Steering Vehicle Patents (Class 446/460)
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Patent number: 9370724Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Douglas Michael Galletti
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Patent number: 9162154Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Mimlitch, III, David Anthony Norman, Raul Olivera, Gregory E. Needel
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Patent number: 9050541Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Mimlitch, III, David Anthony Norman, Gregory E. Needel, III, Jeffrey Russell Waegelin, Joel Reagan Carter
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Patent number: 8932102Abstract: A movable toy vehicle comprises a vehicle body, chassis, and power source with at least one battery. A magnetic coil activator and a magnet for wheel steering control affects steering. A circuit applies a current to the coil thereby to move the magnet. Movement of the magnet is transmitted to a steering shaft thereby permitting steering the vehicle. The magnet is a permanent magnet, and includes a mounting to pivot the permanent magnet in relation to a coil, and wherein the coil is powered by the battery. The toy car can be remote controlled.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Silverlit LimitedInventor: Kwok Leung Wong
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Patent number: 8882560Abstract: A robotic system is integrated with one or more mobile computing devices. Physical configurations of individual components of the system in physical space, or agents, under control of a user or users, are duplicated in a representation in virtual space. Some degree of real-time parity is maintained between the physical and virtual spaces, so as to implement a virtual environment that mirrors the physical one. Events occurring within one environment can directly influence and bear consequence on the course of events occurring within the other environment. Elements of virtual space thereby become truly interdependent and unified on a peer footing with elements in physical space. In at least one embodiment, the system of the present invention is implemented as an application in entertainment, such as the manifestation of a video game in physical space.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Anki, Inc.Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns Tappeiner, Mark Matthew Palatucci, Patrick Lee DeNaele
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Patent number: 8845385Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that is capable of assuming a plurality of different lateral positions while traveling along the surface. The mobile agent includes a drive motor, an imaging system, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller. The mobile agent is adapted to detect the markings as the mobile agent travels along the surface, to ascertain a current lateral position of the mobile agent with respect to the surface, and to maintain a substantially consistent lateral position of the mobile agent with respect to the surface (for example to follow a lane). A basestation may be provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. An action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and wirelessly communicated to the mobile agent.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Anki, Inc.Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
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Patent number: 8734199Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Bruder Spielwaren GmbH and Co. KGInventor: Paul Heinz Bruder
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Patent number: 8562387Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Gary R. Henthorne
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Patent number: 8491351Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide for a toy vehicle having a smoking tire function where during play of the toy vehicle the simulated smoke gives the toy vehicle an appearance of the toy vehicle performing a burnout, such as that which is seen as being performed by high horse powered drift cars, where the simulated smoke is generated by heating of a smoke fluid or through a water fogger. In either case the simulated smoke is released proximate the at least a wheel thereof to give the toy vehicle an appearance of having smoking tires.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventor: Michael Trzecieski
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Publication number: 20130122779Abstract: Toy vehicles are configured such that at least one performance characteristic may be determined based upon information obtained from a data card and/or from encoded information from other sources, such as key-pads, smart phones, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: TOYZUKI LLCInventor: Toyzuki LLC
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Patent number: 8142254Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: G2 Inventions, LLCInventors: Peter Greenley, Nick Grisolia
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Patent number: 8092272Abstract: A moveable electronic toy includes a base, a base cover, two wheels and two wheel covers. The base cover is fixedly mounted on the base. The two wheels are rotatably connected to the base and exposed from the base cover. The two wheel covers is detachably coupled to the base cover and is configured for covering the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wen-Yan Yang
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Patent number: 7938709Abstract: A toy vehicle has a chassis with road wheels movement including one or two each mounted to pivot about a general vertical axis to steer. A steering mechanism includes a turning member mounted so as to pivot about the generally vertical axis and supporting one road wheel for rotation about a horizontal axis for movement of the vehicle and about the generally vertical axis to steer the vehicle. A control member slides across the chassis. A magnetic body pivots on a pivot axis extending front and rear. The magnetic body has a central axis perpendicular to the pivot axis with opposite magnetic poles of the body locate along the central axis on opposite sides of the pivot axis. A crank is connected at one end with the magnetic body and at an opposite end with the elongated opening of the control member. A coil surrounds the magnetic body and rotates the magnetic body by the passage of an electric current in a selected direction through the coil thereby pivoting each road wheel connected with the control member.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Inventor: Vladimir Leonov
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Patent number: 7794303Abstract: A navigation apparatus for use with a toy having a movable steering mechanism includes an indicating mechanism for indicating to a user to move the steering mechanism in a first direction. A first sensor is then capable of detecting a movement of the steering mechanism and of outputting first information indicative of the detected direction of motion of the steering mechanism. An alert mechanism is then used for alerting the user on the basis of the first information when (i) the direction of motion of the steering mechanism does not correspond to the indicated direction of motion, and/or (ii) the direction of motion of the steering mechanism corresponds to the indicated direction of motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Cassidy Brothers PLCInventor: Paul M. Cassidy
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Patent number: 7731588Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling the movements of a vehicle includes a user input means, such as a gamepad with a plurality of joystick-controlled and button-controlled outputs, a tracker, and optional sliding foot pedals; a processor for running a control mapping algorithm; and a remote vehicle controller. A control mapping algorithm maps the outputs to the remote-controlled vehicle's course, heading, displacement, and camera view, with the joysticks mapped to provide open loop directional control over the vehicle's course and heading, the tracker providing open loop control over the camera view, and the optional sliding foot pedals providing open loop control over the vehicle's displacement. The remote vehicle controller sends commands to on-board controls to direct the vehicle's movement. A video stream from an on-board camera is transmitted back to the operator station for viewing on a computer desktop display or a head mountable display.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: James N Templeman
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Patent number: 7610131Abstract: A rolling angle control device 21 is disposed to provide the rolling angle control device for a remote-controlled two-wheeled vehicle so as to facilitate the control of the vehicle by an operator and stabilize the posture of the remote-controlled two-wheeled vehicle in a wide speed range.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventor: Satoru Kojima
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Patent number: 7563151Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a driven wheel, a drive assembly including a drive motor, and a steering assembly including a first steering motor and first and second steering arms. The drive motor is coupled to the driven wheel. The first and second steering arms are coupled to the steering motor. The drive motor drives rotation of the drive assembly relative to the driven wheel, and the steering motor drives rotation of the first and second steering arms relative to the drive assembly. Preferably, a second steering motor is provided, and rotation of the first and second steering arms may be independently controlled.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Leonov, David S. Bowen
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Patent number: 7553212Abstract: An automobile model comprising a pair of left and right rear wheels 21 which are independently driven by different motors 24, a pair of left and right front wheels 22, and a front wheel-supporting mechanism 30 which supports the front wheels 22 such that each front wheel 22 can turn around a predetermined steering axis AX and such that the front wheels 22 can turn in the same direction in association with each other, wherein the steering axis AX is inclined with respect to a vertical direction such that an upper portion of the steering axis AX is located rearward of a lower portion of the steering axis AX in a traveling direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20090149112Abstract: A radio-controlled toy skateboard comprises a deck and front and rear trucks. The individual wheels of the rear truck can be controlled separately responsive to radio signals from a remote transmitter for rotation in either direction, while the front wheels rotate freely. Also responsive to radio control signals, the rear truck is controllably pivoted with respect to the deck about a kingpin axis that is inclined rearwardly, while the front truck pivots freely about a forwardly inclined kingpin axis. When the rear truck is thus pivoted, the deck tilts about its longitudinal centerline, causing the front truck to pivot correspondingly, steering the skateboard. A pair of modeled shoes are mounted for free pivoting about pivot axes. As the board tilts toward one side or the other, the shoes pivot from a toes-in to a toes-out position, mimicing the foot movements of a live “skater”. The forward shoe is mounted on a trolley sliding freely on an inclined ramp.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, JR., H. Peter Greene, JR.
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Publication number: 20090098799Abstract: An articulated toy vehicle is capable of straight and curved motion on a surface or through water. A front and rear assemblies are supported by wheels and are joined at a steering knuckle capable of positioning the assemblies in a vertical posture when the vehicle is moving along a straight path, and positioning the rear assembly in a non-vertical posture when the vehicle is moving along a curved path. A drive motor is mounted within and engaged with one of the wheels for driving the vehicle. A steering motor is mounted within the vehicle for setting the assemblies on a selected mutual angle to provide curved and straight line motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Vladmir Leonov, Steve Bond
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Patent number: 7503828Abstract: A remote-controlled toy motorcycle includes a chassis supported by oversized front and rear tires for increased stability, and a chassis-mounted rider figure having rotating members for contacting a ground surface to prevent excessive wear of the rider figure legs and also to allow the toy motorcycle to self-start from a leaning position. “Counter-steering” is simulated by actuating a steering servo to initially turn a front wheel from a straight original direction to a direction opposite the desired turn direction. The front wheel is held momentarily while the toy motorcycle destabilizes and leans in the turn direction. Then, the steering servo is automatically actuated to turn the front wheel in the desired turn direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Chun Wah Lee
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Patent number: 7500900Abstract: A flying disc has a radially symmetric form having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes a raised central portion, a flat annular ring encompassing the raised central portion, and a raised rim extending above and encompassing the flat annular ring. A maximum height of the central raised portion above the flat annular ring is no greater than a height of the raised rim.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Triple Crown Dog Academy, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Joe Wolfe, Jr., Harold Keith Benson, Robert Troy Dunn, Jessy B. Gabriel, David J. Kroyer
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Patent number: 7402964Abstract: A race car system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the race car system includes at least one car, at least one video camera provided on the at least one car, a car transmitter/receiver connected to the at least one video camera, a remote control transmitter/receiver adapted to exchange transmission signals with the car transmitter/receiver, a remote control central processing unit having a screen connected to the remote control transmitter/receiver and a speed control unit and a steering control unit connected to the remote control central processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventor: Bradley Calhoun
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Patent number: 7362234Abstract: A control system which provides directional control over various real and virtual vehicles, craft and moveable subjects. The control system includes a housing, a controller in the housing having an electronic radio control PC board or an electronic video control PC board and tilt switches which are fixed relative to the housing at preferred orientations. The switches are connected to control terminals of the electronic control PC board. With the tilt switches fixed relative to the housing, orientation of the housing can result in the electronic control PC board transmitting signals to a remote vehicle, craft or virtual subject. Rather than tilt switches, the control system can include pots having shafts orthogonally arranged relative to the housing. The pots are connected to control terminals of the electronic control PC board. Pendulums are fixed to the shafts of the pots.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Inventors: Clayton R. Golliher, James D. Moore
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Publication number: 20080064296Abstract: A pivoting mechanism for a vehicle such as a radio control toy vehicle includes a rotating element loosely mounted on a wheel axle and extending slightly beyond the wheel radius. When the vehicle moves forward, the rotating element rotates up out of the way and does not create substantial friction with the ground. When the vehicle moves in reverse, the rotating element catches the ground, which causes the rotating element to kick up underneath the vehicle into a generally downward position, thus raising the vehicle up onto the rotating element rather its associated wheel, which causes the vehicle to turn sharply about the rotating element. A stop prevents the rotating element from rotating past its vertically downward position. When the vehicle moves forward again, the rotating element automatically rotates up again out of the way so that the vehicle drives forward in a substantially straight line.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: MGA Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: Brady Lang
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Patent number: 7303459Abstract: The toy system includes: a pair of motors; an operating device having a throttle lever for velocity direction and a steering device for course direction; a driving control device for controlling driving velocities of the respective motors so that the driving velocity of the pair of motors is varied in association with an operation amount of the throttle lever, and when the steering is operated from a neutral position, a difference occurs between the driving velocities of the pair of motors at a velocity ratio in association with the operation amount of the steering; a setting device for accepting a setting operation of a predetermined parameter by a user. The driving control device changes a correspondence relationship between the operation amount of the steering and the velocity ratio in an interlocking manner with the change of the setting value of the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Konami CorporationInventor: Takashi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7261615Abstract: A remotely controlled toy vehicle appears to drift when turning, appearing to slide into the turn, by having a rear driving platform that swivels under a main body of a chassis. In addition to making the chassis appear to slide, the rear driving platform induces a tilt of the chassis into the turn, simulating a car suspension shifting toward the slide. Dummy rear wheels attached to pivoting trailing arms assist in obscuring the rear driving platform and make the toy vehicle appear more realistic. Castoring front wheels further enhance the drifting effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Bang Zoom Design Ltd., LLCInventors: Michael Hoeting, Neil Hamilton
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Patent number: 7121916Abstract: A running toy having: a pair of right and left wheel supports to rotatably support right and left wheels, respectively; a pair of right and left rotation support portions to rotatably support the right and left wheel supports around an axis line along a back and forth direction as a center, respectively, the right and left rotation support portions being provided on both right and left side portions of a vehicle body, respectively; and a buffer to apply an elastic force to a portion of each of the wheel supports which is above the axis line of the rotation support portion, in a direction to react to the vehicle body, wherein each of the wheel supports supports the wheel on an outside of the axis line of the rotation support portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshio Suimon, Kenji Nakayama
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Patent number: 7090556Abstract: A toy vehicle for a guided motor-racing circuit has a guiding groove and conductor rails adjacent thereto. A keel pivotably mounted on the vehicle engages the guiding groove to aid vehicle guidance. A magnetic device magnetically interacts with the conductor rails to provide additional retaining force for holding the toy vehicle on the track. One end of a rocker is pivotably fixed to the vehicle. The magnetic device is positioned on the rocker at a distance from the pivotable connection. If the vehicle moves off course by pivoting along its longitudinal axis about the keel, the rocker pivots in an opposite manner relative to the vehicle, so the magnetic device remains on the circuit adjacent the rails such that even if the toy vehicle moves off course, a magnetic force of attraction remains between the magnetic device and the conductor rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Stadlbauer Spiel-Und Freizeitartikel GmbHInventor: Hubertus Maleika
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Patent number: 7008291Abstract: In a toy vehicle, in particular tractor, comprising at least two steerable wheels, with a pivoting motion of a steering wheel being converted via a steering gear into a pivoting motion of a bolster, with wheels being mounted on steering knuckles that are pivotably mounted on a front axle, and with the pivoting motion that is occasioned by a steering job pivoting steering pivot pins and thus the wheels via a track rod and via steering drop arms, it is provided, with a view to accomplishing the extreme wheel turning found in full size tractors also in a toy vehicle, mechanical conversion being put into practice in as simple and functionally safe a way and at as low a cost as possible, that the front axle is connected to a first end of the bolster; that the steering gear is formed on a second end of the bolster; that the bolster, between the first and the second end, comprises a pivot bearing for a pivoting motion relative to the chassis to be obtained; and that the track rod centrally comprises a pivot bearingType: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: BRUDER Spielwaren GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Paul Heinz Bruder
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Patent number: 6976899Abstract: An all terrain vehicle having a casing, a motor assembly, a cradle supporting the propulsion system, and an outer shell. The casing surrounds the propulsion system with three connected rings, each ring capable of independent rotation. The cradle is positioned in the center of the vehicle and is attached to the innermost ring. The outer shell encircles the motor assembly, cradle, and casing, and is constructed from a plurality of vertical and horizontal bars. The vehicle rolls upon the ground while the cradle remains upright. The vehicle may be operated by a remote control or by a person seated within the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Kypros Tamanas
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Patent number: 6959231Abstract: 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 the outside environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Katsuhiro Maeda
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Patent number: 6821184Abstract: A steering alignment system for a toy car is disclosed. The system has a variable resistor for providing a resistance in response to a received signal, which variable resistor has a neutral position. There is a steering alignment element capable of changing the neutral position of the variable resistor. The steering alignment element may be a steering trimmer coupled to the variable resistor and/or a trim wheel in communication with the variable resistor. The system has a turning wheel and a steering motor for directing the turning wheel. The system also has a processor coupled to the variable resistor for controlling the steering motor according to the resistance provided by the variable resistor.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Chan Yeung
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Patent number: 6796874Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Nikko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuyoshi Harada
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Patent number: 6771034Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle having an electronic speed controller adapted to regulate at least one of the timing and rate of application of a selected rotational input. The vehicle includes a body with a seat, a steering mechanism positioned for operation by a child to steer at least one of the vehicle's wheels, and a drive assembly with an actuator positioned for actuation by a child sitting on the seat to cause the driven rotation of at least one of the vehicle's wheels by a battery-powered motor assembly. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes one or more user input devices that enable a child sitting on the seat to select at least one of the relative speed and direction of the vehicle. The drive assembly also includes an electronic speed controller that controls electronically the transmission of a selected rotational input to the vehicle's driven wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Peter Reile, Brian L. Bienz
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Patent number: 6732015Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Katsuhiro Maeda
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Patent number: 6666746Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Rokenbok Toy CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Aldred, William H. Barton, Jr., Peter C. DeAngelis, Paul Eichen
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Patent number: 6551169Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle has a central chassis, a front end mounting a pair of front wheels which is rotatably coupled to the front of the chassis and a pair of rear wheels rotatingly mounted to the chassis. A single reversible electric motor is provided in the chassis to selectively rotate the front end with the front wheels about a generally longitudinal axis through a partial rotation for steering or through as many complete rotations as desired for stunts. The electric motor is also drivingly coupled to the rear wheels to provide propulsion power to the vehicle. A power take-off from the motor includes a one-way clutch which rotates the front end when the motor is propelling the vehicle in a reverse direction. A stop is provided to limit the free rotation of the front end. The stop releasably engages a collar around a shaft rotating the front end and is overcome by providing sufficient torque to the shaft or the front end.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan A. Jaffe
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Patent number: 6474659Abstract: A ride-on toy resembling a vehicle, that has a dashboard and a seat compartment which contain a plurality of buttons. Each seat compartment button has a base which is removably seated within a complementary shaped opening in the seat compartment. A speech synthesizer chip responds to activation of the dashboard and seat compartment buttons by actuating a speaker to play sounds and causing an LED to flash synchronously with the sounds. The rear portion of the toy may contain a seat back which is removably attached thereto and which is sufficiently high to allow young children to use it as a support to stand and push the ride-on toy.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: TekNek Toys International, Inc.Inventors: Jack M. Horchler, Stephen Leung
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Patent number: 6428383Abstract: A remotely controllable model vehicle includes one or more audio output or playback devices onboard. The model vehicle may have a cassette player, CD player, and/or AM/FM radio contained therein, for selectively providing audio output according to the desire of the operator of the model. Conventional speed and directional control systems are also provided. The operator of the model selects the audio system to be used and installs the appropriate media (tape, CD, etc.) or tunes the radio as desired, and operates the vehicle to provide a mobile audio program according to the travel of the model. Additional functions (lights, horn, clock or timer, etc.) may also be included. The present model vehicle is particularly valuable for advertising and entertainment wherever crowds may gather, such as remote live radio broadcast shows, store openings, parties, dances, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventors: Stanley W. Allmon, Jerry D. Swiney
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Publication number: 20020098772Abstract: A backward shifting and accelerating synchronous control system installed in a remote-controlled gasoline engine toy car and controlled by a remote controller to move the toy car backwards and to accelerate the speed. The system includes an accelerator control unit held in position by a torsional spring and turned to control the oil flow rate of the backward steering accelerating oil valve of the engine of the toy car, a swivel arm, the swivel arm having a first end coupled to the forward/backward steering control mechanism of the gasoline engine toy car by a first link and a second end coupled to the accelerator control unit by a second link, and a server controlled by a remote controller to turn the swivel arm, to further shift the forward/backward steering control mechanism to the backward steering mode and drive the accelerator control unit to open the backward steering accelerating oil valve of the engine of the toy car.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Ke-Way Lu
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Publication number: 20020090883Abstract: A forward/backward steering control mechanism installed in a toy car and coupled to a power drive and controlled by a remote controller to move the toy car forwards/backwards. The forward/backward steering control mechanism uses a remote controller-controlled server to move a movable gear on the transmission shaft of the toy car between a first transmission gear wheel, which is coupled to the power drive of the toy car, and a second transmission gear wheel, which is coupled to the first transmission gear wheel through two meshed idle gears, so as to control the direction of rotation of the transmission shaft, and to further control forward/backward movement of the toy car.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Ke-Way Lu
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Publication number: 20020081941Abstract: A remotely controllable model vehicle includes one or more audio output or playback devices onboard. The model vehicle may have a cassette player, CD player, and/or AM/FM radio contained therein, for selectively providing audio output according to the desire of the operator of the model. Conventional speed and directional control systems are also provided. The operator of the model selects the audio system to be used and installs the appropriate media (tape, CD, etc.) or tunes the radio as desired, and operates the vehicle to provide a mobile audio program according to the travel of the model. Additional functions (lights, horn, clock or timer, etc.) may also be included. The present model vehicle is particularly valuable for advertising and entertainment wherever crowds may gather, such as remote live radio broadcast shows, store openings, parties, dances, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Stanley W. Allmon, Jerry D. Swiney
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Patent number: 6405817Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle and associated rotation translation assembly are provided. The children's ride-on vehicle includes a body, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the body, and at least one steerable wheel. The vehicle also includes a steering mechanism including a steering column and an associated steering handle. The steering handle is configured to be actuated by a rider sitting on a seat of the vehicle to thereby cause the steerable wheel to turn. The vehicle further includes a direction responsive member extending from the outer surface of the body, the direction responsive member being coupled to the steering mechanism through a linkage assembly and configured to rotate in response to movement of the steering handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon
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Patent number: 6371829Abstract: A toy comprising a remote control device and a remote controlled model vehicle for changing a form thereof while moving, according to a control by the remote control device. The toy comprises a remote control device (100) and a remote controlled model vehicle (200) capable of turning at least rightward and leftward according to a control signal from the remote control device, wherein the remote control device comprises: a tilt detecting unit (SW5 and SW6) for detecting rightward and leftward tilt directions thereof; and the remote controlled model vehicle comprises: a lower body part (202b); an upper body part (202a) capable of tilting rightward and leftward to the lower body part; a tilting unit (211) for tilting the upper body part in the same direction as a tilt direction of the remote control device, detected by the tilt detecting unit; and a steering unit (203) for turning in the same direction as the tilt direction of the remote control device in synchronization with a tilt of the upper body part.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Tomohiro Yamazaki
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Patent number: 6338664Abstract: A remote controller for a toy vehicle includes a toggle switch on a hand controller for selectively enabling one of two sets of vehicle functions, and a reduced signal set integrated circuit for transmitting control signals to the vehicles. A group of function keys on the hand controller activates a function from each function set. The combined settings of the toggle switch and function key cause a unique combination of toggle switch signal and function key signal to be transmitted to the vehicle. The vehicle decodes the toggle switch and function key signal to determine which control function is to be performed. In addition, the vehicle may have a center steering controller which automatically sets a center steering course for the vehicle when no turn signal is being received.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: New Bright Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yau Wah Wong
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Publication number: 20010053653Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: Nikko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuyoshi Harada
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Patent number: 6231422Abstract: A toy automobile is disclosed, in which when the toy automobile runs through a curved path, a roller of a bumper of the automobile is pushed back by the wall of the track, so that the toy automobile can run through the curved path by turning the front wheels to left or right, thereby preventing the automobile from being detached from the track, or from being overturned. Universal joints 15 are respectively formed on ends of the front shaft 5 to be connected to the front wheels. Shaft retainers 16 of the front wheels are respectively supported by supporting plates 17 of the automobile body 1 by means of king pins 18. A bumper 20 is installed on a front end of the automobile body 1 by utilizing a guide slot 21, a supporting pin 22 and a spring 23 so as to make the bumper 20 turnable to left and right within the limits of the guide slot 21. A pair of steering bars 24 are respectively connected to arms 26 of the shaft retainers 16 of the front wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Bong Kyu Choi
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Patent number: 6227065Abstract: A rack and pinion with a rack (20) and a gear wheel (30) in operative engagement with each other, whereby movement of the rack (20) causes rotation of the gear wheel (30) and vice versa, and wherein an end stop is provided in the form of there being after the outermost gap (25) between teeth (21) at the end of the row of teeth (21) of the rack, instead of a gap, a “filled” gap or a plateau (26) which prevents a tooth (31b) on the gear wheel from getting into engagement. The bearing (11) of the gear wheel allows movement of the gear wheel relative to the rack in a direction transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rack, and by movement beyond the end stop the gear wheel will be pressed out of its bearing, and the mechanism is thereby protected against overloading.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: INTERLEGO AGInventor: Pelle Normann Petersen
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Patent number: RE42496Abstract: A control system which provides directional control over various real and virtual vehicles, craft and moveable subjects. The control system includes a housing, a controller in the housing having an electronic radio control PC board or an electronic video control PC board and tilt switches which are fixed relative to the housing at preferred orientations. The switches are connected to control terminals of the electronic control PC board. With the tilt switches fixed relative to the housing, orientation of the housing can result in the electronic control PC board transmitting signals to a remote vehicle, craft or virtual subject. Rather than tilt switches, the control system can include pots having shafts orthogonally arranged relative to the housing. The pots are connected to control terminals of the electronic control PC board. Pendulums are fixed to the shafts of the pots.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Clayton R. Golliher