Document Type and Number:
Japanese Patent JPS5194333
Kind Code:
A
Abstract:
A self-propelled toy vehicle wherein at least one driving wheel also provides a gyroscopic effect on the travel of the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the toy vehicle has a single supporting and driving wheel in the form of a rotatable flywheel which is capable of storing sufficient energy to provide a gyroscopic directional effect on the vehicle. The axle of the flywheel is rotatably mounted in a frame which is pivotally mounted about a vertical axis on and relative to the toy vehicle body. Rapid rotation of the flywheel to drive and direct the vehicle is achieved by the use of a flexible rack engageable with a pinion gear on the axis of the wheel. During travel, the vehicle body can rotate in a horizontal plane about said vertical axis relative to the flywheel and its frame, and thus give the impression of a vehicle skidding out of control even though the flywheel continues to move along a straight line under the gyroscopic effect of the flywheel. In the exemplary embodiment, a latch-release mechanism is provided to hold the body relative to the flywheel frame in a forward orientation. A figure is positionable on the vehicle to hold the mechanism in latched condition, but the mechanism is released when the figure is knocked off of the vehicle.
Application Number:
JP15467175A
Publication Date:
August 18, 1976
Filing Date:
December 24, 1975
Export Citation:
International Classes:
A63H17/25; A63H17/26; A63H29/20; A63H17/02; (IPC1-7): A63H17/36; A63H29/20