Toy with spherical-shaped object

Abstract

A toy comprising an object ( 12 ) which performs a spherical function, such as a striker for drum. The object ( 12 ) comprises a generally spherical body ( 30 ) having surface regions ( 40, 42, 44, 46 ) which together define a spherical surface area that performs the spherical function of the object. The object ( 12 ) also has grooves ( 32, 34 , and 36 ) and throughways ( 38 ) which define air passages configured to allow for the passage of air through a child's windpipe regardless of how the object ( 12 ) is lodged therein.

1 . A toy comprising an object which performs a spherical function, said object comprising a generally spherical body having surface regions which together define a spherical surface area that performs the spherical function of the object, and air passages configured to allow for the passage of air through a windpipe regardless of how the spherical body is lodged in the windpipe.  
   
   
       2 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the air passages are arranged so that any diametrical plane through the generally spherical body is intersected by at least one of the air passages and wherein the intercepted air passage(s) extends through spherical body in a direction perpendicular to the diametrical plane.  
   
   
       3 . A toy as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein any diametrical plane through the generally spherical body is intersected by at least two of the air passages.  
   
   
       4 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the air passageways include at least one air passageway in a first direction, at least one air passageway in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and at least one air passageway in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.  
   
   
       5 . A toy as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the air passageways in the first direction and the second direction are formed by grooves in the spherical body.  
   
   
       6 . A toy as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the air passageway in the third direction are formed by a throughway through the spherical body.  
   
   
       7 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the air passageway in at least one of the directions is formed by a throughways through the spherical body.  
   
   
       8 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a stick and wherein the spherical object is attached to the stick.  
   
   
       9 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a musical percussion instrument which is contacted by the spherical object.  
   
   
       10 . A toy as set forth in  claim 7 , further comprising a stick and wherein the spherical object is attached to the stick.  
   
   
       11 . A toy as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the musical percussion instrument is a drum.  
   
   
       12 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a paddle and wherein the spherical object is attached to the paddle.  
   
   
       13 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising non-spherical objects which are unattached to the spherical object.  
   
   
       14 . A toy as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the non-spherical objects are pins which are intended to be knocked down by rolling the spherical object.  
   
   
       15 . A toy as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the spherical object has a diameter between about two inches and about three inches.  
   
   
       16 . A toy comprising a percussion object and a spherical object which strikes the percussion object to produce a sound; 
 wherein the spherical object comprises a generally spherical body having surfaces which together define a spherical surface area that performs the striking function of the spherical object, and air passages configured to allow for the passage of air through a windpipe regardless of how the spherical body is lodged in the windpipe;    wherein the air passages are arranged so that any diametrical plane through the generally spherical body is intersected by at least one of the air passages and wherein the intercepted air passage(s) extends through spherical body in a direction perpendicular to the diametrical plane;    wherein some of the air passageways are formed by grooves in the surface of the spherical body and some of the air passageways are formed by throughways through the spherical body; and    wherein the spherical body has a diameter between about two inches and about three inches.    
   
   
       17 . A toy comprising an object which performs a spherical function, said object comprising a generally spherical body having surfaces which together define a spherical surface area that performs the spherical function of the object, and air passages configured to allow for the passage of air through a windpipe regardless of how the spherical body is lodged in the windpipe; 
 wherein the air passages are arranged so that any diametrical plane through the generally spherical body is intersected by at least one of the air passages and wherein the intercepted air passage(s) extends through spherical body in a direction perpendicular to the diametrical plane;    wherein the air passageways include at least one air passageway in a first direction, at least one air passageway in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and at least one air passageway in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction;    wherein some of the air passageways are formed by grooves in the surface of the spherical body and some of the air passageways are formed by throughways through the spherical body; and    wherein the spherical body has a diameter between about two inches and about three inches.