US3722134A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-propelled continuously moving toy
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-10-12
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Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1991-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A self-propelled toy that moves about a planar surface, changing direction whenever an obstacle too large to drive over is contacted. The toy is comprised of a rigid, hollow shell having a driving means, within which the driving means provides the necessary torque on the shell for forward and turning motion.
Inventors
- 👤 C Merrill
- 👤 J Gifford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 18:21
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H33/00; A63H33/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A toy for uninterrupted movement about a surface which changes direction whenever an obstacle too large to pass over is contacted comprising: a hollow enclosed curved envelope having an inner and outer surface; and an envelope driving means frictionally engaged to and pivotally moveable relative to the engaged inside envelope surface, having at least a first, second and a third supporting means on said inner surface, said first supporting means including torque means pivotally moveable to and rotatably engageable with said inner surface for propelling and providing a rotational moment on said driving means, whereby the envelope is rollable about a planar surface and will change direction and continue rolling whenever an obstacle is contacted by said envelope.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
118 words
A toy for uninterrupted movement about a surface which changes direction whenever an obstacle too large to pass over is contacted comprising: a hollow enclosed curved envelope having an inner and outer surface; and an envelope driving means frictionally engaged to and pivotally moveable relative to the engaged inside envelope surface, having at least a first, second and a third supporting means on said inner surface, said first supporting means including torque means pivotally moveable to and rotatably engageable with said inner surface for propelling and providing a rotational moment on said driving means, whereby the envelope is rollable about a planar surface and will change direction and continue rolling whenever an obstacle is contacted by said envelope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A motorized toy as in claim 1, wherein: said driving means including a frame, said first, second and third supporting means coupled to said frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A motorized toy as in claim 2 including: rotational energy means, said first supporting means including a first wheel and a first axle fixedly coupled to said wheel and rotatably coupled to said frame and said energy means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A motorized toy as in claim 3, wherein: said second supporting means includes a second wheel and a second axle, said second axle coupled to said second wheel and frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A motorized toy as in claim 4, wherein: said third supporting means including a supporting member coupled to said frame at one end along the longitudinal axis of said frame, said first and second wheels coupled at the opposite end of said frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A motorized toy as in claim 5, wherein: the center of gravity of said driving means is between the frame and the envelope contact areas of the first, second and third supporting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A motorized toy as in claim 6, wherein: said envelope is separable into a first portion and a second portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A motorized toy as in claim 7, wherein: said envelope is spherical; and said driving means includes an electric motor , a circuit means, a battery coupled to said motor by said circuit means, and said motor, ''''On-Off'''' switch means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A motor as in claim 7, wherein: said energy source is a spring-wound actuated motor.
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) | 1976-03-26 | 1976-09-25 | 1977-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-26 | 1980-09-25 | 1981-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-26 | 1984-09-25 | 1985-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |