WO2020254681A1

WO2020254681A1 - Toy which can be used as a hoop

Info

Publication number: WO2020254681A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/067300
Authority: WO
Inventors: Issam-nabil BENZAOUCHE
Original assignee: Benzaouche Issam Nabil
Priority date: 2019-06-20
Filing date: 2020-06-22
Publication date: 2020-12-24
Also published as: FR3097449A1; FR3097449B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toy comprising a series of adjacent longitudinal elements (1a, 1b, 2), the toy being able to assume a folded state and a hoop-shaped state, each longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 2) comprising a means for holding (3) the toy in the hoop-shaped state, so as to hold the longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 2) in position and in alignment with the adjacent element (1a, 1b, 2) thereof, the toy comprising a locking means (5) enabling one of the ends of each of the two end elements (1a, 1b) to be attached together, to lock the toy in the hoop-shaped state, and each longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 2) comprising a means for guiding (4) the element from the folded state of the toy to the hoop-shaped state thereof.

Description

[Title established by the ISA under rule 37.2] TOY THAT CAN BE USED AS A HOOP

The present invention is in the field of toys. It relates more particularly to a toy which can be used as a hoop, and which can take a shortened form to facilitate its transport and storage.

The hoop game has been known for a very long time. It consists of a hoop and a stick, the stick being used to push the hoop in order to make it roll.

The downside to this game is the space taken up by the hoop, which makes it difficult to transport and store.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hoop which can be reduced to small dimensions when not in use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use toy, which can very easily be folded up or deployed in the shape of a hoop.

The object of the present invention is to respond at least in part to the aforementioned objects by providing a toy comprising longitudinal elements, which can alternately be arranged between them to form a hoop, or be folded up to take up less space. To this end, it proposes a toy comprising a series of adjacent longitudinal elements, said toy being able to take a folded state and a hoop state, each longitudinal element comprising a means for maintaining said toy in a hoop state, so as to maintain said longitudinal element in position and in alignment with respect to its adjacent element, said toy comprising a closing means making it possible to fix together one of the ends of each of the two end elements, to close the toy in the hoop state, and each longitudinal element comprising means for guiding said element from the folded state of the toy towards its hoop state.

Thanks to these arrangements, the toy according to the invention can be used as a hoop, and be folded up to facilitate its transport and storage, the passage from one to the other of these states being quick and easy, feasible for example by a child.

According to other characteristics:

the series of longitudinal elements may respectively comprise two end elements and at least one central element, the central elements and one end element being able to slide in the other end element or the preceding central element, so that in said hoop state said elements are predominantly extracted from each other so as to form a rod which, by deforming it can take the form of a hoop, and in said folded state, said elements are predominantly at the 'inside one another, which constitutes a simple means of obtaining a toy which can be reduced to small dimensions when it is in a folded state, and which is easy to use,
said means for maintaining the hoop state:

one of said end elements may have a groove,

said at least one central element may comprise a groove and a rib,

the other of said end elements may comprise a rib,

the rib cooperating with the groove of the adjacent element to stop sliding, in order to prevent a complete extraction of said element from its adjacent element, as well as an untimely introduction into its adjacent element, and each positioned at a distance of l 'one of the ends of the element, said distances being chosen so as to allow, in the hoop state, a maintenance in alignment of said element with respect to its adjacent element, which is a simple and effective embodiment of the invention, and allows to have a reliable toy in hoop mode,

the series of longitudinal elements may respectively comprise two end elements and at least one central element, said means for maintaining the at least one central element comprising a magnet arranged on one of its ends so as to cooperate with a part capable of to be attracted by a magnet, for example an iron part, on the corresponding end of the adjacent element, which constitutes a simple way to obtain a foldable toy, easy to use and playful,
said magnet may be an electromagnet, which further facilitates the deployment of the toy to the hoop state and enhances the playful aspect of the toy,
each element may include a second magnet arranged so as to cooperate with a part capable of being attracted by a magnet, for example an iron part, on the adjacent element, in order to keep the toy in the folded state, which makes it possible to facilitate the folding of the toy, and prevent an involuntary transition from the folded state to the hoop state,
said guide means may include an articulation around an axis, connecting said element to the adjacent element, which constitutes a simple and robust means of obtaining a folding toy,
the closure means may be composed of a magnet arranged on one of the ends of one of the end elements so as to cooperate with a part capable of being attracted by a magnet, for example an iron part, on the corresponding end of the other end element, which makes it possible to obtain a simple and perfectly symmetrical toy,
the closure means may include the association of a thread and an associated internal thread, on said end elements, which strengthens the closure and reduces the risks of unintentional opening,
the closure means may comprise the association of a cylindrical housing disposed on the end of one of said end elements, with a downward flange extending from said housing towards this end element, with a cylindrical head disposed on the corresponding end of the other end element, and configured to fit into said cylindrical housing, which is a simple and effective embodiment of the invention, and allows the closing and opening of a single quick gesture,
the closure means can be placed flush on a generatrix of the end element of larger diameter,
the section of elements 1a, 2, 1b may have a greater moment of inertia on one side than on the other of said section,
said section may have the shape of an isosceles triangle.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures in which:

is a sequential view, in the folded state (A), in an intermediate state (B), and in the hoop state (C), of a toy according to a first embodiment of the invention of the state folded in the hoop state;

is a detailed view in longitudinal section of a holding means for the toy of FIG. 1 according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

is a sequential view, in the folded state (A), in an intermediate state (B), and in the hoop state (C), of a toy according to a first option of a second embodiment of the invention of the folded state in the hoop state;

is a detailed view of the holding means and of the guide means of the toy of FIG. 3;

is a sequential view, in the folded state (A), in an intermediate state (B), and in the hoop state (C), of a toy according to a second option of a second embodiment of the invention of the folded state in the hoop state;

is a detailed view of a guide means for the toy of FIG. 5;

is a sequential view, in the open (A), and closed (B) state, of the means for closing a toy according to the invention using a closing means according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

The toy according to the invention comprises a series of adjacent longitudinal elements, including two

end elements

1a, 1b and a central element 2, preferably a plurality of central elements 2.

Each element 1, 2 comprises a holding means 3. The holding means 3 keeps an element 1, 2 in position and in alignment with respect to the adjacent element 1, 2, so that when all of the means 3 of the toy are activated, the toy can be held in the general shape of a hoop. The toy is then said to be in a hoop condition.

The elements 1, 2 also each comprise a guide means 4, allowing the folded toy to put itself in the hoop state by a simple gesture of the hand, and without complex manual intervention such as screwing or precise positioning.

The toy finally comprises a closure means 5, making it possible to fix between them one of the ends of one of the end elements 1a and one of the ends of the other end element 1b, to close the toy in a hoop state.

A stick, not shown, pushes the hoop, so as to make it roll. It may have a rounded end to facilitate its contact with the hoop.

According to a first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 are able to slide respectively one inside the other of a folded state of the toy, in which the greater part of each

element

2, 1b is located inside a

element

1a, 2 adjacent to a hoop state of the toy, in which the greater part of each

element

2, 1b is located in the extension of an

adjacent element

1a, 2, so as to form a telescopic assembly. When the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 are placed in the hoop state of the toy, the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 are extracted from each other so as to form an elongated rod.

The toy can then take the shape of a hoop, either because the parts are curved and rigid, or because they are flexible enough to together form a closed hoop.

Conversely, when the toy is in the folded state, its dimensions are greatly reduced, and it is easy to transport, for example in a school bag, and to store. The overall dimensions of the toy can then be hardly larger than those of the end element 1a, in which all the others are mostly inserted. The guide means 4 may consist of the hollow tube of the

adjacent element

1a, 2, in which the

element

2, 1b slides.

The holding means 3 may consist of a friction means, allowing that when two

adjacent elements

1a, 1b, 2 are in the relative position of the hoop state of the toy, friction opposes their sliding one in the 'other, requiring a deliberate effort by the user to return to the collapsed state. On the other side, a stopper is also present in order to ensure that the

element

1a, 1b, 2 does not extract entirely from its

adjacent element

1a, 1b, 2. The stopper can be arranged at a distance d sufficient of the end of the

element

1a, 1b, 2 to simultaneously allow the alignment to be maintained.

The holding means 3 may alternatively consist of a rib 6 / groove 7 system as shown in FIG. 2. The

element

2, 1b can then include a rib 6 at one of its ends, configured to cooperate with a groove 7 arranged at the other end of its

adjacent element

1a, 2. The rib 6 and the groove 7 can be arranged at a sufficient distance from the end to at the same time allow the alignment to be maintained. For example, for

elements

1a, 2, 1b of length 30 cm, they can be arranged 3 to 5 mm from the end, for example. The rib 6 / groove 7 system is configured to hold two

adjacent elements

1a, 1b, 2 in place during a phase of play with the hoop, but with a sufficiently low force so that the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 can be retracted. one in the other with manual support, as is done for an antenna of a radio station for example.

We can add a spring system, and a pressure button, configured so that in folded state, pressing the pressure button releases the spring system which brings out the elements, and forms the elongated rod, which then suffices. to close to form the hoop.

The

elements

1a, 1b, 2 may have a curved shape, the radius of the radius of the hoop of the toy in the hoop state. Thus when the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 are stretched with respect to each other, we obtain, not a straight line, but a curved line taking the shape of the hoop. The hoop shape of the toy can therefore be obtained by simply sliding the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 into one another. The closure means 5 then consists of the combination of the curvature and the rigidity of the

elements

1a, 1b, 2, making it possible to guarantee the positioning of the two ends of the

end elements

1a, 1b with respect to one another. other.

A drawback of this embodiment is that the rigidity of the

elements

1a, 1b and 2 may not be sufficient to guarantee a maintenance of the hoop shape, and in particular a precise positioning of the two

end elements

1a and 1b between them, or that to guarantee it, it would take too large a section and too much toy weight.

Alternatively, the hoop shape can be obtained or guaranteed, by another closing means 5, for example as described below, making it possible to fix the two

end elements

1a, 1b to each other, by elastically deforming the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 if necessary, so that together they take the shape of a hoop.

According to a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the holding means 3 may comprise a magnet 8a, for example a permanent magnet, on one end of an element 2, and a part 9a attracted by a magnet, for example made of iron, on the other end. Thus two elements 2 are held by magnetic force to each other by one of their ends. By adapting the shape of these ends, it is possible to obtain that the two adjacent elements 2 are also aligned. For example by having flat surfaces, perpendicular to the axis of elements 2 on each end, the magnetic attraction will allow the surfaces to be pressed against each other, and elements 2 will thus be aligned.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the guide means 4 may consist of an articulation around an axis 10 between an element 2 and its adjacent element 2.

The

end elements

1a, 1b may, depending on the solutions of the holding means 3 implemented, be identical to the central elements 2. The closing means 5 can then be identical to the holding means 3.

But it is also possible to provide

specific end elements

1a, 1b, when this has advantages, and then provide a suitable closure means 5.

If we want to increase the playful aspect of the toy, we can provide that said magnet 8a is an electromagnet, powered by one, or more, preferably rechargeable battery arranged in one of the

elements

1a, 1b, 2, and an electric wire 11, capable of conducting the current to the various electromagnets 8a.

We can then provide a remote control of the electromagnets 8a, which makes it possible, for example, to place the folded or partially unfolded toy on the ground, then to activate the remote control, and the hoop is then formed automatically, under the eyes of amused spectators! Provision can also be made for certain electromagnets 8a to activate first, then only certain others, as required.

As an alternative to the remote control, you can also have a control button on the hoop.

It is also possible to provide a second magnet 8b, or electromagnet 8b per

element

1a, 1b, 2, configured to cooperate with a different part 9b capable of being attracted by the electromagnet 8b, for example made of iron, to cause the automatic folding of the hoop, or simply keep it in the folded state.

Let us take an exemplary embodiment in which the

end elements

1a, 1b are identical to the central elements 2, so all the

elements

1a, 2, 1b are identical.

For example, 8

elements

1a, 1b, 2 can be provided with a length of 30 cm. This gives a hoop with a circumference of about 240 cm, so a diameter of about 76 cm.

Each

element

1a, 1b, 2 is provided at one of its ends with a permanent magnet 8a, for example of neodymium, and at the other of its ends with a part 9a attracted by such a permanent magnet 8a. Each permanent magnet 8a associated with the part 9a forms the holding means 3.

Furthermore, each

element

1a, 1b, 2 is connected to its

adjacent element

1a, 1b, 2 by a guide means 4, for example an articulation around an axis 10, of the hinge type. Thus each

element

1a, 1b, 2 is guided from the folded state towards the hoop state on the

adjacent element

1a, 1b, 2 in an aligned manner, by the articulation, and the magnetic force produced by the permanent magnet 8a, maintains the hoop state, but can also help produce movement from the folded state, or from a partially unfolded state, to the hoop state; the toy is then in the shape of a hoop.

To fold it up, we can start by taking two joints located opposite on a diameter, for example at the top and bottom in fig. 3, step C, and bring them together. A toy is then obtained in a semi-folded state, with four

elements

1a, 1b, 2 above the two close joints, and four below (see fig. 3, step B). It is then sufficient to fold the four

elements

1a, 1b, 2 from above onto the four elements below, to obtain a folded toy, the length of an element with imperfections near the positioning of

elements

1a, 1b, 2 one by one. relative to the others, with a width corresponding to the width of four

elements

1a, 1b, 2, and with a thickness corresponding to the thickness of two

elements

1a, 1b, 2 (see FIG. 3, step A).

For

circular elements

1a, 1b, 2 with a diameter of 1 cm, this gives a folded toy approximately 30 cm long, 4 cm wide and 2 cm thick. Such a toy is very easy to store in a school bag or backpack.

When you want to use the toy, take it out of its bag, in the folded state (fig. 3 step A), unfold it to obtain its partially unfolded state (fig. 3 step B), then grab the two joints located on the left and on the right in fig. 3 step B, and we move them apart from each other. Under the effect of the magnets, the hoop is then formed, and its hoop state is stable.

According to an alternative to the second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 it is possible to provide, instead of the joints, a wire 11 passing through all of the

elements

1a, 1b, 2, and having a length very slightly greater than the cumulative length of the

elements

1a, 1b, 2, so as to allow the folded state, but to guarantee in folded state, the proximity of the ends to be associated in hoop mode. Such proximity allows the permanent magnet 8a to act from the folded state, or at least very quickly as soon as unfolding begins, and to exert the necessary force so that the two

elements

1a, 1b, 2 getting closer.

The guide means 4 can then consist, for example, of a cone shape projecting at one end, and a cone shape entering the same dimensions at the other end. Thus, when the permanent magnets 8a are allowed to take effect, the protruding cone enters the re-entrant cone, and

elements

1a, 1b, 2 snap into place in the correct position and in alignment without any manual intervention. The cone may have an angle of between 45 and 60 ° with respect to the axis of the

elements

1a, 1b, 2. With too great an angle, typically greater than 60 °, the cone is too flat, and the maintenance in alignment becomes difficult. With too low an angle, typically smaller than 45 °, the cone becomes too sharp, and it fails to fit into the corresponding hollow cone when unfolding.

Thus, when one wishes to obtain the hoop state, it suffices to spread out the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 sufficiently so that they are no longer folded over one another, and the magnetic forces of the magnets 8a on the end held close by the wire 11 will ensure that the hoop takes its shape precisely enough to be able to use it as a play hoop.

When you want to fold the toy for storage, just fold the

elements

1a, 1b, 2 on top of each other, and you can store the toy in a binder.

According to a particular embodiment, the toy can be designed according to FIG. 5, and carry out the folding and unfolding as described above in connection with fig. 3.

According to a different way of doing things, it can be provided that the hoop is not made up of

longitudinal elements

1a, 1b, 2 adjacent, but of a continuous circular pipe, and of elastic material, so as to maintain the elasticity of the pipe. shape of the hoop enough to play. To fold it up, all you have to do is force it to fold, keep it folded up, for example using a scratch, and put it in a bag.

Whatever the embodiment of the invention, the closure means 5 makes it possible to guarantee the assembly of the two

end elements

1a and 1b together, as well as the alignment of these two end elements, along of the curve formed by the hoop. This closing means 5 can therefore make it possible to resist tensile forces (of separation of the two

end elements

1a and 1b), as well as bending forces (tending to misalign the two

end elements

1a and 1b). relative to each other.

The closure means 5 may include a threaded end on one of the

end elements

1a, 1b, and a threaded hole on the

other end element

1b, 1a, configured to cooperate with the threaded end, and form the closing means 5 by screwing one

end element

1a, 1b into the other.

The closure means 5 can alternatively comprise on one of the

end elements

1a, 1b a nail head shape, comprising a wire surmounted by a flat head, said head having a diameter a little less than that of the end element, so as not to disturb the rolling of the toy in the hoop state, and on the

other end element

1b, 1a a resilient clamp configured to grip said thread by a lateral movement. Thus the nail head guarantees resistance to tensile forces, and the clamp guarantees resistance to bending forces. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing assembly or disassembly of the two

end elements

1a, 1b faster than screwing, with a simple lateral force, like a clip.

As an alternative and as shown in FIG. 7, provision can also be made for the flat head of element 1a to be provided with a downward flange, in the direction of the wire, forming a hollow cylindrical housing 12. The end element 1b is provided with a cylindrical head 13 which can be inserted into the hollow cylindrical housing 12 of the end element 1a. The wire may, to facilitate assembly, be disposed on the flange, and not on the axis of the

element

1a, 1b. There is then no need for pliers, the elastic force necessary to form the hoop then induces an elastic force, which tends to push the cylindrical head 11 to the bottom of the cylindrical housing 12. A few millimeters in length of the cylindrical housing 12 are sufficient to also guarantee the alignment of

elements

1a and 1b.

Regarding the telescopic solution, element 1b has a smaller diameter than element 1a. If the closure means 5 provides for fixing these two elements coaxially, there will be an offset on the outer diameter of the hoop, which can cause jolts during the rolling of the hoop. To ensure the continuity of the outer diameter of the hoop, and to avoid such a sudden jerk, provision can be made for the closing means to be placed close to the generator on the element 1a of larger diameter.

To ensure that this generator is then effectively oriented towards the outside of the hoop, provision can be made to give the

elements

1a, 2, 1b a section which has a greater moment of inertia on one side than on the other. . Such a section is therefore not circular.

For example, a section can be provided in the form of an isosceles triangle. The small base will form the generator to be positioned on the outside of the hoop.

We can also plan to equip the toy with a few sensors, allowing data to be collected that can then be sent to a smartphone. For example, the duration of use in hoop mode can be sent, or the duration of the hoop's rolling between two falls, for example using a small gyroscope, which can distinguish the lying position of the hoop from its position. bearing; one can also imagine measuring the rolling speed. We can then assess the level of the player.

We can sell hoops of different sizes. A player then starts with the smaller hoop, and reaching a certain level of play opens up the possibility of acquiring a larger hoop.

Although the above description is based on particular embodiments, it is in no way limiting the scope of the invention, and modifications can be made, in particular by substitution of technical equivalents or by a different combination of any. or part of the characteristics developed above.

Claims

Toy comprising a series of adjacent longitudinal elements (1a, 1b, 2), said toy being able to assume a folded state and a hoop state, each longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 2) comprising a holding means (3) in a hoop state of said toy, so as to maintain said longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 2) in position and in alignment with its adjacent element (1a, 1b, 2), said toy comprising a closure means (5) for fixing between them one of the ends of each of the two end elements (1a, 1b), to close the toy in the hoop state, and each longitudinal element (1a, 1b, 2) comprising a guide means (4) of said element of the 'folded state of the toy towards its hoop state.
Toy according to the preceding claim in which the series of longitudinal elements (1a, 1b, 2) respectively comprise two end elements (1a, 1b, 2) and at least one central element (2), said at least one central element (2) and an end element (1a, 1b) being able to slide in the other end element (1a, 1b) or the previous central element (2), so that in said hoop state said elements (1a, 1b, 2) are mainly extracted from each other so as to form a rod, which, by deforming it can take the form of a hoop, and in said folded state, said elements (1a, 1b, 2) are mostly inside one another.
A toy according to the preceding claim, wherein said hoop state maintaining means:

of one of said end elements (1a, 1b) has a groove (7),

said at least one central element (2) comprises a groove (7) and a rib (6),

the other of said end elements (1a, 1b) has a rib (6),

the rib (6) cooperating with the groove (7) of the element (1a, 1b, 2) adjacent to stop the sliding, in order to prevent a complete extraction of said element (1a, 1b, 2) from its element ( 1a, 1b, 2) adjacent, as well as an untimely introduction into its adjacent element (1a, 1b, 2), and each positioned at a distance from one of the ends of the element (1a, 1b, 2), said distances being chosen so as to allow, in the hoop state, a maintenance in alignment of said element (1a, 1b, 2) with respect to its adjacent element (1a, 1b, 2).
A toy according to claim 1, wherein the series of longitudinal elements (1a, 1b, 2) respectively comprise two end elements (1a, 1b) and at least one central element (2), said holding means (3) at least one central element (2) comprising a magnet (8a) disposed on one of its ends so as to cooperate with a part (9a) capable of being attracted by a magnet, for example an iron part, on the corresponding end of the adjacent element (1a, 1b, 2).
A toy according to the preceding claim, wherein said magnet (8a) is an electromagnet.
Toy according to one of claims 4 to 5, in which each element (1a, 1b, 2) comprises a second magnet (8b) arranged so as to cooperate with a part (9b) capable of being attracted by a magnet, by example an iron piece, on the adjacent element, to keep the toy in folded condition.
Toy according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said guide means comprises an articulation around an axis (10), connecting said element (1a, 1b, 2) to the element (1a, 1b, 2) adjacent.
Toy according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the closure means (5) is composed of a magnet (8a) arranged on one of the ends of one of the end elements (1a, 1b) of so as to cooperate with a part (9a) capable of being attracted by a magnet, for example an iron part, on the corresponding end of the other end element (1a, 1b).
Toy according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the closure means (5) comprises the association of a thread and an associated internal thread, on said end members (1a, 1b).
Toy according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the closure means (5) comprises the association of a cylindrical housing (12) arranged on the end of one of said end elements (1a, 1b) , with a downward flange extending from said housing (12) towards this end element, to a cylindrical head (13) disposed on the corresponding end of the other end element (1a, 1b), and configured suitable to be inserted into said cylindrical housing (12).