Vehicle Patents (Class 446/93)
  • Patent number: 10240326
    Abstract: A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventor: Alfred Charles Nelson
  • Patent number: 9682717
    Abstract: A ride through control system for a machine is disclosed. The ride through control system may include a sensor associated with an asset of the machine and configured to generate a signal indicative of an operating parameter of the asset. The ride through control system may also include a user interface associated with the machine and a controller in communication with the sensor and the user interface. The controller may be configured to display on the user interface a plurality of selectable ride through control levels, each being associated with a respective operating parameter threshold, receive via the user interface a user selection of one of the plurality of ride through control levels, and automatically generate a machine control signal based on the signal generated by the sensor and the respective operating parameter threshold associated with the user selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Shubs, Jr., Curtis Montgomery, James David Seaton
  • Patent number: 9205703
    Abstract: A hub or wheel assembly includes a retaining element, biasing element, and hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The housing includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle and a pin sleeve including a first end in fluid communication with the axle bore, a second end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end. The retaining element is within the conduit and is configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is within the conduit and is configured to bias the retaining element towards the axle bore. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GEO Plastics
    Inventors: Michael Abraham Morris, William Michael Palleva
  • Patent number: 8973861
    Abstract: Described herein is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft comprising: an upper enclosure comprising a first upper arm and a second upper arm; a lower enclosure comprising a first lower arm and a second lower arm; wherein the first upper arm and the first lower arm comprise a first upper buckle and a first lower buckle, respectively; wherein the second upper arm and the second lower arm comprise a second upper buckle and a second lower buckle, respectively; wherein the first upper buckle engages the first lower buckle and the second upper buckle engages the second lower buckle, thereby securing the upper enclosure to the lower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen Hubsan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiangwu Zhou, Shidong Zhu, Guangyao Chen
  • Patent number: 8939810
    Abstract: A kit for quick replacement of unitary model airplane structural components contains a first wing assembly is removable from a model airplane fuselage component so a second wing assembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first vertical stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second vertical stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first horizontal stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second horizontal stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. The kit has a kit box for portable storage of the wing assembly, vertical stabilizer subassembly, and the horizontal stabilizer subassembly. The kit does not contain the fuselage component or a fuselage padding component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Noel F. Suknanan
  • Patent number: 8790151
    Abstract: A toy construction base plate configured to receive a toy construction and having a collapsible handle, which allows the construction to be built on the base plate on a flat play surface, after which the handle may be deployed from the base plate to allow a user to hold and play with the toy construction. The handle may be deployed by, for example, pivoting with respect to a support member of the base plate and pivoting above, below, or to the side of the toy construction. The handle may also be used as a stand to hold a construction above a play surface. The toy construction may be made of interlocking stackable blocks and the support surface of the base plate may be configured to receive the interlocking stackable blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: MEGA Brands Inc.
    Inventors: Vic Bertrand, Alexandre Huneau, RĂ©al Laurent Lanoix, Yanick Tremblay
  • Patent number: 8708765
    Abstract: A kit for constructing a variety of play structures for children includes a plurality of arcuate tubes, a plurality of linear tubes, and a plurality of connectors. At least one of the tubes is releasably assembled together with another one of the tubes using the connectors to form a frame. An instruction manual provides directions for releasably assembling the tubes and the connectors to form the variety of play structures from the kit. The kit may also include at least one covering and at least one covering connector to releasably affix the covering to at least a portion of the frame of the play structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fort Magic, LLC
    Inventor: Erika Pope-Gusev
  • Patent number: 8695259
    Abstract: A souvenir 10 has a display portion 21 upon which is incorporated a three dimensional profile of a representation or display 40 of a memory evokable element, such as an iconic geographical location, cityscape, building, event, structure or person in positive or male profile. A complementary removable covering portion 20 has incorporated therein a negative or female profile of the representation or display 40, allowing the souvenir to be cast from either one of the portions 20, 21 should one of the portions become lost. A recess 51 is located within the display portion 21 for retaining a relic 52 taken from or closely associated with the memory evokable element displayed on the display portion 21. When assembled, the two portions show on the sides silhouettes of the representation or display, to further evoke viewer memories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Bailey
  • Patent number: 8579671
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer software to provide a kit which allows an operator to construct a variety of vehicles such as cars, boats, hovercraft, airplanes, etc. The operator can use software to select characteristics of the vehicles, and then print out sheets of paper or other thin material that can then be folded into a vehicle. Motors can be inserted into each vehicle in order to propel the vehicle. The kit can also comprise special tools which allow for forming the paper or other material into particular three dimensional shapes. The kit can also comprise a remote control transmitter and receiver so that the vehicles can be controlled remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Rick DeRennaux, Paul Berman
  • Patent number: 8534394
    Abstract: The power brick assembly includes a solar energy collecting plate carried on a carrier for collecting solar energy to generate electrical energy. A first connecting port is mounted on the carrier so that the carrier is movable relative to the first connecting port. A mechanical rotary power generating unit includes a second connecting port mounted on a brick-like casing and connected electrically and detachably to the first connecting port so that the first connecting port is movable relative to the second connecting port. The brick-like casing receives a battery module for supplying electric power, a driving module for generating a mechanical rotary power output in response to an electric power input, and a control module operable to output the electric power input based on one of the electrical energy from the solar energy collecting plate and the electric power from the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 8066542
    Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite the fact that members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. The transformable toy, which is transformed from a box-like configuration to a robot configuration, is vertically and longitudinally divided into two parts, when in the box-like configuration, includes an upper front member, an upper rear member, a lower front member, and a lower rear member, and has a frame disposed therein for supporting the above members. The upper front member and the upper rear member are each pivotably connected to the frame directly, or through a link, and are foldably connected with each other. The connecting portion between the frame and the upper rear member has an elastic member for urging the upper front member and the upper rear member in a direction to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Patent number: 8011992
    Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite its appearance in which members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. Front end portions of a first base member and a second base member, as well as rear end portions of the first and second base members, are pivotably connected by first and second link members, respectively. The second base member is urged by an elastic force of a first elastic member, provided on at least one connecting portion, to move forwardly with respect to the first base member. Figure members expressing states differing between first and second configurations are connected to the first base member and the first link member. Connecting portions of figure members have second elastic members acting against the elastic force of the first elastic member and having an elastic force set to be smaller than that of the first elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Patent number: 7963818
    Abstract: A toy is described herein that is made from correlated magnetic toy parts (e.g., toy building blocks) which have an ingenious coupling means that enable the correlated magnetic toy parts to be attached to or released from one another. The correlated magnetic toy parts could have many different shapes and can be attached to one another to form an abstract shaped toy or a predetermined shaped toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Cedar Ridge Research, LLC.
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7942721
    Abstract: A toy is disclosed which is adapted to reconfigure from a simulated vehicle into a simulated toy gun able to launch actual projectiles. In one embodiment, the simulated toy vehicle is provided in the form of a semi or tractor trailer with rotatable wheels which, upon a single rotational movement by the child, can be reconfigured into a toy gun complete with trigger, sliding pump for a firing chamber and visualizing sight or cross hairs as well. In a second embodiment, the vehicle is provided as an airplane or jet which can be reconfigured into a gun able to simultaneously launch multiple projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc
    Inventor: Jared Wade
  • Patent number: 7922556
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a versatile interlocking crossbar device and system for coupling modular components of toy assemblages, educational models, hobby constructions, component attachments, or the like together using one or more connectors, configured with a set of male connector parts and a set of female connector parts, configured to enable the selective attachment of such parts. The disclosed system is exemplified in this application as a toy vehicle and a ball and demonstrates how the parts and interlocking crossbar device interrelate to one another in a plurality of ways to create varying embodiments. The unique interrelationships spoken of are, for the most part, capable of creation because similar sized openings and recesses are indexed within each body member such that the pieces and interlocking crossbar conform thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Claw L.L.C.
    Inventors: David J Schreff, Donna J Lindsay, Julian Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7880414
    Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
  • Patent number: 7803030
    Abstract: A toy vehicle, a toy assembly device and a related method includes a toy body having a plurality of component members, and a plurality of support frame members respectively supporting the component members. The component members and the support frame members have respective engaging portions that can engage and disengage in a horizontal direction. Each of the support frame members has a fitting part provided thereon for connecting the support frame members to one another. Each of the component members has a fitting portion provided thereon for connecting the components members to one another. When the support frame members, each with a component member supported thereon, are connected to one another through the fitting parts, the component members are connected to one another by the fitting portions to form the toy body, so that the toy body can engage with or disengage from the support frame members connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignees: Tomy Company, Ltd., Tokyo Unique Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 7762867
    Abstract: A lever activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis and a lever. The chassis accommodates the body and has a front wheel and a rear wheel. A motor is disposed within the chassis and is drivingly coupled to at least one of the wheels. The lever is movably supported on the toy vehicle so as to be accessible by a user for movement between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle further includes a moveable part and an actuator mechanism. The moveable part has at least a portion on the exterior of the body and a portion on the interior of the body. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled with the motor and the moveable part and is configured to move the moveable part from the concealed position to the revealed position after the lever is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Felix Agostini, Mary Ellen Gertrude Fosbenner, Robert Jude Henry, Gregory John Sisolak, William Francis Michael Dougherty
  • Patent number: 7749042
    Abstract: The toy building set comprises interconnectable modular elements that include flat, substantially square bricks, each having two opposite, substantially square main faces, of which a first one is shaped with an array of recesses. Two first, adjacent, narrow side faces bear tabs projecting at right angles from the respective side faces. Two second, adjacent, narrow side faces bear forks projecting from the respective side faces so that the tabs of an adjacent brick can be inserted therein. Each fork is of a size and shape such that it is insertable in one of the recesses with a tight fit. The modular elements also comprise disc-shaped, peripherally toothed bricks, each having transverse openings in which the forks are insertable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Giochi Puliti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ettore Fulgenzi
  • Publication number: 20100136876
    Abstract: A toy or scale replica of an underground toy miner for coal mining having movable parts includes a body having an upper surface and movable caterpillar treads and a plurality of rotatable wheels mounted to the opposed sides of the miner, a boom mounted to the upper surface and extending from the front to the rear of the miner, an endless conveyor mounted on the boom with the distal end of the boom being laterally movable, a bucket mounted to the front and having at least two inwardly rotatably collectors for moving material from the bucket to the conveyor and boom and a ripper head terminating with a cylindrical ripper pivotably mounted to the front of the miner and above the bucket for gouging and digging material out of the wall of the mine for deposition in the bucket and thence movement rearward by the collectors to the conveyor and boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: David C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7597174
    Abstract: An anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car includes a board which is added below a central differential gear at a center of a chassis, to strengthen a rigid structure of the chassis. A center of the board is provided with a hollow part for emplacing a gear set of the central differential gear, and an exterior side of the hollow part is provided with a plurality of pivoting holes. The pivoting holes correspond to through-holes on the chassis for locking the central differential gear, thereby locking and fixing the board. In addition, the hollow part is locked at columns of the central differential gear by transfixing screws from bottom to top into the pivoting holes and the through-holes. On the other hand, front and rear ends of the board provide for connection of two support arms, thereby constituting the anti-deflection structure for the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Daimler Chu
  • Publication number: 20090209167
    Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite the fact that members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. The transformable toy, which is transformed from a box-like configuration to a robot configuration, is vertically and longitudinally divided into two parts, when in the box-like configuration, includes an upper front member, an upper rear member, a lower front member, and a lower rear member, and has a frame disposed therein for supporting the above members. The upper front member and the upper rear member are each pivotably connected to the frame directly, or through a link, and are foldably connected with each other. The connecting portion between the frame and the upper rear member has an elastic member for urging the upper front member and the upper rear member in a direction to be folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Publication number: 20090209168
    Abstract: A transformable toy which can be automatically transformed despite its appearance in which members are merely pivotably connected as in conventional transformable toys is provided. Front end portions of a first base member and a second base member, as well as rear end portions of the first and second base members, are pivotably connected by first and second link members, respectively. The second base member is urged by an elastic force of a first elastic member, provided on at least one connecting portion, to move forwardly with respect to the first base member. Figure members expressing states differing between first and second configurations are connected to the first base member and the first link member. Connecting portions of figure members have second elastic members acting against the elastic force of the first elastic member and having an elastic force set to be smaller than that of the first elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Takio Ejima
  • Publication number: 20090017714
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer software to provide a kit which allows an operator to construct a variety of vehicles such as cars, boats, hovercraft, airplanes, etc. The operator can use software to select characteristics of the vehicles, and then print out sheets of paper or other thin material that can then be folded into a vehicle. Motors can be inserted into each vehicle in order to propel the vehicle. The kit can also comprise special tools which allow for forming the paper or other material into particular three dimensional shapes. The kit can also comprise a remote control transmitter and receiver so that the vehicles can be controlled remotely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Rick DeRennaux, Paul Berman
  • Publication number: 20080254707
    Abstract: A modular toy vehicle design having a universal mating system between the body of the vehicle and the chassis such that multiple body styles will interchangeably mate with multiple chassis designs and where electrical interfaces are automatically established between the body and the chassis simply by mating and aligning the two together. The design allows for an electrical connection to be made in the process of mechanically mating and aligning the body of a toy vehicle to its chassis thereby powering electronic features that are physically connected to the body with the power source which is housed in the chassis. When the body is properly aligned and mounted, the electrical interfaces are automatically established. There is no separate step of plugging together mating connectors where one connector extends from a wire bundle electrically interfacing with the body and the mating connector extends from a separate wire bundle electrically interfacing with the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: RETAIL ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Amadio, James V. Mendillo, Yuk Kei Chan
  • Patent number: 7329166
    Abstract: An automotive toy (1) constructed from a number of toy building elements, of which a plurality are configured as functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5), each of which being configured with technical means for performing a specific functionality in the automotive toy (1). In the automotive toy at least one flexible toy building element (18) is provided that is located between two functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5), whereby this flexible toy building element (18) is caused to form a flexible interconnection between the functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Jan Hatting, Olav Krøigaard
  • Patent number: 7244163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy car kit comprised of a block or frame, wheels, a motor and electric circuitry to operate the toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Max Benassi
  • Patent number: 7238078
    Abstract: A changeable model flight toy which can simulate the takeoff and landing attitudes and flight attitudes at low cost in accordance with different types of airplanes is provided. A plurality of airplane bodies having different outer appearance forms which can be maintained for a long period of time are interchangeably mounted on an inner sleeve. A changeable model flight toy 100 characterized by a flight operation unit 120 which is incorporated within airplane bodies 110, 210 is disclosed. A takeoff and landing control panel 130 hoists and lowers the flight operation unit 120 while bearing the unit 120. The airplane body 110, 210 comprises a nose side body 110A, 210A including the main wing 112, 212 and a tail assembly side body 110B, 210B including the tail assembly 115, 215.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Noboru Kimura
  • Patent number: 7223152
    Abstract: Provided may be a wind propelled rolling vehicle with a self-adjusting sail that may be substantially formed in a relatively small, single sheet of material, or assembled onto a standard chassis. The exemplary embodiments may utilize bushings to spread dynamic loads so as to allow the use of very light structural material such as thin sheet foam thereby forming a safe, low-mass toy vehicle capable of achieving good acceleration and rolling speed relative to a given wind force, and configurable into many themes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: John H. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6957996
    Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventor: Wai Hui
  • Patent number: 6910939
    Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventor: Wai Hui
  • Toy
    Patent number: 6878031
    Abstract: A toy comprising a plurality of removable members, each member having a predetermined shape, such that the members, when assembled in a predetermined order, form the outer shape of the toy, each member also having a plurality of removable elements of a predetermined shape that are insertable into a correspondingly shaped void in the member, whereby the toy may be assembled with or without the elements being within their corresponding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Petrus Romyn
  • Patent number: 6773323
    Abstract: A toy element set for constructional toy includes square planar elements, each square planar element having a center through hole, coupling elements adapted to connect square planar elements on a plane or at right angles, and gears, each gear having a split shaft pivotally connectable to the through hole of one planar element, the diameter of the pitch circle of the gears being equal to the length of the diagonal of the planar elements, each gear having a spacer flange at the inner side around the shaft and adapted to space the gear face of the respective gear from the corresponding planar element upon installation of the respective gear in the planar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Te-Li Huang
  • Publication number: 20040063379
    Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventor: Wai Hui
  • Patent number: 6641457
    Abstract: A chassis of remotely controllable car, including an upper board and two side walls which are integrally formed. A lower board is connected under the bottoms of the side walls. The chassis is a frame body integrally formed by the upper board, the lower board and the two side walls. The engine, gear cases and wheels of the remotely controllable car are mounted on the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Aling Lai
  • Patent number: 6595824
    Abstract: The disclosed educational snap-together toy vehicle system is exemplified in this application as a set of cars and trucks. The vehicles are broken down into four primary components: a main body, front clip, rear clip, and roof. The body parts are snapped together by a contrasting color, plastic three-element connector system consisting of: a fixed universal socket; an intermediate shaped-socket coupler; and a fixed shaped socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick M. Calello, Danilo I. Medina
  • Publication number: 20030054726
    Abstract: The disclosed educational snap-together toy vehicle system is exemplified in this application as a set of cars and trucks. The vehicles are broken down into four primary components: a main body, front clip, rear clip, and roof. The body parts are snapped together by a contrasting color, plastic three-element connector system consisting of: a fixed universal socket; an intermediate shaped-socket coupler; and a fixed shaped socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick M. Calello, Danilo I. Medina
  • Publication number: 20030022589
    Abstract: A model vehicle that operates to emulate “hydraulics” in a full size vehicle is taught. A suspension lift function and a suspension tilt function are produced though implementation of suspension apparatus. A wheel carriage is coupled to a chassis and the movement therebetween is controlled by one or more actuators. Either lift or tilt, or both, movement may be employed. In an illustrative embodiment, rotational movement is employed to effect lift and tilt, along perpendicular axis defined by a sub-chassis. A first actuator works between the chassis and sub-chassis, and a second actuator works between the sub-chassis and a wheel carriage. Control may be remote, utilizing wired, radio, sonic, or infrared remote control schemes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Bill Yeung
  • Patent number: 6497602
    Abstract: A shock absorber for use as a construction element of a toy building set, the shock absorber comprising a rod element provided with a collar at a first end and a mounting at a second end; a sleeve through which the rod element extends; an air-filled cylinder element abutting the sleeve and enclosing the collar; the air-filled cylinder element having a cylindrical inner surface which is so configured that the collar on the rod element is in displaceable abutment on the inner wall of the cylinder element; and a spring surrounding the rod element having one end in abutment on the rod element at the second end, and having an opposite end in abutment on the sleeve, whereby the spring presses the sleeve towards the air-filled cylinder element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventor: Olav Kroigaard
  • Publication number: 20020182974
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is adapted to be launched by an actuator. The toy vehicle includes a chassis, a biasing member and a device. The chassis has a cavity. The biasing member is disposed within the cavity. The device is removably engaged to the chassis for biasing the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher J. Grabianski
  • Patent number: 6475060
    Abstract: A three-dimensional toy train is built-up from a plurality of modeled flat parts that are directly stamped on a thin plate for forming a front locomotive, a back locomotive and a plurality of passenger cards. The modeled flat parts are provided at predetermined positions with slits of predetermined depths, so that the flat parts are connected through engagement of these slits with one another in different ways. A player is trained to employ imagination and thinking ability in the process of connecting the modeled flat parts to form the toy train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
  • Patent number: 6468128
    Abstract: In one embodiment a collapsible toy car is provided with a front top portion, a rear top portion, and two side portions is provided. The front top portion is pivotally attached to the rear top portion via a hinge. The two side portions are pivotally attached to the front and rear top portion via a front and rear pivot assembly, respectively. When assembled the front, rear and two side portions form an upright, operational position. When a force, however, is applied downwardly on the collapsible toy, the front, rear and two side portions collapse forming a substantially planar, collapsed configuration. A latch may be provided in order to retain the collapsible toy car in its collapsed configuration. Similarly, the latch may be released in various ways to permit the collapsible toy car to return to its operation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Virginia M. Bala, Russell G. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6454624
    Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules includes a plurality of robotic modules, with each robotic module having memory capability, an actuator, a joint position sensor, and communication means. The assemblage of robotic modules also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each robotic joint module having at least one central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Duff, Mark H. Yim, Samuel B. Homans, Kimon D. Roufas, John W. Suh
  • Patent number: 6450853
    Abstract: A building block system, in particular a toy building block system, comprises a plurality of inter-connectable building blocks (1), whereby each building block (1) comprises an undercut trough-shaped groove (3) on at least one lateral surface (2) into which a connection bar (5) with a cylindrical part (6)is insertable. The building block system is suited for a variety of uses, easy to handle and provides many form-locking connection options of one or several building blocks, including of building blocks of differing geometrical form. According to the invention, the connection bar (5) is also formed with a hammer head-shaped boundary body (7) on at least one end of the cylindrical part (6), which can be inserted into a corresponding recess (11) on the end of the groove (3) in the building block (1) so as to form-lock with the lateral surface (2) of the same, when the connection bar (5) snaps into the groove (3) of the building block (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Palimondial S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Larws
  • Patent number: 6443797
    Abstract: A built-up toy car includes a body, and a front-wheel assembly and a rear-wheel assembly connected to lower front and lower rear ends, respectively, of the body. Both the front and the rear wheel assemblies include a flat axle part supported in two open-bottomed axle holes provided at the lower front and the lower rear ends, respectively, of the body, and two flat wheel parts connected to two ends of the axle part. Each of the axle parts is provided at upper and lower edges at positions engaging with the axle holes with two pairs of upper and lower notches to form thereat a reduced width slightly smaller than the axle holes, so that the axle parts of the front and the rear wheel assemblies are rotatable in the axle holes relative to the body of the toy car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Liu
  • Publication number: 20020068499
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle. The ride-on vehicle includes a frame adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on resembles a full-size motorcycle. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed travel of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a simulated shock absorber and/or a passenger sidecar. Finally, in some embodiments, the ride-on may include wheel assemblies that simulate inflatable wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, William R. Howell, Karl D. Lerch, Brian L. Bienz
  • Patent number: 6306004
    Abstract: A model airplane, airplane kit, and method of making a model airplane. The kit of the present invention enables children and adults to easily make a well-flying model airplane using recycled plastic foam moldings such as polystyrene food trays well known as 10-S in the food packaging arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Rodney K. Farrar
  • Patent number: 6257946
    Abstract: A toy airplane includes a fuselage and a main wing fastened to the fuselage, the fuselage having a top clamping strip at a front side thereof, a vertical stabilizer at a rear side thereof, a plug strip spaced between the top clamping strip and the vertical stabilizer, a first retaining notch disposed between the top clamping strip and the plug strip, and a second retaining notch disposed between the plug strip and the vertical stabilizer, the main wing having two parallel front tips attached to the top clamping strip of the fuselage at two opposite sides, a first retaining notch longitudinally extended to a front side thereof and defined between the front tips and forced into engagement with the first retaining notch on the fuselage, a second retaining notch longitudinally extended to a rear side thereof and forced into engagement with the second retaining notch on the fuselage, and an elongated plug hole longitudinally disposed on the middle and engaged with the plug strip of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Ting Yang
  • Toy
    Patent number: 6203393
    Abstract: A toy which includes a hollow spherical body is disclosed. The body is adapted to be dismantled into at least two parts. Component parts are included within the body. These component parts are adapted to be releasably fixed to the exterior of the body to modify the appearance of the body into a car, a truck, a helicopter, aircraft, spaceship, submarine or similar vehicle. A character may also be included within the spherical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: The All-Round Company Limited
    Inventor: John Flynn
  • Patent number: 6056616
    Abstract: The flying ball of this invention is a solid foamed synthetic polymer composition ball having an opening therethrough in which is engaged a solid foamed fuselage so that the ball can be moved front and back on the fuselage. The ball carries wings, and the fuselage carries tail surfaces, both preferably of solid foamed polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Earl K. Bushman