GB2252055A

GB2252055A - A mechanism for winding up a toy

Info

Publication number: GB2252055A
Application number: GB9101539A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harry S Thomson; David M Raffo; John A Pape; Shaun M Woodward
Original assignee: Kiddicraft Ltd
Current assignee: Kiddicraft Ltd
Priority date: 1991-01-24
Filing date: 1991-01-24
Publication date: 1992-07-29
Also published as: GB9101539D0

Abstract

A winding mechanism where in use continuous repeated movement of a substantially rigid strap 18 between the retracted and extended positions increases the amount of winding of the mechanism 32. An idler gear 24 is slidably mounted in elongated slots 26 such that upward movement of the strap 18 between the extended and retracted positions causes the idler gear 24 to disengage from the winding gear 30 so that no rotary motion is passed to the mechanism 32. The strap 18 can be placed in the retracted position during operation of the mechanism. <IMAGE>

Description

A MECHANISM FOR WINDING UP A TOY The invention relates to a mechanism for winding up a toy having a wind-up mechanism such as a musical box or movable parts operated by the wind-up mechanism.

Most toys of the aforementioned type are operated either by means of a cord or by a clockwork-type key. In cord-operated toys, winding is caused by extending the cord which is then drawn back into the toy during operation of the wind-up mechanism and so the amount of winding in any one operation is restricted by the length of the cord. Also, the cord must be free to be withdrawn back into the toy which can restrict the manner in which the toy is supported. The extended cord can, more importantly, be pulled by a child which can cause the toy to fall or topple and injure the child or damage the toy. Key-wound toys are also unsatisfactory in that the amount of winding depends upon the angle of rotation of the key. They are notiously difficult to wind up and inevitably have a protruding key which rotates during operation of the mechanism.Such rotating keys can cause injury to young children. I-f the key is removable after winding, there is a risk that the key will be lost and this would render the toy useless.

It is an object of the invention to provide a mechanism for a wind up toy which overcomes the disadvantages of the toys described above.

The invention provides a mechanism for winding up a toy, comprising a substantially rigid pull-strap movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in use continuous repeated movement of the pull strap between the retracted and extended positions increases the amount of winding of the mechanism. The higher the number of repeated movements of the pull strap between the retracted and extended positions, the greater the amount of winding of the mechanism and hence the longer the period of operation of the toy. The toy can thus be wound and left in operation for a longer period than other known toys, hence occupying a child for longer.

Preferably, the mechanism is wound only during movement of the pull strap from the retracted to the extended position and, more preferably, the pull strap may be retained in the retracted position during operation of the mechanism. Such an arrangement allows the mechanism to operate without the pull strap being vulnerable to catching on an object or pulling by a child.

Preferably, a support is provided on the pull strap for supporting the toy.

A preferable embodiment of the mechanism has a pull strap comprising grooves or teeth which mesh with an idler gear movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the idler gear being engaged with a winding gear when in the engaged position. The idler gear is preferably slidably mounted in elongate slots in support means such that movement of the pull strap between the retracted and extended positions causes sliding movement of the idler gear between the engaged and disengaged positions This arrangement is simple in construction and thus keeps production costs down. The arrangement also operates effectively and reliably.

The mechanism described above can be arranged to operate a musical box or mechanical movement system or both. A suitable mechanical movement system could comprise, for example, a lever and gear system to cause various parts of the toy in which the mechanism is mounted to move.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings; wherein Figure 1 is a front view of a typical toy in which a mechanism according to the invention could be mounted; and Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the essential parts of a mechanism according to the invention.

The toy 10 shown in Figure 1 is typical of the type of toy in which a mechanism according to the invention can be used. The toy 10 has movable parts 12, 14, 16 which can be moved by a lever and gear system operated by the mechanism; the lever and gear system will not be described in detail and does not form part of the present invention. The toy 10 also incorporates a musical box (not shown) which is operated by the mechanism simultaneously with the lever and gear system.

A rigid pull strap 18 extends downwardly from the interior of the toy 10 and protrudes beneath the main body of the toy 10. The pull strap 18 terminates in a handle 20 which doubles as a support for the entire toy if it is desired to be free-standing. The handle 20 is hingedly connected to the pull strap 18 and can be pivoted to provide a stable, planar support surface.

The mechanism will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 2. The pull strap 18 has serrated teeth 22 arranged on its front surface. The teeth 22 mesh with the teeth of an idler gear 24 which is mounted in elongate slots 26 formed in support means, e.g. part of the moulded bodywork of the toy. The idler gear 24 is mounted in the slots 26 by means of pivot pins 28 which are free to slide along the length of the slots 26 and to rotate within the slots. In the position shown in Figure 2, the engaged position, the idler gear 24 meshes with a winding gear 30 which is connected to a unit 32. The unit 32 comprises a musical box and driven cogs which operate the lever and gear system. The interior details of the unit 32 are not described in detail and do not form part of the present invention.

The mechanism is operated by downward movement of the pull strap 18 from the retracted position to the extended position. The downward movement of the pull strap 18 presses the idler gear 24 downwards and maintains it in the engaged position with the pivot pins 28 at the lower end of the slots 26. The rotary motion of the idler gear 24 is thus passed to the unit 32. The pull strap 18 is then moved upwards from the extended position to the retracted position. As the strap is moved upwards, the idler gear 24 is pushed upwards so that the pivot pins 28 move to the upper end of the slots 26. The idler gear 24 then becomes disengaged from the winding gear 30 and no rotary motion is passed to the unit 32. Thus the unit 32 is wound along only on downward movement of the pull strap 18. When sufficient winding has been imparted to the unit 32, the pull strap 18 is returned to the retracted position. The pull strap 18 does not move during operation of the wound mechanism. The wound mechanism then operates the musical box and gear and lever system until the rotary motion imparted to it has been exhausted. During this time the toy can be hung from suitable hanging means or supported by the handle 20 rotated rearwardly to provide a planar support surface.

It is to be understood that the embodiment described above is not intended to be limitative. In particular, it is to be understood that the pull strap need not be absolutely rigid; it is sufficient if the pull strap is rigid enough to remain substantially straight during movement from the extended position to the retracted position. The entire mechanism could be manufactured from suitable plastics materials.

Claims

Claims: -

1. A mechanism for winding up a toy, comprising a substantially rigid pull-strap movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in use continuous repeated movement of the pull strap between the retracted and extended positions increases the amount of winding of the mechanism.

2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism is wound only during movement of the pull strap from the retracted position to the extended position.

3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pull strap may be retained in the retracted position during operation of the mechanism.

4. A mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pull strap is connected to a support for the toy.

5. A mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pull strap has grooves which mesh with an idler gear movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the idler gear being engaged with a winding gear when in the engaged position.

6. A mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the idler gear is slidably mounted in elongate slots in support means such that movement of the pull strap between the retracted and extended positions causes sliding movement of the idler gear between the engaged and disengaged positions.

7. A mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism is arranged to operate a musical box.

8. A mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism is arranged to operate a system of mechanical movement.

9. A mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

10. A toy comprising a mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.