US3895796A - Toy and sports device - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy- and sports device comprising a twisted or coiled structure consisting of individual interconnected tubular elements, the tubular elements possessing a substantially circular-shaped cross-section, and wherein at least a number of these individual elements are constructed as arcuate elements. The elements have an interior diameter of a size to admit a child. The connections between the tubular elements permit them to rotate relative to one another so that upper tubular elements may rest on lower tubular elements.

Description

[ July 22, 1975 3,667,785 6/1972 Kapeker....................... 285/DIG. 22 3,752,472 8/1973 Snead 272/60 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS e a U m e :k. d Z EL VZ m m S m n W3 SW W: r Am m m Tm M 5m 1221, Binz, Switzerland Dec. 18, 1973 1,177,052 1964 Germany...............1........... 272/60 R [22] Filed:

Primary Examiner Richard C. Pinkham [21] Appl. No.: 425,767

Assistant ExaminerJoseph R. Taylor Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Ladas, Parry, Von Gehr, [30] Foreign Application Priority Data G01 dsmith & Deschamps Dec. 21, 1972 Switzerland...................... 18636/72 [57] ABSTRACT and sports device comprising a twisted or coiled structure consisting of individual intercon- [52] US. 272/60 R; 273/DIG. 7

A toynected tubular elements, the tubular elements possessing a substantially circular-shaped cross-section, and wherein at least a number of these individual elements are constructed as arcuate elements. The elements have an interior diameter of a size to admit a child.

weW 5 4 n DD A5 M m7 "/0 "24 7 "2 WK mmoo "m2 m 7 mm Max S2 mfm 0 d Ld .l .mF I] 100 55 [I [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 1 The connections between the tubular elements permit 866,785 them to rotate relative to one another so that upper 1,839,761 tubular elements may rest on lower tubular elements.

272/60R 18 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 12/1969 Lieberman.

mm mm ..n0 1 HHH 725 036 999 111 l// 9.11 1

PATENTEDJUL 2 2 ms SHEET LEEMV III/I/I/I PATENTEDJUL 22 ms 8 95 796 saw 3 I Fig. 5

TOY AND SPORTS DEVICE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention broadly relates to the field of toys and sporting devices, and specifically concerns a new and improved construction of toyand sporting device.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved construction of toyand sporting device which is relatively simple in construction and design, economical to manufacture, and fun to use.

Another object of this invention relates to a toyand sports device formed of individual tubular elements connected with one another and which are relatively simple in construction and design, relatively safe to use, and capable of being easily assembled and disassembled into different configurations.

Now in order to implement these and still further ob jects of the invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the toyand sporting or sports device of this development is manifested by the features that it is constituted by a twisted or coiled structure composed of a number of tubular elements which are interconnected with one another, the tubular elements possessing a substantially circularshaped cross-sectional configuration and at least a number of these individual elements are constructed as arcuate or arcuate-shaped elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIGII is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of toyand sports device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates two individual elements of the toyand sports device of FIG. I connected with one another;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection location in axial direction and taken substantially along the line III-III of FIG. 2',

FIG. 4 is a section in radial direction of a ring through its connection location and likewise shown on an enlarged scale; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a further construction of the connection between two individual elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Describing now the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is shown an exemplary embodiment of toyand sports device as contemplated by this invention and which will be seen to comprise a three-dimensionally coiled or twisted substantially tubular-shaped structure S open at both ends. This structure S can be dimensioned such that entry and movement through such tubular-shaped structure can be carried out by small children while in a standing position and by larger children while crawling. The lowermost tubular elements bear upon a support surface, typically the floor or ground, and the upper situated tubular elements bear against the associated lower situated tubular elements. The outer wall of the structure is completely smooth. The inner wall thereof has surface properties constituted by irregularities or unevenness and a certain degree of roughness, so that there is present between the body of the user and the wall the frictional resistance necessary for movement through these tubular elements which are inclined with regard to the horizontal. The average diameter of the structure S remains constant or substantially constant from one end to the other. This structure S is assembled from both linear i.e. straight and arcuate-shaped plastictubular elements 1 and 3 respectively.

However, the dimensions are not of decisive importance. Thetubular elements 1, 3 can be also dimensioned in such a way that they form a toy which can be easily manually assembled together, through which, for instance, a ball or sphere can be rolled. Moreover, the individual elements can be filled with a suitable filler material or machined or otherwise worked from a solid body so that they constitute rod-shaped structures.

As should be apparent from FIG. 2 both ends of the tubular elements which are formed of plastic, such as for instance glass fiber-reinforced polyester, are cut in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the tube. The glass fiber reinforcement consists of a number of layers of glass fiber webs or fabrics which are mutually connected with one another and with the polyester by any suitable binder. The lineartubular element 1 possesses a lateral entry andexit opening 2 for instance at its side wall. The axis of the curved or arcuatetubular element 3 describes one-quarter of an arc of a circle. Furthermore, the bent or arc-shapedtubular element 3 does not have any lateral entry and exit opening.

Now as best seen by referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 which depict on an enlarged scale two neighboring tubular elements, namely an arcuate-shaped or curvedtubular element 3 and a linear or straighttubular element 1, in each case the neighboring tubular elements of the structure S are detachably connected with one another by a sheet metal ring or ring member 4. Eachtubular element 1 and 3 is stepped or inset at itsend region 5 at the location of its outer wall along its periphery, as particularly well depicted in FIG. 3; in this inset or steppedportion 20 there is located such a sheet metal ring 4.

The length of the stepped region orportion 20 of eachtubular element 1, 3 in axial direction corresponds to essentially one-half of the axial length of the associated ring 4. The depth of the stepped region orportion 20 essentially corresponds to the thickness of such ring, so that the outer diameter of each such tubular element at any random location corresponds to the outer diameter of the ring 4 which is spanned or clamped at the stepped region or portion. Eachstepped region 20 is additionally provided along its periphery or circumference with a groove orrecess 6 which is located at the inset or stepped region at the zone furthest removed from the joint or abuttinglocation 21 of two neighboring tubular elements. The depth ofgroove 6 corresponds to the thickness of the ring 4. The inner flange 4a of the ring 4 formed by the fold-over or doubled-overportion 7 of its end region is fitted into the associatedgroove 6, so that there is not possible any axial displacement of the ring 4 with respect to thetubular elements 1 and 3. Furthermore, it should be apparent that the size of thebore 22 of each tubular element at its end region is the same as at every other random location of such tubular element. The rounded portions 8 at thejoint 21 between two neighboring tubular elements only serve the purpose of eliminating the danger of injury to a child moving through the con fines of a tube.

The metal ring 4 is axially cut or split. Both ends are detachably connected with one another by a screw coupling orconnection 9, as best seen by referring to FIGS. 2 and 4. The end regions of the ring 4 possess arespective flange 29. The one flange possesses athreaded bore 10 and the other flange abore 11, the inner wall of which is smooth. A screw 12 is inserted through thisbore 11 and engages with the threadedbore 10 to thus draw together bothflanges 29 and hence the ring 4, so that it bears with a certain tension or stress upon thetubular elements 1 and 3 and therefore fixedly interconnects such with one another.

The diameter of the metallic ring in its open condition is greater than its diameter in its closed condition.

The connection location can be equipped with any suitable safety device, which has not been here particularly shown since it is not important for the understanding of the inventive concepts, in order to avoid any possible accidental or unauthorized opening of the ring.

5 A further construction of the connection of two neighboring tubular elements such as theelements 1, 3 has been shown in FIG. 5. Such connection is here constructed as a plug-type or insertable connection. Theend region 23 of the tubular element, here designated byreference numeral 1, possesses a smaller external diameter D, than the tube outer diameter D At theouter surface 14 of this stepped or inset constructed region 24 there is formed a peripheral bead or raisedportion 15.

Theother end region 25 of the tubular element, here designated byreference numeral 3, possesses a smaller internal diameter D than the tube outer diameter D The inner surface of the bore possesses an inner bead or raisedportion 16.

The cross-section of theperipheral bead 15 possesses the shape of a substantially circular segment, as shown. Theside surface 17 of theinner bead 16 which is located opposite the neighboringtubular element 1 extends at an angle with regard to the lengthwise axis of the tube and theside surface 18 located opposite thereto, viewed in cross-section, is constructed to possess the shape of one-quarter of a circle. It is worthy of mention that the radius of the circular segment of theperipheral bead 15 is smaller in comparison to the radius of the one-quarter circular-shapedinner bead 16.

With the inventive tubular-shaped constructed toyand sporting device there are detachably interconnected with one another tubular elements of different basic forms or shapes. Therefore, different possibilities of using the device as a toyand sporting or sports device are provided and the device itself fulfills its intended purposes. It should be apparent that owing to the selection of the sequence of the tubular elements which are connected with one another, and furthermore, due to the arc or curved tubular elements which are randomly joined together with regard to the rotational axis, there can be obtained a multiplicity of shapes of the device, particularly because the variation possibilities are not only present with regard to the horizontal but also with respect to the vertical. By virtue of the elements which are inclined with respect to the horizontal, in the event that the diameter is selected to be appropriately great, there can be formed slides over which a person can move along when located at the outside of the tubular elements in a straddling riding position. The surface properties of the inner wall of the tubular elements is irregular and roughened or coarse, so that movement through those tubular elements inclined with respect to the horizontal is simplified by the thus existing frictional resistance between the body of the user and the inner wall of the structure S.

Furthermore, it is possible to move over the outside of the structure in a seated or standing position, the lastmentioned position requiring a certain amount of dexterity. Due to the presence of the cut-outs or openings in the straight tubular elements the crawling path is interrupted at a number of partial or individual elements. in this way there is provided the possibility for larger children to move through partial elements of the structure which place a greater physical strain or burden upon the body and for smaller children to move through those partial or individual elements of the structure which place less of a physical strain on the body, for instance only in the horizontally situated tubular elements. Moreover, the windows or openings which are provided along the crawling path eliminate or mitigate against any possible fear of being in a closed space, in other words counteracts any tendency for the user to have a claustrophobic feeling.

Further, these openings serve as holding grips and as foot supports for a child located within the structure, or at the outside of the tubular elements, and which is moving along those tubular elements inclined with regard to the horizontal.

Due to the possibility of the random arrangement of the tubular elements it is possible to not only bring about a change in the activity or use of the toyand sports device, but also the tubular elements can be arranged from an aesthetic view point such as to form a plastic configuration in the artistic sense, which, for instance, can be used for the identification of a public playground.

When the internal diameter of the individual elements is selected to be small, then such can be used as a plug-connection type toy, wherein the child can form different shapes and, in the event that the individual elements are not constructed rod-shaped but rather tubular-shaped, then it is possible to roll balls or the like through a structure constructed in this way.

Irrespective whether the individual elements are tubular-shaped or solid rod-shaped, the outer diameter of the structure is essentially constant.

Finally, it will be recognized that the invention provides a set of individual elements, which are of circularshaped configuration and which can be detachably assembled together in a random position into a twisted or coiled structure, so that there are possible innumerable variation possibilities of the coiled arrangement of the structure.

While there is shown and described present preferred connected together in series to form a threedimensionally coiled structure, the connections between the tubular elements being such as to maintain an axially fixed relationship between the individual tubular elements while permitting the individual tubular elements to undergo rotation relative to each other around their respective axes so that upper situated tubular elements bear against tubular elements situated therebelow, said elements having distinct ingress and egress openings whereby a child may climb therethrough.

2. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein the tubular elements are connected together by coupling members and each coupling member is provided with connecting means which are interconnected or mesh in radial direction for the purpose of allowing a turning motion of adjacent tubular elements relative to each other.

3. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the structure, especially in the regions of the connections between adjacent tubular elements, is essentially constant over its entire lengthwise extent.

4. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein said tubular elements define two different types of tubular elements from which the structure is formed, the first type of tubular element comprising an arcuate element of a predetermined length and the second type a substantially linear tubular element of a predetermined length.

5. A toyand sporting device as defined in claim 4, wherein the linear tubular element possesses a side wall having at least one opening.

6. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein said tubular elements are formed of plastic.

7. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 6, wherein said plastic is glass fiber-reinforced polyester.

8. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein the structure defines an internal space constructed as an accessible throughpassage.

9. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein each tubular element has cut portions at both ends located substantially perpendicular to its axis.

10. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 9, wherein neighboring tubular elements can be inserted within one another.

11. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, further including means defining a recess for each said tubular element, a ring for retaining together two neighboring tubular elements at their joint location, said ring engaging in said recesses of said neighboring tubular elements and extending over the joint location of said two neighboring tubular elements.

12. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1 1, wherein each tubular element is stepped along its periphery at its end region, the outer diameter of said ring being essentially the same as the outer diameter of the tubular element, and each tubular element at the stepped region at a location furthest removed from the end of the tubular element possesses said recess along its periphery, said recess being of substantially groovelike configuration.

13. A toyand sporting device as defined in claim 12, wherein the ring is a sheet metal ring, the marginal zone of the sheet metal ring possesses an inwardly folded portion and said folded portion is seated in an associated groove-like recess.

14. A toyand sporting device as defined in claim 12, wherein the ring is split at one location in axial direction, to form two ring ends, and means for detachably connecting together the two ring ends.

15. A toy and sporting device as defined inclaim 14, wherein said detachably connecting means for the two ends of the ring comprise threaded connection means.

16. A toy and sporting device as defined inclaim 11, wherein the ring comprises a sheet metal ring.

17. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein the structure has an internal compartment having roughened surface properties.

18. A toyand sporting device as defined inclaim 1, wherein the individual elements can be detachably connected with one another in random turned position.

Claims (18)

1. A toy- and sporting device comprising a set of individual interconnectable tubular elements of substantially circular cross-section, at least some of these tubular elements being constructed as arcuate elements, connected together in series to form a three-dimensionally coiled structure, the connections between the tubular elements being such as to maintain an axially fixed relationship between the individual tubular elements while permitting the individual tubular elements to undergo rotation relative to each other around their respective axes so that upper situated tubular elements bear against tubular elements situated therebelow, said elements having distinct ingress and egress openings whereby a child may climb therethrough.

2. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the tubular elements are connected together by coupling members and each coupling member is provided with connecting means which are interconnected or mesh in radial direction for the purpose of allowing a turning motion of adjacent tubular elements relative to each other.

3. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the structure, especially in the regions of the connections between adjacent tubular elements, is essentially constant over its entire lengthwise extent.

4. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said tubular elements define two different types of tubular elements from which the structure is formed, the first type of tubular element comprising an arcuate element of a predetermined length and the second type a substantially linear tubular element of a predetermined length.

5. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 4, wherein the linear tubular element possesses a side wall having at least one opening.

6. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said tubular elements are formed of plastic.

7. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 6, wherein said plastic is glass fiber-reinforced polyester.

8. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the structure defines an internal space constructed as an accessible throughpassage.

9. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein each tubular element has cut portions at both ends located substantially perpendicular to its axis.

10. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 9, wherein neighboring tubular elements can be inserted within one another.

11. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, further including means defining a recess for each said tubular element, a ring for retaining together two neighboring tubular elements at their joint location, said ring engaging in said recesses of said neighboring tubular elements and extending over the joint location of said two neighboring tubular elements.

12. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 11, wherein each tubular element is stepped along its periphery at its end region, the outer diameter of said ring being essentially the same as the outer diameter of the tubular element, and each tubular element at the stepped region at a location furthest removed from the end of the tubular element possesses said recess along its periphery, said recess being of substantially groove-like configuration.

13. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 12, wherein the ring is a sheet metal ring, the marginal zone of the sheet metal ring possesses an inwardly folded portion and said folded portion is seated in an associated groove-like recess.

14. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 12, wherein the ring is split at one location in axial direction, to form two ring ends, and means for detachably connecting together the two ring ends.

15. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 14, wherein said detachably connecting means for the two ends of the ring comprise threaded connection means.

16. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 11, wherein the ring comprises a sheet metal ring.

17. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the structure has an internal compartment having roughened surface properties.

18. A toy- and sporting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the individual elements can be detachably connected with one another in random turned position.

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