US2570091A - Rolling and rockable toy - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 2, 1951 R. a. BENNETT 2,570,091

ROLLING AND ROCKABLE TOY Filed Dec. 27, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

ROBERT 8. BEN/V672 I TT RNE' K M la m r n n 2 lm n a W in T6 m a g m .1 mm r I n l 3 Q m a r1 mm TE I m P Q :2 a llllll 8 MANN --HU HHJ m x 1km x. A i 13 55%.. M Q E 5 M9 #1 2, 1951 R. a. BENNETT 2,570,091

' ROLLING AND ROCKABLE TOY Filed Dec. 27, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. E 4 In? a dame:

HTTORNEX Patented Oct. 2, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROLLING AND ROCKABLE TOY Robert B. Bennett, Akron, Ohio Application December 27, 1948, Serial No. 67,350 2 Claims. (01. 2s0 30) This invention relates to a rolling and rockable toy, and more particularly a toy which may be used as a stroller or a walker, and which may be employed as a rocking toy merely by up-setting the same thru an arc of 180 degrees.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a rolling and rockable toy which is collapsible horizontally for carrying or for storage in a small space, and which is of light weight construction to facilitate handling thereof.

It is the further object of the present invention to provide a pivotal handle for use when the toy is used as a stroller but which is arranged for adjustment to a horizontal position to surround the body of the toy as an extra guard rail when the toy is used as a walker.

It is the further object of this invention to incorporate a flexible seat or seats in association with the frame of the toy providing seating accommodations when the toy is used either as a rolling toy or as a rocking toy.

These and many other objects will be seen in the following specification and claims in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

Figure l is a side elevational view of the toy in rolling position.

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is an elevational section taken 3--3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an elevational section taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view viewing the toy from the top when the same is partially collapsed.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary plan section taken on line 6--6 of Figure 1.

' Figure 7 is fragmentary elevational section taken on line 1-4 of Figure 1; and l Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating the slightly difierent form shown.

It will be understood that the above drawings illustrate merely a preferred embodiment of the invention and that other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the claims hereafter set out.

Referring to the drawings the rolling and rockable toy includes the two parallel spaced hollow D-shaped supporting elements which include bases H front and rear inclined uprights l2 and I3, and the arcuate upper element l4 joined at its ends to the corresponding upper portions of uprights l2 and 13 respectively.

Caster wheels l5 are swivelly mounted at the opposite ends of said supporting elements within corresponding openings l6 which extend upwardly into the lower portions of uprights l2 and I3.

on line Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the reenforcing X- shaped cross braces 11 and I8 which respectively interconnect the two supporting elements to maintain a constant spaced relation therebetween when in use, and which by their construction permit horizontal collapsing of the supporting elements in the manner illustrated in Figure 5.

As shown in Figure 3 as well as Figure 1 the respective ends [9 of cross-brace I! project at the top within corresponding undercut openings in the under surfaces of arcuate elements l4. At the same time its other ends 20 project downwardly within corresponding openings formed within the top surfaces of the base elements ll.

Similarly as shown in Figures 4 and .1 the top portions 2| of cross brace b8 project within corresponding slots formed in the undersurfaceof arcuate elements l4; and likewise the lower end portions 22 of said cross brace project within with its oppositely arranged inturned ends 24 being pivotally retained within the formed brackets 25 which are secured to the rear end portions of arcuate elements 14 as by the rivets 2 5. The sides of said handle may be constructed in two parts with one telescoped within the other, if desired, to permit adjustments of the length of the handle to fit the person pushing the toy.

Brackets 25 provide a hinge for mounting the ends 24 of handle 23 so that the same may assume substantially the dotted line broken away posi-, tion shown in Fig. 1 when the toy is used as a stroller. On the other hand when the toy is used as a walker said handle is pivoted to the horizontal position shown in Fig. l to act as an outside guard rail for the rolling toy. Spring bolts 21 (Fig. 1) project outwardly thru the rear portions of arcuate elements l4 and are adapted to cooperatively project within corresponding notches formed within the inturned portions 24 of handle 23 for retaining the same in the dotted line position shown. Any other suitable retaining means may be employed.

Similarly additional spring bolts 28 project outwardly thru front portions of arcuate elements [4 and are adapted to cooperatively extend into corresponding openings formed in handle 23 for retaining the same in the horizontal positio shown in Fig. l. 3 The handle 23 may be released from either of the positions shown in Figure 1 by Withdrawing opening within the handle 23.

Secondary braces are carried by each of the side elements and which include the upwardly extending portions 29 whose ends retainingly project within inclined openings in the under surfaces of the arcuate elements l4. Portions 29 project downwardly forming the substantial vertical loop 30, rearwardly forming the spaced substantially horizontal loop 3|, and extend further in a horizontal direction termination in the horizontal loops 32 which fit over the corresponding upstanding ends IQ of the cross brace l1.

Transverse supporting, rod 33 (Figure 3) is looped at its ends at 34 with said looped ends being also positioned over the upstanding elements 19 at the upper ends of cross brace [1. It is contemplated that cross brace 33 may be made integral with the braces l1|9--29 if desired.

Additional cross braces 35 are also provided with loops 36 at. their ends to fit over the corresponding end portions '2| of cross brace l8 and over the respective ends 23 and 22 of the two cross braces l1 and I8. Here again it is con templated that the cross braces 33 and 35 may be formed integral with cross braces I! and I 8 if desired.

Table 31 as shown in Figures 1 and 3 is pivotally mounted at its forward end by its longitudinally rolled portion 38 which is swivelled around the horizontal cross brace 33. The rearward longitudinal edge 39 as shown in Figure 6 is hollow and is formed to receive the spring bolts 49 which project from their opposite ends and are adapted to'cooperatively extend within the vertical loops 30 to thereby support the table in the horizontal position shown. Suitable housings 4! are provided within the opposite ends of the tubular portion 39 of the tray or table 3! to slidably receive the bolts 4!! and their retaining springs 42, Fig. 6. The inner ends of bolts 49 terminate in the actuating handles 43 which project upwardly thru openings 44 in the tubular portion 39 permitting access thereto, whereby said bolts may be pressed inwardly against the coil springs 42 to permit release of the tray 31 so that it will assume the dotted line position shown in Fig. l. A suitable clip 45 is provided to retain the tray 31 in the dotted line position shown. It is noted in Fig. 1 that the side portions of tray 31 project upon the outer edges of the braces 29, 36, 3!, 32.

A formed fabric or plastic seat 46, preferably flexible, is positioned between the side elements of the toy with the top ends of its lateral portions 41 being looped around the top of the arcuate elements I 4 and secured in position as by the spaced snaps 49, or in the alternative zippers or buttons could be used.

It is contemplated that a permanent type of fastening might be employed, however the temporary or removable type of fastening makes possible the quick remova1 of the seat for easy washing or cleaning.

The upwardly extending front flap 49 forming a part of said seat extends over the rear portion of tray 31 and is looped around the transverse support 50 whose opposite ends at retainingly project thru the horizontal looped portions 3| of the two side brackets 29. The forward flap 49 is secured around the transverse support 56 in a similar manner by a plurality of spaced snaps 52 as shown in Fig. 2, or in the alternative a zip- .per may be employed.

- On the other hand the upwardly extending rear fiap'53 is looped at its upper end around the rear cross bar 35 and similarly secured thereto by the spaced snaps 54 as illustrated in Fig. 4. The flap 49 is spaced from the side portions 41 of the seat to provide suitable leg openings 55 therein. By this construction the seat 46'may be readily removed if desired.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3 with the toy in the position shown in Figure 1, a foot rest 56 of substantially rectangular shape is positioned between the side elements of the toy and as shown in Figure 3 its forward edge 51 is formed circularly and is pivotally mounted upon the cross bar 35 which interconnects the lower ends of cross brace I1.

When used as a foot rest the downwardly extending side portions 58 thereof extend over the top surfaces of the base elements II and rest thereon. The section 'll of Figure 1 as shown in Figure '7 illustrates that the rearward edge of foot rest 56 is rolled at 59 into cylindrical form. Bolt'housings 69 extend into the opposite ends of the cylindrical portion 59, and bolts 6| are positioned therein and resiliently retained in the position shown in Figure '7 by the coil spring 62 intermediate housing 69 and said bolt. The outer end of said bolt at each end of the foot rest 56 projects within a corresponding lateral opening 63 upon the inner sides of the base element 1 l to effectively lock the foot rest in a horizontal position. Bolt operating handle 64 projects downwardly through a slot 65 in the element'59'to permit manual release of said bolt from opening 63 whereby the foot rest may be pivoted to the dotted line position shown in Figure 1. In this position the cylindrically formed rearward edge of foot rest 56 is retainingly engaged by the spring. slip 45 shown in Figure 1.

In this latter position of the foot rest the toy may be used as a walker, and with the handle 23 positioned horizontally as a guard rail.

A second seat 66 is shown in inverted position within the toy in Figure 1 with its lateral portions 41 at their lower ends extending around thebottom of base elements II and secured in this position by the snaps 43'.

The forward flap 49 of the seat 66 extends downwardly as shown in Figure 1 with its bottom end extending around the rod 61 whose ends 68 are joined to the respective opposite ends of the foot rest 56 as shown in Figure '7 on an enlarged scale. The end portions of the flap 49' are secured as by the snaps 52.

Similarly the rear flap 53' extends downwardly as viewed in Figure 1, and its lower end extends around the cross bar 35 as shown in Figure 4 which interconnects the lower ends of the cross brace l8. Here also the lower portion of said flap is secured around the rod 35 as by the snaps 54'.

The seat 46 is employed when the toy is used as a stroller or a walker, whereas the seat 66 shown in inverted position (Figure 1) is employed when the toy is upset degrees to 'be used as a rocker. The two seats may be separate from each other if desired or may be suitably joined together as at the points 69 as shown in Figure 1, or one seat 46 could be used for both positions.

The lateral portions 41' of seat 66 are spaced from the forward portion 49' providing the leg openings 16 when the toy is used as a rocker.

The toy shown in the drawings may be easily collapsed horizontally in the manner illustrated in Figure 5 when the tray 31 and the foot rest 56are adjusted to the vertical dotted line position shown in Figure 1. It follows therefore that with said parts 31 and 5B in their horizontal positions the side portions of the toy are effectively and rigidly secured so that it is impossible for the toy to collapse.

Before collapsing of the toy it is contemplated that the ends 2 of handle 23 be disengaged from their supporting brackets 25. It would be possible however, to devise a suitable handle which need not be removed when the toy is collapsed.

The wheels l5 though mounted upon casters may just as well be of a greater dimension as for instance the wheels H shown in Figure 8 with the same mounted upon two short axles or a suitable transverse axle interconnecting the sides H.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary illustration of a slightly different form of wheel mounting wherein the parallel spaced upwardly extending parts of the sides takes the shape 12 with the enlarged caster 13 being swivelly joined thereto and supporting the enlarged wheel H.

The above construction provides a simplified stroller or walker which may also be used as a walking toy if desired, there being a pair of oppositely arranged seats 46 and 60 for use in either position of the toy.

When used as a walker or as a stroller in the position shown in Figure 1, element 3'! acts as a table and element 56 as a foot rest. As a walker the foot rest is elevated to the vertical dotted line position shown.

With the toy upset 180 degrees from the position shown in Figure 1, said toy may be used as a rockerupon the arcuate supporting element [4 and with the seat 66 used. In this case the opposite side of element 31 will function as a foot rest whereas the opposite side of element 56 will function as a table.

When the elements 3! and 56 are pivoted to the dotted line vertical position shown in Figure 1 the sides I I, l2, l3 and I4 may be collapsed towards each other horizontally as indicated in Figure 5 and may be brought closely together to provide a flat package which may be easily stored in a small space, or which may be easily carried as desired.

Being foldable horizontally it is impossible for the toy to collapse while a person is sitting in it.

Having described my invention reference should now be had to the claims which follow for determining the scope thereof.

I claim:

1. In a rolling and rockable toy, parallel spaced upright frames, wheels mounted at their opposite ends, parallel spaced transverse cross braces with their respective ends swivelly joined to said frames adjacent their opposite ends, a pair of spaced transverse platforms pivotally mounted at one of their edges upon and adjacent the top and bottom of one of said cross braces, with their opposite edges when horizontal retainingly engaging said frames to rigidly maintain their spaced relation, and a spring clip on said one cross brace projecting inwardly from a central portion thereof intermediate the pivotal mountings of said platforms and retainingly engageable on its opposite sides with said platforms when pivoted to a vertical position.

2. In a rolling and rockable toy, parallel spaced upright frames, wheels mounted at their opposite ends, parallel spaced transverse crossed braces with their respective vertically aligned ends being upturned and downturned respective swivelly projected into corresponding openings in said frames adjacent the opposite ends of said frames, vertically spaced cross r-ods interconnecting the respective upper ends of said crossed braces and the respective lower ends of said crossed braces, a transverse platform pivotally mounted at one edge upon one of said cross rods, with its opposite edge when horizontal retainingly engaging opposing portions of said frames to rigidly maintain their spaced relation, and means projecting inwardly from one of said crossed braces corresponding to the cross rod upon which said platform is pivoted for securing said platform in vertical position.

ROBERT B. BENNETT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,353,066 Pascoe Sept. 14, 1920 1,570,410 Strauss Jan. 19, 1926 2,037,986 Larsen Apr. 21, 1936 2,177,153 Ross et al Oct. 24, 1939 2,241,626 Baxter May 13, 1941 2,312,602 Taylor Mar. 2, 1943 2,466,760 Buchhagen Apr. 12, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 28,174 Sweden Apr. 26, 1909

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