Patent GB-908675-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in animated toys
IPC: A63H11/10
Filed: 1960-10-24
Abstract: 908,675. Toys. GLASS M. I. Oct 24, 1960 [Dec. 28, 1959], No. 36428/60 Class 132 (3). An automobile, walking mechanical man comprises a hollow body 21, a power mechanism 23, supported within the body, a drive shaft 89 passing through at least one wall of the body and coupled inside the body to the power mechanism, at least one drive wheel 29, first means for removably mounting the drive wheel on the drive shaft outside the body for supporting the body on a supporting surface and moving it therealong, a leg member 33, second means for removably mounting the leg member on the body for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel, the leg member extending downward in close proximity to the surface means slidably connecting the leg to the wheel eccentrically of the axis of the axle whereby rotation of the wheel produces oscillation of the leg, an arm member 35, third means for removably mounting the arm member on the body for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel and a rigid linkage 329 connecting the arm member to the leg member to provide forward movement of the arm member upon backward movement of the leg member whereby oscillation of the leg member produces oscillation of the arm member in opposite direction in synchronism therewith, the first, second and third means being manually releasable without the aid of tools. Figure actuated by connection with wheels. The mechanical walking man which can be disassembled comprises the body 21 mounted to move on three wheels and containing the removable power mechanism 23. The wheels 29 are linked to the leg members 33 by studs 307 on the wheels slidable in slots in the leg members and carrying discs 310 exteriorly. The leg members pivot on studs 315 on the body and the feet 313 on the ends of the members describe an arcuate path to simulate walking. The upper ends of the arm members 35 are connected by studs 325 to the body portion and by the links 329 to the upper ends of the leg members to simulate arm swinging. Frames. The hollow casing comprises two sections secured by pins 55 and a ring 56. Each section comprises two end walls 51b, 53b joining a side wall 51a, 53a. The gear train is removably positioned between the side wall 51a and a removable bridge plate 81. The removable locking pins have a shoulder at one end and lateral projections on the other which pass through apertures in a casing wall and lock by rotation, one surface of the projection being cammed to assist engagement. Driving mechanism.-The winding shaft 147 of the spring 71 has a bevel pinion 145 which engages a bevel gear 73 which drives a squaresectioned gear post round the end of which one end of the spring in housing 155 engages. During winding the spring wedges 143 on the gear 73 ride over wings 141 on a ratchet 75 interfitting in the gear 77. During unwinding the wedges engage the wings and drive the gear 77. The gear 77 drives the wheel shaft 89 through a pinion 85 and gear 87. The gear 87 drives the gear train comprising gears 91, 93 and highspeed pinion assembly 99 with pinion 101, and an eccentric weight 103 integral with a shaft 105. To release the drive, pressure on a lever 45 overcomes an overcentre spring 169 between the hub of the release member 163 and the bridge plate 81 and disengages a hook on an arm 175 of the release member from a notch 133 on the hub 131 on the gear 77 which removes a notch on the lever arm 167 of the release member from braking engagement with the shaft 105. Gear 77 rotates one complete revolution until the hook re-engages the notch 133, an arm 177 on the release member engages a boss 135 to throw the spring overcentre and brake the shaft 105. During rotation of the gear 77 all parts are set in motion. To continue the operation a post 47 is pressed. The post has an enlarged end engaging the lever to keep the hook out of engagement with the notch. Sound producing mechanism. To sound the siren, a leg 281 on a toothed pawl 271 engages the boss on the gear 77 and the pawl 271 rotates counterclockwise, against the action of a spring 283, a pinion 273, to which attaches a diaphragm 263 connected to a vibrator 267 mounted in a recess in the casing. As the leg rides off the boss, the pawl rotates rapidly in the reverse direction and rotates the pinion 273 and flywheel 275 setting the vibrator in motion. The pawl disengages the pinion and the diaphragm continues to vibrate with decreasing amplitude. The bell striker sub-assembly on shafts 113 to 115 is driven by the gear 77 through gears 117, 119. The gear 119 drives a gear on the shaft 115 with a hub bearing at each end a metal washer 259 which move outwardly to strike the bell 261 mounted outside the casing. The shaft 115 carries a link 121 with a downward arm 123 which contacts lobes of different size on the gear 77. The link has a slot 229 in which a spring retains a pin 227 or the head rod 127 which reciprocates between two head connected neck members 185, 187 to nod the head and appear to open and close the mouth. The member 185 and 127 and head member 27 engage a stud 205 extending through a sleeve on member 187, the sleeve projecting from a unitary part mounting a gear 207b in mesh with a gear 207a the part having a stud 209 mounting the head member. The upper end of the rod 127 has a pin 217 moving in an inclined slot 219 in the head member to produce head nodding. Steering mechanism. A steering castor wheel 31 has a pin projecting from the vertical axle 287 which pin engages between ribs on an annular disc of a rotatable steering button 49. The steering button has a groove between a collar and four tabs to house semi-circular portions of the rear wall of the casing.