Remote Control Toy Vehicle Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a remote control assembly including a control unit and a toy vehicle. The control unit includes a series of control unit directional indicia to indicate the direction the vehicle will travel when an associated actuator on the control unit is engaged. The toy vehicle, furthermore, includes vehicle directional indicia, each vehicle indicium corresponding to an indicium on the control unit. As a result, the assembly includes a pair of matching indicia—one on the control unit and one on the toy vehicle—that indicates to a child the direction in which a vehicle will travel when an associated actuator on the control unit is engaged.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a remote control assembly including a control unit and a toy vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children are fascinated with the use of remote control devices. Various types of play systems exist in which vehicles are moved on a remotely controlled basis. Examples of these systems include an automobile, an airplane, a truck, or a construction vehicle that moves along a floor, along a track, on water, or in the air. Most remote control devices, however, are geared toward older children that understand cause and effect and how it relates to the operation of the system.

It would be desirable to provide a system including a remotely controlled vehicle and a handheld controller that is easily utilized by a younger child such that the child readily learns the operation of the controller and can associate indicia on the controller with related responses of an associated vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a remote control assembly including a control unit and a toy vehicle. The control unit includes an input device configured to receive directional input from a user, and a signal transmitter for transmitting control signals corresponding to the received directional input. The input device includes a forward direction indicium, a reverse direction indicium, a left direction indicium, and a right direction indicium.

The toy vehicle is a vehicle including a signal receiver for receiving the control signals from the control unit. The toy vehicle moves in response to receiving a control signal received from the input device of the control unit. For example, the toy vehicle may be configured to move in one or more of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a left direction, and a right direction in response to a corresponding control signal received from the input device. The toy vehicle includes a series of indicia disposed at predetermined positions relative to each other. Specifically, the toy vehicle includes a forward direction indicium located forward relative to the other indicia, a reverse direction indicium located rearward relative to the other indicia, a left direction indicium located proximate one side of the toy vehicle, and a right direction indicium located proximate a side of the toy vehicle opposite the left direction indicium. Each indicium corresponds to an indicium on the control unit such that a pair of indicia—one on the control unit and one on the toy vehicle—relate to each other. In this manner, the forward direction indicia correspond to each other, the left direction indicia correspond to each other, the right direction indicia correspond to each other, and the reverse direction indicia correspond to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a remote control assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram for the control unit of the assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram for the toy vehicle of the assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the control unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the toy vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded perspective view of a light generating device and a cover associated therewith in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a remote control assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the remote control assembly 10 includes a control unit or controller 100 and one or more toy vehicles 110. The control unit 100 and the toy vehicle 110 are configured to wirelessly communicate. In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 100 transmits wireless commands to the toy vehicle 110 to engage one or more features of the vehicle (discussed in greater detail below). In another embodiment, both the control unit 100 and the toy vehicle 110 are configured to transmit command signals to and receive command signals from each other.

The control unit 100 is configured to receive directional input from a user and to transmit control signals corresponding to the received directional input. FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of the control unit 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the control unit 100 includes a processor 210 and an associated memory 215. The processor 210 and memory 215 can be any conventional processor and memory in which programmed logic and/or audible outputs can be stored (e.g., an EM55000 series voice synthesizer IC, available from Elan Microelectronics, Hsinchu, Taiwan). By way of example, audible output includes sound effects associated with particular vehicles (engine noise, honking noise, other sound effects, etc.).

The control unit 100 further includes an output device 220 in electrical communication with the processor 210. The output device 220 can be any device capable of generating output such as signals. By way of example, the output device 220 is an infrared (IR) transmitter that transmits IR signals to the vehicle 110 (e.g., a Waitrony IR LED IE-0545HP, available from Waitrony Optoelectronics Ltd., Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong). In one embodiment, the IR transmitter is one or more LEDs. In other embodiments, the output device 220 is a transmitter configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals, electromagnetic signals, ultrasonic signals, Bluetooth® signals, etc. The transmitter 220 may send signals via (and/or be housed within) an optional antenna 225.

The controller 100 may further include a power source 230 electrically coupled to the processor 210. By way of example, the power source 230 may include a battery pack formed of one or more batteries. It should be understood, however, that any AC or DC power sources may be utilized. The controller 100 also includes an input device 240 that receives an external signal or that can be manipulated to generate a signal to be sent to the processor 210. In one embodiment of the invention, the input device 240 is a switch. By way of specific example, the input device 240 is a plurality of switches, each of which is in communication with the processor 210 such that when a switch is engaged, a signal is sent to the processor 210.

The input device 240, furthermore, is in communication with an actuator 245. The actuator 245 is configured to engage the input device 240 such that an appropriate signal is generated and sent to the processor 210. The actuator 245 may be coupled to the control unit 100 for movement relative thereto. By way of specific example, the actuator 245 includes one or more depressible buttons. In operation, engaging the actuator 245 engages the input device 240, sending a signal to the processor 210. The processor 210, in turn, instructs the output device 220 to generate a command/control signal and send it via the antenna 225.

The toy vehicle 110 is configured to move along a surface (e.g., a floor, water) or move above a surface (e.g., fly) in accordance with command signals received from the control unit 100.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of the toy vehicle 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toy vehicle 110 includes a processor 260 in communication with an input or receiver device 265. The processor 260 may be any conventional processor (e.g., a GPC11A CMOS microprocessor, available from General Plus Technology, Inc., Hsinchu City, Taiwan). The receiver device 265 may be a device that is operable to receive a signal. In one embodiment, the receiver device 265 receives command signals generated by the output device 220 of the control unit 100. By way of specific example, the receiver is an IR receiver (e.g., a Mason IR Receiver MS-T2XN81NL, available from Shenzhen Mason Technologies Co., Ltd, Shenzhen City, China).

The toy vehicle 110 may further include a power source 270 electrically coupled to the processor 260. By way of example, the power source 270 may include a battery pack including one or more batteries. It should be understood, however, that other AC or DC power sources may be utilized. The processor 260, furthermore, is in communication with a drive motor assembly 275. The drive motor assembly 275 includes one or more drive motors operable to drive the features of the toy vehicle and/or drive the movement of the vehicle. The drive motors may be any suitable motor for its described purpose. In one embodiment, the toy vehicle 110 includes two drive motors, one of which engages the forward wheels of the toy vehicle, and another that engages the rear wheels of the toy vehicle. With this configuration, the drive motors move the toy vehicle in forward, reverse, and lateral (e.g., left/right rotational) directions. The processor 260 may further include memory to store, e.g., programmed logic and/or audible outputs. In an alternative embodiment, the toy vehicle 110 includes a speaker 277 that can be used to generate audible outputs.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of the control unit 100a and the toy vehicle 110a, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The control unit 100a includes a housing 305 that contains the processor 210, output device 220, and input device 240 as described above. As shown, a plurality of actuators (e.g., depressible buttons) is coupled to the housing 305. Specifically, the housing 305 includes a plurality of directional actuators 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d in communication with the input device 240. The directional actuators 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d are angularly spaced about housing 305 along an axis oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of the antenna 225. The actuators 245a, 245b, 245c, and 245d are spaced apart about a central region.

In an embodiment, engaging the first actuator 245a generates a command signal to initiate forward motion in the toy vehicle, engaging the second actuator 245b generates a command signal to initiate a first lateral (e.g., left rotational) motion in the toy vehicle, engaging the third actuator 245c generates a command signal to initiate rearward motion in the vehicle, and engaging the fourth actuator 245d generates a command signal to initiate a second lateral (e.g., right rotational) motion in the toy vehicle. The command signals, generated by output device 220, are sent via the antenna 225, which extends outward from the housing 305. The control unit 100 may further include one or more light emitters such as a light emitting diode (LED) that selectively illuminate when a command is generated (i.e., when the control unit generates an instruction for the toy vehicle to move).

Referring to FIG. 3B, the toy vehicle 110a includes a body or chassis 310 having a front portion 315, a rear portion 320, a first lateral/side portion 325, and a second lateral/side portion 330. In addition, the toy vehicle 110a includes one or more wheels rotatably coupled to the body 310. In an embodiment, the toy vehicle 110a includes a pair of front wheels 335a (only one is shown) rotatably coupled to the front portion 315 of the body 310 and a pair of rear wheels 335b (only one is shown) rotatably coupled to the rear portion 320. While illustrated as a dump truck having a cab 340 and an articulating, open box bed 345 defined by a forward wall 350a, a first side wall 350b, a rearward wall 350c, and a second side wall 350d, the toy vehicle 110a may be stylized as any suitable toy vehicle, including, but not limited to trains, cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, boats, space ships, etc.

The body 310 of the toy vehicle 110a houses the drive motor assembly 275 and the signal receiver 265 that receives control signals from the control unit 100a (explained above). The toy vehicle 110a may further include one or more light emitters such as a light emitting diode (LED) that selectively illuminates when a command is received from the control unit (e.g., when the toy vehicle receives instructions to move).

With the above described configuration, the toy vehicle 110a is movable in a forward direction, a reverse direction, a left direction, and a right direction in response to a corresponding control signal received from the input device. Specifically, by selectively engaging the directional actuators 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d on the control unit 100a, a child can direct the motion of the toy vehicle 110a in forward, reverse, and lateral directions.

In order to teach cause and effect to the child, as well as to assist in the child's understanding of the effect engaging a directional actuator 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d on the control unit 100 will have on the travel action of the vehicle, the remote control assembly 10 further includes a coordinate indicator system. That is, the control unit 100a and the toy vehicle 110a each includes a coordinating directional indicator that enables the child to understand which actuator 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d must be engaged to move the toy vehicle 110a in a given direction and, conversely, in which direction the toy vehicle 110a will travel when a particular directional actuator is engaged.

In an embodiment, each of the directional actuators 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d possesses a distinct visual appearance easily ascertainable by a child. Referring back to FIG. 3A, each directional actuator 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d possesses an arrow shape that points in a direction that is unique relative to the other actuators (e.g., when the control unit 100 is held in its normal position). Alternatively or in addition, the actuators 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d may be visually coded. By way of example, each directional actuator 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d may be color coded, with each button possessing a color that differs from that of the other buttons (indicated by shading in the figure). By way of specific example, the first actuator 245a is green, the second actuator 245b is yellow, the third actuator 245c is red, and the fourth actuator 245d is blue.

The directional indicator utilized on the control unit 100a may be any suitable for their described purpose. In other embodiments, the control unit directional indicators may be in the form of indicia disposed on the housing 305 oriented proximate an associated actuator 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d, colored labels or stickers, a series of differently shaped buttons (square, triangle, circle, hexagon), a series of colored lights (e.g., LEDs), varied patterns of printing, etc. Referring to FIG. 3C, some components of an actuator 245c from housing 305. In particular, the actuator 245c includes a plastic cover 247, which may be textured or tinted a certain color, and a light source 249, such as an LED, disposed beneath the cover 247. The cover 247 is transparent or translucent and the light from light source 249 can pass therethrough.

Each control unit directional indicator coordinates with a corresponding directional indicator disposed on the toy vehicle 110a. That is, the toy vehicle 110a includes a series of directional indicators configured to indicate to the user the direction in which the toy vehicle will travel when an actuator 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d associated with a control unit directional indicator is engaged. Referring back to FIG. 3B, the toy vehicle 110a includes a first vehicle directional indicator 380a, a second vehicle directional indicator 380b, a third vehicle directional indicator 380c, and a fourth vehicle directional indicator 380d. The first vehicle direction indicator 380a is configured as a forward direction indicator, being located at a position forward relative to the other vehicle directional indicators 380b, 380c, 380d. By way of specific example, the first vehicle directional indicator 380a is disposed on the vehicle body 310 along its front portion 315, e.g., on the forward wall 350a of truck bed 345. The second vehicle directional indicator 380b is configured as a left or counterclockwise rotational direction indicator, being located proximate one side of the toy vehicle 110a compared to the other vehicle directional indicators. By way of specific example, the second vehicle directional indicator 380b is disposed on the vehicle body 310 along its first lateral side 325, e.g., on the first sidewall 350b of truck bed 345. The third vehicle directional indicator 380c is configured as a reverse vehicle direction indicator, being located at a position rearward relative to other vehicle directional indicators 380a, 380b, 380d. By way of specific example, the third vehicle directional indicator 380c is disposed on the vehicle body 310 along its rear portion 320, e.g., on the rearward wall 350c of truck bed 345. Finally, the fourth vehicle directional indicator 380d is configured as a right or clockwise rotational direction indicator, being located proximate a side of the toy vehicle 110a opposite the second vehicle directional indicator 380b. By way of specific example, the fourth vehicle directional indicator 380d is disposed on vehicle body 310 along its second lateral side 330, e.g., on second sidewall 350d of truck bed 345.

As noted above, each of the control unit directional indicators 380a, 380b, 380c, 380d is coded such that it corresponds to a vehicle directional indicator associated with an actuator 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d. Thus, the forward vehicle directional indicator 380a corresponds to the forward control unit directional indicator associated with the forward actuator 245a, the left vehicle directional indicator 380b corresponds to the control unit directional indicator associated with the left actuator 245b, the right vehicle directional indicator 380d corresponds to the control unit directional indicator associated with the right actuator 245d, and the reverse vehicle directional indicator 380c corresponds to the control unit directional indicator associated with the reverse actuator 245c.

The vehicle directional indicators 380a, 380b, 380c, 380d may take any form suitable for their described purposes. By way of example, when the actuators 245a, 245b, 245c, 245d are color coded, each vehicle directional indicator 380a, 380b, 380c, 380d may be a color coded to match the coloring of its corresponding actuator. By way of specific example, the first vehicle directional indicator 380a is green to match the green color of first actuator 245a, the second vehicle directional indicator 380b is yellow to match the yellow color of the second actuator 245b, the third vehicle directional indicator 380c is red to match the red color of the third actuator 245c, and the fourth vehicle directional indicator 380d is blue to match the blue color of the fourth actuator 245d. In other embodiments, the vehicle directional indicators 380a, 380b, 380c, 380d may be in the form of indicia disposed on the vehicle body 310, colored labels, a series of differently shaped labels (square, triangle, circle, hexagon), a series of colored lights (e.g., LEDs), pattern printing (e.g., shapes, hash marks), etc., noting that the vehicle directional indicator and the actuator match.

In operation, should a child desire the toy vehicle 110 travel in a forward direction, the child sees the vehicle directional indicator 280a corresponding to forward motion. The child can then match the forward actuator 245a with the vehicle directional indicator 280a since it corresponds to the control unit forward directional indicator. By way of further example, to move the toy vehicle 110 in the direction indicated by the green indicium, the child engages the green actuator button on the control unit. In this manner, a child can associate the control unit directional indicator disposed on the control unit 110 (e.g., the colored actuator) with its coordinating vehicle directional indicator 380a, 380b, 380c, 380d (e.g., the indicia) disposed on the vehicle 110, thereby associating the direction in which the vehicle will travel.

The above described system then teaches the child association and cause and effect, assisting a child to understand the relationship between the indicia, and the direction associated with the indicia.

In one embodiment, instead of the actuator being an indicator, there may be an indicator proximate to or associated with each of the actuators.

The remote control assembly 10 may be utilized in combination with various vehicle playsets. Such playsets may include a track having any number of individual track sections that can be coupled together in various combinations to form a continuous path on which a toy vehicle can travel. The playset may further include several objects related to the environment of the playset. For example, the playset can include one or more warning light structure, a gate crossing, and a ramp, a bridge, vehicle elevators, a construction crane, office buildings, etc.

While the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the type of indicators utilized on the control unit and the toy vehicle may be any suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, each indicator may be an indicium disposed on each of the control unit and the vehicle to form a generally matching indicia pair. By way of further example, the forward directional indicia pair is a first color (e.g., green), the reverse directional indicia pair is a second color (e.g., red), the left directional indicia pair is a third color (e.g., yellow), and the right directional indicia pair is a fourth color (e.g., blue). In another embodiment the remote control unit and/or the toy vehicle include a series of light generating devices, each light generating device associated with each of the first, second, third, and fourth colors. In another embodiment, the vehicle directional indictors are colored labels, each of the colored labels being coupled to the toy vehicle and corresponding to one of the first, second, third, and fourth colors.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Claims

1. A remote control assembly comprising:

a control unit including an input device configured to receive directional input from a user, and a signal transmitter for transmitting control signals corresponding to the received directional input, the input device including a forward direction indicium, a reverse direction indicium, a left direction indicium, and a right direction indicium; and

a toy vehicle including a body, at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel rotatably coupled to the body, and a signal receiver for receiving the control signals from the control unit, the toy vehicle movable in a forward direction, a reverse direction, a left direction, and a right direction in response to a corresponding control signal received from the input device, wherein the forward direction indicium is located on the toy vehicle forward relative to the other indicium, the reverse direction indicium is located on the toy vehicle rearward relative to the other indicium, the left direction indicium is located proximate to one side of the toy vehicle, and the right direction indicium is located proximate to a side of the toy vehicle opposite the left direction indicium, the forward direction indicium corresponding to each other, the left direction indicium corresponding to each other, the right direction indicium corresponding to each other, and the reverse direction indicium corresponding to each other.

2. The remote control assembly of claim 1, wherein the forward direction indicium is a first color, the reverse direction indicium is a second color, the left direction indicium is a third color, and the right direction indicium is a fourth color, each of the colors being different from each other.

3. The remote control assembly of claim 2, wherein the input device includes a plurality of light generating devices, each of the light generating devices being associated with one of the first, second, third, and fourth colors.

4. The remote control assembly of claim 2, wherein the toy vehicle includes light generating devices associated with each of the first, second, third, and fourth colors.

5. The remote control assembly of claim 2, wherein the toy vehicle includes a plurality of colored labels, each of the colored labels being coupled to the toy vehicle and corresponding to one of the first, second, third, and fourth colors.

6. (canceled)

7. A remote control toy, comprising:

a remote control unit with a signal transmitter and a directional input device that receives an input from a user, the directional input device including individually color-coded indicia corresponding to potential directions of input; and

a toy vehicle including a body, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body, a drive motor housed therein, a signal receiver that receives control signals from the directional input device, and a plurality of individually color-coded directional indicia on the body, each color-coded directional indicium corresponding to a direction of movement of the vehicle, and each color-coded directional indicium corresponding to one of the color-coded indicia on the directional input device of the remote control unit.

8. The remote control toy of claim 7, further comprising:

light generating devices located on one of the remote control unit or the toy vehicle, the light generating devices being associated with each of the color-coded directional indicium on the body of the vehicle, each light generating device being illuminated when the toy vehicle is moved in a corresponding direction in response to the control signals from the directional input device.

9. The remote control toy of claim 7, wherein the one color-coded directional indicium is a forward direction indicium and a first color, another color-coded directional indicium is a reverse direction indicium and a second color, another color-coded directional indicium is a left direction indicium and a third color, and another color-coded directional indicium is a right direction indicium and a fourth color.

10. The remote control toy of claim 9, wherein the directional input device includes a plurality of light generating devices, each of the light generating devices being associated with one of the color-coded indicia on the remote control unit.

11. The remote control toy of claim 9, wherein each of the color-coded directional indicia is a different color.

12. The remote control toy of claim 7, wherein the plurality of color-coded directional indicia includes a first color, a second color, a third color, and a fourth color, and the toy vehicle includes light generating devices associated with each of the first, second, third, and fourth colors.

13. The remote control toy of claim 7, wherein the color-coded directional indicia include a plurality of colored labels, each of the colored labels being coupled to the toy vehicle and corresponding to one of a first color, a second color, a third color, and a fourth color.

14. (canceled)

15. A remote control toy vehicle, comprising:

a toy vehicle including a body, front wheels rotatably coupled to a front portion of the body, rear wheels rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the body, and a first color coded indicium on the front portion and a second color coded indicium on the rear portion; and

a control unit configured to send control signals to the toy vehicle, the toy vehicle moving in a direction corresponding to the receipt of an associated control signal, the control unit including a forward direction indicium corresponding to the first color coded indicium and a reverse direction indicium corresponding to the second color coded indicium.

16. The remote control toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the toy vehicle further includes a third color coded indicium on a left side portion of the body, and a fourth color coded indicium on a right side portion of the body, the control unit includes a left direction indicium corresponding to the third color coded indicium and a right direction indicium corresponding to the fourth color coded indicium.

17. The remote control toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the first color coded indicium and the forward direction indicium include a first color output, and the second color coded indicium and the reverse direction indicium include a second color output.

18. The remote control toy vehicle of claim 17, wherein each of the first color output and the second color output includes a light generating device.

19. The remote control toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the forward direction indicium and the first color coded indicium are the same color, and the reverse direction indicium and the second color coded indicium are the same color.

20. (canceled)

21. The remote control toy vehicle of claim 15, wherein the color-coded indicia include a plurality of colored labels, each of the colored labels being coupled to the toy vehicle and corresponding to one of a first color, a second color, a third color, and a fourth color.