Wheels Vertically Movable Relative To Chassis Patents (Class 446/466)
  • Patent number: 11318394
    Abstract: A suspension system for radio-controlled vehicles improves stability and traction. The suspension system includes a chassis, a motor pod plate, a shock absorption system, an upper pitch suspension link, a lower pitch suspension link, a left yaw suspension link, and a right yaw suspension link. The shock absorption system is used to reduce vibrations caused by impacts onto a radio-controlled vehicle. The upper pitch suspension link and the lower pitch suspension link allow the motor pod plate to pivot back and forth about a pitch axis of the chassis in order to increase stability and traction. The left yaw suspension link and the right yaw suspension link allow the motor pod plate to pivot back and forth about a yaw axis of the chassis in order to further increase stability and traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Rydwell
  • Patent number: 9764248
    Abstract: A pressure contained car cannon for the launching and/or flipping of vehicles, or other large-scale props, for use in motion picture action sequences. The device consists of a car canon having a barrel, a cannon foot and a piston. By way of pneumatic pressure, force is achieved by transferring energy from the piston to the cannon foot, resulting in a push force which expels the cannon foot from the cannon barrel, launching the vehicle on its desired trajectory while keeping most all vapor and smoke contained within the barrel itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: James Doyle Schwalm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9744435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformer toy car that automatically transforms the shape to turn a card over to provide the information on the card, if the card is attached to the transformer toy car. The transformer toy car includes: a separable toy car body; and cards adapted to be attached to the underside of the toy car body, wherein if one of the cards is attached to the underside of the toy car body, a portion of the separable toy car body is separated, and a portion of the separated toy car body pressurizes a floor surface, thereby making the toy car body stand up or turn over and thus allowing the underside surface of the card attached to the underside of the toy car body to be exposed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Shin-Kyu Choi
  • Publication number: 20130309938
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a frame, a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the frame and arranged under a portion of the frame, at least one wheel coupled to the suspension arm, and a height switching unit coupled to the frame and the suspension arm and configured to move the portion of the frame between a non-elevated position and an elevated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: RIDEMAKERZ
    Inventors: Mike HOULAHAN, Samatha WETTIMUNY, Yuan Guo Hong, Timothy RETTBERG, York BLEYER
  • Patent number: 8579674
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Michael Bernstein, Dominic Laurienzo, Dion Fields
  • Patent number: 8491351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Trzecieski
  • Patent number: 8469767
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided with front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. Both are movably secured to a chassis, but the front mechanism moves two front segments positioned within two channels on the chassis and the rear mechanism moves a rear segment with a rear axle pivotally secured to a lower portion of the rear segment. The segments include rotatable wheels. There is also provided a motor and a clutch. The clutch is in communication with the front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. The motor when moved in a first direction engages the clutch to direct the front wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the front segments. The motor when moved in a second direction engages the clutch to direct the rear wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the rear segment and rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Rehco LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz, Phillip Fensil
  • Patent number: 8267739
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile toy, including: a first chassis to support an axle of a front wheel; and a second chassis to support an axle of a rear wheel, wherein the first and second chassis are rotatably connected with each other by a rotating shaft that lies along a width direction of the automobile toy, and a spring for biasing the first and second chassis is arranged between the first and second chassis, so as to bias the front wheel and the rear wheel to an approaching direction to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Ishibashi, Yoshio Suimon
  • Publication number: 20120208429
    Abstract: An interchangeable suspension module for use in a toy vehicle comprising: a suspension block and one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the suspension block. The suspension module is removably mountable on the toy vehicle by a user. The user can modify the performance of the toy vehicle by removing from the toy vehicle one interchangeable suspension module which imparts a certain performance to the toy vehicle, and replacing it with a second interchangeable suspension module which imparts a different performance. A toy vehicle having a chassis that is adapted to receive one or more interchangeable suspension modules is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: SPIN MASTER LTD.
    Inventors: Patrick Alan Sheridan, James Franklin Elliott, III, Stephen D. Bond
  • Patent number: 8079892
    Abstract: A toy automobile includes wheels, axles connecting the wheels, a holding plate, a control circuit, a sensor, and struts and drive trains corresponding to the wheels. Each strut includes a pivoting strut and a support strut pivoted to each other, one ends of the pivoting strut and the support strut are slidably mounted on the axles. The other end of the support strut slidably resist at the bottom surface of the holding plate. Each drive train is connected with another end of the pivoting strut. When the holding plate is tilted relative to a horizontal reference plane, the control circuit controls the drive trains to drive the pivoting struts at a lower end of the holding plate, the pivoting struts rotate and lift the support struts correspondingly, thus to lift the lower end and make the holding plate parallel to the horizontal reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kui-Jun Wang, Feng-Xiang Tang
  • Publication number: 20110053457
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided with front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. Both are movably secured to a chassis, but the front mechanism moves two front segments positioned within two channels on the chassis and the rear mechanism moves a rear segment with a rear axle pivotally secured to a lower portion of the rear segment. The segments include rotatable wheels. There is also provided a motor and a clutch. The clutch is in communication with the front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. The motor when moved in a first direction engages the clutch to direct the front wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the front segments. The motor when moved in a second direction engages the clutch to direct the rear wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the rear segment and rear axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz, Phillip Fensil
  • Patent number: 7841923
    Abstract: A vehicle axle joint for a toy vehicle is described and which includes a socket portion; and a ball portion which matingly cooperates with the socket portion, and which defines a gear cavity, and wherein the ball portion may be selectively oriented relative to the socket portions so as to allow hobbyists to construct a multitude of toy vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Minds-I, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Marzetta, Levi R. Wilson, Kriston M. Broxson
  • Patent number: 7762868
    Abstract: A wall descending toy has a housing and a moveable part. A sticky wheel is located with the housing to facilitate movement of the housing down an inclined or vertical surface. There is a mechanical link moveable with movement of the housing and which causes movement of the moveable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: T K Wong & Associates Limited
    Inventor: Tak Ko Wong
  • Patent number: 7749047
    Abstract: A toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a body with at least one rollable wheel operatively connected to the body, and a pneumatic system operatively connected to the body and configured to store a pressurized gas and release stored gas upon a triggering event. A lifter is operatively connected to the at least one wheel and is configured to use energy from the pressurized gas to cause the toy to jump responsive to the triggering event, at least in part, by extending the at least one wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Dunham
  • Patent number: 7654879
    Abstract: A toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a base, a plurality of wheels spinably connected to the base, and a pneumatic piston operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. The toy also includes a plurality of body pieces at least partially covering the base, and a pneumatic disassembly mechanism operatively connected to at least some of the plurality of body pieces. A pneumatic system is configured to deliver pressurized gas to the pneumatic piston to cause at least the base to jump by extending the at least one wheel away from the base. The pneumatic system is also configured to deliver pressurized gas to the pneumatic disassembly mechanism to separate at least some of the plurality of body pieces from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Dunham
  • Patent number: 7597174
    Abstract: An anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car includes a board which is added below a central differential gear at a center of a chassis, to strengthen a rigid structure of the chassis. A center of the board is provided with a hollow part for emplacing a gear set of the central differential gear, and an exterior side of the hollow part is provided with a plurality of pivoting holes. The pivoting holes correspond to through-holes on the chassis for locking the central differential gear, thereby locking and fixing the board. In addition, the hollow part is locked at columns of the central differential gear by transfixing screws from bottom to top into the pivoting holes and the through-holes. On the other hand, front and rear ends of the board provide for connection of two support arms, thereby constituting the anti-deflection structure for the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Daimler Chu
  • Publication number: 20090247044
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a chassis, a right turning member that supports a right steerable road wheel and a left turning member that supports a left steerable road wheel. A rigid steering link extends across the chassis and has right and left ends that are operably connected to the right and left turning members. An actuator provides a pivoting motion on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally forward and rearward in the vehicle. The motion provided by the actuator moves the steering link side to side across the vehicle. The right and left road wheels are pivoted by the motion of the steering link. An adjustable trim mechanism includes a bias member that helps to maintain a neutral position of the steering link and a trim adjustment that modifies a position on the chassis at which the steering link and road wheels are maintained in the neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Wing Wong, Chung Ming Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080268744
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Jones
  • Publication number: 20080261488
    Abstract: A quick mount and dismount design and method of installation for a toy rim and tire/wheel assembly comprising a tire/wheel having an outer tire portion and an inner core ring housing inside the outer tire portion, where the inner core ring housing has an interior cylindrical wall, where the interior wall has multiple ring like recesses. The inner core ring housing can be divided by an expansion seam to allow for press fitting the rim on the tire and press fitting the assembly onto the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: RETAIL ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Jabbour, Yuk Kei Chan
  • Patent number: 7335084
    Abstract: A traveling toy having a plurality of steering front wheels and a plurality of rear wheels being connected with a driver, and a suspension of traveling toy in which a trailing arm having one end part supported rotatably at the upper part of a supporting wall standing from the chassis of the traveling toy at one end thereof, a first central hole part for passing a hollow tubular section projecting from the chassis through a specified interval from the supporting wall, a spring part interposed while being energized between a threaded part on top of the hollow tubular section and the end part of the first hole part, and a second hole part opening in the horizontal direction at the other end part serves to pass the axle of rear wheels through the second hole part thus absorbing a shock transmitted from the axle through the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nikko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Sato
  • Patent number: 7094125
    Abstract: A steering device for toy, which comprises a simple structure, and provides a stable running along a curved line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneko, Yousuke Yoneda, Yoshio Suimon
  • Patent number: 6997774
    Abstract: A steering device for a toy including: right and left turning members for turning right and left steering wheels in clockwise and counterclockwise directions around predetermined shafts; and a connecting member for connecting and forming a turning pair with each turning member. The right and left turning members are turned around each predetermined shaft by moving the connecting member in right and left directions so as to change each direction of the steering wheels. One of a coil and a magnetic body is provided on the connecting member, the other of the coil and the magnetic body is fixed to a fixing portion of the toy, and the coil and the magnetic body come close to and go away from each other by moving the connecting member. The connecting member takes at least two steering positions by controlling a current to be carried to the coil with a coil current carrying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneko, Yousuke Yoneda, Yoshio Suimon
  • Patent number: 6945843
    Abstract: A toy lowrider model vehicle which simulates the lifting and lowering movement of a full-size lowrider vehicle. The toy vehicle, preferably wireless or remote controlled having an onboard control signal receiver and battery power, has a chassis which supports spaced front and rear suspension assemblies each including a transverse axle supporting a wheel thereon for rotation and chassis support. Each suspension assembly is preferably independently movable, carrying an axle and wheel thereon for controlled up and down movement to selectively raise and lower each corner of the chassis separately or in any desired combination together. Lifting motors supported on the chassis each include an output shaft connected to one corresponding suspension assembly whereby the corresponding axle and wheel thereon are carried to move up or down to effect the corresponding corner of the chassis to raise or lower in lowrider fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
  • Patent number: 6926581
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprising a hinged, three part chassis having a first longitudinal end and a second, opposing longitudinal end and including a central chassis portion with first and second lateral chassis portions pivotally coupled with the central chassis portion on the first and second lateral side, respectively, of the central chassis portion. The first and second lateral chassis portions are coupled so as to pivot with respect to the central chassis portion in a common plane and spring biased against the central portion. Each lateral chassis portion includes a pair of road wheels at least one of which is driven by a reversible motor in that chassis portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: The Obb, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael John Lynders, James Michael Ferro, Noah Luther Kislevitz, Androc Luther Kislevitz, Adam Luther Kislevitz
  • Patent number: 6881122
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a supporting surface in a lifting motion. The lift mechanism includes a rotary member which engages a lifting lever hingedly attached to a chassis of the toy vehicle. In operation, the rotary member is abruptly moved by a biasing member into engagement with the lifting lever. The rotary member moves the lifting lever into an extended position, causing the lifting lever to engage the supporting surface, to lift the toy. The toy vehicle includes features to help permit operation of the lift mechanism only when the toy vehicle is in a proper operational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Bloch, Vikas Kumar Parkhie Sinha, Justin Discoe, Kenlip Ong, Gregory Nungester, Bruce Gavins
  • Patent number: 6824443
    Abstract: A steering device for toy, which comprises a simple structure, and provides a stable running along a curved line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneko, Yousuke Yoneda, Yoshio Suimon
  • Publication number: 20040198172
    Abstract: A steering device for a toy including: right and left turning members for turning right and left steering wheels in clockwise and counterclockwise directions around predetermined shafts; and a connecting member for connecting and forming a turning pair with each turning member. The right and left turning members are turned around each predetermined shaft by moving the connecting member in right and left directions so as to change each direction of the steering wheels. One of a coil and a magnetic body is provided on the connecting member, the other of the coil and the magnetic body is fixed to a fixing portion of the toy, and the coil and the magnetic body come close to and go away from each other by moving the connecting member. The connecting member takes at least two steering positions by controlling a current to be carried to the coil with a coil current carrying unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneko, Yousuke Yoneda
  • Patent number: 6793555
    Abstract: A toy vehicle having dynamic transformation capability includes a transformation system connected to the front and rear wheels. The front and rear wheels are pivotally mounted on front and rear swing arms, and the swing arms are in communication with the transformation system. The transformation system is radio controlled and enables the selective control of the wheel positions during operation of the vehicle. The remotely controlled selective and infinite transformation capabilities allows for changing the vehicle's wheelbase, center of gravity (cog), front/rear weight distribution, ground clearance, attitude (i.e., angle to ground plane); and the suspension travel with respect to the chassis/body in response to the terrain and driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Michael G. Hetman, Masaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6767272
    Abstract: A model car having a mechanism, including an electric motor, for raising and lowering the chassis in respect of the ground engaging wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Craft House Corporation
    Inventor: Paul S. Santarsiero
  • Patent number: 6764376
    Abstract: The invention is a spring-driven toy vehicle having front and rear chassis portions, at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. The front chassis portion is hingably connected to the rear chassis portion. The chassis portions are capable of a pivotal motion relative to one another from a first undeflected position to a second deflected position. A drive motor is mounted to one of the front and rear chassis portions. The motor contains a motor spring. A drive axle is operably connected with the motor spring. The drive axle is connected to at least one front wheel or one rear wheels to rotate the at least one connected wheel. A rotational coupling is configured to transfer the pivotal motion of the chassis portions relative to one another into a rotational motion to wind the motor spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Felix Agostini, Mary Ellen Gertrude Fosbenner, Gregory John Sisolak, William Francis Michael Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6758719
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle having a frame comprised of a first frame portion and a transmission assembly portion. The transmission assembly portion having two wheels connected to an axle to support the transmission assembly and an electric motor and gear system for moving the toy vehicle in a forward or reverse direction. The toy vehicle has a gear box with an electric motor a first and second rotatable cam. A rod connected to the transmission assembly and rotatably mounted on a pin and engaging a rod from on of the first rotatable cam to act as a cam follower moving the rod in an up and down direction when the first rotatable cam rotates thereby extending the transmission assembly. A second rod connected to a third wheel and engaging a rod located on the second rotatable cam distal to the wheel and acting as a cam follower wherein the rod moves in an up and down direction when the second rotatable cam rotates, thereby extending the wheel attached at the distal end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Rudy Nava
  • Patent number: 6749482
    Abstract: A multi-configurable toy vehicle having at least two rotatable segments. Each rotatable segment includes a first side having a first design and a second side having a second design. Additionally, each rotatable segment is independently rotatable with respect to each other from a first side orientation to a second side orientation. A movement means, such as pivotal wheels, enables the multi-configurable toy vehicle to move on a surface. The movement means is associated with at least two of the rotatable segments to facilitate operation of the multi-configurable toy vehicle when any of the rotatable segments are in either of the first or second side orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Awesome Toys, LLC.
    Inventors: John Rey Hollis, John Lawren Cook, Christine Ann Hollis
  • Patent number: 6620023
    Abstract: A model vehicle that operates to emulate “hydraulics” in a full size vehicle is taught. A suspension lift function and a suspension tilt function are produced though implementation of suspension apparatus. A wheel carriage is coupled to a chassis and the movement therebetween is controlled by one or more actuators. Either lift or tilt, or both, movement may be employed. In an illustrative embodiment, rotational movement is employed to effect lift and tilt, along perpendicular axis defined by a sub-chassis. A first actuator works between the chassis and sub-chassis, and a second actuator works between the sub-chassis and a wheel carriage. Control may be remote, utilizing wired, radio, sonic, or infrared remote control schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Radio Shack, Corp.
    Inventor: Bill Yeung
  • Patent number: 6604982
    Abstract: A suspension device for use with a toy vehicle is provided. The suspension device allows the height of the chassis with respect to the wheels to be quickly and easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Linda Croteau-Brooks
  • Patent number: 6599169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a toy vehicle. The suspension system is independent in that it comprises at least four damping mechanisms (shock absorber), each shock absorber being located proximal to each wheel location. Each shock absorber utilizes a tensioning device, such as a compressed spring, positioned between the toy vehicle chassis and a suspension arm, to provide the active damping feature of the invention. Each shock absorber also utilizes an adjustment means, such as a screw, to selectively change the distance between the suspension arm and chassis. As the screw is adjusted, so the spring is either more or less compressed, providing for a stiffer (more compressed) or a softer (less compressed) suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: XConcepts, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Curtis Edmisson, Peter Henry Asher
  • Patent number: 6589098
    Abstract: A radio-controlled toy vehicle is provided with four non-steerable wheels, two on each lateral side of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the wheels on each lateral side are drivingly coupled with a separate, reversible motor. The vehicle is steered by controlling the operation and direction of each motor. In another embodiment, the wheels on each lateral side are drivingly coupled with a single reversible motor. The vehicle is steered through one-way clutches which allow the wheels on one lateral side to operate in either a forward or a reverse direction while the wheels on an opposite lateral side always rotate in the same direction. In both embodiments, a pivoting beam is centrally located on one lateral side, with the wheels on that side being rotatably attached to the beam. The pivoting beam provides for infinite ranges of suspension positions. In operation, the vehicle proceeds until it encounters an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Lee, Mark Sullivan, Jonathan A. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 6582275
    Abstract: A structure for quickly turning up a car shell of a remotely controllable car, including two fixing boards connected with the car body for fixing the car shell. Each fixing board has a projecting column having a stop section at top end. The car shell is formed with a through hole for the column and the stop section to pass therethrough. A seat body is disposed on inner face of the car shell. A clip disposed on outer face of the car shell is connected with the seat body. The clip has a clip section and a press section. The clip section clips the column of the fixing board and is stopped by the stop section to fix the car shell. When turning up the car shell, the press section is compressed to stretch open the clip section and release the clip section from the stop of the stop section. Then the press section of the clip can be lifted to turn up the car shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Thunder Tiger Corporation
    Inventor: Aling Lai
  • Publication number: 20030003843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a toy vehicle. The suspension system is independent in that it comprises at least four damping mechanisms (shock absorber), each shock absorber being located proximal to each wheel location. Each shock absorber utilizes a tensioning device, such as a compressed spring, positioned between the toy vehicle chassis and a suspension arm, to provide the active damping feature of the invention. Each shock absorber also utilizes an adjustment means, such as a screw, to selectively change the distance between the suspension arm and chassis. As the screw is adjusted, so the spring is either more or less compressed, providing for a stiffer (more compressed) or a softer (less compressed) suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Russell Curtis Edmisson, Peter Henry Asher
  • Patent number: 6450857
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Imagic, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6439954
    Abstract: A weight transferring sled toy for simulating a weight transfer sled used in truck and tractor pulls. The weight transferring sled toy includes a main body portion that has a main body base and a pair of tracks that extend upward from the main body base. A pair of wheels are coupled to a rear portion of the main body portion. An axle extends between the wheels and is coupled to the rear portion of the main body portion. An axle gear is coupled to a medial portion of the axle. A bar extends between a forward portion of the tracks. A drive chain extends between the bar and the axle gear such that rotation of the axle gear rotates the drive chain. A weight sled is positionable on the tracks. The weight sled has a hook member for engaging the drive chain whereby the weight sled is moved along the tracks when the wheels rotate and the hook member is engaged to the drive chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Lyle F. Walter, Judy Walter
  • Publication number: 20020094752
    Abstract: A steering device for toy, which comprises a simple structure, and provides a stable running along a curved line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneko, Yousuke Yoneda, Yoshio Suimon
  • Publication number: 20020077025
    Abstract: A remote control model car has a rear suspension mechanism mounted in either side of the chassis. The chassis has a suspension body. The rear suspension mechanism comprises a pivotal adjustment rod coupled to the lug of the suspension body, a pivotal arm mechanism, a hub mechanism, and a shock absorber pivotably secured to the arm mechanism and the suspension body. This can effect a smooth, simple, and reliable wheel angle adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Chao-Chung Wu
  • Publication number: 20020077026
    Abstract: A device and method for creating side-to-side movements in a toy is claimed. The device includes a frame. The frame is supported by suspension elements that extend downwardly from the frame. If the device is configured as a vehicle, the suspension elements terminate at their low ends with wheels. Some of the suspension elements are pivotably connected to the right side of the frame. Alternately, some of the suspension elements are pivotably connected to the left side of the frame. A mechanism is provided that rotates the suspension elements on the right side of the frame and the suspension elements on the left side of the frame in an alternating pattern. As the suspension elements on the right side of the frame and the left side of the frame are rotated, the suspension elements extend below the frame and increase the distance between the frame and the wheels suspended below the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Wing Cheong Li
  • Patent number: 6394877
    Abstract: A model truck having a mechanism driven by a reversible electric motor for selectively raising and lowering the front of the truck and the bed of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Craft House Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Venditti
  • Patent number: 6383054
    Abstract: A model vehicle having a normal low-rider configuration is provided with independently repositionable roadway wheels that may be deployed separately and in various combinations, using a manually-switched, battery-powered control, into temporary roadway wheel “hop” positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Russell J. Rauch
  • Patent number: 6264528
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward a toy trash truck. More specifically, it relates to a remote-controlled toy trash truck capable of forward motion and realistic operation. The toy vehicle includes a propulsion system, including a plurality of tires, operably affixed to a frame member. There is also a trash-holding bin mounted on the frame member, and a load-lifting arm operably connected to the frame member and capable of lifting items (e.g., actual or simulated trash) for placement into the trash-holding bin. A signal receiver that receives and interprets signals from a remote-control device may be mounted on the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Steve D. Doan, James R. Barker
  • Patent number: 6193582
    Abstract: A two-part shock absorber device for toy vehicles is comprised of a sleeve part and a strut part, each formed of molded plastic material. The strut element is received within an internal cavity of the sleeve for axial extending and retracting movement. The upper end of the sleeve cavity is progressively constricted, and cooperates with a pair of upwardly extending spring tines fixed in cantilever fashion to the upper end of the strut. The squeezing of the spring tines within the constriction of the sleeve provides progressively increasing resistance to axial compression of the strut into the sleeve and also provides spring action for return of the strut to its normal axial extended position. A simulated coil spring, molded on the outside of the strut element provides for realistic simulation of the operation of a shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Connector Set Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Robert Gleim
  • Patent number: 6129607
    Abstract: A self-righting remote control vehicle including a chassis, paired front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on the respective left and right sides of the chassis, and an upwardly tapered, generally pyramidal-shaped body mounted on the chassis. Each of the wheels has a peripheral portion which extends beyond the lower rear and side edge margins of the body such that when the vehicle is rolled over, a portion of at least one of the wheels normally engages the supporting surface. The vehicle further includes two separate drive systems for respectively rotatably driving the left and right pairs of front and rear wheels, and still further includes a remote control receiver for receiving control signals from a remote control transmitter and a controller for selectively independently controlling the separate drive systems responsive to the control signals received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Bang Zoom Design, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael G. Hoeting, Sean T. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 6036575
    Abstract: A model car having a mechanism driven by a reversible electric motor for selectively raising and lowering the front or rear of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Craft House Corporation
    Inventors: Steven F. Rehkemper, Jeffrey G. Rehkemper
  • Patent number: 5916008
    Abstract: A wall walker toy car has a wheel with a sticky undulating surface. The wheel is mounted on a pivotable bracket which provides a cover for an aperture in a base of the car. For wall-walking mode, the bracket is manually rotated so that the surface is partially exposed to engage a vertical surface. In the configuration shown in the Figure, the surface of the wheel is wholly inside the car and so cannot be contaminated with dust and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: T. K. Wong & Associates, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tak-Ko Wong