Remotely Controlled Patents (Class 446/454)
  • Patent number: 6830498
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toy game comprising a self-propelled vehicle (3) and at least two deflection elements (1, 2) which are adapted to deflect the travelling direction of the vehicle (3) on a base. The invention is characterized in that the elements comprise a curved, concave track for approximately frictionless cooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle and comprise an underside and a grip configured such that a player can reorient and move the element on the base of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventor: Jesper Elling
  • Publication number: 20040248500
    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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jan Hatting
  • Publication number: 20040209545
    Abstract: A hand held remote controlled toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a motor that can be activated by a wireless signal. The motor is coupled to a drive wheel by a drive gear assembly. Activation of the motor turns the drive wheel and propels the vehicle. The drive gear assembly can be de-coupled from the drive wheel so that the toy vehicle can be manually propelled in a free-wheeling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Elliot Rudell, Tom Grimm
  • Publication number: 20040198169
    Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed having an animal body portion and a remote control portion. The animal body portion may be a lizard having horns and a tail. A user may use the remote control to cause the animal to move. The animal body has at least one motor operably connected to the animal's head, legs, and tail. The motor causes the animal to walk forward, walk backward, or dance in place at the selection of the user, and causes the tail to move and the mouth of the animal's head to move. An extendable tongue protrudes from the mouth. The tongue may have a magnetic tip for connecting with a magnetic or metallic object. The device may also contain a speaker that plays music and/or words as selected by the user through the remote control. In one embodiment, the lizard dances while playing music.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Daniel J. Beckman, Marcellus R. Benson, William H. Bronson
  • Patent number: 6796874
    Abstract: A remote control running toy comprises a pair of uprights (24), each having a kingpin (22) for steerably supporting the wheels (20); and a steering mechanism (32) which is coupled through steering rods (30) with the uprights (24); wherein the running toy comprises a coil-shaped spring member (40) for absorbing a shock transmitted via the uprights (22) to the steering rods (28). Thereby, the remote control running toy is provided, which is able to prevent the steering rods from being damaged, even if a strong shock acts onto the front wheels, thus improving the reliability of the running toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Nikko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Harada
  • Publication number: 20040180605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a speed controller (10) for toy vehicles on a car racetrack, particularly on a track-guided car racetrack. According to the invention, the speed controller (10) has a manually operable device (12) for varying an electrical driving voltage from an electric power supply (20) for the car racetrack, and the device (12) for varying the electrical driving voltage can be manually displaced over a preset operating path. To this end, the device (12) for varying the electrical driving voltage is designed whereby it varies the driving voltage, which is output by the electric power supply (20), over the operating path from zero to a first preset maximum value below the voltage that is output by the electric power supply (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Hubertus Maleika
  • Patent number: 6780077
    Abstract: A toy vehicle combination includes a master toy vehicle and a slave toy vehicle. The master toy vehicle includes a transmitter configured to broadcast an IR tracking signal. The slave toy vehicle includes at least first and second directional IR receivers configured to receive the tracking signal from different directions around the slave toy vehicle and is configured to follow or evade the master toy vehicle, which is conventionally remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris T. Baumgartner, Joseph T. Moll, Truman J. Gilbert, Stephen N. Weiss, Nathan Bloch, David V. Helmlinger, Gregory Nungester
  • Patent number: 6776686
    Abstract: The object is to provide a running toy which can be charged while the player plays with the toy by simplifying operation of charging the running toy and by providing a charging runway as one element of playing with the running toy. The present invention relates to a running toy comprising a running body and a runway, wherein said running body comprises a reception means for receiving outer operating information, a control means for control based on the information received by the reception means, a driving means for making wheels rotate by control signals from the control means, a condenser able to supply electric power to the driving means, and a connecting means connected to the condenser and charging the condenser from the outside of the running body, and wherein said runway comprises a power supply for supplying electric power and an electric power supply means connected with said power supply and adapted to come in contact with a connecting means of said running body and to supply electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Staff Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Todokoro
  • Publication number: 20040147202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control system wherein a plurality of remote control devices and remote control receivers may be operating simultaneously. A remote control device comprises a connect switch for establishing a link between the remote control device and a remote control receiver. The remote control device further comprises a transmitter, an address register, and a processing device. The processing device is arranged for upon activation by the connect switch to enter a connect state wherein connect type data packets, containing an address stored in the address register, are transmitted from the remote control device. A corresponding connect function may simultaneously be effected in a remote control receiver, establishing a functional link between the remote control device and the remote control receiver. The invention may advantageously be used for remotely controlling playing or amusement equipment, such as controllable toys and model vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tord Brabrand
  • Patent number: 6764373
    Abstract: A charging system for a mobile robot includes the mobile robot that is battery-driven and moves in a self-controlled way within a work space, and a charging station for accommodating the mobile robot for a battery charging operation. The charging system includes visible recognition data arranged in a predetermined location of the charging station, an image pickup unit mounted on the mobile robot, a calculating unit for calculating a range and a bearing from the mobile robot to the charging station, based on an image picked up by the image pickup unit, and a searching unit for causing the mobile robot to search for the charging station, based on the calculation result provided by the calculating unit. Since the mobile robot searches for the charging station using a camera for recognizing the visible recognition data, a charging operation is automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Osawa, Naoyasu Hosonuma
  • Patent number: 6762586
    Abstract: A remote controlled toy vehicle with a rechargable battery operates with rechargeable system. A station has an outlet on or in adjacency with a surface on which the remotely controllable toy is movable, and electrical outlet contacts. The remote controlled toy has inlet contacts for electrically engaging the outlet contacts when steered to the station. When the toy is steered under remote control to the station and the outlet contacts and inlet contacts electrically engage, a rechargeable current is passible from the electrical outlet contacts to the electrical inlet contacts. The station is part of a bypass track and the toy vehicle is normally directed to travel on the track and bypass the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Silverlit Toy Manufactory, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kei Fung Choi
  • Patent number: 6752684
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle that has the ability to transform from a compact (narrow wheel track) configuration to an expanded (wide wheel track) configuration. The toy vehicle includes at least one driving wheel. Left and right main transformation arms are attached to left and right chassis bodies. A transformation drive is adapted to cause the main transformation arms to move towards or away from each other when the transformation drive is actuated, thereby causing the left and right chassis bodies to move towards or away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jason C. Lee
  • Patent number: 6752720
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming system includes a mobile remote control vehicle. The mobile remote control vehicle communicates wirelessly with a control unit, and may be operated outside a line-of-sight (LOS) of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Edward O. Clapper, Greg E. Scott
  • Patent number: 6746304
    Abstract: A remote-control toy car set includes a toy car, and a remote-control device. The toy car includes a body, a driving device, a stabilizer, a camera system, a sensor, and a first radio module. The remote-control device includes a servo device, a display, a remote-control interface, and a second radio module. Thus, the level indication image is directed toward the inclined direction of the toy car, so that the user can manipulate the toy car to roll in the direction opposite to the inclined direction of the toy car to compensate inclination of the inclined level indication image, so as to guide the toy car to return to the level stable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Shu-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6739942
    Abstract: An ultrasonic remote aeroplane for playing air-battle game includes a wing, a cockpit, a propeller, a tail pole, a fin, a rudder, a main remote circuit for receiving the propeller rotation controlling signal and rudder motion controlling signal carried high frequency carrier transmitted from a remote transmitter, and a driving system thereof. The remote aeroplane further includes an air-battle box including at least an ultrasonic transmitting tube, an ultrasonic receiving sensor, an attachment structure for fixing to the aeroplane, and a control circuit corresponding to them. The remote transmitter further transmits a high frequency carrier carrying a signal F3 for instructing the ultrasonic transmitting tube to transmit ultrasonic waves. The main remote circuit further includes a circuit for receiving the high frequency carrier carrying the signal F3 and separating out the signal F3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Yu Tian, Wenyan Jiang
  • Publication number: 20040092207
    Abstract: A construction toy with a wireless transmitter (TX) having at least two channels and a receiver unit (RX). In the receiver unit is an integral first functionality unit (MS), eg a position servomotor, and at least one further external functionality unit (M), eg a motor, can be coupled to the receiver unit (RX) and operated thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jorn Skovlober Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040092208
    Abstract: A toy vehicle including at least an on-board power supply, a plurality of wheels supporting the vehicle for itinerant movement, at least one motor operably coupled to at least one of the wheels to provide at least part of an itinerant movement, at least one light and a controller circuit configured to selectively supply power from the power supply to the motor(s) in response to commands from a transmitter remote from the toy vehicle and to selectively supply power to the at least one light in response to a signal indicating the vehicle is performing a particular maneuver, for example, either a special stunt or a transformation or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen N. Weiss, Eric D. Listenberger, Joseph T. Moll
  • Patent number: 6733361
    Abstract: A wireless toy playset. The playset includes a small size vehicle that moves about a track. Movement of the vehicle is controlled by a wireless transmitter. At the discretion of a parent or end user the transmitter can either be structurally coupled to the track or physically separated from the track. By way of example, the transmitter may be docked into a docking station of the track. Structurally coupling the wireless transmitter to the track reduces the likelihood of separation, and possibly misplacement, of the transmitter from the playset. For example, when the playset is operated by a small child it may be desirable to structurally couple the wireless transmitter to the track to prevent the child from removing and losing the transmitter. When the child is older the transmitter may be removed from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Elliot Rudell
  • Patent number: 6733360
    Abstract: The system includes a digital camera or similar CCD or CMOS device which transmits image data to a computing device. Changes such as motion, light or color are detected in various sectors or regions of the image. These changes are evaluated by software which generates output to an audio speaker and/or to an infra-red, radio frequency, or similar transmitter. The transmitter forms a link to a microprocessor based platform which includes remote microprocessor software. Additionally, the platform include mechanical connections upon which a robot can be built and into which the digital camera can be incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Mike Dooley, Soren Lund, Guy Nicholas, Allan Young
  • Patent number: 6732015
    Abstract: A robot system includes a plurality of segments 3, joints 4 for linking the segments together, drive units 5 for actuating the joints, and a controller 8 for controlling the drive units. Further, the robot system has bladders 2 filled with a fluid being of lower specific gravity than the outside environment. A center of buoyancy differs from a center of gravity, and the robot system has a specific gravity of greater than 1 relative to the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Maeda
  • Publication number: 20040082268
    Abstract: A programmable device such as a toy or novelty item and a remote controller has a keyboard which can be activated by a user to set up any one of multiple different motions of the toy. Sounds and lights can be activated to coordinate with the movement. The toy can be a car or other device capable of moving in the environment. The toy is also controllable solely by remote control through a transmitter in the remote controller and a receiver in the toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Choi
  • Publication number: 20040077283
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toy game comprising a self-propelled vehicle (3) and at least two deflection elements (1, 2) which are adapted to deflect the travelling direction of the vehicle (3) on a base. The invention is characterized in that the elements comprise a curved, concave track for approximately frictionless cooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle and comprise an underside and a grip configured such that a player can reorient and move the element on the base of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jesper Elling
  • Publication number: 20040077284
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for adapting an existing scaled vehicle remote controller for use with an enhanced controller. An enhanced controller modifies control signals to conform to the response features of an existing controller. The modified control signal is transmitted to an original remote controller and broadcast to a scaled vehicle. The enhanced control system can control the scaled vehicle with no changes to the vehicle and only modest changes to the original vehicle controller. The present invention allows existing remote control vehicles to be used in more sophisticated competitions and driven using enhanced operational environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Victor G. Bonilla, James W. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6719607
    Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each of the first vehicles is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams, all of them having the same construction, and by intercoupling the male detents on the beams to female detents on blocks, all having an identical construction. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure formed by intercoupling beams and blocks of the same type as the b3eams and blocks in the first structure. The second structure defines a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., monorail) addressable in the same manner as the first vehicles is movable in first and second opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Aldred, William H. Barton, Jr., Peter C. DeAngelis, Paul Eichen
  • Publication number: 20040063383
    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: 6705873
    Abstract: A controller for use with an operated object such as a model vehicle contains therein a memory. The movement of the model vehicle is stored in advance into the memory with each of push buttons in a keyboard unit of the controller. Once a “GO” button is pushed even during a manual operation, a signal to cause to perform the procedure stored in the memory is transmitted from an antenna which is provided in the controller. In this arrangement, the model vehicle can be subject to complicated operations even by an unskilled operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thermal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Higashida
  • Publication number: 20040046686
    Abstract: A speed control system for a utility vehicle that includes a motor driven drive system. The control system comprises a controller associated with the motor to control the speed of the vehicle up to a set maximum speed. The maximum speed is set to one of at least two different maximum speed values, including a default lower-speed and a high-speed. An input device is associated with the controller and is configured to change the set maximum speed value to the high-speed value only upon entry of a preset passcode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Kerlin, Russell W. King, Alan E. Oester, William E. Shank
  • Patent number: 6692333
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has front and rear chassis portions and a flipping mechanism which allows the front chassis portion to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the rear chassis portion about a longitudinal axis. The flipping mechanism includes a triggering mechanism, a rotational drive mechanism and a mechanism to prevent damage to a main spring which drives the rotational motion of the front chassis relative to the rear chassis. The toy vehicle may be remote controlled, and include a remote control transmitter. One remote control transmitter includes a left hand and a right hand portion, with the two portions being pivotable with respect to one another to activatea control switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Obb, LLC
    Inventors: Androc L. Kislevitz, Adam L. Kislevitz, Noah L. Kislevitz, Justin M. Discoe, David V. Helmlinger, David J. Ribbe
  • Patent number: 6692334
    Abstract: A starter assembly is constructed to include a starter formed of a battery-operated motor and a reduction gear set, a polygonal shaft coupled to the output shaft of the engine of an engine-operated remote-control toy car, an idle gear wheel set coupled to the polygonal shaft, the idle gear wheel set having an active idle gear wheel, and a passive idle gear wheel coupled to the polygonal shaft and meshed with the active idle gear wheel, and a driving rod adapted for connecting the reduction gear set of the starter to the active idle gear wheel of the idle gear wheel set for enabling the starter to start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ke-Way Lu
  • Publication number: 20040018800
    Abstract: An ergonomically comfortable remote control apparatus includes a transmission controller unit and a transmitter unit electrically connected together. The transmission controller unit includes a transmission-controller-unit handle. An accelerator control finger lever and a brake control finger lever project outward from a first side of the transmission-controller-unit handle. A clutch thumb lever projects outward from a second side of the transmission-controller-unit handle. A steering wheel is connected to a portion of the transmission-controller-unit handle at a location above the accelerator control finger lever, the brake control finger lever, and the clutch thumb lever. A finger-operated steering control handle is connected to the steering wheel. A hand operated gear shift slide actuator is supported on the steering wheel and operates an upshift actuator button and a downshift actuator button located on the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph C. Caiozza
  • Patent number: 6679753
    Abstract: A wireless control miniature low-profile toy car comprising a chassis for supporting front and rear wheels, a front wheel steering mechanism, a covered control circuit board therefor, a drive motor and a battery. A shell miniature car body is attached to and substantially covers the chassis. The circuit board is positioned and secured atop a bottom panel of the chassis, while the battery is positioned and secured above the circuit board and at least partially within a central raised portion of the car body whereby the height of the central raised portion of the car body is substantially reduced. The front steering includes an upright pivot shaft connected at an upper end thereof to a mating cavity or aperture formed on a front hood of said car body which allows a further reduction in profile height of the hood of the toy car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
  • Patent number: 6679752
    Abstract: A new and improved remote controllable toy device and an associated method of using are disclosed. The remote controllable toy device includes a radio transmitter unit and a toy car responsive to the radio transmitter unit. The radio transmitter unit having a housing, an antenna, a first battery, a transmitter circuit, a propulsion switch, a steering switch, a front end hopping switch, a four wheel lifting switch, and an on/off switch. The toy car having an upper shell, an undercarriage attachable to the upper shell, in which the undercarriage has a receiver, a control unit, a motor, a gear set, a plurality of wheels, and a means for hopping, a means for lifting all four wheels, and a means for oscillating up and down after hopping. The method includes the steps of activating, bending, depressing, detaching, lifting, manipulating, obtaining, picking, placing, pressing, pushing, reattaching, releasing, toggling, and touching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Rodrick L. Reed, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6672934
    Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed having an animal body portion and a remote control portion. The animal body portion may be a lizard having horns and a tail. A user may use the remote control to cause the animal to move. The animal body has at least one motor operably connected to the animal's head, legs, and tail. The motor causes the animal to walk forward, walk backward, or dance in place at the selection of the user, and causes the tail to move and the mouth of the animal's head to move. An extendable tongue protrudes from the mouth. The tongue may have a magnetic tip for connecting with a magnetic or metallic object. The device may also contain a speaker that plays music and/or words as selected by the user through the remote control. In one embodiment, the lizard dances while playing music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Trendmasters, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Daniel J. Beckman, Marcellus R. Benson, William H. Bronson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030236051
    Abstract: A starter assembly is constructed to include a starter formed of a battery-operated motor and a reduction gear set, a polygonal shaft coupled to the output shaft of the engine of an engine-operated remote-control toy car, an idle gear wheel set coupled to the polygonal shaft, the idle gear wheel set having an active idle gear wheel, and a passive idle gear wheel coupled to the polygonal shaft and meshed with the active idle gear wheel, and a driving rod adapted for connecting the reduction gear set of the starter to the active idle gear wheel of the idle gear wheel set for enabling the starter to start the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ke-Way Lu
  • Patent number: 6666746
    Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Aldred, William H. Barton, Jr., Peter C. DeAngelis, Paul Eichen
  • Patent number: 6663463
    Abstract: A sound activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis, and a motor. The chassis accommodates the body and has at least a front wheel and a rear wheel. The motor is drivingly connected to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The toy vehicle also includes a sound transducer configured to generate an electrical signal in response to detected sound. The toy vehicle also includes a controller having an input electrically connected to the sound transducer and an output electrically connected to the motor. The controller changes the output to the motor when the electrical signal is received by the input from the sound transducer. The toy vehicle also includes a vehicle accessory having an exterior portion. The vehicle accessory is mounted for movement between a first position and a second position by mechanical power from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William Francis Michael Dougherty, Mary Ellen Gertrude Fosbenner, Robert Jude Henry, Matthew Felix Agostini, Gregory John Sisolak
  • Patent number: 6659837
    Abstract: A remote control car made of plastic sheet has an body with fixed wheels and a remotely controlled electromechanical drive unit with rotatable wheels in a cavity in the bottom of the inflatable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Alvimar Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Marvin S. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 6656012
    Abstract: Switches in pads may be closed to select toy vehicles and operate motors in the vehicles for moving (a) the vehicles in any direction and (b) a bin holding transportable elements (e.g. marbles). A central station interrogates the pads, forms packets of signals representative of the switch closures in the interrogated pads and transmits the signal packets to the vehicles. Each packet includes binary signals for addressing the vehicle selected by the pad providing the packet. When the pads are interrogated by the central station, the signals from the pads are routed to an accessory coupled to a smart port in the central station. When the accessory is smart, the accessory recodes the signals and sends the recoded signals to the central station for transmission to the vehicles. When the accessory is dumb, it passes the signals from the central station to the vehicle without recoding the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventors: Peter C. DeAngelis, Frederick M. Lundquist
  • Patent number: 6656011
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension for a toy and a vehicle toy, which can properly ground right and left wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Tomy Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Yousuke Yoneda
  • Publication number: 20030220046
    Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel J. Aldred, William H. Barton, Peter C. DeAngelis, Paul Eichen
  • Publication number: 20030220047
    Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on the beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel J. Aldred, William H. Barton, Peter C. DeAngelis, Paul Eichen
  • Patent number: 6648722
    Abstract: A three wheeled wireless controlled toy stunt vehicle capable of both highly elastic impact and less elastic impact with obstacles struck while the vehicle is in motion is disclosed. Two wheels are separately driven, and have tires with interiors that are vented to atmosphere. The third wheel has a tire with an interior that is sealed and pressurized. The pressurized tire is capable of highly elastic impact when it strikes obstacles while the toy vehicle is in motion. The non-pressurized tires are characterized by a less elastic impact with obstacles. The third wheel has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the drive wheels. All components of the vehicle are contained within the two planes tangent to the three wheels, such that the toy vehicle may be operated on either of its two major sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Obb, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Lynders, James Michael Ferro, Androc Luther Kislevitz, Adam Luther Kislevitz, Noah Luther Kislevitz
  • 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: 6620022
    Abstract: A stand-alone drive mechanism for a toy racing car. The mechanism includes individually controlled motors for operating simulated main drive wheels of a race car vehicle, a semi-concealed actual drive wheel for the vehicle, and a steering system. The mechanism is principally intended for use in connection with a construction toy set such as “K'NEX,” to enable construction of toy drag racing vehicles and the like. The simulated main drive wheels are elevated slightly above the support surface and can be rotated independently of the actual drive wheel, to simulate a “burn-out” sequence which typically precedes a drag race. By means of a remote radio control, the main drive wheels can be initially rotated to simulate “burn-out”, followed immediately by operation of the actual drive wheel to send a vehicle down a race path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Connector Set Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Joseph Jay Smith, Tony Garr
  • Patent number: 6616505
    Abstract: The present invention is a model train sound board interface for making model trains compatible with the LIONEL TRAINMASTER® Command Control system. The model train sound board interface is comprised of circuitry which interprets serial digital data received from the LIONEL TRAINMASTER Command Control transmitter to determine what command the user is sending to the model train engine. Once the command is interpreted the circuitry provides the appropriate output signal to carry out the command. The circuitry of the preferred embodiment includes a microprocessor for interpreting serial data from the LIONEL TRAINMASTER Receiver, negative 5 and approximately negative 9 volt power supplies for providing consistent and filtered power to external sound boards, an H-bridge triac motor driver optically coupled to the microprocessor and DC offset circuitry made up of variable voltage regulators, again optically coupled to the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Michael P. Reagan, Louis H. Niederlander
  • Patent number: 6609945
    Abstract: The remote-controlled air, land or water borne toy vehicle comprises: a body; a printed circuit board mounted in or to the body; a receiver connected to the printed circuit board for receiving commands; hardware on the printed circuit board including control circuitry for manipulating the toy vehicle in response to commands received by the receiver; and a motor drive mechanism mounted on or to the toy vehicle for moving or propelling the toy vehicle in response to control signals from the control circuitry. Preferably at least one of several infrared emitting simulated weapons are mounted on the toy vehicle and are selected from the group including a machine gun, a cannon and a missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Plexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Jimenez, Francisco Jose Barreras, Sr., Roberto Echarri, Guillermo Echarri
  • Patent number: 6585618
    Abstract: A remote control toy car control system is constructed to include a dual-gearshift transmission mechanism coupled to the engine of the remote control toy car for transmission output power of the engine between a high torque position and a low torque position, a forward backward transmission control mechanism coupled to the output end of the dual-gearshift transmission mechanism for controlling forward/backward movement of the toy car, and a differential assembly coupled to the forward backward transmission control mechanism for enabling the rear wheels of the toy car to turn at different speeds when going round corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Ke-Way Lu
  • Patent number: 6579146
    Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle defining a center of gravity. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A rear axle is connected to the frame at its rear portion and two rear wheels are rotatably connected to the rear axle. The center of gravity of the wind propelled vehicle is forward of the rear axle. A front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame at its forward portion. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast and boom. A motor is operably connected to the boom and to the front wheel. The motor is also physically connected to the boom. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the position of the sail is adjusted relative to the wind. Sail position adjustment is achieved by the motor turning the front wheel and manipulating the position of the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ganz
  • Patent number: 6569025
    Abstract: A bowling ball having an internal weight whose position along a spin axis is adjustable by operation of a drive means which in turn is operative to rotate a threaded nut sleeve that supports the weight. The rotation is about a threaded, non-rotatable weight shaft that extends along the spin axis. This threadably advances the nut sleeve and the weight along the length of the weight shaft, thereby altering the center of gravity and path of the ball after it is released by the bowler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Nelson Tyler
  • Patent number: 6565409
    Abstract: This invention provides a stop mechanism capable of stopping a model car under a spin-turn state. A seesaw-shaped swing member 22 is mounted to a car body 11 of a model car 10 at a position deviated either to the right or left from a centerline of the car body 11 in a driving direction. An axle 21 of driving rear wheels 13 supports the swing member 22 and allows it to swing. A driving motor 20 is fitted to rear side of the swing member and a stopper plate 23, to the front side. A spring 25 for always biasing the swing member in a direction in which the stopper plate of the swing member comes into touch with a road surface 30 is interposed between the swing member and the car body. An intermeshing gear is arranged in such a fashion that a direction of reaction force transmitted from the driving rear wheels to the driving motor operates in a direction in which the stopper plate is separated from the road surface against the biasing force of the spring when the driving motor is rotated for advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: CCP Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Isogai