GB641563A - Improvements in or relating to toys with automatic steering devices - Google Patents

Abstract

641,563. Mechanical toys. THOMPSON, G. T. Nov. 3, 1947, No. 29243. [Class 132 (iii)] A mechanical toy is provided with a pair of running wheels on a driving axle, at least one other running wheel spaced from the latter, an auxiliary wheel set an at angle to such other wheel or wheels but normally clear of the ground or floor, and means for periodically depressing said auxiliary wheel so that the toy is tilted about its driving axle and its course determined for the time being by the setting of said auxiliary wheel. As shown, the rear axle 3 of a four wheeled vehicle is driven by clockwork mechanism, on the winding spindle 7 of which is mounted a cam 10, said cam having three noses adapted to engage successively the rear end of a lever 11. The other end of the lever is deflected out of the central vertical plane of the toy and carries a steering wheel 12 lying in a plane at a substantial angle to those of the front wheels 2. The lever 11 is pivoted in a bracket 14 mounted on the chassis, and a torsion spring 15 is provided to keep the lever in contact with the cam, thus causing the wheel 12 to be periodically raised and lowered, thus lifting the front wheels off the ground and changing the course of the vehicle. The noses of the cam may be evenly or unevenly spaced, or there may be a plurality of cams of the same or different profile with means for bringing the lever 11 into contact with any one particular cam. If desired a plurality of levers 11 and auxiliary wheels 12 may be provided. The wheel 12 may be provided with a tyre of rubber or rubber substitute. The toy may have three wheels for example, a scooter provided with a human figure which appears to control the change of course. Clockwork, electric or any other driving means may be used to drive the toy.