Magnetically driven animated display

An animated display for use with magnetically-attractable, movable figurines includes a display surface and a magnet for attracting one of the figurines across the display surface. A drive mechanism is provided for intermittently moving the magnet in a closed path below the display surface. The figurines can pivot to simulate motion as they move across the display surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to an animated display device 
having figurines that are moved over a display surface by magnetic forces. 
More particularly, the present invention relates to a magnet drive system 
and at least one figurine which is moved in intermittent motions over the 
display surface. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Magnets have long been used to move figurines over display surfaces. 
Typically, a display surface of a toy will be formed to represent some 
type of recreational area such as, for example, a skating rink, a race 
track, etc., on which figurines such as ice skaters or race cars move 
about. One or more magnets will be supported for movement just beneath the 
display surface. As the magnetic force attracts the figurine, the figurine 
will move over the display surface as it follows the magnet. 
Along with many different kinds of display surfaces, many types of drive 
systems for moving the magnets below the display surface have been 
proposed through the years. For instance, a combination of planetary and 
sun gears can be provided to cause elongated magnet supports to revolve 
about the sun gears and also to rotate about their own central axes, 
simulating random movement. 
One type of recreational area that has proven to be popular is a skating 
rink. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,825 (Hwang et al.) discloses a toy 
kiddieland wherein the display surface includes a skating rink, an 
undulating track and a play area that includes swings, all of which have 
figurines that are moved by the magnetic force of magnets. Beneath the 
display surface is a plate rotatably mounted on a base and equipped with a 
plurality of magnets. Magnets positioned beneath the skating rink are 
mounted in pairs on either end of a rotary shaft. The pairs of magnets 
revolve with the rotating plate and can also rotate about their respective 
shafts through attraction to a stationary magnet secured to the base of 
the display. Additional magnets are mounted on vertically movable shafts 
for moving figurines, such as cars, over the track, and magnets secured to 
the outer periphery of the plate move the swinging displays. 
U.S. Pat. No. 2,645,880 (Richter) discloses another type of animated 
skating rink. In this patent, magnets are moved below the skating surface 
by an endless belt. A drive gear and a plurality of idler gears are 
provided to support and drive the belt in a tortuous path. Additional 
magnets are supported and driven in independent paths by a supplemental 
drive system, which also uses an endless belt. 
A different type of toy is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,510,949 (Christy), 
wherein a figurine is moved over a flat surface in a geometric pattern. 
The figurine is equipped to hold a writing instrument for tracing its 
geometric path on a piece of paper placed on the flat surface. The drive 
mechanism in this patent utilizes a plurality of planetary gears rotatably 
mounted on a gear base and keyed to a stationary sun gear. A quadripole 
magnet is eccentrically mounted to each planetary gear. As the base 
rotates, the planetary gears revolve around the sun gear and rotate about 
their own axis to effect movement of the magnets. 
However, the magnet drive systems discussed above, and those generally 
known, have certain limitations in the manner and patterns in which the 
magnets are driven. While these systems may be well suited for use in 
simulating the smooth, continuous movements of ice skating or auto racing, 
they are not particularly applicable to other not so continuous movements, 
such as rowing. Thus, an innovative magnet drive system, or mechanism, is 
desirable for providing unique movement of figurines over a display 
surface. In addition, it is desirable to provide an improved figurine 
configuration to contribute to the realism of the movements thereof. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is a general object of the present invention to provide an animated 
display with improved movement of figurines over a display surface. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a unique 
drive mechanism for driving magnets below a surface of an animated display 
device. 
It is still another object of the invention to provide an improved figurine 
which interacts with the magnets to produce more animated motion. 
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a magnet drive 
mechanism for driving a plurality of sets of magnets incrementally at 
different intervals. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a figurine which 
translates the incremental magnet motion into simulated individual body 
movements as it is driven. 
It is still another object of the invention to provide a figurine designed 
to move through water contained in the animated display and which is 
driven in a manner to simulate a rowing motion. 
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an animated display for use 
with magnetically-attractable, movable figurines comprises a display 
surface, first magnetic means for attracting one of the figurines across 
the display surface, and drive means for intermittently moving the first 
magnetic means in a closed path below the display surface. 
Second magnetic means for attracting another of the figurines can be 
provided, wherein the drive means intermittently moves the second magnetic 
means asynchronously with the first magnetic means in a second closed path 
below the display surface. The first and second magnetic means can each be 
a magnet. A lateral side can be provided around the display surface, the 
lateral side cooperating with the display surface to form a basin capable 
of holding liquid so that the figurines are partially submerged when 
moving across the display surface. 
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an animated display for 
use with magnetically-attractable, movable figurines comprises a display 
surface and a first transmission wheel assembly supported below the 
display surface for rotation about an axis substantially normal to the 
display surface. The transmission wheel assembly has a circumferentially 
arranged first set of transmission teeth. A first arm is connected at a 
proximal end to the first transmission wheel assembly. First magnetic 
means for attracting one of the figurines across the display surface is 
disposed at a distal end of the first arm below the display surface. A 
rotatable drive wheel assembly is provided with a set of drive teeth 
arranged circumferentially thereon which intermittently engages the first 
set of transmission teeth on the first transmission wheel assembly as said 
drive wheel assembly rotates. Drive means is provided for driving the 
drive wheel assembly. 
In yet another aspect of the invention, an animated display device for use 
with magnetically-attractable, movable figurines comprises a display 
surface with first and second transmission wheels supported below the 
display surface to be rotatable about a transmission axis substantially 
normal to the display surface. The first transmission wheel has a 
circumferentially arranged first set of transmission teeth, and the second 
transmission wheel has a circumferentially arranged second set of 
transmission teeth. A third transmission wheel is supported below the 
display surface to be rotatable about the transmission axis. The second 
transmission wheel is sandwiched between the first and third transmission 
wheels. Interconnection means is provided for maintaining a constant 
rotational relationship between the third and first transmission wheels so 
that the third and first transmission wheels rotate synchronously about 
the transmission axis. 
This aspect of the invention further includes a first arm connected at a 
proximal end thereof to the third transmission wheel and a second arm 
connected at a proximal end thereof to the second transmission wheel. A 
first magnet is disposed at a distal end of the first arm adjacent the 
display surface. A second magnet is disposed at a distal end of the second 
arm adjacent the display surface. 
A rotatable drive wheel assembly has at least two circumferentially 
arranged sets of drive teeth, each of the sets of drive teeth 
intermittently engaging one of the first and second sets of transmission 
teeth to drive the first and second transmission wheels as the drive wheel 
assembly rotates. The first and second sets of drive teeth are positioned 
relative to one another so that the drive wheel assembly drives the first 
and second transmission wheels asynchronously. 
According to another aspect of the present invention, an animated display 
comprises a display surface and a plurality of figurines movable over the 
display surface. A first transmission wheel is supported below the display 
surface to be rotatable about a transmission axis substantially normal to 
the display surface, and has a circumferentially arranged first set of 
transmission teeth. A second transmission wheel is supported below the 
display surface to be rotatable about the transmission axis and has a 
circumferentially arranged second set of transmission teeth. A third 
transmission wheel is also supported below the display surface to be 
rotatable about the transmission axis. The second transmission wheel is 
sandwiched between the first and third transmission wheels. 
Interconnection means is provided for maintaining a constant rotational 
relationship between the third and first transmission wheels so that the 
third and first transmission wheels rotate synchronously about the 
transmission axis. 
In this aspect, a first arm is connected at a proximal end to the third 
transmission wheel, and a second arm is connected at a proximal end to the 
second transmission wheel. First magnetic means for attracting one of the 
figurines is disposed at a distal end of the first arm below the display 
surface, and second magnetic means for attracting another of the figurines 
is disposed at a distal end of the second arm below the display surface. 
A rotatable drive wheel assembly has at least two circumferentially 
arranged sets of drive teeth. Each of these sets of drive teeth 
intermittently engages one of the first and second sets of transmission 
teeth to drive the first and second transmission wheels as the drive wheel 
assembly rotates. The first and second sets of drive teeth are positioned 
relative to one another so that the drive wheel assembly drives the first 
and second transmission wheels asynchronously. 
Each of the figurines comprises (i) a base, (ii) a lever fulcrumed to the 
base, and (ii) an attractive element magnetically attractable to the first 
and second magnet means disposed at a lower end of the lever. 
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a figurine 
capable of simulating movement across a display surface comprises a 
figurine housing, a base secured in the housing, a lever pivotally secured 
to the base, a magnetically attractive element secured at one end of the 
lever, and a figure secured to an opposite end of the lever. 
Accordingly, the present invention provides a magnetic drive system that 
causes at least one group of figurines to move in seemingly independent, 
intermittent motion. In addition, the figurines are configured to 
translate the intermittent motion into simulated body movements, thereby 
simulating real-life motion. 
These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the present 
invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of 
the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying 
drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an animated display 
device 10 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in this 
figure, the animated display device 10 includes a base 11 and a platform 
12. The platform is provided with a display surface 14 on which mobile 
figurines 16 are placed. The display surface 14 is preferably recessed in 
the platform to form a basin that can be filled with water so that the 
display surface is submerged, creating a "pond." 
Generally, the mobile figurines 16, which are partially submerged in the 
water, are maneuvered over the display surface 14 by a magnetic force 
supplied by magnets supported beneath the display surface and moved by a 
drive mechanism that will be discussed in detail below. The drive 
mechanism is capable of moving the figurines, which in one non-limiting 
example are row boats, in an intermittent manner to simulate a rowing 
motion. 
In addition to the figurines, a plurality of stationary FIG. 18 and other 
types of displays such as trees, benches, animals, a bridge, and the like, 
can be provided on the platform. 
The platform 12, including the display surface 14, can be formed of a thin 
layer of non-magnetic, water-resistant material such as plastic, and is 
preferably a one-piece molded article. As shown in FIG. 1, the platform is 
formed to include a fountain 15 in the center of the pond. 
A conventional pump (not visible in this view) is contained below the 
fountain and operates to squirt water through the fountain into the air. 
The water falls into the "pond" covering the display surface 14. The water 
level itself should be maintained at a predetermined level, dependent 
primarily on the design of the figurines, as discussed below. A fill line 
(not shown) can be provided at this desired level as a guide to the user. 
An overflow trough 17 is provided directly beneath the fountain and 
surrounding the pump at the desired fill level so that excess water is 
recycled through the pump. If the water level is too low, none will be 
recycled through the trough 17. Therefore, a tank is provided beneath the 
platform to hold a reserve supply of water for the pump, helping maintain 
the water at the desired level. The tank is filled through a port 19 in 
the platform. 
As shown in FIG. 2, each mobile FIG. 16, or figurine, in this preferred 
embodiment, includes a boat 23 and an action FIG. 24 pivotally connected 
to the boat 23 by a pivot 25. The boat 23 is buoyant and dimensioned to 
lightly rest on the display surface 14 when the pond is filled to the fill 
line. The boat 23 has a set of wheels 21 (preferably four) to reduce the 
effects of friction as the figurine 16 moves across the display surface 
14. 
As can be seen in the partial cutaway view of the figurine in FIG. 3A, the 
action FIG. 24 extends from a lever arm 26 which is concealed by the body 
of the boat 23. A figure magnet 28 is disposed at the distal end of the 
lever arm 26. In this embodiment, the boat 23 includes three separate 
parts: a floorboard 30, a main hull 32, and an exterior hull 34. As can be 
seen, the action-figure 24 is connected by the pivot 25, and the lever arm 
26 extends down from the pivot 25 through the floorboard 30. 
The figure magnet 28 is encased in the main hull 32 and can swing freely on 
the lever arm 26 through an arc within the confines of the main hull 32. 
As the magnet 28 swings on the lever arm 26, the action FIG. 24 will 
likewise swing above the floorboard 30. In this embodiment, because the 
action FIG. 24 and the lever arm 26 are on opposite sides of the pivot 25, 
as one swings forward, i.e. toward the "bow" 27 of the boat 23, the other 
will swing back, and vice versa. 
The arc through which the magnet 28 swings can be determined by the 
dimensions of the magnet 28, the lever arm 26, and the inside of the main 
hull 32, whereby the magnet 28 will contact the inside of the main hull 32 
at either end of its arc. Alternately, the action FIG. 24 or the lever arm 
26 can be configured to contact the floorboard 30 at either or both ends 
of the arc. The degree to which the magnet 28 should be allowed to swing 
is dictated primarily by the desired limits of the rowing motion that the 
action FIG. 24 is meant to simulate, as discussed below. In other words, 
the magnet 28 and the action FIG. 24 will be allowed to pivot to a degree 
appropriate for the desired visual effect. 
As will be seen, the action FIG. 24 is propelled forward by the magnetic 
attraction between the magnet 28 and a drive magnet which is below the 
display surface 14. Therefore, it is desirable to have this magnetic 
attraction be at its maximum when the magnet 28 is in its forward-most 
position on its arc. Thus, it is preferable that the main hull 32 be 
configured to stop the forward swing of the magnet 28 at a point at which 
the lever arm 26 is near vertical, so that the magnet 28 will therefore be 
at its lowest point. 
In the preferred embodiment, the action FIG. 24 simulates a rowing motion. 
As the magnet 28 swings back and forth on the lever arm 26, the action 
FIG. 24 will reciprocate above the pivot 25 at the "waist" of the action 
figure. This reciprocation, when combined with the oars 29 held by the 
action figure, gives the impression of a person rowing a boat. 
It should be noted that the principles of the present invention can be 
applied, however, to any of a number of other simulated motions, such a 
roller skating, skateboarding, cross-country skiing, or the like. If 
desired, the magnet need not be concealed in the base of the figurine 16, 
as in the preferred embodiment, nor must the action figure reciprocate 
opposite the magnet. 
FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the mobile FIG. 16. The action FIG. 24 is 
pivotally connected by the pivot 25, e.g. pins, to the floorboard 30. More 
particularly, in this embodiment the floorboard includes an 
integrally-formed member 33 shaped to resemble legs and a lower torso of 
the action FIG. 24. 
FIG. 3B also shows the lever arm 26 extending through an opening 36 in the 
floorboard 30. To facilitate proper assembly, the floorboard 30 can be 
provided with insertion tabs 38 which mate with insertion holes 40 in pegs 
extending up within the main hull 32. 
The main hull 32 is preferably formed of molded plastic or a like material, 
and is buoyant with a water-tight underside 42 in the preferred embodiment 
in which the display surface 14 is submerged. The wheels 21 are rotatably 
attached to pins 35 extending from the main hull 32. 
The exterior hull 34, which is also preferably molded plastic, fits over 
the underside 42 of the main hull 32. As best seen in FIG. 3C, the 
underside 47 is narrower than the remainder of the main hull 32. The 
exterior hull 34 holds the wheels 21 in place, and effectively conceals 
them from view when the figurine 16 is on the display surface 14. Much of 
the bottom of the exterior hull 34, which cannot be seen in this view, is 
open so that the wheels 21 can extend therethrough and so that the 
exterior hull 34 will not retain water. On the bottom (near the rear) and 
the sides of the inside of the exterior hull, non-magnetic weights 44 
(preferably formed of lead or another suitably heavy, non-magnetic, 
corrosion-resistant material) are provided as ballast to help stabilize 
and keep the mobile FIG. 14 upright. 
Although included in the preferred embodiment, the wheels 21 are not 
necessary to the invention. When partially submerged in water, the 
buoyancy of the main hull 32 will reduce the drag on the figurine 16 as it 
moves along the display surface 14. If no wheels are provided, then the 
exterior hull 34 becomes superfluous. In that case, the underside 42 of 
the main hull 32 could be flattened, and the weights 44 could be disposed 
therein instead. However, the wheels 21 do allow the figurine 16 to 
operate better in varying depths of water, whereas a wheel-less figurine 
would be more apt to become "stuck" by the forces of friction in shallow 
water. 
FIG. 4 is a top view of the display device of the first embodiment with the 
platform removed, thus exposing an interior surface 50 of the base 11 and 
showing, among other items, a drive mechanism 52 for operating a plurality 
of magnets 54 to move the figurines. The base supports and houses the 
components necessary to operate the animated display device. The base 
itself is ideally formed of a single piece of molded plastic, and provided 
with a plurality of integrally-formed posts 56 for supporting and 
receiving the platform 12 by conventional fixing means such as press-fit 
or snap-fit engagement with corresponding elements on the underside of the 
platform 12. 
Turning now to the components supported on the base, a controller 60 for 
operating the display device includes a control board 62, an on/off switch 
64, a volume control 65 and a female adapter 66 for receiving an 
electrical cord supplying AC power to the controller. The control board is 
capable of playing music as the figurines "row," that is, move, on the 
platform, and in that regard includes a CPU 68 with a memory for storing, 
among other information, a plurality of songs. In addition, a speaker 67 
is provided to output the music. A music switch 70 can be switched to 
select a new series songs, and a song switch button 69 can be used to skip 
to another song in the series. In this embodiment, a rotary volume switch 
65 is provided to easily adjust the volume of the music or turn it off 
completely. 
Preferably, the control board includes a conventional AC to DC converter 
circuit 71 for supplying DC current to the CPU to play music, and also to 
a motor 72 for operating the drive mechanism 52. In this regard, a DC 
motor is best suited for actuating the drive mechanism. 
As will be appreciated, each of the elements shown in block outline in FIG. 
4 is well known, and a specific type of construction is not critical to 
carrying out the invention or to a disclosure of the best mode for 
carrying out the invention. 
The drive mechanism 52 for moving the magnets in the first embodiment of 
the invention is disposed directly beneath the display surface and will be 
described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B and 6A-6C. 
As seen in these figures, the drive mechanism features a gear system for 
supporting and moving a plurality of magnets 54. The gear system includes 
a central cylindrical gear support 74, about which a plurality of 
concentric, vertically-stacked gear elements 76 rotate about an axis A, 
extending up from the base 50. The gear support 74 can be either molded as 
an integral part of the base 50, or it can be a separate piece affixed to 
the base 50 in any conventional manner such as bonding, clamping, or 
riveting. 
A pump 71, which can be a standard water pump supported in the platform 12, 
fits into the opening in the cylindrical gear support 74. The pump draws 
water as necessary from a water tank 73, as discussed earlier, via a tube 
75, which fits through an opening either through the base 50 or the gear 
support 74 near the point of contact therebetween. 
In the view of FIG. 4, only the top-most of the plurality of gear elements 
76 is visible. Magnet arms 78 extend from these gear elements 76. In this 
embodiment, three arms 78 are provided. Preferably, the arms are 
symmetrically spaced from each other, which in this embodiment would 
result in the arms being spaced approximately 120.degree. apart, on 
average. The spacing is discussed as an average because, as will be seen, 
these arms will not retain a constant separation. 
At the terminal end of each arm 78 is a magnet support 84. The magnets 54 
are placed in depressed pockets 88 of the magnet supports 84 and can be 
secured therein by glue or other comparable means if desired. 
As best seen in FIG. 5A, the plurality of gear elements 76 include an upper 
transmission wheel 90, a middle transmission wheel 92, and a lower 
transmission wheel 94. The lower transmission wheel 94 has a cylindrical 
sleeve 96 with an upwardly extending portion which extends through the 
middle transmission wheel 92. The lower transmission wheel 94 itself fits 
over the gear support 74 like a sleeve, with a downwardly extending 
portion of the sleeve 96 resting on a ridge 91 at the base of the support 
74. An overcap 93, which is secured to the base 50 by a set of rivets 93a 
or by any other acceptable means, retains the lower transmission wheel in 
position. The upwardly extending portion of the sleeve 96 of the lower 
transmission wheel extends out through a collar 97 of the overcap 93. The 
middle transmission wheel 92 fits over the collar 97 like a sleeve and 
sits on an annular ledge 97a of the overcap 93. A window 95 in the overcap 
allows the lower transmission wheel to be accessed and engaged, as 
discussed below. 
The upper transmission wheel 90 has a downwardly extending cylindrical 
skirt 98 which fits over the sleeve 96 of the lower transmission wheel 94. 
Tabs 100, on the inner surface of the skirt 98, engage matching notches 
102 on the upper edge of the sleeve 96. 
FIG. 5B shows the plurality of gear elements 76 with the upper transmission 
wheel 90 removed. As shown in FIG. 5B, the notches 102, an upper rim 92a 
of the middle transmission wheel, and the collar 97 preferably sit at 
approximately the same elevation when the lower transmission wheel 94, 
overcap 93, and middle transmission wheel 92 (without any arms attached in 
this illustration) are all in place on the gear support 74. Therefore, the 
weight of the upper transmission wheel can rest on the lower transmission 
wheel through the tabs 100, or a bottom surface area of the skirt 98 can 
rest on either the upper rim 92a of the middle transmission wheel 92 or 
(as in the preferred embodiment) on the collar 97 of the overcap 93. In 
any case, the lower and upper transmission wheels 94, 90, which sandwich 
the middle transmission wheel 92, are linked by this tab/notch engagement 
and rotate synchronously about gear support 74. Part of the cylindrical 
sleeve 96 and notches 102 of the lower transmission wheel 94, are shown 
above positioned on the gear support 74 in phantom lines in FIG. 5A. 
The middle transmission wheel 92 rotates freely about the sleeve 96 of the 
lower transmission wheel 94. Thus, the middle transmission wheel 92 
rotates about the gear support 74 independently of the upper and lower 
transmission wheels 90, 94. However, this independent rotation is limited 
to a predetermined range as discussed below. 
With reference to FIG. 5A in particular, each of the transmission wheels 
90, 92, 94 has an annular flange 104, 106, 108, respectively. An appendage 
112 extends upward from the upper side of the flange 106 of the middle 
transmission wheel 92. On the underside of the flange 104 of the upper 
transmission wheel 90 are a pair of radially-extending ribs 114. The 
appendage 112 of the middle transmission wheel 92 sits between the ribs 
114 of the upper transmission wheel 90, which serves two purposes. First, 
during assembly of the display device 10, the appendage 112 and ribs 114 
serve as a guide for setting the relative juxtaposition of the upper and 
middle transmission wheels 90, 92 to establish an acceptable spacing of 
the arms 78. Second, the ribs 114 will retain the appendage 112 
therebetween, preventing the middle transmission wheel 92 from slipping 
relative to the upper transmission wheel 90 during operation, thereby 
maintaining the spacing of the arms 78. 
On the underside of the flanges 106, 108 of the middle and lower 
transmission wheels 92, 94 are matching sets of radially-extending teeth 
110. Both transmission wheels 92, 94 should have the same number of teeth 
110 spaced about its circumference. These teeth 110 are the mechanism by 
which the plurality of gear elements 76 are driven, as discussed more 
fully below. 
A pair of drive wheels 120, 122 are provided to drive the transmission 
wheels 90, 92, 94. The upper drive wheel 120 and the lower drive wheel 122 
are very similar in construction. Each is rotated by the rotational force 
of a drive axle 124, which extends from and is driven by a drive gear 127. 
The lower drive wheel 122 has a non-circular opening 123 to match the 
non-circular portion 125 of the drive axle 124. Thus, drive axle 124 
directly drives the lower drive wheel 122. A set of pins 126, which extend 
from the lower drive wheel 122, fits through a matching set of holes 129 
in the upper drive wheel 120, holding the two drive wheels 120, 124 in 
constant angular juxtaposition. Thus, rotation of the lower drive wheel 
122 rotates the upper drive wheel 120. In this manner, the upper and lower 
drive wheels rotate simultaneously about an axis B. 
The upper drive wheel 120 can also have a non-circular opening to match and 
be driven directly by the drive axle 124. However, in the preferred 
embodiment illustrated, the opening 131 is circular so that the upper 
drive wheel 120 can be set in any angular position relative to the drive 
axle 124. In this case, multiple sets of holes 129 can be provided in the 
upper drive wheel 120 for receiving the pins 126, permitting the upper and 
lower drive wheels 120, 122 to be set in varying angular relationships. 
The drive gear itself is driven, either directly or indirectly, by the 
motor 72 to rotate the drive axle 124. The arrangement in FIG. 4 shows a 
spindle/endless-belt arrangement 152 and a gear train 153 for conveying 
the rotatable force from the motor 72 to the drive gear 127. Of course, 
comparable arrangements can be used for effecting rotation of the drive 
gear 127 without departing from the scope of the invention. 
The upper and lower drive wheels 120, 122 are each provided with a matching 
set of radially-extending teeth 128 that engage the teeth 110 of the 
middle and lower transmission wheels 92, 94, respectively. The upper and 
lower drive wheels 120, 122 have the same number of teeth 128 spaced about 
their perimeters, but the pins 126 of the lower drive wheel 122 and the 
holes 129 of the upper drive wheel 120 are intentionally positioned so 
that the teeth 128 of one drive wheel are not aligned vertically with the 
teeth 128 of the other. 
As discussed, the drive wheels 120, 122 are driven simultaneously at a 
constant rotational speed by the motor 72. The teeth 128 are spaced about 
the circumference of the drive wheels 120, 122 with a relatively wide 
pitch in comparison to the teeth 110 of the middle and lower transmission 
wheels 92, 94. As the drive wheels 120, 122 rotate, only one of the teeth 
128 of the upper drive wheel 120 will contact the teeth 110 of the middle 
transmission wheel 92 at any given time, and there will not be continuous 
contact between the sets of teeth 128, 110. 
In this manner there will be an interval between the moment that a tooth 
128 disengages and the moment the next tooth engages the teeth 110 of the 
middle transmission wheel. The same is true for the engagement between the 
lower drive wheel 122 and the lower transmission wheel 94. Thus, there 
will be intervals in which the teeth 128 of the drive wheels 120, 122 do 
not drive the teeth 110 of the middle and lower transmission wheels 92, 
94. Therefore, the drive wheels do not drive the middle and lower 
transmission wheels in a continuous fashion. Rather, the rotations of the 
middle and lower transmission wheels are intermittent, alternating between 
rotation and rest. 
Furthermore, because in this embodiment the teeth 128 of the respective 
drive wheels 120, 122 are not aligned with one another, the middle and 
lower transmission wheels 92, 94 will not be driven simultaneously. 
Rather, the middle and lower transmission wheels 92, 94 will be driven 
alternately. The lower drive wheel 122 drives the lower transmission wheel 
94--and therefore the upper transmission wheel 90, which is interlocked 
with the lower transmission wheel 94 (as discussed earlier), when the 
teeth 128 of the lower drive wheel 112 engage the teeth 110 of the lower 
transmission wheel 94. As discussed, this movement will occur in regular 
intervals because of the relative spacing between the teeth 110 and teeth 
128. Likewise, the upper drive wheel 120 will drive the middle 
transmission wheel 92 when their respective teeth engage intermittently. 
Because the teeth 128 of the upper and lower drive wheels 120, 122 are not 
aligned, these intermittent periods of revolution will not coincide. 
However, because the middle and lower transmission wheels 92, 94 have the 
same number of teeth 110 and the drive wheels 120, 122 have the same 
number of teeth 128, the middle, and lower transmission wheels 92, 94 will 
rotate at the same average rate, i.e., they will have the same period of 
rotation. Thus, the middle and lower transmission wheels 92, 94 will 
retain the same average rotational juxtaposition throughout repeated 
rotations. 
While not essential to the operation of the present invention, it is 
preferred that the teeth 110, 128 be evenly dispersed about the perimeters 
of the transmission wheels 92, 94 and the drive wheels 120, 122, 
respectively. This helps to assure that the arms 78 will maintain an 
appropriate spacing during the entirety of each revolution. 
It should also be noted that the upper and lower drive wheels 120, 124 can 
be combined into a single assembly having two or more sets of teeth. This 
would, of course, eliminate the flexibility to vary the angular 
relationship of the wheels. 
As discussed above, the drive mechanism 52 can include a gear train with 
one or more intermediate gears between the motor 72 and the drive gear 
127. The drive gear can be powered by the motor 72, which is preferably a 
DC motor, although an AC motor could also be used. Any of a number of 
alternate means can be employed to rotate the drive gear, such as an 
endless belt and pulley arrangement or a conventional spindle rotated 
directly by the motor, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
In this embodiment, most of the gear train is disposed in a gear box 130 as 
shown in FIG. 4 and reaches the drive gear 127 through the gear box's open 
sides 132. In addition, the motor 72 is supported on the gear box 130. 
Operation of the drive mechanism is initiated by the supply of power to the 
motor 72 by turning on the on/off switch 64. As discussed above, the motor 
72 drives the drive axle 124 via the drive gear 127, which in turn drives 
the upper and lower drive wheels 120, 122. The upper and lower drive 
wheels 120, 122 drive the middle and lower transmission wheels 92, 94 
intermittently. The upper transmission wheel 90 is driven synchronously 
with the lower transmission wheel 94. The magnets 54 at the end of the 
arms 78 are intermittently driven in circular patterns about the upper and 
middle transmission wheels 90, 92. 
FIG. 5A shows only one arm 78 attached to each of the upper and middle 
transmission wheels 90, 92 by means of screws, rivets, bonding or the 
like. However, FIG. 4 shows three arms 78, which is preferable. Thus, an 
additional arm is attached to either one of the upper or middle 
transmission wheels 90, 92. In actuality, any number of arms (including 
only one) and magnets can be utilized. The transmission wheels 90, 92 can 
be provided with multiple holes (not shown) around their perimeters to 
accommodate many arms 78 or so that the arms 78 can be repositioned 
thereon. 
If at least one arm 78 is attached to each of the upper and middle 
transmission wheels 90, 92, then the magnets 54 of those arms will move 
intermittently and not simultaneously. This asynchronous movement will 
lend to the impression that the figurines 16 are moving independently of 
one another. 
The asynchronous, intermittent motion is illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 
6C, which show a schematic top view of the operation of the drive 
mechanism at successive points in time. In these figures, only the upper 
transmission wheel 90 is visible, as the middle and lower transmission 
wheels 92, 94 are disposed directly beneath and obscured by the upper 
transmission wheel 90. Two arms 78a, each with a magnet 54a at its distal 
end, are affixed at their proximal ends to the upper transmission wheel by 
(in this example) screws 54c. An arm 78b is affixed to the middle 
transmission wheel. A magnet 54b is disposed at the distal end of the arm 
78b. 
In FIG. 6A, first in time, the three arms 78a, 78b are relatively evenly 
distributed about the common axis A of the transmission wheels. 
Turning to FIG. 6B, next in time, it can be seen that the arms 78a have 
moved counter-clockwise about axis A (from the FIG. 6A position, shown 
here in phantom lines), while the arm 78b has remained still. To create 
this movement, the lower drive wheel 120 has driven the upper transmission 
wheel 90 counter-clockwise via the lower transmission wheel. In this 
non-limiting example, all of the arms 78a, 78b are stationary at this 
moment in time because the teeth of the upper drive wheel have disengaged 
from the teeth of the middle transmission wheel, and the teeth of the 
lower drive wheel have not yet engaged the teeth of the lower transmission 
wheel. 
Next, in FIG. 6C, the arm 78b has rotated counter-clockwise (from its 
original phantom-line position in FIG. 6A), while the arms 78a remain 
stationary, re-establishing the original spacing amongst the arms 78a, 
78b. This is because the upper drive wheel has engaged and driven the 
middle transmission wheel. Meanwhile, the lower drive wheel has not yet 
re-engaged the lower transmission wheel, so the upper transmission wheel 
90 has remained stationary. 
As can be seen, FIGS. 6A through 6C show the magnets 54a, 54b 
intermittently making their way around a path encircling axis A. It should 
be noted that the drive wheels and transmission wheels can be designed so 
that the periods of motion of the transmission wheels (and arms) overlap. 
For example, the lower drive wheel can engage the lower transmission wheel 
before the upper drive wheel disengages from the middle transmission 
wheel, or vice versa, so that there is some coincidental motion, but not 
completely in synch. 
As the magnets 54 are driven in intermittent, circular paths beneath the 
display surface 14, the figurines 16 will be drawn by magnetic attraction 
across the display surface 14 above. As the magnet 54 stops and starts, 
the figurine magnet 28 and the figurine 16 will be drawn along in 
disjointed motions that combine to create the impression that the action 
FIG. 24 is rowing the boat 23, as described below. 
When the drive magnet 54 moves below the display surface in a direction 
from the "stern" 27A of the boat 23 toward the "bow" 27, the figure magnet 
28 will be drawn forward. This rocks the action FIG. 24 toward the stern, 
so it appears to bend at the waist and press the oars. When the figure 
magnet 28 reaches the front of its arc, the figurine 16 is forced to 
follow the drive magnet 54, driving the boat 23 forward. When the magnet 
54 stops, the momentum of the figurine 16 continues forward until the draw 
of the drive magnet 54 and the drag of friction stop it. In the meantime, 
however, the figure magnet 28 stops with the drive magnet 54. Therefore, 
as the boat 23 continues its forward motion, the figure magnet 28 swings 
toward the stern 27 of the boat. This forces the action FIG. 24 to rock 
toward the bow of the boat 23, appearing to straighten and pull the oars. 
If the frictional forces are small enough, once the figurine 16 stops its 
forward motion, the draw between the magnets 28, 54 may force the figurine 
16 backward so that the figure magnet 28 can swing down again through its 
arc toward the bow 27 of the boat 23 and closer to the drive magnet 54. In 
any event, once the drive magnet 54 moves forward again, the cycle will 
begin again, driving the figure magnet 28 forward in the figurine 16 (and 
thus the action FIG. 24 toward the stern) and the figurine 16 forward on 
the display surface 14. Thus, as the figurine 16 stops and starts through 
its circular path around the display surface 14, the action FIG. 24 will 
be rocking back and forth on the figurine 16, giving the impression of 
rowing the boat. 
It should be noted that only one of the magnets 28, 54 need be an actual 
magnet. The other could be replaced by a metal to which the magnet is 
sufficiently drawn. 
Of course, factors such as the size and weight of the figurines, the 
coefficient of friction between the platform surface and the base of the 
figurines, and the like, will be readily taken into consideration by those 
skilled in the art in selecting the proper strength and size of magnets 
for attracting the figurines over the platform in a reliable manner. 
Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described 
above in detail, it will be understood that this description is merely for 
purposes of illustration. Various modifications of and equivalent 
structures corresponding to the disclosed aspects of the preferred 
embodiments in addition to those described above may be made by those 
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present 
invention which is defined in the following claims, the scope of which is 
to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such 
modifications and equivalent structures.