Model vehicle with force-isolating drive mechanism
AssigneeLionel L.L.C.
InventorsRichard Webster, Steven Greening
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a force-isolating drive mechanism. The drive mechanism provides a mechanical linkage and speed reduction between an output shaft of a motor for a model locomotive and its drive wheels, via a gear train. The gear train includes a floating mechanism that permits the model locomotive drive wheels vertical freedom of movement, while still remaining mechanically linked to the gear train. The floating mechanism isolates the model locomotive from forces transmitted from the track bed through the drive wheels, thereby providing a more stable and vibration-free model performance.
Claims20
A model vehicle, comprising:
- a reduced-scale model vehicle;
- a motor mounted to the model vehicle, the motor having an output shaft;
- and
- a gear train comprising an input gear engaged with the output shaft and a first output gear engaged with a first drive wheel of the model vehicle, wherein the first output gear is supported by a first movable link, the first movable link permitting free vertical movement of the first output gear relative to a remainder of the gear train, without disengaging the first output gear from the gear train.
A model vehicle, comprising:
- a reduced-scale model vehicle;
- a motor mounted to the model vehicle;
- and
- motion transformation and isolation means for driving a drive wheel of the model vehicle and for isolating the locomotive from external forces imposed on the drive wheel, the motion transformation and isolation means disposed to receive mechanical input from the motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.