GB2375971A - Hydraulic or pneumatic actuator for toys - Google Patents

Abstract

An hydraulic or pneumatic actuator A for a toy, preferably a construction toy, comprises a manually operated master cylinder (fig 2, B) coupled to a ram A which can be connected to the toy for movement of a part of the toy. A control panel F may be provided, having a number of levers C each of which operates one of the master cylinders.

Description

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Pneumatic or hydraulic motivation for toys. educational aids and , Y n construction kits such as Leg NE) elo"r meccano.

This invention relates to miniature hydraulic rams and their actuators which can be - (pliraiOL, 0 incorporated into self-assembly construction kits such as Legs, or Meccano. ey

can be used for educational studies in mechanics and engineering. The rams can be incorporated into mechanical toys and sci-fi machines.

The rams are motivated by hand-operated master cylinders. These are mounted in a console and are connected by flexible tubes. The system could be filled with water or any other suitable fluid to provide positive hydraulic action.

Children's construction kits often include electric motors to provide movement but hydraulic rams which operate the various articulations would add immensely to the pleasure of these kits. Handling the control levers gives a new dimension to these toys,

and the design and assembly of the units teaches understanding of levers and mechanics.

According to the present invention there is provided a control console fitted with one or (KTRA) more levers similar to JCB style hydraulic controls. The lower end of the levers are

connected to a hydraulic or pneumatic master cylinder. The console may also include switches to control electric motors and an"ignition key"and light. Hydraulic or pneumatic driven rams are connected to the console by thin flexible tubes. The master cylinders should be larger in capacity than the driven rams to compensate for loss of movement because of losses in the flexing of the tubes and cylinders. Each end of the ram would be formed to attach easily to the standard profile of the construction kit. The feet of the console may be fitted with suckers to provide stability when in use, or a device to clamp it to a table. The rams would operate with pressure pushing and a vacuum return.

Double acting rams could be used.

The system does not employ any external power source and needs no batteries.

Movement is entirely manual.

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A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which :- Fig 1 shows an example model assembled using a construction kit fitted with hydraulic rams to provide articulation. These are connected to the console by long flexible tubes.

Fig 2 shows a section through the console with a typical view of the master cylinder.

Fig 3 shows a view of the console. This may be in single, double or multiple lever configurations, or may be formed such that two or more consoles of typically two levers each could fit together.

Fig 4 shows a driven ram attached to a hinge plate.

'Ki) ozc This may be required with kits such as Lego or Knex which may not have suitably hinged parts.

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Referring to the drawing item A is a hydraulic ram with hydraulic pressure extending the piston rod and partial vacuum retracting it. Double acting rams with twin tubes could be employed if necessary. Two or more rams could operate off one master cylinder.

Item B is the master cylinder which should be larger in internal capacity than the driven ram to permit flexing whilst providing full movement of the driven ram.

Item C is the operating lever pivoted at the fulcrum D and connected to the ram at E. Manual movement of the lever in one direction will close the master cylinder in the console and open the driven ram on the model, thus articulating the model.

Item F is the console with G being the support handle. Because of the light nature of the console it may be necessary to hold this when operating the handles. Alternatively a clamping device can hold it down to the table or work surface.

Claims (4)

1. CLAIMS 1. A toy having at least one moveable part and wherein hydraulic means are provided for moving said at least one part, said hydraulic means comprising first manually operable hydraulic means coupled to second hydraulic means which in turn is coupled to said at least one part for effecting movement thereof.
2. 2. Pneumatic or hydrauUc ams to activate and articulate toy construction kits al Ival 0 such as Meccano Lego or Knexoperated manually from a console.
3. 3. Pneumatic or hydraulic rams as claimed in claim 1 or 2 but incorporated into ! U'Porat mechanical or"space invader type toys to activate and articulate them.
4. 4. Pneumatic or hydraulic rams as claimed in claim 1 or 2 but presented in kit form to be used for educational purposes.