Amusement device propelled by an eccentric apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A base supported on one end by two ratchet type wheel assemblies and supported on the other end by a movable jointed yoke assembly which is supported by another pair of ratchet type wheel assemblies.
The jointed yoke assembly is resiliently biased toward the base.
A flexible shell, configured to appear as a "rock" or other desired shape, is affixed only to the aft or wheeled end of the yoke assembly and to the forward end of the base.
A prime mover or motor is mounted on the base and drives an eccentric motion producing apparatus such as a cam or rack and pinion type arrangement.
The activated eccentric apparatus transfers longitudinal periodic motion to the moveable yoke assembly, causing the yoke to oscillate to and from the base and in turn causing the flexible shell to produce a "humping" motion so that the "rock" appears to "cough.
" As an additional product of this oscillatory motion, the movement of the jointed yoke causes the four ratchet type wheal assemblies to increment and intermittently partially rotate.
The rotation of the wheels causes horizontal movement of the overall device.
By the use of an eccentric mechanism, the amusement device synchronously coughs and crawls.
The amusement device can be activated by a smoke detection apparatus where upon the device starts to cough and crawl in response to the presence of smoke.
The device may also roll over as part of the sequence of coughing and crawling.
Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.