U.S. patent application number 13/154928 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for toy device.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOMY COMPANY, LTD.. Invention is credited to Takashi KUNIHIRO.
Application Number | 20110306270 13/154928 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44118229 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110306270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUNIHIRO; Takashi |
December 15, 2011 |
TOY DEVICE
Abstract
A toy device that enables a transformable toy to be played
individually and in combination with another transformable toy. The
toy device includes a transformable toy with a form which can be
reversibly changed by turning a plurality of pivotable members, and
a base unit on which the transformable toy is mountable. The
transformable toy includes a pivoting mechanism for turning the
plurality of pivotable members and an actuator for actuating the
pivoting mechanism. The base unit includes an actuating part to
which the actuator is coupled and an operating part for externally
operating the actuating part. When the operating part is operated,
the actuator operates via the actuating part, and the pivoting
mechanism is actuated to turn the plurality of pivotable members,
thereby changing the form of the transformable toy.
Inventors: |
KUNIHIRO; Takashi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
TOKYO
JP
|
Family ID: |
44118229 |
Appl. No.: |
13/154928 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/376 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/376 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/46 20060101
A63H003/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2010 |
JP |
2010-3918 |
Jun 9, 2010 |
JP |
2010-132032 |
Claims
1. A toy device comprising: a transformable toy with a reversibly
changeable form, the transformable toy including a plurality of
pivotable members that are turned to change the form of the
transformable toy, a pivoting mechanism for turning the plurality
of pivotable members, and an actuator for actuating the pivoting
mechanism; and a base unit on which the transformable toy is
mountable, the base unit including an actuating part to which the
actuator is coupled and an operating part for externally operating
the actuating part, wherein when the operating part is operated,
the actuator operates accordingly via the actuating part, and the
pivoting mechanism is actuated.
2. The toy device according to claim 1, wherein the form of the
transformable toy is reversibly changed from a first form to a
second form, and the actuator is provided on a surface serving as a
bottom surface in both the first form and the second form of the
transformable toy.
3. The toy device according to claim 1, wherein the base unit
includes a base body and a toy mounting part on which the
transformable toy is removably mounted, the toy mounting part being
slidable relatively to the base body, and the actuating part being
formed on the toy mounting part, and when the operating part is
operated, the actuating part is actuated, and the toy mounting part
slides.
4. The toy device according to claim 2, wherein the base unit
includes a base body and a toy mounting part on which the
transformable toy is removably mounted, the toy mounting part being
slidable relatively to the base body, and the actuating part being
formed on the toy mounting part, and when the operating part is
operated, the actuating part is actuated, and the toy mounting part
slides.
5. The toy device according to claim 3, wherein the base unit
further includes an auxiliary operating part that can be externally
operated, and the actuating part is actuated when a change in
relative position between the auxiliary operating part and the
operating part occurs.
6. The toy device according to claim 4, wherein the base unit
further includes an auxiliary operating part that can be externally
operated, and the actuating part is actuated when a change in
relative position between the auxiliary operating part and the
operating part occurs.
7. The toy device according to claim 3, wherein the base unit has a
tip provided with a coupling part for coupling to another base
unit, and the toy mounting part can slide in a direction of the tip
of the base unit.
8. The toy device according to claim 5, wherein the base unit has a
tip provided with a coupling part for coupling to another base
unit, and the toy mounting part can slide in a direction of the tip
of the base unit.
9. The toy device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is
rotatably provided on the transformable toy, and the actuating part
is rotatably provided on the base unit and, when the actuating part
is rotated upon an operation of the operating part, the pivoting
mechanism is actuated via the actuator to change the form of the
transformable toy.
10. The toy device according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is
rotatably provided on the transformable toy, and the actuating part
is rotatably provided on the base unit and, when the actuating part
is rotated upon an operation of the operating part, the pivoting
mechanism is actuated via the actuator to change the form of the
transformable toy.
11. The toy device according to claim 9, wherein the transformable
toy includes a base member in which the actuator is rotatably
disposed, each of the plurality of pivotable members is rotatably
coupled to the base member or at least one of other pivotable
members of the plurality of pivotable members, and the pivoting
mechanism includes a gear device for converting a rotation of the
actuator to a turning movement of one of the plurality of pivotable
members.
12. The toy device according to claim 5, wherein the actuator is
rotatably provided on the transformable toy, the base unit includes
a rack linked to the auxiliary operating part and a pinion linked
to the operating part and engaged with the rack and, when a change
in relative position between the auxiliary operating part and the
operating part occurs, the pinion is rotated by the rack, and the
actuating part is rotatably provided on the base unit, and the
pinion is engaged with the actuating part so as to rotate the
actuating part.
13. The toy device according to claim 5, wherein the base unit
includes a lock mechanism for locking the operating part so as to
position and hold the toy mounting part in a direction of a tip of
the base unit, and the actuating part is actuated to change the
form of the transformable toy by operating the auxiliary operating
part to change a relative position of the auxiliary operating part
with respect to the locked operating part.
14. A toy device comprising: a transformable toy including at least
one member that is moved to change an appearance of the
transformable toy, a mechanism for moving the at least one member,
and an actuator for actuating the mechanism; and a base unit on
which the transformable toy is mountable, the base unit including
an actuating part to which the actuator is coupled and an operating
part for externally operating the actuating part, wherein, when the
operating part is operated, the actuator operates the actuating
part, the mechanism is actuated and the member is moved.
15. The toy device according to claim 14, wherein the appearance of
the transformable toy is reversibly changed from a first form to a
second form, and the actuator is provided on a same surface of the
first form and the second form.
16. The toy device according to claim 14, wherein the base unit
includes a toy mounting part on which the transformable toy is
removably mounted, the toy mounting part being slidable relatively
to the base unit, and the actuating part being formed on the toy
mounting part, and when the operating part is operated, the
actuating part is actuated, and the toy mounting part slides.
17. The toy device according to claim 15, wherein the base unit
includes a toy mounting part on which the transformable toy is
removably mounted, the toy mounting part being slidable relatively
to the base unit, and the actuating part being formed on the toy
mounting part, and when the operating part is operated, the
actuating part is actuated, and the toy mounting part slides.
18. The toy device according to claim 16, wherein the base unit
further includes an auxiliary operating part that can be externally
operated, and the actuating part is actuated when a change in
relative position between the auxiliary operating part and the
operating part occurs.
19. The toy device according to claim 17, wherein the base unit
further includes an auxiliary operating part that can be externally
operated, and the actuating part is actuated when a change in
relative position between the auxiliary operating part and the
operating part occurs.
20. The toy device according to claim 16, wherein the base unit
includes a coupling part for coupling to another base unit, and the
toy mounting part can slide in a direction of the coupling
part.
21. The toy device according to claim 18, wherein the base unit
includes a coupling part for coupling to another base unit, and the
toy mounting part can slide in a direction of the coupling
part.
22. The toy device according to claim 14, wherein the actuator is
rotatably provided on the transformable toy, and the actuating part
is rotatably provided on the base unit and, when the actuating part
is rotated upon an operation of the operating part, the mechanism
is actuated via the actuator to change the appearance of the
transformable toy.
23. The toy device according to claim 15, wherein the actuator is
rotatably provided on the transformable toy, and the actuating part
is rotatably provided on the base unit and, when the actuating part
is rotated upon an operation of the operating part, the pivoting
mechanism is actuated via the actuator to change the appearance of
the transformable toy.
24. The toy device according to claim 22, wherein the transformable
toy includes a base member in which the actuator is rotatably
disposed, the at least one member is rotatably coupled to the base
member or at least to another one of the at least one member, and
the mechanism includes a gear device for converting a rotation of
the actuator to a turning movement of the at least one member.
25. The toy device according to claim 18, wherein the actuator is
rotatably provided on the transformable toy, the base unit includes
a rack linked to the auxiliary operating part and a pinion linked
to the operating part and engaged with the rack and, when a change
in relative position between the auxiliary operating part and the
operating part occurs, the pinion is rotated by the rack, and the
actuating part is rotatably provided on the base unit, and the
pinion is engaged with the actuating part so as to rotate the
actuating part.
26. The toy device according to claim 18, wherein the base unit
includes a lock mechanism for locking the operating part so as to
hold the toy mounting part in one position, and the actuating part
is actuated to change the form of the transformable toy.
27. A toy device comprising: a transformable toy including at least
one member that is moved to change an appearance of the
transformable toy, a mechanism for moving the at least one member,
and an actuator for actuating the mechanism; and a base unit on
which the transformable toy is mountable, the base unit including
an actuating part to which the actuator is coupled and an operating
part for externally operating the actuating part, wherein, when the
operating part is operated, the actuator operates the actuating
part, the mechanism is actuated and the member is moved, and
wherein the base unit further includes an auxiliary operating part
that can be externally operated, and when a change in relative
position between the auxiliary operating part and the operating
part occurs, the actuating part is actuated.
28. The toy device according to claim 27, wherein the appearance of
the transformable toy is reversibly changed from a first form to a
second form, and the actuator is provided on a same surface of the
first form and the second form.
29. The toy device according to claim 27, wherein the base unit
includes a toy mounting part on which the transformable toy is
removably mounted, the toy mounting part being slidable relatively
to the base unit, and the actuating part being formed on the toy
mounting part, and when the operating part is operated, the
actuating part is actuated, and the toy mounting part slides.
30. The toy device according to claim 29, wherein the base unit
includes a coupling part for coupling to another base unit, and the
toy mounting part can slide in a direction of the coupling
part.
31. The toy device according to claim 27, further comprising a
second one of said transformable toy and a second one of said base
unit, wherein said base units are movably coupled to each other and
the transformable toys contact each other when at least one of the
at least one member of the transformable toy are moved.
32. The toy device according to claim 31, wherein either of the
transferable toys can be disconnected from the respective base unit
by the contact.
33. The toy device according to claim 31, wherein the respective
appearances of the transformable toys are different.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a toy device having a
transformable toy with a reversibly changeable form and a base unit
on which the transformable toy is mountable and, in particular, a
toy device in which the form of the transformable toy is changed by
operating an operating part provided on the base unit.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, a transformable toy with its form reversibly
changeable from one form, such as a vehicle or an animal, to
another form, such as a robot, has been known. Since this
transformable toy is basically played with by its components being
sequentially operated by hand to change the form, the operation
procedure is cumbersome. Thus, a transformable toy which can have
its form being changed by a simple operation has been proposed. For
example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.
9-10442 discloses a transformable toy with its form being changed
by operating an operation element to slide a sliding member
forward.
[0005] However, the transformable toy disclosed in this reference
is a mere one that can have its form being changed by a simple
operation of the operation element, and is not one which can be
played in combination with another transformable toy. Moreover,
since the operation element in this transformable toy is of a
sliding type, a sufficient area or region in which the operation
element is slid has to be ensured on an outer surface of the toy,
thereby disadvantageously restricting the function and design of
the toy. Also, since the operation element in this transformable
toy is of a sliding type, the operation element can move only
within a width in which it can be slid and, in some cases, a
driving force sufficient to actuate a pivoting mechanism may not be
obtained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention has been made in order to solve the
above problems. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to
provide a toy device that enables a transformable toy to be played
with by itself and to be played in combination with another
transformable toy and makes a novel impression.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a toy
device in which the form of a toy can be changed by a simple
operation without restricting the design or function of the
toy.
[0008] The present invention has been devised to achieve the above
objects, and a toy device according to the present invention
includes: a transformable toy with a reversibly changeable form,
the transformable toy including a plurality of pivotable members
that are turned to change the form of the transformable toy, a
pivoting mechanism for turning the plurality of pivotable members,
and an actuator for actuating the pivoting mechanism; and a base
unit on which the transformable toy is mountable, the base unit
including an actuating part to which the actuator is coupled and an
operating part for externally operating the actuating part, wherein
when the operating part is operated, the actuator operates
accordingly via the actuating part, and the pivoting mechanism is
actuated.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the form
of the transformable toy is reversibly changed from a first form to
a second form, and the actuator is provided on a surface serving as
a bottom surface in both the first form and the second form of the
transformable toy.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base
unit includes a base body and a toy mounting part on which the
transformable toy is removably mounted, the toy mounting part being
slidable relatively to the base body, and the actuating part being
formed on the toy mounting part, and when the operating part is
operated, the actuating part is actuated, and the toy mounting part
slides.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base
unit further includes an auxiliary operating part that can be
externally operated, and the actuating part is actuated when a
change in relative position between the auxiliary operating part
and the operating part occurs.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base
unit has a tip provided with a coupling part for coupling to
another base unit, and the toy mounting part can slide in a
direction of the tip of the base unit.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
actuator is rotatably provided on the transformable toy, and the
actuating part is rotatably provided on the base unit and, when the
actuating part is rotated upon an operation of the operating part,
the pivoting mechanism is actuated via the actuator to change the
form of the transformable toy.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
transformable toy includes a base member in which the actuator is
rotatably disposed, each of the plurality of pivotable members is
pivotably coupled to the base member or at least one of other
pivotable members of the plurality of pivotable members, and the
pivoting mechanism includes a gear device for converting a rotation
of the actuator to a turning movement of one of the plurality of
pivotable members.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
actuator is rotatably provided on the transformable toy, the base
unit includes a rack linked to the auxiliary operating part and a
pinion linked to the operating part and meshing with the rack and,
when a change in relative position between the auxiliary operating
part and the operating part occurs, the pinion is rotated by the
rack, and the actuating part is rotatably provided on the base
unit, and the pinion is engaged with the actuating part so as to
rotate the actuating part.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base
unit includes a lock mechanism for locking the operating part so as
to position and hold the toy mounting part in a direction of a tip
of the base unit, and the actuating part is actuated to change the
form of the transformable toy by operating the auxiliary operating
part to change a relative position of the auxiliary operating part
with respect to the locked operating part.
[0017] According to the present invention, the toy device includes
a base unit on which the transformable toy is mountable. When the
operating part of the base unit is operated, the actuator of the
transformable toy is operated accordingly, and the pivoting
mechanism is actuated to turn the plurality of pivotable members,
thereby changing the form of the transformable toy. That is, the
form of the transformable toy can be changed by operating the base
unit designed for form change. Therefore, irrespectively of a type
of form change, even when a different transformable toy is mounted
on the base unit, the form can be changed with the same
operation.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
form of the transformable toy is changed from a first form to a
second form, and the actuator is provided on a surface serving as a
bottom surface in both the first form and the second form of the
transformable toy. Therefore, an influence of the actuator on the
design and function of the transformable toy can be minimized.
Also, when the transformable toy is mounted on the base unit, a
member having the surface serving as a bottom surface is fixed to
the base unit. With this fixed member as a base part, the plurality
of pivotable members turn to change the form of the transformable
toy. Therefore, the form of the transformable toy can be changed so
that, for example, the toy stands on the base part, thereby
providing a toy device that makes a novel impression.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when
the operating part is operated, the actuating part is actuated, and
the toy mounting part where the actuating part is formed slides.
Therefore, the transformable toy slides while changing its form on
the base unit, thereby providing a toy device that makes a novel
impression.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
base unit further includes an auxiliary operating part that can be
externally operated, and the actuating part is actuated when a
change in relative position between the auxiliary operating part
and the operating part occurs. Therefore, when the auxiliary
operating part and the operating part are simultaneously operated,
the toy mounting part can be caused to slide without actuating the
actuating part. Also, when the auxiliary operating part is operated
after the operating part is operated, the actuating part can be
actuated with the toy mounting part remaining in a state after
sliding. In this manner, the transformable toy can be provided with
a variety of form changes and sliding operations, thereby providing
a toy device that makes a novel impression.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
base unit has a tip provided with a coupling part for coupling to
another base unit, and the toy mounting part is formed so as to be
slidable in a direction of the tip of the base unit. Therefore, by
coupling a plurality of base units, transformable toys each mounted
on a base unit can be played together with another transformable
toy facing it.
[0022] In this case, by performing a form change and a sliding
operation as described above in the transformable toy, a fight with
another transformable toy may be performed. For example,
transformable toys may be collided against each other while a form
change and a sliding operation are being performed, and a win may
be determined by toppling the counterpart transformable toy, such
as removing it from the base unit by a collision. With this, a toy
device that allows a player to not simply enjoy changes in form but
also enjoy the toys as a fighting game can be provided.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
actuator is rotatably provided on the transformable toy, and the
actuating part is rotatably provided on the base unit and, with the
actuating part being rotated with an operation of the operating
part, and the pivoting mechanism is actuated via the actuator to
change the form of the transformable toy. Therefore, only the
actuator is formed on an outer surface of the transformable toy.
Therefore, a toy device capable of changing the form of a toy with
a simple operation without restricting the design and function of
the toy can be provided.
[0024] Also, since the actuator is of a rotatable type, unlike an
operating element of a sliding type, a pressing type, or the like,
the operation range of the actuator is unrestricted by the
actuator. That is, when an operating element of a sliding type or a
pressing type is adopted, the operating element can be operated
only within a width range in which the operating element can slide
or be pressed. By contrast, the actuator of a rotatable type has no
restriction on a width in which the actuator is moved, and a
driving force can be given to the pivoting mechanism according to
the number of revolutions of the actuator. Therefore, the structure
of the pivoting mechanism is unrestricted, and a variety of changes
of the form of the transformable toy can be provided.
[0025] Furthermore, since the actuator is on the bottom surface
before and after a form change, the actuator can be operated by a
base unit fixing this bottom surface. With this mode adopted, the
form can be changed by operating the base unit specifically
designed for form change. Therefore, the form of the toy can be
changed with a simpler operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is an external view of a first transformable toy in
an automobile form which constitutes a toy device according to an
embodiment exemplarily implementing the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the first transformable toy shown
in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a process of changing the
form of the first transformable toy;
[0029] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a pivoting mechanism of
the first transformable toy;
[0030] FIGS. 5A to 5D are explanation drawings that show the state
where an arm member of the first transformable toy moves;
[0031] FIG. 6 is an external view showing the first transformable
toy after the form thereof is changed into a robot form;
[0032] FIG. 7 is an external view of a second transformable toy
which constitutes the toy device according to the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the second transformable toy
shown in FIG. 7;
[0034] FIG. 9 is an illustration showing a process of changing the
form of the second transformable toy;
[0035] FIG. 10 is an illustration showing a pivoting mechanism of
the second transformable toy;
[0036] FIG. 11 is an external view showing the second transformable
toy after the form thereof is changed to a robot form;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a base
unit for use in the toy device according to the embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the base unit
shown in FIG. 12;
[0039] FIGS. 14A to 14C are schematic diagrams showing the state in
which the base unit is actuated;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
first transformable toy in an automobile from is mounted on the
base unit;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
form of the first transformable toy is changed to a robot form on
the base unit;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
first transformable toy is actuated by an auxiliary operating part
of the base unit;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
second transformable toy in an airplane form is mounted on the base
unit;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
form of the second transformable toy is changed to a robot form on
the base unit;
[0045] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
second transformable toy is actuated by an auxiliary operating part
of the base unit;
[0046] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the state in which
base units on which the first transformable toy and the second
transformable toy are respectively mounted are coupled
together;
[0047] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
coupled base units of FIG. 21 are turned on a coupling part
thereof;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
first transformable toy is transformed on one of the coupled base
units shown in FIG. 22;
[0049] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
second transformable toy is transformed on the other of the coupled
base units shown in FIG. 22; and
[0050] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the state in which the
forms of the first and second transformable toys facing each other
on the coupled base units shown in FIG. 21 are both changed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] An embodiment of the present invention is described below
with reference to the drawings. A toy device according to an
embodiment of the present invention includes a transformable toy
and a base unit on which the transformable toy is mounted. As
examples of the transformable toy of the toy device of the
embodiment, two transformable toys are described, namely, a first
transformable toy 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and a second
transformable toy 10 shown in FIGS. 7 to 11. These two
transformable toys 10 can not only be each played with by itself
with its form being changed, but also be played together with in
combination.
First Transformable Toy
[0052] First, the first transformable toy 10 is described. The
first transformable toy 10 reversibly changes its form from a first
form to a second form with turning of a plurality of pivotable
members 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. This first transformable toy
10 is formed to take the form of a vehicle (specifically, an
automobile) as a first form (see FIG. 1) and the form of a robot as
a second form (see FIG. 6).
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first transformable toy 10 is
provided on a rear side thereof with a base member 11 having a
bottom surface 12 serving as a mounting surface or an installation
surface with respect to a supporting base or a supporting surface
of the transformable toy 10, and the plurality of pivotable members
20 pivotably coupled to this base member 11.
[0054] Inside the base member 11, a horizontal gear 14 having an
axis in a vertical direction is provided so as to serve as an
actuator that actuates a pivoting mechanism, which will be
described further below. When this horizontal gear 14 is rotated,
the plurality of pivotable members 20 are turned to change the form
of the transformable toy 10. The horizontal gear 14 has a lower end
protruding from the bottom surface 12 to the outside of the base
member 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, thereby forming an
externally-operable protruding part 14a. That is, when this
protruding part 14a is operated, the horizontal gear 14 rotates
and, with the rotation of this horizontal gear 14, the pivoting
mechanism is actuated, thereby turning the plurality of pivotable
members 20.
[0055] The first transformable toy 10 includes the following
pivotable members 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. That is, the
pivotable members 20 include a rear member 30 coupled to the base
member 11 through a shaft 33 to form an upper portion of an
automobile form, two arm members 44 coupled to this rear member 30
to form both sides of the automobile form, a front member 21
coupled to the base member 11 through a lower shaft 23 to be
accommodated inside the automobile form, and a link member 40
coupling the rear member 30 and the front member 21 together to
form a front portion of the automobile form. In FIGS. 1 to 3 and
FIG. 6, each pivotable member 20 is shown as being hatched with a
different pattern so as to be easily distinguishable from another
pivotable member 20.
[0056] These pivotable members 20 are turned or pivoted with the
rotation of the horizontal gear 14, and each moves from a position
in the first form of the transformable toy 10 to a position in the
second form thereof broadly as follows. That is, as shown in FIGS.
3 and 4, the rear member 30 is raised by the rotational force of
the horizontal gear 14 as a driving force, and also the front
member 21 is raised with this rear member 30 in an interlocked
manner. Furthermore, with turning movements of the rear member 30
and the front member 21, the link member 40 moves to contact two
arm members 44. Each of the two arm members 44 is then rotated
about a shaft 45 to protrude forward.
[0057] The structure and actuation of the pivoting mechanism
causing a change of the form of the first transformable toy 10 are
described in detail below. FIG. 4 is an illustration of the
pivoting mechanism in the first transformable toy 10. As shown in
FIG. 4, an integrally-formed gear 16 having a crown gear 16a and a
spur gear 16b integrally formed is provided so as to be rotatable
about a horizontal shaft. The crown gear 16a of this
integrally-formed gear 16 is disposed so as to mesh with the
horizontal gear 14 described above. Therefore, when the protruding
part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 is rotated, the
integrally-formed gear 16 is rotated via the crown gear 16a meshing
with the horizontal gear 14.
[0058] Furthermore, on a base part (a rear end part in the
automobile form) of the rear member 30, a base part gear 32 meshing
with the spur gear 16b of the integrally-formed gear 16 described
above is formed about the shaft 33. When the integrally-formed gear
16 rotates in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4, the base part
gear 32 rotates in a clockwise direction, and the rear member 30
pivots on the shaft 33 in a rising direction. Also, a portion of
the rear member 30 near a tip (a front end part in the automobile
form) is coupled to the link member 40 through a shaft 43.
[0059] The front member 21 has one end pivotably coupled to the
base member 11 via the lower shaft 23 and has another end pivotably
coupled to the link member 40 via an upper shaft 22. Since this
link member 40 couples the front member 21 and the rear member 30
together, these four members, that is, the base member 11, the
front member 21, the rear member 30, and the link member 40, form a
link mechanism with four coupled members. In this link mechanism,
since the base member 11 serves as a stationary member and the rear
member 30 serves as a driver, as described above, when the rear
member 30 turns in a rising direction, the front member 21 is
actuated accordingly to turn in a rising direction on the lower
shaft 23.
[0060] When the front member 21 and the rear member 30 rise
approximately vertically, an inner side surface of the front member
21 and an inner side surface of the rear member 30 abut each other,
thereby preventing any further turning. For this reason, turning
movements of the front member 21 and the rear member 30 stop at a
position where the front member 21 and the rear member 30 just rise
on the base member 11, thereby completing a change of the form of
the first transformable toy 10 to the second form.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, in the course of actuating this link
mechanism, the tip of the rear member 30 accommodated inside the
link member 40 is exposed to the outside, the tip of the rear
member 30 serving as a head part 31 in a robot form after a form
change.
[0062] With the change of the form of the first transformable toy
10, when the front member 21 and the rear member 30 turn so as to
be raised as described above, the arm members 44 on both sides of
the toy 10 contact the link member 40 moving with the actuation of
the link mechanism, thereby being rotated so as to protrude
forward.
[0063] That is, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the arm members 44 is
pivotably mounted on the rear member 30 with the shaft 45 as an
axis. When the first transformable toy 10 is in the first form,
each of the arm members 44 is urged by a torsion coil spring 49 to
a position suitable for an automobile form. However, as shown in
FIGS. 5A to 5D, when the horizontal gear 14 is rotated and the link
member 40 moves with the turning movements of the rear member 30
and the front member 21 in an interlocked manner, each of the arm
members 44 contacts the link member 40 and is pushed thereby so as
to rotate about the shaft 45 against a pressing force of the
torsion coil spring 49.
[0064] FIGS. 5A to 5D are schematic views that each show the state
in which the above-described link mechanism is actuated to cause
the link member 40 and the arm member 44 to contact each other,
with their contact portions viewed from a bottom side as in FIG. 2.
When the link mechanism is actuated, as shown in FIG. 5A, a front
wheel part 41 formed on the link member 40 moves in a direction of
the arm member 44. As shown in FIG. 5B, an outer periphery 41a of
the front wheel part 41 abuts a first contact part 46 of the arm
member 44, and causes the arm member 44 to rotate approximately 90
degrees against the pressing force of the torsion coil spring
49.
[0065] At this time, a second contact part 47 of the arm member 44
enters inside the front wheel part 41. Therefore, when the front
wheel part 41 moves in a direction of the arm member 44, as shown
in FIG. 5C, an inner periphery 41b of the front wheel part 41 abuts
the second contact part 47 of the arm member 44, and further causes
the arm member 44 to rotate approximately 90 degrees. In this
manner, as shown in FIG. 5D, the arm member 44 rotates about the
shaft 45 approximately 180 degrees, and then stops.
[0066] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the arm member 44 extends
in a direction approximately 45 degrees with respect to the shaft
45. Therefore, when rotating approximately 180 degrees in a plan
view as described above, the arm member 44 rotates approximately 90
degrees in a side view. Therefore, when a change of the form of the
first transformable toy 10 to the second form is completed, the arm
members 44 are in the state in which they protrude forward as shown
in FIG. 6.
[0067] As described above, when the protruding part 14a of the
horizontal gear 14 is rotated, the rear member 30 is pivoted, the
link mechanism is actuated, and further the arm members 44 are
rotated, thereby changing the form of the first transformable toy
10 to the second form, that is, the robot form, as shown in FIG.
6.
[0068] In the second form, as shown in FIG. 6, the base member 11
forms a below-knee part, the rear member 30 forms a back and head
part 31, the arm members 44 form arms, the front member 21 forms a
front body part, and the link member 40 forms a chest part, thereby
constructing a robot form standing up with both arms protruding
forward.
[0069] The above description has been made regarding a mode in
which the form of the first transformable toy 10 is changed from
the first form, that is, the automobile form, to the second form,
that is, the robot form. When the protruding part 14a of the
horizontal gear 14 is rotated in reverse, the form is changed from
the robot form to the automobile form, as a matter of course. That
is, when the protruding part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 is
rotated in reverse, the link mechanism is actuated in reverse, and
the front member 21, the rear member 30, and the link member 40 are
pivoted to positions constructing the first form, that is, the
automobile form. Then, with the turning movement of the link member
40, each arm member 44 and the front wheel part 41 disengage from
each other. Therefore, due to the pressing force of the torsion
coil spring 49, the arm members 44 are rotated to the positions
constructing the first form, thereby completing the change of the
form to the first form.
[0070] As described above, in the first transformable toy 10, by
rotating the horizontal gear 14 formed so as to be externally
operable, the pivoting mechanism is actuated to change the form of
the first transformable toy 10. In this manner, only the horizontal
gear 14 appears on the outer surface of the transformable toy 10 as
an operating part for changing the form of the transformable toy
10. Thus the form of the transformable toy can be changed with a
simple operation without restricting the design and function of the
toy.
[0071] Also, the horizontal gear 14 serving as an actuator in the
present embodiment is of a rotatable type. Therefore, unlike an
operating element of a sliding type, a pressing type, or the like,
the operation range is substantially unrestricted. That is, the
moving width and the like of the actuator are not restricted, and
the driving force can be applied to the pivoting mechanism
according to the number of revolutions of the horizontal gear 14.
Therefore, the structure of the pivoting mechanism is unrestricted,
and a variety of changes of the form of the transformable toy can
be provided.
[0072] The protruding part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 serving as
an operating part is disposed on the surface 12 serving as a bottom
surface of the transformable toy in both the first form and the
second form. Therefore, an influence of the operating part on the
design and function of the toy can be minimized.
Second Transformable Toy
[0073] Next, a second transformable toy 10 is described. As shown
in FIGS. 7 to 11, with turning movements of a plurality of
pivotable members 20, the form of the second transformable toy 10
is reversibly changed from a first form to a second form. This
second transformable toy 10 is formed so as to take the form of a
vehicle (specifically, an airplane) (see FIG. 7) as a first form,
and a robot form as a second form (see FIG. 11).
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second transformable toy 10
is provided on a rear side thereof with a base member 11 having a
bottom surface 12 serving as a mounting surface or an installation
surface with respect to a supporting base or a supporting surface
of the transformable toy 10, and the plurality of pivotable members
20 pivotably coupled to this base member 11.
[0075] Inside the base member 11, as with the first transformable
toy 10, a horizontal gear 14 having an axis in a vertical direction
is provided, this gear serving as an actuator that actuates a
pivoting mechanism, which will be further described below. When
this horizontal gear 14 is rotated, the plurality of pivotable
members 20 are turned to change the form of the transformable toy
10. Also, as with the first transformable toy 10, the horizontal
gear 14 has a lower end protruding from the bottom surface 12 to
the outside of the base member 11 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11,
thereby forming an externally-operable protruding part 14a. That
is, when the protruding part 14a is operated, the horizontal gear
14 rotates and, with the rotation of the horizontal gear 14, the
pivoting mechanism is actuated, thereby turning the plurality of
pivotable members 20.
[0076] The second transformable toy 10 includes the following
pivotable members 20, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. That is, the
pivotable members 20 include a rear member 30 coupled to the base
member 11 through a shaft 33 to form an upper portion of an
airplane form, two arm members 44 coupled to the rear member 30 to
form both wings of the airplane form, a front member 21 coupled to
the base member 11 through a lower shaft 23 to form a lower part of
the airplane form, and a link member 40 coupling the rear member 30
and the front member 21 together to form a nose portion of the
airplane form. In FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIG. 11, each pivotable member
20 is shown as being hatched with a different pattern so as to be
easily distinguishable from another pivotable member 20.
[0077] These pivotable members 20 are pivoted or turned with the
rotation of the horizontal gear 14, and each moves from a position
in the first form of the second transformable toy 10 to a position
in the second form thereof broadly as follows. That is, as shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10, the rear member 30 is raised due to the rotational
force of the horizontal gear 14 as a driving force, and also the
front member 21 is raised with this rear member 30 in an
interlocked manner. Furthermore, by the pivoting mechanism provided
inside the second transformable toy 10, the two arm members 44 are
rotated so as to protrude forward.
[0078] The structure and actuation of the pivoting mechanism
causing a change of the form of the second transformable toy 10 are
described in detail below. FIG. 10 is an illustration of the
pivoting mechanism in the second transformable toy 10. As shown in
FIG. 10, an integrally-formed gear 16 having a crown gear 16a and a
spur gear 16b integrally formed is provided. The crown gear 16a of
this integrally-formed gear 16 is disposed so as to mesh with the
horizontal gear 14 described above. Therefore, when the protruding
part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 is rotated, the
integrally-formed gear 16 meshing with the horizontal gear 14
rotates.
[0079] Furthermore, on a base part (a rear end part in the airplane
form) of the rear member 30, a base part gear 32 meshing with the
spur gear 16b of the integrally-formed gear 16 described above is
formed about a shaft 33. When the integrally-formed gear 16 rotates
in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10, the base part gear 32
rotates in a clockwise direction, and the rear member 30 pivots on
the shaft 33 in a rising direction. Also, a portion of the rear
member 30 near a tip (a front end part in the airplane form) is
coupled to the link member 40 through a shaft 43.
[0080] The front member 21 has one end pivotably coupled to the
base member 11 via the lower shaft 23 and has another end pivotably
coupled to the link member 40 via an upper shaft 22. Since this
link member 40 couples the front member 21 and the rear member 30
together, these four members, that is, the base member 11, the
front member 21, the rear member 30, and the link member 40, form a
link mechanism with four coupled members. In this link mechanism,
since the base member 11 serves as a stationary member and the rear
member 30 serves as a driver, as described above, when the rear
member 30 turns in a rising direction, the front member 21 is
actuated accordingly to pivot in a rising direction on the lower
shaft 23.
[0081] When the front member 21 and the rear member 30 rise
approximately vertically, an inner side surface of the front member
21 and an inner side surface of the rear member 30 abut each other,
thereby preventing any further turning. For this reason, turning
movements stop at a position where the front member 21 and the rear
member 30 just rise on the base member 11, thereby completing a
change of the form of the second transformable toy 10 to the second
form.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, in the course of actuating the link
mechanism, the tip of the rear member 30 accommodated inside the
link member 40 is exposed to the outside, so that the tip of the
rear member 30 can serve as a head part 31 in a robot form after a
form change.
[0083] With the change of the form of the second transformable toy
10, when the front member 21 and the rear member 30 turn so as to
be raised as described above, the pivoting mechanism disposed
inside the transformable toy 10 causes the arm members 44 on both
sides of the transformable toy 10 to rotate so as to protrude
forward.
[0084] That is, as shown in FIG. 10, inside the transformable toy
10, a gear plate 42 in a half-arc shape having an internal gear is
provided. This gear plate 42 is coupled to the front member 21 and
the rear member 30 through the upper shaft 22 and the shaft 43.
Therefore, when the protruding part 14a of the horizontal gear 14
is rotated to cause a change in relative position between the front
member 21 and the rear member 30, the gear plate 42 also rotates
accordingly about the shaft 43. A through hole not shown is formed
on a back surface side of the rear member 30, so that a part of the
gear plate 42 that cannot fit inside the transformable toy 10 due
to the rotation of the gear plate 42 protrudes through this through
hole.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, an arm part gear 48 provided near a
base end of both of the arm members 44 meshes with the internal
gear of the gear plate 42. Therefore, when the gear plate 42 moves,
the arm part gear 48 rotates, and the arm members 44 turn. That is,
as shown in FIG. 10, when the front member 21 and the rear member
30 turn in a rising direction, the gear plate 42 moves so as to
protrude to a back surface side. Therefore, the arm part gear 48 is
rotated in a counterclockwise direction, and the arm members 44
turn upward and forward. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the arm members
44 eventually turn approximately 270 degrees with respect to the
rear member 30 and, when a change of the form of the second
transformable toy 10 to the second form is completed, the arm
members 44 are in the state of protruding forward. Each of the arm
members 44 rotated approximately 270 degrees has a lower part
supported by an engaging part 24 provided on the front member 21,
and therefore does not rotate any further.
[0086] As described above, when the protruding part 14a of the
horizontal gear 14 is rotated, the rear member 30 turns, the link
mechanism is actuated, and further the arm members 44 are rotated,
thereby changing the form of the second transformable toy 10 to the
second form, that is, the robot from, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0087] In the second form, as shown in FIG. 11, the base member 11
forms a leg part, the rear member 30 forms a back and head part 31,
the arm members 44 form arms, the front member 21 forms a front
body part, and the link member 40 forms a chest part, thereby
constructing a robot form standing up with both arms protruding
forward.
[0088] The above description has been made about a mode in which
the form of the second transformable toy 10 is changed from the
first form, that is, the airplane form, to the second form, that
is, the robot form. When the protruding part 14a of the horizontal
gear 14 is rotated in reverse, the form is changed from the robot
form to the airplane form, as a matter of course. That is, when the
protruding part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 is rotated in
reverse, the link mechanism is actuated in reverse, and the front
member 21, the rear member 30, and the link member 40 turn to
positions constructing the first form, that is, the airplane form.
Then, since the gear plate 42 moves in a direction in which it is
accommodated inside the transformable toy 10, the arm members 44
rotate to the positions constructing the first form, thereby
completing the change of the form to the first form.
[0089] As described above, in the second transformable toy 10, by
rotating the horizontal gear 14 formed so as to be externally
operable, the pivoting mechanism is actuated to change the form of
the second transformable toy 10. In this manner, only the
horizontal gear 14 appears on the outer surface of the
transformable toy 10 as an operating part for changing the form of
the transformable toy 10. Thus the form of the transformable toy
can be changed with a simple operation without restricting the
design and function of the toy.
[0090] Also, the horizontal gear 14 serving as an actuator in the
present embodiment is of a rotatable type. Therefore, unlike an
operating element of a sliding type or a pressing type, the
operation range is unrestricted. That is, the moving width and the
like of the actuator are not restricted, and the driving force can
be applied to the pivoting mechanism according to the number of
revolutions of the horizontal gear 14. Therefore, the structure of
the pivoting mechanism is unrestricted, and a variety of changes of
the form of the transformable toy can be provided.
[0091] The protruding part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 serving as
an operating part is disposed on the surface 12 serving as a bottom
surface of the transformable toy 10 in both the first form and the
second form. Therefore, an influence of the operating part on the
design and function of the toy can be minimized.
Change of Form of Transformable Toy Using Base Unit
[0092] As described above, the first and second transformable toys
10 have each the protruding part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 on
the surface 12 serving as a bottom surface in both the first form
and the second form. Thus a base unit 50 fixing this bottom surface
12 is provided and, with the use of this base unit 50, the
protruding part 14a of the horizontal gear 14 can be operated. That
is, with the use of the base unit 50, the form of the first and
second transformable toys 10 can be changed with a simple
operation.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 12, the base unit 50 includes a
plate-shaped base body 51, a first sliding body 60 and a second
sliding body 80 disposed inside the base body 51 so as to be pushed
in, and handles 54 provided on both sides of a base part of the
base body 51.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 13, the base body 51 is configured with an
upper cover 52 and a lower cover 53 connected together vertically,
and an opening 51a is provided at the center of an upper surface of
the upper cover 52. Inside the base body 51, the first sliding body
60 and the second sliding body 80 are accommodated. From the
opening 51a mentioned above, an upper surface of a toy mounting
part 61, which will be described further below, is exposed. Also,
as shown in FIG. 12, an operating-part projection opening 51b is
provided at an end face of the base body 51 on a base part side.
From this operating-part projection opening 51b, an operating part
68 of the first sliding body 60 and an auxiliary operating part 81
of the second sliding body 80 protrude.
[0095] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first sliding body 60
includes the operating part 68 protruding from the operating-part
projection opening 51b and the toy mounting part 61 provided at a
forward end of the operating part 68. The toy mounting part 61 is
for mounting the transformable toy 10, and is provided so as to be
relatively slidable with respect to the base body 51 upon the
operating part 68 being pressed.
[0096] As described above, the upper surface of the toy mounting
part 61 is exposed from the opening 51a of the base body 51. As
shown in FIG. 12, an insertion fixing part 62 for mounting the
transformable toy 10 and a rotating barrel 64 (an actuating part)
having a fit-in hole 64a in an axial direction are provided so as
to protrude from the inside of the toy mounting part 61. The
insertion fixing part 62 and the rotating barrel 64 are coupled to
the transformable toy 10. That is, the insertion fixing part 62
engages with insertion nails 13 of the transformable toy 10, and
the rotating barrel 64 is coupled to the horizontal gear 14 of the
transformable toy 10. Coupling between the rotating barrel 64 and
the horizontal gear 14 is made by inserting the protruding part 14a
of the horizontal gear 14 in the fit-in hole 64a of the rotating
barrel 64. The fit-in hole 64a and protruding part 14a are each
formed in a D shape. Therefore, when the rotating barrel 64 is
rotated after coupling to the horizontal gear 14, its rotational
force can be transmitted to the horizontal gear 14.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 12, the operating part 68 for sliding the
toy mounting part 61 is a bar-shaped part protruding from the
operating-part projection opening 51b of the base body 51, and is
formed so as to be externally operable. That is, when the operating
part 68 is pushed into the inside of the base body 51, the toy
mounting part 61 described above slides in a direction of a tip of
the base unit 50. For this reason, when the operating part 68 is
pushed in, with the transformable toy 10 mounted on the toy
mounting part 61, the transformable toy 10 also moves together with
the toy mounting part 61 in a direction of the tip of the base unit
50.
[0098] On the other hand, the second sliding body 80 is
accommodated inside the base body 51 in juxtaposition with the
first sliding body 60 and, as with the operating part 68 of the
first sliding body 60, has a bar-shaped auxiliary operating part
81. As shown in FIG. 12, the auxiliary operating part 81 also
protrudes from the operating-part projection opening 51b of the
base body 51 so as to be externally operable.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 13, in the second sliding body 80, a rack
83 is formed on a surface facing the first sliding body 60 inside
the base body 51 so as to mesh with a pinion 63 disposed inside the
first sliding body 60. Due to this, the rotating barrel 64 rotates
when a change in relative position between the operating part 68
and the auxiliary operating part 81 occurs.
[0100] That is, when a change in relative position between the
operating part 68 and the auxiliary operating part 81 occurs upon
either the operating part 68 or the auxiliary operating part 81
being operated, a rotational force is applied by the rack 83 of the
second sliding body 80 to the pinion 63 of the first sliding body
60. As shown in FIG. 13, the pinion 63 meshes with a gear part 64b
integrally formed with a lower portion of the rotating barrel 64
inside the toy mounting part 61. Therefore, when the pinion 63
rotates, the rotating barrel 64 rotates.
[0101] Therefore, when a change in relative position between the
operating part 68 and the auxiliary operating part 81 occurs with
the transformable toy 10 mounted on the toy mounting part 61, the
horizontal gear 14 coupled to the rotating barrel 64 is rotated to
change the form of the transformable toy 10.
[0102] The sliding operation of the toy mounting part 61 and the
rotating operation of the rotating barrel 64 are described in
detail below with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14C.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 14A, the first sliding body 60 and the
second sliding body 80 are constantly biased rearward by springs
84, respectively. In other words, the operating part 68 and the
auxiliary operating part 81 are urged in a direction in which they
protrude from the operating-part projection opening 51b of the base
body 51.
[0104] In this state, when only the operating part 68 is pushed in,
as shown in FIG. 14B, the toy mounting part 61 slides in a
direction of the tip, and the pinion 63 moves while rotating on the
rack 83. With this, the rotating barrel 64 rotates in a clockwise
direction in a plan view. Therefore, when the horizontal gear 14 of
the transformable toy 10 is coupled to the rotating barrel 64, the
horizontal gear 14 of the transformable toy 10 rotates in a
direction in which the form of the transformable toy 10 is changed
from the first form to the second form.
[0105] Also, when the auxiliary operating part 81 is further
operated to be pressed in the state shown in FIG. 14B, as shown in
FIG. 14C, with the toy mounting part 61 staying at the position in
the direction of the tip, the pinion 63 is rotated by the rack 83
being moving, thereby causing the rotating barrel 64 to rotate in a
counterclockwise direction in a plan view. That is, the rotating
barrel 64 rotates in a direction in reverse to the rotating
direction when only the operating part 68 is pressed. Therefore,
when the horizontal gear 14 of the transformable toy 10 is coupled
to the rotating barrel 64, the horizontal gear 14 of the
transformable toy 10 rotates in a direction in which the form of
the transformable toy 10 is changed from the second form to the
first form.
[0106] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A, a guide protrusion 69 is
formed on a side surface of the operating part 68, and a slit 82 in
which the guide protrusion 69 fits is formed on a side surface of
the auxiliary operating part 81. The operating part 68 slides while
the guide protrusion 69 is guided by the slit 82. In the state
shown in FIG. 14A, an end of the slit 82 abuts on the guide
protrusion 69. Therefore, when the auxiliary operating part 81 is
pressed in the state shown in FIG. 14A, the operating part 68 is
also pushed in together with the auxiliary operating part 81. That
is, when the auxiliary operating part 81 is pressed in the state
shown in FIG. 14A, the toy mounting part 61 slides in a direction
of the tip, but a change in relative position between the operating
part 68 and the auxiliary operating part 81 does not occur.
Therefore, the rotating barrel 64 does not rotate, whereby the form
of the transformable toy 10 is not changed. In this manner, upon
the auxiliary operating part 81 being pressed, the toy mounting
part 61 can be caused to slide without changing the form of the
transformable toy 10.
[0107] FIGS. 15 to 20 are illustrations showing the states in which
the transformable toy 10 is mounted on the base unit 50. FIGS. 15
to 17 are illustrations regarding the first transformable toy 10,
and FIGS. 18 to 20 are illustrations regarding the second
transformable toy 10.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, when the operating part 68 and
the auxiliary operating part 81 are not operated, the transformable
toy 10 takes the first form.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, when the operating part 68 is
pressed as deeply as possible, the toy mounting part 61 slides
together with the transformable toy 10 in a direction of the tip of
the base unit 50, and the form of the transformable toy 10 is
changed to the second form.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, when the auxiliary operating
part 81 is pressed after the operating part 68 is pressed as deeply
as possible, the form of the transformable toy 10 is changed to a
form in the course of form change between the first form and the
second form. With the operation of the auxiliary operating part 81,
it is possible to produce an additional movement of the
transformable toy 10. That is, by pressing the auxiliary operating
part 81, the transformable toy 10 in the robot form as shown in
FIGS. 17 and 20 is caused to topple forward. By releasing the
pressing of the auxiliary operating part 81, the transformable toy
10 can be returned to be in an upright posture as shown in FIGS. 16
and 19. At this time, since the arm members 44 rotate forward and
backward, it is possible to cause the robot to make a motion of
bringing its arms down forward.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 12, a lock protrusion 54a is provided at a
tip of one handle 54 and, with this lock protrusion 54a inserted in
a lock insertion hole 53a of the base body 51, the operating part
68 can be kept pressed. That is, since this handle 54 is formed so
as to be rotatable about a handle rotating shaft 55, when the
handle 54 is rotated while the operating part 68 is being pressed
as deeply as possible and the lock protrusion 54a is inserted in
the lock insertion hole 53a, the lock protrusion 54a engages with a
rear end face 70a (FIG. 13) of a lock engaging part 70 provided on
a side surface of the operating part 68, so that the operating part
68 is locked so as to prevent the operating part 68 from being
pressed back with a pressing force of the spring 84. With the
operating part 68 locked in this manner, only the auxiliary
operating part 81 is pressed, so that the motion of the
transformable toy 10 as described above can be produced with the
toy mounting part 61 positioned in the direction of the tip.
[0112] As described above, in the toy device according to this
embodiment, the transformable toy 10 is formed so that its form is
changeable upon the operation of the base unit 50. Therefore, even
when a different transformable toy is mounted on the base unit 50,
the form thereof can be changed with the same operation.
[0113] Also, the transformable toy 10 has its bottom surface 12 set
on the base unit 50, and the form of the transformable toy 10 is
changed so that the transformable toy 10 rises on the base member
11. Moreover, the toy mounting part 61 can be caused to slide on
the base unit 50, or the base body 51 can be rotated. Therefore, by
performing these operations singly or in combination, a variety of
unprecedented operations can be performed.
How to Play with the Toy as Fighting Toy
[0114] As described above, according to the embodiment, the form of
the transformable toy 10 can be changed by operating the base unit
50 designed for form change, and therefore the form of the
transformable toy 10 can be changed with a simple operation. Also,
it is possible to not only change the form of the transformable toy
10 but also move the transformable toy 10 forward and backward.
Furthermore, by further operating the auxiliary operating part 81
after the operating part 68 is operated, the additional movement of
the transformable toy 10 can be produced. With the use of these
features, by combining a plurality of transformable toys according
to the embodiment, they can be used as fighting-type toys.
[0115] That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the base unit 50 is provided
at the tip thereof with a coupling part 56 for coupling another
base unit 50. On an end face of the coupling part 56, as shown in
FIGS. 13 and 21, a mating part 58 is formed, including a fit-in
groove and a fit-in projection so as to engage with those of the
coupling part 56 of another base unit 50. By engaging the fit-in
groove and the fit-in projection of this mating part 58 with the
fit-in projection and the fit-in groove of the mating part 58 of
another base unit 50, as shown in FIG. 21, the tips of the two base
units 50 are coupled together, and two transformable toys 10
mounted on these two base units 50 are disposed so as to face each
other.
[0116] The coupling part 56 is mounted on the base body 51 so as to
be rotatable in a horizontal direction with a shaft hole 57 as a
rotating center. Therefore, even when the base units 50 are coupled
to each other, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the base body 51 is
rotatable in a horizontal direction with respect to another base
body 51, with the shaft hole 57 as the center.
[0117] In this manner, when each operating part 68 is operated
while the tips of two base units 50 are coupled together via the
coupling parts 56, the transformable toy 10 is changed to a robot
form while moving in a direction of the tip as shown in FIGS. 23
and 24.
[0118] With two transformable toys 10 on the base units 50 coupled
together facing each other and caused to be changed to a robot
form, they are in a state of wrestling each other as shown in FIG.
25. In this state, when the auxiliary operating part 81 is
operated, the arm members 44 rotate forward and backward as
described above. Therefore, two robots make their arms hit each
other.
[0119] Accordingly, by operating the operating part 68 to move the
transformable toy 10 forward and backward, operating the auxiliary
operating part 81 to impart a motion of hitting the arms on the
counterpart transformable toy 10, or rotating the base body 51 in a
horizontal direction, the transformable toys 10 are collided
against each other or a collision therebetween is prevented. In
this manner, the transformable toys 10 can be played with to fight
each other. In an example of a way of playing with this
fighting-type toy, a win may be determined when one of the
transformable toys 10 is toppled from the base unit 50.
[0120] As described in the foregoing, since the transformable toy
10 according to the embodiment can be played with while the
plurality of base units 50 are coupled together, it can be played
together with another transformable toy 10 facing it. Therefore, it
is possible to not simply enjoy changes in form but also enjoy the
toys as a fighting game.
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