Vehicle Patents (Class 446/6)
  • Patent number: 11364446
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a toy vehicle that includes a vehicle body, at least one motor and a plurality of wheels. The at least one motor is mounted to the vehicle body, and is sized to have a selected amount of torque. The plurality of wheels includes at least one driven wheel which includes at least one flip-over wheel which has an axis closer to one end of the vehicle than the other end. In an upright orientation the vehicle body extends above the plurality of wheels. The toy vehicle has a centre of gravity that is positioned, such that, application of torque from the at least one motor causes the vehicle body to drive rotation of the vehicle body about the axis of rotation from an inverted orientation over to the upright orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SPIN MASTER LTD.
    Inventors: Lee Gamble, Chaitanya Dogra, Jason C. Lee
  • Patent number: 11135523
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a toy vehicle that includes a vehicle body, at least one motor and a plurality of wheels. The at least one motor is mounted to the vehicle body, and is sized to have a selected amount of torque. The plurality of wheels includes at least one driven wheel which includes at least one flip-over wheel which has an axis closer to one end of the vehicle than the other end. In an upright orientation the vehicle body extends above the plurality of wheels. The toy vehicle has a centre of gravity that is positioned, such that, application of torque from the at least one motor causes the vehicle body to drive rotation of the vehicle body about the axis of rotation from an inverted orientation over to the upright orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventors: Lee Gamble, Chaitanya Dogra, Jason C. Lee
  • Patent number: 10814240
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a child-mother toy, including: a first assembly and a second assembly. The second assembly includes a supporting member, a triggering subassembly, a unfolding subassembly and an ejection subassembly, and the triggering subassembly, the unfolding subassembly and the ejection subassembly are disposed to the supporting member. Before the triggering subassembly is triggered, the unfolding subassembly is folded at the supporting member so as to define an accommodating cavity together with the supporting member, the accommodating cavity is configured to accommodate the first assembly therein; and after the triggering subassembly is triggered, the unfolding subassembly is unfolded to open the accommodating cavity, and meanwhile the ejection subassembly ejects the first assembly out of the accommodating cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: ALPHA GROUP CO., LTD., GUANGDONG AULDEY ANIMATION & TOY CO., LTD., GUANGZHOU ALPHA CULTURE COMMUNICATIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dongqing Cai
  • Patent number: 10709993
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for self-righting a remote controlled model vehicle. The method includes determining a current pitch angle and a current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle. The method further includes accelerating or decelerating a mass on the model vehicle based on the current pitch angle and the current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle to create a rocking motion about a first axis by the model vehicle. In addition, the method may include sensing a rotation about a second axis of the model vehicle and imparting a yaw moment to realign the model vehicle to rock about the first axis. The method may also include terminating the self-righting process when the model vehicle is upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: TRAXXAS LP
    Inventors: Wesley Ronald Erhart, Thomas Michael Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8951086
    Abstract: An aircraft for unmanned aviation is described. The aircraft includes an airframe, a pair of fins attached to a rear portion of the airframe, a pair of dihedral braces attached to a bottom portion of the airframe, a first thrust-vectoring (“T/V”) module and a second T/V module, and an electronics module. The electronics module provides commands to the two T/V modules. The two T/V modules are configured to provide lateral and longitudinal control to the aircraft by directly controlling a thrust vector for each of the pitch, the roll, and the yaw of the aircraft. The use of directly articulated electrical motors as T/V modules enables the aircraft to execute tight-radius turns over a wide range of airspeeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Adam John Woodworth, James Peverill, Greg Vulikh, Jeremy Scott Hollman
  • Patent number: 8810378
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhanced control of user configurable devices, such as robots. One system may include a user-configurable device and an on-vehicle programmable controller coupled to the user-configurable device. This system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the on-vehicle programmable controller via one signal wire, where a substantial portion of the receiver-controlled communications occur using the one signal wire. Another system may include (alternatively or in combination as appropriate) a user-configurable device including an on-vehicle programmable controller and a first tether port. The system may also include a remote control transmitter with at least one wireless output and a second tether port, where the transmitter is communicably coupled to the user-configurable remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, Corey Lee Chitwood, Richard D. Torrance, Mark J. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8777689
    Abstract: A transforming toy vehicle, includes a chassis; a motive system coupled to the chassis translating a location of the chassis over a surface, the motive system including a free drive mode and an inhibited drive mode wherein the mode of the motive system establishes a state for a mode control latch, the mode control latch including a latched state and a not latched state; a housing, coupled to the chassis and responsive to the state of the mode control latch, the housing having an untransformed mode and a transformed mode, the housing transitioning from the untransformed mode to the transformed mode when the state of the mode control latch changes from the latched state to the unlatched state; and a detector, coupled to the chassis the motive system changing from the free drive mode to the inhibited drive mode when the carriage overlies the particular environmental feature wherein the housing transitions to the transformed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Phillip H. Neal, Andrew Lewis Johnston, Derek Garvens, Scott Eckerman
  • Patent number: 8721383
    Abstract: An aircraft for unmanned aviation is described. The aircraft includes an airframe, a pair of fins attached to a rear portion of the airframe, a pair of dihedral braces attached to a bottom portion of the airframe, a first thrust vectoring module and a second thrust vectoring module, and an electronics module. The electronics module provides commands to the two thrust vectoring modules. The two thrust vectoring modules are configured to provide lateral and longitudinal control to the aircraft by directly controlling a thrust vector for each of the pitch, the roll, and the yaw of the aircraft. The use of directly articulated electrical motors as thrust vectoring modules enables the aircraft to execute tight-radius turns over a wide range of airspeeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Woodworth, Brandon Suarez
  • Patent number: 8657642
    Abstract: A radio controlled R/C car including, a body supported on a plurality of wheels including at least one drive wheel, a remote control in communication with a controller on the car, a plurality of removable panels each panel including a latch to hold the panel in a first position on the car body and each latch associated with a plunger movable from a first position holding the latch in place to a second position releasing the latch, a first spring biasing the plunger to the first position and a second spring loaded by the latch the second spring biasing the panel away from the first position such that the panel springs away from the car body to simulate a crash. Once all the panels are released a sound plays and a driver ejects from the car and the car stops. Two or more cars can be used in a demolition derby where the last car still running with a driver would be the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jammy Magot
  • 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: 8049601
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling one or more servos coupled to a model vehicle. An input signal having a series of input pulses encoded at an input pulse repetition frequency is received at a receiver coupled to a model vehicle having one or more servos. The input signal is decoded at the receiver. A servo control pulse is generated using at least one of the input pulses at the receiver. The servo control pulse is outputted to at least one of the servos at an output pulse repetition frequency that is different from the input pulse repetition frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldkamp
  • Patent number: 8033888
    Abstract: Various degradation features are disclosed for a remotely controlled vehicle. Translatable body components are disclosed for simulating damage to a vehicle. Impact sensors may be provided for detecting an impact to the vehicle and modifying operation of the vehicle in response to an impact. A timer may be provided for hampering operations of the vehicle as a function of time for simulating real life conditions. Controls, and methods associated with these features are disclosed as well as games for utilizing the degradation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Marc Lorelli, Michael D. Turner
  • Patent number: 7982423
    Abstract: A robotic mechanism comprising a chassis having a first side and an opposite second side, a first leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the first side and a second leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the second side. The first leg member and the second leg member being of generally spiral shape. The first leg member and the second leg member rotating generally about a common axis. The chassis having a center of mass lying below the common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Bossa Nova Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Sarjoun Skaff
  • 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: 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: 7749047
    Abstract: A toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a body with at least one rollable wheel operatively connected to the body, and a pneumatic system operatively connected to the body and configured to store a pressurized gas and release stored gas upon a triggering event. A lifter is operatively connected to the at least one wheel and is configured to use energy from the pressurized gas to cause the toy to jump responsive to the triggering event, at least in part, by extending the at least one wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Dunham
  • Patent number: 7740516
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc
    Inventor: Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Patent number: 7674150
    Abstract: A toy. The toy includes a body and a plurality of tethers moveably coupled to the body. The toy also includes a corresponding plurality of tethered pieces coupled to the plurality of tethers and moveable between a retracted state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces proximate the body and an extended state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces away from the body. A triggering mechanism operatively is adapted to move the plurality of tethered pieces from the retracted state to the extended state responsive to a triggering event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Hippely
  • Patent number: 7654879
    Abstract: A toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a base, a plurality of wheels spinably connected to the base, and a pneumatic piston operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. The toy also includes a plurality of body pieces at least partially covering the base, and a pneumatic disassembly mechanism operatively connected to at least some of the plurality of body pieces. A pneumatic system is configured to deliver pressurized gas to the pneumatic piston to cause at least the base to jump by extending the at least one wheel away from the base. The pneumatic system is also configured to deliver pressurized gas to the pneumatic disassembly mechanism to separate at least some of the plurality of body pieces from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Dunham
  • Patent number: 7607961
    Abstract: Various degradation features are disclosed for a remotely controlled vehicle. Translatable body components are disclosed for simulating damage to a vehicle. Impact sensors may be provided for detecting an impact to the vehicle and modifying operation of the vehicle in response to an impact. A timer may be provided for hampering operations of the vehicle as a function of time for simulating real life conditions. Controls, and methods associated with these features are disclosed as well as games for utilizing the degradation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Marc Lorelli, Michael D. Turner
  • Patent number: 7572166
    Abstract: Transformable scenery includes a shell wherein at least one discrete portion of the shell is configured to be transformable between one outward appearance and one or more other outward appearances wherein the one outward appearance and the one or more other outward appearances are three-dimensional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLLP
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Justin Michael Schwartz, Scott R. Trowbridge
  • Publication number: 20070167105
    Abstract: Various degradation features are disclosed for a remotely controlled vehicle. Translatable body components are disclosed for simulating damage to a vehicle. Impact sensors may be provided for detecting an impact to the vehicle and modifying operation of the vehicle in response to an impact. A timer may be provided for hampering operations of the vehicle as a function of time for simulating real life conditions. Controls, and methods associated with these features are disclosed as well as games for utilizing the degradation features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Marc Lorelli, Michael D. Turner
  • Patent number: 6955580
    Abstract: A weight and method of providing mass for a model racing car is the subject of the present application. The weight is comprised of two portions. The first portion simulates the undercarriage of an automobile and the second portion comprises multiple components joined by lines of weakness. The multiple components of the second portion can be broken away to vary the total mass of the weight. The method comprises forming a weight having a first component of the configuration of an automobile undercarriage and a second component comprised of a plurality of sections joined by lines of weakness and the step of attaching the weight to the bottom of a model racing car. Portions of one of the components may be removed to vary the total mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Osment Models, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Dwayne Fulton
  • Patent number: 6830498
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toy game comprising a self-propelled vehicle (3) and at least two deflection elements (1, 2) which are adapted to deflect the travelling direction of the vehicle (3) on a base. The invention is characterized in that the elements comprise a curved, concave track for approximately frictionless cooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle and comprise an underside and a grip configured such that a player can reorient and move the element on the base of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventor: Jesper Elling
  • Publication number: 20030077974
    Abstract: A toy vehicle incorporates with an independent wheel arrangement which includes a supporting leg having an upper inserting portion. The toy vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a through hole to define a top and bottom securing surfaces. The inserting portion of the supporting leg has a base portion and a shank portion to define a biasing shoulder therebetween. The inserting portion of the supporting leg is inserted into the through hole of the vehicle frame until the biasing shoulder is biased against the bottom securing shoulder of the through hole. A wheel is rotatably mounted at a bottom portion of the supporting leg. A locker member is securely attaching to the shank portion of the supporting leg with the through hole and biased against the top securing shoulder of the through hole, so as to securely mount the supporting leg to the vehicle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jar Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 6471606
    Abstract: A ball spinning device which has one or more balls, each ball having the surface appearance of a baseball. For an embodiment that has more than one ball, all balls are positioned in a straight line by connecting spindles. A power transferring spindle is sized and shaped so it can be connected to an electric motor which is capable of spinning the device at the same speeds as those of pitched baseballs. For each ball, its axis of rotation relative to its seam is determined by where spindles are joined to the ball with respect to its seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Alan Hood Simpson
  • Patent number: 6435929
    Abstract: A generally rectangular base supports a pair of gateways at two corners thereof and a pair of resiliently powered impact-responsive rebounders at the remaining two corners thereof. A flat surface extends between the rebounders and the gateways. A pair of toy vehicle launchers and track segments are operatively coupled to each of the gateways to launch toy vehicles therethrough. A plurality of elastic bands extend between the gateways to provide resilient boundaries for the rectangular base. The rebounders and the gateways include pivotal supports allowing the track segments and launchers as well as the rebounders to be pivoted for aiming purposes. A toy vehicle launched by a launcher traverses its track segment and enters its gateway. Thereafter, it strikes either a resilient boundary or a rebounder and is deflected accordingly. An additional toy vehicle launched from the second launcher may collide with or otherwise interact with the first launched toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Halford
  • Publication number: 20020102902
    Abstract: In a toy garbage transportation truck comprising a cargo space (3) for the garbage that is to be disposed of, having an opening (4) on its rear to which an emptying casing (5) for garbage cans that are to be emptied is adjoined that has a rear discharge opening (7), provision is made that
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Paul H. Bruder
  • Patent number: 5906528
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes an inner body having a plurality of apertures formed therein and having an interior cavity. A plurality of body panels are formed to be received upon the inner body to form an outer body and are releasibly secured thereto in a snap-fit attachment. A pressure tank and pump are supported within the inner body to provide a reservoir of compressed air secured by a releasible trigger latch. The trigger latch is operated in response to impact against the vehicle front whereupon the latch is released and the pressurized air within the pressure tank rapidly pressurizes the inner body driving the body panels from it in all directions and creating a loud bang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ostendorff, Phedon Tsiknopoulos
  • Patent number: 5713783
    Abstract: A remote controlled toy crash vehicle apparatus which upon impact with another remote controlled toy crash vehicle or obstruction simulates a crash and its consequences. The vehicle is provided with a chassis on which an interchangeable body panels support mounted, the deformable body panels affixed to the interchangeable body panels support, consisting of a front panel, left fender panel, right fender panel, left door panel(s), right door panel(s), left quarter panel, right quarter panel, hood panel, windshield panel, roof panel, rear window panel, trunk panel. All the panels could be made of deformable materials such as, but not limited to the following: aluminum, alloys, plastic etc. Also affixed to the chassis are the changeable front left, right and rear left, right turn signal lamps. Incorporated into the rear turn signals are the stop lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Anthony A. Szoke, Anthony A. Szoke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5702107
    Abstract: Toy vehicles for the game include a plurality of targets on each vehicle movable between first and second positions. Switches are associated with the respective targets and in closed positions connect a battery in parallel to a motor for running the toy vehicle. Each vehicle has a protrusion for impacting against the target of another vehicle. Upon impact, the target is moved to a second position opening the switch. The circuit provides for the continued running of each vehicle until the last target is impacted and its switch is opened, at which time the power circuit is opened and the vehicle stops. The game is played in the form of a demolition derby in which the last vehicle running is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph R. Novak
  • Patent number: 5380231
    Abstract: A toy that disassembles upon an impact comprises a body, a plurality of detachable elements, a mount for supporting each detachable element in a predetermined position on the body, and a resilient ejector mechanism engaged between the body and each detachable element and biasing the element in a direction to detach it from the mount. A movable latch member on the body engages each detachable element and retains it on the mount against the bias of the ejector mechanism. A latch release member movably mounted on the body in a position to be moved by engagement with an object releases the latch members from engagement with the detachable elements upon such movement, whereupon the detachable elements are ejected from the mount by the ejector mechanism. The latch release member can be locked against movement, thereby disabling it and permitting the toy to be played with without disassembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Lanard Toys Limited
    Inventor: Virginio Brovelli
  • Patent number: 5299809
    Abstract: A first and second boat member are provided, with the first member including a spring actuated torpedo directed through the hull of the first toy member arranged to engage and impact a target plate of a second boat member. Upon impact of the target plate, simulation smoke and the ejection of a stacked housing column of plates is projected from the second boat member. Impact of the target plate effects the rotation of a cam plate to impact the housing plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventors: Louis J. Evangelista, Louis J. Evangelista, Sr., Michael Evangelista
  • Patent number: 5248274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy vehicle capable of shooting color ribbon crackers and is characterized by a master shooting member which is normally held by a retaining means. When the bumper of the toy vehicle collides with something else, it is pushed to cause an impact link to disengage the retaining means from said master shooting member, permitting the same to impact a secondary shooting member which has a percussion head that will in turn knock a color ribbon cracker pre-mounted on the toy vehicle. The percussed cracker shall explode and disperse colored ribbons or papers of different shapes or patterns contained therein, creating interesting and joyous air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Kun-Meng Wang
  • Patent number: 5169156
    Abstract: A new interactive action toy system is provided in which two travelling toys interact to produce an observable event. A first travelling toy has engaging means for interacting with a second travelling toy, and the second travelling toy has means responsive to the engaging means on the first travelling toy for precipitating an observable event associated with the second travelling toy. The second travelling toy may include a second engaging means for interacting with a second responsive means on the first travelling toy for precipitating an observable event associated with the first travelling toy. The observable event may be a change in position or release of a member associated with said second or first travelling toys or an auditory or visual signal. The travelling toys may operate on tracks, such as slot tracks, or may travel freely such as by a wireless control on land, water or a cushion of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Marchon, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin Smollar
  • Patent number: 5131880
    Abstract: A crushable car body (20) having a pressurized deformable bladder (50) associated with the upper car body portion (30) such that when downward pressure was exerted on the roof (31) of the car body (20) the car body (20) would be deformed to simulate a crushed car; and, wherein the reintroduction of positive pressure into the deformable bladder will return the car body (20) to its original configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventors: Mark S. Nesbit, Charles E. Nesbit
  • Patent number: 4911669
    Abstract: A toy simulated exploding vehicle is disclosed including a chassis having a front end and a rear end, and an ejector seat mounted on the chassis and movable between a normal tensioned position in which it supports a simulated driver in a driving position, and an ejecting position in which it ejects the driver from the seat. A rear bumper has an integral laterally extending plate-like member slidably mounted on the chassis for reciprocal movement of the rear bumper and plate-like member as a unit between first and second positions. The plate-like member has a free end thereof extending past the front end or bumper of the chassis. A latch is provided coupling the ejector seat to the plate-like member in a third position of the rear bumper and plate-like member. In this third position the ejector seat is releasably latched in its normal tensioned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Parker
  • Patent number: 4762511
    Abstract: A toy vehicle which upon frontal impact with an obstacle simulates in its appearance the consequences of a car crash. The vehicle has a hollow body mounted on a chassis, which body includes a front hood section provided with a front bumper, an intermediate cab section having a hinged door on either side, and a rear section. The cab and rear sections are secured to the chassis, whereas the front section, which is formed of resilient material, is free of the chassis. The front wheels rotate on short axles whose bearings are pivoted on the chassis so that these wheels in their normal state are parallel to the chassis, and in the crash state are angled with respect thereto, as a result of which the wheels are skewed. Slidable on the chassis is a slide whose front end is secured to the bumper, the slide being maintained by a spring-biased detent in a forward position and being urged by a spring to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Buddy L Corporation
    Inventors: Shao-Wei Lee, Kwong-Wai Chow
  • Patent number: 4693693
    Abstract: A motorizd toy car which upon frontal impact with a wall or other obstruction simulates a crash and its consequences. The wheeled car is provided with a chassis on which a hollow body is mounted, the body being defined by a front hood section having a simulated bumper prow, an intermediate cockpit section accommodating a hinged side door, and a rear trunk section having a trunk lid hinged thereon. The intermediate and rear sections are formed of rigid material and are attached to the chassis, whereas the front section which is formed of resilient material is free of the chassis. Slidable along the chassis is a sled whose front end is attached to the prow of the front body section, a coil spring urging the sled to a retracted position in which the front section is deformed to assume a crushed appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Buddy L Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Dietmar Nagel, Abraham A. Arad
  • Patent number: 4588386
    Abstract: A motorized toy car which upon frontal impact with an obstruction simulates a crash and its consequences. The wheeled car has a chassis, a body thereon defined by a front hood section having a simulated bumper prow, an intermediate cockpit section accommodating a hinged side door, and a rear trunk section having a trunk lid hinged thereon. The intermediate and rear sections are rigid and attached to the chassis, whereas the front section is resilient and free of the chassis. Slidable along the chassis is a sled whose front end is attached to the prow, a coil spring urging the sled to a retracted position in which the front section is deformed to assume a crushed appearance. The side door and the trunk lid are operatively coupled to the sled so that swinging them from their fully open to their closed positions advances the sled against the spring to an extended position which is held by a spring-biased detent and in which the car has a normal appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Buddy L Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Dietmar Nagel, Abraham A. Arad
  • Patent number: 4571197
    Abstract: An impact responsive toy vehicle in which two separable halves each carrying surface engaging wheels are connected together to provide a vehicle supported on the surface engaging wheels. A torsion spring biases the joinable ends of the two halves to separate and each flip over. The parts are retained together by a connecting latch that is disengageable by a slidable lever that moves in reponse to a force on an extending front bumper. One half carries a rotatable lock including a lug that cooperates with an abutment on the lever to lock the trigger lever against sliding movement in response to impact on the bumper. Fail-safe combination of the two parts rendering the impact responsive feature totally inoperative is accomplished by assembling the parts together with the arm of the torsion spring received in a recess on the underside of the chassis of the other half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Ralph J. Kulesza, Harry Disko, Stuart A. Cook, Jean M. Newton, William N. Smith
  • Patent number: 4565537
    Abstract: An impact responsive toy has a part of the body that is movable to expose the part in its regular condition or in a damaged condition. A biasing force urges exposure of the hidden damaged condition while the part is releasably latched to expose the undamaged or regular position. Application of an outside force, such as the impact of a crash or blow, releases the latch to automatically and instantaneously switch the undamaged and damaged conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Randall J. Klimpert, Burton C. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4500299
    Abstract: A toy cargo plane having a fuselage (24) with two front doors (32, 34) pivotably mounted within the front of the fuselage. The doors are mechanically opened by actuation of a lever and rod arrangement (44, 46) slideable along its axis and mounted within a slot formed in the tail end of the body. A further lever and rod arrangement (50, 52) slideably moves a ramp (36) in and out of the open front doors to enable vehicles or other toys to be loaded onto the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Kelley, Terry K. Prince