WO1988005679A1

WO1988005679A1 - Two and three-dimensional rotating toys

Info

Publication number: WO1988005679A1
Application number: PCT/EP1988/000089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Lieke
Original assignee: Michael Lieke
Priority date: 1987-02-07
Filing date: 1988-02-07
Publication date: 1988-08-11
Also published as: AU1228688A; EP0329713A1

Abstract

Two- and three-dimensional rotating toys with rotating bodies rotating about an axis of rotation. In the two-dimensional version, the axes of rotation are parallel. In the three-dimensional version, they pass preferably through the centre of the whole body. The three-dimensional bodies may, depending on the embodiment, rotate in planes, layers or shells. Templates are used for the rotation of the rotating bodies. Protruding parts in the form of spigots may be retracted into corresponding recesses in the rotating bodies, preferably in a stationary embodiment and against the pressure of a spring. The templates may be inserted from "above" or "below" or from both sides; provision is made for simultaneous rotation by means of "double templates" or for separate rotation of the rotating bodies in various planes. Towards the outside, the rotating bodies are held by a transparent layer (sheath, shell) which in one embodiment possesses recesses in the region of the axes of rotation to permit rotation of the rotating body with the respective template. Rotation of the rotating body from "below" is provided as an alternative. The two-dimensional embodiment is flat. The axes of rotation are located preferably at the angles of regular polygons; alternatives are provided for. The three-dimensional embodiment is preferably spherical. The number of axes of rotation in the two-dimensional embodiment is unlimited. In the three-dimensional embodiment, the axes of rotation are located preferably with respect to one another like the axes passing through the angles of regular polyhedra, provision being made for variants.

Description

- 1-

description

2-D and 3-D rotating toys

(Note: 2-D- and 3-D-: D- stands for -dimeπsional) The application relates to 2- and 3-D rotary toys. Rotary bodies are arranged rotatably about axes of rotation, these axes of rotation are parallel in the 2-D version. to each other, in the 3-D version, these axes of rotation are preferably so that they intersect in the center of the whole body.

In the 2-D version, the axes of rotation are preferably mutually like the corner points of polygons (minimum: 2 axes of rotation), preferably regular polygons, e.g. equilateral triangles, squares and the like.

Circles (more precisely: rotating bodies) rotating around these center points (= axis of rotation) form the limitation of the rotating bodies; the 3-D arrangement applies analogously, only the third dimension being introduced as an additional range of motion. In the 3-D version, rotating bodies rotating around the respective rotary axes form the limitation of the rotating bodies.

The radii within a system are preferably the same or the same in groups, other versions are comparable. Two different radii around an axis of rotation form circular rings or corresponding spherical shell parts.

In the 3D version, an arrangement of axes of rotation is preferred, in which these axes run like the axes running through the corner points of an icosahedron (= 6 axes of rotation).

The 2-D and 3-D rotating toys are characterized by the following structure:

The rotating bodies lie under transparent layers (covers, shells); in one version, these transparent parts have cutouts. ^" Through these (round) recesses, the rotating bodies can be rotated about the respective axes of rotation using templates. In another (2-D) version, the rotating bodies are rotated from below (from the other side).

The templates are characterized in that they have peg-shaped projections; These projections can be moved reversibly into the rotating bodies for the purpose of non-positive rotation of the rotating bodies, for example by pushing or pulling, depending on the template version. The templates are either stationary (stationary) or not stationary (eg mobile). They are preferred as a fixed version. The active movement into the respective recesses of the rotating bodies is preferably carried out against spring pressure. The respective template diameter is adapted to the corresponding rotating bodies, the template diameters are preferably such that they cover as little rotating body portions as possible. By using more than one template per axis of rotation, inner circles and circular rings can be rotated separately from one another. In a variant, a type of "saucer" is provided (FIG. 17, part dUT); Some of the rotating bodies are partially supported on this so that no or less friction losses occur during rotations of the rotating bodies in this area. This results in an improved running of the rotating bodies during rotations about the respective axis of rotation. A targeted rotation is further supported by the use of guideways. These are located in the area of the turning tracks. The term "turning tracks" refers to those tracks which describe the respective rotating bodies when they rotate about the respective axes of rotation. The guideways consist of groove-shaped tracks in which cylindrical projections run, each of which is attached to the center of the respective rotating body. These cylindrical projections are attached to the top of the rotating body in one rotating body group and to the underside in the other rotating body group. The guideways are shaped accordingly. The advantage lies in the fact that these groove-shaped guideways are separated from one another in groups and, as a result, there are fewer intersections and intersections, so that the rotating bodies run more easily.

At the respective intersection and intersection points, the respective rotating bodies can be transferred from one guide track to another.

Description based on the drawings

Figures 1 to 22 relate to the 2-D version, FIGS. 23 to 31 to the 3-D version.

Fig. 1 shows a variant of the 2-D versioneπ in plan view. Recesses are shown at the edge for fastening the upper part in the lower part. Round cutouts are drawn centrally, these cutouts are provided for the use of the templates.

FIG. 2 shows the version of FIG. 1 in the rotating body plane.

DK = axis of rotation; DK 1 and DK 2 = rotating body. The rotary body DK3 is stationary, but can be freely rotated about the associated axis of rotation. The fixed (stationary) templates are attached in the DK3 area and can be rotated about the respective axis of rotation (DA). The mobile templates can also be used in this area.

Fig. 3 corresponds in principle to Fig. 2. AB is the section plane, which is shown in Fig. 20 as a section. Fig. 4 shows turning tracks. FBI and FB2 are those tracks that describe the centers of the DK1 and DK2 shown in FIG. 2. These paths intersect or touch. At these locations the DK1 and resp. DK2 can be transferred from one turning path to another turning path.

The turning tracks are formed as guide tracks; they have a groove-shaped cross section (example: Fig. 21, part FBo = upper guide track). Cylinder-like projections are then guided in the groove-shaped guideways (cf. FIGS. 15 and 16; analogously in the 3D version: FIG. 31), which are attached in the center points of the respective rotating body surfaces.

The turning tracks have several intersection and contact points. If all technically possible guideways are realized in only one level (or layer or shell), it can possibly come to a "hook" or mean a functional restriction. The guideways are therefore preferably separated from one another as far as possible and assigned to different levels (layers, shells). This is achieved by assigning groups that can be differentiated in groups to different levels (insofar as it can be carried out due to the number of different rotating body groups). The rotating bodies DK 1 (FIG. 2) represent a rotating body group, the rotating bodies DK 2 represent another rotating body group.

In the practical embodiment, the transparent outer layer (plate) is therefore provided with a guide track on the underside, and a further guide track is also assigned to the core body. In principle, however, the use of templates makes it possible to dispense with guideways in the manner described above. 5 is a further development of FIGS. 1 to 4. Additional rotary bodies are shown here. These are formed by an additional inner circle. In this case there are 4 different rotating bodies (DK4, DK5, DK6, DK7), as well as the known inner rotating body (RK = residual body). The radii are variable in this variant.

6 shows a variant with variation of the radii.

7 shows another arrangement of the center points of the intersecting circles.

DA = axis of rotation; DK12, DK13 and DK14 = rotating body; RKQ = residual body (square); R = edge with underlying core.

8 shows one of the rotary tracks, in this case that rotary track of the rotary body DK. At the points of contact of these tracks, the rotating bodies in question can be transferred from one track to another track.

Fig. 9 shows a mobile template.

HG = handle; Z = pin-like projections that can be introduced into the analog recesses of the respective rotating body. Fig. 10 shows a mobile template (see. Fig. 9) in cross section.

MZ = center pin (for centering); Z = cone-like projection; HG = handle

FIG. 11 shows a mobile template in the rotary toy (see FIG. 10). When the handle is pressed down (HGd = handle for pressing, hence the shape shown), the pin-like projection (Z) is pressed into the recess (A) of the rotating body.

UT = lower part; RK = residual body (corresponds to part DK3 of FIG. 2, and part RK of FIG. 5, and part RKQ of FIG. 7; other figures are comparable) 25 = peg-like projection, which can be lowered into the analogous recess (26); 23 = transparent part, attached to part RK

20 transparent outer plate with the groove-shaped guideway (22)

21 = place of attachment (e.g. screwing) of the transparent plate to the lower part (UZ).

DK = rotating body with the cylindrical projection (FEu = lower guide element). This part (FEu) runs during rotations around the axis of rotation (24) in the lower guideway (FBu). Stationary (stationary) templates have the advantage that they are always at the location of the rotating body. FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 21, 26, 27 show stationary templates, of which FIGS. 26 and 27 relate to the 3-D version. In principle, the stencils shown for the 2-D version in modified form (= adaptation to the curvature corresponding to the 3rd dimension) are also comparable for the 3-D version.

Fig. 12 DA = axis of rotation, HG = handle; S = template, SR = snap ring; F = spring; VZo = upper toothing; VZu = lower toothing, Z = pin-like projections; A = analog recess in the rotating body; AP = outer (transparent) plate; FBo = upper guideway (groove-shaped); FBu = lower guideway; DK = rotating body; BP = base plate; UT = lower part.

The pin-like protrusions of the stencils penetrate into the corresponding recesses in the rotating body during the insertion. As a result, the associated rotating bodies can be rotated non-positively around the relevant axis of rotation. The pushing in happens against spring force.

Fig. 13 SR = snap ring; HG = handle; F = spring; S = template; FEo = upper guideway; UT = lower part; DA = axis of rotation; SU = fastening; Z = cone-like projection; A = recess in the rotating body; DK = rotating body; AP = outer plate. 14 shows a double stencil which functions as a drawable stencil. When pulling, the peg-like projections penetrate into the respective recesses of the rotating bodies in question. With this template, the rotating bodies can be rotated separately from one another in the inner circle and in the circular ring (cf. arrangement according to FIGS. 5 and 6; corresponding other arrangements analogously). HG1, HG2 = handles; DA = axis of rotation; SRI and SR2 = snap rings; Sl and S2 = templates; ^~ DK = rotating body; Fl and F2 = springs; AP = outer transparent plate; A = recess in the rotating body for the use of the pin-like projection (= Z); FBo = upper guideway; FBu = lower guideway.

15 a, b, c show in perspective, as well as in side and top view, the rotating body 2 shown in FIG. 2; Variations, including that of the rotating body, are provided with mutual differentiation and recesses in this overlapping area for accommodating the peg-like projections of the templates (cf. 22: here the basic illustration). An upper guide element (FEo) is attached in the center of this rotating body (FIG. 15). A = recess for receiving the peg-like projections of the templates in question. 16 a, b, c show - comparable to FIG. 15 - the DK2 shown in FIG. 2 in different views. FEu = lower guide element; A = recess for receiving the peg-like projections of the templates.

17 shows a template with a “sub-plate” (dUT). This saucer is round on the outer edge. When the template is rotated about the axis of rotation, this saucer is also rotated in a force-locking manner. The rotating bodies are partially supported on this saucer. In the case of rotations about the relevant axis of rotation, the loss of friction in the surface area of the respective rotating bodies is less, resulting in an improved rotation. In addition, step elements (SE) are integrated, which enable a targeted, step-by-step rotation by certain rotation angles (e.g. every 60 or e.g. every 90 degrees). Projections snap into analog recesses at the intended angles.

DA = axis of rotation HG = handle; S = template; dOT = transparent, rotatable upper part; Z = peg-like projection of the template; A = recess in the rotating body; dUT = rotatable lower part, with SE = step element; DK = rotating body; UT = lower part; Fl and F2 = springs; dP = transparent plate; FBo and FBu = guideways. 18 shows a pullable template with an integrated step element (SE). dP-RK is the area in the vicinity of the axis of rotation, which is shown in FIG. 2 in the area of part DK3. In Fig. 18, this area dP-RK is directly integrated with the outer transparent plate (dP). UT = lower part; F = spring; S = template; DA = axis of rotation; HG = handle for pulling; DK = rotating body; further names: cf. Fig. 17 description.

19 shows a double template for two different rotating body levels. When rotating, two levels are rotated at the same time. One template is pressed into the recesses of the rotating body in question, while the other template is drawn in (and vice versa). Parts 7 and 19 are the transparent outer panels.

Fig. 20 shows a variant of the section A B of the

Fig. 3. In this Fig. An inner part is additionally shown, it contains the step element (SE). When the template is rotated, this inner part is also rotated in a force-locking manner (force-locking takes place, for example, via an internal hexagon). F = spring; SR = snap ring; dP = transparent plate; K = core body; DA = axis of rotation; S = template. Fig. 21 shows a template (S) held by the transparent plate (dP) from above. Step elements (SE) are integrated at the edge of this template, which also act when pressed in. For this purpose, elongated recesses (for example an elongated groove) are provided in the transparent plate in the rotation area of the template edge, into which the small projections of the template can temporarily snap in at certain angles (for example every 60 degrees or the like).

DA = axis of rotation; Z = cone-shaped projection of the template; A = recess in the rotating body to accommodate Z; V = possible location for fastening (e.g. screwing) the upper part to the lower part; K = core body; F = spring; DK = rotating body. Another step element (SE) is provided in the resting place of the cylindrical projections of the respective rotating bodies; these step elements then also occur at certain angles.

Figure 22 shows two templates. A rotary body arrangement, for example according to FIG. 5, can be rotated with this template arrangement. 22 corresponds, for example, to DK7 of FIG. 5 and DK2 of FIG. 22 corresponds, for example, to DK4 of FIG. 5. dP = transparent plate; S = templates; G = eg thin rubber sheet; Zw = intermediate piece; other designations cf. Fig. 21 23 to 31 show the 3-D variants.

23 shows the perspective view of the rotating bodies in a version in which there are 6 axes of rotation which are regularly spaced apart (see icosahedron). An upper and lower spherical cap belong to each axis of rotation.

25 shows the turning paths (K1 and K2) of a spherical cap. Parts 1 and 2 are the rotating bodies, part 3 is the stationary residual body which can only be rotated about the respective axis of rotation.

Fig. 24 shows another Drehkörperaπordnuπg.

Fig. 26 shows the use of a template. DK = rotating body. KS = transparent spherical shell; K = core body; M = center; S = template; F = spring; other designations analogous to the previous drawings.

Fig. 27 shows a template (S) which is held by the transparent shell / envelope (dH). This figure is otherwise comparable to the 2-D version of FIG. 21. K = core body.

29, 30 and 31 show variations of individual 3-D rotating bodies.

Claims

Claims- 1S "-

1.) 2-D and 3-D rotating toys which have rotating bodies which can be rotated about axes of rotation and which can be rotated about these axes of rotation in layers or planes or shells, the axes of rotation in the 2-D version being preferred like the corner points of equilateral triangles (cf. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6), hexagons or squares (cf. FIGS. 7, 8) assigned to one another, other, preferably regular, arrangements being possible in principle, in which In the D version, the axes of rotation are parallel to one another, in the 3-D version (cf. FIGS. 23 to 31) the axes of rotation preferably run through the center of the whole body and intersect there, they are preferably regularly in relation to one another, preferably like that through corner points of regular polyhedron axes; the axis arrangement corresponding to those axes which run through the corner points of an icosahedron is preferred, other arrangements which are preferably regular or group-wise regular (FIG. 24) are comparable; the shape of the rotating bodies is formed by circles (more precisely: rotating bodies) rotating about the axes of rotation, which intersect with one another and separate these structures (= rotating bodies) from one another in the sectional planes; by alternately rotating the rotating bodies, these can be transferred in groups from one rotating path into another; Expectations

-, _; -

These rotary toys are characterized in that template-like structures (hereinafter referred to as "templates") are reversibly insertable for rotating the rotary bodies about the respective axes of rotation; these templates (FIGS. 9 to 14 and 17 to 22 and 26, 27) preferably have pin-like projections which are reversibly insertable into analog recesses of the respective rotating bodies (for the force-locking rotation of the rotating bodies), the stencils - depending on the variant (cf. illustrations) - can be pushed or pulled into the respective recesses of the rotating bodies, in one variant (FIG. 19) there is a "double template" with which rotating bodies of different levels can be rotated simultaneously from above and below, in another variant (FIG. 22) the rotating bodies of a circle and a circular ring ( 5, comparable arrangements analog) can be rotated by the pin-like projections of the templates once can be operated from two sides (Fig. 22), on the other hand, with these templates, two rotary body levels can optionally be rotated simultaneously by pushing them in deeper, or only the rotary bodies of one rotary plane can be rotated by pushing them in less deeply, the stationary templates can be reversibly pressed in against spring force, in the variant in FIG. 22 due to 2 springs of different strength, a pressure point effect (to keep the rotating body planes apart), Expectations

the rotating bodies are held "outwards" by transparent layers which have cutouts in the area of the templates,

in one variant these templates are fixed in place and in another variant mobile (Fig. 9, 10, 11) can be used, the template center axes are identical to the respective axes of rotation, the peg-like projections of the templates are especially in the fixed version - against Spring pressure can be reversibly moved into the analog recesses of the respective rotating bodies; Furthermore, step elements are provided which, depending on the overall arrangement of the rotating bodies, are arranged at certain angles (e.g. every 60 degrees or every 90 degrees) and allow predetermined turning stops by changing the torque (e.g. by increasing) at these angles;

Furthermore, these rotary toys are characterized in that the rotary bodies are held by a transparent layer (shell, shell) which has cutouts in the area of the templates, preferably roundish cutouts, through which the templates are with their cone-like projections can be countersunk in the rotating body underneath,