DUFORT JOHN FRANCIS (GB)
HAMILTON PAUL (GB)
DUFORT JOHN FRANCIS (GB)
| WO2007042741A1 | 2007-04-19 |
| US5083799A | 1992-01-28 |
CLAIMS
1. A bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced, characterized in that the ratio of the circumference of the inner disc portion to the outer circumference of the outer ring portion is equal to or greater than 0.76.
2. A bouncing toy according to claim 1 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor ring thickness to the circumference of the inner disc portion is greater than 0.118.
3. A bouncing toy according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor outer circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or greater than 0.91.
4. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the minor inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
5. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the major inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
6. A bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor ring thickness to the circumference of the inner disc portion is greater than 0.118
7. A bouncing toy according to claim 6, characterized in that the ratio of the circumference of the inner disc portion to the outer circumference of the outer ring portion is equal to or greater than 0.76.
8. A bouncing toy according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor outer circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or greater than 0.91.
9. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the minor inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
10. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the major inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
11. A bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor outer circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or greater than 0.91.
12. A bouncing toy according to claim 11 , wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor ring thickness to the circumference of the inner disc portion is greater than 0.118.
13. A bouncing toy according to claims 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the ratio of the circumference of the inner disc portion to the outer circumference of the outer ring portion is equal to or greater than 0.76.
14. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the minor inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
15. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the major inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
16. A bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the minor inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
17. A bouncing toy according to claim 16 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor ring thickness to the circumference of the inner disc portion is greater than 0.118.
18. A bouncing toy according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor outer circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or greater than 0.91.
19. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 characterized in that the ratio of the circumference of the inner disc portion to the outer circumference of the outer ring portion is equal to or greater than 0.76
20. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the major inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
21. A bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring wherein the ratio of the major inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
22. A bouncing toy according to claim 21 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor ring thickness to the circumference ot the inner disc portion is greater than 0.118.
23. A bouncing toy according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprises a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and wherein the ratio of the minor outer circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or greater than 0.91.
24. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23 characterized in that the ratio of the circumference of the inner disc portion to the outer circumference of the outer ring portion is equal to or greater than 0.76
25. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the minor inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
26. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the radial thickness of the miner ring is greater than 4 mm and the axial thickness of the ring perpendicular to its radial thickness is greater than 2.7 mm.
27. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the axial thickness of the major ring perpendicular to its radial thickness is within the range of 6.0 to 7.5 mm, and is preferably 6.2 mm.
28. A bouncing toy as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the radial thickness of the major ring is within the range 6 to 7.5 mm, and preferably is 6.5 mm.
29. A bouncing toy in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner disc portion comprises a planar disc.
30. A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 29, wherein the planar disc is a plastic disc.
31. A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 29 or 30, wherein the planar disc is resilient.
32. A bouncing toy in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner disc is a polypropylene (PP) disc.
33. A bouncing toy in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer ring portion is moulded onto an edge portion of the inner disc.
34. A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 33, wherein the outer ring portion is moulded so as to engage both sides of the inner disc.
35. A bouncing toy in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the outer ring portion is provided with an inwardly facing channel and an edge portion of the inner disc is received in said channel.
36. A bouncing toy in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer ring portion comprises moulded plastic material.
37. A bouncing toy in accordance with claim 36, wherein the outer ring portion comprises moulded SEBS.
38. A bouncing toy in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the outer ring portion is adapted to mate axially with a concentrically aligned and correspondingly adapted outer ring portion of a substantially identical bouncing toy. |
BOUNCING TOY
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to bouncing toys, and in particular to bouncing toys including a planar disc section.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Bouncing toys, particularly in the form of bouncing balls, are well known. Discs of one form or another have also been used as play items for a number of years. One particular form of toy disc is known as the Tazo ® . Tazos ® have been about since the mid 1990's - these toy discs were initially paper disks and comprised part of the packaging of household goods namely milk bottle top inserts in the US and Hawaii - in certain areas, these discs were referred to as milk caps; in other areas such as Hawaii, they were known as Pogs because they were used to seal a drink comprising Pomegranate, Orange and Guava juice - from the early part of the twentieth century. As a result of development in die-cut printed plastics and the demand from the market for novelties, they have more recently been produced of plastics materials. Indeed, their toy status has usurped their benign origins and they are now frequently produced specifically as a toy. Typically, the diameter of a tazo ® is 40mm and the thickness will be of the order of 0.5 - 1.0mm, but variations of these dimensions are numerous.
[0003] Large manufacturing organisations have frequently employed
Tazos ® as promotional items, for example by cola/soft drink manufacturers, potato snack manufacturers etc. Tazo ® discs presently enjoy a reputation throughout the world. Certain manufacturers produce limited editions Tazos ® , which have special logos or characters printed thereon. Such items may be distributed within packets of cereals, where, typically one type of Tazo ® is produced to a lesser degree than other Tazos ® "to collect, to complete the set"
whereby "pester power" may lead to an increase in sales of a product. One can sell and exchange Tazos ® by means of the internet, on Tazo ® -specific sites.
[0004] Tazos ® can be tossed, as is well known and practiced and many games including Tazo ® Golf have been developed to promote the usability and toy interest of the Tazo ® . Nevertheless, it is also known that Tazos ® and similar discs do represent a certain element of danger and persons have been struck by these units resulting in injuries.
[0005] In WO/2007/042741 , there is described a bouncing toy comprising an inner disc or Tazo ® and an outer ring circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced.
[0006] Despite the improvements derived from WO/2007/042741 , there is an ongoing need for bouncing toys that not only provide acceptable performance during game play but, which also meet stringent requirements for such toys in respect of their inherent safety and safety in use. Of particular relevance to toys associated with Tazos ® is that they, should meet the stringent safety torque and testing for 0 age grading.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with a first embodiment the present invention there is provided a bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced, characterized in that the ratio of the circumference of the inner disc portion to the outer circumference of the outer ring portion is equal to or greater than 0.76.
[0008] In accordance with a second embodiment ot the present invention there is also provided a bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced and the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the minor outer circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or greater than 0.91.
[0009] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced and the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the major inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
[0010] In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced and the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic
modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the ratio of the minor inner circumference to the major outer circumference of the outer ring is equal to or less than 0.70.
[0011] In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a bouncing toy comprising: an inner disc portion; and an outer ring portion circumferentially surrounding the inner disc portion and attached to the inner disc portion, the outer ring portion being resilient and providing at least one resilient bouncing surface on which the toy can be bounced and the shape of the outer ring portion comprising a periodic modulation of a radial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference and a minor outer circumference to the outer ring and a major inner circumference and a minor inner circumference to the outer ring, wherein the minor outer circumference and the major inner circumference define a minor ring of a defined thickness and the major outer circumference and the minor inner circumference define a major ring of a defined thickness and the ratio of the minor ring thickness to the circumference of the inner disc portion is greater than 0.118.
[0012] The present invention also encompasses any combination of two or more of the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment the radial thickness of the miner ring is greater than 4 mm and the axial thickness of the ring perpendicular to its radial thickness is greater than 2.7 mm.
[0014] The shape of the outer ring portion may and preferably does comprise a periodic modulation of an axial thickness of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment the axial thickness of the major ring perpendicular to its radial thickness is within the range of 6.0 to 7.5 mm, preferably 6.2 mm. In a preferred embodiment the radial thickness of the major ring is within the range 6 to 7.5 mm, preferably 6.5 mm.
[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, which may be utilized with one or more of the first to fifth embodiments, the inner disk comprises a peripheral region, which is devoid of any applied surface decoration e.g. printed image. This peripheral region is preferably of a dimension such that it is substantially obscured by the outer ring when the inner disc is located within a receiving channel in the outer ring.
[0017] In certain embodiments the inner disc portion comprises a planar disc. This disc may be and preferably is a plastic disc, and may be and preferably is resilient. In certain embodiments the planar disc is a polypropylene (PP) disc. It may be opaque, but in a preferred embodiment the PP disc is substantially transparent and/or free of filer. In a preferred embodiment this transparency is located at the peripheral region of the inner disc.
[0018] The outer ring portion may and preferably is moulded onto an edge portion of the planar disc, and the outer ring portion may be moulded so as to engage both sides of the planar disc. A suitable method is described in WO/2007/042741.
[0019] Alternatively, the outer ring portion is provided with an inwardly facing channel, which may also be described as a groove, and an edge portion of the planar disc is received in the channel. In other words, in certain
embodiments, attachment of the ring portion to the disc is by means of an edge portion of the disc being received in (and held by) an appropriately arranged groove in the ring portion. The disc edge may be retained in the groove solely by the resilience of the ring portion, or alternatively, in other embodiments, additional retaining means may be used, such as an adhesive. It is preferred that radius defined by this channel within the minor ring is such that the ratio of this radius to the major inner radius is equal to or greater than 1.07.
[0020] Preferably the inner disc has a thickness of approximately 0.85 to
0.95 mm, preferably approximately 0.9 mm.
[0021] The outer ring portion may comprise moulded plastic material, and in certain embodiments comprises moulded SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene- Butadiene-Styrene copolymer compound). This may also be a thermoplastic rubber/polypropylene mix (TPR/PP).
[0022] In preferred embodiments the outer ring portion is adapted (e.g. shaped) to mate axially with a concentrically aligned and correspondingly adapted outer ring portion of a substantially identical bouncing toy. Thus, a stack of two or more bouncing toys may be formed. The outer ring portion may be adapted such that said concentrically aligned and correspondingly adapted outer ring portion can mate axially only in a discrete number of angular orientations. This discrete number of angular orientations may be in the range 1 to 15, for example 10.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the outer ring portion comprises interconnection means arranged such that the outer ring portion may be releasably axially connected to a concentrically aligned outer ring portion of a substantially identical bouncing toy. In other words, the interconnection means is arranged such that it can mate with the interconnection means of another bouncing toy to releasably join the two together. The interconnection means may comprise at least one axially extending attachment member and at least
one attachment member receiving means arranged to receive axially and engage an attachment member of a second, substantially identical bouncing toy.
[0024] In certain embodiments the shape of the outer ring portion is generally symmetrical about a mid-plane perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0025] In certain embodiments, at least one axial side of the outer ring portion is provided with interconnection means arranged to enable the outer ring portion to interconnect axially and releasably to a concentrically aligned outer ring portion of a substantially identical bouncing toy. The interconnection means may comprise a three-dimensional pattern provided on a surface of the ring portion, and that three-dimensional pattern may comprise a repeating three-dimensional element.
[0026] The interconnection means may comprises a patterned surface arranged to interlock (or intermesh) with the correspondingly patterned surface of the ring portion of a substantially identical bouncing toy, and the patterned surface may be a stepped surface.
[0027] In certain embodiments, both axial sides of the outer ring portion are provided with interconnection means, so that other toys can be interconnected to both sides.
[0028] In certain embodiments the interconnection means comprises a plurality of axially extending interconnection members regularly (evenly) spaced around the ring portion and arranged to intermesh with the interconnection members of a ring portion of another, substantially identical bouncing toy, such that each interconnection member of one ring member is frictionally held between two adjacent interconnection members of the other ring portion. Each interconnection member may also extend radially outwards, outer surfaces of the interconnection members providing a plurality of bouncing surfaces. In
certain embodiments, each interconnection member is generally wedge shaped, and the bouncing toy may comprise ten such interconnection members. Each interconnection member may comprise a pair of substantially planar engaging surfaces with which it frictionally engages a pair of interconnection members of another bouncing toy when intermeshed.
[0029] A suitable method of producing a bouncing toy according to the invention comprises the steps of: providing a planar disc; positioning the planar disc between two parts of a two-part mould; injecting material into the two-part mould to form the resilient outer ring portion around the planar disc as described in WO2007/042741.
[0030] The invention provides for a pack comprising at least one bouncing toy in accordance with any embodiments of the invention and instructions for playing at least one game as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The pack may also include a launcher.
[0031] It will be appreciated that the disc or disc portion in embodiments of the invention can be coloured, patterned or otherwise decorated, such as providing an advertisement or comprise part of a series of discs to collect. Photo luminescent effects and other types of optical effects may be provided. The disc may carry printed material, such as instructions for playing a game with the toy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0032] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein: -
Figure 1 and 1 (a) are side and plan views ot a bouncing toy according to tne prior art.; and
Fig 2 (a) to (e) are side, plan and section views of the bouncing toy of present invention with an inner disc for use in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to Figs 1 (a) and (b) , a bouncing toy (1 ) is illustrated as disclosed In WO/2007/042741. Whilst being an improvement on the conventional Tazo ® disc, this prior art bouncing toy fails to meet the stringent safety torque and testing for 0 age grading. This toy comprises an outer ring (2) having a periodic modulation of a radial axial thickness of the outer ring portion (2), that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation defining a major outer circumference (Y) and a minor outer circumference (Z) to the outer ring and a major inner circumference (T) and a minor inner circumference (V) to the outer ring. The shape of the outer ring portion also comprises a periodic modulation of an axial thickness (E) and (D) of the outer ring portion, that modulation comprising a substantially square wave modulation.
[0034] Referring to Figures 2(a) to (e) a bouncing toy arrangement (10) embodying the present invention comprises an inner disc portion (11 ) and an outer ring portion (12). The outer ring portion (12) circumferentially surrounds the inner disc portion (11 ) and is attached to the inner disc portion (11 ). In this embodiment, the outer ring portion (12) is a moulded component formed from SEBS material and has been directly moulded around an edge portion of the central disc (11 ) to grip that edge portion and so prevent the ring and disc from separating when being bounced. The periphery (13) of the inner disc (11) is devoid of printed matter. In other embodiments, the outer ring may be produced separately from the disc and may have an inwardly facing circular channel (located at 14) for receiving the edge portion (13) of the disc (11 ). In such
embodiments, the disc (11 ) can be inserted in to the ring (12) by suitable manipulation of the ring resilient material.
[0035] Returning to the present embodiment, the outer ring portion (12) is resilient and provides a plurality of outer resilient bouncing surfaces (15) on which the toy can be bounced. In other words, the ring (12) and disc (11 ) arrangement is intended to be bounced on its outer edge surfaces (18). In this embodiment the inner disc portion (11 ) comprises a planar disc formed from material, which is also resilient. The resilient disc portion improves the bouncing properties of the bouncing toy as a whole. The outer ring portion (12) has a shape, which is formed from a repeating 3-dimensional element (16). As a result, moving around the ring portion (12), one sees that its axial thickness varies in a regular, step-like manner. Its radial thickness similarly varies in a step-like manner. Looking at the shape of the ring (12) in a different way, the outer ring portion (12) can be regarded as comprising a plurality of axially extending interconnection members (15), evenly spaced around the ring portion (12). In the embodiment shown there are ten such interconnection members (15), with ten corresponding spaces in between. The arrangement of spaced interconnection members (15) around the ring (12) enables it to releasably and axially interconnect with a correspondingly shaped ring of another bouncing toy. In other words, the interconnection members (15) are able to intermesh with the interconnection members of another ring, such that a stack of two or more rings can be formed. When two such rings interlock, each interconnection member of one ring is frictionally held between two adjacent interconnection members of the other ring portion. Each interconnection member comprises a pair of planar engaging surfaces (17) with which it frictionally engages a pair of interconnection members of the other bouncing toy when interconnected. Only a few of these engaging surfaces (17) are labeled in the Figures for clarity. It will also be appreciated from the Figures that in the illustrated embodiment, each interconnection member (15) is generally wedge-shaped and extends radially outwards in addition to extending axially.
[0036] The radially outermost part of each interconnection member forms a respective bouncing surface (18). It will be appreciated that by appropriate arrangement of the sizes of the interconnection members (15) and the separation between them, a relatively tight push-fit can be achieved between rings (12), such that a stack of two or more such rings can hold together when bounced.
[0037] The relative proportions of the components of the bouncing toy
(10) of Figure 2(a) to (e) have been selected to provide a bouncing toy, which has comparable or superior bouncing properties to that described in Figure 1 but with the additional benefit of meeting the stringent safety torque and testing for 0 age grading. The proportions of the outer ring (12) and the inner disc (11 ) are illustrated meet these requirements. The ratio of the circumference (F') of the inner disc portion to the outer circumference (X') of the outer ring portion is equal to or greater than 0.76. In this embodiment the circumference (F') of the inner disc portion is 34 mm and the outer circumference (X') of the outer ring portion is 41 mm.
[0038] Alternatively or in addition the proportions of the minor ring thickness (A') to the circumference (F') of the inner disc portion are selected to give a ratio of greater than 0.118. In this embodiment the circumference (F') of the inner disc portion is 34 mm and the minor ring thickness (A') is 4.75 mm.
[0039] Alternatively or in addition the proportions of the minor outer circumference (Y') and the major outer circumference (X') are selected so that the ratio of the minor outer circumference (Y') to the major outer circumference (X') of the outer ring is equal to or greater than 0.91. In this embodiment the minor outer circumference (Y') is 38 mm and the major outer circumference (X') is 41 mm.
[0040] Alternatively or in addition the proportions of the minor inner circumference (V) and the major outer circumference (X') of the outer ring (12)
are selected to give a ratio of the minor inner circumference (V) to the major outer circumference (X'), which is equal to or less than 0.70. In this embodiment the minor inner circumference (V) is 28 mm and the major outer circumference (X') is 41 mm.
[0041] The axial thickness (B') of the minor ring perpendicular to its radial thickness is greater than 2.7 mm and in this embodiment is 3 mm.
[0042] The axial thickness (C) of the major ring perpendicular to its radial thickness is 6.2 mm or greater and in this embodiment is 7mm, but could also be 6.5 mm.