Including Means For Causing Erratic Movement Patents (Class 446/437)
  • Patent number: 11117063
    Abstract: A toy capable of implementing second coin clamping (100) includes a fixing member (1) and a first unfolding assembly (4). The first unfolding assembly (4) is foldably provided on the fixing member (1). The first unfolding assembly (4) includes a first triggering member (41) and a first elastic member that makes the first unfolding assembly (4) be in an unfolded state. When the first triggering member (41) is triggered, the first unfolding assembly (4) is unfolded so that a second triggering member (11) on the fixing member (1) can be triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: ALPHA GROUP CO., LTD., GUANGDONG AULDEY ANIMATION & TOY CO., LTD., GUANGZHOU ALPHA CULTURE COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dongqing Cai
  • Patent number: 10758451
    Abstract: An apparatus has a bottom sphere and a top sphere connected to the bottom sphere to define an interior volume with a central plane. The top sphere includes a concave surface at an angle to the central plane. A motor is positioned within the interior volume. A processor is positioned within the interior volume and is connected to the motor. A memory is positioned within the interior volume and is connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor. The instructions include hand stimulation sessions. Each hand stimulation session comprises a sequence of cycles, where each cycle is a sequence of vibration intensity values applied to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: CORE WELLNESS, INC.
    Inventors: Sarah McDevitt, Brian Bolze
  • Patent number: 10688404
    Abstract: A remotely controlled toy vehicle includes a front assembly, a rear assembly, a drive mechanism, and a roll mechanism. The front assembly and the rear assembly each include at least one wheel and the drive mechanism includes a drive motor configured to drive at least one of the at least one wheel of the front assembly and the at least one wheel of the rear assembly. The roll mechanism includes a roll motor configured to roll one of the front assembly and the rear assembly with respect to the other of the front assembly and the rear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Cao, Sam Tsui
  • Patent number: 10632393
    Abstract: A mobile device (e.g., wireless wheeled vehicle) that includes one or more propulsion mechanisms (e.g., one or more drive wheels) and a member (e.g., a mechanized tail). The propulsion mechanism(s) are operable to propel the mobile device across a driving surface. The member is positionable to maintain or change an orientation of the mobile device with respect to the driving surface. The member has a base portion opposite a free end portion. The base portion is pivotably mounted to a portion of the mobile device. The base portion is pivotable to move the free end portion toward and away from the driving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Petronics Inc.
    Inventors: David Jun, Michael Friedman, David Cohen, Dario Aranguiz, Russell Jones
  • Patent number: 10252116
    Abstract: A fitness ball has first and second hemispheres, which are connectable to form a complete sphere. The first hemisphere supports a motor having a pair of rotatable eccentric masses at opposite ends of a common drive shaft. The second hemisphere supports a rechargeable battery pack, electronic circuitry and indicators LEDs. The electronic circuit controls the charging of the battery pack and also selectively provides electrical power from the battery pack to the motor to control the rotational speed of the motor to rotate the eccentric masses. The rotating eccentric masses cause vibrations that are communicated from the motor to the two hemispheres. The vibration frequency is controlled by the rotational speed of the motor. The hemispheres have outer covers having a configuration that is easy to grip such that the vibrations are communicated to a users hands. The ball is substantially balanced about an equatorial plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Hyper Ice, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Marton, Anthony Katz
  • Patent number: 9931580
    Abstract: An illustrative toy vehicle is provided having a two-section chassis and a pivot mechanism rotatably attaching the two sections. The vehicle has the ability to move in multiple orientations and execute movements including a side rollover movement where the pivot mechanism assists in directing the vehicle to roll over from a first orientation to a second orientation about a central axis. A modified wheel design further assists in facilitating movements including the rollover movement. The vehicle may perform movements without user control where the vehicle responds to external factors, such as objects or terrain or the vehicle may use control systems such as radio or remote control with a transmitter/receiver pair, on vehicle switches or sensors utilizing interactive preprogrammed content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper, Jeremy Posner
  • Patent number: 9545542
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9375649
    Abstract: In the present disclosure, disclosed herein, is a toy vehicle. The toy vehicle may include a front portion including a first arm, a second arm, and a first support member coupled to the first arm and the second arm; and a rear portion including a third arm, a fourth arm, and a second support member coupled to the third arm and the fourth arm. The toy vehicle may also include a plurality of wheels in which a first wheel of the plurality of wheels is coupled to the front portion and a second wheel of the plurality of wheels is coupled to the rear portion. An adjustment mechanism includes an actuator and a receiver. The actuator is engaged with the receiver and is rotatable relative thereto. The receiver is movable between a first position in which the receiver is spaced apart from the first support member and the second support member, and a second position in which the receiver contacts the first support member and the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Colquhoun, William Willett
  • Patent number: 8974265
    Abstract: A self-righting mechanism for a toy vehicle includes a base configured to be coupled to the vehicle; an actuator rotatably coupled to the base and extending generally toward a top of the vehicle, the actuator comprising a housing and an actuating rod, wherein the actuator has an inactivated position in which the actuating rod extends a first distance from the housing and an activated position in which the actuating rod extends a second distance from the housing greater than the first distance; an arm rotatably coupled to the base and rotatably coupled to the actuator; and a cartridge containing a pressurized gas coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to be moved from the unactivated position and the activated position by the pressurized gas and wherein when the actuator is in the activated state, the arm protrudes from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: D.T. Mattson Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20150020748
    Abstract: A pet toy includes a structural configuration in which a center of gravity is displaced from a geometric center of the toy so as to provide erratic kinetic movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
  • Patent number: 8926396
    Abstract: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Berrigan August Romig Lennon
  • Patent number: 8900031
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a vehicle body configured for moving along a support surface when disposed in a first orientation. A platform is rotatably coupled to an underside of the vehicle body, and a lever is pivotally coupled to the platform. The lever is movable between a first position disengaged from the support surface and a second position engageable with the support surface when the vehicle is disposed in its first orientation. The lever causes the vehicle to be overturned from its first orientation when the lever is moved from its first position to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Ray Benedict, Keith Hippely, Marlin He, Anthony M. Martino, Eric So
  • Patent number: 8734199
    Abstract: A toy component group (17) has a loading arm (18) with a free end for lifting a load and with a connecting end (19) via which the loading arm (18) is mounted on a frame (20) of the component group (17). An activating device (21) serves for adjusting a loading arm setting angle (?) and, thereby, for lifting the free end of the loading arm (18). The activating device (21) comprises an activating element (23), a spindle (22) mounted on the frame (20) which is in drive connection with the activating element (23) for rotation about a spindle axis (24). Further, the activating device (21) comprises a spindle nut (25) with at least one guiding element (26) and a connecting link (27) secured to the loading arm (18). The connecting link (27) cooperates with the at least one guiding element (26) of the spindle nut (25) for link guiding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bruder Spielwaren GmbH and Co. KG
    Inventor: Paul Heinz Bruder
  • Patent number: 8574022
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a toy car that includes four wheels which have a weight that is at least 40%, 50%, 70% or 80% of the total weight of the car. In another aspect each wheel has a center point, with a combined weight such that a horizontally planar center of gravity defined by the car and measured from a lowest point on an outer edge of the four wheels towards a center of the body is positioned substantially about the center point of the four wheels. In either embodiment, the body may include an upper outer portion and the upper outer portion includes a finger detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: G2 Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Nick Grisolia, Peter Greenley, Gerry Dean Cody, Jr., Chan Hok Yat
  • Patent number: 8491351
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide for a toy vehicle having a smoking tire function where during play of the toy vehicle the simulated smoke gives the toy vehicle an appearance of the toy vehicle performing a burnout, such as that which is seen as being performed by high horse powered drift cars, where the simulated smoke is generated by heating of a smoke fluid or through a water fogger. In either case the simulated smoke is released proximate the at least a wheel thereof to give the toy vehicle an appearance of having smoking tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Trzecieski
  • Patent number: 8433579
    Abstract: The voice-activated motorized remote control device relates to a motorized remote control, for consumer electronics, with wheels that will drive itself over to an end-user in response to the sound of his or her voice. The voice-activated motorized remote control device will also feature a beeping noise during normal operation and also a high pitched beeping noise that will alert the user if the device has become stuck against an object. The voice-activated motorized remote control device comprises a plurality of wheels; a remote control; a plurality of axles; a microphone; a speaker, a central processing unit with a voice recognition system, and a drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto Duran
  • Publication number: 20130045660
    Abstract: A ball (10) comprising a discontinuous ball surface layer (12) formed by spaced elastic beams (18) curved about a ball center, the beams having ends thereof joined in nodes (26, 26?) distributed along the discontinuous ball surface layer. According to the invention, the beams (18) are also curved to establish lateral deflection thereof in the discontinuous ball surface layer (12) along the discontinuous ball surface layer between opposite beam ends for imparting yielding radial resiliency to the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Owe Lyrsell
  • Publication number: 20120322341
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a vehicle body configured for moving along a support surface when disposed in a first orientation. A platform is rotatably coupled to an underside of the vehicle body, and a lever is pivotally coupled to the platform. The lever is movable between a first position disengaged from the support surface and a second position engageable with the support surface when the vehicle is disposed in its first orientation. The lever causes the vehicle to be overturned from its first orientation when the lever is moved from its first position to its second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Bryan Ray Benedict, Keith Hippely, Marlin He, Anthony M. Martino, Eric So
  • Patent number: 8298035
    Abstract: A track set for toy vehicles is provided, the track set having: a platform defining a receiving area; a first track member being pivotally secured to the platform for movement about at a first axis, and a second track member being pivotally secured to the platform for movement about the first axis, the first and second track members each having a launcher for launching a toy vehicle towards the receiving area, the first track member defining a first movable path towards the receiving area and the second track member defining a second movable path towards to the receiving area; and an actuator configured to simultaneously activate the launcher of each of the first and second track members to propel at least one toy vehicle along at least one of the first and second movable paths toward the receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8272919
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interactive intelligent toy that provides the appearance and experience of a toy hamster moving in, and interacting with, its environment and habitat. In an exemplary embodiment, the interactive intelligent toy comprises an intelligent motive and control component enclosed by a cover resembling a hamster, with fur coat, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and whiskers. The motive component includes a drive mechanism and circuitry operable to control the drive mechanism, monitor and detect user and event inputs, and detect and decode embedded codes from a pathway and perform predetermined actions or generate predetermined sounds in response. The motive component moves along and through a pathway component having one or more embedded codes detectable by the motive component, the embedded codes providing information to the motive component to direct desired action of the motive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cepia, LLC
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Benson, Joseph McGowan, Michael Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8267739
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile toy, including: a first chassis to support an axle of a front wheel; and a second chassis to support an axle of a rear wheel, wherein the first and second chassis are rotatably connected with each other by a rotating shaft that lies along a width direction of the automobile toy, and a spring for biasing the first and second chassis is arranged between the first and second chassis, so as to bias the front wheel and the rear wheel to an approaching direction to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Ishibashi, Yoshio Suimon
  • Publication number: 20120094574
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a toy car that includes four wheels which have a weight that is at least 40%, 50%, 70% or 80% of the total weight of the car. In another aspect each wheel has a center point, with a combined weight such that a horizontally planar center of gravity defined by the car and measured from a lowest point on an outer edge of the four wheels towards a center of the body is positioned substantially about the center point of the four wheels. In either embodiment, the body may include an upper outer portion and the upper outer portion includes a finger detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Nick Grisolia, Peter Greenley, Gerry Dean Cody, JR., Chan Hok Yat
  • Patent number: 8066544
    Abstract: A toy apparatus may include a frame and a shell that may extend over and around the frame so that the apparatus takes on the appearance of an animal or thing. The frame may support a power source, a motor, drive and support wheel(s), a controller, one or more sensors and/or switches, and an audio emitting device(s). The sensor(s) and/or switches may include one or more of a photo sensor; a pressure, touch or contact sensor; an audio sensor; or any combination of these or similar sensors or switches that are positioned on the “front” and “top” of the frame. The apparatus may also be positioned in and interact with one or more separate or interconnected environments. These environments may include one or more platforms or enclosures, ramp(s), “exercise” wheel(s) and other light or sound emitting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hedeen International, LLC
    Inventor: Clemens V. Hedeen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8025551
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has first, second and third wheels for movement over a surface. Each of the first, second and third wheels has a respective first, second and third axis of rotation that lies between the remaining two other axes of rotation such that the three axes of rotation are mutually adjoining. Each of the three axes of rotation crosses over the other two axes of rotation such that an angle is formed between each adjoining crossing pair of the axes of rotation where each angle is other than a multiple of 90 degrees. Each wheel is individually powered so that the toy vehicle can translate in any horizontal direction regardless of its facing direction. Two of the wheels can be realigned so their axes of rotation are collinear for conventional movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Torres, Christopher J. Hardouin, Mark S. Mayer, Tin Hung Ngai, Chun Wing Wong
  • Patent number: 7934970
    Abstract: A track set for toy vehicles and a method for colliding toy vehicles are provided. The track set has a collision platform that defines a collision area. The track set further includes a first track member being pivotally secured to the collision platform at a pivot axis of the collision platform, and a second track member being pivotally secured to the collision platform at the pivot axis. The first and second track members each have a vehicle launcher for launching a toy vehicle towards the collision platform. The first track member defines a first vehicle pathway to the collision platform and the second track member defines a second vehicle pathway to the collision platform. The track set further includes an actuator configured to simultaneously activate the vehicle launcher of each of the first and second track members to propel at least one toy vehicle along at least one of the first and second vehicle pathways toward the collision area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7927170
    Abstract: A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: JKID Limited
    Inventors: Matthew James Bickerton, Michael Lee Simpson
  • Patent number: 7901266
    Abstract: A toy vehicle collision set. The toy vehicle collision set includes a plurality of launchers that propel collision vehicles through the air. The launchers are aimed to propel the plurality of collision vehicles into a collision zone. The collision vehicles fired from the launchers can collide in the collision zone when fired from the launchers. The toy vehicle collision set further includes a track that directs a target vehicle along a path of travel. The path of travel includes an airborne segment in which the target vehicle jumps across the collision zone. Collision vehicles fired from the launchers can be used to knock the target vehicle off its path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Ostendorff
  • Patent number: 7803031
    Abstract: The vehicle (10) includes a frame (12) having at least three non-circular wheels (20, 22, 24) secured to a frame (12), wherein the wheels are mechanically secured to each other so that whenever one non-circular wheel moves, the other wheels (20, 22, 24) move. An offset arm (76) powered by a motor (78) rotates a weight (84) around a geometric center adjacent the wheels to sequentially tip them so that their sequential tipping moves the vehicle (10). The non-circular wheels (20, 22, 24) are sequentially aligned with respect to each other so that whenever one wheel is tipped from a collapse alignment (32) into a contact alignment (34), sequentially the next non-circular wheel (20, 22, 24) is moved into a collapse alignment (32). Any driving force may be used to sequentially tip the non-circular wheels (20, 22, 24, 26), instead of the rotating weight (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventors: Jason M. Winckler, Steven J. Winckler
  • Patent number: 7662017
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a support surface in a lifting motion and roll end over end over end. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm pivotally mounted to a housing of the toy vehicle. A lift arm actuating motor is coupled to a lift arm drive screw that is in threaded engagement with a lift arm drive nut. A strut is coupled between the drive nut and the lift arm. In operation, the lift arm actuating motor drives the lift arm drive screw and causes the lift arm drive nut to drive the strut and move the lift arm into an extended position, causing the lift arm to engage a support surface to lift the toy vehicle. In the extended position, the toy vehicle is sufficiently rounded to permit the vehicle to roll end over end over end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, Justin Discoe, Vladimir Leonov, Nathan Bloch, John M. Clements, Gregory Garneau
  • Patent number: 7563151
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a driven wheel, a drive assembly including a drive motor, and a steering assembly including a first steering motor and first and second steering arms. The drive motor is coupled to the driven wheel. The first and second steering arms are coupled to the steering motor. The drive motor drives rotation of the drive assembly relative to the driven wheel, and the steering motor drives rotation of the first and second steering arms relative to the drive assembly. Preferably, a second steering motor is provided, and rotation of the first and second steering arms may be independently controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Leonov, David S. Bowen
  • Publication number: 20090149112
    Abstract: A radio-controlled toy skateboard comprises a deck and front and rear trucks. The individual wheels of the rear truck can be controlled separately responsive to radio signals from a remote transmitter for rotation in either direction, while the front wheels rotate freely. Also responsive to radio control signals, the rear truck is controllably pivoted with respect to the deck about a kingpin axis that is inclined rearwardly, while the front truck pivots freely about a forwardly inclined kingpin axis. When the rear truck is thus pivoted, the deck tilts about its longitudinal centerline, causing the front truck to pivot correspondingly, steering the skateboard. A pair of modeled shoes are mounted for free pivoting about pivot axes. As the board tilts toward one side or the other, the shoes pivot from a toes-in to a toes-out position, mimicing the foot movements of a live “skater”. The forward shoe is mounted on a trolley sliding freely on an inclined ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, JR., H. Peter Greene, JR.
  • Patent number: 7479055
    Abstract: In a running device for a model (6) comprising a pair of motors (7), a pair of left and right wheels (8) which are independently driven by the pair of motors (7), and a control device (20) which controls operations of the pair of motors (7) based on instructions concerning speed and direction, the control device (20) controls the pair of motors (7) such that the pair of motors (7) are alternately rotated in an instructed direction when the instructed speed (Vm) is in a low speed range (L, M), and the pair of motors (7) are rotated in the instructed direction simultaneously when the instructed speed is in a high speed range (H) which is higher than the low speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Saeki
  • Publication number: 20080268744
    Abstract: A toy vehicle including a chassis having opposing right and left sides, opposing front and rear ends and a top side extending between the lateral sides and the ends. Front and rear road wheels are operatively mounted to the chassis to support the chassis for movement. The toy vehicle further includes a vehicle body, at least one biasing member positioned between the top side of the chassis and the vehicle body so as to bias the vehicle body away from the chassis and at least one connection movably securing the vehicle body with the chassis. Each of the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection are sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body in different horizontal directions on the chassis while the at least one connection limits separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Jones
  • Publication number: 20080125010
    Abstract: A crawling toy includes a shell body showing a special design and defining a receiving space, in which a pivot shaft is transversely mounted; and two side wheels rotatably mounted to two ends of the pivot shaft. Each of the side wheels has a plurality of angularly equally spaced adherent sections providing predetermined adhesion force and elasticity. The adherent sections separately located at two ends of the side wheels are arranged in a staggered manner. When the crawling toy is positioned on an upper end of an inclined or a vertical surface, an overall weight of the crawling toy forms a driving force, which cooperates with the two side wheels rotating at the two ends of the pivot shaft to cause the adherent sections to alternately adhere to and separate from the surface, bringing the toy to move like a crawler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Yao-Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 7329167
    Abstract: A multi-axle running toy includes: a flywheel to serve as a driving source; three or more drive axles driven by rotation of the flywheel; a gear train to transmit the rotation of the flywheel to the drive axles; and traveling wheels installed on both ends of each of the drive axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignees: Tomy Company, Ltd., Imagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshizo Nagasaka, Hiroyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7261615
    Abstract: A remotely controlled toy vehicle appears to drift when turning, appearing to slide into the turn, by having a rear driving platform that swivels under a main body of a chassis. In addition to making the chassis appear to slide, the rear driving platform induces a tilt of the chassis into the turn, simulating a car suspension shifting toward the slide. Dummy rear wheels attached to pivoting trailing arms assist in obscuring the rear driving platform and make the toy vehicle appear more realistic. Castoring front wheels further enhance the drifting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design Ltd., LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hoeting, Neil Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7172488
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a support surface in a lifting motion and roll end over end over end. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm pivotally mounted to a housing of the toy vehicle. A lift arm actuating motor is coupled to a lift arm drive screw that is in threaded engagement with a lift arm drive nut. A strut is coupled between the drive nut and the lift arm. In operation, the lift arm actuating motor drives the lift arm drive screw and causes the lift arm drive nut to drive the strut and move the lift arm into an extended position, causing the lift arm to engage a support surface to lift the toy vehicle. In the extended position, the toy vehicle is sufficiently rounded to permit the vehicle to roll end over end over end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, Justin Discoe, Vladimir Leonov, Nathan Bloch, John M. Clements, Gregory Garneau
  • Patent number: 6964572
    Abstract: A developmental toy for small children includes a contacting member is rotated by an electric motor and a controller that, in response to input from a sensor, signals the electric motor to move the toy from a starting position for an initial period of time in an initial direction and signals the motor to wait a resting period of time. If no further input is received from a child that is detected by the sensor within the resting period of time, the controller signals the motor to move the toy back in an opposite sense, toward the starting location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Cesa
  • Patent number: 6945843
    Abstract: A toy lowrider model vehicle which simulates the lifting and lowering movement of a full-size lowrider vehicle. The toy vehicle, preferably wireless or remote controlled having an onboard control signal receiver and battery power, has a chassis which supports spaced front and rear suspension assemblies each including a transverse axle supporting a wheel thereon for rotation and chassis support. Each suspension assembly is preferably independently movable, carrying an axle and wheel thereon for controlled up and down movement to selectively raise and lower each corner of the chassis separately or in any desired combination together. Lifting motors supported on the chassis each include an output shaft connected to one corresponding suspension assembly whereby the corresponding axle and wheel thereon are carried to move up or down to effect the corresponding corner of the chassis to raise or lower in lowrider fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
  • Patent number: 6939197
    Abstract: A toy vehicle that is capable of lifting off a travel surface by means of a cam member. The toy vehicle comprises a chassis that has first and second ends and first and second drive wheels disposed between the first and second ends. The first and second drive wheels are aligned along an axis and are coupled to a drive system. To provide the toy vehicle with “tank steering” capabilities, the first and second drive wheels may be controlled independently of each other. One or more cam members aligned along the same axis as the first and second drive wheels are adapted to selectively rotate about the axis so that an outer edge contacts the travel surface, causing the toy vehicle to lift into the air. The cam members may be controlled by a cam motor, which operates independently of the drive system. In one embodiment, the toy vehicle and its cam members are adapted to be fully operable in an upright, first drive position and an upside-down, second drive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael G. Hoeting
  • Patent number: 6926581
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprising a hinged, three part chassis having a first longitudinal end and a second, opposing longitudinal end and including a central chassis portion with first and second lateral chassis portions pivotally coupled with the central chassis portion on the first and second lateral side, respectively, of the central chassis portion. The first and second lateral chassis portions are coupled so as to pivot with respect to the central chassis portion in a common plane and spring biased against the central portion. Each lateral chassis portion includes a pair of road wheels at least one of which is driven by a reversible motor in that chassis portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: The Obb, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael John Lynders, James Michael Ferro, Noah Luther Kislevitz, Androc Luther Kislevitz, Adam Luther Kislevitz
  • Patent number: 6881122
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a supporting surface in a lifting motion. The lift mechanism includes a rotary member which engages a lifting lever hingedly attached to a chassis of the toy vehicle. In operation, the rotary member is abruptly moved by a biasing member into engagement with the lifting lever. The rotary member moves the lifting lever into an extended position, causing the lifting lever to engage the supporting surface, to lift the toy. The toy vehicle includes features to help permit operation of the lift mechanism only when the toy vehicle is in a proper operational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Bloch, Vikas Kumar Parkhie Sinha, Justin Discoe, Kenlip Ong, Gregory Nungester, Bruce Gavins
  • Patent number: 6821181
    Abstract: An amusement device with sparking means comprises a central housing which encapsulates a power means. An axle support is located at a bottom portion of the housing, functioning to allow an axle to extend horizontally therethrough. A plurality of wheels are rigidly affixed to the axle and located at extreme ends of the axle. The axle is of a generally bent configuration, functioning to allow the amusement device to move across a surface in a wave-like pattern. A rudder member acting as front support means comes in contact with a flat surface upon which the amusement device is placed, and is rigidly affixed to a wind-up handle. The wind-up handle is rigidly connected to the power means located within the housing, functioning to allow a user to crank the handle to engage the power. A generally elliptical friction disc member is located at a position above the housing and positioned horizontally thereto. The friction disc member comprises a rotating arm, which is parallel to the friction disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Francisco Bicalho Domingues
  • Patent number: 6767272
    Abstract: A model car having a mechanism, including an electric motor, for raising and lowering the chassis in respect of the ground engaging wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Craft House Corporation
    Inventor: Paul S. Santarsiero
  • Patent number: 6764374
    Abstract: A radio controlled vehicle have greater than two gyroscopic action wheels provides a wider range of stunt options and increased stability during operation. The overall weight of the vehicle with respect to the combined mass and gyroscopic force which the gyroscopic wheels can produce for given rpm speeds is maintained within a predetermined operating range in order to provide the increased stunt maneuverability and stabilization during operation. The torque reaction of opposing gyroscopic wheels or wheel pairs creates a range stunt inducing forces/actions equal to or greater than the gyro effect created by the respective wheels. The combination of the torque reaction and gyro effect broadens the scope of existing stunt capabilities and make possible a completely new range of stunt inducing actions not available in other radio control toys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Leynian Ltd. Co.
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Michael G. Hetman
  • Patent number: 6758719
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle having a frame comprised of a first frame portion and a transmission assembly portion. The transmission assembly portion having two wheels connected to an axle to support the transmission assembly and an electric motor and gear system for moving the toy vehicle in a forward or reverse direction. The toy vehicle has a gear box with an electric motor a first and second rotatable cam. A rod connected to the transmission assembly and rotatably mounted on a pin and engaging a rod from on of the first rotatable cam to act as a cam follower moving the rod in an up and down direction when the first rotatable cam rotates thereby extending the transmission assembly. A second rod connected to a third wheel and engaging a rod located on the second rotatable cam distal to the wheel and acting as a cam follower wherein the rod moves in an up and down direction when the second rotatable cam rotates, thereby extending the wheel attached at the distal end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Rudy Nava
  • Patent number: 6752684
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle that has the ability to transform from a compact (narrow wheel track) configuration to an expanded (wide wheel track) configuration. The toy vehicle includes at least one driving wheel. Left and right main transformation arms are attached to left and right chassis bodies. A transformation drive is adapted to cause the main transformation arms to move towards or away from each other when the transformation drive is actuated, thereby causing the left and right chassis bodies to move towards or away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jason C. Lee
  • Patent number: 6726524
    Abstract: Problems are solved in a conventional traveling structure that can perform only the back and forth movement, circularly back and forth movement, and straight laterally movement, so that every directional movement is desired, and is not suitable for a traveling structure of agricultural equipment desired to be movable in every direction, and also is not enough of a challenge to be a traveling toy. In a traveling structure for traveling by rotating wheels with a driving source such as a motor, the traveling structure comprises a main body, the wheels arranged on every side of the main body, and auxiliary wheels arranged in the wheels rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheels, wherein the auxiliary wheels are protruded from a supporting surface of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kyosho Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Yamaguchi, Shinichi Asai
  • Publication number: 20040077281
    Abstract: A model car having a mechanism, including an electric motor, for raising and lowering the chassis in respect of the ground engaging wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Paul S. Santarsiero
  • Patent number: 6692333
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has front and rear chassis portions and a flipping mechanism which allows the front chassis portion to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the rear chassis portion about a longitudinal axis. The flipping mechanism includes a triggering mechanism, a rotational drive mechanism and a mechanism to prevent damage to a main spring which drives the rotational motion of the front chassis relative to the rear chassis. The toy vehicle may be remote controlled, and include a remote control transmitter. One remote control transmitter includes a left hand and a right hand portion, with the two portions being pivotable with respect to one another to activatea control switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Obb, LLC
    Inventors: Androc L. Kislevitz, Adam L. Kislevitz, Noah L. Kislevitz, Justin M. Discoe, David V. Helmlinger, David J. Ribbe