Patent GB-633641-A (GB)
Title: Toy or amusement device
IPC: A63H3/48
Filed: 1947-04-08
Abstract: 633,641. Toys. GOWLAND, J. P. April 8, 1947, No. 9275. [Class 132 (iii)] A toy representing a figure or object comprises rigid end parts and an intermediate part capable of being expanded and contracted attached to the end parts, resilient means normally holding the intermediate part in its expanded or its contracted condition so as normally to maintain the end parts in a predetermined relative position, and actuating means comprising a flexible tubular sheath and a flexible inner member longitudinally slidable within the sheath, the sheath and inner member being respectively connected operatively with the two end parts of the figure, and adapted for manipulation against the action of the resilient means to cause relative movement of the end parts from the predetermined position and simultaneous change of the intermediate part from one of its conditions to the other. The sheath may be used as a lead to pull the toy along The two end parts may be connected by a coil spring which forms the intermediate part. Bosses may be provided on the end parts on to which the spring fits. A flexible or telescopic cover may be fitted over the spring and attached to the end parts which may be air tight so as to constitute bellows which operate a soundproducing device. When the toy represents a figure the head and limbs may be articulated to the end parts so that they may be moved when the actuating means is operated. The members may be held in sockets by wires or the like, which may be connected directly or indirectly, either singly or in groups, to the spring means, so that they move pivotally. As shown, a mock human figure is constructed with a rigid lower part 10 representing the legs and feet, on which is mounted a collapsable body 11 on top of which is placed a second end part 12 comprising a head, shoulders and arms. The collapsable part 11 is formed by a coil spring which bears against suitable faces on the end parts each of which has a boss 14 which projects into the end of the spring. A flexible tubular cover 15 covers the spring and is attached to the end parts. The figure may be mounted on a wheeled base 16 to which the outer sheath 17 of a lead 18 is attached. The inner member 19 of the lead extends through the base and figure and is attached to the upper end 12. The outer end of the lead terminates in a handle attached to the sheath and a ring or trigger attached to the inner member so that the two parts may be moved relative to one another and thus compress the collapsable part. The body may be made air tight like a bellows and a sound-producing device concealed in the figure so that when the body is compressed a sound is produced. In a toy dog the end parts may represent the fore and hind quarters respectively and each foot may have a wheel or roller attached to it. The body part may be formed as in the human figure but the actuating wire is arranged so that the dog is made to sit down on its haunches when the wire is pulled. A soundproducing device may be included as before, and the whole may be mounted on a wheeled base instead of wheels being attached to each foot. The toy may also be made to represent a locomotive, the end parts 28 and 29 each being mounted on a pair of wheels 30 and the central collapsable part 31 constructed as previously described representing the boiler. As before the part 31 may act as bellows so that when it is compressed a whistle, which may be in the funnel, is blown. The central part may be arranged so that, normally, it is collapsed and a number of control members may be used. The toy may have endless tracks or the like instead of wheels.