Unidirectional rotary drive mechanism for multi-part construction toy
US6286649A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D41/18
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unidirectional drive for a multi-part construction toy. A circular first drive element is received within the cylindrical wall of a second drive element. Each drive element has angularly oriented fixed drive teeth projecting toward the other. The outermost dimension of the first drive element is such as to enable it to rotate in one direction within the second drive element, without driving engagement to cause the second element to rotate. At least one of the drive elements is free to move radially with respect to its axis of rotation such that, when rotated in a driving direction, relative radial displacement between the two drive elements causes the respective drive teeth to become positively engaged for maintaining the two drive elements in positive driving relation. An extraordinarily simple and inexpensive one-way clutch drive is achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.