US3568802A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spring motor with integral spring clutch
Assignee: Mattel Inc
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Filing: 1969-09-11
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Granted: 1971-03-09
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Expires: 1989-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A spring motor for toys and other mechanisms whose speed is regulated by a governor and that includes a constant-torque spring which can be wound onto a power drum or unwound therefrom onto a takeup spool, wherein a ratchet is employed to uncouple the governor from the spring during winding of the spring thereon, to reduce the power required to wind the spring. A ratchet wheel coupled to the governor lies within the power drum, and the end portion of the spring that is fixed to the drum has an outer part that extends to the ratchet wheel to serve as a pawl that drives it only as the spring unwinds.
Inventors
- 👤 James E Marshall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 10:07
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H33/00; F16H33/02; F03; F03G; F03G1/00; F03G1/02; F03G1/022; F16H31/00; F16H2706/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
Motor apparatus comprising: drum means mounted for rotation in first and second directions; a spring having an end portion coupled to said drum means for imparting rotation thereto during unwinding of said spring from said drum means; power takeoff means including a ratchet wheel mounted inside said drum means; and means formed integrally with said end portion of said spring and extending into operative engagement with said ratchet wheel for coupling said drum means to said takeoff means substantially only during rotation of said drum means in the direction it is normally driven by said spring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
Motor apparatus comprising: drum means mounted for rotation in first and second directions; a spring having an end portion coupled to said drum means for imparting rotation thereto during unwinding of said spring from said drum means; power takeoff means including a ratchet wheel mounted inside said drum means; and means formed integrally with said end portion of said spring and extending into operative engagement with said ratchet wheel for coupling said drum means to said takeoff means substantially only during rotation of said drum means in the direction it is normally driven by said spring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
The motor apparatus described in claim 1 wherein: said drum means comprises a substantially ring-shaped member with an outer surface for supporting said spring when it is wound thereon, and an opening for permitting the passage of at least part of said end portion of said spring to said ratchet wheel; and said end portion of said spring is bent at an acute angle, with the bend passing around a wall of said opening in said drum means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The motor apparatus described in claim 1 wherein: said drum means has a pull cord receiving portion; and including a pull cord having an inner end attached to said drum means and a portion extending around said cord receiving portion when said spring is unwound.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The motor apparatus described in claim 1 wherein; said power takeoff means comprises a governor coupled to said ratchet wheel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
Motor apparatus comprising: power drum means for rotation in first and second directions; spring takeup drum means; a spring extending between said power and takeup drum means for unwinding from one drum means onto the other; means for turning said power drum means in said first direction to wind said spring around it; power takeoff means; and ratchet means for coupling said power drum means to said takeoff means substantially only duRing rotation of said power drum means in said second direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
82 words
Motor apparatus comprising: power drum means for rotation in first and second directions; spring takeup drum means; a spring extending between said power and takeup drum means for unwinding from one drum means onto the other; means for turning said power drum means in said first direction to wind said spring around it; power takeoff means; and ratchet means for coupling said power drum means to said takeoff means substantially only duRing rotation of said power drum means in said second direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The motor described in claim 5 wherein; said ratchet means comprises a ratchet wheel coupled to said power takeoff means, and pawl means for coupling said power drum means to said ratchet wheel, said pawl means comprising an end portion of said spring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
The motor apparatus described in claim 5 wherein: said ratchet means comprises a ratchet wheel positioned within said power drum means; said power drum means has an opening for coupling the region where said spring is wound thereabout and the position of said ratchet wheel; and said spring has an end which is folded at an acute angle, and which extends through said opening and against said ratchet wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
The motor apparatus described in claim 4 wherein: said governor is coupled to said ratchet wheel by a plurality of planetary members rotatably mounted on said ratchet wheel and a raceway disposed about said planetary members; and said governor is mounted coaxial with said ratchet wheel and has a hub portion engaged with said planetary members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
134 words
In motor apparatus with a power drum that drives a governor or other power takeoff, wherein a spring extends between a spring holding spool and the power drum to wind onto the power drum when it is driven in a first direction and to unwind therefrom to drive it in a second direction, the improvement comprising: a ratchet wheel connected to said power takeoff for transmitting power thereto from said power drum when said power drum turns in said second direction; and wherein said spring has an end portion with an inner part mounted on said power drum and an outer part disposed against said ratchet wheel to positively engage it when said power drum turns in said second direction and to slip on it when said power drum turns in said first direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
134 words
In motor apparatus with a power drum that drives a governor or other power takeoff, wherein a spring extends between a spring holding spool and the power drum to wind onto the power drum when it is driven in a first direction and to unwind therefrom to drive it in a second direction, the improvement comprising: a ratchet wheel connected to said power takeoff for transmitting power thereto from said power drum when said power drum turns in said second direction; and wherein said spring has an end portion with an inner part mounted on said power drum and an outer part disposed against said ratchet wheel to positively engage it when said power drum turns in said second direction and to slip on it when said power drum turns in said first direction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The improvement described in claim 9 wherein: said ratchet wheel is disposed coaxial with said power drum and within it; and said power drum has a slot therein, and said end portion of said spring extends through said slot and against said ratchet wheel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-08 | 1974-09-07 | 1975-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-08 | 1978-09-07 | 1979-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-09-07 | 1983-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |