Multi-component, spherical, assemblable toy

#The present invention relates to a multi-component, spherical, assemblable toy. the spherical structure of the toy comprises an inner and supporting structure and a plurality of surface, interchangeable cover plates.

#Present pedagogical doctrines teach the use of preformed articles, toys, etc. having assemblable multi-component structures as the simplest and most suitable way of aiding in the development of the mental, creative and intellectual characteristics of a child of pre-schooling or elementary school age.

#It has been established scientifically that some of the most valuable pedagogical tools are toy articles which are assemblable, diassemblable and structurally interchangeable directly by the child while playing. This gives rise to variations in the structural composition of the toy while concurrently engaging the mental and intellectual capability of the child.

#The invention will be understood more fully from the following details of the embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finished toy;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the supporting, inner, spherical structure;

#Referring now to the accompanying drawings, the toy of the invention comprises a supporting spherical body or structure, indicated generally at 1 in FIG. 2, which structure is in turn comprised of a plurality of elements 2, dimensionally equal to one another and connected to one another by means of couplers 3. Each element 2 -- see FIG. 3 -- comprises a portion with convex surface 4 of irregular quadrilateral shape and having two adjacent sides 5, 5' equal to each other and facing two other sides 6, 6', similarly adjacent and equal to each other.

#All four sides 5, 5', 6 and 6' are connected by an edge 7 which is provided with a plurality of V-shaped notches 8, and is positioned upwardly from the convex surface 4 of the element 2. Further, substantially in the center of the convex surface 4 there is provided a protruding bushing 9 having substantially diametrical longitudinal cuts therein. These cuts define a pair of relatively flexible semicylindrical portions 10, each of which is provided with an outer peripherical throat 11, the function of which will be explained hereinlater -- see also FIG. 8.

#The coupler 3 which serves to connect the individual elements 2 in the construction of the spherical supporting structure comprises a substantially H-shaped configuration -- see FIG. 4 -- the central transverse part 12 of which connects the two opposed wings 13 and has shape and height corresponding to the shape and height of the notches 8 provided in the peripherical edges 7 of element 2 -- see FIG. 5.