Ball-Shaped Play Equipment

Abstract

A ball-shaped play equipment is provided that can be gripped by users with their fingers, accommodates fingertips pressed into the equipment, and rolls appropriately when thrown onto a floor or other such surface. The ball-shaped play equipment comprises a bag and filler provided inside the bag. The filler is formed from a plurality of components, each of which is flexible and intertwines to form a single mass, and rolls on a surface along with the bag. A volume occupied by the filler in the bag is smaller than a maximum capacity of the bag.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-193069 filed Dec. 1, 2022, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to ball-shaped play equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

JP2009-118951A discloses a ball-shaped play equipment comprising an octahedral cover body and a filler filled inside the cover body. The filler in the play equipment disclosed in JP2009-118951A may be cottony, clumped, rose-shaped, or granular. JP3162932U discloses a cloth ball comprising a number of pieces of cloth that are sewn together to form a convex polyhedron-shaped covering body, and a filler made of bedding cotton that is filled in the covering body. JP2017-22153A discloses a beanbag comprising a sheet body that contains a large number of granules.

Upon catching or picking up a ball-shaped play equipment, the ball-shaped equipment is held by wrapping a palm of a hand and the pads of fingertips of the hand around the ball-shaped equipment. However, for infants and the elderly, use of a hand in this manner can be difficult. For example, when catching a ball-shaped play equipment that is moving through air towards such a person the equipment is often deflected by or dropped from the person's hand. When the ball-shaped play equipment is soft, its shape deforms in response to a gripping action, making it easier to hold. Furthermore, if the fingers are bent such that fingertips (and nails) of the fingers dig into the equipment, a gripping action is enhanced.

Consequently, people with limited strength or relatively slow reflexes can enjoy playing both when catching and picking up the ball-shaped play equipment.

Conventional ball-shaped play equipment is made of a plastic or sponge material. Although, such materials have some flexibility, the interior of the ball-shaped play equipment is filled with air or a plastic material. As a result, when a person tries to grip the equipment even when using a digging action of their fingertips (and nails) the person's fingertips tend to be deflected away and pushed back from the surface of the equipment, thus making it difficult or impossible for the person to grip and hold the ball-shaped equipment. In contrast, when a beanbag is gripped with a digging action of the fingertips (and nails), the beanbag deforms to accommodate the fingertips. However, since a filler of a beanbag, such as azuki or other small beans, is hard and loose, effort is required to wedge the fingertips within the filler. From a perspective of attracting user interest, it is important that a ball-shaped play equipment can be rolled for use in play. However, if the equipment rolls too readily, infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities may not be able to keep up with the rolling equipment, and the equipment may become difficult to retrieve once it has rolled away. In this case, it is preferable to restrain to an extent rolling of the equipment. A ball-shaped play equipment made of sponge and similar materials tends to roll readily, and to move quickly depending on a force used to propel it, and may rebound off walls and continue to roll, making it difficult to retrieve. On the other hand, a beanbag, when thrown onto a surface such as a floor, hardly rolls, making it unsuitable for playing games that involve rolling.

In light of the above circumstances, the object of this invention is to provide a ball-shaped play equipment that can be grasped with fingertip pads, or gripped with a digging action of the fingertips (and nails), and that rolls moderately when thrown onto a surface such as a floor.

SUMMARY

A ball-shaped play equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-stated problem comprises a bag and a filler filled inside the bag. The filler is made of a plurality of components, each of which is flexible and intertwines to form a mass. The filler rolls on a surface along with the bag. A volume occupied by an outer shape of the mass formed by the filler in the bag is smaller than the maximum capacity of the bag, and the bag has an area that more than covers the mass of the filler. The ball-shaped play equipment according to the first aspect is designed so that when it is gripped with fingertips (and nails), the plurality of components inside the bag moves and deforms to accommodate the fingertips of the user. Additionally, in the ball-shaped play equipment according to the first aspect, the plurality of components forming the filler intertwines to form a single mass. As a result, the filler, along with the bag, rolls on a surface when the play equipment is thrown onto a floor or similar surface, allowing the play equipment to roll smoothly.

In the second aspect of the ball-shaped play equipment, each of the plurality of components is a cut-off piece of one of a knitted or woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or paper. According to the second aspect, the ball-shaped play equipment of the first aspect is made using cut-off pieces of knitted or woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, or paper.

A ball-shaped play equipment according to the third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises a bag and a filler filled inside the bag. The filler is formed by rolling or folding a flexible sheet-like material into a mass. The filler rolls along with the bag. A volume occupied by an outer shape of the mass formed by the filler in the bag is smaller than the maximum capacity of the bag, and the bag has an area that more than covers the mass of the filler. The ball-shaped play equipment according to the third aspect, like the ball-shaped play equipment according to the first aspect, deforms to accommodate the fingertips of the user when gripped, and rolls smoothly when thrown onto the floor or other such surface.

In the fourth aspect of the ball-shaped play equipment, the bag comprises an inner bag in which the filler is filled and an outer bag that contains the inner bag. According to the fourth aspect, the play equipment according to the first, second, or third aspect is made by enclosing an inner bag filled with the filler inside the outer bag.

In the fifth aspect of the ball-shaped play equipment, a plurality of inner bags in which the filler is filled is used. According to the fifth aspect, the play equipment according to the fourth aspect is made by enclosing the plurality of inner bags, each filled with the filler, inside the outer bag.

In the sixth aspect of the ball-shaped play equipment, the inner bag is a net-like member with a mesh. According to the sixth aspect, the play equipment according to the fourth or fifth aspect is made by filling the net-like inner bag with the filler and enclosing the inner bag inside the outer bag.

In the seventh aspect of the ball-shaped play equipment, the outer bag has a hole for inserting and removing the inner bag. According to the seventh aspect, the play equipment according to the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspect is made by pushing the inner bag filled with the filler through the hole in the outer bag into the interior of the outer bag.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective views of Play Equipment 1A according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of Play Equipment 1A from an angle different to that shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of Play Equipment 1A.

FIG. 4 is a front view of Play Equipment 1A.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing an example configuration of Bag 10 of Play Equipment 1A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of an example configuration of Play Equipment 1A.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of Filler 20 filled in Bag 10.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the action of Bag 10 and Filler 20 when Play Equipment 1A rolls on a surface such as a floor.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of Play Equipment 1A that is deformed by gripping with fingertips (and nails).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of Play Equipment 1A that is deformed by pinching with fingertips (and nails).

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of Play Equipment 1B according to a second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of Play Equipment 1B.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where Inner Bag 120 is provided inside Outer Bag 110.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state where a material different to Filler 20 is filled in Inner Bag 120.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an appearance of Play Equipment 1C according to a third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state where Inner Bag 120 is pulled out of Outer Bag 110.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing holes provided in Outer Bag 110.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a fastener used to secure Hole 110a in a closed state.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of Filler 20 according to a modification of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A: Fist Embodiment

FIGS. 1 to 4 each show an appearance of Play Equipment 1A according to the first embodiment of this invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of Play Equipment 1A placed on a flat surface such as a floor, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of Play Equipment 1A from an angle different to that shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, the normal direction of a plane on which Play Equipment 1A is placed (for example, the vertical direction) is referred to as the Z-axis direction. In the context placement of Play Equipment 1A, of the two directions along the plane and that are orthogonal to the Z-axis direction, one is referred to as the X-axis direction and the other is referred to as the Y-axis direction.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of Play Equipment 1A as seen from the Z-axis direction, and FIG. 4 is a front view of Play Equipment 1A as seen from the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in this embodiment, Play Equipment 1A is a ball-shaped play equipment comprising Bag 10, which has flat and rounded edges and is generally cylindrical in shape. Examples of users of Play Equipment 1A include children, such as infants and minors, and adults, such as those with disabilities, and the elderly. Bag 10 is formed to be of a size that can be gripped by one hand of the user. The size of Bag 10 can be adjusted to suit people intended to play with it and to suit their manner of play. The size of Bag 10 can vary from a size of a ping pong ball to a size of a soccer ball, and can have an average diameter of up to a few meters, depending on an intended manner of play. In other words, the size of Bag 10 is highly adaptable and can be made with a size that suits differing manners of play.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory exploded view showing a configuration of Bag 10. Each of Part 11A and Part 11B of Bag 10 has a rounded rectangular shape with a concave longer-side center area, similar to a configuration of a hardball used in baseball. Bag 10 is constructed by folding Part 11A and Part 11B into a U-shape and combining the parts so that they are substantially orthogonal to each other, and then joining the parts by sewing together their outer perimeters. Part 11A and Part 11B are formed from sheet-like flexible materials such as a knitted, woven, or a non-woven fabric. Play Equipment 1A is made by filling Filler 20 inside Bag 10, as shown in FIG. 6. Part 11A and Part 11B may be formed from sheet-like flexible materials, but a material of these parts is not limited thereto. Specific examples of woven fabrics include a plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, warp-faced weave, twill-faced weave, satin-faced weave, dobby weave, jacquard weave, single-layer weave, double-layer weave, multiple-layer weave, warp pile weave, weft pile weave, and leno weave, among others. Specific examples of knitted fabrics include circular knitting, weft knitting, warp knitting (including tricot knitting and raschel knitting), pile knitting, plain knitting, interlock knitting, rib knitting, smoothen knitting (double-sided knitting), rubber knitting, pearl knitting, denim structure, cord structure, atlas structure, chain structure, and insertion structure, among others. In a case that the user of Play Equipment 1A is a child with developmental disorders who is tactile-sensitive, it is preferable, from a viewpoint of stress reduction, that Part 11A and Part 11B be made of an elastic material.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of Filler 20. As shown in FIG. 7, Filler 20 is composed of a plurality of Components 210. In this embodiment, Components 210 are cut-off pieces of a knitted fabric (more specifically, a bandage fabric), but Components 210 may also be cut-off pieces of a woven fabric, cut-off pieces of a non-woven fabric, or cut-off pieces of paper. They may also be soft plastic pieces or cotton pieces, for example. In short, Components 210 are preferably made of a flexible material similar to Part 11A and Part 11B. As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 7, Components 210 in this embodiment are made of bandage fabric, with outer perimeters that have a fine pattern of ridges and valleys. Although detailed illustration is omitted in FIG. 7, the outer perimeters of Components 210 have fine ridges and valleys that form patterns across their circumferences. As the number of Components 210 that make up Filler 20 increases, the ridges and valleys on the outer perimeter of each of Components 210 intertwine due to friction and other factors, causing them to behave as a single mass. This single mass comprises Filler 20. When an external force is applied to the plurality of intertwined Components 210 (i.e., Filler 20), they rotate due to a moment corresponding to the external force. When the user directly imparts a rotational moment to the mass that is Filler 20 by a throwing or rolling action, Filler 20 rotates while flying through air and also while rolling along a floor (ground, etc.). Another example of an external force acting on Filler 20 is a frictional force generated between the inner surface of Bag 10 and Filler 20, when flying though air or rolling along the floor.

Since Filler 20 rotates due to the moment of the applied external force, for example, when Play Equipment 1A is thrown onto the floor, as shown in FIG. 8, Filler 20 rotates along with Bag 10 in the direction indicated by Arrow C. In FIG. 8, the plurality of Components 210 that make up Filler 20 include components that have a protrusion. When Filler 20 rotates along with Bag 10 in the direction indicated by Arrow C, a position of the components of Components 210 that have the protrusion changes in accordance with a direction of rotation (other Components 210 exhibit a similar behavior). In the case of a beanbag, multiple filler granular components do not combine to form a single mass. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the multiple granular components, differing forces are transmitted to each granular component, and consequently the granular components do not rotate together as a single mass. As a result, a beanbag does not roll even when thrown onto a floor or other such surface. In contrast, in the present embodiment of Play Equipment 1A, as shown in FIG. 8, Filler 20 rotates in the direction indicated by Arrow C along with Bag 10. Therefore, when Play Equipment 1A is thrown onto the floor or other such surface, it rolls along the floor. The outer shape of Bag 10 defined by Bag 10 and Filler 20 includes many concave and convex areas, and thus the outer shape resembles an oblate shape with protrusions. Therefore, compared to conventional ball-shaped play equipment such as baseballs or soccer balls made from plastic and filled with air, Play Equipment 1A does not roll far, and its rolling speed is relatively slow.

As shown in FIG. 8, the volume occupied by the mass formed by Filler 20 within Bag 10 is smaller than a maximum capacity of Bag 10. This means that Bag 10 has more than enough surface area to cover the mass of Filler 20, and thus when a gripping force is applied to Bag 10 it readily collapses inward under the gripping force. Since Filler 20 is made of flexible materials, and its mass is also flexible, when a user grips Play Equipment 1A by digging their fingertips (and nails) into it, each Component 210 inside Bag 10 moves and deforms to accommodate movement of the fingertips (and nails). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, depressions form in Play Equipment 1A where fingertips (and nails) press, thus ensuring a secure grip for the user. The filling density of Filler 20 can vary, and typically ranges from around 50% to around 95%. The filling density can vary depending on a size and material of Bag 10 and Filler 20, with different filling densities being used depending on need. The range mentioned (around 50% to around 95%) is only one example that has demonstrated favorable results in experiments carried out by the inventors. The filling density refers to the ratio of the volume of Filler 20′s mass to the maximum volume of Bag 10.

In this embodiment, when the user grips Play Equipment 1A by digging their fingertips (and nails) into it, a force applied by each fingertip acts as described above. On the other hand, forces acting overall on the Filler 20, such as a frictional force between the inner surface of Bag 10 and Filler 20, are distributed among the plurality of Components 210 that make up Filler 20, and the plurality of components behave as a single mass. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the user grips Play Equipment 1A with their fingertips (and nails) such as by using a pinching action, Play Equipment 1A deforms to accommodate the fingertips (and nails). Also, when Play Equipment 1A is thrown onto the floor or other such surface, it rolls relatively slowly and does not roll excessively far.

B: Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example configuration of Play Equipment 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a process for making Play Equipment 1B. Play Equipment 1B is the same as Play Equipment 1A in that it is composed of Bag 10 and Filler 20. However, Play Equipment 1B differs from Play Equipment 1A in that it comprises Bag 10, which has Inner Bag 120 and Outer Bag 110 that houses Inner Bag 120. Filler 20 is filled in Inner Bag 120. Outer Bag 110 and Inner Bag 120 are each formed from sheet-like flexible materials such as a knitted or woven material, or from a material that is neither knitted nor woven. Inner Bag 120 may also be formed from a mesh-like material that has a net structure. If Inner Bag 120 is formed from a mesh-like material, it is preferable that a mesh size of Inner Bag 120 is smaller than the smallest Component 210 that is filled inside Inner Bag 120.

In Play Equipment 1B shown in FIG. 11, one Inner Bag 120 is provided inside Outer Bag 110. However, it is also possible for more than one Inner Bag 120, each filled with Filler 20, to be provided inside Outer Bag 110.

In Play Equipment 1B shown in FIG. 13, four Inner Bags 120, each filled with Filler 20, are provided inside Outer Bag 110. By providing more than one Timer Bag 120 inside Outer Bag 110, each filled with Filler 20, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment while further imparting a rich sensory experience to a user when the user grips the equipment.

When configuring Play Equipment 1B by providing more than one Inner Bag 120 inside Outer Bag 110, each filled with filler 20, different types of fillers can be filled in each of the more than one Inner Bag 120. In Play Equipment 1B shown in FIG. 14, there are four Inner Bags 120 provided inside Outer Bag 110, two of which are filled with Filler 20, and the other two of which are filled with fillers different from Filler 20. Specifically, one of the other two Inner Bags 120 is filled with granular components such as dried soybeans or azuki beans, referred to as Granular Components 220. The other the two other Inner Bags 120, is filled with a solid or hollow spherical Granular Components 230 made of plastic or other material. In the configuration in which multiple Inner Bags 120 are provided inside Outer Bag 110 to form Play Equipment 1B, as long as at least one of Inner Bags 120 is filled with Filler 20 composed of a plurality of Components 210, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved while further imparting a rich sensory experience to a user when the equipment is gripped by the user. Additionally, since Granular Components 220 as well as Granular Components 230 generate sound upon collision, by including multiple Inner Bags 120 containing these components, when a user grips or throws Play Equipment 1B, the plurality of granular components collide and produce sound, which further acts to impart auditory stimulation to the user.

C: Third Embodiment

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of Play Equipment 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Play Equipment 1C comprises Bag 10 and Filler 20. Similar to Play Equipment 1B, Bag 10 comprises Timer Bag 120 filled with Filler 20 and Outer Bag 110 that accommodates Inner Bag 120. In Play Equipment 1C, as in the case of Play Equipment 1B, multiple Timer Bags 120 can be provided in Outer Bag 110. In addition, multiple Inner Bags 120 can contain a further Inner Bag 120 filled with a plurality of Granular Components 220 or a further Inner Bag 120 filled with a plurality of Granular Components 230.

In Play Equipment 1C, unlike Play Equipment 1B, in Outer Bag 110, which comprises Bag 10 along with Inner Bag 120, Hole 110a is provided. Inner Bag 120 is pushed inside Outer Bag 110 via Hole 110a. Users of Play Equipment 1C can insert one or more fingers into Hole 110a, and pull Inner Bag 120 out from the inside of Outer Bag 110, as shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, users of Play Equipment 1C can push Inner Bag 120, which has been pulled out from Outer Bag 110, back inside Outer Bag 110 via Hole 110a. Removal and reinsertion of Inner Bag 120 allows for separate cleaning of Outer Bag 110 and Inner Bag 120 as needed, thereby maintaining effective hygiene during use. Furthermore, it is possible to wash the materials of each part even with Inner Bag 120 provided in place. With Inner Bag 120 removed, however, Outer Bag 110 can be more easily cleaned, thereby providing an additional advantage.

While FIG. 15 shows one hole (Hole 110a) in Outer Bag 110, it is also possible for Outer Bag 110 of Play Equipment 1C to have multiple holes. In a configuration where multiple holes are provided in Outer Bag 110 of Play Equipment 1C, sizes of the multiple holes need not be the same. FIG. 17 illustrates Play Equipment 1C with two holes in Outer Bag 110, i.e. Hole 110a, and Hole 110b that is smaller than Hole 110a.

In Play Equipment 1C shown in FIG. 17, Hole 110b is smaller in width than Inner Bag 120. As a result, users cannot remove Inner Bag 120 by inserting one or more finger through Hole 110b into the interior of Outer Bag 110. In the configuration of Play Equipment 1C where multiple holes are provided in Outer Bag 110, users can experiment to discover which hole allows them to remove Inner Bag 120. By use of such trial and error, development in cognitive ability can be attained in young users and improvement in cognitive ability can be attained in users with disabilities, and in elderly users depending on specific needs and abilities.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 18, Zipper 1101 may be provided to securely close Hole 110a in a fixed state. Furthermore, Flap 1102 and Flap 1103 may be provided to cover Hole 110a. In the configuration where Flap 1102 and Flap 1103 are provided, fasteners such as snap buttons commonly used in clothing or surface fasteners may be attached to Flap 1102 and Flap 1103 to secure them in an overlapping position.

This embodiment also provides ball-shaped play equipment 1C which, when gripped by the user with fingertips (and nails) inserted using a pinching action, deforms to accommodate the inserted fingertips, and rolls moderately when thrown onto the floor or the like.

[D: Modifications]

The embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

(1) In the above embodiments, fine irregularities defining peaks and valleys are formed around the outer periphery of Component 210 throughout its circumference. Particularly, when using materials like bandage fabric, a texture varies depending on a weave pattern of the fabric. The texture on the outer periphery of Component 210 may be created not only by the material itself but also by additional processing. Additionally, on the outer periphery of Component 210, as shown in FIG. 19, fine irregularities may be provided in alternating patterns between a first portion with irregularities and a second portion without irregularities. By using a plurality of Components 210 as shown in FIG. 11 to form Filler 20, Components 210 intertwine and behave as a single mass, achieving the same effect as described in the above embodiment. Furthermore, when the plurality of Components 210 intertwine and form a single mass due to friction between them, the surface irregularities around Components 210 may be omitted. Additionally, to facilitate the formation of a single mass by the plurality of Components 210 that make up Filler 20, an adhesive or similar substance may be applied to at least some of Components 210.
(2) Filler 20 in the above embodiment is composed of a plurality of Components 210, each of which is a cut-off piece of knitted material that intertwine to form a single mass. However, Filler 20 may also be formed by rolling up or folding a flexible sheet-like Material 240 (the material can be a knitted or woven material, or a nonwoven fabric, or paper, etc.) into a single mass, as shown in, for example, FIG. 15. Filler 20 formed by folding the sheet-like Material 240 can be placed inside Timer Bag 120. Additionally, a number of sheet-like Material 240 used is not limited to one sheet and a plurality of sheets of Material 240 may be used. In short, the ball-shaped play equipment of this invention consists of a bag body and a filling material filled inside the bag body, with the filling material being formed by rolling or folding a flexible sheet-like material and occupying a volume within the bag body that is smaller than the maximum capacity of the bag body. In each embodiment, it is permissible for the mass formed by Filler 20 to include fraying or for several components constituting the mass to come loose. Furthermore, it is acceptable for the mass to be divided into multiple parts, as long as the multiple parts are configured to roll together with the bag body as a whole.
(3) In the above-described embodiments, specific examples of users of the play equipment are mentioned, such as young children, minors, disabled adults, and the elderly. However, users of the play equipment according to the present invention are not limited to these users. For example, professional athletes may also use the play equipment according to the present invention.

For instance, baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, and similar athletes may use the play equipment according to the present invention to improve their pitching or throwing.

Additionally, practice for baseball, such as batting drills can be conducted using the play equipment according to the present invention. In particular, when using a plurality of bandage fabric pieces or similar materials as the filling material for the play equipment, a weight relative to a volume of the play equipment is extremely low. Therefore, for example, even in situations where there are objects around, such as indoors, use of the play equipment according to the present invention instead of a regular ball reduces a risk of damage to the objects in the event that the play equipment accidentally collides with them. Therefore, even in situations where outdoor practice with a ball is not possible, use of the play equipment according to the present invention allows for indoor practice.

Furthermore, since the play equipment according to the present invention has a shorter flight distance compared to regular balls used in sports, ball-sport athletes can use the play equipment according to the present invention instead of regular balls during practice to train in confined spaces. Moreover, since the play equipment according to the present invention is softer than regular balls used in sports, ball-sport athletes can use the play equipment according to the present invention during practice to reduce a risk of injury such as impact injury to fingers.

(4) The features of the play equipment according to the second embodiment mentioned above may be combined with the features of the play equipment according to the third embodiment. In other words, it is permissible for multiple Timer Bags 120 filled with Filler 20 to be configured to be removable and insertable through Hole 110a of Outer Bag 110. With the play equipment according to this modification, compared to the case where there is only one Inner Bag 120 in Outer Bag 110, an amount of filling material filled in each Inner Bag 120 is reduced. Therefore, when a user removes Inner Bag 120 from Outer Bag 110 and washes Inner Bag 120, the user can dry Inner Bag 120 in a short amount of time, thus making it easier to prevent growth of mold, bacteria, and to prevent development of odors.
(5) In the play equipment according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the outer shape of the mass formed by the filling material occupies a volume inside the bag body that is smaller than the maximum capacity of the bag body. It is permissible to modify this condition. For example, it may be acceptable for the filling density, which is the ratio of the volume of the outer shape of the mass formed by the filling material in the free space within the bag body not occupied by the maximum capacity of the bag body, to be 100% or more. In such a case, the effect described earlier, where each of the plurality of components within the bag body moves and deforms to accommodate the fingertips (and nails) of the user when gripped, may be reduced. However, this reduction in effect may be desirable in some applications due to improved elasticity or other factors. Even when the filling density is 100% or more, particularly if the bag body is made using bandage fabric, such a density can be desirable as it provides a comfortable sensation when gripped by the user. Furthermore, even when the filling density is 100% or more, particularly if the filling material comprises a plurality of pieces of bandage fabric, such a density can be desirable as it makes it easier for the play equipment to maintain its shape and allows the users' fingertips (and nails) to grip the play equipment more effectively.

Claims

1. A ball-shaped play equipment comprising:

a bag; and

a filler contained inside the bag;

wherein the filler is formed from a plurality of components, each of which is flexible and intertwines to form a mass;

the filler rolls on a surface along with the bag;

a volume occupied by an outer shape of the mass formed by the filler in the bag is smaller than a maximum capacity of the bag; and

the bag has an area that more than covers the mass of the filler.

2. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of components is a cut-off piece of one of a knitted or woven fabric, or a non-woven fabric, or paper.

3. A ball-shaped play equipment comprising:

a bag; and

a filler filled inside the bag;

wherein the filler is formed by rolling or folding a flexible sheet-like material into a mass;

the filler rolls on a surface along with the bag;

a volume occupied by an outer shape of the mass formed by the filler in the bag is smaller than a maximum capacity of the bag; and

the bag has an area that more than covers the mass of the filler.

4. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 1, wherein

the bag comprises an inner bag in which the filler is filled and an outer bag that contains the inner bag.

5. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 4, wherein

a plurality of inner bags in which the filler is filled is contained within the outer bag.

6. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 4, wherein

the inner bag is a net-like member with a mesh.

7. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 4, wherein

the outer bag has a hole for inserting and removing the inner bag.

8. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 2, wherein

the bag comprises an inner bag in which the filler is filled and an outer bag that contains the inner bag.

9. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 8, wherein

a plurality of inner bags in which the filler is filled is contained within the outer bag.

10. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 8, wherein

the inner bag is a net-like member with a mesh.

11. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 8, wherein

the outer bag has a hole for inserting and removing the inner bag.

12. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 3, wherein

the bag comprises an inner bag in which the filler is filled and an outer bag that contains the inner bag.

13. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 12, wherein

a plurality of inner bags in which the filler is filled is contained within the outer bag.

14. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 12, wherein

the inner bag is a net-like member with a mesh.

15. The ball-shaped play equipment according to claim 12, wherein

the outer bag has a hole for inserting and removing the inner bag.