MX2012000982A - Toy power source. - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy power source comprising a figure such as a mannequin having at least one member formed of rubber, the member rubber being capable of being distorted so that its return to a natural configuration generates power. The figure is mountable in a toy constructed to be driven by the return of the figure to its natural configuration.

Description

SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR TOYS Field of the invention The present invention relates to toys of the type in which a source of energy causes some kind of movement, and has to do particularly with energy sources for toys.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many toys are known in which rubber, natural or synthetic, is used to start the movement either by stretching or rolling the rubber. Models of airplanes, tanks of spools of thread, and catapults are particular examples. The rubber energy source comprises one or more rubber strips, more usually bands or formed into strips.

In these instances the rubber energy source does not play any significant part in the appearance of the toy. In fact, it could be said that it usually makes the appearance unworthy.

A rubber toy mannequin has been marketed, under the name "Armstrong", which has rubber ends, which are stretched. However these are loaded with a filler in such a way that they can take several hours to relax to an initial configuration and the manikin is clearly not a source of energy.

Summary of the invention According to the present invention, a power source for toys comprises a figure having at least one member formed of rubber, the rubber member being able to be twisted in such a way that it can return to its natural state generating energy.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the rubber member can be a limb. The figure can be a mannequin with a body, two arms and two legs and all this can be formed of rubber. However the figure can be any creature or character of science fiction, like an octopus or another aquatic creature, a reptile such as a viper, a prehistoric monster, a robot, a droid, an android and a dalek are among several possibilities. In addition limb members can be multi-brained.

The figure can have gripping means in at least two places, with a rubber length between them by means of which the rubber can be stretched or distorted. The gripping means of the figure may comprise elongate portions or perforations or both and are preferably at the ends of the limbs and perhaps somewhere centrally in a torso member. The gripping means can be constructed to be released, perhaps in a given load applied in a given direction. In the torso member the gripping means may comprise a notch, which may be blocked by grooving or turning. Such a notch can also be used in an extremity or in any other place in the figure if desired.

It will be appreciated that in addition to getting energy through the members that are stretched or twisted, the bending or rolling can also be employed.

In addition, attachable grip devices, which may be detachable from the figure, may be provided, preferably in the gripping means of the figure and in such a way that they can be disassembled adhered to a part of a complementary toy and may themselves have the appearance of a part. of the stylized body such as a hand, a foot, the hand and the foot are somewhat hooked, even a mouth, which is perhaps in the shape of gloves or boots. In the case of a humanoid who has boots, the construction can be such that the humanoid can stand freely.

The grip devices, if desired, can normally be stored inside a boot or glove, to be displayed when desired. These may incorporate spring, rubber, integrated pliers or comprise a connector member, perhaps retractable.

The figure may comprise non-elastic parts, for example a torso and a head, and these may have at least one extremity formed from or adhered to them.

Preferably, however, all the rubber members are part of a single integral unit and any non-elastic part may be not adjusted to them, perhaps interchangeably. However, the elements representing the clothing in the torso region may incorporate a head member and this may be arranged for movement with respect to the torso.

According to another important feature of the invention, a toy constructed to accept the figure, and having gripping means for at least one rubber member in at least two distal locations, can be provided, the fastening means being associated with such a drive. like at least one wheel, a propeller or fluid injection. The toy can therefore be: - a vehicle with wheels such as a tricycle or a car or a traction vehicle, - or a propeller, or vehicle operated with fluid injection such as a boat, submarine or aircraft, - or a device employing a catapult principle, such as a rocket or a missile launcher, - a water gun, - a robot driven by the figure to walk and / or grab.

The toy can comprise several function mechanisms. For example a vehicle or aircraft can combine movement and missile launching mechanisms and a group of members in one figure can have a driving function and another group have a different driving function. In addition, the movement activated by the figure can operate a trigger to start, stop or modify some other mechanism in the toy, which can be operated by spring or battery.

It will be appreciated that the securing means in the toy can be such as to make a grasping device of the figure highly unnecessary. This can be particularly the case in the torso where the fastening means can take the form of a safety belt or harness. Otherwise, and particularly at the extremities of the limb member, the fastening means can be constructed to interweave with the grasping device fitted to the figure.

Typically the rubber may be natural rubber, although silicone or TRP rubber may be preferred. These can be formed by compression or injection molding.

Typically also the figure can have, in the case of a humanoid, a range of less than 10cm and a shoulder length of less than 7cm. The friction means can be incorporated to reduce the relaxation speed of the rubber. Such a figure can be formed from where the range of "hand" to "hand" can extend to more than 34 cm, to 18 cm under a load of 750 g and can be recovered from a maximum extension to the natural configuration within half a second when It is fully discharged and within 30 seconds or so depending on the loading method and the relaxation restrictions.

Brief description of the figures Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the appended figures, of which: figures la and Ib illustrate part of rubber of the figures of the energy source; Figures 2a to 2f illustrate dressed humanoid figures; Figures 3a to 3f illustrate methods of using energy sources; Figures 4a to 4j illustrate anchoring devices; Figures 5a to 5c illustrate a first fantasy all-terrain beetle; Figures 6a to 6c illustrate a second fantasy all-terrain beetle; Figures 7a to 7c illustrate a first floating fantasy spacecraft; Figures 8a to 8d illustrate a first fantasy submarine; Figures 9a to 9c illustrate a special fantasy warfare carriage; Figures 10a to lOe illustrate a fancy space expelling vehicle; Figs 11a to 11c illustrate a first fantasy motorcycle; Figures 12a, 12b illustrate a second fantasy motorcycle; Figures 13a to 13d illustrate a fancy motorcycle; Figures 14a to 14d illustrate a fantasy mobile missile launcher; Figure 15 illustrates a fantasy lunar landing vehicle; Figure 16 illustrates a fantasy missile launcher; Figure 17 illustrates a spear stones; Figure 18 illustrates a catapult; Figures 19a to 19c illustrate a fantasy mobile missile launcher; Figure 20 illustrates a fancy mobile stone thrower; Figure 21 illustrates a jet stream dummy; Figure 22 illustrates a robot operated by a fantasy man; Y Figures 23a to 23d illustrate a toy floating fantasy boat; Figures 24a to 24c illustrate another fantasy vehicle toy; Figure 25 illustrates a fantasy space beetle; Y Figure 26 illustrates a portable missile launcher by a fancy person; Detailed description of the invention In the figure is shown a figure in the form of a headless mannequin, having a torso 100, two limb members in the form of arms 101, and two limb members in the shape of legs 102. At the end of Each limb member is a projection 103 defining a bore 104.

The shown manikin has arms 101 extended 10 cm and a total length of the manikin from the shoulder to the toe of 6.5 cm. The diameter of the arms in the shoulder is 8 mm and in the wrist of 6 mm, the diameter of the legs in the pelvic region is 8 mm and in the ankles is 7 mm. The torso is 2.5 cm long, 1.7 cm wide and 1 cm deep. The arms 101 can be stretched to at least 34 cm, hand to hand, a load of approximately 750 gr is required to stretch the arms extended by 9 cm. Depending on the deformation method the manikin can return to its natural state substantially instantaneously when it is not charged for about 5 seconds or when there is a charge.

Figure Ib shows a figure in the form of an octopus having a body 110 and, it has been observed that octopuses use two of their limbs in particular as arms, two arm members 111 and six leg members 112. In the end of each limb is a projection 113 defining a perforation 114.

The figures shown in figures 1a, 1b are formed of silicone rubber by injection molding.

As shown in Figures 2a to 2f the manikin is dressed in various forms, the garment also provides a head member 200 to the manikin. On the arm 101 the limbs have gloves 201 attached. On the leg 102 the limbs are boots 202. The gloves 201 incorporate a variety of gripping devices. In figures 2a and 2b the gloves take the form of hooks; in figure 2b the gloves incorporate channels with reduced edges; in figure 2e the gloves incorporate pincer members; in figure 2E gloves 201 and boots 203 incorporate connectors. In addition, as recognized in Figure 2e, the torso member 203 incorporates a retractable connector 204. This arrangement is shown more clearly in Figure 4j below. It will be noted that the manikin illustrated in FIG. 2f has multi-braided limbs 101, 102.

Figures 3a to 3f illustrate various methods of using the figures to provide energy. Figure 3a shows a manikin which is tensioned between two extremities, in several directions. Figures 3b, 3c and 3e show a dummy which is fastened to the torso 10 by a harness 300. In figure 3b the energy is derived from stretching the four extremities 101, 102 out from the clamped torso 100. In figure 3c the energy is derived from distorting the arms 101 together and the legs 102 together, the torso 100 is fastened with a harness 300. With the dummy shown in figure 3d the limbs 101, 103 are distorted separately. Figure 3e shows the arms 101 that are wound around a drive shaft 301. Figure 3f shows a drive rod 302 positioned against a "knee" of the legs of a figure 102, so both bend the extremity and stretching it against the drive rod 302 stores energy.

The ways of anchoring the extremities of a figure are illustrated in the figures 4a to 4g. These effectively comprise the interface between a figure and the toy that will trigger and are chosen appropriately. Thus Figures la and 4b show the glove members 201 being adjusted in a drive column 401 or blade 402. Figure 4c shows a hole 104 in a protrusion 103 fitting on a drive column 401. Figure 4d shows an anvil 403 arranged for attaching an arm 101 behind a glove 201. Figure 4e shows an anvil 404 arranged to attach an extended foot 205 to a boot 202. Figure 4f shows an anvil 405 arranged to attach a leg 102 above a boot 202. Figure 4g shows a torso closure 406, an alternative to the harness 300 shown in Figures 3. The closure 406, formed for example in the seat of a toy is fitted in a notch or groove in the rear part of the torso member 203. Figure 4h illustrates a glove for adjusting to an arm 101 and comprising a latched palm and a four-finger unit 407 and a thumb unit 408 incorporating a lever 409. The thumb unit is engaged to the palm unit to alternately present grip and glove configurations open, the lever allows control of the thumb unit and adjusts itself slightly to a portion of the glove to hold the glove in a grip configuration. Figure 4j illustrates an insertable grip unit 204 capable of being stowed and deployed from a torso member 203.

A fancy all-terrain beetle toy is illustrated in Figures 5a to 5c. The beetle comprises a vehicle body having a cab 500, a pair of front tires 501 on a common drive shaft 502, and a rear wheel 503. Ahead of the cab 500 is a rotary control device 504. Extending around the axle 502 and the control device 504 is an infinite band 505. The control device 504 carries a pair of arms 506 and the cabin incorporates means of attachment of the figure, not shown, but comprising a harness 300. A combination of ratchet and Steering wheel (not shown) is located internally between shaft 502 and wheels 501.

A dummy 507 having gloves 508 which conform to arms 506 is located in booth 500 and clamped there. A user places the beetle on the floor and rolls it backward causing the rotary device 504 to rotate and thus wind the arms 101 of the manikin. After the beetle is released it is propelled forward while the arms of the manikin 101 try to revert to their natural state.

The second fancy all-terrain beetle toy is illustrated in Figures 6a to 6e. The beetle has a chassis 600 that incorporates a button 601, a slidable seat 602 and four rims 603. The adhesive supports of the glove of the dummy 604 are mounted on the button 601. A seat 605 containing means for fastening the dummy 406 is mounted for slide on the sliding seat 602.

A dummy 607 having gloves 608 which are attached to the holders 604 and the notch (not shown) on the back side of the torso member 203, is positioned in the seat 605 to be held by the fastening means 406. In the example shown the manikin 607, with the seat 605, are pulled back on the slidable seat 602, therefore extending the arms 101. By placing the beetle on the floor and releasing the manikin and the combination of the seat causes these to shoot forward and crash against button 601, propelling the beetle forward.

In an alternative embodiment the toy shown in FIGS. 6 of the slidable seat incorporates a mechanism for implying the rack and pinion wheels operated by movement in the seat and a ratchet and steering mechanism. In another embodiment there is an insurance device to hold the seat in a backward position until the user decides to release it.

Figures 7a to 7C illustrate a fancy floating ship 700. This has a control cabin 701 with a control bar 702 and a seat for the dummy 703 with mannequin holding means (not shown), and a propeller 704. The Control bar 702 is connected through the gear train, a ratchet and steering wheel system and a drive shaft (not shown) to the propeller 704.

A dummy 707, in this case the one illustrated in figure 2d but without the gloves, is fastened to the seat 703 and the holes 104 in the arms 101 fitted at the ends of the control rod 702. The user winds the propeller 704 which in turn coils the control bar 702 to distort the arms of the manikin 101 about one another. The vehicle 700 can then be placed in water and the propeller 704 released. The unrolling of the arms 101 rotates the control rod 702 and here the propeller 704 drives the ship.

In a first alternative embodiment of the ship illustrated in Figures 7a to 7c the control bar 702 incorporates a locking device (not shown) in such a way that the user pushes the control bar forward to release the arms of the dummy for unwind and drive the 704 propeller.

In a second alternative embodiment of the ship illustrated in Figures 7a to 7c the control cabin 701 is elongated and the seat of the dummy 703 is adhered to a slider such as that shown in Figure 5. A jet propulsion orifice it replaces the propeller 704 and the control bar 702 is fixed. The slider incorporates a plunger operable in a cylinder connected to the jet propulsion orifice.

The dummy 707 is placed on the seat of the manikin 703 with the ends 101 adhered to the control rod 702 as above. The toy is loaded by the hole that is placed under the water and the manikin pulled back so that the limbs 101 are extended and the water is carried inside the cylinder. The release of the manikin seat 703 allows the limbs 101 to return to their natural state, by actuating the slip and plunger and therefore the water out of the cylinder through the jet propulsion orifice.

In the ship illustrated in Figures 7a to 7c the control bar 702 can incorporate additional moldings for the legs 102 in such a way that they are also stretched and contribute to the driving force.

The fantasy spaceship toy illustrated in Figures 8a to 8e comprises a control cabin bubble 800, a fuselage 801 incorporating a driving rod 802 and two propellers 803 adhered to the driving rod 802. A mannequin seat 804 which contains a device for fastening the manikin 406 is placed, mounted to the driving rod 802 while the control cabin 800 is both removable and rotatable with respect to the fuselage. Mounted stably within the control booth 800 is a control column 805 having four arms. The base of the control cabin 800 has a flotation chamber and a floating external conductor 806. A safety (not shown) secures the control cabin 800 to the fuselage 801.

To operate the toy illustrated in Figures 8a to 8e the control cabin 800 is removable from the fuselage and a dummy 807 is mounted on the seat 804 with the arms 101 and the legs 102 attached to the arms of the control column 805 via the holes 104. The control cabin 800 is then reassembled to the fuselage 801. The user, keeps the propellers 803 against rotation rotates the control cabin 800 to distort the ends 101, 102 of the dummy with respect to the column of control 805. When the desired distortion has been achieved, the control cabin 800 is allowed to secure the fuselage 801, the toy is placed in water and the propellers are released.

In a first alternative embodiment of the described toy, with reference to FIGS. 8a to 8e, a breaker device is provided to secure the propellers 803 while winding.

In a second alternative embodiment of the toy illustrated in Figures 8a to 8e, the toy is fitted with wheels.

The fantasy space warfare carriage illustrated in Figures 9a to 9b comprises a vehicle body 900 containing a control cabin 901, two front tires 902 and a rear wheel 903. A seat 904 is mounted on a slider 905 and carries a rack (not shown) in drive relationship with a pinion (not shown) in drive relationship via a steering wheel and a ratchet unit (not shown) with the front wheels 902. The seat contains a mannequin mount 406 and on the front of the control cabinet a control column 906 is fitted to the body 900. A ratchet device (not shown) is provided to allow the toy to continue rolling once the seat 904 has restored its rest configuration.

In preparation for use a dummy 907 is mounted in the seat 904 and the holes 104 in the arms 101 thereof are fitted to the control column 906. In order to prepare the toy to run forward the seat is dragged back along of the 905 slider or it is rolled back on the floor. This stretches the arms 101. When the seat or vehicle is released with the vehicle on the floor the slider moves forward, driven by the relaxation of the limbs 101 and the front tires 902 drive the vehicle through the floor.

In a first alternative embodiment of the toy illustrated in Figures 9a to 9c, a pin (not shown) is included to secure the seat 904 in the rearward configuration such that upon release of the pin the slider is allowed to move forward.

The fancy toy spacecraft with an ejection mechanism illustrated in Figures 10a to 10c comprises a winged spacecraft module 1000 having a port and starboard wings / fuselage members 1001 both hinged on a central axis below the vehicle, a launch pad 1002 containing an extendable slider 1003 and a rotating front cover of the cockpit 1004, the slider is associated with a trigger release 1005. The grip anchors of the manikin boots 405 are mounted on the slider 1003 and the lugs 1006 for the gloves 201 are mounted on the platform 1002.

The wing / fuselage members 1001 and the cover 1004 can be closed on the launch pad 1002 regardless of whether the glider 1003 is extended, as shown in FIG. 10c and are constructed so that when the wings are opened it takes the form of a gun handle, as shown in figures 10a, 10b and 10c, with trigger 1005 just in the position one would expect it, forward of the handle then formed.

With the wing / fuselage unit 1001 open, the module 1000 is loaded with a dummy 1007 with boots 202 located in the boot grip and gloves 201 located in the clips 1004. Then the slider 1003 is pulled back until it clicks on. association with the trigger release 1005. The wing / fuselage unit 1001 can then be closed if desired. To catapult the manikin out of the module the wing / fuselage unit 1001 and cover 1004 are opened. Operating the trigger releases the slider 1003 and the manikin 1007 fires forward out of its fasteners as shown in Figure 10c.

As shown in Fig. 10c the module 1000 also incorporates a function to launch missiles 1008. This is spring loaded and operated by a separate button (not shown).

The fancy motorcycle toy shown in figures 11a to 11c has a motorcycle body 1100 with a seat 1101. There is a front wheel 1102, a rear wheel 1103 and handle bars 1104. The seat 1101 has a belt for the dummy 406 (not it shows) . The handle bars 1104 are arranged to receive holes 104 at the ends of the arms of the dummy 101. The handle bars 1104 are mounted to rotate on a transverse horizontal axis to the length of the vehicle and carry a gear 1105. The gear 1105 incorporates a ratchet (not shown) to allow the motorcycle to roll freely when the driving force is relaxed.

To prepare the motorcycle for use a dummy 1106 is fastened to the seat 1101 and the holes 104 in the ends of the arms 101 are adhered to the handle bars 1104.

To use the toy motorcycle thus prepared it is rolled back on the floor. The rotation of the front rim 1102 causes the rotation of the gear 1105 which in turn coils the arms 101 around the handle bars 1104. When the motorcycle is released the relaxation of the arms 101 causes rotation of the gear 1105 and hence that of the front wheel 1102 and the motorcycle is driven forward.

Figures 12a and 12b illustrate a fancy motorcycle 1200 having a front wheel 1201, a rear wheel 1202, handlebars 1203, a seat 1204, shock bars 1205 and pedals 1206. Seat 1204 has a holding device 1207 and is slidable longitudinally as shown by an arrow in the illustrations. The shock bars 1205 are likewise movable forward and backward. The seat 1204 and the shock bars 1205 are articulately associated with a belt (not shown) in turn associated via a pawl (not shown) with the rear wheel 1202. The rear wheel 1202 incorporates a steering wheel.

To use the toy a dummy 1208 is mounted on the motorcycle 1200, fitted to the seat 1204 with the holding means 1207. Its boots 202 are adhered to the pedals 1206 and the leg members 102 pulled around the shock bars 1205. Hook-shaped gloves 201 are adjusted to the 1203 handlebars.

To use the toy it is rolled backwards. Via seat belt 1207 and shock bars 1205 move back and forth respectively by tightening arms 101, 102. Releasing the toy allows arms 101, 102 to relax, driving rear wheel 1202 forward via the belt in such a way that the motorcycle can run forward. When the arms 101, 102 have reached their natural configuration the motorcycle can continue on its way forward by virtue of the operation of the ratchet and the steering wheel.

The motor trike illustrated in Figures 13a to 13d is adjustable in the form of high and low configurations. This comprises a first chassis member 1301 on which are mounted a pair of rear wheels 1302, and a second chassis member 1303 on which a front wheel 1304 is mounted. The first and second chassis members 1301, 1303 are adhered one the other at a pivot point 1305. Shaped in the first chassis, towards the rear thereof, are the anvils 404 and in the second chassis 1303, just behind the axis of the front rim, are the control rods 401 Also formed in the second chassis 1303 is a drive rod 302 for holding the ankles of the figures. A seat member 1306 and a chest support of the manikin 1307 are provided. The breast back 1307 is formed in an arch 1308 in the first chassis and in an interlinked relationship, through the steering wheel and the ratchet unit (not shown). ), with the rear wheels 1302. A key 1309 locks the tricycle against movement until it is unlocked. Locks (not shown) between the first and second chassis are locked together in the high and low configurations.

To use the motor tricycle, a dummy 1310 is mounted on them, their gloves 201 fitted to the control rods 401 and their boots 202 to the anvils 404. Their ankles are inserted under the drive rod 302. Then this will be sitting on the seat 1306 with his torso recharging on the back of the chest 1307. Rolling the tricycle back causes the pulling arch 1308 to roll, raising the chest back 1307 and thus extending the arms 101, 102.

The release of the key 1309 allows the tricycle to run forward, driven by the relaxation of the arms 101, 102. When these are fully relaxed the ratchet and the flywheel mechanism allow the forward movement to continue.

The user can adjust the configuration of the tricycle between high and low configurations by manually rotating the first and second chassis members one with respect to the other around the pivot 1305 between the locks. Figures 13a, 13b and 13c illustrate the low configuration and Figure 13d the elevated configuration.

The toy mobile rocket launcher vehicle illustrated in Figures 14a to 14d is a compendium device employing three dummies and changing position, raising the launcher and firing the rocket, having been properly loaded and fired.

The vehicle comprises a chassis 1400 on which two driving wheels 1401 and two steering wheels 1402 are mounted. The chassis is articulated, in the vertical direction, at 1403, 1404 to allow the user to raise or lower it. Mounted on the chassis is a driver's seat 1405, a rocket controller seat 1406, a launch post 1407 and foot rests (not shown). In front of the driver's seat 1405 is a drive pulley 1408, a drive cord 1049, a drive control handle 1410. On the launching post 1407 is a mounted missile and associated with a control lever 1411 with a drive rod 1412 The rocket assembly carries a launch pad 1413 on which a rocket propeller 1414 is slidably mounted. The drive 1414 is fixed to a manual drive rod 1415 and a foot drive rod 1416. To the front of the launch pad is a dummy support 1417. A rocket 1418 rests on the launch pad 1413.

Joining mechanisms (not shown) release the launch lever 1411 to move when the vehicle has stopped, and release the propeller 1414 when the launching lever has tilted the launch pad of the rocket at a given elevation.

To prepare the mobile rocket launcher for action the triggers of the joining mechanism are prepared. A first dummy 1420 is placed on the support 1417 and its gloves 201 adhered to the bar 1415 and its boots 202 adhered to the bar 1416. A second dummy 1421 is adhered to the launcher seat 1406 through the holding wrench 406, its gloves 201 fitted to the tilt control handle 1412 and their boots 202 placed on the associated footrest. A third dummy 1422 is adhered to the driver's seat 1405 via the holding key 406, his boots 202 placed on the associated foot rest and his gloves 201 adhered to the bar 1410. The mounting of each dummy 1420, 1421, 1422 on this case involves stretching the appropriate limbs while the assembly is being carried out, the traction wheels 1401 being held. A rocket 1418 is placed on the launch pad 1413, joining lightly with the propeller 1414.

Upon being released from the mobile launcher the vehicle runs forward driven by the relaxation of the arms 101 of the dummy 1422. The complete return of the cord 1409 to a rest firing position allows the lever of the launcher 1411 to raise the launch pad 1413, operated by the arms 101 of the dummy 1421. The launch pad 1413 reaching its maximum elevation releases the propeller 1414 to launch the rocket 1418, actuated by the relaxation of the arms 101 and the legs 102 of the first dummy 1420.

Figure 15 illustrates a toy fantasy space landing vehicle that uses a multitude of mannequins performing various tasks.

On a 1500 base is a beetle transporter shell 1520 in which a beetle 1540 can be retained, and a rocket launching platform 1560 arranged to launch a rocket 1580.

Beetle transporter capsule 1520 has a lower door 1521 which becomes a ramp, and an upper door 1522. A lever 1523 controls the opening of the doors and the lever has a delivery bar 1524. There is a platform below the lever 1523 that contains a bar to hold the boot 1525. On the roof of the capsule 1520 is a rotor launcher 1526 for launching a rotor 1527. The rotor launcher 1526 has a control lever 1528. Behind lever 1528 is a mannequin seat 1529 having a holding device 406. The upper door 1522 blocks the lower door 1521 which is in turn associated with the release lever 1523.

Beetle 1540 has a chassis 1541 and two front wheels 1542 and in the rear two drive wheels 1543. Also towards the rear is a driver's seat 1544 having a holding device 406. A foot bar 1545 is connected to a handle (not shown) through a cord 1546 passing over a pulley 1547. The handle incorporates a flywheel and a ratchet (not shown). On the left side of the beetle is a radar disc 1548 associated via a pinion with a rack 1549 having a drive handle 1550. A knob 1551 controls the locking and release of the pinion on the rack 1549. A lever 1552 controls the rotation of the wheels 1543.

The rocket launcher 1560 comprises a gantry 1561 having drive lugs 1562, and a guide post 1563 on which slides an impeller 1564 having rods for operation with the foot 1565. There is a release button and a lock, not shown , associated with the 1564 propeller.

The rocket 1580 fits slidably on the guide post 1563. It can be opened to seat a mannequin arranged to fire missiles as in the example described above with reference to figures 10A-d except that the manikin 154 is arranged to drive the missiles. The missiles are arranged to be released when the rocket hits an object.

The landing vehicle is loaded with mannequins as follows: a first manikin 150 is fitted to driver's seat 1544 of beetle 1540. His feet are attached to the drive rod 1545 and his left arm 101 to the handle on the rack 1549, his right glove is attached to a static handle.

A second manikin 151 is fitted to the base of the landing vehicle 1500 with its feet adhered to the bar that holds the boot 1525, and its gloves to the drive rod 1524.

A third dummy 152 is adjusted via the securing means 406 to a seat on the roof of the capsule 1520, its gloves adjusted to the lever 1528.

The fourth and fifth manikin 153 are placed on gantry 1561 with their gloves adhered to the drive grabs 1562 and their boots to the 1565 foot handling bars on the 1564 propeller.

A sixth manikin 154 is placed on the 1580 rocket, with its gloves and boots attached to a missile launch bar (not shown).

The landing vehicle is prepared for operation as follows: The wheels 1543 of the beetle 1540 are rotated in reverse, thus extending the legs of the manikin 150. The lever 1552 is placed in a locking configuration of the wheels 1543 against rotation. Zip 1549 is slid forward to extend the left arm of the dummy, and lock it in position through knob 1551.

The beetle 1540 is placed in the capsule 1520 and the doors 1521 and 1522 closed, then turning the lever 1523 and extending the manikin 151 until a locking position is reached when the lever 1523 extends slightly outwards.

The rotor 1527 is placed in its rotor launcher 1526. The rocket 1580 is ready for the missile launch when loaded with missiles and the arms of the manikin 154 therefore extended until a locking configuration is reached.

The rocket is then placed on the guide post 1563 and pushed down against the propeller 1564, extending the dummies 153 until the propeller lock is activated.

The operation of the landing vehicle is as follows: The driving lever 1523 is pushed where the retraction of the manikin 151 opens the doors 1521, 1522, then releasing the lever 1552 and allowing the beetle 1540 to be driven out of the capsule downwards from the ramp formed by the door 1521, driven by the retraction of the legs of the manikin 150. The knob 1551 can then be pressed, from where the retraction of the left arm of the manikin will cause rotation of the antenna 1548.

The lever 1528 can be manually rotated to extend the arms of the dummy 152, then released. The consequent turns of the rotor launcher 1526 and thus the rotor 1527 launches the latter vertically.

The release of the insurance associated with the platform 1564 allows the retraction of the dummies 153 and the consequent propulsion and launching of the 1580 rocket. When the latter hits an object, or lands on the ground, its missiles are launched, driven by the manikin 154.

Of course the various operations of the landing vehicle do not need to be performed in the order described above. Also in alternative embodiments of the landing vehicle described with reference to Figure 15, any of the devices operated by dummies may not have insurance in such a way that the user simply prepares and then releases the associated device. In the case of the beetle 1540, it can be made such that the pulley 1547 pushes against a brake while the doors 1521, 1522 are closed.

The fantasy missile launcher shown in Figure 16 comprises a base 1600 on which a launch pad 1601 is rotatably mounted. A launch pad 1602 is attached to the pad 1601 and this is mounted to rotate, in a vertical plane, a missile launcher block 1603 that has a launching capacity of 4 missiles. Also mounted on platform 1601 is a seat 1604 having fastening means 406 and a footrest 1605. Elbow fasteners 1606 are arranged to move backwards / forwards and thus drive the upper missile thrusters (not shown). Grips 1607 are provided in block 1603 to be attached by means of gloves to a dummy. Two levers 1608 fit behind the knees of the dummy and are respectively associated with lower right and left missile thrusters through safety devices (not shown). The missiles 1609 fit freely in tubes formed in block 1603.

To prepare the thrower for operation a dummy 155 is placed in the seat 1604 and its boots secured in the footrest 1605 and its gloves secured in the lugs 1607. The arms 101 are hooked around the elbow clips 1606 and the elbow portions from here, and legs 102 are engaged around levers 1608. Missiles 1609 are loaded into their tubes. The levers 1608 are pulled forward until they are reached by their locking devices.

In operation of the launcher, the launch block is rotated to its desired elevation. Any of the latches is released by the user from where the appropriate lever 1608 rotates, actuated by the retraction of the legs 102, to launch the associated lower missile 1609.

The user pulls back any of the elbow retainers 1606 and releases them, from where the retraction of the arm 101 urges the retainer 106 forward to cause the launch of the associated upper missile 1609.

The stone launcher illustrated in Figure 17 comprises a frame 1700 which is pivoted to rotate in the vertical plane a beam 1701 having a projectile compartment 1702 at one end and handles 1703 at the other. The 1700 frame also has mannequin boot lugs 1704 and has itself a foot in the form of suction pads 1705.

To prepare the spear stones for use the dummy is fastened within the frame 1700, with its boots attached to the boot lugs 1704 and its gloves to the lugs 1703. The frame 1700 is then adhered via its suction pads 1705 to an appropriate surface . A projectile is placed in compartment 1702.

By pressing with your finger on the eyebrow of the compartment 1702 the user extends the arms 101 and the legs 102 of the manikin. The release of compartment 1702 allows the dummy to retract from where the projectile is projected from the compartment.

In the particular device shown, the beam 1701 has a plurality of pivot points 1706 allowing it to be adhered to the frame 1700 at various points along its length.

In a further embodiment of the toy stones lance a locking device with a lever operated by an associated user may be included.

The toy catapult illustrated in Figure 18 comprises a handle 1800 with two arms 1801, each ending in a bar on which a dummy glove can be adjusted so that it can be unlocked. A dummy that wears a cape 1802 in the form of a wing with a flap 1803 is mounted to the catapult and the flap is pulled back, from where the arms 01 extend. The release of the flap allows the arms to retract substantially instantaneously, driving the dummy onto the arms of the catapult 1801 and thus releasing the gloves.

It should be noted at this juncture that as shown in FIG. 18, the layer 1802 also has a head 1804. This is made of a soft material, for example a spongy foam, to reduce the possibility of injury. This is the case with all the missiles and projectiles described or suggested in this patent specification.

The toy mobile missile launcher illustrated in FIGS. 19a-19c comprises a carriage 1900 with wheel-driven rails 1901. The carriage includes a control cabin in which a dummy 156 can be stopped, the control cabin has a driver clamp 1902 mannequin and axillary clamps 1903. The floor of the control cabin incorporates anvils for the boots 404 and, pivoted to the floor, a delivery bar 1904. The delivery bar 1904 is associated in an interlinked manner with the wheel-driven rails 1901 a through means not shown. On both sides of the vehicle there are axes 1905 carrying the handles 401. The axes 1905 are associated in an interconnected manner, via means not shown, with the missile launching slots 1906. An apparent 1907 exhaust pipe at the rear of the vehicle It acts as a manual trigger for missile launching.

The toy mobile missile launcher is prepared for use by fastening a dummy 156 on the clamp 1902, its boots on the anvils 404, its armpits on the clamps 1903 and its gloves fitted to the handles 401. The 1908 missiles are loaded on the the launch slots. The axes 1905 are loaded, extending the arms 101, until they are stopped by the trigger 1907. The push rod 1904 is raised in such a way that it is placed behind the knees of the dummy and extends the legs 102.

In operation the toy is released on the floor where the relaxation of the legs 102 drives the drive rod 1904 and consequently the wheel-driven rails 1901 and the carriage moves across the floor. When desired, the user can operate the trigger 1907 and the relaxation of one arm 101 propels one or more missiles 1908 from the slots 1906.

Trigger 1907 is in fact arranged to enable missiles 1908 on one side of the carriage to be ejected by arm 101 on that side and missiles on the other side to be ejected or driven by the other arm.

In alternative embodiments, two triggers 1907 may be employed, the trigger or triggers 1907 may be provided with established operation so that the missiles 1908 may be launched individually, an unlocking button, associated with the drawbar 1904, may be provided in such a manner. so that the user does not have to stop the drive bar 1904 or the rail 1901 until it is unlocked, and / or the toy can be arranged to release or unlock the missiles individually after having reached several stages in its movement.

The toy mobile stone thrower illustrated in Figure 20 comprises a 2000 carriage and 2001 wheel-driven rails somewhat similar to those described above with reference to Figures 19a-19c. There is also a cockpit with a torso-holding clamp and axillary clamps and anvils of boots such as 1902, 1903, 404, and a handle and shaft (not shown) like the 1905 and 401 shown in Figures 19a-19c. A drive rod (not shown) integral with a projectile compartment 2002 is pivoted to the wall of the control cabin and contains an associated unlocking button (not shown). The shaft is arranged to drive the traction wheel 2001. The drive rod is arranged to impinge on the knees of the manikin, at the front thereof. The carriage also carries a group of slots launches 2003 missile launches for 2004. These are independently loaded by springs and fired.

The toy mobile throwing spear is prepared for use by fastening a manikin 156 on the torso support and his boots on the anvils, with the throwing bar on the 2002 throws stones ahead of the knees of the manikin. Your gloves are adjusted to the handles on the shaft. A 2005 projectile is placed in the compartment 2002 and this is pulled back and down until the release button is activated, thus extending the legs 102 around the knees thereof.

To use a movable stones lance it is carried back on a floor, thus winding the arms 101 around the axis. This is then released allowing the arms 101 to relax to drive the carriage forward. Pressing the button allows the relaxation of the legs 102 and the compartment 2002 is consequently propelled up and forward and the projectile 2005 dispersed. The 2004 missiles can be independently released from their 2003 launchers by pressing the appropriate buttons.

The water cannon of the toy manikin illustrated in Figure 21 comprises a piston / cylinder device 2100, the piston is activated by a plunger 2101 and the cylinder has a water ejection nozzle 2102. There is a release button 2103 associated with a securely holding the plunger at an outer extremity. The cylinder also has a fastening device 2104 arranged to hold the torso and support the armpits of a mannequin 157. The plunger 2101 incorporates handles 401 and anvils 404 to grip the gloves 201 and the boots 202 of a mannequin.

The toy water cannon is prepared for use by mounting a manikin 157 to the holding device 2104 and the appropriate gloves 201 and boots 202 to the handles 401 and anvils 404. The mouthpiece 2102 is then submerged in water while the plunger 2101 is removed, thus extending the limbs 101, 102 of the dummy 157 and carrying water into the cylinder. At its maximum distance the plunger 2101 joins the latch associated with the button 2103.

In use of the toy, the barrel is pointed to where desired and the button 2103 pressed. The relaxation of the limbs 101, 102 drives the plunger 2101 in such a way that a jet of water is pumped from the nozzle 2102.

The robot operated by a toy human shown in figure 22 has a torso member with mannequin holding means 406, leg members 2200 with, on the knees thereof, support bars for feet 2201. Arm members 2202 are articulated in the elbows of these and carry the hands 2203 articulated by friction to the arms 2202. The grip handles of the glove of the dummy 401 are adhered to the forearms of the robot. The arms 2202 are associated through a locking device (not shown) with fingers levers 2204. The legs 2200 are simply hinged to the hips of the robot 2205.

The robot is ready for use by mounting a dummy 158 inside it, to be fastened by the fastening means 406, with the boots adhered to the foot bars 2201 and the gloves to the 401 lugs.

In use, the arms 2202 are extended, thus also extending the arms of the manikin 101, until the. locking device is activated. The user can then cause the robot to "walk" by manually moving the legs 2200 and can place an object in the hands 2203. By pressing the levers 2204 the arms of the manikin 101 are released to retract, thus bringing the arms 2202 towards the torso of the robot.

The toy watercraft shown in Figures 23a-23d has a fuselage 2300 with a removable transparent cockpit dome 2301. Inside the fuselage are clamps 2302 arranged to fasten a dummy 159 under its armpits and other armrests. foot (not shown) to fasten the boots of a mannequin. The foot clamps are articulately associated with both a pair of propellers 2303 and a reel 2304 in the form of a fin. The winder 2304 has an associated rack and a ratchet device (not shown) which prevents rotation of the reel when released. A panel 2305 in the fuselage is associated with a locking device within the fuselage, to prevent rotation of the propeller while the reel 2304 is being operated.

The ship also incorporates a toy missile firing mechanism. A striker 2306 protruding rearwardly from the fuselage 2300 is attached to the gloves (not shown) of the manikin 159. Inside the fuselage the striker ends in a launch tube, the outlet nozzle of which is shown at 2307. A button spring loaded trigger 2308 prevents the firing pin 2306 from being operated until the button is depressed. The cockpit dome 2301 incorporates a continuation of the launch tube 2309 through which a missile 2310 can be loaded and "fired".

The craft is prepared for use by inserting a dummy 150 into the cockpit, with the dome 2301 disassembled, blocking the mannequin boots to the boot clamps and the gloves in the 2306 firing pin. The dome 2301 is then mounted to the 2300 fuselage and a missile 2310 loaded in the launch tube 2309. The firing pin 2306 is then pulled backwards, thus stretching the arms 101 of the dummy 159, until the lock associated with the button 2308 is activated. With the panel 2305 depressed the reel 2305 is turned on, then distorting the legs 102 of the manikin 159.

In use, the ship is placed in water and directed and the panel 2305 released. The legs 102 begin to unwind and the propellers 2303 then begin to rotate, driving the ship. When desired the button 2308 is pressed; the hammer 2306 fires forward and the 2310 missile is ejected.

In an alternative embodiment of the ship shown in Figures 23, the firing pin 2306 is arranged to project water out of the nozzle 2307, as suggested in Figure 23d.

The toy fantasy craft illustrated in Figures 24a, 24b, 24c is somewhat similar to that described above with reference to Figures 23a-d, particularly in relation to propulsion. Therefore there is a 2400 fuselage with a removable control cabin dome 2401, thrusters 2402, a coil fin (not shown) and a pressurizable panel 2403 arranged to act as a propeller blocker. In the same way there are axillary clamps and boots clamps (both are not shown).

The main difference with the toy illustrated in Figures 23 is that the one illustrated in Figures 24 has a missile launcher mounted on turbines 2404. These incorporate a mechanism, not shown, by means of which the relaxation of the arms of a Mannequin will "shoot" missiles. A missile launcher 2405 is removably mounted on turbines 2404 and incorporates two missile launching slots with release buttons 2407. Bolts 2408, have recesses 2409, protrude rearwardly of slots 2406 to be associated with the firing mechanism inside the turbines 2404. The missiles 2410 fit within the slots 2406.

As shown in Figure 24b the missile launcher 2405 disassembled from the fuselage 2400 in this way figure 24c shows it adhered to a dummy 160. For this purpose the dummy incorporates a deployable chest connector as shown at 240 in Figure 4j. Also the launcher 2405 has handles 401 for the gloves 201 of the manikin 160. The "elbows" of the arms of the manikin rest in the recesses 2409 of the strikers 2408.

With a missile launcher 2405 attached to a dummy 160, the gloves of the dummy 201 adhered to the handles 401, "elbows" hooked onto the holes 2409 and missiles 2410 placed in the slots 2406, the missiles can be pushed into the slots for drive the strikers 2408 backwards and thus extend the arms of the manikin 101 until the latches catch the buttons 2407. By pressing the buttons 2407 the strikers 2408 are released and the relaxation of the arms 101 drives the striker released forward to "fire" the 2410 missile.

With the fins of this toy ship 2411 in the fuselage 2400 allows the ship to be placed upwards if desired. This feature can in the same way be incorporated into the ship shown in figures 23.

With any toy ship also the dummy can be permanently fitted inside the fuselage 2400 (2300) and the dome of the cockpit 2401 (2301) permanently attached to the fuselage.

The toy fantasy space beetle illustrated in figure 25 has a body 2500, front wheel 2501 and traction wheels in the rear. Mounted on the body 2500 is a mannequin harness 200 and anvils for mannequin boots 404. An arm drive rod 2503 and a knee drive rod are both associated with a ratchet and a fork (not shown) for the wheels. The arm pull bar 2503 has handles 401 to which mannequin gloves 201 can be adjusted.

To prepare the beetle for use a dummy 161 is mounted to the harness 200 with the boots 202 fitted to the anvils 404 and the gloves 202 fitted to the lugs 401 and the drawbar 2504 behind the legs 102 of the dummy in approximately the area of the knees.

In use the beetle can be rolled back on a floor. This carries both forward bars 2503, 2504 forwardly extending the arms 101 and the legs 102. The release of the beetle allows the arms and legs to relax, then driving the vehicle.

In alternative embodiments of this beetle the arm bar may be arranged to fire missiles and / or a water pistol instead of assisting with the operation of the vehicle.

Figure 26 illustrates a portable rocket launcher for a toy man 2600. This has a shoulder harness 2601 for adjustment on the shoulder of a mannequin 162 and handles 401 for gloves 201 fitted to the manikin. A striker (not shown) extends rearward of the launcher and culminates in an anvil disposed to nest an arm 101 in a region of the elbow thereof. A safety associated with the firing pin is attached to a trigger 2602.

To prepare the device for use the launcher is fitted to the dummy 162 and the gloves 201 to the lugs 401. The appropriate arm 101 is extended around the firing pin. A missile 2603 is placed in the launcher 2600 and pushed back, thereby pushing the firing pin backwards and extending the arm 101 until it is caught by the safety.

Releasing trigger 2602 allows arm 101 to relax, thereby "firing" missile 2603.

The dummy 162 may have rigid legs if it is desired to stop freely.

Alternatively, rigid long boots can be used.

It will be appreciated that there are a number of other toys which can use a source of energy in the form of a figure according to the invention, just as there are many forms that the figure can take. It will also be obvious that many of the features described as incorporated in one or other of the modalities described above can be incorporated in other of them.

Claims (16)

1. A toy constructed to be driven and a power source thereof characterized in that the energy source comprises a figure containing at least one member formed of rubber, the rubber member being able to be twisted in such a way that its return to a The natural state generates energy, and the toy has means of attachment for the energy source in at least two distal places.

2. A toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the rubber member of the energy source is a limb.

3. A toy according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the figure is a mannequin with a body, two arms and two legs.

4. A toy according to any of claims 1 6 2, characterized in that the figure is a creature or character of science fiction such as an octopus, a reptile such as a viper, robot, droid, android and a dalek.

5. A toy according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the entire figure is formed of rubber.

6. A toy according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the figure has gripping means in at least two places, with a length of rubber between them whereby the rubber can be stretched or distorted.

. A toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping means of the figure comprises elongated portions or perforations or a notch or a combination thereof.

8. A toy according to any of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the gripping means are constructed to be released in a given load applied in a given direction.

9. A toy according to any of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the gripping means are adherable so that they can be disassembled to the toy.

10. A toy according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the gripping means have the appearance of a stylized body part such as a hand, a foot, the hand and / or the foot have a somewhat hooked shape , even a mouth, or have the shape of gloves or boots.

11. A toy according to any of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the gripping means can be stored inside a boot or glove, to be deployed when desired.

12. A toy according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the figure has no elastic parts, for example, a torso and a non-elastic head.

13. A toy according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the rubber members of the figure are part of a single integral unit, with any of the non-elastic parts fitted thereto.

14. A toy according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is constructed to accept a plurality of the energy sources.

15. A toy according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is any of: a vehicle with wheels such as a motorcycle, tricycle or car or traction vehicle, - or a vehicle driven by a propeller or fluid jet such as a boat, submarine or aircraft, - or a device that employs a catapult principle, such as a rocket and another missile launcher or launches stones, - a water gun, - a robot driven by the figure to walk and / or grab.

16. A toy according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that one or more parts of the figure is formed of rubber whereby the rubber can be stretched, bent or distorted and that one or more parts of the figure produces energy by half of one being stretched, distorted, folded, rolled up or some combination thereof.