 30 a that fits inside aconcave section 230 a moves into another adjacentconcave section 230 a in this way, the pivotingmember 230 rotates the amount of a center angle that is formed between both of theconcave sections 230 a. - The rotating-
member support 5 receives the force in the inward direction of the width t3 of thepivot hole 260 a from the hole walls of thepivot hole 260 a at positions where the locking holes 260 b are not formed, so friction force occurs between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 260. Moreover, the locking holes 260 b are formed so that the rotating-member support 5 can fit in them and such that they are continuous with thepivot hole 260 a, with the width thereof less than thickness t2 of the rotating-member support 5, so when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move from alocking hole 260 b into thepivot hole 260 a, the rotating-member support 5 is locked by the hole wall of thelocking hole 260 b that faces a direction opposite the direction of movement. - Here, the
pivot hole 260 a is formed over a 180-degree range that is centered around the center axis of therotation shaft 32 and passes through a position facing each of the pivot holes 31 b, and the locking holes 260 b are formed at positions that divide thepivot hole 260 a into four equal angles that are centered around the center line of therotation shaft 32, so by taking one of the ends of thepivot hole 260 a to be a reference (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at thepositions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees and 180 degrees in the pivot direction. - When the rotating-
member support 5 moves from alocking hole 260 b to thepivot hole 260 a, it is necessary that the rotating-member support 5 deform the hole wall of thelocking hole 260 b. Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not pivot freely in thepivot hole 260 a unless a force large enough to deform the hole wall of thelocking hole 260 b and overcome the locked state, or a force greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and pivot-locking means 260 is applied in the direction of rotation to the rotating-member support 5. - In the
pivoting mechanism 220, construction is also possible in which the pivotingmember 230 comprises convex sections instead ofconcave sections 230 a, and correspondingly, the bias-force-transmission member 30 comprises a concave section instead of aconvex section 30 a. - Similar to the
pivoting mechanism 220, thepivoting mechanism 221 shown inFIGS. 14A to 14C andFIGS. 15A and 15B comprises a biasing means 28 andhousing member 31, however, construction is such that instead of the pivotingmember 230, a pivotingmember 231 is housed inside thehousing member 31. - A plastic spherical member, for example, is used for the pivoting
member 231. As shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B , the rotating-member support 5 is attached to the pivotingmember 231 at a position such that the axis line thereof passes through the center of the pivotingmember 231. A total of nineconcave sections 231 a are provided on the outer surface of the pivotingmember 231 at positions that divide the outer surface of the pivotingmember 231 into four equal angles around the circumferential direction of the axis line of the rotating-member support 5, and each being aligned along the axis line of the rotating-member support 5. Theconcave sections 231 a are provided over a 180-degree range that faces from the center of the pivotingmember 231 toward the opposite side from the rotating-member support 5 at positions that divide the outer surface of the pivotingmember 231 into four equal angles. Eachconcave section 231 a has a semi-spherical shape that corresponds to theconvex section 30 a of the bias-force-transmission member 30. - As shown in
FIGS. 14A to 14C , a movement-restriction member 31 d for preventing the pivotingmember 231 from coming out from thehousing member 31 is provided in inner surface of the side wall of the outside end (end on the opposite side from theconnection section 21 c) of thehousing member 31. In addition, a total of fourpivot holes 31 b are formed in the side wall of thehousing member 31 at positions that divide the side wall of thehousing member 31 into four equal angles in the circumferential direction around the center axis of thehousing member 31. Eachpivot hole 31 b extends along the axis line of thehousing member 31 from the outside end of thehousing member 31 toward the side of the biasing means 28, and faces anotherpivot hole 31 b having onepivot hole 31 b between them. - In this embodiment, a pair of pivot holes 31 b that face each other are formed over a 180-degree range that faces toward the outside of the
housing member 31 and that is centered around the center of the pivotingmember 231 that is housed in thehousing member 31 such that the rotating-member support 5 pivots freely in the 180-degree range centered around the pivotingmember 231. - A pivot-locking means 261 that is provided in the
housing member 31 comprises a plastic cylindrical member, for example, having a bottom with a circular shapedopening 261 c in the center of the bottom plate, and pivotholes 261 a that connect the positions facing the pivot holes 31 b and theopening 261 c. In addition, lockingholes 261 b are located at the end sections of eachpivot hole 261 a. - When a force is applied to the pivoting
member 231 in the direction of rotation thereof, theconvex section 30 a comes out from aconcave section 231 a and rides up on the outer surface of the pivotingmember 231, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 231 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure). When a force is further applied to the pivotingmember 231 in the direction of rotation and the pivotingmember 231 rotates, theconvex section 30 a moves into the nextconcave section 231 a, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 231 (direction opposite to the straight arrow in the figure). - When the
concave section 231 a in which theconvex section 30 a fits changes to the adjacentconcave section 231 a in this way, the pivotingmember 231 rotates the amount of a center angle that is formed between both of theconcave sections 231 a. For example, when a rotation force is applied to the pivotingmember 231 and the pivotingmember 231 pivots 90 degrees from the state shown inFIG. 14B in which theconvex section 30 a fits in aconvex section 231 a to a state in which theconvex section 30 a has changedconcave sections 231 a two times, the rotating-member support 5 is locked at the position shown inFIG. 14C . - The inward facing force that the rotating-
member support 5 receives from the hole walls of thepivot hole 261 a generates friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and the pivot-locking means 261. Moreover, when the rotating-member support 5 tries to move from alocking hole 261 b to thepivot hole 261 a, the rotating-member support 5 is held by the hole wall of thelocking hole 261 b in the opposite direction it is trying to move. - Here, the
convex section 30 a sequentially fits into theconcave sections 231 a, which are provided at positions over a 180-degree range that face toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivotingmember 231 and that divide the outer surface of the pivotingmember 231 into four equal angles along the center line of the rotating-member support 5, causing the pivotingmember 231 to rotate, so taking one of the locking holes 261 b to be a reference position (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at thepositions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 180 degrees in the pivot direction. - Moreover, when the rotating-
member support 5 moves from alocking hole 261 b to thepivot hole 261 a, it is necessary that the rotating-member support 5 deform the hole wall of thelocking hole 261 b. Therefore, the rotating-member support 5 does not pivot freely in thepivot hole 261 a unless a force large enough to deform the hole wall of thelocking hole 261 b and overcome the locked state, or a force greater than the friction force between the rotating-member support 5 and pivot-locking means 261 is applied to the rotating-member support 5. - The
pivoting mechanism 222 that is shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B , andFIGS. 17A and 17B is constructed such that instead of the pivotingmember 231 of thepivoting mechanism 221, a pivotingmember 232 is housed in thehousing member 31. As shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B , similar to the pivotingmember 231, the pivotingmember 232 comprises aconcave section 232 a on the outer surface on the opposite side from the rotating-member support 5 on the axis line of the rotating-member support 5, however, instead of comprising otherconcave sections 231 a, the pivotingmember 231 comprises twoconcave grooves 232 b. Theconcave grooves 232 b extend in ring shapes around the outer surface of the pivotingmember 232 at positions that together with theconcave section 232 a divide the outer surface of the pivotingmember 232 into four equal angles over a 180-degree range that faces toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivotingmember 232, and have a semi-spherical cross-sectional shape that corresponds with the that of theconvex section 30 a. - When a force is applied to the pivoting
member 232 in the direction of rotation, theconvex section 30 a comes out from theconcave section 232 a or from aconcave groove 232 b and rides up on the outer surface of the pivotingmember 232, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 232 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure). When a force is further applied to the pivotingmember 232 in the rotation direction thereof and the pivotingmember 232 rotates, theconvex section 30 a moves into the nextconcave section 232 a orconcave groove 232 b, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going toward the pivoting member 232 (direction opposite the direction of the straight arrow in the figure). - By changing the
concave section 232 a orconcave groove 232 b in which theconvex section 30 a fits in this way, the pivotingmember 232 rotates through a center angle that is formed between theconcave section 232 a and aconcave groove 232 b, or betweenconcave grooves 232 b. For example, when the pivotingmember 232 pivots 90 degrees from the state shown inFIG. 16A in which theconvex section 30 a fits in theconcave section 232 a to a state after theconvex section 30 a has changedconcave grooves 232 b two times, the rotating-member support 5 is locked at a position as shown inFIG. 16B . - The
pivoting mechanism 223 shown inFIGS. 18A and 18B is constructed such that instead of the pivotingmember 231 of thepivoting mechanism 221, a pivotingmember 233 is housed in thehousing member 31. Instead of comprising theconcave sections 231 a of the pivotingmember 231, the pivotingmember 233 comprisesconvex sections 233 a, and instead of comprising aconvex section 30 a, the bias-force-transmission member 30 comprises a semi-sphericalconcave section 300 a that corresponds with theconvex sections 233 a. Moreover, lockingholes 31 c are provided on the end of eachpivot hole 31 b that are located on the side of the biasing means 28.Convex sections 233 a of the pivotingmember 233 fit into the locking holes 31 c, and with the pivotingmember 233 held between a pair of opposing lockingholes 31 c that are positioned in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of rotation of the pivotingmember 233 via theconvex sections 233 a, theconvex sections 233 a are made to function as a rotation shaft when the pivotingmember 233 rotates. - When a force is applied to the pivoting
member 233 in the rotation direction thereof, theconvex section 233 a comes out from theconcave section 300 a and rides up on the outer surface of the bias-force-transmission member 30, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivoting member 233 (direction of the straight arrow in the figure). When a force is further applied to the pivotingmember 233 in the rotation direction thereof and the pivotingmember 233 rotates, the nextconvex section 233 a moves into aconcave section 300 a, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivoting member 233 (direction opposite the straight arrow in the figure). - By changing the
convex section 233 a that fits in theconcave section 300 a to another adjacentconvex section 233 a in this way, the pivotingmember 233 rotates a center angle that is formed between bothconvex sections 233 a. For example, when a rotation force is applied to the pivotingmember 233 causing the pivotingmember 233 to rotate 90 degrees from the state shown inFIG. 18A in which aconvex section 233 a fits inside theconcave section 300 a to the state in which theconvex section 233 a that fits in theconcave section 300 a has changed two times, the rotating-member support 5 is locked in the position shown inFIG. 18B . - Here, the
convex sections 233 a, which are provided at positions over a 180-degree range that face toward the side opposite the rotating-member support 5 from the center of the pivotingmember 233 dividing the outer surface of the pivotingmember 233 into four equal angles along the center line of the rotating-member support 5, sequentially fit into theconcave section 300 a, causing the pivotingmember 233 to rotate, so by taking one of the locking holes 261 b to be a reference position (0 degrees), the rotating-member support 5 is locked at thepositions 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 180 degrees in the pivot direction. - Similar to the
pivoting mechanism 223, thepivoting mechanism 224 shown inFIGS. 19A to 19D comprises a biasing means 28, pivotingmember 233 andhousing member 31, however, construction is such that instead of thehousing member 31, the pivotingmember 233 is housed in ahousing 34. Thehousing 34 is made of plastic, for example, that is formed into a semi-spherical shape that corresponds to the pivotingmember 233, and is fastened to thehousing member 31 by adhesive or the like. - A total of four
pivot holes 34 b that extend along the axis line of thehousing member 31 are formed in thehousing 34 at positions that divide the outer surface of thehousing 34 into four equal angles in the circumferential direction around the axis line of thehousing member 31 being centered around the axis line of thehousing member 31. Eachpivot hole 34 b extends from a position on thehousing 34 that crosses the axis line of thehousing member 31 toward the side of thehousing member 31, and is opposite from anotherpivot hole 34 b having onepivot hole 34 b in between. A total of fourfitting members 35 are provided at positions that divide the outer surface of thehousing 34 into four equal angles from the center of thehousing 34 in the circumferential direction around the axis line of thehousing member 31. In addition, afitting member 37 is provided on the inner surface on the outside end of thehousing 34 that faces the ends of each of the pivot holes 34 b. - Each
fitting member 35 extends along the axis line of thehousing member 31 to the inner surface of thehousing 34, with aconvex section 233 a fitting in adepression 35 a that is formed in the center in the extended direction thereof. The pivotingmember 233 is held between a pair of opposingfitting members 35 via theconvex sections 233 a, such that theconvex sections 233 a function as the rotation shaft when the pivotingmember 233 rotates. -
Guide grooves 300 b that extend in a crisscross direction with theconcave section 300 a as the center are formed on the outer surface of the bias-force-transmission member 30. Theguide grooves 300 b are for guiding aconvex section 233 a into theconcave section 300 a or out from theconcave section 300 a. In each of the pivotingmechanisms 220 to 224 described above, the bias-force-transmission member 30 can be constructed such that it comprises a bulge section that is formed by causing the center section of the outer surface to bulge outward in a circular shape such that the outer surface of this bulge section comprises aconvex section 30 a orconcave section 300 a. - In the pivoting
mechanisms 220 to 224 described above, the biasing means 28 comprises a bias-force-transmission member 30 and biasingmember 29, however, instead of the biasingmember 29 it is possible to apply a bias force to the bias-force-transmission member 30 using a biasing means 12. For example, as shown inFIG. 20 , in thepivoting mechanism 220, construction is possible in which the bias-force-transmission member 30 is fastened to a lockingmember 13 a by a linkingsection 36 so that the bias-force-transmission member 30 is integrated with the lockingmember 13 a and slides due to the bias force from thebias member 12, with throughholes 36 a for the linkingsection 36 being provided in the rotation-prevention member 21 a,shaft section 21 b,connection section 21 c and lockedmember 21 d. - With this construction, when a force is applied to the pivoting
member 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, theconvex section 30 a rides up on the side surface of the pivotingmember 230, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide in the direction going away from the pivotingmember 230 against the bias force that is applied from the biasing means 12 via the linkingsection 36. When a force is further applied to the pivotingmember 230 in the direction of rotation thereof, theconvex section 30 a moves into the nextconvex section 230 a, causing the bias-force-transmission member 30 to slide toward the pivotingmember 230 due to the bias force that is applied from the biasing means 12 via the linkingsection 36. - Moreover, in the pivoting
mechanisms 221 to 224 described above, the case was explained in which thehousing member 31 comprises pivot holes 31 b on the cylindrical shaped tip end thereof, however, the housing construction for the pivotingmembers 231 to 233 by thehousing member 31 is not limited to the construction described above. For example, in thepivoting mechanism 222, construction is possible in which aplastic housing 330 that is formed into a semi-spherical shape that corresponds with the pivotingmember 233 is attached to the tip end of a cylindrical shapedmember 320, as in the case of thehousing member 310 shown inFIGS. 21A and 21B , withpivot holes 310 b being provided in thishousing 330. - A total of four
pivot holes 310 b that extend in line with the axis line of thecylindrical member 320 are provided on the outer surface of thehousing 330 at positions that divide the outer surface of thehousing 330 into four equal angles around the axis line of thecylindrical member 320. Eachpivot hole 310 b extends from a position on thehousing 330 that crosses the axis line of thehousing 330 toward the side of thecylindrical member 320, and is opposite from anotherpivot hole 310 b having onepivot hole 310 b in between. Thecylindrical member 320 also functions as a means for preventing the pivotingmember 232 from coming out from thehousing member 310. -
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toy, where the right side of the drawing when facing the page is a cross-sectional view, and the right side is a front view. -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the toy shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the toy shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the locking member shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view that shows the state in which a rotation force acts on the rotating mechanism shown inFIG. 1 and the rotating mechanism is rotating. -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view that shows the state in which a rotation force acted on the rotation mechanism shown inFIG. 1 and the rotation mechanism rotated. -
FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a pivoting mechanism, andFIG. 7B is an assembly diagram of the pivoting mechanism as seen from A inFIG. 7A . -
FIGS. 8A to 8C are front views of the toy showing the state in which all of the planes of motion of the three rotating members coincide,FIG. 8D is a front view of the toy showing the state in which the planes of motion of the rotating member of the toy shown inFIG. 1 are in the progress of changing to the planes of motion of the rotating member of the toy shown inFIG. 8A , andFIG. 8E is a front view of the toy shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 9A to 9F are front views of the toy showing states in which the planes of motion of two of the rotating members coincide. -
FIGS. 10A to 10G are front views of the toy showing states in which the planes of motion of all three rotating members are different,FIG. 10H is a front view showing the state in which the planes of motion of the rotating members of the toy shown inFIG. 1 are in the progress of changing to the planes of motion of the rotating members of the toy shown inFIG. 10A , andFIG. 10I is a front view of the toy shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the front view of the toy showing the state in which a magnet is used as a biasing member. -
FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism. -
FIG. 13A is an enlarged pictorial view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism,FIG. 13B is first cross-sectional view, andFIG. 13C is a second cross-sectional view. -
FIG. 14A is an enlarged pictorial view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism,FIG. 14B is first cross-sectional view, andFIG. 14C is a second cross-sectional view. -
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the pivoting mechanism shown inFIGS. 14A to 14C . -
FIG. 16A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, andFIG. 16B is a second cross-sectional view. -
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the pivoting mechanism shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B . -
FIG. 18A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, andFIG. 18B is a second cross-sectional view. -
FIG. 19A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of other construction of a pivoting mechanism,FIG. 19B is a drawing showing the pivoting member shown inFIG. 19A ,FIG. 19C is a drawing showing a fitting member shown inFIG. 19A , andFIG. 19D is a drawing showing the bias-force-transmission members shown inFIG. 19A . -
FIG. 20 is a drawing explaining another example of a method for transmitting bias force by the bias-force-transmission member. -
FIG. 21A is a first enlarged cross-sectional view showing other construction of a pivoting mechanism, andFIG. 21B is a second cross-sectional view. -
- 1 Toy
- 2 Joint apparatus
- 3 Base member
- 4 Rotating member
- 4 a Shaft hole
- 5 Rotating-member support
- 5 a Large-diameter section
- 5 b Sliding-prevention means
- 6 Held section
- 7 Connection sections
- 8 Grip
- 9 Fastening member
- 9 a Concave section
- 10, 31 Housing member
- 10 a Long hole
- 11, 28 Biasing means
- 12, 29 Biasing member
- 13, 30 Bias-force-transmission member
- 13 a Locking member
- 13 b Flat plate
- 13 c, 30 a, 233 a Convex section
- 13 d Rotation-prevention member
- 14 Restraining means
- 14 a Insert section
- 14 b Locked section
- 14 c Through hole
- 21 Rotating mechanism
- 21 a Rotation-prevention mechanism
- 21 b Shaft section
- 21 c Connection section
- 21 d Locked member
- 21 e Flat plate
- 21 f, 230 a to 232 a, 300 a Concave section
- 21 g Flat section
- 22, 220 to 224 Pivoting mechanism
- 23, 230 to 233 Pivoting member
- 232 b Concave groove
- 24, 34, 240, 330 Housing
- 25, 250 Housing member
- 25 a, 250 a Fitting hole
- 25 b, 250 b, 250 c Pivot hole
- 26, 260 Pivot-locking means
- 26 a, 260 a, 261 a Pivot hole
- 26 b, 260 b, 261 b Locking hole
- 27 Fastening means
- 31 b Fastening means
- 31 d Movement-restriction member
- t1 Thickness of combined pivot holes
- t2 Thickness of the rotating-member support
- t3 Width of the pivot hole
- H Plane of motion of a rotating member
Claims (10)
1. A joint apparatus for a toy having a rotating member that rotates freely with respect to a base member of the toy, comprising
a pivoting mechanism that enables a rotating-member support, which supports said rotating member and becomes a rotation shaft for said rotating member, to move relative to said base member.
2. The joint apparatus for a toy of claim 1 further comprising pivot-locking means for locking said pivoting mechanism in the pivoting direction thereof.
3. The joint apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rotation mechanism that is linked to said pivoting mechanism and enables said pivot mechanism to rotate with respect to said base member.
4. The joint apparatus of claim 3 further comprising
rotation-locking means for locking said rotation mechanism in the direction of rotation thereof.
5. The joint apparatus of claim 3 wherein
said rotation-locking means comprises:
restraining means for restraining said rotation mechanism from one outside end surface; and
biasing means for applying bias to said rotation mechanism from the other outside end surface;
with friction forces being generated on both end surfaces of said rotation mechanism.
6. The joint apparatus of claim 3 wherein
said biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of said rotation mechanism.
7. The joint apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a rotation mechanism that is linked to said pivoting mechanism and enables said pivot mechanism to rotate with respect to said base member.
8. The joint apparatus of claim 4 wherein
said rotation-locking means comprises:
restraining means for restraining said rotation mechanism from one outside end surface; and
biasing means for applying bias to said rotation mechanism from the other outside end surface;
with friction forces being generated on both end surfaces of said rotation mechanism.
9. The joint apparatus of claim 4 wherein
said biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of said rotation mechanism.
10. The joint apparatus of claim 5 wherein
said biasing means comprises rotation-prevention means for preventing rotation of said rotation mechanism.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2007-204279 | 2007-08-06 | ||
JP2007204279 | 2007-08-06 | ||
PCT/JP2008/064381 WO2009020221A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2008-08-05 | Joint apparatus for a toy |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100178845A1 true US20100178845A1 (en) | 2010-07-15 |
Family
ID=40341448
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/664,243 Abandoned US20100178845A1 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2008-08-05 | Joint apparatus for a toy |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100178845A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4955068B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009020221A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN115300914A (en) * | 2022-03-11 | 2022-11-08 | 株式会社万代 | Model toy and movable structure |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2426358A (en) * | 1945-05-21 | 1947-08-26 | Columbus Auto Parts | Joint construction |
US3072426A (en) * | 1960-09-30 | 1963-01-08 | Swivelier Company Inc | Swivel unit having split ball |
US3566535A (en) * | 1968-10-03 | 1971-03-02 | Mattel Inc | Look-alive doll pivot joint |
US3757458A (en) * | 1971-09-27 | 1973-09-11 | Ideal Toy Corp | Doll leg connector |
US4101227A (en) * | 1977-01-06 | 1978-07-18 | Trw Inc. | Pivot joint |
US4491335A (en) * | 1981-04-10 | 1985-01-01 | Amos Evron | Infants' carriages |
US4492488A (en) * | 1982-10-15 | 1985-01-08 | I. W. Industries, Inc. | Lamp swivel |
US6712211B1 (en) * | 2003-03-03 | 2004-03-30 | C. C. & L Company Limited | Stationery holder |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS4921666Y1 (en) * | 1969-12-27 | 1974-06-10 | ||
JPS5348799U (en) * | 1976-09-27 | 1978-04-25 | ||
JP3798465B2 (en) * | 1996-03-25 | 2006-07-19 | 株式会社センテクリエイションズ | Doll toy |
-
2008
- 2008-08-05 US US12/664,243 patent/US20100178845A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-08-05 WO PCT/JP2008/064381 patent/WO2009020221A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-08-05 JP JP2009539556A patent/JP4955068B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2426358A (en) * | 1945-05-21 | 1947-08-26 | Columbus Auto Parts | Joint construction |
US3072426A (en) * | 1960-09-30 | 1963-01-08 | Swivelier Company Inc | Swivel unit having split ball |
US3566535A (en) * | 1968-10-03 | 1971-03-02 | Mattel Inc | Look-alive doll pivot joint |
US3757458A (en) * | 1971-09-27 | 1973-09-11 | Ideal Toy Corp | Doll leg connector |
US4101227A (en) * | 1977-01-06 | 1978-07-18 | Trw Inc. | Pivot joint |
US4491335A (en) * | 1981-04-10 | 1985-01-01 | Amos Evron | Infants' carriages |
US4492488A (en) * | 1982-10-15 | 1985-01-08 | I. W. Industries, Inc. | Lamp swivel |
US6712211B1 (en) * | 2003-03-03 | 2004-03-30 | C. C. & L Company Limited | Stationery holder |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN115300914A (en) * | 2022-03-11 | 2022-11-08 | 株式会社万代 | Model toy and movable structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2010523165A (en) | 2010-07-15 |
JP4955068B2 (en) | 2012-06-20 |
WO2009020221A1 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
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