Having Specific Body Structure Patents (Class 446/470)
  • Patent number: 7841922
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toy comprised of a vehicle that is capable of generating electrical energy and a body that can be physically and electrically connected to and disconnected from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the body comprises a light and a capacitor that stores electrical energy produced by the generator when the body is connected to the vehicle and the vehicle is used to produced electrical energy. After separation of the body from the vehicle, the capacitor provides electrical energy to the light that allows a child to separately use the body as a torch or flashlight. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a speaker and the body includes a memory device that stores a signal that can be played over the speaker when the body is connected to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: Justin Miles Discoe, David Scott Bowen, Christopher Jon Clemmer
  • Patent number: 7833081
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels. The body also includes a roof and rear window supporting a plurality of user inputs. Within the toy vehicle body, a microprocessor controlled drive and steering mechanism is operative. The operation of the microprocessor is set by the user inputs. The body further supports a movable bumper mouth and movable eyes and eyebrows behind the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Hippely, Mike Andrews, Chris Down, Mark Mayer, Mark Trageser
  • Publication number: 20100267311
    Abstract: A vehicle reconfigurable between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration includes a body having opposing upper and lower parts extending between lateral sides and ends of the body. A first wheel and a second wheel are each operatively mounted to the body to at least partially support the body for movement. A first suspension assembly and a second suspension assembly pivotally connect each wheel to the body and a linkage assembly connects the body to each wheel. The linkage assembly is adapted to pivot each wheel with respect to the body. A linear compression bias member is mounted between the upper and lower parts of the body to bias the upper part of the body away from the lower part of the body. The vehicle transforms from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration by compression of the upper part and lower part together to actuate the linkage and compress the linear compression bias member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicants: RED BLUE LIMITED, N. Z. NACHMAN ZIMET LIMITED
    Inventor: Nachman Haim ZIMET
  • Patent number: 7803030
    Abstract: A toy vehicle, a toy assembly device and a related method includes a toy body having a plurality of component members, and a plurality of support frame members respectively supporting the component members. The component members and the support frame members have respective engaging portions that can engage and disengage in a horizontal direction. Each of the support frame members has a fitting part provided thereon for connecting the support frame members to one another. Each of the component members has a fitting portion provided thereon for connecting the components members to one another. When the support frame members, each with a component member supported thereon, are connected to one another through the fitting parts, the component members are connected to one another by the fitting portions to form the toy body, so that the toy body can engage with or disengage from the support frame members connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignees: Tomy Company, Ltd., Tokyo Unique Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 7794300
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, Vladimir Leonov, William Willett, Kenlip Ong
  • Publication number: 20100216372
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a body including at least one seat sized for a child; a plurality of wheels including at least one driven wheel; a battery-powered drive assembly configured to selectively drive the rotation of the at least one driven wheel; a mechanical assembly including a first mechanical member movably connected to the body and configured to move among a plurality of positions including a first position in which one or more portions of the first mechanical member are not visible, and a second position in which the one or more portions of the first mechanical member are visible; and at least one user input device positioned to receive inputs from a child sitting on the at least one seat, and configured to selectively move the first mechanical member between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald P. Sitarski, David Grober, Ronald M. Asbach
  • Patent number: 7762867
    Abstract: A lever activated toy vehicle includes a body, a chassis and a lever. The chassis accommodates the body and has a front wheel and a rear wheel. A motor is disposed within the chassis and is drivingly coupled to at least one of the wheels. The lever is movably supported on the toy vehicle so as to be accessible by a user for movement between a first position and a second position. The toy vehicle further includes a moveable part and an actuator mechanism. The moveable part has at least a portion on the exterior of the body and a portion on the interior of the body. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled with the motor and the moveable part and is configured to move the moveable part from the concealed position to the revealed position after the lever is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Felix Agostini, Mary Ellen Gertrude Fosbenner, Robert Jude Henry, Gregory John Sisolak, William Francis Michael Dougherty
  • 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: 7722430
    Abstract: A toy vehicle having a plurality of play configurations, comprising a frame; a vehicle body moveably coupled to the frame with at least two degrees of freedom of movement, said two degrees of freedom of movement including a longitudinal translation of the body relative to the frame for selecting at least a first play configuration of the plurality of play configurations; and a rotation of the body relative to the frame for selecting at least a second of the plurality of play configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Hippely
  • Patent number: 7674150
    Abstract: A toy. The toy includes a body and a plurality of tethers moveably coupled to the body. The toy also includes a corresponding plurality of tethered pieces coupled to the plurality of tethers and moveable between a retracted state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces proximate the body and an extended state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces away from the body. A triggering mechanism operatively is adapted to move the plurality of tethered pieces from the retracted state to the extended state responsive to a triggering event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Hippely
  • Patent number: 7658663
    Abstract: Toys and toy components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Integral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Aisenbrey
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100009597
    Abstract: A wheel device for a toy vehicle, in which one of a pair of wheels rolling on a pair of metal rails attracts with a magnet to reduce resistance caused by magnetic force and suppress load on a motor. The wheel device 1 includes a first axle 2, and a first wheel 10 and a second wheel 20 provided on opposite sides of the first axle 2. The first wheel 10 includes a first wheel main body 11 rolling on one of the rails 261 and a first flange 12 guided by the one rail. The second wheel 20 includes a second wheel main body 21 rolling on the other of the rails 261 and a second flange 22 guided by the other rail. The second wheel main body 21 is formed of a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Eishindo
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Hirai
  • Patent number: 7641263
    Abstract: In the first variant, a designer set of elements is embodied in such a way that it makes it possible to shape different modifications of a passenger car body. The body is embodied such that it is splitable on a transversal plane. The element set consists of changeable front and rear elements. In the body split plane, the external surfaces of all front and rear elements have the same shapes and sizes. In the second variant, the body is splitable in two transversal planes. The body element set consists of changeable hood, cab and body rear part elements, wherein the external surfaces of the elements are smoothly mating with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Aleksandr Semenovich Ruslanov, Aleksandr Georgievich Soldatov, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Shilov
  • TOY
    Publication number: 20090325461
    Abstract: A toy includes a main body and a chassis supporting the main body. The chassis includes a mounting board, two wheels rotatably mounted to the mounting board, and at least one elastic module fixed on the mounting board. The at least one elastic module and the two wheels are arranged on three vertexes of a triangle for elastically supporting the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: BAO-SHUAI LIU, YUNG-HUNG CHU
  • Publication number: 20090291616
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body quick release mechanism for R/C model cars and trucks. The quick release mechanism comprises of a stem, a retainer, a ball, a push-pin, a spring, and a spring retainer. It is at the heart of the present invention that the retainer and the car body are allowed to be removed and replaced quickly and easily by depressing a push-pin. The car body has a hole that is fitted around the stem diameter. The said car body is trapped between the retainer surface and the stem surface in the installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Homby
  • Publication number: 20090280718
    Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle comprising a chassis with opposing, top and bottom sides and opposing, first and second longitudinal ends and a central plane extending in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction through the chassis and at least generally bisecting the sides and ends; first and second wheels coupled with the chassis proximal the first end so as to pivot with respect to the chassis and steer the first end, the first and second wheels being located on opposite sides of the central plane; a third wheel coupled with the chassis proximal the second end so as to span the central plane and pivot with respect to the chassis at least along an axis located in the central plane, the axis being pitched away from the vertical direction and toward the longitudinal direction in the central plane; and a steering coupling operably connecting the first and second wheels with the third wheel to simultaneously pivot the first, second and third wheels with respect to the chassis so as to steer the toy vehicle at
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7591705
    Abstract: A toy train is provided having a folding body with body segments joined by a hinge, adapted to engage a base having wheels. The folding body may be disassembled for storage in a generally flattened arrangement. A novel drive assembly for a toy train or toy train accessory is provided having a motor and a gear, which can be removably inserted in the base and covered by the folding body. A storage kit is provided including a storage case for storing a folding body of a toy train, a base for a toy train, and a drive assembly for a toy train. A toy train set is provided including tiles with raised train tracks. The tiles are joined by dovetail joints. Themed tiles are provided for creating a multi-themed play environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Good Stuff Company, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Ciccarelli, Alan Dorfman, Michael Kind, Steven Menow, Tomoru Tohyama
  • Patent number: 7578721
    Abstract: A wheelie bar assembly for a model vehicle has a mast member having one or fasteners for securing the mast member to a model vehicle, a bearing support member having a length and secured to the mast member for pivotal movement about one or more pivot points, a bearing support member having a length and secured to the mast member for pivotal movement about one or more pivot points, a bearing element secured to or formed on the bearing support member for contacting a surface underlying the vehicle and resisting a wheelie of the vehicle, an adjustment member secured to the mast member for pivotal movement relative to both the mast member and the bearing support member, and the adjustment member being securable to a plurality of different locations along the length of the bearing support member to vary the position of the bearing support member relative to the mast member and a surface underlying the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventor: Otto Karl Allmendinger
  • Patent number: 7568753
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles with reconfigured, or flexed panel, bodies. The bodies include at least one reconfigured, or flexed, body panel that is retained in a biased, or flexed, configuration and/or against its internal bias to move from the flexed configuration. In some embodiments, the body has an exterior shape that is determined at least in part by the at least one flexed body panel. In some embodiments, the at least one body panel is integrally formed with other portions of the ride-on's body, and in some embodiments, a portion of the body panel remains in an unflexed configuration when another portion of the body panel is retained in the flexed configuration. In some embodiments, the vehicles include at least one retainer that engages a flexed panel and retains the panel in a defined position relative to another portion of the ride-on's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert L. Arendt, John L. Jones, Jr., Michael B. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 7568962
    Abstract: A modular toy vehicle design having a universal mating system between the body of the vehicle and the chassis such that multiple body styles will interchangeably mate with multiple chassis designs and where electrical interfaces are automatically established between the body and the chassis simply by mating and aligning the two together. The design allows for an electrical connection to be made in the process of mechanically mating and aligning the body of a toy vehicle to its chassis thereby powering electronic features that are physically connected to the body with the power source which is housed in the chassis. When the body is properly aligned and mounted, the electrical interfaces are automatically established. There is no separate step of plugging together mating connectors where one connector extends from a wire bundle electrically interfacing with the body and the mating connector extends from a separate wire bundle electrically interfacing with the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ridemakerz, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Amadio, James V. Mendillo, Yuk Kei Chan
  • Publication number: 20090163113
    Abstract: A tube/wire frame that is functional and cost effective to manufacture. A tube or solid wire section is manufactured for the main purpose of creating an attractive look. This upper tube or solid wire section also helps to strengthen the top of the CNC manufactured TVP plate. The CNC manufactured TVP plate is a cost effectively manufactured pair of plates. These CNC manufactured TVP plates and tube/wire frame are then cost effectively attached to each other providing a cost effective complete one piece frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin Anton Guhman
  • Publication number: 20090156094
    Abstract: A children's ride-on toy includes a body having a first guide rail and a second guide rail, a seat and a footrest slidably engaging the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The footrest slides between an operation position and a stowed position, where the stowed position is under the seat of the toy. The footrest includes a bottom wall, a front end wall, a rear end wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls feature outer rims that define first and second guide rail channels that engage the first and second guide rails on the toy body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy Seckel, Thomas Schlegal
  • Publication number: 20090075559
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is transformed from a first configuration to a second configuration through relative movement of two portions of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a roof panel which closes a roof area during the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. The closing of the roof area hides the displacement of a first seat in the vehicle by a second seat. When the first seat is mounted with a first toy figure and the second seat is mounted with a different toy figure, an illusion is created that the initial toy figure has changed appearance. The roof panel may close and reopen at a rate rapid enough to render the change of toy figures to be an instantaneous transformation. Additional deployable components such as projectile launchers, tail fins, and front bumpers may be incorporated into the toy vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Barthold
  • Patent number: 7488233
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Tiedmand Olney
  • Publication number: 20080268745
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles having window mechanisms, and window mechanisms for such vehicles. In some embodiments, the window mechanism is a manual window mechanism, and in some embodiments the window mechanism is a powered, or motorized, window mechanism. The window mechanism includes a window drive assembly that selectively drives movement of a window member relative to the vehicle body. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a powered window drive assembly that includes a window motor assembly and a window linkage to couple the output of the window motor assembly to the window member. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a manual window drive assembly. In some embodiments, the window member includes a receiving region coupled to the window linkage. In some embodiments, the window mechanism includes a window support assembly that maintains the window member in a predetermined orientation relative to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, David M. Bapst, Kurt J. Huntsberger
  • Patent number: 7387558
    Abstract: A toy vehicle having an interactive feature, the toy vehicle comprising a body at least two wheels rotatably coupled to the body; and a tongue actuation mechanism moveably coupled to the body, the tongue actuation mechanism including a tongue extender having an engagement portion, the tongue actuation mechanism is adapted to enable selective movement of the tongue extender from a storage position to a capture position, where in the capture position the tongue extender extends downwards approaching a ground surface for capture of an object to the engagement portion of the tongue extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Swisher, Keith Hippely, Bill O'Keefe
  • Publication number: 20080107766
    Abstract: The present invention includes a sand sculpting tool including at least one generally planar body, The planar body includes a central portion defined by a dominant silhouette of the body. Also, the planar body includes at least one sculpting feature substantially protruding from the dominant silhouette. The sculpting feature being substantially disposed in a common plane with the body. Further, the sculpting feature includes a unitary protruding shape capable of forming a solitary impression of the shape in the sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Robert J. Cannetti
  • Publication number: 20070270076
    Abstract: A mechanized toy includes a carriage supported on three wheels with a decorative cover engaged with, and extensive over, the carriage. The carriage provides a platform integral with an axially directed yolk, the yolk engaging one of the three wheels. A drive motor is secured to the platform and rotates a drive axle engaging the other two of the three wheels which are placed in opposing juxtaposition. A snap engagement feature enables the cover to be attached to the carriage and to be removed from the carriage as desired. When several different heads are used with a single carriage, the heads may be interchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Roger A. Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20070167105
    Abstract: Various degradation features are disclosed for a remotely controlled vehicle. Translatable body components are disclosed for simulating damage to a vehicle. Impact sensors may be provided for detecting an impact to the vehicle and modifying operation of the vehicle in response to an impact. A timer may be provided for hampering operations of the vehicle as a function of time for simulating real life conditions. Controls, and methods associated with these features are disclosed as well as games for utilizing the degradation features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Marc Lorelli, Michael D. Turner
  • Patent number: 7217170
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, Vladimir Leonov, William Willett, Kenlip Ong
  • Patent number: 7214119
    Abstract: An inflatable remote control vehicle having a wheel-less inflatable vehicle body attached to a remotely controlled base unit and fully functional chassis having a plurality of visually functional wheels. The inflatable vehicle body includes a plurality of wheel well areas for accommodating the functional wheels of the base unit and allowing the functionality of wheels to be seen by a viewer. The remote control vehicle preferably includes a rigid support structure connected to a bottom surface of the inflatable vehicle body, where the rigid support structure is then attached to the remotely controlled base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Isotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Lucas, Eric McClure
  • Patent number: 7121917
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: MGA Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hardouin, Ami N. Shapiro, Kevin M. Bloomfield, Yuval Caspi
  • Patent number: 7100968
    Abstract: A child-sized toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis upon which any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules may be removably secured. The various vehicle body module styles may be comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module. In addition, body modules from different body styles may be attached to the same vehicle chassis such that a hybrid vehicle is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Best Automotive Toy Art Company (The B.A.T.A. Co.)
    Inventors: Bata Mataja, David K. B. Lee
  • Patent number: 7059661
    Abstract: A child-sized toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis upon which any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules may be removably secured. The various vehicle body module styles may be comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module. In addition, body modules from different body styles may be attached to the same vehicle chassis such that a hybrid vehicle is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: The Best Automotive Toy Art Company (The B.A.T.A. Co.)
    Inventors: Bata Mataja, David K. B. Lee
  • Patent number: 7055889
    Abstract: A child-sized toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis upon which any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules may be removably secured. The various vehicle body module styles may be comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module. In addition, body modules from different body styles may be attached to the same vehicle chassis such that a hybrid vehicle is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Best Automotive Toy Art Company (The B.A.T.A. Co.)
    Inventors: Bata Mataja, David K. B. Lee
  • Patent number: 7033241
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has a chassis, at least a first drive wheel rotatably attached to the chassis and at least a first link having a first end pivotally coupled with the chassis. At least a first non-powered wheel is operably coupled with the second opposing end of the first link. The first link has two operative positions: a first, fully-retracted operating configuration in which the first link is wrapped at least partially around the chassis crossing the drive wheel axis of rotation and a second, extended operating configuration in which the first link is pivoted away and extended from the chassis. A second link can be pivotally coupled between and with the chassis and first link. Forces acting on the toy vehicle resulting from driving the first drive wheel can cause each link to pivot with respect to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Lee, Justin Discoe, Nathan Bloch
  • Patent number: 6988929
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Che Ming King Wong
  • 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: 6918627
    Abstract: A child-sized toy vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis upon which any number of a plurality of stylistically different interchangeable vehicle body modules may be removably secured. The various vehicle body module styles may be comprised of separate body module sections such as a front body module, a rear body module, a left side body module, and a right side body module. In addition, body modules from different body styles may be attached to the same vehicle chassis such that a hybrid vehicle is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: The Best Automotive Toy Art Company (The B.A.T.A. Co.)
    Inventors: Bata Mataja, David K. B. Lee
  • Patent number: 6857930
    Abstract: A toy vehicle having a receiver, a drive motor, a steering motor, and a plurality of spring assemblies. The spring assemblies each have a spring, a solenoid, and a pin. The toy vehicle includes a rear cargo unit having a plurality of receptacles for housing the springs therein. A beverage can is stored on top of each spring, and when the solenoid is energized, the pin is released and the can is pushed upwardly into the air. The receiver is in communication with a remote transmitter, having directional controls for controlling the drive motor and the steering motor, and can release buttons. The remote transmitter signals the receiver for controlling the drive motor, the steering motor, and the spring assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Neil Lawley, Jr.
  • 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: 6726524
    Abstract: Problems are solved in a conventional traveling structure that can perform only the back and forth movement, circularly back and forth movement, and straight laterally movement, so that every directional movement is desired, and is not suitable for a traveling structure of agricultural equipment desired to be movable in every direction, and also is not enough of a challenge to be a traveling toy. In a traveling structure for traveling by rotating wheels with a driving source such as a motor, the traveling structure comprises a main body, the wheels arranged on every side of the main body, and auxiliary wheels arranged in the wheels rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the wheels, wherein the auxiliary wheels are protruded from a supporting surface of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kyosho Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Yamaguchi, Shinichi Asai
  • Patent number: 6679753
    Abstract: A wireless control miniature low-profile toy car comprising a chassis for supporting front and rear wheels, a front wheel steering mechanism, a covered control circuit board therefor, a drive motor and a battery. A shell miniature car body is attached to and substantially covers the chassis. The circuit board is positioned and secured atop a bottom panel of the chassis, while the battery is positioned and secured above the circuit board and at least partially within a central raised portion of the car body whereby the height of the central raised portion of the car body is substantially reduced. The front steering includes an upright pivot shaft connected at an upper end thereof to a mating cavity or aperture formed on a front hood of said car body which allows a further reduction in profile height of the hood of the toy car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
  • Patent number: 6666746
    Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Aldred, William H. Barton, Jr., Peter C. DeAngelis, Paul Eichen
  • Patent number: 6641457
    Abstract: A chassis of remotely controllable car, including an upper board and two side walls which are integrally formed. A lower board is connected under the bottoms of the side walls. The chassis is a frame body integrally formed by the upper board, the lower board and the two side walls. The engine, gear cases and wheels of the remotely controllable car are mounted on the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Aling Lai
  • Patent number: 6616501
    Abstract: The present invention is a trim adjustment mechanism to balance a toy vehicle. One vehicle has a platform supporting two wheels in line along a central longitudinal vertical plane through the platform. The trim adjustment mechanism has a weight holder slideably supported by the platform to move transversely to the central vertical plane. A weight member is engaged with the weight holder for slideable movement with the weight holder. An adjustment lever has a first end operably coupled with the weight holder. The adjustment lever is pivotable about the first end such that rotation of the adjustment lever causes sliding side-to-side movement of the weight member, whereby a user can effectuate side-to-side movement of the weight member within the vehicle with the adjustment lever in order to balance the vehicle and enhance the stability of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Spalinski
  • 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