US3769746A - Rubber band drive for toy vehicle - Google Patents

Rubber band drive for toy vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
US3769746A
US3769746A US00309031A US3769746DA US3769746A US 3769746 A US3769746 A US 3769746A US 00309031 A US00309031 A US 00309031A US 3769746D A US3769746D A US 3769746DA US 3769746 A US3769746 A US 3769746A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
drive shaft
vehicle
hook
drive
knob
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00309031A
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English (en)
Inventor
B Prodger
R Toy
J Parker
D Bosley
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mattel Inc
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Mattel Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mattel Inc filed Critical Mattel Inc
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Publication of US3769746A publication Critical patent/US3769746A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H29/00—Drive mechanisms for toys in general
    • A63H29/18—Driving mechanisms with extensible rubber bands

Definitions

  • the vehicle may then be started by tipping it back to a wheelie position so that a release member behind the rear wheels is pressed up to release the rubber band motor or the vehicle may be pushed by handor otherwise propelled until it is desired to press the release member and release the rubber band motor.
  • Atoy vehicle which has a wind up motor that is -both wound and released in a novel and entertaining manner.
  • the vehicle includes four wheels that rollably support the vehicle frame on the ground and a rubber band motor for propelling the vehicle.
  • a wind up knob is located behind the vehicle and rotates about an axis-oriented along the length of the vehicle.
  • a child windsthe motor by picking up the vehicle in a manner that prevents rotation of the rear wheels, and rolling the wind up knob back and forth. on the ground to wind the rubber band. The child may then pull back on the knob to latch the motor against unwinding or the child may place the vehicle on the ground without latching the motor for immediate operation of the vehicle by the rubber band motor.
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom elevation view of the vehicle of FIG. 1; d
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1, showing how the motor thereof is .wound;
  • FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing the driving mechanism of the vehicle of FIG. 1 in a latched 'position wherein the motor is wound'but prevented from driving the vehicle;
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the mechanism after it has been released to drive the vehicle;
  • FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the mechanism of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mechanism of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 9 is a view taken on the line 99 of FIG. 8.
  • FIGS. l3. illustraterate a vehicle 10 constructed in accordance with the invention, which includes a frame 12 with a decorative body portion 14, and four wheels 16, g
  • a suitable supporting surface such as a track T, as shown in FIG. 1, or the ground G, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the vehicle can be propelled along the track T or the ground G either by hand why a motor which includes'a rubber band 20 that can be twisted.
  • the rubber band isheld taut between a front hook 22 fixed to the front of frame 12 and a rear hook 24 that is rotatably mounted in a motor module or driving mechanism 34 mounted at the rear of the frame.
  • the rubber band is woundby rotating a winding knob 26 which is part of driving mechanism 34 and which lies at the rear of the vehicle for rotation about a longitudinal axis 32.
  • the release member After winding the rubber band motor, a child may pull back on the winding knob 26 to latch rear hook 24 and prevent the motor from immediately unwinding.
  • the wheel may be placed upon track T or ground G without latching the motor so'that'the vehicle will immediately sition.
  • Such upward pressingof the release member releases the motor so it can immediately propel the vehicle when the child lets go of it.
  • the vehicle is started merely by tilting it backward to a wheelie position assumed by drag racing vehicles, and the vehicle initially begins moving in this position.
  • the motor release is therefore accomplished in an entertaining manner and the vehicle movement is enhanced because the vehicle begins moving in a-racing position.
  • the release member may be pressed upwardly by a lever, or the like, swingably mounted on a track upon which the vehicle moves.
  • FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing how A the vehicle may be tipped to a wheelie position on the ground to start it;
  • Unlatching of the motor may be accomplished by pushing up a release or-unlatching member'28 that depends from motor module 34 at'the rear of the frame.- Assoon as'the release member 2 8 is pushed up, the rubber band 20 can. begin rotating the hook 24 which is connected to the" rear wheels 18, 19, to thereby drive the vehicle along the ground.
  • the rear wheels are carried by motor module 34 and are free wheeling, so that, when the-vehicle is not being propelled by the rubber band motor, the vehicle can be easily pushed along the ground.
  • the vehicle may also be pushed or otherwise propelled along track T with the motor wound and latched. Unlatching may then be accomplished by swinging a lever 29 into the path-of-travel of release member 28.
  • FIG. 4 A child picks up the vehicle in his hand I-I so that his fingers rest against the rear wheel 18, 19. The child holds the vehicle in a tilted orientation, and with only the high friction rim 29 of the winding knob 26 engaged with the ground G. The child then moves the vehicle laterally from side-to-side as indicated by the arrows L so that the winding knob 26 rotates first clockwise and then counterclockwise. Every time the knob 26 rotates clockwise, as indicated by arrow 30, rubber band 20 is wound up further. No winding occurs during counterclockwise rotation. As rubber band 20 becomes wound, it tends to rotate the rear wheels 18, 19. However, so long as the child holds at least one of these wheels, the wheels will not rotate and the rubber band will not become unwound. After the motor is wound up, the child may latch it against unwinding by pulling back on the knob 26 in the direction of arrow B.
  • the child may place in on track T or the ground.
  • the child may tip it backwardly in the manner shown in FIG, 2, by pressing down with his finger F on the rear of the body portion 14 at a location behind the center of the rear wheels.
  • This causes the front wheelie orientation. This is the orientation often assumed by vehicles which are rapidly accelerating during drag races.
  • the release member 28 is pressed against the ground and it is pushed up with respect to the frame 12.
  • release member 28 may be moved upwardly by swinging lever 29 to the broken line position shown in FIG. 1 and by pushing the vehicle over lever 29 so that it will engage lever 29.
  • Such upward movement of the release member releases the motor so that it immediately delivers torque to the rear wheels to rotate them.
  • the vehicle is propelled forwardly by the motor.
  • FIGS. -9 illustrate details of the drive mechanism 34 which permits winding, latching, and unlatching in the manner described above.
  • the frame 12 of the vehicle includes a separate rear frame portion 12R which forms a portion of drive mechanism 34 and which supports several drive components.
  • a drive shaft 36 is rotatably mounted on the frame portion 12R about the longitudinal axis 32. The forward end of the drive shaft 36 forms the front hook 24 which is engaged with the rubber band 20.
  • a middle clutch member 38 is connected by splines to a rear portion of the drive shaft, so it rotates with the drive shaft.
  • The'middle clutch member 38 has a driven face 40 and a drive face 42, both' of which have ratchet teeth.
  • the wind knob 26 is freely rotatable about the rear end of the drive shaft 36, but the knob 26 has a toothed wheel 44 fixed thereto which can engage the middle clutch member 38.
  • the wind knob 26 When the wind knob 26 is rotated in the clockwise direction of arrow 30, it rotates the middle clutch member 38 and therefore the drive shaft 36, so that the hook 24 turns the rubber band to wind it.
  • the ratchet wheel 34 can slip on the middle clutch member 38, so that the rubber band is not-unwound.
  • the rubber band 20 When the rubber band 20 unwinds to drivethe vehicle, it rotates the drive shaft 36 and middle clutch member 38 thereon.
  • Themiddle clutch member 38 engages an output ratchet wheel 46 which is connected through a gear train to the rear wheels 18, 19 to rotate them.
  • the output ratchet wheel 46 which is freely rotatable on the drive shaft 36, has a crown gear 48 formed thereon which engages an idler pinion'50.
  • the idler. pinion 50 is fixed to anidler gear. 52, and the idler pinion and gear are rotatably mounted on the rear frame portion 12R.
  • the idler gear 52 is engaged with an axle gear 54 which is formed on a rear axle 56.
  • the rear axle 56 is rotatably mounted on the frame and fixed to the rear wheels 18, 19.
  • the drive shaft 36 is constantly pulled in a forward direction by tension in the rubber band 20.
  • the rear end of the drive shaft has an enlarged head 60 which bears against the wind knob 26 to pull it forwardly.
  • the wind knob 26 and its ratchet wheel 44 press forwardly against the middle clutch member 38 which, in turn, presses forwardly against a plurality of ratchet teeth 46T provided on a face 46F of the output ratchet wheel 46.
  • the middle clutch member 38 is constantly biased into engagement with the ratchet wheels 44, 46, but can resiliently separate from them.
  • the drive shaft 36 has a spline 62 engaged with a slot formed in the middle clutch member 38, so that the middle clutch member 38 can slide relative to the shaft but is rotatablyfixed to it.
  • the wind knob 26 turns clockwise, it turns the middle clutch member 38 to wind the rubber band.
  • the wind knob rotates counterclockwise its ratchet wheel 44 can slip on the middle clutch member so the rubber band is not unwound.
  • the wheels l8, 19 can rotate on the ground when a child pushes the vehicle along the ground, even though the middle clutch member 38 may be prevented from rotating, because the output ratchet wheel 46 then rotates in a direction to readily slip on the middle clutch member 38.
  • the latching of the mechanism'to prevent unwinding of the rubber band 20 is accomplished by a projection 70 (FIG. 5) formed on the front of the drive shaft- 36 near the front hook thereof.
  • This projection 70 can engage another projection 72 formed on the rear frame portion 12R, which serves as a latch means to prevent rotation of the rubber band motor.
  • the drive shaft 36 is slideable, so that it can slide forward a short distance to disengage the projections 70, 72 and permit the drive shaft to rotate the rear wheels and propel the vehicle.
  • the drive shaft 36 is slideable,so that it can slide forward a short distance to disengage the projections 70, 72 and permit the drive shaft to rotate the rear wheels and propel the vehicle.
  • the drive shaft 36 can be prevented from sliding forward under the pull of the rubber band by the release-member 28.
  • the member 28 has a flat stem 74 (FIGS. '8 and 9) that can lie in front of an enlarged drive shaft part 76.
  • the stem 74 'of the release member has a hole 78 formed therein which hole 78 therein becomes aligned with the enlarged shaft part 76 to receive it and permit the drive shaft 36 to move forward a small distance to the forward position shown in FIG. 6. T he projections 70, 72 on the shaft and frame are therefore disengaged and the wound rubber band 20 is then free to rotate the shaft 36.
  • the drive shaft 36 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, which is the direction opposite to arrow 30, so that the middle clutch member 38ipositively engages the output ratchet wheel 46 and delivers power through the gear train to the rear wheels to drive thev vehicle along the ground.
  • the release member 28 has a wide flat flange 82 at its lower end that extends rearwardly from the stem 74.
  • the flange 82 is at a level close to the bottom of the rear wheels 18, 19, and its rear end lies behind the axis of the rear wheels. Accordingly, the
  • the rearwardly extending flange 82 not only serves to move the pressing point rearwardly, but also helps to prevent sagging of the release member on a rug or the like when the vehicle starts moving.
  • the invention provides a toy vehicle which can be started in an entertaining manner, and which has a wind up motor that can be wound in a simple and entertaining manner.
  • Powered starting may be accomplished by the use of a release mechanism that extends downwardly behind the rear wheels of the vehicle.
  • Winding is accomplished in a manner that involves holding the vehicle in one hand and moving it back-and-forth laterally on the ground.
  • This winding technique requires the use of only one hand and is a more novel and entertaining movement than the winding of a key or the like.
  • the fact that the winding knob extends from the rear of the car results in a child normally touching the rearwheels and preventing them from. rotating as he holds the vehicle to wind the knob along the ground.
  • the drive mechanism has a relatively simple construction so that the vehicle can be produced at low cost, and yet it permits operation in a simple and entertaining manner.
  • a toy vehicle which includes wheel means rollably supporting said vehicle on a supporting surface and drive means coupled to said wheel means to impart movement thereto, the improvement comprising:
  • latch means engageable with said drive means to prevent actuation thereof, thereby preventing powered movement of said vehicle while it is being positioned on said surface to be run;
  • said drive means includes:
  • said motor includes a first hook mounted at one end of said vehicle, said drive shaft being mounted 'at the other end of said vehicle for rotation and axial sliding about a longitudinal axis having a second book thereon and an enlarged portion spaced behind said second hook, said rotatable output member comprising an elastic band extending between said hooks, said elastic band urging said drive shaft to rotate and to slide toward said first hook when said elastic band is twisted;
  • said release member is vertically movable on said vehicle, and said release member has a portion with a hole therein slightly larger than said enlarged drive shaft portion, said hole being aligned with the enlarged shaft portion when the release member is moved upwardly; and said drive shaft and vehicle have projections which are positioned to engage one another and prevent drive shaft rotation when the drive shaft is moved away from said first hook so that the enlarged shaft portion is behind the release member portion and which are disengaged to permit drive shaft rotation when the drive shaft is moved toward said first hook so that the enlarged shaft portion is received in the hold of the release member.
  • said release member includes a downwardly extending stem anda rearwardly extending flange at the bottom' of the stem.
  • said drive shaft is axially slideable between latched and unlatched positions and said drive shaft and frame have projections engageable or disengageable when said drive shaft is respectively in said latched and unlatched axial positions; and including a release member movably mounted on said frame for moving between a nonrelease position wherein it prevents movement of said drive shaft to said unlatched axial position, and a release position wherein it permits axial movement of said drive shaft to said unlatched position; a winding knob; and v means for rotatably coupling said winding knob to said motor to wind it and to said drive shaft to axially slide said shaft to said latched position, whereby a child can turn the knob and then axially move it to prevent unwinding of the motor until he moves the release member.
  • said vehicle includes a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels coupled to said drive shaft and at least one front wheel; and l said release member extends downwardly to a location behind said rear wheels, and said release member is upwardly movable to said release position when the front wheel is lifted high off the ground while the rear wheels are held against the ground, whereby the vehicle automatically begins to be powered when it is moved to-a'wheelie position; 7.
  • said frame has a first hook fixed at one end of the frame
  • said drive shaft has a second book thereon
  • said motor includes an elastic band extending between said hooks, said band urging said second hook to move axially as well aslto rotate
  • said drive shaft has an enlarged portion
  • said re- I lease member has walls forming a hole'for receiving said enlarged shaft portion to permit sliding of the shaft to said unlatched position thereof, said hole being moved into alignment with the enlarged shaft portion when the release member is moved to said release position thereof.
  • a toy vehicle comprising:
  • first hook means mounted on said frame for engaging an end of a rubber band
  • first power transmitting means coupling the second hook means to said drive wheel including a slippable clutch to permit the rubber band to drive the drive wheel while also permitting free wheeling of the drive wheel;
  • wind knob means rotatably mounted on the frame
  • second clutch means couping said wind knob means to said second hook means, to permit net winding of the rubber band when the wind knob means is repeatedly turned in opposite directions, said wind knob means being axially slideable;
  • said wind knob means includes a wind knob extending from the rear of the vehicle and rotatably mounted about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of said drive wheel, said wind knob having a high friction rim portion for rolling on the ground;
  • said wheels include two drive wheels at the rear of the chassis, so they can be held against rotation while the vehicle is moved sidewardly with only the wind knob contacting the ground.
  • said latch means includes a member extending downwardly from the rear of the chassis and spring means urging said member downwardly, said member being upwardly movable by tilting the frame to a wheelie orientation on the ground.
  • a toy vehicle including wheels rollably supporting said vehicle on a supporting surface, a drive shaft coupled to at least one of said wheels, and a windable motor coupled to said drive shaft to rotate it when said motor is wound, improved winding apparatus for winding said motor, comprising:
  • an output ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on said drive shaft, said ratchet wheel including gear means drivingly coupled to said at least one of said wheels and a face which is provided with ratchet teeth;
  • a winding knob rotatably mounted on said drive shaft, said winding knob being provided with ratchet teeth facing said ratchet teeth on said output ratchet wheel;
  • a clutch member keyed to said output shaft intermediate said winding knob and said output ratchet wheel, said clutch member being provided with a first set of ratchet teeth engagable with said ratchet teeth on said winding knoband a second set of ratchet teeth engagable with said ratchet teeth on said output ratchet wheel;

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US00309031A 1972-11-24 1972-11-24 Rubber band drive for toy vehicle Expired - Lifetime US3769746A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30903172A 1972-11-24 1972-11-24

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US3769746A true US3769746A (en) 1973-11-06

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ID=23196375

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00309031A Expired - Lifetime US3769746A (en) 1972-11-24 1972-11-24 Rubber band drive for toy vehicle

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US (1) US3769746A (it)
JP (1) JPS4982434A (it)
CA (1) CA983716A (it)
DE (1) DE2310554A1 (it)
GB (1) GB1380660A (it)
IT (1) IT977934B (it)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4406084A (en) * 1982-04-19 1983-09-27 Arco Industries Ltd. Toy car with rubber band motor
US4416083A (en) * 1980-12-03 1983-11-22 Custom Concepts, Incorporated Moldable toy vehicle
US4767376A (en) * 1985-10-29 1988-08-30 Hanzawa Corporation Toy vehicle
US20120302130A1 (en) * 2011-05-24 2012-11-29 Slotter Llc Windup toy vehicle
US10363491B2 (en) 2016-09-19 2019-07-30 Mattel, Inc. Modular toy vehicle with drive mechanism
US20230321555A1 (en) * 2021-10-27 2023-10-12 Alex Prieto Elastic launching car toys

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS544093U (it) * 1977-06-09 1979-01-11
DK167887A (da) * 1987-04-02 1988-10-03 Lars Ringstroem Torrisionsmotor
CN1788821B (zh) 2004-12-16 2010-08-11 马特尔有限公司 玩具车
CA2525039A1 (en) 2005-06-16 2006-12-16 Jonathan Bedford Toy play set with moving platform
US7517272B2 (en) 2005-06-16 2009-04-14 Jonathan Bedford Play set with toy vehicle track and carriage

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2749660A (en) * 1953-03-12 1956-06-12 Marvin I Glass Toy vehicle with motor
US2775062A (en) * 1953-08-03 1956-12-25 Jr Carl A Gibson Combination toy land and water vehicle
US2855722A (en) * 1953-02-13 1958-10-14 Hausser O & M Drive for toy vehicles
US3541725A (en) * 1968-08-19 1970-11-24 Asahi Toy Co Toy car

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2855722A (en) * 1953-02-13 1958-10-14 Hausser O & M Drive for toy vehicles
US2749660A (en) * 1953-03-12 1956-06-12 Marvin I Glass Toy vehicle with motor
US2775062A (en) * 1953-08-03 1956-12-25 Jr Carl A Gibson Combination toy land and water vehicle
US3541725A (en) * 1968-08-19 1970-11-24 Asahi Toy Co Toy car

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4416083A (en) * 1980-12-03 1983-11-22 Custom Concepts, Incorporated Moldable toy vehicle
US4406084A (en) * 1982-04-19 1983-09-27 Arco Industries Ltd. Toy car with rubber band motor
US4767376A (en) * 1985-10-29 1988-08-30 Hanzawa Corporation Toy vehicle
US20120302130A1 (en) * 2011-05-24 2012-11-29 Slotter Llc Windup toy vehicle
US8696402B2 (en) * 2011-05-24 2014-04-15 Slotter, LLC Windup toy vehicle
US10363491B2 (en) 2016-09-19 2019-07-30 Mattel, Inc. Modular toy vehicle with drive mechanism
US20230321555A1 (en) * 2021-10-27 2023-10-12 Alex Prieto Elastic launching car toys
US12208339B2 (en) * 2021-10-27 2025-01-28 Alex Prieto Elastic launching car toys

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DE2310554A1 (de) 1974-05-30
JPS4982434A (it) 1974-08-08
IT977934B (it) 1974-09-20
CA983716A (en) 1976-02-17
GB1380660A (en) 1975-01-15

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