US3897054A

US3897054A - Carousel mechanism

Info

Publication number: US3897054A
Application number: US437895A
Authority: US
Inventors: Barton A Riggs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-01-30
Filing date: 1974-01-30
Publication date: 1975-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-29

Abstract

A carousel mechanism for moving a plurality of figures fixed to vertically reciprocating rods while simultaneously rotationally displacing the chassis supporting the figures. The carousel mechanism includes a drive mechanism for providing movement of the figures and chassis. The drive mechanism is connected to the chassis which is rotationally moveable responsive to the actuation of the drive mechanism. The rods are moveably mounted to the chassis by bellcrank mechanisms to provide for vertical reciprocal movement when the chassis is rotationally displaced. A friction coupling mechanism connected to the drive mechanism and the chassis frictionally engages the chassis in order to drive the chassis about the vertical central axis responsive to the actuation of the drive mechanism with the bellcrank mechanisms carried by the chassis and in engagement with a stationary gear.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Riggs [4 1 July 29, 1975 1 CAROUSEL MECHANISM [21] Appl. No.: 437,895

[52] US. Cl 272/31 R; 40/33; 40/106.3l; 64/30 R; 272/42 [51] Int. Cl A63h 13/20 [58] Field of Search..... 272/31 R, 31 A, 31 B, 31 P, 272/28 R, 28 S, 44, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 29,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 946,639 1/1910 Lewis 272/36 1,102,866 7/1914 Brundage 272/40 1,271,892 7/1918 Habeshan..... 272/31 R UX 1,727,490 9/1929 Spillman 272/42 X 2,457,460 12/1948 Goodale 272/31 P 2,657,928 11/1953 McDonald 272/31 R 2,881,001 4/1959 Chisholm et a1. 272/31 P 3,191,930 6/1965 Cottrell et al,...... 272/42 X 3,605,443 9/1971 Redelman 64/30 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 941,562 7/1948 France 272/31 R Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant ExaminerArnold W. Kramer Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Paul Maleson; Morton J. Rosenberg 157] ABSTRACT A carousel mechanism for moving a plurality of figures fixed to vertically reciprocating rods while simultaneously rotationally displacing the chassis supporting the figures. The carousel. mechanism includes a drive mechanism for providing movement of the figures and chassis. The drive mechanism is connected to the chassis which is rotationally moveable responsive to the actuation of the drive mechanism. The rods are moveably mounted to the chassis by bellcrank mecha nisms to provide for vertical reciprocal movement when the chassis is rotationally displaced. A friction coupling mechanism connected to the drive mechanism and the chassis frictionally engages the chassis in order to drive the chassis about the vertical central axis responsive to the actuation of the drive mechanism with the bellcrank mechanisms carried by the chassis and in engagement with a stationary gear.

PATENTEDJULZQIBYS 3, 897', 054

SHEET 1 CAROUSEL MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention relates to carousel mechanisms. In particular, this invention pertains to carousel mechanisms utilized as display devices. More in particular, this invention relates to carousel mechanisms having a drive mechanism for a chassis which is rotatively actuated. Still further, this invention relates to carousel mechanisms where the chassis is moveably rotated through a friction coupling device between the chassis and the drive mechanism.

2. Prior Art Carousel mechanisms are known in the art. Further. small carousel mechanisms for use as display or toy items are known. However, in some prior carousel mechanisms, the actuating motor rotates about a center post. In such cases brushes are used to provide the supply of electricity to the motor. In such cases, a fire hazard may be presented. In these and other prior mechanisms the chassis may be directly driven by the motor. In such prior direct drive mechanisms, when the chassis is restrained from rotational movement, a strain may be placed on the motor. This may have the tendency of burning out the motor and provide a less useful working life than would be had if an indirect drive system were used.

In other prior mechanisms, the actuating system for the carousel is complicated through use of sophisticated hardware. The use of such elements causes a high manufacturing and production cost of such mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A carousel mechanism for concurrently displacing a plurality of figurines horizontally in a circuitous path about a vertically extending central axis of the carousel mechanism as well as a reciprocal displacement in a vertical direction. The carousel mechanism comprises a drive mechanism for providing movement of the figu rines. A chassis is rotationally moveable responsive to actuation of the drive mechanism. The figurines are moveably mounted to the chassis for concurrent directional displacement in accordance with the rotational movement of the chassis. A frictional coupling means mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism and the chassis for frictionally rotating the chassis about the central axis responsive to actuation of the drive mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a front view of the carousel mechanism;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the carousel mechanism taken along the section lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the carousel mechanism taken along the section lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the figurine mounting taken along the section line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drive mechanism of the carousel mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 there is shown carousel mechanism 1 for moving a plurality of figurines 37 rotatively about a longitudinally extending central axis defined by the extension of flagpole or tubular member 39 while at the same time reciprocally or harmonically displacing figurines 37 in the longitudinal direction. Mechanism 1 is constructed in small enough detail to be utilized as a display item for use in showing merchandise to their full advantage in a confined space. In other uses, carousel mechanism 1 may be used as a toy to provide pleasing visual effects for an operator. In overall volume, mechanism 1 may encompass a package having a diameter approximating 2.5 feet and further be approximately 2 feet in height, however. exact size limitations are not important to the inventive concept as herein detailed. When used as a display item, carousel mechanism 1 may have merchandise placed around neck portion 36 of figurines 37 or otherwise placed in compartments which continually rotate into the sightline of a viewer.

Carousel mechanism 1 includes drive mechanism 45 for providing movements of figurines 37 in both a rotative direction as well as a vertical reciprocal direction defined by the extension of 39. Chassis 46 is rotationally moveable responsive to the actuation of drive mechanism 45 wherein figurines 37 are moveably mounted to chassis 46 for concurrent directionaly displacement in accordance with the rotational movement of chassis 46. Additionally, mechanism 1 includes friction coupling member 16 connected to drive mechanism 45 and chassis 46 for frictionally rotating chassis 46 about a central axis defined by tubular member or flagpole 39 responsive to an actuation of drive mechanism 45.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 drive mechanism 45 includes a motor 8 for providing the mechanical power to rotatively and vertically move figurines 37. Motor 8 is one of a number of motors well known in the art and may be Dayton Shaded Pole Gear motor, mode No. 3MO98 manufactured by W. W. Granger Inc. of Chicago, III. which provides a 4 RPM gear box and can be connected to a standard 115 volts outlet line through lead wires 9. As will be shown, motor 8 of drive mechanism 45 is connected to friction coupling member 16 for rotationally driving chassis 46. Drive mechanism 45 includes motor mount or tripod 3 secured to motor 8 for positionally locating motor 8 in frictional contact with friction coupling member 16. Tripod 3 includes a vertically directed leg 11 which is bent or otherwise formed into horizontal contact with an external surface as is shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, lower leg 4 of tripod 3 is bent into a V-shape and attached to leg 11 as is shown to provide a stable platform for drive mechanism 45. Tripod lower leg 4 may be secured to leg 11 by bolting, welding, or some like technique not important to the inventive concept as herein detailed. In order to provide a stable platform for motor 8, angle bar 5 is attached -to extended leg 11 by cable clamp 12 secured to vertical leg 11 through clamp screw 6. It will be understood that angle bar 5 may be mounted to tripod 3 in a number of ways such as welding, bolting or some like technique. Angle bar 5 includes a bend providing a horizontal motor platform surface 7. Motor 8 is mounted to an underside of motor horizontal platform surface 7 through motor mount bolts 10 as is shown. Thus, it is seen that motor mount 3 includes tripod assembly 11, 4, and 5 which extends in a longitudinal or vertical direction. Motor 8 is connected to an upper portion of tripod assembly 3 with a a lower portion of the tripod assembly providing at least 3 point contact with an external surface.

As is seen in FIG. 5, drive shaft 19 passes from motor 8 through horizontal surface platform 7 and is connected in secure fashion to drive a first spur gear 18. Gear 18 may be mounted to drive shaft 19 through a force fit or some like method to permit constrained rotation between shaft 19 and drive gear 18. Bolt 13 which may be welded or otherwise fastened to horizontal platform surface 7 extends in a vertical or longitudinal direction. As is seen, bolt 13 is transversely displaced from drive shaft 19 on platform surface 7. Driven gear 14 is mounted in moveable relation to bolt 13 in order that driven or second spur gear 14 may be rotatively displaced with respect to bolt 13. Drive gear 18 is mated to driven gear 14 in a manner such that driven gear 14 is rotatively actuated upon a rotative displacement of drive shaft 19. It will be noted that the interaction of drive gear 18 and driven gear 14 may accomplish rotative speed reduction of motor 8. In one form of the invention, drive gear 18 is an eighteen toothed spur gear mated to a twelve toothed driven spur gear 14. On an upper surface of driven gear 14, flat washer 15 is soldered or otherwise fastened to second spur gear 14. Thus, it is now seen that actuation of drive shaft 19 results in a rotative displacement of driven gear 14 and washer l securely mounted on an upper surface thereof.

Friction coupling member 16 engages washer and a lower surface of upper disk 21 on opposing surfaces of friction couple member 16. Couple member 16 may be a washer having an annular contour with an internal diameter larger than bolt 13 upon which it is inserted upon washer 15. Friction couple member or washer 16 may be formed of rubber or some like material which will permit frictional engagement of upper disk 21 to driven gear 14. Thus, rotation of drive shaft 19 of motor 8 results in a corresponding rotative displacement of driven or second spur gear 14 which through frictional engagement with rubber washer 16 provides a corresponding rotation of chassis upper disk 21. This rotation of upper disk 21 provides for a similar rotative displacment of the entire chassis 46. It will be understood that chassis 46 may be manually constrained from rotation while motor drive shaft 19 is permitted to rotate. Thus, where an impediment forces the stopping or constraining of chassis 46, such will not result in a cataclysmic failure of carousel mechanism 1.

As has been described chassis 46 includes upper disk 21 which is rotationally actuated by motor 8 acting through drive shaft 19 and spur gears 18, 14 acting on frictional coupling member 16. Further, chassis 46 includes lower annular disk or platform 2 connected to and vertically displaced from upper disk 21. Figurines 37 are positionally located between upper and

lower disk

21, 2 as is shown. A plurality of upper and lower disk constraining columns 22 provide constrained motion between

disks

21, 2. Colums 22 may be secured to

disks

21, 2 through bolts, screws, or some like technique well known in the art. In this manner chassis 46 is formed into a onepiece structural mechanism to rotate about a central axis defined by tubular extension or flagpole 39. In order to provide a pleasing visual effect, drive mechanism 45 may be enclosed by a drive mechanism casing shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In this manner, drive mechanism 45 and various components thereof are not visually seen by an observer.

Additionally, carousel mechanism 1 includes a figurine displacement mechanism for longitudinally moving figurines 37 with respect to upper and

lower disks

21, 2 responsive to the rotation of chassis 46. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 there is seen bellcrank mechanisms 27 secured to an upper surface of chassis upper disk 21. Bell crank mechanisms 27 extend in a radial direction with respect to upper disk 21 and as will be seen are adapted to rotate about the radial direction extension. Further, each bellcrank mechanism 27 is secured to an upper surface of disk 21 in constrained relation with respect to chassis 46 in order to provide responsive rotation of each of bellcrank mechanisms 27 as a function of the rotation of the rotation of chassis 46. Mechanisms 27 are mounted to upper disk wall 23 and lug mount 25 through constraining members 35 which may simply be finishing nails placed on either side of bellcrank mechanism 27 to prevent it from moving relative to chassis 46. Lugs 35 prevent independant rotation of bellcrank 27 about central axis 39 and force rotation responsive to chassis 46 rotation. However. lugs 35 do not prevent rotation of bell crank mechanisms 27 about a radially extending direction. It will be understood that lugs 35 may also be staple members forming a bridge around mechanisms 27 to constrain the rotation about central axis 39 as chassis 46 rotates in that direction. Disk wall 23 and lug mount wall 25 are secured to an upper surface of chassis disk 21 through nails, bolts, screws, or some like mechanism not important to the inventive concept as herein described.

Bellcrank mechanisms 27 include a first end having bevel gears 26 mounted thereto as is shown in FIG. 3. Bevel gears 26 matingly engage relatively immoveable pinion or bull gear 24 which is stationary with respect to the rotation chassis 46. Stationary gear 24 is mounted to bolt 13 on threaded end 17 above upper disk 21. It will be noted that bolt 13 is immoveable with respect to rotation of chassis 46, thus, stationary gear 24 mounted to bolt 13 also remains stationary with respect to chassis rotation. Stationary gear 24 may be separated from an upper surface of disk 21 by a snap ring or some like device to provide a displacement between stationary gear 24 and upper disk 21. Gear 24 may be mounted to bolt threaded end 17 through a nut screwed onto the end of threaded end 17.

Thus, rotation of chassis 46 causes a corresponding rotation of bell crank mechanisms 27 through constrainment of mechanisms 27 within the lugs 35 formed on

mounts

25 and 23. Rotation of mechanisms 27 provides for a corresponding rotation of bevel gears 26 which matingly engage stationary gear 24. Rotation of bevel gears 26 result in a rotation of bell crank mechanisms 27 about an axis extending in a radial direction as has been described. Bell crank

bridge sections

28, and 29 formed near a second end of each bellcrank mechanism 27 provide for a longitudinal motion of figurine rods 33 responsive to the rotation of bevel gears 26. Each figurine rod 33 includes an upper section having hook portion 32 as is shown in FIG. 4 passing around rod attachment member 30. Rod attachment 30 may be a washer attached to mechanism 27 having a groove formed around the periphery of the washer to provide a track within which hook 32 of rod 33 may be releasably captured. As is seen, each rod 33 passes through upper disk 21 through openings 31 formed therethrough. Bell crank

bridge portions

28 and 29 are positionally located in alignment with upper disk openings 31 to permit motion of figurine rods 33 with re 7 spect thereto. Each rod 33 passes in a longitudinal direction through a correspondingfigurine 37 and ex tends into rod guide 34 mounted on platform 2. Each rod is insertable within rod guide 34 in a manner such that rod 33 is longitudinally moveable with respect to guide 34. In this manner. rotation of bell crank mechanisms 27 about a radially extending axis direction provides for a reciprocal longitudinal movement of figu-- rines 37 attached to figurine rods 33.

Flagpole or extending rod 39 may be mounted to section 17 of bolt 13. Canopy or covering 38 having a side wall 40 may be mounted above chassis 46 to provide a pleasing visual effect for, carousel mechanism 1. Canopy or covering 38 may structurally resemble a lamp shade. It may consist of a wooden frame of structural ribs bound at the top with wire, and nailed to a wooden frame at a bottom section. Finally, the frame may be covered with a laminated cloth stretched over it in separate sections each of which may be of a different color.

While the foregoing description sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in shape, size and materials may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereafter. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be considered as illustrative and not as limiting the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A carousel mechanism for concurrently rotationally displacing a plurality of figurines about a circuitous path in a horizontal plane and reciprocally in a vertical direction. comprising:

a. a support base member positionally located central said carousel mechanism;

b. drive means secured to an upper section of said support base member for rotationally actuating a drive gear member;

c. a driven gear member rotationally moveable with respect to and mounted on a vertical shaft secured to said upper section of said support base member, said driven gear being mated with said drive gear;

d. a chassis having an upper and lower disk connected each to the other by column members and having said figurines secured thereto on vertically reciprocating rods;

e. friction coupling means between said driven gear and said upper disk of said chassis for support of said chassis; and,

f. bellcrank members rotatably secured to the upper surface of the upper disk of said chassis each having a bevel gear on a first end for mating with a stationary ring gear fixed on said vertical shaft above the upper surface of said chassis upper disk, said bellcranks connected on their second ends to said vertically reciprocating rods for reciprocally displacing said figurines in said vertical direction when said chassis is rotationally actuated by said drive means.

2. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where said friction coupling means includes a friction member for engaging said driven gear and said chassis upper disk on opposing surfaces of said friction member.

3. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 2 tween said driven 'gear and said chassis upper disk.

4. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 3 where said friction member a washer mounted on said vertical shaft, said vertical 'shaft passing through said washer and said chassis upper disk, said washer engaging the lower surface of said chassis upper disk on an upper surface of said washer.

5. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 4 where actuation of said drive means rotationally drives said washer through friction engagement between said driven gear member and said washer at a lower contact surface of said washer. said chassis upper and lower disks being moveably displaced responsive to rotational drive of said washer through friction engagement between said chassis upper disk and said washer at an upper surface of said washer.

6. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 5 where said washer is formed of rubber.

7. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where said drive means includes:

a. motor means connected to said friction coupling means for rotationally driving said chassis; and.

b. a motor mount secured to said support base member and said motor means for positionally locating said motor means in friction contact with said friction coupling means.

8. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 7 where said motor mount includes a tripod assembly, said motor means being connected to an upper portion of said tripod assembly, said tripod assembly having a lower portion providing at least three point contact with an external surface.

9. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 7 whose said motor mount includes:

a. a tripod assembly, said tripod assembly having a lower portion for contacting an external surface extending substantially in the plane of rotation of said chassis; and,

b. an angle member secured to an upper portion of said tripod assembly for providing a platform to which said motor means is connected.

10. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 7 where said motor means includes gear reduction means for providing a predetermined rotation speed at a drive shaft of said motor means.

11. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where said bellcrank mechanisms are secured to the upper surface of said upper disk in rotatably constrained relation with respect to said chassis.

12. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where said bellcrank mechanisms each pass through a lug member secured to an upper surface of said upper disk, said lug member rotationally constraining said bellcrank mechanism responsive to said rotation of said chassis.

13. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where said bellcrank mechanisms are rotatably connected to said reciprocating rods of said figurines.

14. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where at least one figurine is secured to a vertically extending rod member, said rod having a first end rotatably connected to an outer end of said bellcrank mechanism and a second end insertable within a vertical guide passage member secured to said lower annular disk for providing vertical displacement of said figurine dial direction extension.

15. A carousel mechanism Comprising:

a. a support base member having a platform secured to an upper section thereof;

b. motor means secured to said platform for rotationally actuating a drive gear member fastened to a motor shaft of said motor means;

c. a vertical stationary shaft member secured at a lower end thereof to said platform;

(1. a driven spur gear mounted on and rotationally moveable with respect to said vertical shaft memher, said driven spur gear being mated to said drive gear;

e. a friction disk member surrounding said vertical shaft member for frictionally engaging said driven spur gear at a lower surface of said friction disk member;

f. a chassis having upper and lower disk members displaced each from the other by vertically directed column members, the lower surface of said chassis upper disk being in frictional engagement with the upper surface of said friction disk member;

g. a stationary ring gear secured to the vertical stationary shaft member above the upper surface of said chassis upper disk; and,

h. bellcrank members mounted to and rotationally moveable with respect to said upper disk, said bellcranks each having a bevel gear on a first end for mating with said stationary ring gear and connected on a second end for reciprocally displacing figurine rods having figurines secured thereto in a vertical direction when said chassis is rotated through said friction disk member by said motor means.

Claims

1. A carousel mechanism for concurrently rotationally displacing a plurality of figurines about a circuitous path in a horizontal plane and reciprocally in a vertical direction, comprising: a. a support base member positionally located central said carousel mechanism; b. drive means secured to an upper section of said support base member for rotationally actuating a drive gear member; c. a driven gear member rotationally moveable with respect to and mounted on a vertical shaft secured to said upper section of said support base member, said driven gear being mated with said drive gear; d. a chassis having an upper and lower disk connected each to the other by column members and having said figurines secured thereto on vertically reciprocating rods; e. friction coupling means between said driven gear and said upper disk of said chassis for support of said chassis; and, f. bellcrank members rotatably secured to the upper surface of the upper disk of said chassis each having a bevel gear on a first end for mating with a stationary ring gear fixed on said vertical shaft above the upper surface of said chassis upper disk, said bellcranks connected on their second ends to said vertically reciprocating rods for reciprocally displacing said figurines in said vertical direction when said chassis is rotationally actuated by said drive means.

3. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 2 where said friction member is frictionally secured between said driven gear and said chassis upper disk.

4. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 3 where said friction member is a washer mounted on said vertical shaft, said vertical shaft passing through said washer and said chassis upper disk, said washer engaging the lower surface of said chassis upper disk on an upper surface of said washer.

5. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 4 where actuation of said drive means rotationally drives said washer through friction engagement between said driven gear member and said washer at a lower contact surface of said washer, said chassis upper and lower disks being moveably displaced responsive to rotational drive of said washer through friction engagement between said chassis upper disk and said washer at an upper surface of said washer.

7. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where said drive means includes: a. motor means connected to said friction coupling means for rotationally driving said chassis; and, b. a motor mount secured to said support base member and said motor means for positionally locating said motor means in friction contact with said friction coupling means.

9. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 7 whose said motor mount includes: a. a tripod assembly, said tripod assembly having a lower portion for contacting an external surface extending substantially in the plane of rotation of said chassis; and, b. an angle member secured to an upper portion of said tripod assembly for providing a platform to which said motor means is connected.

14. The carousel mechanism as recited in claim 1 where at least one figurine is secured to a vertically extending rod member, said rod having a first end rotatably connected to an outer end of said bellcrank mechanism and a second end insertable within a vertical guide passage member secured to said lower annular disk for providing vertical displacement of said figurine when said bellcrank mechanism is rotated about its radial direction extension.

15. A carousel mechanism comprising: a. a support base member having a platform secured to an upper section thereof; b. motor means secured to said platform for rotationally actuating a drive gear member fastened to a motor shaft of said motor means; c. a vertical stationary shaft member secured at a lower end thereof to said platform; d. a driven spur gear mounted on and rotationally moveable with respect to said vertical shaft member, said driven spur gear being mated to said drive gear; e. a friction disk member surrounding said vertical shaft member for frictionally engaging said driven spur gear at a lower surface of said friction disk member; f. a chassis having upper and lower disk members displaced each from the other by vertically directed column members, the lower surface of said chassis upper disk being in frictional engagement with the upper surface of said friction disk member; g. a stationary ring gear secured to the vertical stationary shaft member above the upper surface of said chassis upper disk; and, h. bellcrank members mounted to and rotationally moveable with respect to said upper disk, said bellcranks each having a bevel gear on a first end for mating with said stationary ring gear and connected on a second end for reciprocally displacing figurine rods having figurines secured thereto in a vertical direction when said chassis is rotated through said friction disk member by said motor means.