Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TOY POWER SOURCE
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to toys of the kind in which a power source
drives some
kind of motion, and is particularly concerned with toy power sources.
Background to the Invention
Many toys are known in which rubber, natural or synthetic, is used to power
motion
by stretching or winding the rubber. Model aircraft, cotton-reel tanks and
catapaults
are particular examples. The rubber power source comprises one or more strips
of
the rubber, more usually bands or formed into bands.
In these instances the rubber power source does not play any significant part
in the
appearance of the toy. Indeed, it can be said normally to detract from the
appearance.
A rubber toy mannequin has been marketed, under the name "Armstrong", having
rubber limbs which stretch. However these are loaded with a filler so that
they may
take several hours to relax to a default configuration and the mannequin is
clearly not
a power source.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention a toy power source comprises a figure
having at
least one member formed of rubber, the member rubber being capable of being
distorted so that its return to a natural state generates power.
According to an important feature of the invention the rubber member may be a
limb.
The figure may be a mannequin with a body, two arms and two legs and the whole
thereof may be formed of the rubber. However the figure may be any creature or
science fiction character, with an octopus or other aquatic creature, a
reptile such as
a snake, a prehistoric monster, a robot, droid, android and a dalek being
among the
various possibilities. Moreover the limb members may be multi-stranded.
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The figure may have figure grip means at at least two places, with a length of
the
rubber therebetween by which the rubber may be stretched or twisted. The
figure
grip means may comprise enlarged portions or perforations or both and are
preferably at limb extremities and perhaps somewhere centrally on a torso
member.
The grip means may be constructed for release, perhaps at a given load applied
at a
given direction. At the torso member the grip means may comprise a keyway,
lockable by slotting or turning. Such a keyway may also be employed at a limb
extremity or elsewhere on the figure if desired.
It will be appreciated that in addition to affording power by means of members
being
stretched or twisted, bending and winding may also be employed.
In addition there may be provided grip devices attachable, perhaps detachably
to the
figure, preferably at the figure grip means and detachably attachable to part
of an
ancillary toy and may themselves have the appearance of a stylised body part
such
as a hand, a foot, the hand and/or the foot being somewhat hook-shaped, even a
mouth, having perhaps the form of gloves or boots. In the case of a humanoid
having boots the construction may be such that the humanoid may freely stand.
The grip devices may if desired be normally stowed within a boot or glove, for
deployment when desired. They may incorporate spring, eg rubber, loaded jaws
or
comprise a plug member, perhaps retractable.
The figure may comprise non-elastic parts, for example a torso and a head, and
these may have the at least one limb formed upon or attached thereto.
Preferably
however all rubber members are part of a single integral unit and any non-
elastic
parts may be fitted thereto, perhaps interchangeably. However items
representing
clothing in a torso region may incorporate a head member and this may be
arranged
for movement with respect to the torso.
According to another important feature of the invention there may be provided
a toy
constructed to accept the figure, and having holding means for the at least
one
rubber member at at least two distal locations, the holding means being
associated
with a drive such as at least one wheel or propeller or fluid jet. The toy may
accordingly be:
= a wheeled vehicle such as a tricycle or car or tracked vehicle,
= or a propeller or fluid jet driven vehicle such as a boat, submarine or
aircraft,
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= or a device employing a catapault principle, such as a rocket or other
missile
launcher or trebuchet,
= a water gun,
= a robot powered by the figure to walk and/or grab.
The toy may comprise various function facilities. For example a vehicle or
craft may
combine motion and missile launch facilities and one set of members on a
figure may
have one driving function and another set a different driving function.
Moreover
motion driven by the figure may operate a trigger to start, stop or modify
some other
facility on the toy, which may be spring or battery driven.
It will be appreciated that the holding means on the toy may be such as to
render a
figure grip device quite unnecessary. This can particularly be the case at the
torso
where the holding means might take the form of a seat restraint such as a seat
belt
or harness. Otherwise, and particularly at the limb member extremities the
holding
means may be constructed to interfit with grip devices fitted to the figure.
Typically the rubber may be natural rubber, though silicone or TRP rubber may
be
preferred. These can be formed by compression or injection moulding.
Typically also the figure may have, in the case of a humanoid, a span less
than 10
cm and a shoulder to foot length less than 7cm. Friction means may be
incorporated
to reduce the speed of relaxation of the rubber. Such a figure can be formed
whereof
the "hand" to "hand" span can extend to more than 34cm, to 18cm under a load
of
750 grams, and can recover from maximum extension to natural configuration
within
a half second when completely unloaded and within 30seconds or so depending
upon the method of loading and the restrictions to relaxation.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of
example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-
Figures 1 a & 1 b illustrate the rubber part of power source figures;
Figures 2a to 2f illustrate clothed humanoid figures;
Figures 3a to 3f illustrate methods of power source utilization;
Figures 4a to 4j illustrate anchor devices;
Figures 5a to 5c illustrate a first fantasy dune buggy;
Figures 6a to 6c illustrate a second fantasy dune buggy;
Figures 7a to 7c illustrate a first fantasy floating spacecraft;
Figures 8a to 8d illustrate a first fantasy submarine;
Figures 9a to 9c illustrate a fantasy space war chariot;
Figures 10a to 10e illustrate a fantasy space vehicle ejector;
Figures 11 a to 11 c illustrate a first fantasy motorcycle;
Figures 12a,b illustrate a second fantasy motorcycle;
Figures 13a to 13d illustrate a fantasy motortricycle;
Figures 14a to 14d illustrate a fantasy mobile rocket launcher;
Figure 15 illustrates a fantasy moon lander;
Figure 16 illustrates a fantasy missile launcher;
Figure 17 illustrates a trebuchet;
Figure 18 illustrates a catapault;
Figures 19a to 19c illustrate a fantasy mobile missile launcher;
Figure 20 illustrates a fantasy mobile trebuchet
Figure 21 illustrates a mannequin waterject;
Figure 22 illustrates a fantasy man-powered robot; and
Figures 23a to 23d illustrate a toy fantasy water borne craft;
Figures 24a to 24c illustrate another toy fantasy craft;
Figure 25 illustrates a fantasy space buggy; and
Figure 26 illustrates a fantasy man-portable rocket launcher;
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Description of Embodiments
Shown in figure 1 a is a figure in the form of headless mannequin having a
torso 100,
two limb members in the form of armsl 01, and two limb members in the form of
legs
5 102. At the extremity of each limb member is a boss 103 defining a
perforation 104.
The mannequin shown has an arms 101 span of 10cm and the overall length of the
mannequin from shoulder to toe is 6.5cm. The diameter of the arms at the
shoulder
is 8mm and at the wrist is 6mm, the diameter of the legs at the crutch is 8mm
and at
the ankles is 7mm. The torso is 2.5cm long, 1.7cm wide and 1cm deep. The arms
101 can stretch to at least 34cm, "hand" to "hand", a load of about 750 grams
being
required to stretch the armspan by 9cm. Depending on the method of deformation
the mannequin can return to natural state substantially instantaneously when
not
loaded to within about 5 seconds or so under load.
Shown in figure 1 b is a figure in the form of an octopus having a body 110
and, it
having been observed that octopuses use two of their limbs in particular as
arms, two
arm members 111 and six leg members 112. At the extremity of each limb is a
boss
113 defining a perforation 114.
The figures shown in figures 1 a, 1 b are formed of a silicone rubber by
injection
moulding.
As shown in figures 2a to 2f the mannequin is clothed in various ways, the
clothing
also providing a head member 200 to the mannequin. At the arm 101 extremities
are
attached gloves 201. At the leg 102 extremities are boots 202. The gloves 201
incorporate a variety of grip devices. In figures 2a and 2d the gloves take
the form of
hooks; in figure 2b the gloves incorporate channels with narrowed lips; in
figure 2c
the gloves incorporate sprung jaw members; in figure 2e the gloves 201 and the
boots 203 incorporate plugs. Moreover, as regards figure 2e, the torso member
203
incorporates a retractable plug 204. This arrangement is more clearly shown in
figure 4j below. It will be noted that the mannequin illustrated in figure 2f
has multi-
stranded limbs 101, 102.
Figures 3a to 3f illustrate various methods of utilizing the figures to
provide power.
Figure 3a shows a mannequin being tensioned between limb extremities, in
various
directions. Figures 3b, 3c and 3e show a mannequin restrained at the torso 100
by a
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harness 300. In figure 3b power is derived by stretching all four limbs 101,
102 away
from the restrained torso 100. In figure 3c power is derived from twisting the
arms
101 together and the legs 102 together, the torso 100 being restrained with a
harness 300. With the mannequin shown in figure 3d the limbs 101, 102 are
twisted
separately. Figure 3e shows the arms 101 being wound around a drive spindle
301.
Figure 3 f shows a drive bar 302 positioned against a "knee" of a figure's
legs 102, so
that both bending the limb and stretching it against the drive bar 302 stores
energy.
Modes of anchoring the limbs of a figure are illustrated in figures 4a to 4g.
These
comprise effectively the interface between a figure and the toy it is to drive
and are
chosen accordingly. Thus figures 4a and 4b show glove members 201 fitting on a
drive column 401 or blade 402. Figure 4c shows a hole 104 in a boss 103
fitting over
a drive column 401. Figure 4d shows a yoke 403 arranged to engage an arm 101
behind a glove 201. Figure 4e shows a yoke 404 arranged to engage an extended
sole 205 on a boot 202. Figure 4f shows a yoke 405 arranged to engage a leg
102
above a boot 202. Figure 4g shows a torso lock 406, an alternative to the
harness
300 shown in the figures 3. The lock 406, formed for example on the seat of a
toy,
fits into a mating keyway or slot in the back of a torso member 203. Figure 4h
illustrates a glove for fitting to an arm 101 and comprising a hooked palm and
four
finger unit 407 and a thumb unit 408 incorporating a lever 409. The thumb unit
is
hinged to the palm unit so as to present alternately gripping and open glove
configurations, the lever enabling control of the thumb unit and itself
lightly clipping to
a gauntlet portion of the glove to maintain the glove in the gripping
configuration.
Figure 4j illustrates a plug gripping unit 204 capable of being stowed in and
deployed
from a torso member 203.
A fantasy dune buggy toy is illustrated in figures 5a to 5c. The buggy
comprises a
vehicle body having a cab 500, a pair of front wheels 501 on a common drive
axle
502, and a rear wheel 503. Forward of the cab 500 is a rotatable control
device 504.
Extending around the axle 502 and the control device 504 is an endless band
505.
The control device 504 carries a pair of arms 506 and the cab incorporates
figure
holding means, not shown, but comprising a harness 300. A ratchet and flywheel
combination (not shown) is located internally between the axle 502 and the
wheels
501.
A mannequin 507, having gloves 508 which clip to the arms 506 is placed in the
cab
500 and restrained there. A user places the buggy on a floor and rolls it
backwards
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thereon causing the roller device 504 to rotate and wind thereupon the arms
101 of
the mannequin. Upon release of the buggy it is driven forward as the mannequin
arms 101 strive to revert to their natural state.
The second fantasy dune buggy toy is illustrated in figures 6a to 6c. The
buggy has
a chassis 600 incorporating a bonnet 601, a seat slide 602 and four wheels
603.
mannequin glove attachment horns 604 are mounted on the bonnet 601. A seat 605
having mannequin holding means 406 is mounted to slide in the seat slide 602.
A mannequin 607, having gloves 608 which clip onto the horns 604 and a keyway
(not shown) in the back of the torso member 203, is placed in the seat 605 to
be
restrained by the holding means 406. In the example shown the mannequin 607,
with the seat 605, are pulled back on the seat slide 602, thus extending the
arms
101. Placing the buggy on a floor and releasing the mannequin and seat
combination causes these to shoot forward and slam against the bonnet 601,
driving
the buggy forward.
In an alternative embodiment of the toy shown in figures 6 the seat slide
incorporates
a rack and pinion wheel drive mechanism operated by motion of the seat and a
ratchet and flywheel mechanism. In another embodiment there is a detent device
for
restraining the seat in the rearward position until the user chooses to
release it.
Figures 7a to 7c illustrate a fantasy floating spacecraft 700. This has a
cockpit 701
with a control rod 702 and a mannequin seat 703 with mannequin holding means
(not
shown), and a propeller 704. The control rod 702 is linked via a gear train, a
flywheel
and ratchet mechanism and a propeller shaft (not shown) to the propeller 704.
A mannequin 707, in this case the one illustrated in figure 2d but without the
gloves,
is fastened into the seat 703 and the holes 104 on the arms 101 fitted onto
the ends
of the control rod 702. The user winds the propeller 704 which in turn winds
the
control rod 702 to twist the mannequin's arms 101 around each other. The craft
700
may then be placed in water and the propeller 704 released. The unwinding of
the
arms 101 turns the control rod 702 and hence the propeller 704 to drive the
craft.
In a first alternative embodiment of the craft illustrated in figures 7a to 7c
the control
rod 702 incorporates a locking device (not shown) so that the user pushes the
control
rod forward to free the mannequin's arms to unwind and drive the propeller
704.
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In a second alternative embodiment of the craft illustrated in figures 7a to
7c the
cockpit 701 is elongated and the mannequin seat 703 is attached to a slider
like that
shown in figure 5. A jet orifice replaces the propeller 704 and the control
rod 702 is
fixed. The slider incorporates a plunger operable in a cylinder connected to
the jet
orifice.
The mannequin 707 is placed in the mannequin seat 703 with the limbs 101
attached
to the control rod 702 as above. The toy is charged by the orifice being
placed under
water and the mannequin pulled rearwards so that limbs 101 are extended and
water
is drawn into the cylinder. Release of the mannequin seat 703 allows the limbs
101
to return to their natural state, driving the slide and the plunger and hence
the water
out of the cylinder through the jet orifice.
In the craft illustrated in figures 7a to 7c the control rod 702 may
incorporate
additional mounts for the legs 102 so that they also may be stretched and
contribute
to the driving force.
The fantasy spacecraft toy illustrated in figures 8a to 8e comprises a bubble
cockpit
800, a fuselage 801 incorporating a drive linkage 802, and twin propellers 803
attached to the drive linkage 802. A mannequin seat 804 having a mannequin
fastening device 406 is fixedly mounted to the drive linkage 802 while the
cockpit 800
is both detachable from and rotatable with respect to the fuselage. Fixedly
mounted
within the cockpit 800 is a control column 805 having four arms. The base of
the
cockpit 800 has a flotation chamber and buoyant outriders 806. A detent, not
shown,
locks the cockpit 800 to the fuselage 801.
In order to operate the toy illustrated in figures 8a to 8e the cockpit 800 is
detached
from the fuselage and a mannequin 807 is mounted on the seat 804 with arms 101
and legs 102 attached to the arms of the control column 805 via the holes 104.
The
cockpit 800 is then remounted to the fuselage 801. The user, holding the
propellers
803 against rotation rotates the cockpit 800 to twist the limbs 101,102 of the
mannequin with respect to the control column 805. When the desired twist has
been
reached the cockpit 800 is allowed to lock to the fuselage 801, the toy is
placed in
water and the propellers released.
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In a first alternative embodiment of the toy described with reference to
figures 8a to
8e, there is provided a switch device to lock the propellers 803 while
winding.
In a second alternative embodiment of the toy illustrated in figures 8a to 8e
the toy is
fitted with wheels.
The fantasy space war chariot illustrated in figures 9a to 9b comprises a
vehicle body
900 having a cockpit 901, two front wheels 902 and one rear wheel 903. A seat
904
is mounted on a slide 905 and carries a rack (not shown) in driving
relationship with a
pinion (not shown) in driving relationship via a flywheel and ratchet unit
(not shown)
with the front wheels 902. The seat has a mannequin mount 406 and at the front
of
the cockpit a control column 906 is fitted to the body 900. A ratchet device
(not
shown) is provided to allow the toy to continue to roll once the seat 904 has
regained
its rest configuration.
In preparation for use a mannequin 907 is mounted on the seat 904 and the
holes
104 in the arms 101 thereof are fitted to the control column 906. To prime the
toy to
run forward either the seat is drawn back along the slide 905 or the toy is
rolled back
on a floor. This stretches the arms 101. When the seat or the vehicle are
released
with the vehicle on a floor the slide moves forward, driven by the relaxing of
the limbs
101 and the front wheels 902 drive the vehicle along the floor.
In a first alternative embodiment of the toy illustrated in figures 9a to 9c a
catch (not
shown) is included to lock the seat 904 in the rearward configuration so that
release
of the catch permits the slide to move forward.
The fantasy toy space vehicle with ejection facility illustrated in figures
10a to 10c
comprises a winged space vehicle module 1000 having port and starboard
wing/fuselage members 1001 both hinged along a central axis below the vehicle,
a
launch platform 1002 having an extendable slide 1003 and a forward pivoting
cockpit
canopy 1004, the slide being associated with a release trigger 1005. Mannequin
boot grip yokes 405 are mounted on the slide 1003 and handle grips 1006 for
gloves
201 are mounted on the platform 1002.
The wing/fuselage members 1001 and the canopy 1004 can be closed over the
launch platform 1002 whether or not the slide 1003 is extended, as shown in
figure
1 0c, and are constructed so that open the wings take the form of a pistol
handle, as
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shown in figures 1 Oa, 1 Ob and 1 Oc, with the trigger 1005 in just the
position one
would expect it, forward of the thus formed handle.
With the wing/fuselage unit 1001 open the module 1000 is loaded with a
mannequin
5 1007 with boots 202 located in the boot grip and gloves 201 located in the
holders
1004. Then the slide 1003 is pulled rearwards until it clicks into association
with the
release trigger 1005. The wing/fuselage unit 1001 may then be closed if
desired.
To catapault the mannequin out of the module the wing/fuselage unit 1001 and
the
canopy 1004 are opened. Operating the trigger releases the slide 1003 and the
10 mannequin 1007 shoots forward out of its restraints as shown in figure 1
Oc.
As shown in figure 1 Oc the module 1000 also incorporates a missile launch
facility
1008. This is spring-loaded and operated by a separate button (not shown).
The fantasy motorcycle toy shown in figures 11 a to 11 c has a motorcycle body
1100
with a seat 1101. There is a front wheel 1102, a rear wheel 1103 and
handlebars
1104. The seat 1101 has a mannequin fastener 406 (not shown). The handlebars
1104 are formed to receive at the ends thereof holes 104 in mannequin arms
101.
The handlebars 1104 are mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis transverse
to the
vehicle longitude and carry a gear wheel 1105. The gear wheel 1105
incorporates a
ratchet (not shown) so as to permit the motorcycle to freewheel when the drive
is
relaxed.
To prepare the motorcycle for use a mannequin 1106 is fastened to the seat
1101
and holes 104 at the extremities of the arms 101 are attached to the
handlebars
1104.
To use the toy motorcycle thus prepared it is rolled backwards on a floor.
Rotation of
the front wheel 1102 causes rotation of the gear wheel 1105 which in turn
winds the
limbs 101 around the handlebars 1104. When the motorcycle is released
relaxation
of the arms 101 causes rotation of the gearwheel 1105 and hence of the front
wheel
1102 and the motorcycle is propelled forwards.
Figures 12a and 12b illustrate a fantasy motorcycle 1200 having a front wheel
1201,
a rear wheel 1202, handlebars 1203, a seat 1204, crash bars 1205 and foot
pedals
1206. The seat 1204 has a holding device 1207 and is slidable longitudinally
as
shown by an arrow in the drawings. The crash bars 1205 are likewise movable
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forwards/rearwards. The seat 1204 and the crash bars 1205 are drivably
associated
with a belt (not shown) in turn associated via a ratchet (not shown) with the
rear
wheel 1202. The rear wheel 1202 incorporates a flywheel.
To use the toy a mannequin 1208 is mounted on the motorcycle 1200, clipped to
the
seat 1204 with the holding means 1207. Its boots 202 are attached to the foot
pedals
1206 and the leg members 102 pulled around the crash bars 1205. Gloves 201 in
hook form are fitted to the handlebars 1203.
To use the toy it is rolled back. Via the belt the seat 1207 and the crash
bars 1205
move respectively rearwards and forwards, stretching the limbs 101, 102.
Releasing
the toy allows the limbs 101, 102 to relax, driving the rear wheel 1202
forward via the
belt so that the motorcycle can run forwards. When the limbs 101,102 have
attained
their natural configuration the motorcycle can continue its forward path by
virtue of
the operation of the ratchet and the flywheel.
The motor tricycle illustrated in figures 13a to 13d is adjustable in form
between
raised and lowered configurations. It comprises a first chassis member 1301
upon
which are mounted a pair of rear wheels 1302, and a second chassis member 1303
upon which is mounted a front wheel 1304. The first and second chassis members
1301, 1303 are attached to each other at a pivot point 1305. Formed on the
first
chassis, towards the rear thereof, are yokes 404 and on the second chassis
1303,
just to the rear of the front wheel axle, are control rods 401. Formed also on
the
second chassis 1303 is a drive bar 302 for constraining the figure's knees.
There is
provided a seat member 1306 and a mannequin chest rest 1307. The chest rest
1307 is formed on a drive arc 1308 on the first chassis and in drivable
relationship,
via a flywheel and ratchet unit (not shown), with the rear wheels 1302. A key
1309
locks the tricycle against movement until it is released. Detents (not shown)
between
the first and second chassis members lock them together at the raised and
lowered
configurations.
To use the motor tricycle, a mannequin 1310 is mounted thereon, his gloves 201
fitted to the control rods 401 and his boots 202 to the yokes 404. His knees
are
inserted under the drive bar 302. Thus it will be sat upon the seat 1306 with
its torso
bearing upon the chest rest 1307. Rolling the tricycle rearwards causes the
drive arc
1308 to rotate, raising the chest rest 1307 and thus extending the limbs 101,
102.
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Release of the key 1309 allows the tricycle to run forward, driven by
relaxation of the
limbs 101, 102. When these are fully relaxed the ratchet and flywheel
arrangements
permit the forward motion to continue.
The user can adjust the configuration of the tricycle between raised and
lowered
configurations by manually turning the first and second chassis members with
respect to each other around the pivot 1305 between the detents. Figures 13a,
13b
and 13c illustrate the lowered configuration and figure 13d the raised
configuration.
The toy mobile rocket launcher vehicle illustrated in figures 14a to 14d is a
compendium device employing three mannequins and moves along, raises the
launcher and fires the rocket, when having been duly loaded and charged.
The vehicle comprises a chassis 1400 upon which are mounted two drive wheels
1401 and two steer wheels 1402. The chassis is articulated, in the vertical
sense, at
1403, 1404 to permit the user to raise or lower it. Mounted on the chassis is
a driver
seat 1405, a rocket controller seat 1406, a launch post 1407 and foot rests
(not
shown). Forward of the driver seat 1405 is a drive pulley 1408, a drive cord
1409, a
drive control handle 1410. Upon the launch post 1407 is a rocket mount and
associated tilt control lever 1411 with a drive bar 1412. The rocket mount
carries a
launch pad 1413 upon which is slidably mounted a rocket thruster 1414. To the
thruster 1414 is affixed a hand drive bar 1415 and a foot drive bar 1416.
Toward the
front of the launch pad is a mannequin cradle 1417. A rocket 1418 rests upon
the
launch pad 1413.
Link mechanisms (not shown) free the launch lever 1411 to move when the
vehicle
comes to a halt, and release the thruster 1414 when the launch lever has
tilted the
rocket launch pad to a given elevation.
To prepare the mobile rocket launcher for action the link mechanism triggers
are set.
A first mannequin 1420 is placed in the cradle 1417 and its gloves 201
attached to
the bar 1415 and its boots 202 attached to the bar 1416. A second mannequin
1421
is attached to the launcher seat 1406 via a holding key 406, its gloves 201
fitted to
the tilt control handle 1412 and its boots 202 placed on the associated foot
rest. A
third mannequin 1422 is attached into the driver seat 1405 via a holding key
406, its
boots 202 placed on the associated foot rest and its gloves 201 attached to
the bar
1410. The mounting of each mannequin 1420, 1421, 1422 in this case involves
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stretching the appropriate limbs while so doing, the driving wheels 1401 being
held.
A rocket 1418 is placed on the launch pad 1413, engaging lightly with the
thruster
1414.
Upon release of the mobile launcher the vehicle runs forward powered by
relaxation
of the arms 101 of the mannequin 1422. Full return of the cord 1409 to rest
position
triggers permitting the launch lever 1411 to elevate the launch pad 1413,
driven by
the arms 101 of the mannequin 1421. The launch pad 1413 reaching its maximum
elevation frees the thruster 1414 to launch the rocket 1418, driven by
relaxation of
the arms 101 and legs 102 of the first mannequin 1420.
Figure 15 illustrates a fantasy space lander toy using a multitude of
mannequins
performing various tasks.
Upon a base 1500 are a buggy carrier capsule 1520 in which can be retained a
buggy 1540, and a rocket launch pad 1560 arranged for launching a rocket 1580.
The buggy carrier capsule 1520 has a lower door 1521 which converts into a
ramp,
and an upper door 1522. A lever 1523 controls the opening of the doors and the
lever has a driving bar 1524. There is a platform below the lever 1523 having
a boot
grip bar 1525. Upon the roof of the capsule 1520 is a rotor launch 1526 for
launching
a rotor 1527. The rotor launch 1526 has a control lever 1528. Behind the lever
1528
is a mannequin seat 1529 having a holding device 406. The upper door 1522
locks
the lower door 1521 which is in turn associated with the lever release 1523.
The buggy 1540 has a chassis 1541 and two front wheels 1542 and at the rear
two
driving wheels 1543. Also toward the rear is a driving seat 1544 having a
holding
device 406. A foot bar 1545 is connected to a drive (not shown) via a cord
1546
passing over a pulley 1547. The drive incorporates a flywheel and ratchet (not
shown). On the port side of the buggy is a radar dish 1548 associated via a
pinion
with a rack 1549 having a drive handle 1550. A knob 1551 controls locking and
releasing the pinion on the rack 1549. A lever 1552 controls rotation of the
wheels
1543.
The rocket launcher 1560 comprises a gantry 1561 having drive handles 1562,
and a
guide post 1563 upon which slides a thruster 1564 having foot drive bars 1565.
There is a release button and a detent, not shown, associated with the
thruster 1564.
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The rocket 1580 fits slidably over the guide post 1563. It is openable to seat
a
mannequin arranged to fire missiles as per the example described above with
reference to figures 10a-d except that the mannequin 154 is arranged to power
the
missiles. The missiles are arranged to be released when the rocket stikes
another
object.
The lander is loaded with mannequins as follows:
A first mannequin 150 is fitted to the drive seat 1544 of the buggy 1540. Its
feet are
attached to the drive bar 1545 and its left arm 101 to a handle on the rack
1549. Its
right glove is fitted to a static handle.
A second mannequin 151 is fitted to the lander base 1500 with its feet
attached to the
boot grip bar 1525. and its gloves to the driving bar 1524.
A third mannequin 152 is fitted via holding means 406 to a seat on the roof of
the
capsule 1520, its gloves fitted to the lever 1528.
Fourth and fifth mannequins 153 are placed in the gantry 1561 with their
gloves
attached to the drive handles 1562 and their boots to the foot drive bars 1565
on the
thruster 1564.
A sixth mannequin 154 is placed in the rocket 1580, with its gloves and boots
attached to a missile launch bar (not shown).
The lander is prepared for operation as follows:
The wheels 1543 of the buggy 1540 are rotated in reverse, thus extending the
legs of
the mannequin 150. The lever 1552 is placed in a configuration to lock the
wheels
1543 against rotation. The rack 1549 is slid forward to extend the mannequin's
left
arm, and locked in position via the knob 1551.
The buggy 1540 is placed in the capsule 1520 and the doors 1521 and 1522
closed,
thus turning the lever 1523 and extending the mannequin 151 until a detent
position
is reached when the lever 1523 extends slightly outwards.
The rotor 1527 is placed on its rotor launch 1526.
The rocket 1580 is prepared for missile launch by being loaded with missiles
and the
limbs of the mannequin 154 thus extended until a detent configuration is
achieved.
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The rocket is then placed upon the guide post 1563 and pushed down against the
thruster 1564, extending the mannequins 153 until the thruster detent is
engaged.
Operation of the lander is as follows:
5
The drive lever 1523 is pushed in whereupon the retraction of the mannequin
151
opens the doors 1521, 1522, thus freeing the lever 1552 and permitting the
buggy
1540 to be driven out of the capsule down the ramp formed by the door 1521,
powered by retraction of the legs of the mannequin 150. The knob 1551 may then
be
10 pressed, whereupon retraction of the mannequin's left arm will cause
rotation of the
antenna 1548.
The lever 1528 may be rotated manually to extend the arms of the mannequin
152,
then released. The consequent spinning of the rotor launch 1526 and thereby of
the
15 rotor 1527 launches the latter vertically.
Release of the detent associated with the platform 1564 permits retraction of
the
mannequins 153 and the consequent propulsion and launch of the rocket 1580.
When this latter strikes an object, or lands on the floor, its missiles are
launched,
powered by the mannequin 154.
Of course the various operations of the lander need not be performed in the
order
just described above. Also, in alternative embodiments of the lander described
with
reference to figure 15, any of the mannequin driven devices may not have
detents so
that the user may simply prime and then release the associated device. In the
case
of the buggy 1540, this may be sized so that the pulley 1547 pushes against a
brake
while the doors 1521, 1522 are closed.
The fantasy missile launcher shown in figure 16 comprises a base 1600 upon
which
is rotatably mounted a launch platform 1601. A launch stand 1602 is attached
to the
platform 1601 and to this is mounted to swivel, in a vertical plane, a missile
launch
block 1603 having a four missile launch capacity. Also mounted on the platform
1601 is a seat 1604 having holding means 406 and a foot rest 1605. Elbow
restraints 1606 are arranged to move rearwards/forwards and thus to drive
upper
missile thrusters (not shown). Handles 1607 are provided on the block 1603 for
attachment by gloves on a mannequin. Two levers 1608 fit behind the
mannequin's
knees and are respectively associated with left and right lower missile
thrusters via
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detent devices (not shown). Missiles 1609 fit loosely in barrels formed in the
block
1603.
To prepare the launcher for operation a mannequin 155 is placed in the seat
1604
with its boots locked onto the foot rest 1605 and its gloves locked to the
handles
1607. The arms 101 are hooked around the elbow restraints 1606 and elbow
portions thereof, and the legs 102 are hooked around the levers 1608. Missiles
1609
are loaded into their barrels. The levers 1608 are pulled forward until
engaged by
their detent devices.
In operation of the launcher, the launch block is swivelled to its desired
elevation.
Either of the detents is released by the user whereupon the appropriate lever
1608
swivels, driven by retraction of the legs 102, to launch the associated lower
missile
1609.
The user pulls back either of the elbow restraints 1606 and releases it,
whereupon
retraction of the arm 101 propels the restraint 1606 forward to cause launch
of the
associated upper missile 1609.
The toy trebuchet illustrated in figure 17 comprises a frame 1700 to which is
pivoted
to rotate in the vertical plane a beam 1701 having a projectile bucket 1702 at
one end
and handles 1703 at the other. The frame 1700 also carries mannequin boot
grips
1704 and has itself feet in the form of suction pads 1705.
To prepare the trebuchet for use a mannequin is fastened within the frame
1700, with
its boots attached to the boot grips 1704 and its gloves to the handles 1703.
The
frame 1700 is then attached via its suction pads 1705 to an appropriate
surface. A
projectile is placed in the bucket 1702.
By pushing down with his finger upon the rim of the bucket 1702 the user
extends the
arms 101 and legs 102 of the mannequin. Release of the bucket 1702 allows the
mannequin to retract whereupon the projectile is projected from the bucket.
In the particular device shown the beam 1701 has a plurality of pivot points
1706
permitting it to be attached to the frame 1700 at various points along its
length.
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In a further embodiment of the toy trebuchet a detent device with an
associated user
operated lever may be included.
The toy catapault illustrated in figure 18 comprises a handle 1800 with two
arms
1801, each ending in a bar over which a mannequin glove can releasably fit. A
mannequin wearing a cloak 1802 in the form of a wing with a fin 1803 is
mounted to
the catapault and the fin pulled rearwards, whereupon the arms 01 extend.
Release
of the fin allows the arms to retract substantially instantaneously,
propelling the
mannequin over the catapault armsl801 and releasing the gloves therefrom.
It is to be pointed out at this juncture that as shown in figure 18 the cloak
1802 also
has a head 1804. This is made of a soft material, for example a spongy foam,
to
reduce the possibility of injury. This is the case with all missiles and
projectiles
described or implied in this patent specification.
The toy mobile missile launcher illustrated in figures 19a - 19c comprises a
chariot
1900 with wheel driven tracks 1901. The chariot includes a cockpit in which a
mannequin 156 can stand, the cockpit having a mannequin restraint bracket 1902
and armpit brackets 1903. The cockpit floor incorporates boot yokes 404 and,
pivoted to the floor, a drive bar 1904. The drive bar 1904 is associated
drivably with
the wheel driven tracks 1901 via means not shown. On both sides of the vehicle
are
shafts 1905 carrying handles 401. The shafts 1905 are drivably associated, via
means not shown, with missile launch pods 1906. An apparent exhaust tube 1907
on the rear of the vehicle acts as a manual trigger for launching missiles.
The toy mobile missile launcher is prepared for use by clipping a mannequin
156 in
the restraint bracket 1902, its boots into the yokes 404, its armpits in the
brackets
1903 and its gloves fitted to the handles 401. Missiles 1908 are loaded into
the
launch pods. The shafts 1905 are loaded, extending the arms 101, until
detained by
the trigger 1907. The drive bar 1904 is raised so that it bears behind the
"knees" of
the mannequin and extends the legs 102.
In operation the toy is released on a floor where relaxation of the legs 102
drives the
drive bar 1904 and consequently the wheel driven track 1901 and the chariot
moves
along the floor. When desired the user can operate the trigger 1907 and
relaxation of
an arm 101 propels one or more missiles 1908 from the pod(s) 1906.
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The trigger 1907 is in fact arranged to enable missiles 1908 on one side of
the
chariot to be propelled by the arm 101 on that side and the missiles on the
other side
to be propelled by the other arm.
In alternative embodiments, two triggers 1907 may be employed, the trigger(s)
1907
may be provided with staged operation so that missiles 1908 can be launched
individually, a release button may be provided, associated with the drive bar
1904, so
that the user does not have to hold drive bar 1904 or track 1901 until
release, and/or
the toy may be arranged to release missiles individually upon reaching various
stages in its movement.
The toy mobile trebuchet illustrated in figure 20 comprises a chariot 2000 and
wheel
driven tracks 2001 somewhat similar to those described above with reference to
figures19a - 19c. There is also a cockpit with a torso restraint bracket and
armpit
brackets and boot yokes like those 1902, 1903, 404, and a handle and shaft
(not
shown) like those 1905 and 401 shown in figures 19a - 19c. A drive bar (not
shown)
integral with a projectile bucket 2002 is pivoted to the cockpit wall and has
an
associated release button (not shown). The shaft is arranged to drive the
wheel
driven track 2001. The drive bar is arranged for impinging upon a mannequin's
knees, in the front thereof. The chariot also carries a group of missile
launch pods
2003 for launching missiles 2004. These are independently spring-loaded and
triggered.
The toy mobile trebuchet is prepared for use by clipping a mannequin 156 into
the
torso restraint and its boots into the yokes, with the drive bar to the
trebuchet 2002
forward of the knees of the mannequin. Its gloves are fitted to the handles on
the
shaft. A projectile 2005 is placed in the bucket 2002 and this is pulled
rearwards and
downwards until the release button is engaged, thus extending the legs 102
around
the knees thereof.
To use the mobile trebuchet it is drawn backwards along a floor, thus winding
arms
101 around the shaft. It is then released allowing relaxation of the arms 101
to drive
the chariot forwards. Pressing the button allows relaxation of the legs 102
and the
bucket 2002 is consequently propelled upwards and forwards and the projectile
2005
flung. Missiles 2004 can be independently released from their launchers 2003
by
pressing appropriate buttons.
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The toy mannequin water cannon illustrated in figure 21 comprises a
piston/cylinder
device 2100, the piston being driven by a plunger 2101 and the cylinder having
a
water ejection nozzle 2102. There is a release button 2103 associated with a
detent
holding the plunger at an outer extremity. The cylinder also carries a holding
device
2104 arranged for holding the torso and supporting the armpits of a mannequin
157.
The plunger 2101 incorporates handles 401 and yokes 404 for gripping the
gloves
201 and the boots 202 of a mannequin.
The toy water cannon is prepared for use by mounting a mannequin 157 to the
holding device 2104 and the appropriate gloves 201 and boots 202 to the
handles
401 and yokes 404. The nozzle 2102 is then immersed in water while the plunger
2101 is withdrawn, thus extending the limbs 101, 102 of the mannequin 157 and
drawing water into the cylinder. At its maximum throw the plunger 2101 engages
the
detent associated with the button 2103.
In use of the toy, the cannon is aimed where desired and the button 2103
pressed.
Relaxation of the limbs 101, 102 drives the plunger 2101 so that a jet of
water is
pumped from the nozzle 2102.
The toy man-powered robot shown in figure 22 has a torso member with mannequin
holding means 406, leg members 2200 with, at the knees thereof, foot bars
2201.
Arm members 2202 are articulated at the elbows thereof and carry hands 2203
frictionally articulated to the arms 2202. Mannequin glove holding handles 401
are
attached to the robot forearms. The arms 2202 are associated via a locking
device
(not shown) with finger levers 2204. The legs 2200 are simply frictionally
pivoted at
robot hips 2205.
The robot is prepared for use by mounting a mannequin 158 therein, to be
gripped by
the holding means 406, with the boots attached to the foot bars 2201 and the
gloves
to the handles 401.
In use, the arms 2202 are extended, thus extending also the mannequin arms
101,
until the locking device is engaged. The user may then cause the robot to
"walk" by
manually moving the legs 2200 and may place an object in the hands 2203. By
pinching the levers 2204 the mannequin arms 101 are freed to retract, thus
drawing
the arms 2202 towards the robot torso.
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The toy waterborne craft shown in figure 23a - 23d has a fuselage 2300 with a
detachable transparent cockpit dome 2301. Within the fuselage are brackets
2302
arranged for gripping a mannequin 159 under the armpits thereof and further
boot
brackets (not shown) for gripping boots of a mannequin. The boot brackets are
5 drivably associated with both a pair of propellers 2303 and a winder 2304 in
the form
of a fin. The winder 2304 has an associated ratchet and pawl device (not
shown)
preventing the winder from rotating when released. A panel 2305 on the
fuselage is
associated with a brake device within the fuselage, for preventing propeller
rotation
while the winder 2304 is being operated.
The craft also incorporates a toy missile firing mechanism. A firing pin 2306
protruding rearwards from the fuselage 2300 is attached to the gloves (not
shown) of
the mannequin 159. Inside the fuselage the pin terminates in a launch tube,
the
outlet nozzle of which is shown at 2307. A spring loaded firing button 2308
prevents
the pin 2306 from operating until the button is pressed. The cockpit dome 2301
incorporates a continuation launch tube 2309 through which a missile 2310 can
be
loaded and "fired".
The craft is prepared for use by inserting a mannequin 159 into the cockpit,
with the
dome 2301 detached, locking the mannequin boots to the boot brackets and the
gloves to the pin 2306. The dome 2301 is then mounted to the fuselage 2300 and
a
missile 2310 loaded into the launch tube 2309. The firing pin 2306 is then
pulled
back, thus stretching the arms 101 of the mannequin 159, until the detent
associated
with the button 2308 engages. With the panel 2305 depressed the winder 2304 is
turned, thus twisting the legs 102 of the mannequin 159.
In use, the craft is placed in water and directed and the panel 2305 released.
The
legs 102 begin to unwind and the propellors 2303 thus begin to rotate, driving
the
craft. When desired the button 2308 is pressed; the firing pin 2306 shoots
forward
and the missile 2310 is ejected.
In an alternative embodiment of the craft shown in figures 23, the firing pin
2306 is
arranged to project water out of the nozzle 2307, as suggested in figure 23d.
The toy fantasy craft illustrated in figures 24a, 24b, 24c is somewhat similar
to that
described above with reference to figures 23a -d, particularly as regards
propulsion.
Accordingly there is a fuselage 2400 with a detachable cockpit dome 2401,
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propellers 2402, a winder fin (not shown) and a depressable panel 2403
arranged to
act as a propeller lock. Likewise there are armpit brackets and boot brackets
(both
not shown).
The principal difference with the toy illustrated in figures 23 is that this
illustrated in
figures 24 has missile launcher mounting nacelles 2404. These incorporate a
mechanism, not shown, by which relaxation of the arms of a mannequin will
"fire"
missiles. A missile launcher 2405 is detachably mountable to the nacelles 2404
and
incorporates twin missile launch pods 2406 with release buttons 2407. Firing
pins
2408, having hollows 2409, protrude rearward of the pods 2406 for association
with
the firing mechanism inside the nacelles 2404. Missiles 2410 fit into the pods
2406.
As figure 24b shows the missile launcher 2405 detached from the fuselage 2400
so
figure 24c shows it attached to a mannequin 160. For this purpose the
mannequin
160 incorporates a deployable chest plug as shown at 240 in figure 4j. Also
the
launcher 2405 has handles 401 for gloves 201 of the mannequin 160. The
"elbows"
of the mannequin arms rest in the hollows 2409 of the firing pins 2408.
With a missile launcher 2405 attached to a mannequin 160, the mannequin gloves
201 attached to the handles 401, "elbows" hooked over the hollows 2409 and
missiles 2410 placed in the pods 2406, the missiles can be pushed into the
pods to
drive the firing pins 2408 rearwards and thus extend the mannequin arms 101
until
detents catch the buttons 2407. Pressing the buttons 2407 releases the firing
pins
2408 and relaxation of the arms 101 drives the released firing pin forward to
"fire" the
missile 2410.
With this toy craft fins 2411 on the fuselage 2400 allow the craft to be stood
upright if
desired. This feature may likewise be incorporated in the craft shown in
figures 23.
With either toy craft also the mannequin may be permanently fitted within the
fuselage 2400 (2300) and the cockpit dome 2401 (2301) permanently attached to
the
fuselage.
The toy fantasy space buggy illustrated in figure 25 has a body 2500, front
wheel
2501 and drive wheels 2502 at the rear. Mounted on the body 2500 is a
mannequin
harness 200 and mannequin boot yokes 404. An arm drive bar 2503 and a knee
drive bar 2504 are both associated with a ratchet and pawl drive (not shown)
for the
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wheels 2502. The arm drive bar 2503 has handles 401 to which can be fitted
mannequin gloves 201.
To prepare the buggy for use a mannequin 161 is mounted to the harness 200
with
boots 202 fitted to the yokes 404 and gloves 201 fitted to the handles 401 and
the
drive bar 2504 behind the legs 102 of the mannequin in approximately the knee
area.
In use the buggy may be rolled backwards on a floor. This brings both drive
bars
2503, 2504 forward extending the arms 101 and legs 102. Release of the buggy
allows the arms and legs to relax, thus driving the vehicle.
In alternative embodiments of this buggy the arm drive may be arranged to fire
missiles and/or a water gun instead of assisting with the vehicle drive.
Figure 26 illustrates a toy man-portable rocket launcher 2600. This has a
shoulder
harness 2601 for fitting over a shoulder of a mannequin 162 and handles 401
for
gloves 201 fitted to the mannequin. A firing pin (not shown) protrudes
rearward of
the launcher and culminates in a yoke arranged for nestling an arm 101 in
about an
elbow region thereof. A detent associated with the firing pin is linked to a
trigger
2602.
To prepare the device for use the launcher is fitted to the mannequin 162 and
the
gloves 201 to the handles 401. The appropriate arm 101 is extended around the
firing pin. A missile 2603 is located in the launcher 2600 and pushed
rearwards, thus
pushing the firing pin rearwards and extending the arm 101 until the detent
catches.
Release of the trigger 2602 allows the arm 101 to relax, thus "firing" the
missile 2603.
The mannequin 162 may have rigid legs if it is desired that it stand freely.
Alternatively long rigid boots may be used.
It will be appreciated that there is a myriad of other toys which may utilize
a power
source in the form of a figure according to the invention, just as there are
many forms
the figure may take. Moreover it will be obvious that many of the features
described
as incorporated in one or other of the embodiments described above may be
incorporated in others of them.
