US3815931A

US3815931A - Animated riding toy

Info

Publication number: US3815931A
Application number: US00328314A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Morrison; M Glass
Original assignee: Glass Marvin and Associates
Current assignee: Glass Marvin and Associates
Priority date: 1973-01-31
Filing date: 1973-01-31
Publication date: 1974-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 1991-06-11
Also published as: GB1418427A; JPS49110433A; JPS522333B2; CA996972A

Abstract

A riding toy having the shape of an animal, or the like, with a plurality of wheels movable over a substructure such as a floor. An elongated neck portion protrudes forwardly from a body portion of the toy and has a head on the outer end thereof. The neck is movable angularly relative to the body portion to rotate the head in a circle spaced from the body portion as the toy moves over a floor, by means of a bent rod member operatively associated with at least one of the wheels for rotation of the rod member relative to the body portion. A tubular-shaped accordian-type flexible outer sheath is non-rotatably connected to the body portion and the head portion and surrounds the rotatable rod member providing a universal type covering therefor to accommodate movement thereof while maintaining the head oriented in a generally forwardly facing disposition.

Description

United States Patent Morrison et al.

[ June 11, 1974 1 1 ANIMATED RIDING TOY [75] Inventors: Howard J. Morrison, De'erfield;

Marvin 1. Glass, Chicago, both of 111.

[73] Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates,

Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: Jan. 31, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 328,314

[52] US. Cl 280/1201, 280/1208, 280/122, 46/104 [51] Int. Cl A63g 19/00 [58] Field of Search 280/1201, 1.202, 1.206, 280/1203; 46/104 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,699,139 l/l929 Fuld 46/104 2,152,945 4/1939 Alvistur 46/104 2,226,190 12/1940 Adams 280/246 2,484,954 10/1949 Marasco 280/240 2,617,231 11/1952 Doc et al. 46/104 X 2,675,643 4/1954 Ernst 46/104 2,782,556 2/1957 Otis 46/104 3,765,693 10/1973 Morrison et a1. 280/1.182

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,022,266 3/1966 Great Britain 46/ 104 Primary Examiner-Leo Friaglia Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Coffee and Sweeney 57 ABSTRACT A riding toy having the shape of an animal, or the like, with a plurality of wheels movable over a substructure such as a floor. An elongated neck portion protrudes forwardly from a body portion of the toy and has a head on the outer end thereof. The neck is movable angularly relative to the body portion to rotate the head in a circle spaced from the body portion as the toy moves over a floor, by means of a bent rod mem ber operativel'y associated with at least one of the wheels for rotation of the rod member relative to the body portion. A tubular-shaped accordian-type flexible outer sheath is non-rotatably connected to the body portion and the head portion and surrounds the rotatable rod member providing a universal type covering therefor to accommodate movement thereof while maintaining the head oriented in a generally forwardly facing disposition.

5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures NIMATED RIDING TOY BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY on THE INVENTION A This invention relates to animated toys and particularly to a riding toy having a body portion and an appendage portion movable relative to the body portion in response to movement of the toy over a floor or the like.

Riding toys for children have been utilized for many years wherein the toy resembles an animal on which the child sits while moving the toy over a substructure such as a floor or the like. In most instances, wheels are provided for the toy and the child simply uses his legs to push the toy over the floor. In some instances, pedals or other motive facilitating means are provided. Not only are such toys entertaining for the child, but they help to develop leg movements, particularly in a childs early years. This invention is directed to satisfying the continuing need for new and improved riding toys of the character described.

An object, therefore, of the present invention is to provide a new and improved animated toy, and particularly an animated riding toy which has relatively movable appendage means to stimulate the child in utilizing the toy.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, a generally hollow rigid body portion is provided on which a child may sit for riding purposes. Four wheels are joumalled on the body portion for moving the same I over a substructure such as a floor or the like. A handle is provided which may be grasped by a child for stabilization purposes. The toy incorporates unique appendage means protruding outwardly from the body portion and movable relative thereto in response to rotation of the wheels asthe toy moves over the floor.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable appendage means is formed by a rod-like member protruding outwardly from the body portion and operatively connected by a drive shaft to at least one of the wheels for rotation of the rod member relative to the body portion as the wheel turns. The rod member has inner and outer generally parallel but offset straight end portions connected by an oblique intermediate portion. The rod pivots about the axis of the straight inner end portion whereby the oblique portion rotates in a generally conical path causing the outer straight end portion to move in a generally cylindrical or circular path. The outer end portion of the rod is joumalled in the head portion of the toy. A generally tubular-shaped accordion-type outer sheath is positioned about the rod member providing a universal type covering therefor to accommodate the aforesaid movement thereof. The sheath-is non-rotatably secured at its inner end to the body portion and is connected at its outer end to the head portion for the toy, whereby the sheath represents the neck of a simulated animal. In this manner, the rod member rotates within the sheath while the sheath mains the head portion of the toy oriented in a forwardly facing disposition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the animated riding toy of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front to rear vertical section, on an enlarged scale, of the toy shown in FIG. 1, with the neck and head portion thereof shown in phantom in an alternate position of movement;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an'inclined section taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is an inclined section taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The animated riding toy of the present invention, generally designated in FIG. 1, includes a body portion 12 on which a child may sit for moving the toy over a substructure such as a floor or the like. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body portion 12 is formed of a generally hollow rigid shell within which is mounted certain of the operative components of the toy. A pair of front wheels 14 and a pair of rear wheels 16 are connected to a pair of

shafts

18 and 20, respectively, which are joumalled in shell-like bosses 22 on the underside of the body portion 12. The rear wheels 16 are connected through the shaft and appropriate linkage, described hereinafter, to movable appendage means, also described hereinafter.

A rod-like handle 24 extends across the top front of the body portion 12 for grasping by a child for stabilization purposes. The handle 24 is formed integrally with an annular band 26 which has a simulated bow-tie 28 formed in front of the body portion 12. The band is secured to the body portion by means of bolts or screws 30 (FIG. 5). l

A movable appendage means, generally designated 32, is mounted on the front of the body portion 12 for movement relative to the body portion in response to rotation of the rear wheels 16. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the toy is shaped to resemble a duck, goose, or the like, and the movable appendage means 32 comprises the neck and head portions of the simulated animal.

More particularly, the movable appendage means 32 includes a rigid rod-like member, generally designated 34 (FIG. 2), which has a straight inner end portion 34a, a straight outer end portion 34b which is offset but parallel to the inner end portion 34a, and an oblique intermediate portion 34c which connects the

end portions

34a, 34b and extends angularly relative thereto. The inner end portion 34a of the rod 34 is secured to a boss 36 which is joumalled within an aperture 38 of an interior brace portion 40 of the body portion 12. The boss 36 has a bevel gear portion 42 which is in mesh with a gear member 44 on the front end of a drive shaft member 46. The drive shaft member is joumalled in apertures 48 formed in a pair of interior brace plates 50 of the body portion 12. A bevel gear 52 is connected to the rear end of the drive shaft member 46 and is in mesh with another bevel gear member 54 fixed for rogears, about the longitudinal axis of the straight inner end portion 34a of the rod member.

A head portion 56 is provided for the toy and is journalled by means of a cup-shaped bracket, generally designated 57, to the straight front end 34b of the rod member 34. The front end 34b of the rod extends through an aperture 58 in the bracket 57 for rotation relative thereto. The bracket is held in position on the front end 34b of the rod by means of a washer 60 I which, in turn, bears against stamped out tabs 62 on the sides of the rod. Bolts or screws 64 (FIG. 4) secure the head 56 to the bracket 57.

Thus, it can be seen that rotation of the rod member 34 about the axis of its inner end portion 34a will cause the intermediate portion 34c thereof to rotate in a generally conical path causing the outer end portion 34b of the rod to rotate in a cylindrical or circular path moving the head portion 56 of the toy therewith.

In order to accommodate the aforesaid movement of the head portion 56 and rod 34, as well as maintain the head-portion 56 in a forwardly facing orientation regardless of the angular position of the head, a tubularshaped accordion-type flexible outer sheath 66 is provided surrounding the rod 34 thereby providing a universal type covering for the rod. The sheath is nonrotatably secured at its inner end to the front of the body portion 12 by the bolts or screws 30 (FIG. The outer end of the sheath 66 is non-rotatably secured to the head 56 and bracket 57 by the bolt or screws 64 as shown in FIG. 4. I

Of course, it is within the contemplation of this invention that the novel movement of the appendage means caused by rotation of the rod 34, as well as the affect and orienting capabilities of the sheath 66 may be used for appendages other than a neck and head for the riding toy.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understoodtherefrom as some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

We claim:

comprising: a body portion sufficiently large to accommodate a rider and including a seat area on top of the body portion, an elongated appendage movable angularly relative to said body portion, said appendable including an elongated frame piece mounted on the body portion for angular and rotatable movement relative thereto and generally tubular-shaped flexible outer sheath positioned about the frame piece providing a universal type covering therefor to accomodate said movement thereof, said sheath defining the neck for the animal and including a head portion on the outer end of the frame piece, said sheath being non-rotatably connected at its inner end to said body portion and at its outer end to said head portion with said head portion journaled on the outer end of said frame piece whereby the head portion remains in a fixed orientation relative to the body portion notwithstanding rotation and angular movement of said frame piece, said frame I piece formed by a rod-like member having a generally straight inner end portion protruding outwardly from said body portion and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the body portion, and an angular portion oblique to said inner end portion and rotatable therewith, said angular portion of said rod-like member being generally straight'and rotatable in a generallyconical path, said body portion having wheel means rotatably mounted thereon for movement over a substructure, such as a floor or the like, said wheel means operatively associated with said frame piece for moving same in response to rotational movement of the wheel means.

-2. An animated riding toy, comprising: a body portion having wheel means rotatably mounted thereon for movement thereof over a substructure, such as a floor or the like, said body portion being sufficiently large to accomodate a rider, and including a seat area on top of the body portion, an elongated appendage movable angularlyrelative to said body portion, said appendage including an elongated frame piece mounted on the body portion for angular and rotatable movement relative thereto and a generally tubular-shaped flexible outer sheath positioned about the frame piece providing a universal type covering therefor to accomodate said movement thereof, said wheel means being operatively associated with said frame piece for moving same in response to rotation of the wheel means.

3. The animatedtoy of claim 2 wherein said sheath .tion having wheeled means rotatably mounted thereon for movement thereof over a substructure, such as a floor or the like, said body portion being sufficiently large to accomodate a rider, an appendage movable relative to said body portion, said appendage including an elongated frame piece rotatably mounted on said body portion for movement relative thereto about an axis extending outwardly of the body portion, said frame piece including a portion disposed at an angle to said axis whereby an outer end of said angularly disposed portion moves in an orbital path about said axis in response to rotation of the frame piece, and means operatively connecting said frame-piece to said wheel means for rotating said frame-piece in response to rotation of the Wheel means.

5. The animated toy of claim 4 including a generally tubular-shaped flexible outer sheath positioned about the frame-piece providing a universal type covering therefor to accomodate said movement thereof, said sheath defining the neck of an animal and including a head portion on the outer end of the frame-piece, said sheath being non-rotatably connected at its inner end to said body portion and at its outer end to said head portion with said head portion journaled on the outer end of said frame-piece whereby the head portion remains in a fixed orientation relative to the body portion notwithstanding rotation and angular movement of said frame-piece.

Claims

1. An animated riding toy resembling an animal, comprising: a body portion sufficiently large to accommodate a rider and including a seat area on top of the body portion, an elongated appendage movable angularly relative to said body portion, said appendable including an elongated frame piece mounted on the body portion for angular and rotatable movement relative thereto and generally tubular-shaped flexible outer sheath positioned about the frame piece providing a universal type covering therefor to accomodate said movement thereof, said sheath defining the neck for the animal and including a head portion on the outer end of the frame piece, said sheath being non-rotatably connected at its inner end to said body portion and at its outer end to said head portion with said head portion journaled on the outer end of said frame piece whereby the head portion remains in a fixed orientation relative to the body portion notwithstanding rotation and angular movement of said frame piece, said frame piece formed by a rod-like member having a generally straight inner end portion protruding outwardly from said body portion and rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the body portion, and an angular portion oblique to said inner end portion and rotatable therewith, said angular portion of said rod-like member being generally straight and rotatable in a generally conical path, said body portion having wheel means rotatably mounted thereon for movement over a substructure, such as a floor or the like, said wheel means operatively associated with said frame piece for moving same in response to rotational movement of the wheel means.

2. An animated riding toy, comprising: a body portion having wheel means rotatably mounted thereon for movement thereof over a substructure, such as a floor or the like, said body portion being sufficiently large to accomodate a rider, and including a seat area on top of the body portion, an elOngated appendage movable angularly relative to said body portion, said appendage including an elongated frame piece mounted on the body portion for angular and rotatable movement relative thereto and a generally tubular-shaped flexible outer sheath positioned about the frame piece providing a universal type covering therefor to accomodate said movement thereof, said wheel means being operatively associated with said frame piece for moving same in response to rotation of the wheel means.

3. The animated toy of claim 18 wherein said sheath defines the neck of an animal and includes a head portion on the outer end of the frame piece, said sheath being non-rotatably connected at its inner end to said body portion and at its outer end to said head portion with said head portion journaled on the outer end of said frame piece whereby the head portion remains in a fixed orientation relative to the body portion notwithstanding rotation and angular movement of said frame piece.

4. An animated riding toy, comprising: a body portion having wheeled means rotatably mounted thereon for movement thereof over a substructure, such as a floor or the like, said body portion being sufficiently large to accomodate a rider, an appendage movable relative to said body portion, said appendage including an elongated frame piece rotatably mounted on said body portion for movement relative thereto about an axis extending outwardly of the body portion, said frame piece including a portion disposed at an angle to said axis whereby an outer end of said angularly disposed portion moves in an orbital path about said axis in response to rotation of the frame piece, and means operatively connecting said frame-piece to said wheel means for rotating said frame-piece in response to rotation of the wheel means.

5. The animated toy of claim 20 including a generally tubular-shaped flexible outer sheath positioned about the frame-piece providing a universal type covering therefor to accomodate said movement thereof, said sheath defining the neck of an animal and including a head portion on the outer end of the frame-piece, said sheath being non-rotatably connected at its inner end to said body portion and at its outer end to said head portion with said head portion journaled on the outer end of said frame-piece whereby the head portion remains in a fixed orientation relative to the body portion notwithstanding rotation and angular movement of said frame-piece.