GB799967A - Improved means for imparting progressive movement to a creature simulating toy - Google Patents

Abstract

799,967. Creature - simulating toys. ASKAM, J. F. Nov. 20 1956 [March 27, 1956], No. 9454/56. Class 132(3) A creature-simulating toy comprises a series of contiguous interconnected elements which together form the body of the toy, manually controlled means for imparting relative movement between contiguous elements whereby the overall length of the toy can be alternately expanded and contracted, and means incorporated adjacent each end of the toy for effecting a claw-like engagement of alternate ends of the toy with the supporting surface whereby a progressive movement can be imparted to the toy. A toy snake, Fig. 1, consists of a series of elements A, B each provided with an axial bore terminating at its forward end in a recess C and at its rearward end in a frusto-conical cavity bounded by a skirt of the element. The bores accommodate a rubber or like elastic tube, Fig. 3, provided with a plurality of thin-walled bulbous enlargements E which are located in the recesses C. The forward end of the tube is formed into a tongue F which may have transverse serrations G. The other end of the tube is connected to an air bulb H which, on being squeezed, causes each body element to be displaced away from the adjacent elements as a result of inflation of the enlargements E. Elastic bands threaded through slots in the element skirts are attached to the head and tail of the toy and cause the body to contract again each time the bulb is released. The leading and rearmost elements are provided with a rearwardly directed claw and may be weighted to effect a more positive engagement of the claws with the supporting surface. When the body is increased in length, movement of the rearmost element is prevented by the rear claw and the remainder of the body moves forwardly. Upon contraction of the body, the leading element is prevented from moving rearwardly. and the trailing elements and tail of the toy move forward. As the toy progresses, the tongue is reciprocated into and out of the head as the rubber tube is inflated and deflated, and the serrations G rub on the month of the toy thus setting up audible vibrations; a small hole may be provided in some of the bulbous enlargements E to allow air to escape and produce a hissing sound. In a modification, Fig. 4, thin concentric sleeves L enclose the joints of the elements, and a thin rubber or like elastic skin attached at its ends to the head and tail of the toy causes the body to contract when the tube is deflated. In a further modification, Fig. 5 the recesses C are of assymmetrical shape and the toy assumes a curved shape during its forward progression. Instead of the pneumatic operating means, electric solenoids may be used to give the elements movement by alteration of the direction of the energizing current.