Demountable Patents (Class 446/471)
  • Patent number: 11911708
    Abstract: A body mounting assembly, model vehicle, and method for engaging a model vehicle body to a model vehicle chassis are provided. The body mounting assembly includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly further includes a latch member with a latch engagement surface. The body mounting assembly also includes a retainer assembly. The retainer assembly further includes a retainer engagement surface. The latch assembly is releasably engaged to the retainer assembly when the latch engagement surface and the retainer engagement surface are interlock together. The latch engagement surface and the retainer engagement surface comprise negative engagement angles. A body mount able to be coupled to a model vehicle body includes one of the latch assembly or the retainer assembly and a chassis mount able to be coupled to the model vehicle chassis includes the other corresponding retainer assembly or the latch assembly corresponding to the body mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TRAXXAS, L.P.
    Inventors: Jonathan Scott Wood, Casey Christen Jens Christensen, Skylar Hagler, Otto Karl Allmendinger, Kent Poteet
  • Patent number: 11364447
    Abstract: A model vehicle with body mount components are provided. A tongue member attached to a model vehicle body with a first and second tongue member is configured to engage a first securing member attached to a model vehicle chassis. A top surface of the second tongue member draws the model vehicle body towards the model vehicle chassis when the second tongue member engages the first securing member. A lever member with a lever handle, jaw clamp, and a lever pivot is configured to pivot between an engage and an unengaged position. The jaw clamp engages with a second securing member in the engaged position. The lever member further contains a retaining mechanism that is configured to rotate between a retained and unretained position. The retaining mechanism inhibits the lever handle from moving from the engaged to the unengaged position when the retaining mechanism is in the retained position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TRAXXAS, L.P.
    Inventors: Otto Karl Allmendinger, Casey Christen Jens Christensen, Adam Cole Ewing, Jonathan Scott Wood
  • Patent number: 11141670
    Abstract: A toy vehicle configured for running on rails, the toy vehicle comprises a chassis comprising a first end and a second end, two side faces extending in the longitudinal direction of the toy vehicle and a top portion, the toy vehicle comprising at least two axles, said at least two axles comprising a wheel wherein the chassis comprises oblong recesses positioned on the inner surface of the chassis, the oblong recesses adapted to obtain a protrusion of a wheel or an end portion of the at least two axles, the chassis comprising two or more axle support arms adapted to support the at least two axles, the two or more axle support arms being adapted to avoid disengagement between an oblong recess and the protrusion of a wheel or an end portion of the at least two axles, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: LEGO A/S
    Inventor: Jan Ryaa
  • Patent number: 10918962
    Abstract: A toy vehicle configured for running on rails, the toy vehicle comprises a chassis comprising a first end and a second end, two side faces extending in the longitudinal direction of the toy vehicle, a top portion, at least two axels each comprising two wheels, wherein the chassis comprises at least two flexible flanges being positioned opposite each other on both sides of the chassis on each side faces. Each flexible flange comprising a snap protrusion at the extremity of the flanges, such that the snap protrusions are adapted to slide past an outer surface of a set of rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Jan Ryaa
  • Patent number: 10709994
    Abstract: In the present invention, a resin body has fixed thereto a metal reinforcing member that has a frame part to which side sills of the body abut; therefore while the body is molded from resin to facilitate machining of the details, the metal reinforcing member makes the body (in particular, the portions of the side sills located just below doors) less likely to bend. This configuration allows the doors to be opened and closed stably and, through the metal, gives a sense of weight to the automobile model that can be felt when held by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: GATEWAY AUTOART LIMITED, GATEWAY AUTOART JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kelvin Yuetming Kwan
  • Patent number: 8882561
    Abstract: An electronic toy memory device is disclosed which may include memory, a processor and may depict a character on the housing. The memory device may store audio files and network addresses. Connecting the memory device to a computer may launch a software application with content associated with the character depicted on the memory device housing. Connecting to a server over the internet may launch additional software applications stored on the server with additional content associated with the character depicted on the housing. The character may be depicted on a shell which is frictionally attached to the housing and further includes accessories such as clothes which may be frictionally attached to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Dyer, Paul King, Joy Burns, Kislap Ongchangco, Emily Kelly, Carrie Buse, Kenneth Heimann, Christopher Goff
  • Patent number: 8549752
    Abstract: A method of torque adjustment by removing and replacing a spur gear secured to a clutch driver plate in a slipper clutch for a model vehicle without changing the axial load applied by a spring to the clutch driver plate. The spring is configured to apply an axial load to at least a portion of the clutch driver plate in the axial direction of the transmission input shaft, the spring being adjustable to vary the axial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventor: Brent Whitfield Byers
  • Patent number: 8435094
    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: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Ridemakerz, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Amadio, James V. Mendillo, Yuk Kei Chan
  • Patent number: 7942719
    Abstract: A fully functional miniature toy bicycle is sized and configured to receive and support a doll in a typical riding posture. Apparatus secures the toy bicycle to the host bicycle handle bars in a releasable attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Leynes
  • Patent number: 7896724
    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: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ridemakerz, LLP
    Inventors: Donald W. Amadio, James V. Mendillo, Yuk Kei Chan
  • Patent number: 7819410
    Abstract: A child walker is provided that includes a frame having a plurality of wheels. The walker includes a handle that is positionable in a first position and a second position. A seat is attached to the frame when the handle is in the first position. When the handle is in the second position, it is positioned to be gripped by a standing child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Jonathan Myers, Thomas N. Koltun, Abdelkrim Bedja
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7494398
    Abstract: A dual-wheel remotely controlled (RC) vehicle with two independently-controlled detachably attachable wheels is described. The RC vehicle comprises a body member having a right wheel and left wheel rotationally mounted proximate the body member. Each of the right and left wheels are drivably coupled with their own motors, such that each of the right and left wheels are independently controlled. Additionally, a quick release apparatus is included to provide for quick release of the wheels. Through use of the quick release apparatus, the wheels are interchangeable wheels and may be easily replaced with other interchangeable wheels. Furthermore, a stabilization apparatus is attached with the body member such that when the wheels are engaged, the stabilization apparatus is forced against a supporting surface, thereby preventing the body member from continuously spinning in place. Additionally, the detachably attachable wheels are formed to be used with devices other than a remotely controlled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic Laurienzo
  • Patent number: 7458876
    Abstract: A dual-wheel remotely controlled (RC) skateboard with two independently-controlled detachably attachable wheels is described. The RC skateboard comprises a body member having a right wheel and left wheel rotationally mounted proximate the body member. Each of the right and left wheels are drivably coupled with their own motors, such that each of the right and left wheels are independently controlled. Additionally, a quick release apparatus is included to provide for quick release of the wheels. Through use of the quick release apparatus, the wheels are interchangeable wheels and may be easily replaced with other interchangeable wheels. Furthermore, a skateboard deck is attached with the body member such that when the wheels are engaged, the skateboard deck is forced against a supporting surface, thereby preventing the body member from continuously spinning in place. Additionally, the detachably attachable wheels are formed to be used with devices other than a remotely controlled skateboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Laurienzo, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Publication number: 20080268746
    Abstract: A modular toy vehicle design having a universal mating system between the main chassis body and front end of the vehicle and the rear end body portion that is transformable such that multiple rear end body styles will interchangeably mate with one or multiple main chassis body and front end designs and where electrical interfaces can be automatically established between the main chassis body and front end and the rear end body portion 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 main chassis body and front end of a toy vehicle to its rear end body portion. The main chassis body and front end can have what can be referred to as a flatbed portion, where the flat bed can have opposing longitudinally extending substantially upright side edges where each side edge can have a recessed groove or track extending along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: RETAIL ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Amadio, Edward Jabbour
  • Patent number: 7377295
    Abstract: A model vehicle fuel filler system is provided, comprising a fuel tank secured to a vehicle chassis, a fuel tank opening extending from the fuel tank, the opening having a rim tipped toward a lateral side of the vehicle chassis, thereby allowing a fuel filler bottle opening to be withdrawn away from the tank opening with less spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventors: Brent Whitfield Byers, Timothy E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7347432
    Abstract: A child walker is provided that includes a frame having a plurality of wheels. The walker includes a handle that is positionable in a first position and a second position. A seat is attached to the frame when the handle is in the first position. When the handle is in the second position, it is positioned to be gripped by a standing child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Jonathan Myers, Thomas N. Koltun, Abdelkrim Bedja
  • Patent number: 7128634
    Abstract: A radio-controlled car convertible from a two-wheel drive configuration to a four-wheel drive configuration is described. The radio-controlled car includes a chassis, a first drive assembly positioned in a first portion of the chassis, and a modular second drive assembly adapted to be inserted into a second portion of the chassis to modify the radio-controlled car to a four-wheel drive configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuaki Ogihara
  • Patent number: 6955363
    Abstract: A toy shopping cart has a basket and seat that may be used for different functions and which are easily removed from and reattached to a frame of the shopping cart. The frame of the toy shopping cart has a pair of leg assemblies with four wheels and a number of cross-members with a holding channel formed on one of the cross-members to removably support the basket by a rim and the seat by a holding member in position at the front and the rear of the frame. The basket includes a housing with a base that is supported by a second of the cross-members when held in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Libretti, Frederick Loh Man Wai, Jon Marine
  • Patent number: 6863287
    Abstract: A child walker is provided that includes a frame having a plurality of wheels. The walker includes a handle that is positionable in a first position and a second position. A seat is attached to the frame when the handle is in the first position. When the handle is in the second position, it is positioned to be gripped by a standing child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises
    Inventors: Peter Jonathan Myers, Thomas N. Koltun, Abdelkrim Bedja
  • Patent number: 6736415
    Abstract: A portable toy including a toy push cart frame and one toy attachment. The frame includes a base portion of a predetermined width and at least one projection upwardly extending from the base portion. The projection has a height which is greater than the width of the base portion. The frame interchangeably supports and is removeably coupled to one of a plurality of toy attachments. A toy utilitarian attachment includes a toy body configured for removable and interchangeable attachment to the universal push cart frame. The body is substantially suspended from the base portion of the body, the body formed as one of a shop cart basket, a doll stroller seat, a tool box, a work bench, a refuse container, a garden equipment container; a serving bin and a toddler activity center. A universal push cart system includes a push cart frame and at least two interchangeable attachments or bodies. An injection molded wheel and hub assembly for a toy vehicle. The wheel and hub assembly includes first and second disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: 6648723
    Abstract: Toy racing vehicles for operating on preexisting track of a particular scale comprise sub bodies including conventional chassis and larger-scale “visible cars”, which are supported by the sub bodies, but are not fixed or mounted thereto. Instead, a visible car simply rests on the sub body, and is retained loosely thereon by one or more guide pins mounted on the sub body, and fitting loosely within apertures in a plate fixed with respect to the visible car. Accordingly, when the larger-scale visible cars bump one another during racing, they can be jostled out of their normal positions on their sub bodies, but are not separated therefrom, and return to their normal positions when the contact ceases. Realistic and exciting racing action results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, Jr., H. Peter Greene
  • Patent number: 6632121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel connection for a toy vehicle. The wheel connection utilizes a disc component which is attached to the vehicle suspension arm and a sleeve component which is attached to the vehicle wheel rim. The disc has a groove along its outer edge and the sleeve has a number of deformable outwardly extending tabs positioned on its inner wall. The disc and disc groove and the sleeve and sleeve tabs are sized so as when the wheel rim/sleeve assembly is pushed on to the suspension arm/disc assembly, the tabs first deform until they align with the groove, whereupon the tabs regain their non-deformed shape, within the profile of the disc groove. Similarly, when the wheel rim/sleeve assembly is pulled from the suspension arm/disc assembly, the tabs again deform until they are clear of the disc's outer edge, whereupon the tabs regain their non-deformed shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: X Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Edmisson, Peter Asher
  • 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: 20020177384
    Abstract: A toy vehicle, including a pair of body portions, each body portion including at least one magnet. At least one magnet is carried by each body portion with a magnetic pole orientation contra to the magnetic pole orientation of the at least one magnet carried by another body portion to thereby couple the body portions together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Larry R. Mankowski
  • Patent number: 6106361
    Abstract: A generally conventional radio controlled toy vehicle is provided with a mother vehicle. The vehicle can be driven inside the vehicle via a ramp. Once inside, tractive drive to road wheels of the vehicle is used to drive road wheels of the vehicle. In this way, the mother vehicle can be controlled to move backwards and forwards, and be steered, by otherwise normal radio signal supplied to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Creata International Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael John Petris
  • Patent number: 5906528
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes an inner body having a plurality of apertures formed therein and having an interior cavity. A plurality of body panels are formed to be received upon the inner body to form an outer body and are releasibly secured thereto in a snap-fit attachment. A pressure tank and pump are supported within the inner body to provide a reservoir of compressed air secured by a releasible trigger latch. The trigger latch is operated in response to impact against the vehicle front whereupon the latch is released and the pressurized air within the pressure tank rapidly pressurizes the inner body driving the body panels from it in all directions and creating a loud bang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ostendorff, Phedon Tsiknopoulos
  • Patent number: 5893791
    Abstract: A simulated game using miniature animate or inanimate objects which are intended to move in a direction and/or toward or away from each other includes utilizing a hollow ball or other rolling toy for at least some of the miniature objects. Movement of the toy is controlled by a remote controlled unit. In a preferred practice of the invention a frame is detachably mounted over the toy. The frame supports three dimensional structure simulating the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: William T. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5816888
    Abstract: A radio controlled model vehicle that sheds one or more outer shells in response to successive radio control signals thereby changing in outer appearance from one type of vehicle to another or revealing an animated monster or other figure that had been hidden by an outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Jeff D. Myers
  • Patent number: 5713783
    Abstract: A remote controlled toy crash vehicle apparatus which upon impact with another remote controlled toy crash vehicle or obstruction simulates a crash and its consequences. The vehicle is provided with a chassis on which an interchangeable body panels support mounted, the deformable body panels affixed to the interchangeable body panels support, consisting of a front panel, left fender panel, right fender panel, left door panel(s), right door panel(s), left quarter panel, right quarter panel, hood panel, windshield panel, roof panel, rear window panel, trunk panel. All the panels could be made of deformable materials such as, but not limited to the following: aluminum, alloys, plastic etc. Also affixed to the chassis are the changeable front left, right and rear left, right turn signal lamps. Incorporated into the rear turn signals are the stop lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Anthony A. Szoke, Anthony A. Szoke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5570925
    Abstract: A children's riding vehicle includes a compartment-enclosing member which may be pivotably opened and closed, and pinch relief structure thereon for preventing a child from pinching a finger when the enclosing member is closed. The structure includes an arm joined to the enclosing member adjacent an edge thereof so that it is movable therewith when the enclosing member is opened and closed. A slot in the vehicle receives the arm and permits it to move when the enclosing member is opened and closed, and further allows the arm and the enclosing member to be selectively moved, together as a unit and relative to the vehicle, for defining a space between the edge of the enclosing member to which the arm is joined and the vehicle, for preventing a child from pinching a finger when the member is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignees: Mattel, Inc., Mattel Europa B.V.
    Inventor: Samuel L. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5512002
    Abstract: An inflatable racing car is formed of a plurality of separate air chambers which are combined in fixed relationship to each other to form the vehicle which is suitable as a display or toy or sculptural work of art. For each left/right wheel-set there is a cylindrical air chamber terminating at each end in the form of a tire. A third air chamber is formed somewhat like a partially flattened egg which represents the passenger compartment situated above and between the two wheel-sets. A fourth inflatable chamber is the remainder of the car body which generally encompasses the wheel-sets and supports the passenger compartment. Within the car body are numerous webs formed as flat sheets of plastic positioned transversely with respect to various outside walls so that when the body is inflated these webs prevent these opposite walls from extending excessively outward and leading to an improper shape. The four air chambers cooperate to provide strength, realism and economy of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Alvimar Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin S. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 5441289
    Abstract: A walker/vehicle for a child includes a U-shape chassis member which is movably supported on a plurality of wheels and a frame member including spaced, transversely extending, seat and handle bar portions and a pair of side connector portions extending therebetween. The frame member is adapted to be alternatively assembled with the chassis in a vertically extending first position in which the handle bar portion thereof provides a walker handle bar or a horizontally extending second position in which the seat portion thereof provides a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Spielberger
  • Patent number: 5380231
    Abstract: A toy that disassembles upon an impact comprises a body, a plurality of detachable elements, a mount for supporting each detachable element in a predetermined position on the body, and a resilient ejector mechanism engaged between the body and each detachable element and biasing the element in a direction to detach it from the mount. A movable latch member on the body engages each detachable element and retains it on the mount against the bias of the ejector mechanism. A latch release member movably mounted on the body in a position to be moved by engagement with an object releases the latch members from engagement with the detachable elements upon such movement, whereupon the detachable elements are ejected from the mount by the ejector mechanism. The latch release member can be locked against movement, thereby disabling it and permitting the toy to be played with without disassembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Lanard Toys Limited
    Inventor: Virginio Brovelli
  • Patent number: 5307890
    Abstract: An improved structure for a child-driven electric car which can be safely remotely controlled. A propulsion mechanism driven by a motor is disposed at the rear of the electric car, and a base board is welded under the rear end of the car frame for mounting a seat. An arch base is disposed under a central portion of the car frame. Pedals on the car have a starting switch and a brake switch step, while an operating switch control box is located on a central portion of the car frame. The child can easily drive the car, while the adults can use the remote controller to control the safety controller on the electric car for controlling the moving direction of the electric car so as to prevent the electric car from going into any dangerous area and thus avoid injury of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 5292275
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a supporting chassis having a plurality of rolling wheels secured thereto. The chassis supports an audio circuit, a battery and an audio transducer together with a pair of switch contacts configured to provide a growling sound when the switch contacts touch. The chassis further supports an articulated body having a cab portion and rear portion resembling a standard truck joined in a pivotal attachment. A shaft and cam mechanism is coupled to a movable arm in a cooperative arrangement in which pivotal motion of the movable arm closes the switch contacts activating the audio circuit and raising the cab and rear portion of the truck body to bear sets of hidden teeth at the front of the toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Swisher, Kevin W. Gray, Thomas M. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5248274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy vehicle capable of shooting color ribbon crackers and is characterized by a master shooting member which is normally held by a retaining means. When the bumper of the toy vehicle collides with something else, it is pushed to cause an impact link to disengage the retaining means from said master shooting member, permitting the same to impact a secondary shooting member which has a percussion head that will in turn knock a color ribbon cracker pre-mounted on the toy vehicle. The percussed cracker shall explode and disperse colored ribbons or papers of different shapes or patterns contained therein, creating interesting and joyous air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Kun-Meng Wang
  • Patent number: 5135428
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for a toy vehicle includes a pinion having a driving side and a driven side and being fixedly coupled to a shaft, a high speed gear coupled to the pinion through a first clutch, and a low speed gear coupled to the pinion through a second, uni-directional clutch, wherein the second clutch slips in response to the first clutch being engaged to rotate the pinion at a relatively high speed, and wherein the first clutch slips when a predetermined force is applied to the driven side of the pinion, whereby the second clutch is engaged to rotate the pinion at a relatively low speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Shibayama, Katsumi Kakizaki
  • Patent number: 5090934
    Abstract: An instructive toy consisting in a disassemblable vehicle model, which comprises a supporting structure which substantially simulates the frame of a real vehicle and is provided with releasable connections, and a number of operative units, provided with releasable connections complementary to the releasable connections of the supporting structure, and also provided with operative connections complementary to corresponding operative connections of other units. Each operative unit simulates a main functional unit of a real vehicle, particularly an engine unit, a speed gear unit and a differential unit, and each operative unit comprises movable component parts intended to simulate the operation of the simulated real functional unit, mounted within a transparent casing which allows their observation. The structure and the operation of the different operative units may be observed both separately in the disassembled model, and in their whole in the mounted model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Alessandro Quercetti
  • Patent number: 4941610
    Abstract: A construction piece usable, in combination with other identical pieces, for forming a toy vehicle track, having interengaging slots and studs whereby a front side of one piece may be connected to the rear side of another, with slight inclination of the pieces being possible to allow for a curved track. On one face of the piece are segments of a road type tract suitable for a toy vehicle, and from the opposite face project rectangular segments which together provide rail tracks for a toy railway vehicle; this allows the track to be used with either of the two track types uppermost. The piece also has studs projecting from its ends which can engage in sockets in like pieces to form various structures. A construction set incorporating such track forming parts may also include toy vehicles having studs or sockets which can co-operate with corresponding track parts so that complex vehicles can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Irwin Toy Limited
    Inventor: Vicente T. Frauca
  • Patent number: 4940442
    Abstract: A connectable mobile toy wherein a plurality of such toys can be interconnected front to back and side by side. The front-to-back connection allows swiveling so that a string of interconnected toys can negotiate turns and surface irregularities. Propulsion is provided by a spring-driven motor installed in one or more toys in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 4919639
    Abstract: In a toy vehicle having a chassis travelling by means of wheels on a driving surface and a body which can be fastened thereon, the vehicle chassis has fixed on the side towards the body at a distance adjacent to each other a number of pegs and the vehicle body has fixed on the side towards the chassis at the same distance and in relation to the pegs a number of sleeves which can be pushed onto the pegs of the vehicle chassis so they are frictionally engaged for the purpose of interchangeable application of any desired body on the same vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Kurt Hesse
  • Patent number: 4895542
    Abstract: A toy automobile has slot-like formations on wide various surfaces to accommodate accessories and body elements which have circular clip elements snugly receivable removably in these recesses. The recesses can be paired with the recesses of each pair lying at right angles, e.g. in the form of a Greek cross. The accessories can include antenna, fuel can, windshield, headlight, car-transporter, car-flipping windlass, light, mirror and police elements, while the body elements can include caps for the back and driver's compartment, wheels and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Marc F. de Blanitza
  • Patent number: 4804349
    Abstract: A reconfigurable toy simulates a school bus when assembled in a first configuration. In a second configuration the constituent components of the toy bus may be selectively arranged to simulate a schoolroom enclosure having figurines and simulated school desks positioned therewithin. The components of the toy include a vehicle chassis, on which side wall panels and roof panels are supported. The side wall panels and roof panels may be placed on edge on a flat floor surface to simulate the walls of a schoolroom. Rounded projections formed on upper edges of the side wall panels cooperate with recesses formed in the roof panels thereby serving to facilitate ready alignment of the roof panels on the side wall panels when the toy is assembled in the school bus configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Dart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominick Loscalzo, Bruce M. Scott, Lawrence O. Freese, Augusto A. Picozza
  • Patent number: 4753346
    Abstract: A model automobile-shaped case for desk appliances, comprising a lower half equipped with an automobile-like lower body portion and a plurality of wheels and an upper half having an automobile-like upper body portion having some windowpane-like surfaces. The halves are releasably combinable with each other with the aid of a locking mechanism for holding the two halves together. The lower half is formed with a space opening from the top for accepting some stationery accessories and provided with another space closable by a hood hingedly attached thereto for accepting other stationery accessories. The upper half is provided with closable recesses opening from the bottom for accepting further stationery accessories. A pair of writing instruments are mounted in openings at the front of the lower half to simulate headlights, and they are ejectable by forward movement of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Sanrio Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shintaro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 4741718
    Abstract: Toy wheeled vehicle has a steering mechanism with steering column extending through the body of the vehicle upwardly and rearwardly and terminating in a steering wheel operable by a child standing above it. Couplers are provided for releasably securing different selected bodies to the vehicle frame. Each body has an opening in the top thereof to pass the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Dirk J. Moolman
  • Patent number: 4695267
    Abstract: A chassis for scaled-down toy vehicles has the battery-powered motor mounted directly over the driven axle at a rearwardly and downwardly extended angle. The battery rests between the stub axles supporting the front, freely rotatable wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignees: Robert S. McDarren, Barry Y. Piels, Thomas L. Simmel
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, David W. Crossley, Mark N. Morehouse
  • Patent number: D383509
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventors: Hideyasu Karasaw, Joel Glickman