Having Instrinsic Energy-storing Battery Or Flywheel Patents (Class 446/462)
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Patent number: 11291923Abstract: The self-propelled toy includes a vehicle body, wheels connected to the vehicle body, a battery provided at the vehicle body, a motor using electric power stored in the battery to output drive power for running use, an imaging device connected to the vehicle body so as to capture an image of an area in front of the self-propelled toy, an operating part operated by a user so as to make the imaging device operate, and a charging port supplying electric power from an outside power source to the battery. The operating part is provided at a top part of the vehicle body at one side from a centerline of vehicle width of the self-propelled toy, and the charging port is provided at a side part of the vehicle body at the same side as the operating part from the centerline of vehicle width.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Hirose, Kosuke Nakamura, Hiroki Ikuta, Masaki Amano, Takaki Fujino
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Patent number: 10967290Abstract: A ball toy having a solid, resiliently flexible body is disclosed. The body is penetrated by a bore, wherein hearing 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: MEJJJET HOLDINGS PTY LTDInventor: Edward Holden
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Patent number: 10857669Abstract: A modular robotic system that includes a plurality of self-configuring robots. Each self-configuring robot includes a frame structure having a plurality of cylindrical bonding magnets positioned along the edges of the frame structure. The frame structure includes magnetic, non-gendered, hinges on any of the edges of the frame. The hinges provide enough force to maintain a pivot axis through various motions. The cylindrical bonding magnets are free to rotate allowing for multiple self-configurations with other like self-configuring robots. A movement generator is positioned within the frame structure that pivots to generate multi-axis movement allowing both robust self-reconfiguration with the other self-configuring robots and independent locomotion.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Daniela Rus, John W. Romanishin, Kyle W. Gilpin
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Patent number: 9956491Abstract: A mobile toy and a stunt figure attachable with the mobile toy are described. In a desired aspect, the mobile toy is a skateboard-shaped toy having a skateboard deck with a flywheel positioned within the skateboard deck. The stunt figure is detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy through snap-fit connection mechanisms on the skateboard-shaped toy. In a desired aspect, the stunt figure comprises at least one appendage and the stunt figure is attached with the skateboard-shaped toy through at least one appendage. The stunt figure can be formed in a variety of shapes to alter the form and center of gravity of the toy to provide for a variety of stunts.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Greg Leong, Steven Douglas DeLacy
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Patent number: 9802109Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.Inventor: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen
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Patent number: 9150263Abstract: A self-controlled device maintains a frame of reference about an x-, y- and z-axis. The self-controlled device processes an input to control the self-propelled device, the input being based on the x- and y-axis. The self-propelled device is controlled in its movement, including about each of the x-, y- and z-axis, based on the input.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Sphero, Inc.Inventors: Ian H. Bernstein, Adam Wilson, David E. Hygh
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Publication number: 20150087200Abstract: A vehicle includes a platform having first and second sides and upper and lower surfaces. First and second wheels are operatively coupled to the platform and disposed proximate the first side of the platform. The first and second wheels each have a support surface contact patch that lies in a first plane. The vehicle also includes a disk rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the platform. The disk has first and second regions associated with respective first and second sides of the platform and an inner ring. The disk lies in a second plane disposed at an angle to the first plane, such that when the contact patches of the first and second wheels are in contact with the support surface the first region is further away from the support surface than the second region and the inner ring contacts the support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: BANG ZOOM DESIGN, LTD.Inventor: Michael G. Hoeting
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Patent number: 8926396Abstract: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Berrigan August Romig Lennon
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Publication number: 20140220857Abstract: A swing-type removable toy includes a casing and a motor disposed in the casing. An output end of the motor is connected with a gear unit. The gear unit is further connected with a wheel unit. The wheel unit includes a driven gear, a wheel axle and two wheels. The driven wheel meshes with the gear unit. The wheel axle is inserted through the driven gear. The two wheels are coupled to two ends of the wheel axle. The two wheels are eccentric relative to the wheel axle. When the wheel axle is turned, the toy is staggered to move by the two eccentric wheels. Compared to a traditional toy that is erect to move, the present invention can attract more consumers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventor: TA-WEI HSU
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Patent number: 8579674Abstract: A mobile toy which is propelled by a flywheel is described. The mobile toy includes a body member having a set of protrusions which extend beyond the body member. An axle extending through the flywheel is positioned in the set of protrusions, such that each protrusion operates as an axle cap. Alternatively, a set of axle caps are formed at the end of the axle. The flywheel is formed as a displaceable flywheel which is repositionable or removable from the body member. The flywheel may be adjusted within the mobile toy at multiple positions relative to the mobile toy for use of the mobile toy on multiple types of surfaces and for various play configurations. A set of detachably attachable extension elements attached with the axle caps alter the appearance as well as the play capabilities of the mobile toy.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Michael Bernstein, Dominic Laurienzo, Dion Fields
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Patent number: 8562386Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Dominic Laurienzo, Dion Fields, Michael Bernstein
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Publication number: 20130244537Abstract: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: MATTEL, INC.Inventor: Berrigan August Romig LENNON
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Patent number: 8388405Abstract: A toy launcher and dual powered toy vehicle apparatus where the toy launcher includes a base part to be held stationary during operation and a slidable part mounted to the base part, the slidable part being movable between first and second positions. Captured between the base and slidable parts is a spring. The expanding spring causes the toy vehicle to be propelled away from the launcher. At the same time, the rapid movement of the rack energizes the flywheel motor so that after the spring discharges the toy vehicle and a flywheel of the flywheel motor engages a supporting surface, the toy vehicle is moving in response to both the spring and the flywheel motor, two different power sources. The single action of pulling the rack appears to the user to cause compression and release of the spring, and the flywheel motor to be energized, essentially simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.Inventors: Nash Desent, John Boyce
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Patent number: 8322471Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for utilizing internally generated angular momentum for supplementing the propulsion of a mobile spherical vehicle capable of motion by rolling over terrain, thereby enabling such vehicles to climb steeper inclines and overcome larger obstacles. Torque generated by counter-rotating gyroscopes was used to supplement gravity generated torque produced by a pendulum drive propulsion system. Precession torque may be generated along a desired axis by changing the angular momentum of the gyroscopes while leaving its magnitude unaffected.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Gregory C. Schroll
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Patent number: 8210897Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interactive intelligent toy comprising an intelligent element configured to resemble a person, animal, vehicle or other character and an environmental element configured to resemble a related environment, habitat or object. The intelligent element is adapted to perform certain preprogrammed actions upon coming into contact with or proximity to the environmental element. In one embodiment, the intelligent element is a motive component having a drive mechanism, a control mechanism and power source. The motive component is programmed to monitor and detect user and event inputs, and detect and decode embedded codes from an environmental element and perform predetermined actions or generate predetermined sounds in response. The motive component also engages with a coupling component and supplies the drive mechanism and power source for moving both the motive component and the coupling component.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Cepia, LLCInventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Benson, Joseph McGowan, Michael Reynolds
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Patent number: 8197298Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a central housing having first and second oppositely disposed sides. A first wheel is rotatably mounted on the first side of the housing and a second wheel is rotatably mounted on the second side of the housing. Each of the first and second wheels has a central hub. Each hub has a center disposed along a common first axis of rotation. A plurality of vanes are attached to the hub and form the first and second wheels. An end of each vane distal to the hub forms a circumferential surface portion of one of the first and second wheels. Each vane is individually and separately manually angularly repositionable about a second axis of rotation extending transversely with respect to the first axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: William Willett
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Patent number: 8055415Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a method for blocking wheels of a vehicle when stopped in which a transmission device (1) is placed between an output (2) of a heat engine (3) and a wheel (5) axle shaft (4). This device (1) comprises an input shaft (13) connected to the output (2) of the engine (3), an output shaft (31) connected to the wheel axle shaft (4), and at least one electrical machine (6, 7). The device also comprises a mechanical assembly (12) interconnecting the input shaft (13), the output shaft (31) and the shaft (8, 9) of the machine. This assembly (12) is connected to a bridge (15) that, in turn, is connected to the wheel (5) axle shaft (4). The invention provides that, in order to block the wheels when the vehicle is stopped and to limit an observable torque on the elements of the assembly (12), the wheel axle shaft is blocked by the mechanical assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventors: Serge Belmont, Olivier Boury, Sebastien Besnard
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Patent number: 7927170Abstract: A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: JKID LimitedInventors: Matthew James Bickerton, Michael Lee Simpson
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Publication number: 20110003532Abstract: A mobile toy and a stunt figure attachable with the mobile toy are described. In a desired aspect, the mobile toy is a skateboard-shaped toy having a skateboard deck with a flywheel positioned within the skateboard deck. The stunt figure is detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy through snap-fit connection mechanisms on the skateboard-shaped toy. In a desired aspect, the stunt figure comprises at least one appendage and the stunt figure is attached with the skateboard-shaped toy through at least one appendage. The stunt figure can be formed in a variety of shapes to alter the form and center of gravity of the toy to provide for a variety of stunts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Greg Leong, Steve DeLacy
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Publication number: 20100330876Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Dominic Laurienzo, Dion Fields, Michael Bernstein
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Publication number: 20100240276Abstract: The system for power management and preventing unexpected acceleration contains a microcontroller unit, a tact switch, an electronic regulation device for preventing unexpected acceleration, a voltage detection switch, one or more light emitting diodes, resistors, capacitors, transistors, and an inductor. After a battery is installed on the remote-controlled toy car, the battery's electricity will flow through the electronic regulation device and the voltage detection switch. On the other hand, the microcontroller unit receives signals from a detection and reception circuit and controls the throttle through a servo motor. As such, the battery power and the received signals are monitored to prevent the remote-controlled toy car from unexpected acceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Daimler Chu, Hsu Hsing Kuang
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Patent number: 7794300Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a central housing having first and second oppositely disposed sides. A first wheel is rotatably mounted on the first side of the housing, and a second wheel is rotatably mounted on the second side of the housing. Each of the first and second wheels has a central hub and a plurality of individual vanes rotatably attached to the hub. Each hub has a center disposed along a first axis of rotation. Each vane is rotatable about a second vane axis extending transversely with respect to the first axis. An end of each vane distal to the hub forms a circumferential surface portion of one of the first and second wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, Vladimir Leonov, William Willett, Kenlip Ong
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Patent number: 7749046Abstract: A toy vehicle may include a drive unit; a plurality of wheels; mechanical linkage coupling the drive unit to one or more of the wheels to permit energy stored in the drive unit to be discharged to drive the one or more driven wheels and propel the vehicle; and a user operable selector mechanism configured to permit a user of the toy to select, from a plurality of different speeds, a desired speed at which the vehicle is propelled when energy from the drive unit is discharged through the one or more driven wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Filoseta Miva, Jamie Cheung
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Publication number: 20100093256Abstract: A mobile toy which is propelled by a flywheel is described. The mobile toy includes a body member having a set of protrusions which extend beyond the body member. An axle extending through the flywheel is positioned in the set of protrusions, such that each protrusion operates as an axle cap. Alternatively, a set of axle caps are formed at the end of the axle. The flywheel is formed as a displaceable flywheel which is repositionable or removable from the body member. The flywheel may be adjusted within the mobile toy at multiple positions relative to the mobile toy for use of the mobile toy on multiple types of surfaces and for various play configurations. A set of detachably attachable extension elements attached with the axle caps alter the appearance as well as the play capabilities of the mobile toy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Michael Bernstein, Dominic Laurenzo, Dion Fields
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Patent number: 7682218Abstract: A toy vehicle set. The toy vehicle set includes a toy vehicle including a steering mechanism, and a toy launcher to selectively energize the toy vehicle for movement while selectively securing the toy vehicle in a fixed position. The toy launcher looks approximately the same as the steering mechanism of the toy vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Glenn Yu, Kevin Cao, Bryan Benedict
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Patent number: 7559822Abstract: A powered scale model vehicle having a transmission with a forward gear and a reverse gear. The transmission is shiftable between the forward gear and the reverse gear. The vehicle has a radio control receiver, a sensor and a microcontroller. The receiver is adapted to output a throttle signal and a shift signal to the microcontroller. The sensor is adapted to obtain a vehicle speed measurement. The microcontroller is electrically coupled to the receiver and the sensor. The microcontroller may be adapted to control a timing and execution of a forward/reverse shift on the transmission based on at least the vehicle speed measurement, the throttle signal, and the shift signal, for example.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Traxxas LPInventor: Brent W. Byers
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Patent number: 7488233Abstract: A conversion kit and method for converting a non-powered vehicle model to a powered vehicle, in particular, a radio-controlled vehicle is disclosed. The conversion kit can include a chassis plate, a steering assembly having mountable connection to the chassis plate, a rear assembly having mountable connection to the chassis plate, a device for powering the vehicle model, and a device for attaching the chassis plate to a model shell. Also disclosed is a product produced by the conversion kit and/or method of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Inventor: Christopher Tiedmand Olney
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Publication number: 20080268744Abstract: A toy vehicle including a chassis having opposing right and left sides, opposing front and rear ends and a top side extending between the lateral sides and the ends. Front and rear road wheels are operatively mounted to the chassis to support the chassis for movement. The toy vehicle further includes a vehicle body, at least one biasing member positioned between the top side of the chassis and the vehicle body so as to bias the vehicle body away from the chassis and at least one connection movably securing the vehicle body with the chassis. Each of the at least one biasing member and the at least one connection are sufficiently flexible to permit transverse movements of the vehicle body in different horizontal directions on the chassis while the at least one connection limits separation of the vehicle body from the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: MATTEL, INC.Inventor: Mark Kevin Jones
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Publication number: 20080258676Abstract: A toy vehicle includes axles disposed rotatably on a base plate, and wheels mounted respectively on ends of the axles. A drive unit is mounted on the base plate and includes a first gear sleeved fixedly on a motor shaft of a motor and meshing with a second gear sleeved fixedly on one axle. A solar power collecting plate is mounted on the vehicle body for converting solar power into electrical energy that is used to charge a rechargeable battery set mounted on the base plate. A power switch is mounted on the base plate for controlling electrical connection between the rechargeable battery set and the motor so as to permit supply of electrical power from the rechargeable battery set to the motor when in an ON state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Yu Chuan Technology Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wen-Chang Lin
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Patent number: 7329167Abstract: A multi-axle running toy includes: a flywheel to serve as a driving source; three or more drive axles driven by rotation of the flywheel; a gear train to transmit the rotation of the flywheel to the drive axles; and traveling wheels installed on both ends of each of the drive axles.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignees: Tomy Company, Ltd., Imagic, Inc.Inventors: Yoshizo Nagasaka, Hiroyuki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7234991Abstract: A moving toy, e.g. toy car, comprises a body, wheels for moving the body on a surface, and an electric motor provided in the body for driving the wheels. A control circuit is connected to the motor for controlling the performance of the motor. Also included one or more impact detectors connected to the control circuit for detecting an impact acted upon the toy and in response providing a signal to cause the control circuit to reduce the performance of the motor and hence the speed of the car.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Firecode Ltd.Inventors: Kai Chai Lo, Chi Yui Lau
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Patent number: 7234990Abstract: A remote-controlled toy vehicle includes a plurality of road wheels supporting the toy vehicle for movement. A driving motor is selectively reversible between first and second directions of rotation and is drivingly connected to at least one of the road wheels through a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism operates in at least two modes, such that operation of the driving motor in either of its opposing directions of rotation causes rotation of the at least one road wheel to propel the toy vehicle in only a forward vehicle direction. A second motor can provide braking action or a third mode of forward vehicle propulsion.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Mattle, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Leonov, Nathan Bloch, Donald L. Balkie
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Patent number: 7217170Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a central housing having first and second oppositely disposed sides. A first wheel is rotatably mounted on the first side of the housing, and a second wheel is rotatably mounted on the second side of the housing. Each of the first and second wheels has a central hub and a plurality of individual vanes rotatably attached to the hub. Each hub has a center disposed along a first axis of rotation. Each vane is rotatable about a second vane axis extending transversely with respect to the first axis. An end of each vane distal to the hub forms a circumferential surface portion of one of the first and second wheels.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, Vladimir Leonov, William Willett, Kenlip Ong
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Patent number: 7150671Abstract: The invention relates to a toy vehicle, particularly for track-guided car racing circuits, that comprises a drive motor (10), which has a drive shaft (12), and comprises a driven axle (14), which is provided with wheels. A transmission (16) is mounted between the drive shaft (12) and the driven axle (14), and the transmission (16) is provided in the form of a manual transmission (16) that is shifted by the direction of rotation of the drive motor (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Stadlbauer Spie-Und Freizeitartikel GmbHInventor: Hubertus Maleika
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Patent number: 7121917Abstract: A remotely controlled concealed attack toy vehicle has a relatively normal appearance when the hood is closed; and arrangements are provided for raising the hood, and an armed attack figure is also raised, to present a threatening posture. The vehicle may have two rear drive wheels, which are independently operable by separate motors in the forward or reverse directions to permit rapid swiveling. A third idler wheel may be provided toward the front of the vehicle. A third motor may be provided to raise and lower the hood and the action figure, with an optional lost motion mechanism for delayed raising of the attack figure.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: MGA Entertainment, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hardouin, Ami N. Shapiro, Kevin M. Bloomfield, Yuval Caspi
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Patent number: 7056185Abstract: A wireless remote controlled rover (100) having a circular outer boundary when viewed in profile, comprising an elongated round-profile frame (20) outfitted with a pair of omnidirectional wheels (101L,R), rotatable in opposite directions by a drive system (50), for steering. Each of omnidirectional wheels (101L,R) comprises a set of secondary wheels (150L,R) akin to large diameter hollow flexible shafts arcuately bent and distributed in a polar array about corresponding hubs (82L,R). The secondary wheels (150L,R) are rotatable by the drive system (50) for longitudinal thrust of rover (100). A user controls the steering and thrust actions via remote control (166) for navigation and to compensate for incidental inertial rolling/careening effects of the two-wheel round-profile rover (100) while in motion. An onboard intelligent electronic processing unit (33) uses sensory feedback for autopilot, or assistive navigation, during certain scenarios such as performing user-requested optimum stopping maneuvers.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventor: Thomas Anagnostou
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Patent number: 6988929Abstract: A miniature-sized toy vehicle that is set in motion with a push along straight-ahead path of movement and which rides on a wheel bearing in depending relation from the vehicle chassis, the revolving mode of which wheel bearing contributes to an optimum length of travel, and wherein the vehicle chassis has a straight movement about the wheel bearing and during its travel will not turn aside and keep a proper position for travel along straight-ahead path of movement, to further increase the length of travel of the toy vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventor: Che Ming King Wong
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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: 6821181Abstract: An amusement device with sparking means comprises a central housing which encapsulates a power means. An axle support is located at a bottom portion of the housing, functioning to allow an axle to extend horizontally therethrough. A plurality of wheels are rigidly affixed to the axle and located at extreme ends of the axle. The axle is of a generally bent configuration, functioning to allow the amusement device to move across a surface in a wave-like pattern. A rudder member acting as front support means comes in contact with a flat surface upon which the amusement device is placed, and is rigidly affixed to a wind-up handle. The wind-up handle is rigidly connected to the power means located within the housing, functioning to allow a user to crank the handle to engage the power. A generally elliptical friction disc member is located at a position above the housing and positioned horizontally thereto. The friction disc member comprises a rotating arm, which is parallel to the friction disc.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Francisco Bicalho Domingues
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Patent number: 6786796Abstract: A radio-controlled two-wheeled vehicle toy in which the number of parts is reduced by simplifying the structure and traveling stability is improved. The toy includes a main body, a front fork portion rotatably mounted so that the traveling direction can be changed via an inclined caster axis by a steering control portion provided in a front side of the main body, a front wheel mounted to the front fork portion, a travel driving portion having a driving motor mounted to a rear side of the main body via a rear wheel shock absorbing portion, a rear wheel mounted to the travel driving portion of the driving portion case, a flywheel for stabilizing travel integrally provided in the rear wheel, a receiving circuit for radio-controlling the direction and speed, and a battery supplying electric power to the steering control portion and the driving portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shohei Suto
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Patent number: 6682394Abstract: A radio controlled two wheeled vehicle incorporates flywheel technology in addition to a unique disposition of motors, gears and electronics provides superior stability and mobility during operation. A flywheel is disposed in the at the lowest central point of the vehicle and is independently driven by an motor independent from the drive motor. The independent operation of the flywheel from the drive system of the two-wheeled vehicle provides increased stability at slower speeds and eliminates the need for complex transmission systems between the drive system motor and the flywheel. In the bicycle embodiment, an action figure having movable joints is releasably attachable to the bike and provides realistic animation during the bike operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Leynian Ltd. Co.Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Michael G. Hetman
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Patent number: 6676476Abstract: A gyroscopic figure in accordance with the present invention includes a freely rotatable flywheel mounted within the figure such that the flywheel has a pre-determined orientation. A pinion gear is secured to the flywheel and a guide post is positioned a distance away from the pinion gear to form a channel therebetween. A flexible rack gear is then used to rapidly rotate the flywheel. The figure also includes a plurality of apertures. The figure may be used with a toy vehicle that includes a plurality of pegs positioned about the vehicle and sized to fit an aperture. As such when the figure is secured to the vehicle in a specific position and the flywheel is rotating, the rotating flywheel creates a gyroscopic effect that balances and stabilizes the vehicle such that the vehicle can be moved in a specific direction. In various embodiment of the present invention the vehicle may be a skateboard, a mountain board, a scooter a bicycle, or a car.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Lund and Company Invention, LLCInventors: Bruce D. Lund, Michael Starrick
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Patent number: 6602107Abstract: A gravity-powered toy vehicle, such as a model roller coaster, with an energy-storing flywheel coupled to the wheels to reduce the vehicle velocity s it approaches that which is proportionately realistic for the model scale. The initial potential energy of the vehicle is mostly conserved over the course of the track just as with a real roller coaster. At all points on the track the velocity of the model vehicle is reduced by a constant proportion compared to an unrestrained free-fall vehicle. Thus the dynamic velocity profile of the toy vehicle is the same as for a full size vehicle throughout its descending and ascending journey, but at a proportionately reduced speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Inventor: Philip A. Hogan
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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: 6547634Abstract: A toy car includes a car body, a transmission box and a generator device, the generator device has an inductive coil sleeved on a transmission shaft extending outward from the transmission box, and a magnet sleeved on the transmission shaft with respect to the inductive coil. When the transmission shaft rotates, the magnet and the inductive coil are in an opposition movement, which generates electric power to supply load, such as bulbs to produce a lighting effect.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Far Great Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
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Patent number: 6517408Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed a toy bicycle that includes a rear wheel assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. The rear wheel assembly encloses a flywheel and a means of interconnecting the flywheel and the rear wheel. The interconnecting means serves to energize the flywheel in response to a rotational force applied to the rear wheel and when the rotational force is removed the interconnecting means will continue to rotate the rear wheel in response to the inertia of the energized flywheel. An articulated rider, mounted to the seat of the bicycle, includes hands rotatably attached to handlebars and feet attached to pedals of the bicycle. When the bicycle is in motion, the articulated rider appears to pedal and operate the bicycle. The bicycle also includes a charger that engages and rotates the rear wheel of the bicycle and as such, energizes the flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Rehco, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, David Combs
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Patent number: 6482070Abstract: A gravity-powered toy vehicle, such as a model roller coaster, with an energy-storing flywheel coupled to the wheels to reduce the vehicle velocity so it approaches that which is proportionately realistic for the model scale. The initial potential energy of the vehicle is mostly conserved over the course of the track just as with a real roller coaster. At all points on the track the velocity of the model vehicle is reduced by a constant proportion compared to an unrestrained free-fall vehicle. Thus the dynamic velocity profile of the toy vehicle is the same as for a full size vehicle throughout its descending and ascending journey, but at a proportionately reduced speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Philip A. Hogan
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Patent number: 6482069Abstract: A radio controlled bicycle incorporates flywheel technology in addition to a unique disposition of motors, gears and electronics provides superior stability and mobility during operation. A flywheel is disposed in the crankshaft area of the bike and is separately driven by an motor independent from the drive motor. The independent operation of the flywheel from the drive system of the bicycle provides increased stability at slower speeds and eliminates the need for complex transmission systems between the drive system motor and the flywheel. An action figure having movable joints is releasably attachable to the bike and provides realistic animation during the bike operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Leynian Ltd. Co.Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Michael G. Hetman
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Patent number: 6450857Abstract: A four-wheel drive toy including a chassis, front wheels operably connected with the chassis, and rear wheels operably connected with the chassis. A flywheel is operably connected to the front wheels and the rear wheels and operable to drive the toy. A front wheel axle is operably connected to the chassis so as to vertically pivot relative to the chassis such that when driving over an uneven surface the front wheels and the rear wheels all contact the uneven surface, thereby ensuring that a driving force from the front wheels and the rear wheels is transmitted to the uneven surface and that the toy runs over the uneven surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Imagic, Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Watanabe
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Publication number: 20020125844Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2000Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: L. Taylor Arnold, Richard Michelli