Abstract: A pet toy is shaped like a stylized animal and is generally disc shaped. The pet toy has one or more appendages such as feet which protrude outside of a generally circular perimeter formed by the pet toy body and cause the pet toy to jump and move irregularly when the pet toy is rolled along the ground, simulating an animal which is running along the ground. The pet toy provides increased mental and physical stimulation to an animal chasing the toy.
Abstract: Methods and systems are provided, including a method for an electric vehicle battery distribution among at least three motors. The method may comprise selecting a first drive path with at least first and second motors for an open-loop power allocation control, designating a second drive path with at least a third motor for an open-loop or a closed-loop power allocation control, determining a power allocation ratio of each motor relative to a total power; and operating the each motors with adjusted power limits based on the determined power allocation ratios.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 20, 2022
Date of Patent:
October 29, 2024
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang, Carol Louise Okubo
Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy vehicle assembly. The assembly includes a first toy vehicle and a second toy vehicle. Furthermore, the assembly includes a connector for connecting the toy vehicles. Advantageously, the toy vehicles may be connected together so that a player may play with both vehicles at the same time with one hand only to thereby significantly enhance the playing experience.
Abstract: The tractor and trailer radio with. CD Player is the only product of its kind that has the capability of functioning as an alarm clock, a speaker, a charger, and a radio, yet showcases as an automotive small-scale accessory. This avant-garde product is uniquely designed with durable materials to ensure long term sustainability, and includes cutting-edge features such as wireless charging, illuminated cab lights and interchangeable volume and tune headlights for any AM/FM radio with the station numbers in the grill.
Abstract: A ball toy having a solid, resiliently flexible body is disclosed. The body is penetrated by a bore, wherein bearing means are mounted, defining a rotational axis of the body therein. The bore has a bore closure at each end, mechanical connection means connecting each closure to the bearing means. The body is able to spin on said axis relative to the closures, when the closures are held in a pinching manner by a user. The body is made of a thermoplastic rubber of selected hardness properties, giving it excellent bouncing performance, with unpredictability of bouncing direction resulting from the spinning of the body.
Abstract: Provided is a wheel including: a main housing with a series of apertures disposed radially thereabout; an inner shaft disposed within the main housing and rotatably coupled thereto; a set of spokes distributed radially around the inner shaft and attached thereto at a first end, each spoke positioned within one of the series of apertures in the main housing; a set of linkages distributed radially around the inner shaft and attached to a second end of the spokes, the linkages positioned within the apertures; and a set of rollers distributed radially around the inner shaft and mounted on the linkages; wherein the spokes, linkages, and rollers can be moved from a first, contracted position, to a second, expanded position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 14, 2019
Date of Patent:
February 9, 2021
Inventors:
Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi, Shahin Fathi Djalali
Abstract: Systems and methods for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) course profiling are provided. A plurality of images may be captured by a UAV flying along a course at a first location. A profile may be constructed for the course based on the images captured by the UAV. The constructed course profile is transmitted over a communication network to a virtual reality system at a second location. The virtual reality system may generate a virtual environment corresponding to the course based on the constructed course profile, and a second UAV at the second location may fly along the virtual course.
Abstract: The rolling dumbbells is a continuation in part of USPTO non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 14/969,138. The present disclosure presents an alternate attachment mechanism for attaching the first wheel and the second wheel of the cited disclosure to the grip of the cited disclosure. The rolling dumbbells comprises a threaded rod, a first nut, and a second nut. The grip of the cited disclosure is modified to further comprise a third axial aperture. The threaded rod forms a threaded connection with the first nut, a first threaded center, the third axial aperture of the grip, a second threaded center, and the second nut to attach the first wheel and the second wheel to the grip.
Abstract: The disclosure provides a centrifugal microfluidics control system and a method configuring the same. The system may comprise a centrifugal tube; a centrifugal unit for accommodating the centrifugal tube and providing a centrifugal force to the centrifugal tube; a control unit fixed in bottom of the centrifugal tube; and a microfluidic supporting unit coupled to the control unit in the centrifugal tube. The control unit may change an orientation of the microfluidic supporting unit to change a direction of the centrifugal force applied to the microfluidic supporting unit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 8, 2016
Date of Patent:
March 5, 2019
Assignees:
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Nanjing University
Abstract: A vehicle combination for orientation free steering experience to a user includes a remote control unit to for sending rotational and speed signals and a vehicle unit moves in the direction for receiving the rotation and speed signals, and further moving in the direction decoded from the rotation and speed signals. The remote control unit includes transmits the rotational pulse and speed signals. The vehicle unit includes a receiver to decode the rotational pulse and the speed signal received from the transmitter and further converts the decoded rotational pulse to determine the steering power. The vehicle unit is further driven based on the steering power and a second power source to power the receiver and the motor unit. The rotational pulse generated from the remote control unit is directly proportional to the steering power decoded by the receiver.
Abstract: An electric vehicle may comprise a board including first and second deck portions each configured to receive a left or right foot of a ride, a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions and including a ground-contacting element, a motor assembly mounted to the board and configured to rotate the ground-contacting element around an axle to propel the electric vehicle, at least one sensor configured to measure orientation information of the board, and a motor controller configured to receive orientation information measured by the sensor and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation information. The electric vehicle may include exactly one ground-contacting element, and the motor may be a hub motor.
Abstract: An image capturing toy may include a toy vehicle that may include at least one wheel and a camera, the camera including a camera lens and/or a housing that may include a first aperture and a wheel chock configured to inhibit displacement of a wheel. The housing may be moveable from an open position in which the toy vehicle may be placed in and removed from the housing, to a closed position in which the housing releasably encases the toy vehicle such that the camera lens is accessible through the first aperture and the wheel chock engages the at least one wheel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 26, 2011
Date of Patent:
May 12, 2015
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Anthony M Martino, Eric C Ostendorff, Kevin K Cao, Christopher J Hardouin, David A Sheltman, Stacy L O'Connor
Abstract: A toy includes a rotational lift mechanism having a rotatable drive shaft, a helical guide track positioned about the drive shaft, a receiver basin positioned atop the drive shaft, an upper track, a tilted panel, a chute having an opening formed therein and a lower track. In example forms, one or more balls traverse a closed-loop pre-defined path including along the guide track and within the basin, along the upper track, through an airborne trajectory into contact with the tilted panel, bouncing into the opening of the chute, and back along the lower track.
Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 14, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 17, 2015
Assignee:
Traxxas LP
Inventors:
Timothy E. Roberts, Jon Kenneth Lampert, Otto Karl Allmendinger
Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 11, 2012
Date of Patent:
March 10, 2015
Assignee:
Traxxas LP
Inventors:
Timothy E. Roberts, Jon Kenneth Lampert, Otto Karl Allmendinger
Abstract: An apparatus for distributing scale ballast over a model railroad track includes a hopper configured to funnel scale ballast to a spreader assembly, the spreader assembly including a spreader aperture formed between a compactor brush and a spreader plate, a chassis and a pair of contour skirts configured to contour scale ballast along the sides of the model railroad track.
Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's toy configured for movement along a support surface. According to various embodiments, the powered children's toy includes a drive system configured to impart a motive force on the children's toy that causes the toy to roll, bounce, shake, or otherwise move along an eccentric motion path when placed upon a support surface (e.g., a floor). Various embodiments of the drive system are configured to drive a rotating member about a movable rotation axis, thereby generating a varying motive force that causes eccentric movement along the support surface. This varying motive force assists in freeing the toy ball from obstacles encountered on a support surface (e.g., a wall or piece of furniture). In addition, the children's toy may include a power supply provided in a fixed position within the children's toy and configured for convenient user access.
Abstract: A robot includes a chassis, a motive subsystem configured to maneuver the chassis, a hopping actuator attached to the chassis and configured to launch the robot, and at least one leg pivotable with respect to the chassis to pitch the chassis upward at a selected launch trajectory angle. A control subsystem automatically actuates and controls the motive subsystem when the robot is airborne and uses the rotational momentum of the motive subsystem to control the attitude of the robot chassis in flight.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 11, 2011
Date of Patent:
September 30, 2014
Assignee:
Boston Dynamics, Inc.
Inventors:
Alfred Anthony Rizzi, Michael Patrick Murphy, John Joseph Giarratana, Matthew David Malchano, Christian Allen Weagle, Chris Aaron Richburg
Abstract: A transformable toy with an alterable exterior structure. The toy is constructed to transform from a non-rollable first shape to a second rollable shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure includes two or more exterior wall portions that collectively define a sphere, the wall portions moveably coupled relative to each and actuated by a triggering mechanism reactive to a magnetic force that is initiated external to the toy, and a biasing member that effects a force which transitions the wall portions to control the exterior structure—from a non-rollable (e.g., half-sphere or the like) first shape to a rollable (e.g., sphere or the like) second shape. Without initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape is maintained. With initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape transforms to the second shape.
Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 11, 2012
Date of Patent:
August 19, 2014
Assignee:
Traxxas LP
Inventors:
Timothy E. Roberts, Jon Kenneth Lampert, Otto Karl Allmendinger
Abstract: This is a great hand eye coordination toy for kids and enhances motor skills; The serpentine slot is a relaxing eye watching pleasure; Gravity pulls the balls through the slotted path in the base of the toy; Just turn the toy 180 degrees and it repeats the process; This toy is for entertainment use only; A slotted path is for multiple balls to follow.
Abstract: A self-propelled device determines an orientation for its movement based on a pre-determined reference frame. A controller device is operable by a user to control the self-propelled device. The controller device includes a user interface for controlling at least a direction of movement of the self-propelled device. The self-propelled device is configured to signal the controller device information that indicates the orientation of the self-propelled device. The controller device is configured to orient the user interface, based on the information signaled from the self-propelled device, to reflect the orientation of the self-propelled device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 3, 2012
Date of Patent:
June 10, 2014
Assignee:
Orbotix, Inc.
Inventors:
Ian H. Bernstein, Adam Wilson, Brian Keith Smith
Abstract: A toy vehicle racetrack is provided with one or more obstacle pairs. The obstacle pairs may be arranged in a geometrical progression and each obstacle pair may determine the relative positions of two toy vehicles and impede the travel of the trailing vehicle. Impeding the travel of the trailing vehicle may be accomplished by ejecting the trailing toy vehicle from the track.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 29, 2011
Date of Patent:
May 27, 2014
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Wayne Nuttall, Brendon Vetuskey
Abstract: A toy component group (17) has a loading arm (18) with a free end for lifting a load and with a connecting end (19) via which the loading arm (18) is mounted on a frame (20) of the component group (17). An activating device (21) serves for adjusting a loading arm setting angle (?) and, thereby, for lifting the free end of the loading arm (18). The activating device (21) comprises an activating element (23), a spindle (22) mounted on the frame (20) which is in drive connection with the activating element (23) for rotation about a spindle axis (24). Further, the activating device (21) comprises a spindle nut (25) with at least one guiding element (26) and a connecting link (27) secured to the loading arm (18). The connecting link (27) cooperates with the at least one guiding element (26) of the spindle nut (25) for link guiding.
Abstract: A composite toy for use with a writing utensil. The composite toy includes a first and second assembly. The first and second assemblies are removeably mutually attachable, and the first and second assemblies are each removeably attachable to a writing utensil.
Abstract: A toy set is provided including a reconfigurable toy capable of transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration. The toy set also includes a launch mechanism having an activation means and a toy receiver. A propulsion mechanism transfers movement of the activation means to the reconfigurable toy to propel the reconfigurable toy in a second configuration from the launch mechanism along a propulsion axis.
Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 20, 2010
Date of Patent:
February 4, 2014
Assignee:
Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Kenlip Ong, Courtney Watkinson, Armen Mkrtchyan
Abstract: A driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy vehicle is disclosed comprising a radio controlled drive assembly with a frame, two (2) large central wheels, and two (2) small motor driven drive wheels. The large wheels are driven by two (2) independent motors with drive wheels attached which engage the outer perimeter of each large wheel. The drive train and power supply are positioned upon a platform of the frame. Front and rear midpoints of the frame are provided with a finger protrusion to support the vehicle when changing directions or when balance is lost. The wheels are driven independently enabling one (1) wheel to be driven forward while the other one (1) is driven backwards to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a center point. The motors can be driven in a simultaneous manner to propel the vehicle forward or backward. Proportional steering enables the vehicle to turn corners and produce movements that follow curves or arcs.
Abstract: A mobile skateboard-shaped toy which is propelled by a displaceable flywheel is described. The skateboard-shaped toy comprises a skateboard deck with the flywheel positioned within the skateboard deck. The flywheel is positioned such that the flywheel protrudes beyond a top portion and a bottom portion of the skateboard deck. The flywheel is rotatable within the skateboard deck to change a rotational direction of the flywheel with respect to a major axis of the skateboard deck. Additionally, the flywheel can be repositioned at different ride heights within the skateboard deck. In one aspect, the flywheel is removable from the skateboard deck to allow the flywheel to be easily repositioned within the skateboard deck or replaced with another flywheel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 2010
Date of Patent:
October 22, 2013
Assignee:
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Inventors:
Gabriel Carlson, Dominic Laurienzo, Dion Fields, Michael Bernstein
Abstract: A toy system comprises a surface (1) provided with position encoding information; and a toy (2, 20) arranged to be movable across the surface (1), said toy (2, 20) comprising at least one sensor (4) for reading said position encoding information, and processing means (3) arranged to process the position encoding information read by the sensor (4) and to determine the position of the toy (2, 20) on said surface (1) on the basis of said position encoding information.
Abstract: A multi-directional radio controlled toy, having a main vehicle with housing configured as a creature-like head containing propulsion and control components including two drive motors with controller, drive wheels coupled with the motors, power supply and wireless signal receiver coupled with the controller. An unpowered body portion trails the main vehicle and body members movably connected together by articulated couplings to permit body articulation throughout substantially the entire body portion of the creature-like device. A jaw moving mechanism in the main vehicle is powered by the motors to raise an upper jaw portion of the head until tripped by contact of a trigger at the front end of the main vehicle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 3, 2008
Date of Patent:
February 19, 2013
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
Abstract: A toy including a housing and at least one view port disposed within the housing and adapted to permit a user to view objects through the at least one view port.
Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's toy configured for movement along a support surface. According to various embodiments, the powered children's toy includes a drive system configured to impart a motive force on the children's toy that causes the toy to roll, bounce, shake, or otherwise move along an eccentric motion path when placed upon a support surface (e.g., a floor). Various embodiments of the drive system are configured to drive a rotating member about a movable rotation axis, thereby generating a varying motive force that causes eccentric movement along the support surface. This varying motive force assists in freeing the toy ball from obstacles encountered on a support surface (e.g., a wall or piece of furniture). In addition, the children's toy may include a power supply provided in a fixed position within the children's toy and configured for convenient user access.
Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 16, 2007
Date of Patent:
November 20, 2012
Assignee:
Traxxas LP
Inventors:
Timothy E. Roberts, Jon Kenneth Lampert, Otto Karl Allmendinger
Abstract: A two-wheel toy car includes a car body, a chassis for supporting the car body, a wheel assembly, and two balancing assemblies fixed to the chassis. The chassis includes an inner surface facing the car body and symmetrically defines two through holes. The wheel assembly includes two wheels symmetrically positioned on the chassis and two driving members corresponding to the wheels, respectively. The balancing assemblies correspond to the through holes, respectively. Each balancing assembly includes a guiding member fixed to the inner surface corresponding to the through hole, a contacting member extending from the through hole, and at least one elastic member positioned between the guiding member and the contacting member. The contacting member faces the guiding member and is slidably connected to the guiding member. One end of the elastic member abuts against the guiding member, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the contacting member.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 25, 2009
Date of Patent:
October 30, 2012
Assignees:
Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a chassis, a front road wheel supported for rotation from the chassis and a rear road wheel supported for rotation from the chassis. A reversible motor is supported from the chassis and is operatively coupled with one of the front and rear road wheels so as to rotate at least one of the front and rear road wheels to propel the toy vehicle in a forward direction. A wheelie mechanism is operatively connected to the motor and has a first end pivotally attached to the central axis of one of the front and rear road wheels.
Abstract: An apparatus for distributing scale ballast over a model railroad track includes a hopper configured to funnel scale ballast to a spreader assembly, the spreader assembly including a spreader aperture formed between a compactor brush and a spreader plate, a chassis and a pair of contour skirts configured to contour scale ballast along the sides of the model railroad track.
Abstract: A toy helicopter with a functioning rotor blade and winch is disclosed. In one embodiment, a toy helicopter includes a rotor blade and winch coupled to a drive mechanism housed in the helicopter. The drive mechanism is coupled to a drive shaft, and is operated by an actuator with a winch attached thereto. Pulling the winch away from the helicopter body loads or winds up the drive mechanism, and releasing the winch allows the drive mechanism to rotate the drive shaft and retract the winch.
Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis and motor. An electronic controller and receiver for receiving control signals from a remote control. A pair of ground-engaging front and rear wheels mounted to a front and rear portions of the chassis, and being freely rotatably mounted to the chassis. A ground-engaging center drive wheel operably coupled to the drive motor, the center drive wheel being mounted on a rotatable platform positioned on the chassis within a perimeter defined by the front and rear wheels, the rotatable platform rotating with respect to the chassis to allow the central drive wheel to steer the vehicle in different directions, the central drive wheel having a coefficient of friction higher than the front and rear wheels to aid in driving the vehicle in different direction.
Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 20, 2010
Publication date:
March 22, 2012
Inventors:
Kenlip Ong, Courtney Watkinson, Armen Mkrtchyan
Abstract: A method provides a virtual presentation including a virtual character in an environment other than a natural environment of the virtual character. The method includes validating a registration code associated with a toy, providing at least one virtual room representing a natural environment of the toy in the virtual presentation, and displaying the virtual character in the virtual room representing the natural environment of the toy, which represents the toy in the virtual presentation. The method further includes providing at least one additional virtual room representing an unnatural environment of the toy in the virtual presentation, the unnatural environment of the toy being different than the natural environment of the toy, and providing the virtual character with an environment extension tool that enables the virtual character to exist in the room representing the unnatural environment of the toy.
Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 9, 2010
Date of Patent:
February 7, 2012
Assignee:
SRI International
Inventors:
Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Roy D. Kornbluh, Patrick D. Lincoln, Scott Stanford
Abstract: A toy vehicle has a hard top shell formed with a top concave shell cavity. The hard top shell has an inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A top layer of adhesive adheres to the hard top shell. A flexible chassis core is formed with a top profile and a bottom profile. The top profile matches and receives the top hard shell. The top layer of adhesive adheres to a top surface of the chassis core. A bottom layer of adhesive adheres to a bottom surface of the flexible chassis core; and a hard bottom shell is formed with a bottom concave shell cavity. The bottom concave shell cavity is formed to fit to the bottom profile. The hard bottom shell is pervious to light.
Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling movement of a self-propelled toy that interacts with human users, receiving assistance from those users in reaching a destination, and communicates with other self-propelled toys, with human users, and with social media forums via various networks.
Abstract: The present invention provides a toy car wheel with an adjustable center of gravity. The middle of the toy car wheel defines a through hole. At least one spoke is distributed between the rim of the toy car wheel and the through hole. At least one channel is defined in each spoke. At least one spherical body is disposed in each channel. When a toy car decelerates, a momentum of the toy car decreases, the at least one spherical body descends in a corresponding channel, and the center of gravity of the toy car wheel descends.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 26, 2009
Date of Patent:
November 15, 2011
Assignees:
Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Abstract: A toy includes a vehicle body having a front portion and a rear portion. A pair of rear wheels is coupled with the rear portion and located on the vehicle so as to at least partially support the rear portion. A first electric motor is drivingly coupled with the at least one rear wheel. There is a pair of front wheels coupled with the front portion and located on the vehicle so as to at least partially support the front portion. An electrically operated steering actuator is mounted on the front portion and is drivingly coupled to the at least one front wheel to rotate the front wheels to steer the toy vehicle. When the vehicle is inverted, the sensor detects the orientation change and signals a microprocessor inside the vehicle, the microprocessor responds to the signal and changes the left/right motor control signal to the steering motor and the forward/backward motor control signal on the driving motor.
Abstract: A toy vehicle has first, second and third wheels for movement over a surface. Each of the first, second and third wheels has a respective first, second and third axis of rotation that lies between the remaining two other axes of rotation such that the three axes of rotation are mutually adjoining. Each of the three axes of rotation crosses over the other two axes of rotation such that an angle is formed between each adjoining crossing pair of the axes of rotation where each angle is other than a multiple of 90 degrees. Each wheel is individually powered so that the toy vehicle can translate in any horizontal direction regardless of its facing direction. Two of the wheels can be realigned so their axes of rotation are collinear for conventional movement.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 18, 2007
Date of Patent:
September 27, 2011
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Ronald L. Torres, Christopher J. Hardouin, Mark S. Mayer, Tin Hung Ngai, Chun Wing Wong
Abstract: A wheel for a toy vehicle includes a rim, a tire, and a ballast. The rim includes an outer circumferential surface. The tire is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rim. The tire and the rim cooperatively define a ring-shaped receiving channel therebetween. The ballast is received in the ring-shaped receiving channel, and slidably connected to the outer circumferential surface of the rim. The weight of the ballast is greater than the frictional force between the ballast and the rim.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 30, 2009
Date of Patent:
September 6, 2011
Assignees:
Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a shaft and a pair of wheels rotatably connected to opposite ends of the shaft. Each wheel includes an inner cover, an outer cover connected to the inner cover, and a steering member sandwiched between the inner cover and the outer cover. The steering member includes a motor, a rotating plate, at least two elastic elements equidistant from each other around the inner cover, and at least two pawls rotatably connected to the outer cover. The motor is fixed on the inner cover and includes a rotating shaft. The rotating plate is fixed to the rotating shaft and is driven by the motor to rotate. Each elastic element connects the rotating plate to each pawl. Each pawl extends out of the inner cover by rotation of the rotating plate, thereby changing the radius of the wheel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 24, 2009
Date of Patent:
August 30, 2011
Assignees:
Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
Abstract: A toy component group (17) has a loading arm (18) with a free end for lifting a load and with a connecting end (19) via which the loading arm (18) is mounted on a frame (20) of the component group (17). An activating device (21) serves for adjusting a loading arm setting angle (?) and, thereby, for lifting the free end of the loading arm (18). The activating device (21) comprises an activating element (23), a spindle (22) mounted on the frame (20) which is in drive connection with the activating element (23) for rotation about a spindle axis (24). Further, the activating device (21) comprises a spindle nut (25) with at least one guiding element (26) and a connecting link (27) secured to the loading arm (18). The connecting link (27) cooperates with the at least one guiding element (26) of the spindle nut (25) for link guiding.