U.S. patent application number 12/983481 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for intellectual training toy.
Invention is credited to Yoshiaki IIDA.
Application Number | 20110165819 12/983481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42575656 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110165819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IIDA; Yoshiaki |
July 7, 2011 |
INTELLECTUAL TRAINING TOY
Abstract
To provide an intellectual training toy which can suppress noise
and improve safety, and which has a significant effect on
developing children's intellect, maintaining or recovering the
mental and physical functions of the elderly, and other purposes.
An intellectual training toy whose material is a soft elastic
material comprises a triangular annular member (1), wherein a user
can turn an inside surface and an outside surface of the annular
member (1) inside out, and the shape of the annular member (1)
changes when the user turns the inside surface and the outside
surface of the annular member (1) inside out. Since the
intellectual training toy is made of a soft and pliable material,
noise can be suppressed and safety can be improved. With this
intellectual training toy, since the shape of the annular member
(1) changes when the user turns the inside surface and the outside
surface of the annular member (1) inside out, there is a
significant effect on developing children's intellect, maintaining
or recovering the mental and physical functions of the elderly, and
the like.
Inventors: |
IIDA; Yoshiaki; (Osaka,
JP) |
Family ID: |
42575656 |
Appl. No.: |
12/983481 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/003 20130101;
A63H 3/12 20130101; A63H 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/85 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 5, 2010 |
JP |
2010-000744 |
Claims
1. An intellectual training toy made of a soft and pliable
material, comprising: a polygonal annular member; wherein a user
can turn an inside surface and an outside surface of the annular
member inside out, and the shape of the annular member changes when
the user turns the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member inside out.
2. An intellectual training toy made of a soft and pliable
material, comprising: an elliptical or circular annular member,
wherein the thickness of the annular member, which is a distance
between an inside surface and an outside surface of the annular
member, is not uniform; and a user can turn an inside surface and
an outside surface of the annular member inside out, and the shape
of the annular member changes when the user turns the inside
surface and the outside surface of the annular member inside
out.
3. The intellectual training toy according to claim 1, wherein
there are curved parts present in the outer shape of the annular
member when the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member are in a state of having been turned inside out.
4. The intellectual training toy according to claim 3, comprising
an extending member provided so as to extend to the inside of the
annular member from the inside surface of the annular member.
5. The intellectual training toy according claim 1, comprising an
extending member provided so as to extend to the inside of the
annular member from the inside surface of the annular member.
6. The intellectual training toy according to claim 2, wherein
there are curved parts present in the outer shape of the annular
member when the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member are in a state of having been turned inside out.
7. The intellectual training toy according claim 6, comprising an
extending member provided so as to extend to the inside of the
annular member from the inside surface of the annular member.
8. The intellectual training toy according claim 2, comprising an
extending member provided so as to extend to the inside of the
annular member from the inside surface of the annular member.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) on Patent Application No. 2010-000744 filed in
Japan on Jan. 5, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an intellectual training
toy, and particularly relates to an intellectual training toy
whereby building blocks can be played with by using multiple
pieces.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Playing with building blocks, whether the blocks are
stacked, connected, or aligned, is beneficial in developing a
child's concentration, patience, and balance. Playing with building
blocks is also extremely useful in maintaining or recovering the
mental and physical functions of the elderly.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents
[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Application
No. 2004-24788 (Abstract) [0007] [Patent Document 2] Japanese
Laid-open Patent Application No. 2004-73788 (Abstract)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems the Invention is Intended to Solve
[0008] However, problems with building blocks include noise,
safety, and the like. Common commercially available building blocks
are made of wood or hard plastic. When building blocks made of wood
or hard plastic are being played with and a stack of the blocks
collapses, it makes a loud noise. A loud noise is also made when a
child throws building blocks made of wood or hard plastic at the
wall or floor or drops the blocks on the floor. When such loud
noises are made in a high-rise housing complex, it can irritate
residents on the floor below.
[0009] Furthermore, there is a risk that when a child throws
building blocks made of wood or hard plastic at another person, the
person at whom the blocks are thrown could be injured.
[0010] The building block proposed in Patent Document 1 is a soft
building block (a polymer mold containing air bubbles) and is
therefore capable of resolving the problems described above, but
since the building block has a simple shape which does not change,
it has been insufficient in developing children's intellect,
maintaining or recovering the mental and physical functions of the
elderly, and other effects. Since the shape-changing ball proposed
in Patent Document 2 is made of a soft material, noise and injuries
can be prevented. However, inverting the outer surface and inner
surface of the hollow spherical shape-changing ball proposed in
Patent Document 2 in order to change the shape has not been easy
for weaker children and the elderly. Therefore, the shape-changing
ball proposed in Patent Document 2 is not suitable for developing
children's intellect, maintaining or recovering the mental and
physical functions of the elderly, or other such purposes.
Furthermore, since the shape-changing ball proposed in Patent
Document 2 is a hollow sphere, it cannot be used as a building
block.
[0011] In view of the circumstances described above, an object of
the present invention is to provide an intellectual training toy
which can suppress noise and improve safety, while having a
profound effect on developing children's intellect, maintaining or
recovering the mental and physical functions of the elderly, and
the like.
Means for Solving these Problems
[0012] To achieve the object described above, an intellectual
training toy according to the present invention is an intellectual
training toy made of a soft and pliable material, the intellectual
training toy comprising a polygonal annular member, wherein a user
can turn an inside surface and an outside surface of the annular
member inside out, and the shape of the annular member changes when
the user turns the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member inside out (first aspect).
[0013] It should be understood that the polygonal annular member
provided in the intellectual training toy according to the first
aspect may be an annular member having a concave (reentrant)
polygonal shape. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses an
intellectual training toy as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A
shows the annular member in a state in which its inside surface and
outside surface are not turned inside out, and FIG. 5B shows the
annular member in a state in which its inside surface and outside
surface are turned inside out. Moreover, according to the present
invention, when the annular member is in a state in which its
inside surface and outside surface are not turned inside out, any
part of it corresponding to a side of a polygonal shape may be
curved. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses an
intellectual training toy as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A
shows the annular member in a state in which its inside surface and
outside surface are not turned inside out, and FIG. 6B shows the
annular member in a state in which its inside surface and outside
surface are turned inside out. Within the scope of the present
invention are not only intellectual training toys that change their
shape two-dimensionally but also intellectual training toys that
change their shape three-dimensionally. Accordingly, the present
invention encompasses an intellectual training toy as shown in
FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7A shows the annular member in a state in
which its inside surface and outside surface are not turned inside
out, and FIG. 7B shows the annular member in a state in which its
inside surface and outside surface are turned inside out.
[0014] To achieve the object described above, the intellectual
training toy according to the present invention is also an
intellectual training toy made of a soft and pliable material, the
intellectual training toy comprising an elliptical or circular
annular member, wherein the thickness of the annular member, which
is a distance between an inside surface and an outside surface of
the annular member, is not uniform; a user can turn an inside
surface and an outside surface of the annular member inside out,
and the shape of the annular member changes when the user turns the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member inside
out (second aspect).
[0015] In the intellectual training toy of the first or second
aspect, there are curved parts present in the outer shape of the
annular member when the inside surface and the outside surface of
the annular member are in a state of having been turned inside out
(third aspect).
[0016] In the intellectual training toy of any of the first through
third aspects, the intellectual training toy may comprise an
extending member provided so as to extend to the inside of the
annular member from the inside surface of the annular member. The
shape of the intellectual training toy according to the present
invention when the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member have been turned inside out can thereby be
diversified. For example, the shape of the intellectual training
toy according to the present invention when the inside surface and
the outside surface of the annular member have been turned inside
out can be made into a shape resembling an animal or a plant.
Effect of the Invention
[0017] With the intellectual training toy according to the present
invention, since the material is soft and elastic, noise can be
suppressed and safety can be improved. Furthermore, with the
intellectual training toy according to the present invention, since
the shape of the annular member changes when the user turns the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member inside
out, a profound effect occurs in terms of improving children's
intellect, maintaining or recovering the mental and physical
functions of the elderly, and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inside surface and outside surface of the annular
member have been turned inside out;
[0020] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inside surface and outside surface of the annular
member have been turned inside out;
[0022] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to the third embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inside surface and outside surface of the annular
member have been turned inside out;
[0024] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inside surface and outside surface of the annular
member have been turned inside out;
[0026] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inside surface and outside surface of the annular
member have been turned inside out;
[0028] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inside surface and outside surface of the annular
member have been turned inside out;
[0030] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0031] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the intellectual training
toy according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the inside surface and outside surface of the annular
member have been turned inside out.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The embodiments of the present invention are described
hereinbelow with reference to the drawings.
[0033] First, the intellectual training toy according to the first
embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to
FIGS. 1A and 1B. The intellectual training toy according to the
first embodiment of the present invention comprises a triangular
annular member 1, and an extending member 2 provided so as to
extend from the inside surface of the annular member 1 into the
interior of the annular member 1, as shown in FIG. 1A. The annular
member 1 and the extending member 2 are preferably formed
integrally, but the annular member 1 and the extending member 2 may
also be formed separately and then the annular member 1 and the
extending member 2 may be joined together using an adhesive.
[0034] In the state shown in FIG. 1A, the intellectual training toy
according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be
used as a triangular column building block provided with an
opening.
[0035] With the intellectual training toy according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, the material is rubber (e.g.
silicon rubber), a soft plastic, or another soft elastic material,
and the user can turn the inside surface and outside surface of the
annular member 1 inside out.
[0036] FIG. 1B shows the intellectual training toy according to the
first embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 1 have
been turned inside out. Since the portions of the annular member 1
equivalent to the edges of the triangle shape can undergo profound
deformation, these portions prominently deform when the inside
surface and the outside surface of the annular member 1 are turned
inside out. By contrast, since the portions of the annular member 1
equivalent to the corners of the triangle shape can deform by only
a small amount, these portions do not deform very much even when
the inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 1
are turned inside out. As a result, when the inside surface and the
outside surface of the annular member 1 have been turned inside
out, the annular member 1 takes on a shape similar to a three-leaf
clover petal as shown in FIG. 1B. When the inside surface and the
outside surface of the annular member 1 have been turned inside
out, the extending member 2 extends to the outside of the annular
member 1. When the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member 1 have been turned inside out, the intellectual
training toy according to the first embodiment of the present
invention thereby assumes a shape resembling a three-leaf clover.
Therefore, the intellectual training toy according to the first
embodiment of the present invention can be used as a
specially-shaped building block resembling a three-leaf clover in
the state shown in FIG. 1B.
[0037] Next, the intellectual training toy according to the second
embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to
FIGS. 2A and 2B. The intellectual training toy according to the
second embodiment of the present invention comprises a
square-shaped annular member 3, and a first extending member 4, a
second extending member 5, a third extending member 6, and a fourth
extending member 7, all provided so as to extend to the inside of
the annular member 3 from the inside surface of the annular member
3, as shown in FIG. 2A. The annular member 3 and the first through
fourth extending members 4 to 7 are preferably formed integrally,
but the annular member 3 and the first through fourth extending
members 4 to 7 may be formed separately, and then the annular
member 3 and the first through fourth extending members 4 to 7 may
be joined together using an adhesive.
[0038] In the state shown in FIG. 2A, the intellectual training toy
according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be
used as a square building block provided with an opening.
[0039] In the intellectual training toy according to the second
embodiment of the present invention, the material is rubber (e.g.
silicon rubber), a soft plastic, or another soft elastic material,
and the user can turn the inside surface and outside surface of the
annular member 3 inside out.
[0040] FIG. 2B shows the intellectual training toy according to the
second embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 3 have
been turned inside out. Since the portions of the annular member 3
equivalent to the edges of the square shape can undergo profound
deformation, these portions prominently deform when the inside
surface and the outside surface of the annular member 3 are turned
inside out. By contrast, since the portions of the annular member 3
equivalent to the corners of the square shape can deform by only a
small amount, these portions do not deform very much even when the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 3 are
turned inside out. As a result, when the inside surface and the
outside surface of the annular member 3 have been turned inside
out, the annular member 3 takes on a shape similar to butterfly
wings as shown in FIG. 2B. When the inside surface and the outside
surface of the annular member 3 have been turned inside out, the
first through fourth extending members 4 to 7 extend to the outside
of the annular member 3. When the inside surface and the outside
surface of the annular member 3 have been turned inside out, the
intellectual training toy according to the second embodiment of the
present invention thereby becomes a shape resembling a butterfly.
Therefore, the intellectual training toy according to the second
embodiment of the present invention can be used as a specially
shaped building block resembling a butterfly in the state shown in
FIG. 2B.
[0041] Next, the intellectual training toy according to the third
embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to
FIGS. 3A and 3B. The intellectual training toy according to the
third embodiment of the present invention comprises an annular
member 8 in the shape of a rectangle, and a first extending member
9, a second extending member 10, a third extending member 11, and a
fourth extending member 12, all provided so as to extend to the
inside of the annular member 8 from the inside surface of the
annular member 8, as shown in FIG. 3A. The annular member 8 and the
first through fourth extending members 9 to 12 are preferably
formed integrally, but the annular member 8 and the first through
fourth extending members 9 to 12 may be formed separately, and then
the annular member 8 and the first through fourth extending members
9 to 12 may be joined together using an adhesive.
[0042] In the state shown in FIG. 3A, the intellectual training toy
according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be
used as a rectangular building block provided with an opening.
[0043] In the intellectual training toy according to the third
embodiment of the present invention, the material is rubber (e.g.
silicon rubber), a soft plastic, or another soft elastic material,
and the user can turn the inside surface and outside surface of the
annular member 8 inside out.
[0044] FIG. 3B shows the intellectual training toy according to the
third embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 8 have
been turned inside out. Since the portions of the annular member 8
equivalent to the edges of the rectangle shape can undergo
prominent deformation, these portions profoundly deform when the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 8 are
turned inside out. By contrast, since the portions of the annular
member 8 equivalent to the corners of the rectangle shape can
deform by only a small amount, these portions do not deform very
much even when the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member 8 are turned inside out. As a result, when the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 8 have
been turned inside out, the annular member 8 assumes a shape
similar to a cross with rounded edges as shown in FIG. 3B. When the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 8 have
been turned inside out, the first through fourth extending members
9 to 12 extend to the outside of the annular member 8. The
intellectual training toy according to the third embodiment of the
present invention when the inside surface and the outside surface
of the annular member 8 have been turned inside out thereby assumes
a shape resembling a rhinoceros. Therefore, the intellectual
training toy according to the third embodiment of the present
invention can be used as a specially-shaped building block
resembling a rhinoceros in the state shown in FIG. 3B.
[0045] Next, the intellectual training toy according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to
FIGS. 4A and 4B. The intellectual training toy according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises an annular
member 13 in the shape of an ellipse, and a first extending member
14, a second extending member 15, a third extending member 16, a
fourth extending member 17, a fifth extending member 18, and a
sixth extending member 19, all provided so as to extend to the
inside of the annular member 13 from the inside surface of the
annular member 13, as shown in FIG. 4A. The annular member 13 and
the first through sixth extending members 14 to 19 are preferably
formed integrally, but the annular member 13 and the first through
sixth extending members 14 to 19 may be formed separately, and then
the annular member 13 and the first through sixth extending members
14 to 19 may be joined together using an adhesive.
[0046] In the state shown in FIG. 4A, the intellectual training toy
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be
used as an elliptical columnar building block provided with an
opening.
[0047] In the intellectual training toy according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention, the material is rubber (e.g.
silicon rubber), a soft plastic, or another soft elastic material,
and the user can turn the inside surface and outside surface of the
annular member 13 inside out.
[0048] FIG. 4B shows the intellectual training toy according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 13
have been turned inside out. Since the thickness of the annular
member 13 (the distance between the inside surface and the outside
surface) is not uniform and the thinner portions of the annular
member 13 can undergo prominent deformation, these portions
profoundly deform when the inside surface and the outside surface
of the annular member 13 are turned inside out. By contrast, since
the thicker portions of the annular member 13 can deform by only a
small amount, these portions do not deform very much even when the
inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 13 are
turned inside out. As a result, when the inside surface and the
outside surface of the annular member 13 have been turned inside
out, the outer shape of the annular member 13 takes on a shape
similar to an octagon composed of sides that curve inward, as shown
in FIG. 4B. When the inside surface and the outside surface of the
annular member 13 have been turned inside out, the first through
sixth extending members 14 to 19 extend to the outside of the
annular member 13. The shape of the intellectual training toy
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when
the inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member 13
have been turned inside out thereby becomes a shape resembling a
turtle. Therefore, the intellectual training toy according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention can be used as a
specially shaped building block resembling a turtle in the state
shown in FIG. 4B.
[0049] In the intellectual training toy according to the first
through fourth embodiments of the present invention, since the
material is made of rubber (e.g. silicon rubber), a soft plastic,
or another soft elastic material and is pliable, when the toy is
used as a building block, the noise that occurs when stacked
building blocks collapse can be reduced. When the intellectual
training toy according to the first through fourth embodiments of
the present invention is thrown at the wall or floor by a child or
is dropped on the floor, the resulting noise can also be reduced.
Therefore, when the intellectual training toy according to the
first through fourth embodiments of the present invention is used
in a high-rise housing complex, the risk of bothering residents on
the floor below can be reduced significantly.
[0050] Furthermore, in the intellectual training toy according to
the first through fourth embodiments of the present invention,
since the material is made of rubber (e.g. silicon rubber), a soft
plastic, or another soft elastic material and is pliable, when a
child throws the intellectual training toy according to the first
through fourth embodiments at another person, it is possible to
significantly reduce the risk of causing injury to the person at
whom the intellectual training toy according to the first through
fourth embodiments of the present invention is thrown.
[0051] The intellectual training toy according to the first through
fourth embodiments of the present invention changes greatly in
shape as a result of the user turning the inside surface and the
outside surface of the annular member inside out, and since the
change cannot be envisioned before the toy is turned inside out,
the user has greater interest and attention in the intellectual
training toy according to the first through fourth embodiments of
the present invention. Therefore, the intellectual training toy
according to the first through fourth embodiments of the present
invention has a significant effect on developing children's
intellect, maintaining or recovering the mental and physical
functions of the elderly, and other purposes.
[0052] One example of a mode of playing with the intellectual
training toy according to the present invention involves playing
with building blocks using a plurality of the intellectual training
toys according to the present invention. For example, in one
possible mode of play when two people are involved, they could
stack building blocks in an alternating manner, they could play
"rock-paper-scissors" each time before stacking a block, the winner
of rock-paper-scissors could decide whether or not the inside
surface and outside surface of the annular member would be turned
inside out, regardless of whether it is their or their
counterpart's turn to stack a block, and the person to upset the
stacked blocks would be the final loser.
[0053] The intellectual training toy according to the present
invention changes greatly in shape as a result of the user turning
the inside surface and the outside surface of the annular member
inside out, and since the change cannot be envisioned before the
toy is turned inside out, it is possible to play with only a single
toy. For example, the toy could get stepped on. In the intellectual
training toy according to the present invention, since the material
is rubber (e.g. silicon rubber), a soft plastic, or another soft
elastic material, it is easy to pick up the toy after the toy has
been stepped on, unlike wooden building blocks.
[0054] In the intellectual training toy according to the present
invention, since the material is rubber (e.g. silicon rubber), a
soft plastic, or another soft elastic material, the toy is also
suitable for use in a bath, pool, or other place filled with water,
unlike wooden building blocks.
[0055] The intellectual training toy according to the first through
fourth embodiments of the present invention is configured to
comprise extending parts, but the intellectual training toy
according to the present invention is not limited to this
configuration, and may be configured without any extending parts.
The intellectual training toy according to the first embodiment of
the present invention comprises a triangle-shaped annular member,
the intellectual training toy according to the second embodiment of
the present invention comprises a square-shaped annular member, and
the intellectual training toy according to the third embodiment of
the present invention comprises a rectangle-shaped annular member;
however, the intellectual training toy according to the present
invention is not limited to these configurations, and may comprise
a polygonal annular member having a shape other than a triangle,
square, or rectangle. The intellectual training toy according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises an
ellipse-shaped annular member, but the intellectual training toy
according to the present invention is not limited to this
configuration, and may comprise an annular member having an
elliptical shape with equal major and minor axes; i.e., the shape
of a circle.
LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0056] 1 Annular member [0057] 2 Extending member [0058] 3 Annular
member [0059] 4 First extending member [0060] 5 Second extending
member [0061] 6 Third extending member [0062] 7 Fourth extending
member [0063] 8 Annular member [0064] 9 First extending member
[0065] 10 Second extending member [0066] 11 Third extending member
[0067] 12 Fourth extending member [0068] 13 Annular member [0069]
14 First extending member [0070] 15 Second extending member [0071]
16 Third extending member [0072] 17 Fourth extending member [0073]
18 Fifth extending member [0074] 19 Sixth extending member
* * * * *